FREDERICTON — To mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s founding, the Turnbull (NB) Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society launched its RCAF 100 banners project last week at Government House, with Lieutenant-Governor Brenda Murphy.
These distinctive, bilingual banners recognize 100 New Brunswickers who served with the RCAF. The banners will hang at 41 sites across New Brunswick until Nov. 12, according to a press release.
Members of the public nominated 150 banner candidates. Selectees represent all ranks and trades.
“We are honoured for this opportunity to recognize the many New Brunswickers who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, beginning with the First World War in the air forces of Canada and Britain, to those who proudly serve today,” said Turnbull (NB) Chapter secretary Harold E. Wright. “We have received so much public interest in this project and we are proud to be able to unveil it.”
Murphy received a special 403 Squadron (City of Calgary) and 410 Squadron (City of Saint John) banner for display at Government House.
“We are honoured to have banners commemorating the courage and sacrifice of New Brunswickers who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force on display at Government House,” she said in the press release. “Their stories are a part of our collective history, and this initiative will shine a spotlight on the contributions of New Brunswickers, past and present, whose actions have helped shape our country.”
The banners list the members’ names, ranks, decorations, places of birth, and years of service. The banners include the Latin RCAF motto Per ardua ad astra (“through adversity to the stars”). There are eight current members of the RCAF among the 100 honourees.
Irving Oil will display banners at New Brunswick Big Stop locations.
“We are incredibly proud to receive a banner honouring our company founder, K.C. Irving, who served as a fighter pilot with the Royal Flying Corps and whose legacy inspires us all at Irving Oil,” said Darren Gillis, Irving’s chief marketing officer.
A list of all feted aviators and their banner locations is available on the Canadian Aviation Historical Society New Brunswick Chapter website. After Remembrance Day, the aviators’ families will get the banners.