Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
General material designation
- Multiple media
Parallel title
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
Level of description
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
-
1903-1973 (Creation)
Physical description area
Physical description
2.27 m of textual records
ca. 7135 photographs : b&w and col. ; 165 x 28 cm or smaller
40 cm of architectural and technical drawings
291 microfilm reels
1 oversize ledger
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
Other title information of publisher's series
Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
Archival description area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was founded on 1 April 1924. Prior to the Second World War, the majority of RCAF operations were non-military. Regardless, with the outbreak of conflict in 1939, it rapidly asserted itself as a fully developed, combat capable air force. During the Second World War, over 200,000 men and women served with the RCAF, which was to become the fourth largest amongst the allies. Involved in operations in Great Britain, northwest Europe, the North Atlantic, Italy, Malta, Ceylon, India and Burma, the RCAF also operated the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. While the end of the war resulted in a marked decrease in the size of the RCAF, this would quickly be reversed with the onset of the Cold War. Thereafter, it would play a major role in continental air defense. Although it did not provide combat units, the RCAF was also involved in the transport of supplies during the Korean War. Following the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the RCAF lost its identity as a distinct military sector, becoming part of a greater regimental whole.
Custodial history
Scope and content
Fonds consists of textual and photographic records documenting the history of the Royal Canadian AIr Force (RCAF). Includes extensive records detailing the operational activities of the RCAF, particularly aerial bombing missions during the Second World War. Also includes information on aircraft, major equipment (instructional engines), training, and military life. There are 9 series:
I. Architectural and technical drawings
II. Great Britain Allied Central Intelligence Unit (ACIU)
III. Directorate of Procurement - aircraft (DPA) reports
IV. Manuals, publications and reports
V. National Gallery photographs of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) / Royal Air Force (RAF) in Canada 1917-18
VI. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Overseas Headquarters assorted photographs / negatives
VII. Miscellaneous photographs (76/107)
VIII. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Operations Record Books and Diaries Microfilm
IX: RCAF and AIRCOM Major Equipment Registration Ledger
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
The immediate source of acquisition is unknown. Series 9 received 17 September 2010 from Cpl Kareem Ishmael of DGAEPM DAP 3 in Ottawa, Ontario.
Arrangement
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
Unclassified
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
None
Finding aids
Copies of the Finding Aid are located in the first file of the fonds and in the Reading Room of the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH). Electronic copies are also available.
Associated materials
Accruals
Further accruals are expected.
General note
Oversize material is stored in boxes 1-5 and 19-21.
General note
Series 8 stored in the mircofilm cabinet.
General note
Oversize material is stored in boxes 1-5 and 19-22.