The Royal Flying Corps was formed 13 April 1912 to fulfill a perceived need, common before WORLD WAR I in European countries, to participate in the expanding field of AVIATION. It comprised a military wing, a naval wing (later the ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE) and a flying school; duties included reconnaissance, bombing, observation for the artillery, co-operation with the infantry in attacking enemy positions, supply drops and observation for the Royal Navy. When WWI began, Canada did not have its own air force and, until the RFC established training camps in Canada in January 1917, the only way for a Canadian to become a war pilot was to enlist in the regular forces and try to transfer to the air service, or to travel at his own expense to England and attempt to enlist directly. It is impossible to determine the exact number of Canadians who joined the RFC, but it is estimated that over 20 000 Canadians had joined the British flying services by the end of WWI. Many of these became pilots, among them the Canadian "aces" Lt-Col W.A. BISHOP, Lt-Col R. COLLISHAW, Lt-Col W.G. BARKER, Maj D.R. MACLAREN and others. The RFC joined with the RNAS to become the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918.
 Barker, Colonel WilliamColonel Barker, VC, in one of the captured German airplanes against which he fought his last battle (courtesy British Library).
Author
GLENN B. FOULDS
Suggested Reading
S.F. Wise, Canadian Airmen and the First World War (1980).
Links to Other Sites
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is dedicated to the men and women who served with valour and distinction in Canada’s armed services. Their website features a virtual tour of the museum and multimedia online exhibits that depict how Canada met and overcame wartime challenges throughout its history.
The Canadian Letters and Images Project
This extensive collection of letters and photographs brings to light personal stories about wartime life at home and on the battlefield. Produced by Malaspina University College in British Columbia.
Legion Magazine
Search Legion Magazine website for online feature articles about Canadian military history.
Library and Archives Canada: Military and Peacekeeping
Check out the online exhibits about the history of Canadian military and peacekeeping operations featured at the website for Library and Archives Canada. View paintings by Canada's great war artists, gripping photographs of war on the frontlines, war diaries and stories, multimedia, and much more.
Canadian Military History Gateway
Search this website for authoritative information about Canadian military history. Provides online access to Canadian museums, libraries, archives, and other heritage organizations. Also features an online glossary of military terminology, educational resources and much more. From the Department of National Defence.
RCAF.com
This website is devoted to the history of Canadian military aviation. Features extensive online photo galleries and details about aircraft flown by Canadian forces.
Veterans Affairs Canada
The Veterans Affairs Canada website commemorates the service and sacrifice of Canada’s war veterans. Click on "Past Features" on left side of page for an extensive list of informative multimedia features about Canadian military history. This site also provides updates about programs for veterans and their families.
From Colony to Country: A Reader's Guide to Canadian Military History
A guide to reference sources concerning Canadian military history. From Library and Archives Canada.
An Archival Look at World War I
Peruse soldiers' letters to their girlfriends and other fascinating archival material about Canada's war effort at home and overseas. From Queen's University Archives.
Canadian Military Journal
The online edition of the "Canadian Military Journal." Many articles about contemporary military issues, compelling history features, book reviews, and much more.
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