1

The War in the Air

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was created in December 1939. Under the terms of this plan most pilots and air crews from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada were to be trained in Canada. During the war over 151, 500 people were trained for air force duty at 107 schools located across Canada.

Canadian industry produced many military aircraft such as the Lancaster bombers pictured here at Malton Airport near Toronto. Ferry Command was also instrumental in ensuring a steady flow of aircraft manufactured in North America reaching the European theatre of operations. The heavy administrative load from these programs were ably handled by the Women's Division of the R.C.A.F. There were five local women who enlisted in the group: Olive Bujold, Lyla Brown, Ann and Amy Barter of Cascapedia and Annie Taylor of New Richmond. Amy Barter of Cascapedia (pictured on the right) served in Gander, St. Hubert, North Battleford, and Winnipeg.

2

Nevin Willett

Nevin Willett was born to Mr. And Mrs. W. H. Willett of New Richmond, Quebec. In the spring of 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a tail gunner with the Bomber Command of Squadron 433. After completing a tour of duty in active service he war awarded his operational wings in recognition of gallant service. He was discharged on May 10th 1945 with the rank of flying officer. Nevin Willett died on the 18th of December, 1980 at the age of 63.

3

Nevin Willett
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

4

Nevin Willett's Air Force Great Coat with Web Belt
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

5

Air Force Web Strap
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

6

Air Force Small Pack
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

7

Air Force Canteen Holster (Web)
World War II, 1939-1945

TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

8

Billy Stewart's Story


At 22 years of age, Billy Stewart was the youngest Squardron Leader in the R.C.A.F. at the time of his promotion in early 1944. The Cascapedia native formed part of Bomber Command 408 Goose Squadron based in Yorkshire, England. He is pictured above with the crew of his Lancaster Bomber. While engaged in a mission to "soften-up the marshalling yards" in German occupied France, they met up with fierce enemy defence. After downing one attacking German fighter aircraft, the were severely shot up, with two of the crew bailing out, and the remainder perishing, including "Billy." It was June 12, 1944. He was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross).

9

Billy Stewart
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

10

Billy Stewart and Comrades
World War II, 1939-1945
Grand Cascapedia, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

11

TA-12C Aircraft Radio Transmitter
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

12

Browning Machine Gun - Mark 2
World War II, 1939-1945
Grand Cascapedia, Quebec, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

13

Robert H. Cochrane

Robert H. Cochrane was born and raised in New Richmond, Quebec. He enlisted for military service in 1939 with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He excelled in this profession. Robert Cochrane was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He survived the war and settled in Toronto working as an airline pilot for KLM.

14

Robert H. Cochrane
World War II, 1939-1945
New Richmond, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum