Sullivan, Alan - Aviation in Canada 1917-1918 (1919) (ebook)

Aviation in Canada 1917-1918

By Alan Sullivan

Being a brief account of the work of the Royal Air Force Canada, the Aviation Department of the Imperial Munition Board, and the Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd.

Authority for the Royal Flying Corps, Canada, was given at the War Office in December of 1916, and shortly after, on December 21st, an important meeting took place at Adastral House, the head¬quarters of the Air Board. Representatives from various branches of the service were present, and the situation in Canada was fully discussed.

Formation of squadrons was to be pushed at once, and personnel sent out as opportunity offered. Recruiting offices were authorized, also one large aircraft park, its location to be fixed later. As to equipment, Curtiss machines had already been ordered and delivery would commence almost at once from Buffalo. An establishment of 400 engines with a monthly wastage of 100 was considered reasonable.

The meeting closed with the opinion that training could be carried on in Canada the year round except in February, the weather in that month being doubtful.

It was decided at the outset that everything of a business nature, such as the erection of buildings, preparation of aerodromes, purchase of supplies, etc., was to be handled by the Imperial Munitions Board, through a Department of Aviation. Two engineer officers would be detailed to act as advisers on buildings and aerodromes.

Such was the formal birth of the Royal Flying Corps, Canada.

316 pages in English – PDF to download