Events
Avro Arrow replica unveiled after relocation to Edenvale
Report and photos by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President
The unveiling of a full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow replica highlighted the annual Gathering of the Classics fly-in at Edenvale Aerodrome, about 120 kilometres northwest of Toronto, on Aug. 10.
Aviation fans were thrilled to see the replica displayed for the first time since it was relocated to Edenvale from Toronto late in 2018 and subsequently reassembled by volunteers. The replica had languished with the demise of the Toronto Aerospace Museum, later renamed the Canadian Air and Space Museum, at Downsview Park. It is now the centrepiece of the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy, the new name for the CASM and its collection of aircraft and artifacts.
The replica was displayed partially outside a new hangar being developed to establish full museum quality facilities for the Conservancy. A Grumman/de Havilland Canada CS2F Tracker in Royal Canadian Navy colours and a CT=114 Tutor in Snowbirds livery that were part of the collection in Toronto were also on display. For its part, the replica was completed by volunteers and made its initial public appearance at Downsview in 2006. The Conservancy has a Facebook homepage to provide regular updates on its progress.
Edenvale gives every indication of being a fine locale for the replica and the rest of the collection. Bob Coxon, Director of the Edenvale Aviation Historical Foundation and Past President of RCAFA 441 Wing, said there are some 20,000-plus retired aviation people in the south Georgian Bay area. Support is ongoing from RCAF 16 Wing Borden, RCAFA 441 and 429 Wings, Township of Clearview, Simcoe County and the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation which hosted the always popular fly-in.
Sunny, albeit windy, conditions made this year’s Gathering of the Classics another rewarding event for everyone.
The Arrow replica as it was originally unveiled at Downsview in 2006 by the Toronto Aerospace Museum
The Arrow replica attracted a crowd of fans at its original nveiling at Downsview in 2006
The full scale Avro Arrow replica displayed at Edenvale by the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy on Aug. 10
Avro Canada newsmagazine poster display at Edenvale by Marc Andre Valiquette
The CS2F Tracker that was part of the Canadian Air and Space Museum was displayed at Edenvale
Ryan Navion C-GDQL exemplified the classic aircraft at Edenvale
Globe Swift CF-ZJT at the Gathering of the Classics
Harvard Mk 2 C-FRWN from the CHAA takes a passenger for a flight
MARSHALL, Gerald
1936 - 2019
The CAHS is saddened to learn of the death of Montreal CAHS Chapter member "Gerry" Marshall.
I died on August 24, 2019. I've had cancer and heart problems for many years. I was born as the second of three sons to loving and intelligent parents, Joe and Charlotte Marshall, Halifax, N.S. I realized at an early age that all people need the same basics and by traveling the world later in life this impression was confirmed. The only difference is how many ways there are to achieve a satisfying, exciting and fruitful life. I owe much to my older brother, Ronald who died in 1990, (heart failure) whom I followed into a lifelong addiction to motorcycling and one year later accompanied him as we joined the RCAF. Away from home we found that brothers in their late teens can be a great team. I learned a trade in Aircraft Maintenance and earned a living being with Air Canada later on. As a semi-pro motorcycle racer with good sponsorships, I won 3 National Championships and 2 Provincial Championships. I'm proud of my many years as a volunteer on the Board of Canadian Motorcycle Association and also proud to have been recognized by my peers and inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame and also the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame. I've had a lot of fun. My late wife of 32 years, Mickey, (Millicent Lear), was always supportive and together we had a good life. My younger brother Bob, (Robert) in Halifax was always a good friend. In my later life I shared many wonderful moments with Penny Milne. I've met many interesting people throughout the world and it's been a great ride. I'm known to be outspoken so I'll end on that theme. As you read this and reflect upon the loss of old friends, thinking of them, get out and do volunteer work, it's a great feeling. A Celebration of Life was held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, September 7 at J.J. Cardinal Funeral Home, 560 Lakeshore, Dorval, QC. To view the obituary, click here.
The Canadian Aviation Moments were submitted by Dennis Casper from the Roland Groome (Regina) Chapter of the CAHS. Spoiler alert - if you read any further than each question, you will find the answer to the questions directly below. Good luck and have fun!
The Canadian Aviation Moments questions and answers for September are:
Question: Which RCAF squadron sank 5 German submarines which was a record for a RCAF unit? What number of medals were awarded to this squadron?
Answer: “During the European invasion of June 1944, 162 squadron RCAF commanded by Cecil Chapman sank four German submarines and shared in the destruction of a fifth, a record for a RCAF unit. At this time the Canso crews of the outfit operated from Wick, Scotland, in an effort to attack the southern flank of the route used by the U-boats to reach the North Atlantic from Norway. By war’s end they could boast a VC, two DSO’s, seven DFCs, and three DFMs. Chapman himself accounted for one of the submarines and became one of the squadron’s two D SO recipients. ”
Source: True Canadian Heroes In the Air – Arthur Bishop – Page 125
Question: What was Canada’s first warplane, how much did it cost and what was the condition of the airplane?
Answer: “Prior to his meeting with the minister of militia, Janney had scouted for an aircraft in the United States where he met with executives of the Burgess-Dunne airplane factory at Marbehead, Massachusetts. Janney fixated on a used Burgess-Dunne float plane. The airplane needed a considereable amount of maintenance work on the engine, but the price was right. After his appointment as captain in the Cnadian Aviation Corps, Janney recommended to the minister of militia that he empower his provisional commander – himself – to purchase an airplane for the new Corps. Hughes hastily scribbled a note authorizing Janney to spend up to $5,000 for that purpose. With Hughes’s written authorization in his pocket, Captain Janney returned to Marbelhead and ordered the used float plane. The airplane was a two-seat, delta-wing, tailless machine manufactured at Marblehead, which had been extensively used as a demonstrator. This creaky, unreliable, and much-used float plane has the distinction of being Canada’s first warplane.”
Source: Dancing in the Sky – Page 20
Question: How did Nelles Timmerman from Kingston, Ontario, make Bomber Command history on May 1,2 1940 flying a Hampden?
Answer: “During the spring of 1940, Timmerman was flying Hampdens with 49 Squadron out of Scampton in Lincolnshire. On the night of 12 May, after returning from an abortinve mine-laying mission near Norderney in the Frisian Islands, he made Bomber Command history by engaging an enemy Arado 196 floatplane with his front gun and successfully driving it into the sea. Arthur Harris himself, then the 5 Group commander, was instrumental in recommending Timmerman for a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for this singular feat.”
Source: No Prouder Place – Page 23
Spectacular 70th Anniversary Canadian International Air Show
By Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President
The RCAF Snowbirds were the concluding peformance at the CIAS
CAHS Toronto members were thrilled to receive 45 complimentary tickets to the 70th Anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at the Canadian National Exhibition. The aerial display over the Toronto waterfront once again lived up to the exceptional standard that has made it among the leading air shows in North America.
The much-appreciated tickets to the exclusive air zone were generously provided by Lori Duthie, CIAS Executive Director. CAHS Toronto Chapter Sheldon Benner wrote a letter of appreciation to Lori, the Air Show Committee and the CNE for the initiative. The Chapter Executive is hopeful that we can discuss the possibilities of showing a poster or a small display at the show to promote the activities of the CAHS for the past 57 years.
Red Arrows in a colourful display at the CIAS
It was especially rewarding to see the Royal Air Force Red Arrows in action as part of their North American Tour this year. The Arrows flew their precision aerobatic manoeuvres in fast and nimble BAE Hawk T1 jets, underlining their importance as national ambassadors for Britain.
The Arrows have flown the CIAS only once before, back in 2002. As the Arrows like to say, it was “smoke on, go!” for the team, now in its 55th season. The Arrows pilots and members of the Circus --- the team’s travelling support crew --- enjoyed meeting and greeting everyone during the day along with other air show participants.
A flypast by the RAF Airbus A400M Atlas
Other first-time appearances included a Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas, providing tactical and strategic airlift for the British military, including the Red Arrows, and a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone. The Snowbirds excelled again, and a CH-146 Griffon from 424 Squadron provided a dramatic search and rescue demonstration.
CIAS Chair Richard Cooper flew a Russian-built, two-seat Mikoyan MiG-15, while Dave Hewitt flew his beautifully polished Beech Expeditor 3NM. Impressive aerobatics were flown by Brent Handy in his Pitts Special and ageless Gord Price in his Yak 50, among other featured performers.
An excellent souvenir programme, Airspeed, was produced for the show. I have scanned some photos from the programme for this report. Eric Dumigan took many fine images from a different vantage point at the Toronto Airport control tower, found on his website www.airic.ca
We’re looking forward to the 71st CIAS and the prospect of strengthening the relationship between the CAHS and the CIAS to promote our shared goals.
A CH-146 Griffon hoists a SAR tech from Lake Ontario in a dramatic display
A new aircaft profile the Sikorsky Cyclone flies overhead
The title page of the RAF Red Arrows brochure
A profile and specifications of the BAE Systems Hawk TI flown by the Red Arrows
A Red Arrows Hawk scanned from the 2019 CIAS programme
The proud history of the CIAS is outlined in this plaque on display at Exhibition Place
The Red Arrows North American Tour began in Halifax August 11 and is set to conclude Oct 4 6 in Los Angeles
The Red Arrows pilots all of whom have previously flown operationally with the Harrier Tornado or the Typhoon
Rave Reviews for 2019 Brantford, Ontario Community Air Show
Report and photos by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President
The specially painted 2019 Demo Hornet at the Brantford Community Air Show Aug. 29, 2019
A record-breaking crowd and a beautiful summer day set the stage for an impressive 2019 Brantford Community Air Show on Aug. 29.
An estimated 15,000 or more spectators flocked to Brantford Airport to enjoy the display, co-produced by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the Rotary Club of Brantford. In fact, the gates had to be closed at 1 p.m. as capacity was reached and parking space ran out.
The 2019 CF-18 Demo Team headlined the show. Capt. Brian Kilroy flew the specially painted Hornet, in a scheme commemorating the history of the RCAF and the 70th anniversary of NATO. The Snowbirds thrilled the crowd, as well as a good variety of vintage warbirds including the only air show appearance of the CWHM Lancaster this season. The Waterloo Warbirds flew a CT-133 Silver Star and a Vampire while Alf Beam and Danny Richer flew T-28 Trojans among others.
C-47 Dakota of CWHM taking off with Hamilton Sport Parachute Club skydivers to open the 2019 Brantford Community Air Show
Aerobatic displays featured Brent Handy and wingman Todd Farrell in Pitts Specials, Mike Tryggvason in a Giles 202, and the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team. Hamilton Sport Parachute Club skydivers, who opened the show, were taken aloft in the CWHM C-47 Dakota.
For extensive photo coverage, check the superb images taken by Eric Dumigan (www.airic.ca) and Gus Corujo (www.gusair.com)
The most successful rendition in the 15 year-plus history of the air show is a tribute to the efforts of many volunteers, sponsors and community supporters. We join the CWHM in thanking everyone for donating their time and skill to make it possible.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Bolingbroke Project Update
Click on image to view larger photo.
Community newspapers are helping to fill some of the gaps as mainstream daily newspapers unfortunately continue to shrink in the digital age. A good example is a story in the weekly Glanbrook Gazette, published Sept. 12, describing the museum’s decision late last year to restore its Bolingbroke Mk IVT to ground-running operation rather than airworthy status.
This informative update explains the museum’s rationale and its hopes of completing the aircraft, in-house, in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022.
Our First Aerial Police Pursuit –
Now on the stage!
Story and photos by John Chalmers,
CAHS Membership Secretary
One of Canada’s great aviation stories is now the subject of a new play, in which the pilot, who is an original member of Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, Wop May, flies again!
In Edmonton, Alberta, on August 30, 1919, police constable William Nixon was fatally shot at 3:00 a.m. while on foot patrol. He had joined the police force starting in 1912. Nixon then enlisted in the army for the First World War, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery and afterwards returned to the police force two days after returning from overseas.
Constable Nixon, shown at right, is remembered at the Canadian Police Memorial Pavilion on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and on a monument on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature Building. Nixon is also remembered by the naming of the William Nixon Training Centre of the Edmonton Police Service. (Internet photo)
The alleged killer was John Gundard Larsen, also suspected of armed robberies and two other shootings. He fled Edmonton by train to Edson, Alberta, (pop. 8,400 now, 800 in 1919) a town 200 km west. On September 2, city police called upon Wilfrid “Wop” May, O.B.E., DFC, who with his brother, Court, had recently formed May Airplanes Ltd. with a single aircraft, a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, known as a “Jenny”. Wop was asked to fly Detective James Campbell to Edson to join the manhunt.
The story of that manhunt is now the subject of a new play, The Flying Detective, focusing on the part of James Campbell in the first aerial police chase in the British Empire. The play was commissioned by the Edson and District Historical Society from the Accidental Humour Co. of Edmonton.
On stage, Wop May in the rear seat of a Curtiss Jenny, flies an apprehensive detective, James Campbell, to Edson to join the manhunt for the suspected killer.
An ace fighter pilot in the First World War serving with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force, Captain Wop May (1896-1952) is credited with bringing down 13 enemy aircraft. He later became a famed bush pilot. During the Second World War he served as manager of No. 2 Air Observer School in Edmonton, a Second World War school of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
Pilot Wop May (William Banfield) and Detective Campbell (Cody Porter) shake hands after landing on a street in Edson.
Two hours after takeoff, the Jenny and its two occupants landed in Edson, which had no airfield. Twelve hours later and south of Edson, Detective Campbell had Larsen under arrest. But Larsen escaped while handcuffed, was re-captured and taken by train back to Edmonton. He was tried, convicted and jailed for his crimes.
The play was first presented in August at the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival to sold-out houses. The play integrates live performance with video on three very large screens in a unique treatment of the story. The official premiere of the play, a slightly longer two-act version, was presented in Edson on August 31 and September 1.
Seen here after the Fringe presentation in Edmonton are left to right, great-great grandsons Ian and Lachlan Campbell with their father, John, at far right with Cody Porter, who played the part of the flying detective. (Photo courtesy of John Campbell)
The most amazing aspect of the staging is the building of a Curtiss Jenny right before the eyes of the audience! In moments, the airplane is assembled, the men are seated in the cockpit and the propeller spins. The Jenny is soon “flying” among the clouds.
August 30 – September 1 were proclaimed as Wop May Days in Edson. At the town’s Galloway Station Museum, May was remembered in a banner, a mural, merchandise and artifacts such as this display of his pilot’s wings from the RFC and his miniature medals.
A special event during Wop May Days was the dedication of a historical sign about the aerial pursuit and the manhunt, along with two photos of the Jenny on an Edson street. The sign is located at the hamlet of Robb (population 170), some 60 km south of Edson, close to the site of the culprit’s capture.
Cutting a ribbon at the sign marking the 100th anniversary of the aerial pursuit and speaking at the event were John Campbell, left, a great-grandson of the detective, and Denny May, son of Wop May. Several members from both families were present for the occasion.
The beautifully restored 1913 Edson School, now known as the Red Brick Arts Centre and Museum includes a 1920s classroom and the theatre where The Flying Detective had its premiere.
Attending the play in Edson at a sold-out gala event that rewarded the players with a sustained standing ovation were members of the May and Campbell families. “What a wonderful experience!” says Denny May, seen at right. “Dad would have loved the play - a murder mystery, a dangerous flight, tracking down a killer, and humour included, which was very appropriate. I was so proud to see my father honoured this way, and by the Town of Edson. We were pleased that the Campbell family was well represented and had the opportunity to share the heroics of their relative James Campbell, the flying detective.” (For more information about Wop May, see www.wopmay.com.)
The play now goes to more towns during the months ahead. See www.accidentalhumour.com/thetruestory. To book the play, write to info@accidentalhumour.com.
