CANADA HISTORY - War-WWI

The Air War

The story of Canada’s participation in the First World War is often told through the experiences of soldiers on the ground, battling through the trenches of the Western Front. But a significant chapter of Canada’s contribution to the war unfolded not on the muddy fields of Flanders but in the skies above Europe. Canadian airmen played a crucial role in the development and execution of air warfare during the First World War, serving in large numbers within the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and later the Royal Air Force (RAF). These men, many of them volunteers who had never before seen an airplane, would become some of the most celebrated and effective pilots of the war. Their bravery, skill, and sacrifices contributed not only to the Allied victory but also to the transformation of air warfare itself. From the early days of reconnaissance flights to the deadly dogfights that defined aerial combat, Canadians were at the forefront of the development of military aviation, a contribution that would shape the future of air combat.

The Beginnings of Air Warfare

When the First World War broke out in 1914, the airplane was still a relatively new invention. It had been just over a decade since the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, and the idea of using airplanes for military purposes was still in its infancy. At the start of the war, airplanes were seen primarily as tools for reconnaissance. Both the Allies and the Germans quickly recognized the value of using aircraft to gather intelligence, and the first missions flown by the Royal Flying Corps and other air services were focused on observing enemy troop movements and artillery positions. These reconnaissance flights played a crucial role in shaping battlefield strategy, as they provided a bird’s-eye view of enemy positions that had never before been possible.

For Canadians, the opportunity to serve in the air war was both thrilling and daunting. The Royal Flying Corps, the British arm of the air force, welcomed volunteers from across the British Empire, and Canadians flocked to enlist. Those who wished to serve had to swear an oath of loyalty to King George V and agree to fight in whatever unit they were assigned. Over the course of the war, more than 23,000 Canadians would serve in the RFC, the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), and later the RAF. The air war was a dangerous endeavor, and over 1,500 Canadians would lose their lives in the skies above Europe, a stark reminder of the perilous nature of early aviation.

The Evolution of the Airplane as a Weapon

In the early stages of the war, airplanes were unarmed and served primarily as flying observation platforms. Pilots and their observers would fly over enemy lines, sketching maps and taking notes on troop movements below. But it did not take long for airmen on both sides to begin carrying weapons with them on these reconnaissance missions. Pilots started bringing pistols and rifles into the cockpit, attempting to fire at enemy planes they encountered in the air. These early skirmishes between pilots were chaotic and often ineffective, but they marked the beginning of a new dimension of warfare: aerial combat.

As the war progressed, it became clear that the airplane could be much more than just a reconnaissance tool. By late 1914, both sides were experimenting with ways to mount machine guns on airplanes, turning them into flying weapons platforms. The Germans were the first to achieve a major breakthrough in this area. In 1915, they introduced the Fokker Eindecker, a revolutionary aircraft that featured a synchronized machine gun, allowing the pilot to fire through the propeller without hitting the blades. This innovation gave the Germans a significant advantage in the early air war and marked the beginning of a deadly period of aerial combat.

By 1916, the skies over Europe had become a battleground in their own right. Dogfights between rival pilots, often referred to as "aces," became a regular feature of the war. These aces—pilots who had achieved five or more aerial victories—were celebrated as heroes, and the air war became one of the most romanticized aspects of the conflict. Canadians were among the most accomplished aces of the war. Pilots like Billy Bishop, Raymond Collishaw, and Donald MacLaren emerged as some of the most feared and respected airmen of the war. Bishop, in particular, became a national hero, credited with 72 victories and awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.

At the same time, the role of the airplane expanded beyond air-to-air combat. Bombing raids, initially carried out by individual pilots dropping small bombs by hand, became more organized and strategic. By 1917, specialized bombers were being developed, and both sides used airplanes to carry out attacks on enemy troops, supply lines, and infrastructure. Bombing raids over cities and industrial centers became increasingly common, as both the Allies and the Germans sought to weaken the enemy’s war effort from the air.

Technological Developments and Challenges

The rapid development of air warfare during the First World War was marked by both technological innovation and significant challenges. The early airplanes used in the war were fragile, made primarily of wood and fabric, and were prone to mechanical failure. Pilots faced the constant danger of engine trouble, fuel leaks, and structural damage, all of which could result in a deadly crash. Additionally, flying conditions were hazardous, with pilots having little protection from the elements in their open cockpits. The cold, wind, and rain made flying an exhausting and dangerous endeavor, and many airmen suffered from frostbite and exposure.

Despite these challenges, the war spurred rapid advancements in aviation technology. Engineers on both sides worked to develop faster, more maneuverable aircraft with better armaments. The synchronized machine gun was one of the most important innovations, allowing pilots to engage in more effective air combat. In addition, airplanes became more reliable and capable of flying longer distances at higher altitudes. The development of bombers, capable of carrying heavier payloads, added a new dimension to the war, as strategic bombing raids targeted enemy infrastructure and supply lines.

One of the most significant challenges in the development of air warfare was the issue of communication. In the early years of the war, pilots had no reliable way to communicate with ground forces or other aircraft while in flight. This made coordination between air and ground operations difficult, and pilots often had to rely on prearranged signals or visual cues to convey information. As the war progressed, radio technology began to be incorporated into aircraft, improving communication and allowing for more coordinated attacks.

The Canadian Contribution and the Role of Aces

Canadian pilots quickly distinguished themselves in the air war, earning a reputation for their skill and bravery. Many of the Canadian aces who served in the RFC and RNAS became legendary figures, their exploits celebrated both in Canada and abroad. Billy Bishop, perhaps the most famous of the Canadian aces, was known for his daring solo missions and remarkable ability to outmaneuver enemy pilots. His most famous action came in June 1917, when he attacked a German airfield single-handedly, shooting down three enemy planes and destroying several others on the ground. For this feat, Bishop was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Empire’s highest military honor.

Raymond Collishaw, another Canadian ace, became one of the highest-scoring pilots of the war, with 60 confirmed victories. Collishaw was known for his leadership and his innovative tactics, particularly in the use of fighter formations. Donald MacLaren, with 54 victories, was another notable Canadian pilot who played a key role in the air war. These men, along with others, helped establish Canada’s reputation as a nation of skilled and fearless airmen.

The contributions of Canadian pilots were not limited to individual acts of heroism. The Canadian airmen also played a crucial role in the broader strategy of the war. They participated in bombing raids, reconnaissance missions, and ground support operations, providing critical intelligence and helping to disrupt enemy movements. Their work was essential to the success of the Allied war effort, particularly in the later stages of the war when air superiority became a decisive factor in the outcome of battles.

The Impact and Legacy of the Air War

The air war of the First World War, while still in its infancy compared to the massive air campaigns of the Second World War, was a turning point in military history. For the first time, the skies became a critical arena of combat, with airplanes playing a significant role in both reconnaissance and offensive operations. The development of air warfare introduced new challenges and opportunities for military strategy, and it fundamentally changed the way wars were fought.

For Canada, the air war was a defining moment. The achievements of Canadian pilots helped cement the country’s reputation as a significant military power, and the legacy of the Canadian aces became a source of national pride. The bravery and sacrifice of Canadian airmen also came at a high cost. More than 1,500 Canadians were killed in the air war, and many more were wounded or suffered from the physical and psychological toll of combat. Yet their contributions were invaluable, and their service helped pave the way for the development of the Royal Canadian Air Force, which would play a crucial role in future conflicts.

The air war of the First World War also left a lasting impact on the development of aviation. The technological advancements made during the war laid the foundation for the rapid growth of the aviation industry in the post-war years. The war had shown the potential of the airplane as a tool of war, and it spurred further innovation in aircraft design, engine technology, and air combat tactics.

Canadian participation in the air war during the First World War was a remarkable and transformative chapter in the nation’s military history. From the early days of unarmed reconnaissance flights to the deadly dogfights and bombing raids that came to define aerial combat, Canadian airmen played a vital role in shaping the outcome of the war. Their bravery and skill, exemplified by the Canadian aces who became legends of the conflict, helped establish Canada’s reputation as a nation of warriors in the sky. The air war was a new and evolving form of combat, and Canadian pilots were at the forefront of its development. Their contributions not only helped secure victory for the Allies but also laid the groundwork for the future of air warfare, a legacy that would endure long after the guns fell silent. Of the top 12 fighter aces of the First World War, 4 were Canadian.

M. von Richthofen (Germany) 80 kills - The Red Baron

R. Fonck (France) 75 kills

E. Mannock (Britain) 73 kills

William Avery Bishop aka Billy Bishop (Canada) 72 kills

E. Udet (Germany) 62 kills

Ramond Collishaw (Canada) 60 kills

J. McCudden (Britain) 57 kills

A. Beauchamp Proctor (Britain) 54 kills

D. MacLaren (Canada) 54 kills

G. Guynemer (France) 54 kills

William George Barker (Canada) 53 kills

E. Lowenhardt (Germany) 53 kills



The top 15 Canadian aces were

Bishop, William Avery - 72

Collishaw, Raymond - 60

MacLaren, Donald Roderick - 54

Barker, William George - 50

Atkey, Alfred Clayburn - 38

Claxton, William Gordon - 37

Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple - 36

McCall, Frederick Robert Gordon - 35

Quigley, Frank Granger - 33

McKeever, Andrew Edward - 31

Carter, Albert Desbrisay - 28

Hoidge, Reginald Theodore Carlos - 28

McEwen, Clifford Mackay -27

Soden, Frank Ormond - 27

Whealy, Arthur Treloar - 27



Canada's most famous fighter pilot of the war was Billy Bishop. Bishop had attended RMC (Royal Military College - Kingston) and on the outbreak of war he joined the 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles. He served in France with the Canadian Expeditionary Force but in December of 1915 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. In 1917 he was awarded his flying certificate. Although he had been a below average student at RMC and was considered a mediocre pilot during his training, once he enter combat in 1917 he quickly became the most notable and recognized allied pilot of the war.

His success was attributed to his extraordinary eyesight, his constant practice and a superior awareness of circumstances during air combat. He quickly began to accumulate kills and was rapidly promoted to the command the Flying Foxes squadron. During one 12 day period he shot down 25 German aircraft which earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for him.

He followed up this accomplishment when in the early hours of June 2nd, 1917, he took off from his airfield and flew behind enemy lines on the Arras front and single handily attacked a German Aerodrome, inflicting heavy causalities on the German planes and facility. Bishop was awarded a Victoria Cross for this action making him the first Canadian flyer to receive this honour.