August 2024 Newsletter
Date:
August 7, 2024
Dear Members and Friends of the Museum,
In August, we continue to honour the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF. First, we honour our Volunteer of the Month, then share some of what we did in the month of July. It was one of our most exciting and successful months ever! In continuing our celebration of the RCAF 100th Anniversary, we had three big events in July. We owe the success of our events to our incredible donors, as well as our volunteers who worked some very long days. Thanks to all who contributed to making a blockbuster month for the museum.
Volunteer of the Month: Carol Maloney
We are thrilled to recognize Carol Maloney as our Volunteer of the Month. July has been an exceptionally busy month for our BBQ events, with new attendance records set and around 1,500 meals served over just three days. Carol has been a steadfast and invaluable member of our volunteer team for the past few years. Her consistent dedication and hard work have been crucial to the success of our events, particularly during these record-setting times.
Thank you, Carol, for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Your contributions are deeply appreciated and play a vital role in supporting our museum. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks from all of us! Carol is pictured below.
A Memorable Lancaster Visit to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum: On July 18th, the Mynarski Lancaster from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton made a special stop at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum as part of its tour to the Cold Lake Air Show. This visit was a significant highlight, uniting aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike in a celebration of aviation heritage.
The day featured a festive barbecue event, allowing attendees to get up close with the historic bomber. The Lancaster’s arrival was made even more special by the support of YXE Airport Authority personnel, who helped create a memorable experience for local RCAF veteran Reg Harrison.
Reg Harrison, a WWII Lancaster pilot and honorary Snowbird from 431 Squadron, was escorted to a prime viewing spot near the south side of runway 27 by YXE Airport Authority staff. This unobstructed vantage point provided Reg with a poignant and memorable experience as he watched the Lancaster land.
Once on the ground, the Lancaster was guided to Apron V, where over 1,000 eager visitors awaited. The atmosphere was electric as Reg interacted with the flight crew, shared memories, and they celebrated their experiences. His presence added a deeply personal touch to the event, bridging past and present in a heartfelt tribute to aviation history.
Special thanks to Greg Yuel of Kreos Aviation for being the Event Sponsor and to Brian Swidrovich for both his financial contribution and his efforts in bringing the Lancaster to the museum. The day was a great success, blending historical significance with personal connections and community spirit. Pictured below are Greg Yuel, Reg Harrison, and Brian Swidrovich.
If you would like to see more information about Lancasters, and some highlights of the day at the museum, check out this link to a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtpjJZU8F8&t=3s&pp=ygUZbGFuY2FzdGVyIGF0IHNhc2thdGNoZXdhbg%3D%3D
2024 Norcanair Reunion: A Day of Nostalgia and Celebration. The 2024 Norcanair Reunion brought together over 150 attendees, each cherishing memories of some of the most remarkable years of their careers. Despite the warm weather, the spirit of the gathering was vibrant, and the enthusiasm of the participants was palpable. Many long-time colleagues reunited, and there was a strong desire expressed for another reunion next year.
Two historians, James Winkel and Will Chabun of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, delivered a compelling and informative presentation on the history of Norcanair, adding depth to the day’s festivities. Following the presentation, attendees were invited to share their own stories, with Don Lloyd delivering inspirational words that brought the program to a heartfelt close. The event was further enhanced by the presence of numerous Norcanair associates.
Adding to the day’s excitement, several aircraft were on display, making the event even more memorable. A highlight was the World War II Canso, which was on its “Canso Across Canada Tour”. The Fairview Canso was a nostalgic centerpiece, and its presence was particularly special for those who had flown Cansos for Norcanair in the past.
In the background of the second picture, two perfectly restored and airworthy C-180 aircraft stood as symbols of the “friendly” rivalry that once existed between Norcanair and Athabaska Airways. These aircraft represented a cherished piece of aviation history and added a unique touch to the reunion.
The 2024 Norcanair Reunion was a resounding success, filled with camaraderie, remembrance, and a shared love for aviation history. We hope there are more to come.
Open Cockpit Day – July 20th: A Tribute to the BCATP. On July 20th, our Open Cockpit Day continued a tribute to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), featuring the Harvard Mk IV as a highlight of this engaging educational fundraising event. Visitors were immersed in a unique experience, beginning with a “mission briefing” that set the stage for their hands-on interaction with the aircraft.
Participants had the opportunity to climb into the cockpit of the Harvard Mk IV, gaining a firsthand sense of what it was like to be a pilot in one of these more complex training aircraft. This immersive experience allowed them to sit at the controls and envision the skills and training required to operate such a plane during the BCATP era.
The BCATP theme for Open Cockpit Day has proven to be exceptionally successful, setting new records for attendance. The event continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, celebrating the legacy of the BCATP and offering an engaging way to connect with aviation history.
RCAF Station Saskatoon: Some history of the Saskatoon Airport. What we now know as Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport was once called Station Saskatoon. RCAF Station Saskatoon, situated north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was a significant British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) base operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II.
On September 16, 1940, the station became home to No. 4 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), one of many dozens of military air training facilities established under the BCATP. During its operation, the station utilized Avro Anson and Cessna Crane twin-engine trainers. The school continued its training operations until March 30, 1945, when it was disbanded. Among the notable pilots trained at the station was Les Munro, who later took part in the famous Dambusters Raid in Germany.
After the war, RCAF Station Saskatoon was reactivated. No. 406 (Auxiliary) Squadron was established there, initially flying Harvard trainers and B-25 Mitchell bombers before shifting to light transport duties with the C-45 Expeditor and De Havilland Otter. Additionally, No. 1 Advanced Flying School operated from the station from 1952 to 1962, employing a diverse array of aircraft. From 1959 to 1962, the RCAF’s Central Flying School was also based at the station.
With the onset of defense cutbacks, the flying schools and No. 406 Squadron were disbanded in early 1964. The station then served as a storage site for retired aircraft, including Dakotas, Neptune antisubmarine aircraft, and T-33 trainers, until this facility was closed in 1978. Today, the site of the former RCAF Station Saskatoon is occupied by the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.
RCAF Avro Anson: The Avro Anson, which was utilized at RCAF Station Saskatoon by No. 4 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), was a notable aircraft in its era. Known by several nicknames, including “Faithful Annie” and “Flying Greenhouse,” the Anson was distinguished by its retractable undercarriage—a feature considered advanced for its time in 1936.
In 1940, to support the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), the Canadian government established Federal Aircraft Limited in Montreal specifically to manufacture the Anson for Canadian use. Nearly 3,000 Ansons were produced, and the aircraft played a crucial role as the standard trainer for many pilots, navigators, wireless operators, and bomb aimers during the early stages of the BCATP. Over 20,000 aircrew members were trained on the Anson.
In Canadian service, the Avro Anson underwent significant modifications. It was re-designed to incorporate North American engines and featured numerous changes to its airframe and equipment, reflecting the adaptation needed for local operational requirements.
The Saskatchewan Aviation Museum is currently restoring Anson Mark I, AX111. It is in the early stages of development, and progress is seen monthly. Come check it out. If you are interested in restoration, consider joining the team. The image below is of an early model Avro Anson in the RCAF British Commonwealth Training Plan in WWII.
Points North Air DC-3/C47 Update: The restoration team for the Points North Air DC-3/C-47 has embarked on the challenging task of repainting the aircraft. Significant progress has been made, with extensive preparation of the fuselage already completed and an initial application of white Endura aircraft paint applied to the upper fuselage.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers. Points North Freight Forwarding has graciously offered to cover the expenses for painting, ensuring that this important restoration project can continue to advance.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this iconic aircraft back to its former glory!
Passing of a Saskatchewan Aviation Museum Founder Fraser Sutherland. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Fraser Sutherland, one of the original founding members of the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum. Fraser devoted his time and made substantial financial contributions to the museum during its inception years, helping to lay the foundation for what we have today.
Fraser James Sutherland, born in Regina, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at the age of 73. Fraser touched countless lives with his warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in our hearts. He will be dearly missed by many, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
Aviation Weekend Fundraiser August 24th and 25th: Each day of this educational family and networking event will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by Saskatchewan Air Ambulance in support of MS research at 8:00 AM. Hamburgers will be available at 11:00AM hosted by the museum. The 602 Lynx Wing RCAF Association will be hosting a Beer Garden.
This year, the RCMP and STARS will be participating, as well as Rise Air, SPSA Fire Attack Aircraft, SIIT, Millenium Aviation, Mitchinson Flying Service, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, COPA, RCAF, Protec Fire Services (Saskatoon Airport Fire Department), and more. Follow our Instagram (skaviationmuseum) and Facebook (saskaviation.ca) pages for updates.
Thank you once again to our volunteers and donors. July was a very special month at the museum and we could not have done it without you. We are looking forward to an exciting Aviation Weekend this month.
See you at the Hangar!
Sincerely,
Brian Eikel
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Aviation Museum
306-341-4973
[email protected]
