The RCAF in the Second World War

This short documentary produced by students of Wilfrid Laurier University explores the role and impact of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in the Second World War.

[albertawildcat]

Two of my Uncles and my Father in law were in the RCAF during WW2. Father in law was a radar operator in Beau-fighter night fighters. (costal command)
My oldest uncle was a mid-upper gunner in a Halifax heavy bomber. (completed 36 missions)
His younger brother was a Spitfire Mk21 pilot, They are all heroes to me.

[TheWolfsnack]

My dad was an RCAF vet....served on the West Coast at RCAF Rescue Squadron based at Jericho was a crewman on one of the rescue boats that patrolled the entire West Coast...Vancouver to Nome Alaska

[sirkonopka]

My grandfather Donald Josef Duncan was a tail gunner during world war two with the royal Canadian air force

[anthonyeaton]

That No 6 Group Bomber Command was based in North Yorkshire and had several stations one of which RAF Leeming where I served in the 1950s and as a civilian util 1997. Their main aircraft was the Handley Page Halifax then later the Lancaster. Approximately 900 Canadian airmen failed to return from operations from Leeming. There is a dedication to No 6 RCAF on the war memorial in Northallerton the nearest town. The rumbustious but friendly Canadians from Leeming once `stole` the lion which was on the top of the portico of The Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton and took it back to the camp. The police made enquiries and the Lion was returned but not before it had done an operational sortie over Germany in a Halifax. Veterans were always made welcomed in Northallerton whenever they paid a visit.

[canusakommando]

My Grams built DH-98's in London, Ont . Greatest Allied warplane. Women made everything during both wars. A great contribution.
My Gramps was in RCAF BR10 Squadron Coastal Command hunting u-boats out of Gander. He finished flying Mossies getting ready for Japan. He was away 6 years. Came home a FLt.

[howardjolley]

For a country of with a relatively small population, Canada fought above it's weight in all areas of the war. The RCAF provided a large number of fighter pilots and had the 6th Bomber Group. The Canadian Army ( 1st Canadian Army divided into the 1st and 2nd Corps) fought hard and long in Italy, at Juno Beach in Normandy and the hard fighting in Northwest Europe. The RCN became the 3rd largest navy in the war. Many Canadians served with great distinction and Canadians earned many medals including 16 Victoria Crosses.

[wombatwilly]

Excellent production.Gotta love the "Spit" and the "Lanc"..!!

[bobsakamanos]

Waterloo Lutheran Univ?

There were more Canadians in RAF units than in RCAF Units unfortunately. However, many rose to leadership roles for expanding the RCAF. Stocky Edwards for example was one of the best.

[wyyz]

Good to see Prof. Copp. The elective I ever took at WLU... way better than the business degree classes I majored in!

[michaelbossenberry]

My granfather is alvin bossenberry he was squadron leader of the 408 goose squadron if anyone can send me any info to learn more please do

[robertlordon]

No mention of costal command Shout out to the 422 squadron RCAF

[peteranthony]

Sounds like a grade 5 schoolgirl's social justice critique of the RCAF...pretty lame...I love the RCAF and the role it has played....my dad flew Spits during the war...this subject deserves a much more professional effort.

[georgeb.wolffsohn]

What about the aircraft mechanics ? All those others mentioned would be grounded without them. that's how my dad served.

[DBOZ]

408 goose squadron leader Alvin Bossenberry my grandfather

[Vikingocazar]

Only a Canadian educational institution could take an insanely awesome subject and make it fucking boring. Bye.

[ToddSauve]

Again, the audio is an _abomination_ in this video! You _have_ to take this down and normalize the audio to get everyone at the same amplitude and and the overall levels are way, way too low! Come on you guys! If you are going to post to YouTube and have your own channel then you MUST do these things _professionally_ or no one will pay any attention to you! This is important historical information but you are displaying the skill levels of the _rankest amateurs!_ I don't enjoy criticizing your work but this is not worthy of public consumption at this point! 🙄🥴😧