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April 1, 2024 marks 100 years since the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Throughout the last 100 years, the RCAF has played a vital role in Canada during both wartime and times of peace. 100 years on, we celebrate an organization that has nobly served in the name of freedom, human dignity and international peace and stability.
Monday, the Minister of National Defense, Honorable Bill Blair and the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense, the Honorable Ginette Petitpas Taylor issued a statement, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RCAF.
"Today, we celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1924," the statement said. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the RCAF's outstanding work in defending Canada's sovereignty and contributing to global peace and security."
RCAF members have served in difficult conditions during important moments in Canada's history, many members making large sacrifices to defend democracy during WWII, or again when many were deployed overseas to support the United Nations forces fighting in Korea or protect NATO allies during the Cold War.
"For decades, Canadian aviators have helped protect North America through the North American Aerospace Defence Command," the statement continued. "More recently, on expeditionary operations in the conflict in the Gulf, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq, our air force worked alongside our allies to actively defend peace and security around the world. Our aviators also contributed to peacekeeping efforts in places like the Middle East, Central America, East Timor, Haiti, South Sudan and Mali. In the past few years, RCAF members have been hard at work to deliver approximately 16 million pounds of Ukraine-bound military aid. They have been there to assist Canadians during natural disasters here at home and during international crises, all while carrying out their Search and Rescue role to help people in need."
RCAF has a proud and storied history and its legacy will live on, ready to adapt to the challenges of the future in the next 100 years.Photos from WWI era, thanks to RCAF Facebook
The formation and early years
In the interwar years during WWI, Canada's airmen flew as members of the British Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Naval Air Service and later the Royal Air Force. A need arose for an air reserve upon the development of the Canadian Air Force in 1919-1920 under the Air Board, later becoming the RCAF in 1924. The RCAF was founded with two branches, the Permanent Active Air Force and the Non-Permanent Active Air Force. The NPAAF was designed to serve as a ready reserve of personnel to augment the PAAF. The RCAF duties increased in the late 1920s and many personnel increased their involvement to fulfill the many commitments of the NPAAF.
The Depression his in the early 1930s, with over one-fifth of RCAF personnel (most from the NPAAF) released under the big cut. But, on Oct. 5, 1932 the NPAAF was formally activated with the formation of three squadrons, No. 10 at Toronto, No. 11 at Vancouver and No. 12 at Winnipeg. These squadrons were given the role of Army Co-operation and recruitment began immediately following authorization. It took more time for the units to become sufficiently organized to allow the aircraft to be issued.
In 1934 each of the three squadrons was authorized five de Havilland Months and a Permanent Force detachment of two officers and five airmen to provide initial flying and groundcrew training. More squadrons followed these initial three, with the No. 15 fighter and No. 18 bomber in Montreal. In 1935, the No. 19 bomber was established in Hamilton and the No. 20 bomber was formed in Regina. In 1937 the No. 13 fighter formed in Calgary and the No. 21 fighter in Quebec City. On April 1, 1938 the last three NPAAF squadrons were authorized, the No. 114 bomber at London, the No. 116 coastal artillery support at Halifax and the No. 117 fighter at Saint. John.RCAF photos on Facebook celebrating the WWII bomber Avro Lancaster
WWII
The differences between the Auxiliary Active Air Force and the Permanent Active Air Force were forgotten following the onslaught of the Second World War. On Sept. 3, 1039 the Auxiliary was mobilized, consisting of 12 squadrons and just one-third of the RCAF strength. Of the 12 squadrons, only five were initially fully mobilized. The other seven were disbanded due to a lack of personnel, but five of those were later reformed and served as part of the Home War Establishment.
Two of the three initial squadrons deployed to England in 1940 were Auxiliary units, Nos. 110 and 112. Both had anticipated servicing in France but after the French fell they were left to train. The squadrons were renumbered on March 1, 1941, becoming Nos. 400 and 402 and achieving operational status in November and March 1941. Squadron Leader F.M. Gobeil, the Commanding Officer of the 242 squadron, went on to score the RCAF's first aerial victory after shooting down a German BF 110 over Belgium in May 1940.
Back home, No. 119 served in an anti-submarine role in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and No. 120 performed a similar function on the West Coast, and both were disbanded in 1944. No. 118 served in the Aleutians as a fighter squadron until 1943 when it was designated No. 438 and deployed to England.Photos from RCAF Facebook
Post-war years
Following WWII, the RCAF Reserve saw both high and low marks. Beginning in the late 1940s the Reserve had built up to a peak of roughly 5,700 personnel by 1955, forming an integral part of the air defense of North America. With increasing government restraint and global changes, the Reserve dropped to a low of 750 in 1965.
In 1946 the government approved a new scheme for the Air Force, including a Regular Force, an Auxiliary (active reserve force), a Reserve (a ready reserve similar to the Supplementary Reserve of today) and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The Auxiliary was given the role of defending the major cities in Canada, which continued for 12 years. This placed the Auxiliary nearly on par with the Regular Force, operating flying squadrons along with radar units, medical, technical training and intelligence units.
The RCAF peacetime establishment required 15 auxiliary squadrons and 4,500 personnel. This authority was granted on April 15, 1946, forming seven squadrons. The seven formed were No. 400 in Toronto, Nox. 401 and 438 in Montreal, No. 402 in Winnipeg, No. 418 in Edmonton, No. 424 in Hamilton and No. 442 in Vancouver. These squadrons were given Harvard Aircraft and began service flying training. The eastern squadrons were trained as fighter-interceptors and the western as fighter-bombers. On April 1, 1947 No. 406 was authorized and formed as Saskatoon.
The later 1940s saw the formation of numerous other squadrons, flying the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first fighter jet, and some equipped with Mustangs. In the mid-1950s the Auxiliary was flying modern Sabre 5 fighters in defense of North America, front-line in a serious mission.
Technology was changing and in 1958, the government felt that future conflicts would be fought with the forces already in place, meaning wars would be over before there was time to mobilize the Reserves and prepare them and equipment to venture to where they were needed. On March 26, 1958 the Air Council announced that the Auxiliary would be employed as light transport and search and rescue units, trading fighters and bombers for Expeditors and Otters. This resulted in the control of the Auxiliary changing hands, from the Air Defense Command to the Air Transport Command on April 1, 1961.
This change meant reductions to the Auxiliary, as well as the introduction of powerful radar in 1961 in the Pinetree line and the disbandment of the Auxiliary's Aircraft Control and Warning units. As a result of these changes, over 80 percent of the manpower in the Auxiliary resigned or was declared surplus. In 1964, only four headquarters and six active flying units remained on strength.Largest search and rescue operation on Oct. 4, 1980. Search and Rescue aircraft from Canada and U.S. Navy and Coast Guard rescued 520 crew and passengers from the cruise ship MV Prinsendam.
Late 20th-century integration and new concepts
In the mid-1970s the RCAF Reserve saw a resurgence. The defense budget was reduced in the 1970s and military planners knew they could save money by using part-time workers to perform specific tasks or augment Regular Force units. The introduction of "twinned squadrons" or "twinning" meant Air Reserve units began using equipment of Regular Force units when the Regular Forces were not required, eliminating a need to purchase additional equipment. Squadrons began sharing aircraft with other squadrons or flight schools to save money and still get the job done.
In the late 1970s Air Command retired the Twin Otters in Montreal and Toronto and introduced modern helicopters. By the start of the 1980s, 1 Wing in Montreal and 2 Wing in Toronto (formerly Nos. 11 and 12 Air Reserve Wings as of Jan. 1, 1969) were equipped with Kiowa helicopters. These two Wings gained an operationally active role in supporting Canadian ground forces.
In 1987, Nos. 1 and 2 Tactical Aviation Support Squadrons were formed, comprised of 1/3 Regular and 2/3 Reserve Force personnel. TASS provided aircraft maintenance and logistical support to 1 and 2 Wings, also providing similar services to Regular Force units and other operations in Canada and Germany.
Following a change in government, the RCAF saw a period of restraint in 1992 as the RCAF Reserve realigned its capabilities in some areas and in others, introduced new roles. Between 1994 and 1996, three Reserve squadrons were disbanded. In 1996, Nos. 1 and 2 TASS and 2 Wing disbanded and 1 Wing became Total Force Wing. Of the six helicopter squadrons under 1 Wing, two were "Reserve heavy" and all 1 Wing Squadrons received Griffon helicopters in support of army operations.Photos from RCAF X (Twitter)
2000s to now
By the start of the 21st century the RCAF Reserve had become a crucial part of the Total Air Force. Reserve positions were incorporated into Air Force headquarters, wings, squadrons and units around the country. RCAF Reservists were employed in both support and operational capacities across the entire spectrum of Air Force operations, including both domestic and international deployments.
The men and women of the RCAF Reserve of today serve Canada at home and aboard. They meet the high standards that the Canadian airmen and women have maintained since the start. The RCAF has seen incredible highs and lows in the last 100 years, with budget cuts, modernization, transitions and integration. Through everything, the RCAF has continued to play an important role in serving Canada.
Moving forward
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined fellow Canadians in tribute to the RCAF.
"In times of war and peace, members of the RCAF have shown unwavering courage," Trudeau said. "The Second World War marked the first significant challenge for the RCAF, with over 200,000 Canadians joining the Air Force to fight against tyranny and fascism. Since then, generation after generation of Canadians have served - from Afghanistan to the Arctic. The RCAF's contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), NATO, the Canadian Space Program, and United Nations peacekeeping operations demonstrate its enduring commitment to service. Here at home, the RCAF has supported Canadians by delivering disaster relief, including during last year's devastating wildfire season."
Over the last 16 months the Canadian government has invested $44 billion to provide the RCAF with 138 new or refurbished aircraft, including a new fleet of fighter jets and new multi-mission aircraft. This investment is the largest recapitalization of the RCAF in a generation and will ensure the organization is prepared to contribute to operations at home and abroad for decades. In February 2023 the RCAF launched the RCAF Strategy to build a more agile, integrated and inclusive air and space force to face the challenges tomorrow brings.
"On this centennial occasion, I invite Canadians to learn more about the RCAF's many achievements and to take part in activities celebrating this milestone anniversary," Trudeau said. "My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the families who have stood behind RCAF members over the last century, sharing in their sacrifices and triumphs. To all Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, past and present: thank you for your service. Your dedication, courage, and selflessness have kept - and continue to keep - our country safe."