by Val | Jul 23, 2017 | Aircraft, Books, Collections, Library Display, News & Events, Posts
I was helping in our Gift Shop the other day, and is my habit, invited our guests to have a look in our Museum Library. People who venture in are amazed with the size and quality of our collection, as well as the variety of topics we have covered. People are also intrigued by the number of model aircraft we have on display above our bookshelves; they also enjoy checking out other model aircraft in the Main Gallery and in the hallway showcase. I recently discovered an extensive collection of books published by Squadron/Signal Publications and by Sabre Model Supplies. These books would be a great source of information for model-builders, historically and structurally: Bristol Blenheim in action by Ron Mackay has a close look at the development of this aircraft and chronicles its use in combat. You’ll appreciate the black and white as well as the coloured photos; you’ll also find the detailed line drawings most helpful. Sopwith Fighters in action is written by Peter Cooksley and illustrated by Joe Sewell. Cooksley introduces his book, “It could be argued that the aircraft built at Thomas Sopwith’s factory at Kingston-on-Thames contributed more to the Allied cause during the First World War than those of any other aircraft company. Of these, the Sopwith Camel is the best remembered… they made a great contribution to the development of the aircraft as a fighting machine at a time when the very science of flying was in its early stages…” I freely admit that I was taken by the SR-71 Blackbird in action cover. Lou Drendel wrote and illustrated this...
by CAFM contributor | Jul 21, 2017 | Aircraft, Heritage Air Park, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
We’re pleased to share the first of Lucie‘s drawings with you. We enjoy seeing the Museum world through her eyes and hope you do, too!
by Val | Jul 19, 2017 | Member Info, News & Events, Posts
It’s my pleasure to introduce our two youngest volunteers. They originally came in with their mom, Carol, who volunteers on Thursday mornings. At the time I met them, they were homeschooled and did some school assignments while their mom worked on her volunteer tasks. They quickly discovered that when their school work was finished, they could help in the Museum; they helped organize and label photo albums, an ongoing task. As summer approached, their thoughts went to Thursday mornings and what more they could contribute. You see, they love the Museum! They like the volunteers in the building, saying, “They’re kind and funny.” Well, we like them too! Let’s meet them! This is Tyko. He’s 12 years old, an air cadet, and in addition to using the flight simulator in the Library, is interested in writing. Tyko’s going to contribute some posts this summer. This young man has some interesting topics in mind! This is Lucie. She’s 10 1/2 years old and in addition to using the flight simulator in the Library, is a talented young artist, interested in drawing; she especially likes to depict landscapes, vehicles, and aircraft. This young lady is going to contribute some of her drawings to our website this summer! We hope that you’ll follow Tyko and Lucie’s series. It’s always good to see the world through the eyes of our youth! Thanks, Tyko and Lucie for volunteering to contribute!...
by Val | Jul 16, 2017 | Collections, News & Events, Posts
This is another of our series: the Wickenby Register Newsletter. The newsletters were printed twice yearly; they include information about 12 Squadron RAF, memories of service men and women, the occasional recipe, stories of times past… But perhaps the thing that spoke to both Mel and me when we saw them was the inclusion of a poem on the back of each issue. We hope that you’ll enjoy these two: ...
by Gary | Jul 13, 2017 | Aircraft, Gift Shop, News & Events, Posts, Vehicles
Today’s chapter from the gallery is an attempt to recognize and honour the people who make our museum what it is.That of course means the men and women who sacrificed so much through conflict but also the great team that runs our museum. Having celebrated our country’s 150th, I thought it a great time to take a quick look at some of these characters. When you come in to visit our museum, the gallery tour begins with a look at WWI and the very beginnings of our air force. We began with just one pilot and one plane in 1914 under the command of Col. Sam Hughes. We continue through time and enter WWII; our displays begin to tell the stories of men such as Flt Ltn. Ray Brewster, MiD, born in Victoria, B.C. who flew light to medium bombers throughout the war. Another BC boy was Ltn. Robert (Hammy) Hampton.VC, DSC,MiD. ‘Hammy’ was born in Trail, BC. One of our most loved and respected men on display is W/C James Francis (Stocky) Edwards CM,DFC&bar,MiD. He was born in Saskatchewan, but now lives in Comox. We are blessed to still have visits and he is always happy to talk to those who are eager to hear a first hand account of his story. I hope the man and this fantastic historical resource will be around for a good while longer for us to honour. I have not included their stories as I want you to come in and visit as there are many more stories to go along with these. When you do come in for a visit, this...
by Val | Jul 9, 2017 | Aircraft, Books, Collections, Library Display, News & Events, Posts
With the recent focus on North Korea, perhaps this is a good time to have a look at the collection of books we have available in our Museum’s Library: First, let’s have a look at the area at the time: From the publishers of Legion Magazine, Canada’s Ultimate Story - Korea, the Forgotten War looks at the Canadian involvement in this war. The magazine includes photos, relevant texts, and quotes from interviews with Korean War Veterans, “The people were starving. When you are supplying rations to a large number of men surpluses build up. We would give the surplus to the refugees - and felt very good about it.” (Marcel Richard) The Directorate of History and Heritage, DND, published Canada and the Korean War. The book not only shares the history of the times, but also includes maps, photographs, art work, and individual stories of those involved. Deadlock in Korea was written by Ted Barris. “Between 1950 and 1953, nearly 30,000 Canadian volunteers joined the effort to contain communist incursions into South Korea and support the fledgling United Nations. All of the services were there and served with distinction… The book is considered a fascinating, sometimes heart stopping look at Canada’s forces in a war that history forgot.” Graham Thomas is the author of Furies and Fireflies Over Korea - the Story of the Men of the Fleet Air Arm, RAF and Commonwealth who Defended South Korea 1950 - 1953. “On 25 June, 1950, five years after the free world had finished a dreadful and terrible war against...
The CAFM commemorates the role and history of 19 Wing (CFB/RCAF/RAF), documenting significant achievements in West Coast Military Aviation History.
Founded in 1982 as part of the Air Force Indoctrination School, CAFM was accredited as a stand-alone Canadian Forces Museum and officially opened its doors to the public on 12 September 1987.