The Elsie MacGill 6th Annual Northern Lights Awards: Recognizing Women in Aviation and Aerospace
By Dr. Richard Goette, CAHS Vice-President
On Friday 26 September, I had the pleasure of attending the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Awards gala at the Tonscana Banquet and Conference Centre in Vaughan, Ontario. Most importantly, I had the privilege of representing the CAHS to honour our former National President Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail who received the Rising Star Award.
Named after Canadian female aviation pioneer and women's right advocate Elsie MacGill (1905-1980 – the first woman to earn a master's degree in aeronautical engineering), the Northern Lights Award is a way of recognizing the contribution that women have made to Canada's aviation and aerospace community.
The Northern Lights Awards honours women's contributions in Canadian aviation.
Heather Sifton from Gormley, Ontario, received the original award in 2009. Since then the Northern Lights Foundation has expanded its gala into six distinct awards celebrating remarkable women who have distinguished themselves in the aviation-related categories of Pioneer, Business, Education, Government/Military, Flight Operations/Maintenance, and Rising Star. In these respective categories the 2014 winners are: Dr. Roberta Bondar, Eva Martinez, Lynne McMullen, Sandra McDonald, Nachelle White, and our very own Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail.
The Rising Star awardee, former CAHS President Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail (left), poses with Business Award winner Eva Martinez.
The evening began with a reception where sponsors, various aviation groups, and Northern Lights Foundation partners had tables set up to inform gala attendees about their services and advocacy for women in the Canadian aviation and aerospace industry and community. These organizations included: the Ninety-Nines (organization of women pilots established in 1929 with Amelia Earhart as President), Canadian Women in Aviation, Women in Aerospace, the Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide, the Webster Memorial Trophy/Eunice Carter Memorial Award Competition, Women of Influence, Wings Magazine and Helicopters Magazine, Global Aerospace, Chris Hadfield, the Air Cadet League of Canada, the Waterloo/Wellington Flight Centre, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology, Sennheiser Canada Inc., the Brampton Flight Centre, Apex Aircraft Sales Ltd., Bombardier, Skyservice, Jazz Aviation, Air Canada, Air Transport Association of Canada, Porter, Flying Colours Corp., Nav Canada, Kelowna Flightcraft, Magnes Group, Pam's Flower Garden, and the law offices of Blakes, Cassels & Graydon LLP.
Danielle also had a table at the reception. Besides plugging the virtues of membership in the CAHS, she featured a slide show of her adventures in Canada's north over the last few years. Most importantly, the venue provided Danielle with the opportunity to sell copies of the product of these adventures, her hot-off-the-press book Polar Winds: A Century of Flying in the North.
Each of the award honourees was given a sash indicating their award. The problem was that these sashes were apt to fall of their shoulder. For Danielle the solution to this problem was a uniquely CAHS one: we took the CAHS pin I was wearing on my lapel and used it to affix the sash more securely on her shoulder (see photo below).
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The CAHS (pin) performs a vital function for former CAHS President Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail at the 2013 Northern Lights Award gala |
After the reception, everyone gathered in the main room for the dinner and awards ceremony. Members of the Northern Lights Foundation executive welcomed everyone to the gala celebration. We were then treated to a tribute to Elsie MacGill by Dr. Crystal Sissons, who ensured to play to her audience by including aviation-related terminology and descriptors when highlighting the accomplishments of this remarkable trailblazer for women in the aerospace industry. Crystal studied Elsie MacGill for her history doctorate at the University of Ottawa, and this story is documented in her just-released book, Queen of the Hurricanes: The Fearless Elsie MacGill. This definitely sounds like a great potential presentation for next year's CAHS Convention in Hamilton. For information on a joint book launch for Crystal and Danielle, click here.
One of the highlights of the night was the keynote address by Canada's first female astronaut (and Pioneer award winner), Dr. Roberta L. Bondar. A natural public speaker, Dr. Bondar wowed the audience with an address that was humorous, insightful, and most of all inspiring. The awards ceremony itself followed. It included a description of each woman's accomplishments complete with a superb video slide show, and each honoree was escorted by a young female air cadet to the stage to receive their award. Danielle's slideshow featured her work as a writer, historian, and speaker. It also highlighted her many publications, being named Chatelaine's Maverick of the Year, Avenue's Top 40 Under 40 list, and the City of Edmonton's Historian Laureate.
Danielle seen here as a young girl with her air-minded mother and father in a newspaper clipping as part of her pre-award slideshow.
Danielle's slideshow also included a number of references to the CAHS such as the Journal, this Newsletter (which Danielle initiated), her role in organizing the 2011 Convention in Edmonton, and of course her hard work as the CAHS's first female president. At the end of the awards ceremony all six recipients rightly received a standing ovation from the crowd as they stood on the stage with hands joined and raised in unity as remarkable women in Canadian aviation (see photo below).
A standing ovation for the six awardees. Danielle is second from the right, hand in hand with Pioneer awardee astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar.
It was a memorable night that was encouraging on many levels. For one, it was an honour to represent the CAHS in support of one of our members who is also a friend, colleague, and (as she noted in the personalized signature in the copy of her book I had just purchased) fellow "prophead." But the night was also encouraging in seeing so many people (and corporate sponsors) who were interested in aviation. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for an organization like the CAHS which is largely dominated by men of a certain vintage, it was encouraging to see the interest in and celebration of aviation by a demographic that the CAHS needs to attract to ensure its future survival: women. Here's hoping that these six remarkable women – and Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail in particular – can be an inspiration for young women to develop a love of the history of Canada's aviation that unites all of us in the CAHS.
RCAF Wartime Losses Remembered at Brandon
Story and photos by John Chalmers, CAHS Membership Secretary
The new memorial at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum at Brandon is located on a plaza facing the 1941 hangar of the Plan, which houses the museum's aircraft and displays.
At the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum at Brandon, Manitoba, a new memorial honours Royal Canadian Air Force losses in the Second World War. On 64 polished granite panels in a memorial that is 91 meters in length, are the names and ages of 19,000 individuals who lost their lives while serving with the RCAF.
Curved in the shape of a wing, the memorial at the "leading edge" features a larger-than-life bronze statue of an airman in flying gear with his parachute, mounted atop a six-foot high plinth. The statue portrays the airman walking out to his aircraft with grim determination to succeed in training flights or combat operations.
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The bronze statue of an airman in flying gear and with his parachute is a focal point of the RCAF memorial, They Grew Not Old. |
At dedication and unveiling ceremonies held at the Museum on September 10, executive director Stephen Hayter introduced special guests who gave tribute to the service of the air force and those who lost their lives. Representing the RCAF at the podium was BGen Christian Drouin from 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg. Also from Winnipeg and present for the ceremonies, was the RCAF Band under the direction of Captain John Fullerton. Each person unveiling a panel of the monument was accompanied by a current RCAF officer.
Other speakers at the podium included Brandon mayor Shari Decter Hirst, who had officially declared September 7-13 as Memorial Week in the city. Speaking on behalf of their governments were Manitoba premier Greg Selinger and local Member of Parliament, Larry Maguire.
Parade marshal for the ceremonies that included a piper and color party was Archie Londry, now 92, and a founding member of the Museum. He had served nine years as chairman of the board, and for the past four years was chairman of the Memorial Committee responsible for building the monument. During the war years, Archie served as an RCAF flying instructor in Canada. At war's end, after being raised on his parents' ranch, Archie returned to agriculture and retired only three years ago from raising cattle.
John Chalmers, left, in front of the granite plaque of the memorial that bears the name of an uncle who was lost in the war while serving as an RCAF navigator, and is shown with BGen Drouin of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg.
The memorial, called They Grew Not Old, contains the names of all RCAF losses recorded in They Shall Grow Not Old, the 900 page volume naming RCAF personnel lost in the war and published by the Museum. To complete the program on September 10, a sold-out turkey supper was held in the Canteen building at the Museum's site. Concluding that event, CAHS member Anna Marie Willey of Regina debuted a musical video tribute that honours all who served overseas in the air force, including her father, LAC John Winichuk, an RCAF airman posted to England during the war.
At left is Stephen Hayter, executive director of the Museum. At centre is RCAF veteran Archie Londry, a founding member of the museum, a former president, and chairman of the Memorial Committee for the four years it took to plan, design and build the memorial. At right, is Anna Marie Willey, whose presentation concluded the day's celebrations surrounding the unveiling of the new memorial.
Telling the story in photos, video clips and original songs and music, production was inspired by the contents of the kit bags that her father brought home after the war, and never opened again before he died in 1987. Unpacked less than a year ago, the kit bags included mementos, artefacts, photos, letters and other material than comprised a time capsule of the war, now serving as a reminder of stories untold. Entitled "The Willow Tree," Anna Marie's production was named for a local pub of that name near her father's wartime station.
At the turkey supper on September 10, John McNarry, left, a past president of the Brandon museum, presented Archie Londry the first of 25 miniatures of the memorial's statue, in recognition of Archie's long-time service. The limited edition maquettes were produced as a fund-raiser to help finance the memorial, and may be ordered from the Museum for $2,200 each.
The new memorial at Brandon cost $1.25 million. Half that amount has now been raised. Donations may be made by contacting the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum through its web site at www.airmuseum.ca, where more information and photos of the splendid memorial and unveiling ceremonies may be seen.
The Battle of Britain: Army Cooperation Squadrons
On Sunday September 21, 2014, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force gathered on parade squares and at other venues across Canada to remember the brave men and women who served, supported and lost their lives during the Battle of Britain. In honour of the "few" who gave so much, we highlight the little known "army cooperation pilots" who flew during this famous battle.
By Major Mathias Joost
Photo from RCAF website.
Each September, we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Canadians who served during the Battle of Britain. Approximately 100 Canadians flew in the battle, mainly with No. 1 Fighter Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). However, there were two other Canadian squadrons present in Great Britain during the Battle of Britain whose activities and support are hardly ever mentioned.
These two squadrons were No. 110 and No. 112, each with the role of army cooperation. During the Battle of Britain, they were instrumental in preparing and training for a potential invasion and supporting the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Fighter Command and the RCAF's No. 1 Fighter Squadron once the battle broke out.
As the battle raged on, the drain on Fighter Command's resources grew. This resulted in perhaps the most significant contribution of No. 110 and No. 112 Squadrons – the injection of six army cooperation pilots to No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF during the Battle of Britain.
The squadron would likely have been withdrawn from combat much earlier without this injection of fresh pilots. Their availability also allowed the squadron to maintain its Canadian identity but more importantly they allowed the squadron to keep flying and fighting until October 10. The pilots of No. 110 and No. 112 Squadrons who proceeded to No. 5 and No. 6 Operational Training Units may have been credited with participating in the Battle of Britain with No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF or RAF squadrons; however, their origin with the two army co-operation squadrons has been forgotten or missed.
The two army cooperation squadrons in Great Britain have received little recognition for their support during the Battle of Britain. Yet, the support of the two army co-operation squadron's was very important to No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF in continuing operations, and maintaining its Canadian identity and the pride of the RCAF for its role in this critical battle.
Click here to read the full article.
Edmonton Park Honours Aviation Pioneer
Story and photos by John Chalmers
johnchalmers@shaw.ca | Tel. 780-435-8194
On September 14, 2014 in Edmonton, a large neighborhood park was dedicated and named for one of the city's early aviators. Frank Victor Burton Field commemorates the accomplishments of a man who was one of the first members of the Edmonton Aero Club in 1927, and after earning his pilot's license distinguished himself as a bush pilot northern Canada in the 1930s. During those years he qualified as an aircraft engineer and during the Second World War served as Chief Engineer at No. 16 Elementary Flying Training School in Edmonton and at No. 32 EFTS at Bowden, Alberta, where he also served as Manager. Until his death in 1972, Burton remained active in the civil aviation industry and in 1969 was a founding member of the Quarter Century Club in Edmonton.
The new sign at a park in Edmonton that honours Frank Victor Burton appropriately bears the image of a biplane, the type of aircraft in which he learned to fly.
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Michael Rintoul, a grandson of Frank Victor Burton, spoke of his grandfather's accomplishments at ceremonies dedicating a park in Edmonton to the pioneer aviator.
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He was represented by Michael Rintoul, who spoke of his late grandfather's accomplishments. Other family members were in attendance and one of the speakers in the program was Dave Hancock in his last public appearance as premier. The next day, Alberta's new premier, Jim Prentice, was sworn in. Hancock is the MLA for the area, and his father served as an RCAF navigation instructor during the war.
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Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, a past president of the CAHS, was the first speaker on the program, in her capacity as Historian Laureate for the City of Edmonton speaking about the city's rich aviation heritage.
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Denny May, a member of the CAHS and son of famous pilot Wop May, introduced Frank Burton's grandson, Michael Rintoul, at the dedication ceremonies of Frank Victor Burton Field.
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These events, like others at various sites across Canada, continue to honour our aviation heritage, keep our history relevant in current times, and ensure that those who contributed to it will always be remembered.
Premier Dave Hancock cuts the ribbon to unveil the sign for Frank Victor Burton Field and remove the parachute which fittingly covered it. At far left is city councillor Bryan Anderson next to Burton's grandson, Michael Rintoul. At far right is Harold Hornig, president of the community homeowners' association that organized the festivities for dedication of the park.
Gordon Jones Tribute Event
September 28, 2014, High River Airport By Anne Gafiuk
Barlow Trail, McKnight Boulevard, McCall Way, McTavish and Palmer Roads: roadways named after Canadian aviators in and around Calgary's airport (YYC).
In this tradition, High River Airport (CEN4) dedicated its south main access road: Gordon Jones Way, after A. Gordon Jones, a former long time resident of High River. During the Second World War, Gordon learned to fly as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) out of #5 Elementary Flying Training School just north of the Town of High River in 1941.
"Our web page has had Gordon's photo as the background for some time now. Most appropriate for our airport," says Steff Stephansson, Chairman, High River Regional Airport Board of Directors. flyhighriver.ca
Originally planned for June 2013, the original dedication service was delayed by the devastating floods that struck High River that summer. The access bridge to the airport was also damaged in the floods. However, on Sunday, September 28, 2014, Gordon's long awaited dedication was conducted.
The morning brought fog and low cloud, preventing many airplanes from coming to the combined fly-in/breakfast/tribute. "Considering the weather, it turned out better than we thought it would. The bonus was the turnout of local people, which we really appreciated. We were pleased," said Stephansson.
Friends, representatives from the Bomber Command Museum of Canada (BCMC) in Nanton, as well as family members joined the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31 and the High River Regional Airport, in commemoration of Gordon Jones Way.
Gordon passed away on September 10, 2013, so it was fitting to have this dedication close to the anniversary of his passing. A large photo of Gordon was displayed alongside the flag of the BCATP and one of the road signs, placed just outside the Air Cadet hangar, while Tiger Moth 1214, the same airplane Gordon flew as a 19 year old instructor during the Second World War and then again up until he was 90, stood sentinel outside.
After Linora Jones, Gordon's beloved wife of almost sixty-nine years, cut the red ribbon, she told the people gathered how seventy three years earlier, Gordon began flying out of the #5 EFTS at High River as a student, later becoming an instructor at the same school for most of the war. According to Lenora, he chose High River "because he liked the weather" in Alberta better than his native Saskatchewan. Dan Fox, Vice President of the Bomber Command Museum of Canada spoke of Gordon's numerous fly-pasts over the museum in Nanton. Jim Bleaney read a letter from the Municipal District, telling of Gordon's involvement in the creation of the present airport and his connection to the community of High River, providing ambulance flights, as well as being a councillor for the area.
Many photos were taken, and the service ended when the BCMC fired up their Bristol Hercules engine and dedicated the display to Gordon that day, in his honour. Afterwards, pie was served back in the hangar: strawberry-rhubarb, lemon meringue and pumpkin, an appropriate conclusion to a grassroots tribute to this celebrated local aviator, member of the Flying Farmers, and Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.
The War Birds
Three members of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society are flying high with new books being published this fall.
The three women, who are calling themselves The War Birds, will appear together in Red Deer for two events, both of which are free and open to the public.
Polar Winds: A Century of Flying the North
Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail of Edmonton is best-known to society members as former president. Her new book Polar Winds: A Century of Flying the North explores the remarkable history of air travel in the North from the Klondike Gold Rush to the present. It includes exploration flights to the North Pole, passenger travel in jet liners, flying school buses for residential schools, and indigenous pilots performing mercy flights. The book also describes the northern home front during World War Two, and northerners who joined the RCAF.
Wings Over High River: The Biography of a BCATP Pilot Instructor
Anne Gafiuk of Calgary will bring out the fourth printing of her book, Wings Over High River: The Biography of a BCATP Pilot Instructor. Published by the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton, Alberta, this is the compelling story of veteran pilot Gordon Jones, who taught rookie airmen how to fly at No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School in High River, Alberta during World War Two. He went on to have a stellar flying career unique in the history of Canadian aviation.
Bird's Eye View
Elinor Florence of Invermere, B.C. will introduce her first novel published by Dundurn Press in Toronto. Bird's Eye View explores a little-known aspect of aviation. The story features a young woman from Saskatchewan whose home town becomes an air training base in World War Two. Fired with enthusiasm, she joins the air force and becomes an aerial photo interpreter in England – spying on the enemy from the sky. Along the way she makes several significant discoveries.
The War Birds will appear at Red Deer College Library from 1-2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7th.
The next day they will appear together at Chapters Red Deer, from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th.
All three authors are also making separate appearances around Western Canada. You may check out their schedules, and request a visit to your own organization or book club, by visiting their individual websites here:
Elinor Florence, www.elinorflorence.com Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, www.daniellemc.com Anne Gafiuk, www.whatsinastory.ca
The CAHS Needs Your Financial Support:
The CAHS is working hard to end the year with a balanced budget and would appreciate your help financially. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made online through Paypal or can be mailed in by downloading and mailing this form.
Did you know that Canada Revenue Agency is offering a first time donors' super credit? If you or your spouse have not claimed a charitable tax credit after the year 2007, CRA is offering an incentive to give to charities by supplementing the value of the charitable donation tax credit by 25% for first time donors. If you have never made a charitable donation before to any charity, why not take advantage of the extra tax credit offer this year by donating to the CAHS' great cause? For more details, see CRA's website.
Do you have past or current business contacts from within aviation/aerospace industries? Have you ever thought of approaching these contacts about becoming a corporate sponsor of the CAHS? Managers of corporations are more likely to be interested if people they already know professionally make the suggestion and explain how sponsorship helps both the company (by providing exposure and a donation tax receipt) and the mandate of the CAHS (by covering costs of publishing aviation history in the Journal and on the website). Please download the Corporate Membership form and talk to your contacts about helping the CAHS preserve and disseminate Canada's aviation history.
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