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Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates 100 years

April 11, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Royal Canadian Air Force is celebrating 100 years as a branch of the armed forces, and much of the early history of military aviation in Canada happened locally at CFB Borden.

The Canadian Air Force was originally established in 1920 as the successor to a small force that was created during the First World War.

In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada including civilian aviation.

It was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924.

As of 2020, the RCAF had 12,074 regular force personnel and 1,969 primary reservists. They are supported by 1,518 civilians.

The current force has a strength of 258 aircraft, including 80 fighters, 15 Maritime patrol craft, 47 transport aircraft, 150 helicopters of various types, and 97 trainers.

CFB Borden is the historic birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Base was opened in 1916 to train units for the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In 1917, the Base was selected for a military aerodrome, becoming the first flying station of the Royal Flying Corps in Canada.

At the time, aviation, especially military aviation, was in its infancy as they were still trying to figure out the best way to use aircraft in a military capacity.

Many Canadian and Commonwealth pilots trained with the legendary Sopwith Camel at the Base.

Some of the original aircraft hangars at the Base are still there, and the eight surviving Royal Flying Corps hangars have been designated a National History Site.

The base is located on 21,000 acres of land, which includes 6,000 acres of training area.

While the Base no longer has runways for fixed-wing aircraft, the Base still has 16 Wing, which has three schools – the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering and the Royal Canadian Air Force Academy.

The Base is home to the 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, supporting the 1 Wing CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

To recognize the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 in Alliston requested the RCAF flag be flown at the New Tecumseth Administration Centre.

The flag was raised on Wednesday, April 3, by local dignitaries, a Legion executive, and local veterans.

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