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We would like to acknowledge and say thank you to the Battle of Britain partnering organizations.
Canada Aviation Museum
Air Force Association of Canada
Vintage Wings of Canada
ADM(PA) DMCS CS07-0227
Schedule of Events Parade marches on “The Standard of St. George” “Pibroch ‘o Donald Dhu” Arrival of Reviewing Officer “O Canada” “Vent d’Espoir” “Morag of Dunvegan” Reading of “High Flight” Reading of “Airman’s Prayer” Prayer and Blessing- Parade Chaplain Last Post Two Minutes of silence “Reveille” Fly past “Piper`s lament” Laying of wreaths “Airmen’s Prayer” “Nearer My God to Thee” “Jerusalem” “The Day Thou Gavest” “Repton” “Abide With Me” Address by Reviewing Officer Address by British High Commissioner “God Save the Queen” Parade marches off and flypast “79th’s Farewell to Gibraltar” “The Royal Canadian Air Force March Past”
[I]
Message from the Chief of the Defence Staff
I
t is important to remember the courageous men and women who have left a lasting impression on our Canadian history by fighting in the Battle of Britain. To come together on this day, should serve as a reminder that our Canadian military history has had powerful defining moments that need to be remembered for years to come. Our Canadian heroes have always recognized that there are no limits to what can be accomplished when you work as a team. By prevailing over ones fears, one’s vision can become clearer. Our men and women knew what they wanted, and they went out and got it. They showed the world that in the face of danger that they could prevail over their own fears. Motivation to succeed drove our troops to victory, but it was the distinct attitudes of perseverance and leadership that shaped the heroism of our Canadian troops during this significant event. Perseverance through extremely overwhelming odds, and leadership at every level – from the most junior to the most senior ranks – where personal example, encouragement, self-belief and simplicity became war winning attributes, guiding our men and women through some of the darkest moments, moments that most people will be fortunate enough never to experience. Today, and every day it is important to respect those veterans for what they have done for our country, and for us as Canadians. Canadian Prime Minister, Lester Pearson said it best when he proclaimed “whether we live together in confidence and cohesion; with more faith and pride in ourselves and less self-doubt and hesitation; strong in the conviction that the destiny of Canada is to unite, not divide; sharing in cooperation, not in seperation or in conflict; respecting our past and welcoming our future.” By putting themselves on the line, our troops have given to our country a unique history that a million thank you’s would not suffice, thus we continue to honour these men and women year after year for what they have given to Canadians. But this year, and especially in the months and years to come it is important to identify the bravery, fortitude and resilience that our troops in Afghanistan show in the face of danger, for it will be these veterans who we will be honouring in the future. During the recognition of the Battle of Britain, it is important for men and women throughout the Canadian Forces, across Canada, throughout the Commonwealth, and indeed throughout the world, to honour those who fought in World War Two, with good reason, for they have inspired us all. R.J. Hillier General Chief of the Defence Staff
[ II ]
Message from the Chief of the Air Staff
T
oday, as we celebrate the 67th anniversary of the Battle on Britain, it is my honour, as the Chief of the Air Staff and Commander of Air Command to pay
tribute to our veterans for their diligence, devotion and tremendous courage. During the battle, from July to October 1940, nearly 250,000 men and women, including 100 Canadian pilots, unselfishly and without hesitation took to the challenge of bringing to a halt the Nazi juggernaut, these same men and women unwittingly demonstrated the decisive effect of air power. The strength of the Luftwaffe didn’t intimidate the RCAF; despite overwhelming unfavourable odds of surviving combat, these veterans, guided by their determination, confronted the enemy over the skies of Britain and returned with victory – the first time airpower saved a nation. This victory was won at great cost, as 23 Canadian airmen paid the ultimate sacrifice. Afterwards, Canadian Prime Minister, MacKenzie King said, “a nation, like an individual, to find itself must lose itself in the service of others” – which is exactly what our Canadian airmen and airwomen accomplished, they made our country and air force proud. For all of this, we owe these veterans our eternal gratitude. As we gather here today to remember this historic event and the people that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, let us also not forget the more than 16,000 members of today’s Air Force both at home and abroad, who proudly follow in the footsteps of such extraordinary heroes. These men and women exemplify professionalism and courage, and proudly serve our nation around the world, often in perilous circumstances. Angus Watt Lieutenant-General Chief of the Air Staff
[ III ]
The Battle of Britain: Fighting for Freedom The Battle of Britain was recognized almost immediately as a signiďŹ cant event. Waged from July to October 1940, it pitted a small group of ďŹ ghter pilots from around the world against a far larger Luftwaffe. Their victory gave hope to the people of Great Britain and to other freedom-loving nations.
In July 1940, France had fallen. The Nazis next objective was to subjugate Great Britain and thus end all resistance in Europe. Nazi planners realized that they would have to defeat the Royal Air Force before mounting an invasion. The Royal Air Force, already weakened through losses in an effort to stop the Nazis in France, now became the bulwark whose job it was to thwart the impending invasion. One hundred and three Canadians are known to have fought in the Battle, including members of No. 1 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (later to become 401 Squadron). Other Canadians were scattered throughout RAF squadrons, including the famous No. 242 Squadron. Twenty-three Canadians lost their lives during the Battle while another 30 lost their lives later during the war.
[ IV ]
These Canadian pilots distinguished themselves. They were not alone however. Pilots and ground crew from 13 nations fought as part of the RAF’s Fighter Command. Joining the British and Canadians were pilots from Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, the United States, and Zimbabwe (South Rhodesia). It was an international effort to defend democracy. Few of them recognized the signiďŹ cance of their actions at the time. The pilots of Fighter Command were supported by ground crew, who worked unceasingly to keep aircraft serviceable; often under the most dangerous of circumstances. Anti-aircraft gunners, radar plotters and technicians, who were themselves attacked during one period of the battle also contributed bravely. In the end, victory was attained by all of these valiant efforts.
[V ]
High Flight
O
h! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and Swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Colonel C. S. (Cy)
Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee No 412 Squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941
Yarnell•403 Squadron, RCAF•WW 2 Veteran (S pitfire Pilot )
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
[VI ]
For the Fallen
W
ith proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her esh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn in drums thrill: Death august and royal Signs sorrow up into immortal spheres. There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again: They sit no more at familiar tables at home; They have no lot in our labor of the daytime; They sleep beyond England’s foam. But where our desires are and our hopes profound, felt as a wellspring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars that are known to the Night. As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, to the end, to the end, they remain.
(Laurence Binyon, 1869 - 1943)
[VII ]
Aircraft Profiles AVRO LANCASTER The best known of all British bombers, the Lancaster’s high performance and sturdy construction kept it in RCAF service until 1964. The Lancaster could carry a 14,000 lb bomb-load, at a maximum 460 km/h, although some specially modified aircraft could carry a single 22,000 lb bomb. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Lancaster commemorates the heroic efforts of Andrew Mynarski who posthumously received the Victoria Cross, one of only two awarded to the RCAF during the Second World War.
SUPERMARINE MK XVI SPITFIRE The Spitfire scheduled to fly today is owned by Ottawa entrepreneur Michael Potter. Mr. Potter arranged to have the aircraft painted in 421 Squadron markings as a lasting tribute to those Canadians who sacrificed so much.
HAWKER HURRICANE Michael Potter will also present the Hawker Hurricane at today’s event. This aircraft shouldered the lion’s share of the fighting in the Battle of Britain, and the eventual victory. The Hurricane was the first monoplane fighter aircraft of the RAF, its first fighter with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear as well as the first to exceed 300 mph in level flight.
[VIII ]
NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD MK 4 For everyone’s enjoyment, Michael Potter made also his 1952 Harvard MK 4 available for today’s fly past. The Harvard is considered to be one of the most outstanding training aircraft of the Second World War and the early postwar years. From 1940 to 1955, nearly all American and British Commonwealth pilots received some training on Harvard’s.
CH-146 GRIFFON Canada’s Utility Transport Tactical Helicopter provides a robust and reliable capability to conduct: airlift of equipment and personnel, command and liaison flights, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, logistic transport, search and rescue, counter-drug operations, and domestic relief operations. Griffons are also used by Combat Support Squadrons at 3 Wing Bagotville, 4 Wing Cold Lake and 5 Wing Goose Bay to support fighter operations by providing a search and rescue capability and utility transportation support to fighter training and operations.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS CF-18 HORNET Canada’s front-line fighter aircraft, the CF-18 first entered Canadian service in 1982. It now serves at 3 Wing Bagotville and 4 Wing Cold Lake, from which the aircraft defend North American airspace and inspect any suspicious aircraft. The CF-18 has a top speed of Mach 1.8 and can carry a wide variety of munitions.
CC-150 POLARIS* The Canadian Air Force boasts five of these aircraft, all of which are based in 8 Wing Trenton. It is a multi-purpose, long-range jet able to carry 194 passengers and can be converted for passenger, freight or medical transport. Two of the CC-150s are being converted to strategic air-to-air refuelling tankers for the CF-18 Hornet fleet.The Polaris also often used to carry VIP passengers such as high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, the Governor General and members of the Royal Family, across Canada and around the world.
[ IX ]
C-17 GLOBEMASTER III* The Canadian Air Force would like to welcome to arrival the newest member to the family, Boeing’s strategic and tactical C-17 Globemasters! These aircraft are capable of transporting large amounts of passengers and equipment over long distances in response to domestic emergencies or international crises. The aircraft is capable of quickly and stratigically dropping off our troops and transporting oversized combat equipment. The Globemaster will be flown with night vision goggles which will give it a huge tactical advantage when flying into threatening territory. Operated by a crew of three — pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster, our newest addition as a lot to show for itself.
* Aircraft availability was tentative at time of print. ** All aircraft available should conditions permit.
[X]
Our Thanks The Air Force would like to thank the following organizations for their dedication and support to the Battle of Britain parade. Without their efforts, we would not have been able to adequately honour our veterans as we have today.
AIR CADETS OF CANADA The Air Cadets provide young Canadians with leadership and teamwork skills and provide the opportunity to learn to fly gliders and powered aircraft. There are eight Air Cadets Squadrons in the Ottawa area. For more information, log on to: www.cadets.ca
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA The Air Force Association of Canada showcases the proud heritage and history of Canada’s Air Force through support to communities, Air Cadets and Air Force Magazine. Please show your support for their efforts and consider becoming a member. Visit www.airforce.ca
CANADA AVIATION MUSEUM The premier showcase of the diversity of Canadian civil and military aviation, the museum is the ideal venue to take the kids, and to learn about Canadian aviation history. Visit www.aviation.technomuses.ca for more information.
CANADIAN WARPLANE HERITAGE MUSEUM The CWHM, located in Hamilton, maintains the largest collection of flying military aircraft in Canada. The flights of these aircraft pay homage to the thousands of Canadians who served in Canada’s Air Force. Please visit the museum the next time you are in Hamilton, or become a member. Visit www.warplane.com.
VINTAGE WINGS OF CANADA A very special thank you to Michael Potter for kindly making his vintage aircraft available for this ceremony. By flying his vintage aircraft today, Mr. Potter wishes to honour all Air Force veterans. We also want to thank Mr. Potter’s pilots and technicians for making this flypast possible. You can visit Vintage Wing at http://www.vintagewings.ca/
[ XI ]
CENTRAL BAND OF THE CANADIAN FORCES A big thanks to the men and women of the Central Band of the Canadian Forces for providing today’s musical backdrop. For more information on the band and their musical selection during today’s ceremony please visit the Air Force website at, www.airforce.gc.ca
410 WING AFAC Our thanks go out to these veterans who honour us by proudly carrying the colours they once served.
SHELL AEROCENTRE We would like to thank Shell Aerocentre for contributing to this event.
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