Royal Flying Corps

The British Royal Flying Corps (“RFC”) was formed in in 1912.  On April 1, 1918,the Royal Flying Corps amalgamated with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force (“RAF”)

During the First World War, Canada had no air force of its own, other than the short-lived Canadian Aviation Corps.  Individuals wishing to serve with an air force, generally enlisted in the regular Canadian Forces and tried to transfer to the British air service once overseas.  Others traveled to England to apply directly to the Royal Flying Corps.

In December 1916, Britain turned to its colonies for training support, and established a training program in Canada.  The program produced over 10,000 pilots, mechanics and aircraftmen.

Canada did not have a permanent air force of its own until the Royal Canadian Air Force was established in 1924.

Sources:

(a)  Foulds, Glenn B. and Jonathan Scotland.  “Royal Flying Corps.”  The Canadian Enclyclopedia, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/royal-flying-corps, accessed May 27, 2020.

(b)  National Army Museum.  “Royal Flying Corps.”  https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/royal-flying-corps, accessed May 27, 2020.

Additional British Online Resource Links:

(a)  Royal Air Force Museum Story Vault

(b)  Royal Air Force Museum Casualty Forms