News
Canada’s first French-Canadian air squadron to be honoured
Nov. 5, 2010, Ottawa - The Canada Aviation and Space Museum will launch its Remembrance Week celebrations on Sunday, November 7, with a flypast featuring a CF-18 fighter aircraft flown by the commanding officer of 425 Squadron from CFB Bagotville, Quebec.
November 5, 2010 By Carey Fredericks
The Canadian Air Force’s 425 Squadron will be honoured with a commemorative display which includes a scale model of Avro Lancaster bomber KB 944, painted in distinctive wartime colours, and supported by interpretive panels. This display highlights the human side of aviation by telling the story of seven young men who boarded the aircraft for the three-day flight home to Canada at the end of the War in 1945. The actual Lancaster KB 944, painted in the colours of 428 Squadron, is part of the Museum’s collection and is one of only seventeen of this type of heavy bomber remaining in the world.
Sunday’s guest of honour is Flying Officer François-Guy Savard (ret’d), one of the seven crew members aboard KB 944 when the aircraft flew from England to Canada in 1945. Mr. Savard was the navigator on the aircraft.
“We are proud to honour 425 Squadron, Canada's first French-Canadian air force squadron,” said Denise Amyot, President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation. “Encouraging greater awareness of Canada’s rich aviation heritage through creative and engaging programs is part of our mission and mandate.”
Following the unveiling of the display, there will be a Veteran’s Tea and Tour event, as well as special activities dedicated to veterans, and a concert by the Centralaires Concert Band entitled “Tribute,” in honour of Remembrance Day. The concert features fifty musicians, some of whom are former members of the Canadian Forces.
The Museum is proud to honour the valour of Canada’s veterans with a full week of programming during Remembrance Week, which continues until November 14. For details, visit aviation.technomuses.ca .
