We hope you enjoyed answering the Canadian Aviation Moments in September. We encourage readers to send in their responses to the Canadian Aviation Moments questions at: info@cahs.ca. Your responses will be included in the following month's newsletter. Here are the correct answers:
Question: Who in the RAF in 1936 was a key proponent of a heavy versus a medium bomber force and would eventually win the argument for a longer-range offensive capability?
Answer: “In 1936, one of the key proponents of a heavy versus a medium bomber force was Group Captain Arthur Harris, Bomber Command's Deputy Director of Plans at the time. An Englishman who spent a number of his formative years in Rhodesia, Harris would win his argument for a longer-range offensive capability. A new specification thus called for a bomber capable of flying 3000 miles while carrying a bomb payload of 8000 pounds at 28,000 feet. The four-engine Short Stirling of 1941 was developed to meet these criteria, and this aircraft proved to be significantly disappointing with respect to the specified service ceiling. In 1938, further specifications were issued for an ideal bomber, which also possessed much better defensive armament so that it could cope with the latest generation of fighter aircraft. It was also to have a top speed of 300 mph and the ability to carry 12,000 pounds of bombs. These capabilities would eventually be achieved by modifying the designs of two-engine bombers into successful four-engine variants. They would evolve into the Lancaster and the Halifax, which would become the mainstay aircraft of the Command from 1942 onwards.”
Source: No Prouder Place – Canadians and The Bomber Command Experience 1939 – 1945 – David L. Bashow – ISBN 1-55125-098-5 – Page 18
Question: What type and mark of aircraft was used by the No. 664 and 665 Squadrons? When was the aircraft taken on strength and struck off strength and how many were taken on strength?
Answer: “A light observation aircraft, the Auster Taylorcraft Mk IV was introduced by the Canadian Army during the fighting in Northwest Europe in 1945. The primary role of the aircraft was artillery spotting and the aircraft carried a pilot and observer in this role. Two Canadian squadrons, designated No. 664 and 665 Squadron, were equipped with these aircraft. 664 Squadron served in the Canadian Army Occupation Force in post-war activities until its disbandment in May 1946.” “TOS: 1944 SOS: 1946 No: 12”
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium – T.F. J. Leversedge – ISBN 978-1-55125-116-5 – Page 55
Question: What Canadian Squadron was credited with the last 2nd Tactical Air Force Mustang kill of the war, on April 16, 1945?
Answer: “No. 442(F) Squadron converted from Spitfires to the Mustang IV (P-51D) in the spring of 1945 and flew long-range bomber escort missions. The unit was credited with the last 2nd Tactical Air Force Mustang kill of the war on April 16, 1945.”
Source: Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal – Vol.47 No. 2 – Summer 2009 – Page 42
The Canadian Aviation Moments were submitted by Dennis Casper from the Roland Groome (Regina) Chapter of the CAHS.
The Canadian Aviation Moments questions for October are:
Question: In 1919 and 1920, the British Government bestowed upon Canada a number of different types of airplanes with associated equipment. This was called “The Imperial Gift.” What Imperial Gift aircraft occupied the public spotlight 1 October 1920?
Source: Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal – Vol.47 No.1 – Spring 2009 – Page 29.
Question: In what year did the RFC decide to establish a training organization in Canada? How many stations and training squadrons were established in that year?
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium – T.F.J. Leversedge – Page 22
Question: What aircraft type was modified with the 180 hp Wolseley Viper water-cooled engine (S.E. 5A fighter design) and what was it used for by the RCAF?
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium – T.F.J. Leversedge – Page 58