This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and celebrations have been happening across the country. The Royal Canadian Mint is the latest organization to honour the nation’s air force with a special two dollar collector coin. The Mint released the coin last week and it features a Hercules plane in the centre with blue background to symbolize the sky. Above the plane is the RCAF logo. On the edge of the coin, surrounding the centre piece, are the various aircraft that has been used throughout the 100 years. Among the planes showcased is the CT-114 Tutor, which is what the Snowbirds squadron use in their shows. King Charles III is featured on the other side of the coin.
(Photo by Royal Canadian Mint and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photo from Facebook)
The Royal Canadian Air Force was officially founded on April 1st, 1924. In late 1923 it was simply called the Canadian Air Force (CAF), but thanks to royal approval by King George V, the name changed to what we know it as today. In the 1920’s, the air force didn’t see much action and was mostly used for government operations such as mapping, spotting forest fires, exploring northern regions, and patrolling the fishing industry of Canada. When World War Two broke out the RCAF expanded in a huge way. The first Canadian air squadrons were sent to Europe in 1940 to participate in the Battle of Britain, plus Canadian airmen served in many other battles throughout the war. Four Canadian pilots were awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in World War Two. Canada and its airstrips also played a key role in training pilots for the war thanks to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which saw bases built across Canada, including in Saskatchewan, where many of the world’s best pilots learned to fly.
Today, there are approximately 18,000 personnel in the RCAF who are employed in various positions within our air force. The organization works in partnership with the US Air Force in defending Canadian and North American air space. For those who are thinking about a career, the Royal Canadian Air Force is actively recruiting new members.
The commemorative coin is now available from the Royal Canadian Mint for $14.95.
(Photo by the Royal Canadian Mint and Royal Canadian Air Force. Photo from Facebook)
