Royal Canadian Air Force

On 1 April 2024, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will mark its 100th anniversary. Canada didn't have its own air force during the First World War, although more than 20,000 Canadians served in a British Empire flying service. After the war, Canada established an Air Board to develop aviation policy, leading to a Canadian Air Force or “flying militia” that used wartime flyers and surplus British aircraft. On 1 April 1924, the air service became the RCAF, a permanent part of the Canadian armed forces. Since then, the RCAF has served Canadians in peace and war.