Nanton Lancaster Society Air Museum
August 21, 2010
| News and Events |
When the Second World War broke out in 1939, it was clear that air power would play a major role. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, with Canada playing the leading role, was created to answer the need for aircrew. The success of this scheme was dependent on its instructors.
Over the course of the war, 50,000 teen-aged and slightly-older recruits were moulded into skilled fighter and bomber pilots by their Flight Instructors. The graduates went on to win the air war and defeat the Nazis but the majority of instructors, most of whom longed to be posted overseas on operations, continued to teach class after class until the end of the war.
Flight Instructors continue to play a role with Canada's Air Force, as the NATO Flight Training Program graduates pilots for today's challenges.
The late G/C Eric "Marty" Mitchell who spent five years training Flight Instructors before completing a tour of operations overseas as the Commanding Officer of No. 431 Squadron RCAF. G/C Mitchell flew our museum's Fleet Fawn trainer sixteen times during his service at RCAF Flight Instructor Schools at Borden and Trenton.
Gordon Jones instructed on Tiger Moths and Cornells at #5 Elementary Flying Training School in High River, just north of Nanton. He continues to fly one of the Tiger Moths he instructed in.
Owen Fauvel instructed at #5 Elementary Flying Training School in High River as well. During his time there he produced a colour documentary film that followed a class through their training.
We will also be acknowledging the wartime presence of No. 2 Flying Instructor School at the former BCATP base just east of Nanton.
Canada's continuing role as the site of flight instruction through the NATO Flight Training Program will also be featured.
One of our special guest will be Ted Barris, whose highly regarded book, "Behind the Glory," focuses on the story of the Flight Instructors - the men behind the glory.
Our "Salute to the Flight Instructors" will be a full day of activities including a pancake breakfast, Lancaster engine start-ups, Fleet Fawn start-ups, a Luncheon, various presentations during the day, an afternoon program honouring the Flight Instructors, and flypasts of vintage and modern military aircraft.
