Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
World War II units in the Pacific
Background
In 1920, the Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in with two squadrons that served in Europe during World War I. The initial Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia to provide refresher training to existing pilots. During 1921 under the command of Wing Commander John Scott Williams and later that year tuned over command to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon. In 1923 responsible for all all flying operations in Canada including non-military. In 1924 given the royal title, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) that remains in use today. In French, known as Aviation Royale Canadienne (ARC).
World War II
The RCAF entered World War II at the start of the war in Europe. Canada was part of the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). Operationallly, the RCAF was participated in combat operations overseas including in Asia and in defense of Canada. The RCAF used both British and American aircraft. In addition, Canadian pilots served with other forces including the Royal Air Force (RAF).
References
The Royal Canadian Air Force at War 1939-1945 (1990)
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