An Ode to a Century of Service: Honouring the RCAF on Canadian Armed Forces Day

1919 – 1939

The Royal Canadian Air Force was officially formed in 1924. Before then, various organizations such as the Air Board (1919) and the Canadian Air Force (1920) were formed to control military and civil aviation in Canada, and provide refresher training to former war-time pilots.

During this time, the RCAF mostly conducted civil-oriented operations, such as aerial photography, forest fire patrols, anti-smuggling, air mail, and forest spraying. They also participated in exercises with the army and navy, though it wasn’t until 1935 that the RCAF became more military-focused.

1939 – 1945

During the Second World War, the RCAF experienced a period of enormous growth. In August 1939, the RCAF had just over 4,000 members and less than 50 modern aircraft, but by January 1944 it had become the fourth largest Allied air force in the world with over 213,000 personnel at its peak.

The RCAF had many roles during the Second World War including flying its fighter and bomber aircraft, conducting maritime patrol, maritime strike, transport (for passengers, equipment, supplies, and mail), and training.

1945 – present

After the Second World War, the RCAF’s roles shifted. These changes were based on Canada’s geographical location (and relative isolation), as well as budget.

Many of the RCAF’s roles during this time are those that the RCAF still participates in, such as air defense, maritime patrol, training, transport, peacekeeping, and search and rescue. The RCAF has also conducted, and continues to conduct, various combat operations, humanitarian operations, and domestic operations like Arctic patrols and surveillance of Canadian waters.

Today, the RCAF even provides space power support to the Canadian Forces—proving the sky is no longer the limit.