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 May are:
Question: What prestigious record did the 409 squadron from Cold Lake set in the fall of 2010?
- The best score since 1992 at the United States Red Flag exercise.
- The best score in the history of the Maple Flag exercises at Cold Lake.
- The most intercepts off the west coast in Exercise Amalgam.
- The most times that any squadron has participated in Trident Fury.
- The squadron got a score not previously achieved at Combat Hammer.
Answer: No. 5
“409 Tactical Fighter Sqn (The Nighthawks) from 4 Wing Cold Lake Alta, were participating in Exercise Combat Hammer at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in October (2010).” “The exercise evaluates a tactical fighter squadron’s ability to execute air-to-ground operations from initial build-up to final impact against both moving and static targets.” “The squadron was evaluated by American and Canadian experts. Once the scores were tallied, all 18 of the laser-guided bombs dropped by 409 TFS had hit their targets. The 86th FWS recognized the score as a new evaluation record. 409 TFS is the only unit (American or foreign) to achieve 100 percent hits against moving targets at a Combat Hammer since the exercise began in the 1980s.”
Source: Airforce Revue Magazine – Vol 34/No 3 – Page 7
Question: Which of the following is true regarding Flight Lieutenant Richard J. Audet of Lethbridge, Alberta?
- He became an ace (5 victories) in less than five minutes in his first operational sortie on December 29, 1944.
- He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
- He had destroyed so many aircraft in 27 days that no RCAF or RAF pilot has ever equalled this feat.
- He was awarded the bar for his Distinguished Flying Cross a month and a half after he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
- He had been overseas for 2 years, spending most of his time either in training or as a tug aircraft pilot, before firing his guns at an enemy target.
Answer: All are true.
“In less than 5 minutes, Audet had destroyed five German aircraft. With his wingmen’s confirmation, he had become an ace on his first aerial combat sortie-an astonishing feat.” “On January 14, 1945, Dick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross: “In a most spirited action, Flying Officer Audet [his promotion had not reached everyone] achieved outstanding success by destroying five enemy aircraft. This feat is a splendid tribute to his brilliant shooting, great gallantry, and tenacity.” “In 27 days, December 29 to January 24, he had destroyed 10 ½ enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat and one more on the ground. No RCAF or RAF pilot has ever equalled this feat.” “On March 9, the London Gazette announced Audet’s award of a bar for his Distinguished Flying Cross: “This officer is an outstanding fighter. Since his first engagement, towards the end of December 1944, he has completed numerous sorties during which he has destroyed a further six enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 11. Flight Lieutenant Audet has also most effectively attacked locomotives and mechanical vehicles. His skill and daring have won the highest praise.” “In December 1944, Flight Lieutenant Richard J. “Dick” Audet had been overseas for two years. Although Dick was flying with a front line Spitfire squadron, he had yet to fire his guns at an enemy target.”
Source: Canada’s World War II Aces – Heroic Pilots & Gunners of the Wartime Skies – Larry Gray – 1- Page 16, 2 – Page 17, 3 – Page 18, 4 – Page 19, 5 – Page 8.
Question: What is the name of the bomber that was an improved version of the Lancaster? Why did Canada order home production of this airplane? How many of these airplanes were taken on strength by the RCAF and for what purpose?
Answer: “In 1943, an improved version of the Lancaster was proposed for the war in the Pacific. The aircraft featured larger dimensions, more powerful engines, better performance, heavier armament and longer range. Originally to be designated the Lancaster Mk. IV, the eventual design was sufficiently different to warrant a new designation and name, and became known as the Avro 694 Lincoln. Canada ordered home production of the Lincoln in order to re-equip Canadian bomber squadrons, and also the “Tiger Force”, destined for the Pacific theatre. At the cessation of hostilities, the production order was terminated after only six aircraft had been started. Three Lincolns, including two borrowed from the RAF, were then briefly evaluated by the RCAF in post-war tests.” TOS: 1946 SOS: 1948 No: 3
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – T.F.J. Leversedge – Page 65