As many know, the Battle of Britain was a major battle fought in the second world war. It took place from July to October 1940 and was fought entirely in the air as Hitler’s forces attempted to clear the RAF from the skies as a prelude to invasion. Many Canadians fought in this battle, many died. To commemorate this important battle, September 15 of each year, the day that the Luftwaffe launched its heaviest assault on Britain. Each year, 17 Wing in Winnipeg conducts a ceremony, and the last several years, the CATP Museum’s aircraft have taken part performing a flypast for the ceremony (when weather permitted). This year, three of our aircraft took part, including the newly restored Fleet Finch, the Tiger Moth DH82c, and the Cornell. Our Stinson was also to take part, but the day it was to depart, weather kept it from leaving Brandon. It is an honour for us to take part in the ceremony commemorating those who fought in this battle, especially in vintage WWII training aircraft. Some photos of the aircraft and the event are below, thanks to one of our pilots, Peter Moodie.
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 