What was once called ‘porridge’ is now called ‘hot cereal’. Developed in 1929 in Alberta, Sunny Boy cereal was a combination of wheat, rye and flax. There is also a suggestion that it was developed in Winnipeg by the Red River Cereal company in 1924 and yet another website suggests Calgary 1943 (though that location and year may have to do with the promotion of the game)
Radio was becoming very popular entertainment and advertisers recognizing its potential started promoting their products. It was not unusual for promotional items to be included in the product packaging. Many advertisers included stamps, coupons or trinkets.
Sunny Boy, as it names suggests was aimed at children and they promoted collecting stamps for the Radio Game.
Players would ‘send away’ for the game map and stamp album. Each week, a number corresponding to one of the silhouettes would be broadcast. You would then identify the aircraft from your stamps.
During the Second World War aircraft recognition was learned by service personnel and civilians alike. The mystery of this particular artifact is that the map has Antarctica in the center and no North America. Was Chart No. 2 for the south hemisphere? Was there one for the North? Every picture tells a story or at least prompts more questions!
Editor’s Note: This is a special guest post by Don Stanton. Don is a retired U.S. Navy pilot who flew long-range P-3C (Aurora) patrol planes and serves on the Maryland Aviation Commission. He published Looking Back at the Cold War; 30 Veterans and a Patrol Plane Commander Remember. In this piece, Don writes about a young American who joined the RCAF and did his training in Virden and in Brandon to earn his wings. We have a small section in the museum dedicated to those US citizens who came to Canada to join and fight in the RCAF. You can find Don and more of his writing on Linked In.
Even after the Nazi invasions of Czechoslovakia and Poland and their vicious persecution of Jews, a September 1939 Gallup Poll found that 84% of Americans still opposed U.S. military aid to Europe. The America First Committee was formed in September 1940 at Yale University and rapidly grew to over 850,000 members in 450 chapters across the country. Many powerful senators, representatives, and business leaders pushed to keep the US neutral and opposed military assistance to Britain which might lead the US into the war.
In March 1939, Air Marshall Bishop visited President Roosevelt and gained his approval for low-key Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) recruiting. An American WWI pilot led the “Clayton Knight Committee” and established a headquarters in New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel and recruiting hubs in 17 other U.S. cities. Low-profile RCAF recruiters visited airfields and bars across the US and compiled lists of over 700 potential instructors and 1,400 air crew candidates.
During the darkest years of WWII in 1940-41, thousands of determined young Americans ranging from workers to Ivy League students bucked the prevailing U.S. neutrality and took buses, trains, and even hitchhiked to Canada to enlist in the RCAF. They brought their high school diploma, two letters of recommendation, took tests, and were carefully interviewed during the aircrew selection process. RCAF interviewers were looking for highly motivated men who showed the potential to earn their brevet wings in about 6-12 months (depending on aircrew position; about 200 hours of flight time for pilots). Americans joined the RCAF by swearing an ‘Oath of obedience to superior officers’ rather than to the king.
One of those motivated Americans who joined the RCAF in Montreal on April 17 1941 was 19-year-old Jacques (John) Andre Hubert De Le Paulle who was born in New York City, educated in France, but listed his home as Washington D.C. John had already been in action in 1940 as a US Ambulance Corps volunteer in France and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. John started at No.2 Initial Training School at Regina SK where he was selected for the pilot track and trained at No.19 Elementary Flying Training School at Virden MB.
De Le Paulle checked-in on August 31, 1941 to No.12 Service Flying Training School at Brandon MB with Class #37. His class was part of the intense push to get trained pilots shipped over to Britain and only about seven months after enlisting, John was awarded his pilot brevet on November 22, 1941. As noted in this CP article: “Brandon Manitoba November 22, 1941 “Wings Added To Croix De Guerre. Nineteen-year-old John De La Paulle of New York who won the Croix De Guerre as a volunteer United States ambulance driver in Belgium and France in 1940 today received Royal Canadian Air Force Wings at No. 12 Service Flying Training School here. When Wing Cmdr. R.C. Gordon, commanding officer of the air station, pinned the wings on his chest the young American pilot who holds vivid memories of Nazi Stuka pilots machine gunning Red Cross and American ambulances overseas expressed pleasure that “I will soon be able to take a crack at ‘Jerry’ with something more than an ambulance.” No. 12 Service Flying Training School Brandon
Pilot Officer John De Le Paulle must have had good mathematics test results because he was selected for the long-range patrol flying boat pilot track which required him to go to advanced navigation training at No. 32 Air Navigation School Charlottetown PEI and then on to No. 31 Operational Training Unit Debert NS before shipping overseas in mid-1942. De Le Paulle was initially assigned to No. 423 Squadron at RAF Castle Archdale Northern Ireland and later to the new RCAF No. 422 Squadron flying Sunderland flying boats. These huge aircraft were manned by a crew of about 11 (including 3 to 5 gunners), cruised at only about 155 knots, and had an endurance of 13 hours.
A Short Sunderland Flying Boat
On September 3 1943 at 0100 F/Lt De Le Paulle took off with a crew of 12 from RAF Castle Archdale Northern Ireland in Sunderland III “P” DD861 for a long-range anti U-boat patrol in the Bay of Biscay. 8 hours later at 0915 the starboard outer engine caught fire and dropped from the wing followed by the starboard inner engine failing. John managed to ditch the Sunderland in Bay of Biscay, the crew sent out three “SOS” messages, and released their homing pigeon to hopefully fly back to their base. The Sunderland sank in two minutes, but the crew gathered in two dinghies and managed to survive until they were rescued 4 days later. RCAF 422 Sunderland, DD861, Crew? – WARTIMES.ca
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Croix De Guere
F/Lt De Le Paulle later flew in the RAF Coastal Operational Training Unit and in December 1944 he returned to Canada where he served in No. 45 Group before leaving the RCAF in September 1945. A September 10 1944 article noted “Flt/Lt J.A. De Le Paulle of 4884 MacArthur Boulevard, Washington, D.C., 23-year-old American pilot in the R.C.A.F. who has recently won the D.F.C for anti-U-boat operations, spent part of 10 days leave in Normandy in capturing four armed German soldiers. He also entered Paris with the American Army of Liberation.”R.A.F. COASTAL COMMAND PILOT SPENDS 10 DAYS LEAVE IN NORMANDY | Imperial War Museums
It is amazing that withing five years, 23-year-old F/Lt De Le Paulle had gone from volunteering for ambulances during the 1940 Fall of France, to gaining his wings at Brandon’s No. 12 SFTS in 1941, to winning a DFC in 1944 hunting U-boats. Between 1940-45, over 9000 Americans stepped-up to serve in the RCAF and 829 were killed in action. In the years after the US entered WWII, about half of these Americans would transfer into the Army Air Forces, but about half decided to stayed with their RCAF and RAF squadrons. Americans in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War 2 – Military Aviation Chronicles
This is the second post written by one of our summer student workers, Seraphina G., Seraphina is a music student at Brandon University.
Andy Sparling (son of Streamliner saxophonist Phil) is the source for much of the information, the photos and the recording in this article. His book “Dance Through the Darkness: The Untold Story of the RCAF Streamliners” is available by contacting him at andy.sparling89@gmail.com
“We were asked if we carried weapons. I said that I had my clarinet. But you can’t kill a guy with a clarinet.”
— Pat Riccio
When thinking about the 1940s, the first thing that may come to your mind would be the Second World War, but unbeknownst to many, this era had a rich music history with much emphasis placed on the jazz genre. The events of WWII overlapped with the height of the swing era, the period of jazz that highlighted big bands and upbeat, swung rhythms. The big bands were enjoyed at the time by civilians and soldiers alike, as music increased morale during desperately dark times. Many of the popular swing bands at the time originated from the US, such as Major Glenn Miller’s Orchestra which was greatly enjoyed by soldiers. Despite the focus on American talent, many loved bands were coming from Canada; one of these bands was the RCAF Streamliners from St. Thomas, Ontario. During the devastation of war, the RCAF Streamliners used music to comfort the suffering people and transformed jazz into a bridge between the home front and battlefront.
(Left to Right) Billy Carter, Jack Perdue and Phil Sparling
The RCAF Streamliners (though it wouldn’t receive its name until later on) was started in the spring of 1941 by Bill Carter, an airman at the RCAF Technical Training School in St. Thomas. Carter played trumpet professionally before joining the RCAF and after enlistment, he wanted to form a dance band with some of his fellow airmen. He recruited two other musicians who enlisted in the Air Force, Jack Perdue and Phil Sparling. The three were reassigned to bandsmen and worked together to enlist other airmen into the band, and by July 25th, 1941, they had enough players for their first performance. The band would continue to perform and grow in popularity among the Air Force and were eventually reassigned to Gander, Newfoundland, where they arrived in early 1943. The Streamliners were wildly loved in Gander and played for many events and dances. The band had a unique sound that was enjoyed by many; this was because their saxophonist, Pat Riccio, being a talented arranger.
RCAF Streamliners at Lincoln Inn Fields Park, London
During their time in Gander, the RCAF Streamliners received their name and spent the majority of their free time either practicing or rehearsing. On top of their performances in both civilian and military settings, the band also recorded a weekly radio broadcast which could be heard as far as Ontario. As their popularity increased, the Streamliners eventually received orders to report overseas for duty and to function as morale for troops and civilians overseas. They left Gander on the Empress of Scotland and arrived in London within a month of getting their orders. Many concerts were scheduled for the Streamliners once they were in London, and they performed in a many different venues. One of the venues was the Lincoln Inn Fields Park, where they held daylight concerts that were often under the threat of being bombed by Axis forces. Despite the risk, thousands of people would still turn out for these performances.
RCAF Streamliners playing for an appreciative audience
The RCAF Streamliners were loved in both Canada and Europe, and they received high praise from another military swing band at the time – Glenn Miller’s Orchestra. Glenn Miller and his group were in Europe for the same reason, to bring comfort to the people during trying times. After witnessing one of the Streamliners’ concerts, Glenn Miller told an interviewer “The RCAF Streamliners are the best band in Europe – Next to mine!”. His compliment helped the growth of the Streamliners popularity. On top of this praise, the band also performed with many popular acts overseas, such as Stephane Grappelli and Vera Lynn. This whirlwind of performances and popularity lasted only 4 months and by the end of 1944, the RCAF Streamliners were given a new assignment – to bring a taste of home to the Allied troops on the front lines.
The RCAF Streamliners were shipped out of southern Belgium and in late December 1944, they found themselves weaponless on the frontlines of the Battle of the Bulge. Although they were absolutely convinced that they were going to die, the band carried their instruments amid gunfire and arrived at a small church in the Dutch countryside. Here, with the chaos of battle all around them, the band played to tired and anxious troops. The soldiers were on such high alert that whenever the church door opened, everyone would stop swaying to the music and point their rifles at the door… just in case it was the enemy. This was one of many concerts given by the Streamliners on the frontlines and each one brought great comfort to the struggling soldiers. The band travelled all around Europe and performed in the most devasting of circumstances, including a performance in the rubble of Hamberg where it was estimated that 40,000 civilians died.
RCAF Streamliners at the opening of the Canada Club hostel in Hamburg Germany
The RCAF Streamliners continued to spread hope and joy until 1946, delivering over 400 concerts in under 2 years. The group disbanded after the war ended and they were discharged from the military, though most members continued to make music. Some of them even ended up playing with legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington and the Beatles. The story of the RCAF Streamliners is a powerful reminder of music’s ability to uplift, even in the darkest of times. From their humble start at the RCAF training schools in Canada to their performances on the war-torn front lines of Europe, the Streamliners carried hope to those impacted by the devastation. Their music bridged the gap between home and war, offering soldiers and civilians alike a short escape from the difficulties of battle. The praise they received from Glenn Miller and their collaborations with renowned artists showcase their incredible talent and influence. The band had an amazing ability to unite those facing the harsh realities of the Second World War. The RCAF Streamliners were more than a band, they were a symbol of hope in some of humanity’s darkest moments. They knew that despite the dangers, as long as there was music to be played, the show must go on.
Left: Billy Carter, who started it all.
If you would like to hear a recording of the Streamliners, click here!
Brandon, MB — The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM), Canada’s only museum solely dedicated to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and a designated National Historic Site, is proud to announce the appointment of Zoe McQuinn as its new Director General.
Zoe brings over two decades of experience in museum leadership, education, and international cultural work. Most recently the Director of Development at the Manitoba Museum, she led major accessibility initiatives, secured funding for transformative capital projects, and championed community-rooted storytelling. She now takes the helm at CATPM to guide the museum through an ambitious, multi-phase redevelopment that includes structural restoration, exhibit renewal, and national partnership-building.
“Zoe brings an extraordinary blend of academic insight, international museum experience, and heartfelt community engagement. Her leadership marks an exciting new chapter for CATPM as we honour our past and build for the future.” — John McNarry, President, Board of Directors, CATPM
Zoe also brings a global perspective to her new role. From 2019 to 2022, she worked in Egypt with colleagues at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to support its monumental opening. Her work focused on interpretive planning, exhibition development, and institutional capacity building. Prior to that, she held key roles in the Learning & Programs departments at the Royal Ontario Museum, where she developed innovative programming and exhibition strategies with a focus on accessiblity, sustainability, and community collaboration.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Zoe to the CATPM team. Her passion for inclusive storytelling and her vision for revitalizing this important National Historic Site are exactly what we need as we move into a bold and inspiring new era for the museum.” — Stephen Hayer, Executive Director, CATPM
In addition to her museum leadership, Professor McQuinn served as a lecturer at the University of Toronto for over 20 years, teaching courses on the archaeology of Egypt and the ancient Near East, Egyptian art, architecture, and religion, as well as thematic and interdisciplinary courses. These included explorations of mummification, gender and sexuality in ancient Egypt, and the reevaluation of past archaeological narratives through scientific, racial, and decolonial theory lenses—courses that challenged assumptions and connected ancient stories to present-day perspectives.
“I’m honoured by the trust placed in me to help shape the next chapter of this extraordinary museum,” said Zoe. “The stories of service, innovation, and sacrifice embodied here are both humbling and inspiring.”
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for CATPM, as it revitalizes its historic site to enhance visitor experience, preserve its legacy, and ensure long-term sustainability.
This post was written by one of our summer student workers, Seraphina G., Seraphina wrote a few post for us last summer, and continues with this one, she is a music student at Brandon University.
It’s all the small things that keep this museum running. While a museum is a large project that requires extensive fundraising and public outreach to keep standing, at the heart there are little details that need to be attended to; little details that mustn’t be forgotten. All museums are the same in this way, and the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is no different. Museums and those who work in them are starkly aware of this fact and continuously choose to aid each other rather than treat others as competitors. If we receive a donation that cannot be housed in our archives, we will find a better home for it as quickly as possible — we will find another museum to care for it. We are committed to preserving the past, even if it means we cannot provide that protection ourselves.
That kind of commitment isn’t made; it’s born from both passion and choice. It’s museums and their volunteers who hold onto history and choose to passionately preserve our past for all future generations to come. There are so many ways in which this is done, and our museum is lucky to have such a wide assortment of focused and caring individuals. The CATP Museum is situated in a historic hangar that officially opened in 1941, making it 84 years old today. This building was constructed under severe time constraints and pressure from the war; it was never meant to last more that 5 years. The fact that our hangar is still standing today seems like a miraculous feat of magic, but truthfully, that’s not why it’s still here. Our hangar is here due to this aforementioned passion for preservation.
A building like this takes an incredible amount of maintenance. From repainting and repairing, to checking the integrity of the old, creaking trusses, there is work that needs to be done consistently. The lawn needs to be mowed, concrete floors swept, and all the electrical wires need to be inspected. This is all done by our ardent volunteers, who are here daily, who take time out of their lives to be here. Work like this often goes unnoticed and underappreciated, yet it is still done because of how much our volunteers care for the museum. I recognize this kind of work may seem thankless, but it is so deeply valued — so this is my thank you, I write out of undying support to those who work hard to maintain this building. This museum would not be standing if it were not for their dedication.
Our volunteers do more than just maintenance. Our archives are vast, and they contain over 40 years of remarkable donations. Every single donation, every object bequeathed to our possession has been carefully tended to with loving hands. Each item analyzed, labelled, catalogued and placed safely on a shelf. Not to collect dust, but rather to hold our history to light and keep it spectacularly preserved. What you see in our exhibits, is not all that we are. Maintaining archives takes countless hours of work, and again, this work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. Every little thing is lovingly looked after by our dedicated archival team; every photograph that was once cherished has been acknowledged and sweetly cherished once again by our diligent volunteers. Our history would so quickly disappear if it were not for these volunteers who are so willing to preserve it.
Our website and social media are other things that are carefully managed by our volunteers. The world is quickly advancing, and all museums alike are doing their best to adapt. The world is at our fingertips, and all knowledge is just a few clicks away — it’s amazing and it has done so much for our society. However, it has left its marks in many negative ways. Our history, and the fires that forged us are incredibly important, though culturally our focus tends to lie on the present. Our website and social media allow us to bridge that gap, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of the past and present. Without volunteers willing to take photos, write blogposts and take the time to form social media posts, there’s a level of public outreach that would be lost. When it’s right at our fingertips, it’s so easy to forget about the loyal volunteers who put it there in the first place. This is one of the many little things that keep us afloat here at the CATP Museum.
I am writing this today, as a thank you to everyone who tirelessly volunteers their time to this museum. While everyone is focused on larger scale projects, you manage all the small things that keep us running, that keep history alive. Without you, this museum would have disappeared long ago, and it would have faded into a forgotten memory. This is also more than just a thank you. This is a love letter to all museums and all the people within them who are passionate enough to care. If you ever feel like your dedication to preservation is overlooked or underappreciated, please know that I see you, we at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum see you. You are doing utterly important work. If we do not know our past, we are doomed to repeat it. All the small things have made it so that our history as a people will never fade and be forgotten.
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 