Aviation in Canada, 1917-1918

A compact yet thorough account traces Canada’s rapid entry into military aviation during the final years of the First World War. It follows the formation and activities of the Royal Air Force Canada, the work of the Imperial Munitions Board’s aviation department, and the early output of Canadian Aeroplanes Limited, all set against the urgent demands of 1917‑1918.

The narrative opens with a vivid portrait of the Western Front’s sky in 1916, when aircraft were little more than fragile, unarmed machines battling the elements and each other. Drawing on the memories of several pilots, it explains how crude hand‑guns gave way to synchronized fire‑through‑propeller weapons, and how a bewildering array of biplanes and early monoplanes evolved in speed, climb and armament.

Beyond the technical details, the book offers a clear picture of how Canada organized production, training and operational support for its fledgling air force. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and ingenuity that defined Canada’s contribution to early aerial warfare, setting the stage for the nation’s later aviation legacy.