On December 17, 1939, two months after joining World War II, Canada signed on to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Far from Europe and destructive German attacks, yet closer to Britain than Australia or New Zealand, Canada was the ideal training ground for Commonwealth air force recruits.
Dozens of training schools opened across Canada, including 18 in Alberta. They impacted the economic, political and social life of dozens of communities and left a lasting impression on the Canadian landscape.
In small prairie cities and towns such as Vulcan, Claresholm and Medicine Hat, young airmen from around the world arrived to train for the battle that raged in the skies over Europe.
A digital collection, including first hand recollections of those who trained in Alberta
Wings Over Alberta explores a unique period in the formation of the plan and the role that it played in Canada’s contribution to World War II.
Although no longer updated, the site is owned by the University of Alberta and includes links to original documents, photographs and stories.