An Orphan Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) had a challenging start in the early 20th century, with little understanding of the purpose of an air force. Despite the impressive feats of Canadian pilots during WWI, the idea of a Canadian air force for military purposes did not gain traction until after the war. The RCAF was initially a civilian-oriented institution, focused on developing civilian flying tasks and skills. It was not until the late 1930s that the RCAF began to be taken seriously and received the resources it needed. The outbreak of WWII led to the establishment of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), which significantly expanded the RCAF. The RCAF played a significant role in the war, with various squadrons serving overseas and contributing to the war effort. However, the RCAF could have been even more effective if more resources had been allocated to it. The Cold War period saw another peak in RCAF activity, with a focus on continental defense and deterrence against Russian aggression. The RCAF experienced growth and modernization during this time.