Request
Hi, I have a photograph of a flyer named Bruce who trained in Canada during WW2, he was my mother’s first love…
His nickname was Chap, I can’t find his last name.
Bruce died in aerial combat in Europe. I’m trying to find out more about him and what happened. I have a photo of him standing by his plane
Thanks, James
To be continued…
Ongoing research done by Stephen King whose great-uncle trained in Canada most probably at No.4 EFTS Windsor Mills.
I’ve been doing some research into my great-uncle Robert King. From what the family story is, he left Toledo, Ohio in February 1941 to go to Canada to join the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) and flew for the RAF in Europe early in the war. From what I have been able to determine, he was moved to the Army Air Corp and formed up with the 65th squadron (Fighting Cocks) of the 57th Fighter Group. It looks like they deployed to North Africa in July, 1942.
I’ve been unable to find any RCAF history as of yet. This is not too unusual as I have discovered through my research. It was illegal for US citizens to join foreign services in this manner. They faced a fine of $20,000 and loss of US citizenship if caught. All were forgiven in 1944. While the most famous of these men were the Flying Tigers and the Eagle Squadrons, there were many more that didn’t receive the same recognition. This is the start of my great-uncle’s story. I’ll add to this album as I find more pictures and interesting facts.
Updated 12 April 2021
Original post (broken link)
Found on this Website a few years ago.
Click on the image below to go to the Website, then once on the Website you will see this image…
Touch screen to begin.
Click on Pilots to view Knights with Wings.
PL-2050
4492 Fleet Finch
Finch II
Model 16B
first date: 26 June 1940 – Taken on strength
Category A damage on 22 May 1941 while with No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School at Windsor Mills, PQ.
last date: 11 July 1941 – Struck off
First post on this blog on October 31st, 2012
Cam Harrod posted this on the Facebook group page British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada
Hi Everyone
Just joined the group and am happy I found it
Dad served at #9EFTS St Catherines from 1939-44.
Here is a picture of my actual Fleet Finch taken at #4 EFTS Windsor Mills Que
She is #4494 and I fly her in aviation events thru out Ontario
A black and white photograph of E. Weldon McKay in winter flight gear in front of a Fleet Finch II Model 16B with a sliding canopy for winter flying. The photo was taken while Weldon McKay was stationed at Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) No. 4 Windsor Mills, Quebec. Weldon McKay received his training at No.4 EFTS from November 22, 1941 to January 31, 1942.
From the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Archive (source)
This is his plane…
More to come…
Meantime… click here.
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I noticed you identified my father, Donald C. Ford. Are there other links with additional information? My dad passed away in 1975. I have his log books and training record.
Or use this contact form…
I know more than you think about No. 4 EFTS Windsor Mills.
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan 