Mechanics servicing Harvard training plane, #4 flying training school, Currie Barracks, Calgary, Alberta. Royal Canadian Air Force.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was one of the most ambitious and vital military training programs of World War II. Established in response to the growing need for trained aircrew, the BCATP not only shaped Canada’s role in the war but also had a lasting impact on its communities.
The seeds of the BCATP were sown in the late 1930s as tensions in Europe escalated. With the rise of Nazi Germany and its rearmament, the Royal Air Force (RAF) recognized the urgent need to expand its ranks. By 1939, the British government was seeking a solution to train a large number of pilots and aircrew quickly. Canada, with its vast land, was seen as an ideal location for a large-scale training program.
Initially, Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King hesitated to commit to the program, fearing it would draw Canada into another European conflict. However, as war became increasingly inevitable, he recognized the opportunity to contribute significantly to the Allied effort while minimizing direct involvement in combat. By agreeing to the BCATP, King hoped to provide crucial support without repeating the divisive experience of conscription from World War I.
On December 17, 1939, the agreement to establish the BCATP was signed. Canada would serve as the main site for training Commonwealth pilots and aircrew from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. This collaboration reflected a united effort among the British Commonwealth nations to bolster their military capabilities.
The BCATP was structured in a series of four key stages, each designed to train recruits for specific roles. Recruits began with Initial Training Schools (ITS), where they learned the theory behind aerodynamics, navigation, and meteorology. They then moved to Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) to gain practical flying experience. For those who passed this stage, the next step was Service Flying Training Schools (SFTS), where more advanced tactics were taught. Lastly, specialized schools offered additional training for navigators, wireless operators, and other aircrew roles.
With over 130,000 pilots and aircrew trained by the end of the war, the BCATP played a pivotal role in key events such as the Battle of Britain and D-Day. The program became a model of international collaboration, with Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada working together toward a common goal.
Alberta hosted 20 BCATP schools, including a repair depot, supply depot, and training command headquarters in Calgary. Initially based in Regina, Saskatchewan, the Training Command Headquarters was moved to Calgary in 1941, where it operated until November 1944. One notable site was the No. 2 Wireless School, established in September 1940 at the Provincial Institute of Technology and Arts, now the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Fairchild Cornells at Claresholm, Alberta. No. 15 Service Flying Training School. British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Canadian Air Force training planes.
The BCATP also left a lasting mark on Calgary’s infrastructure. The No. 37 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) opened at the southern end of what is now the Calgary International Airport in 1941. This base housed up to 500 personnel at its peak and played a key role in training fighter and bomber pilots.
The economic benefits of the BCATP cannot be understated. Towns and cities that hosted training facilities experienced an influx of personnel, boosting local economies. The construction of airfields, hangars, and barracks provided jobs during a time when the country was still recovering from the Great Depression. Over 100 airfields were built across Canada, some of which remain in use today, marking the enduring legacy of the BCATP in aviation.
The legacy of the BCATP is multifaceted. It not only provided trained aircrew for the war effort but also shaped Canada’s aviation industry and infrastructure. The program established Canada’s reputation as the “Aerodrome of Democracy,” highlighting its critical role in the Allied victory.
Chestermere has its own significant ties to the BCATP. On January 7, 1943, two Harvard trainers from No. 37 SFTS collided in mid-air, killing three RAF flyers. To learn more about this incident and its impact on the Chestermere community, readers can read a follow-up article later in this issue of the Chestermere Wave.
Moreover, 23 individuals from Chestermere and surrounding districts served in the Air Force during World War I and II. Their names, etched into the history of this city, serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during those challenging times. Some descendants of these brave individuals continue to reside in Chestermere and the surrounding area, ensuring that their memory lives on.
The BCATP’s legacy is a testament to international cooperation, resilience, and sacrifice. As we approach Remembrance Day, it is essential to honour the contributions of the men and women who served in this monumental program. From the young pilots whose lives were saved by training on Canadian soil to the communities transformed by the influx of personnel, the BCATP’s impact is still felt today.
In remembering the BCATP, we pay tribute to the bravery, unity, and innovation that helped secure peace during one of the darkest periods in history.
Those who served in the Air Force
1. Francis Fennessey (Killed in Action)
2. Roy Ferrier (Killed in Action)
3. Chris Baker
4. Edwin Baker
5. Jack Bennion
6. Arthur Bricker
7. John Bugbee
8. Harry Chekaluk
9. George M. Chekaluk
10. Bill Chekaluk
11. Bernard Dixon
12. William Grand
13. Howard Howden
14. Ian Kernick
15. Leslie Kernick
16. Douglas Laycock
17. Haddon McElroy
18. Arthur Miller
19. Wallace McSween
20. Lawrence Merriam
21. Neil Morgan
22. Fred Soderberg
23. Douglas Webb
