Chronology of Canadian Military History Canadian Military History, Colonial Period, New France, First Peoples, Seven Years War, French Indian War Canadian Military History, British North America, American Invasion, War of 1812, Dominion of Canada, Riel Rebellion, South African War Canadian Military History, World War 1 History, 1914-1918, Canadian Armed Forces, conscription Canadian Military History, World War 2, 1939-1945, Battle of the Atlantic, conscription, invasion, Dday, Normandy, Germany, axis, allies, Hong Kong, Dieppe 1946-today
Canada and the 
First World War
NAC-
c-6984
The First World War
The Canadian Expeditionary Force
Vimy Ridge
Recruitment and Conscription
The Canadian Corps: Spearhead to Victory
Canadians on other Fronts
Canada and the Air War
Canada and the War at Sea
The Aftermath
Canada between the Wars
Canada in World Affairs

CANADA AND THE AIR WAR

1914-1918

Canadian airmen distinguished themselves overseas serving in British air forces.

During the First World War, great leaps were made in aircraft technology and the use of aircraft for military purposes. Canadians served at home and overseas as fighter and reconnaissance pilots, aerial observers, mechanics, and flight instructors in the British air services. Over 3000 British and Canadian pilots trained in Canada, of whom 2500 served overseas. Many airmen were among the Allies’ best. Fighter pilot W.A. “Billy” Bishop was the third leading ace of the war, credited with 72 aircraft destroyed, while William Barker, also a fighter pilot, is one of the most highly- decorated Canadians of all time. These men, and other flyers like Raymond Collishaw and A.A. McLeod, became household names in Canada. Of the nearly 23,000 Canadian airmen who served during the war, 1563 died.

W.A. “Billy” Bishop, William Barker, Raymond Collishaw, A.A. McLeod


CANADA 
AND THE AIR WAR
CWM-19710261- 0517


Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M8
1-800-555-5621