Canada's Air Force: The Royal Canadian Air Force at 100

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was founded in 1924 and grew to over 200,000 personnel in overseas squadrons during the Second World War. It has since struggled to carry out its mission of defending Canada due to funding shortages, but is now on the verge of becoming a modern, well-equipped air force. David J. Bercuson's book, Canadas Air Force, provides a comprehensive history of the RCAF's first century, drawing on memoirs, diaries, unpublished histories, and archival sources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2024
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was established in 1924 as a federal air service, providing civilian-type services to Ottawa. During the Second World War, the RCAF expanded to over 200,000 personnel in overseas squadrons and carried out a wide range of missions, including bombing and hunting submarines. Despite facing financial challenges from the federal government over the decades, the RCAF has remained committed to its mission of defending Canada. Today, it is poised to become a modern and well-equipped air force. Historian David J. Bercuson delves into the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in his book, "Canadas Air Force: The First One Hundred Years." The book covers the period from the RCAF's inception in 1924 to its centennial in 2024, drawing on various sources such as memoirs, diaries, unpublished histories, archival materials, interview transcripts, and standard reference works. Bercuson's analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the RCAF's history as both a fighting force and a human institution. The RCAF's early years were marked by its involvement in civilian-type operations for Ottawa. However, as the Second World War approached, the RCAF began to expand rapidly, with over 200,000 personnel serving in overseas squadrons. The RCAF's missions during the war were diverse, including bombing and hunting submarines. Despite facing financial challenges from the federal government, the RCAF remained committed to its mission of defending Canada. Over the decades, the RCAF has undergone significant changes and modernization. It has acquired new aircraft, weapons, and technology, and has played a key role in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. However, the RCAF has also faced challenges, such as budget cuts and the need to adapt to changing security threats. Today, the RCAF is once again on the verge of becoming a modern, well-equipped air force. It has a strong reputation for its professionalism, expertise, and dedication to its mission. The book "Canadas Air Force: The First One Hundred Years" provides a valuable insight into the history of the RCAF and its role in Canadian history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian military history or the history of the RCAF.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 260 x 191 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487509361