Kevin B.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)

This project recalls the Aircrew Training Program of the Second World War, through which Canada played an important role in the war. Politics, economics, and training quality are explored.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The unexpected importance and extent of the BCATP. It encompassed the entire country, and churned out enough aircrew to replace Britain's losses, keeping the bombing campaign against Germany going. It was also extremely expensive

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Canada is a small country in terms of population, but is capable of great feats if it is united. Canada at the time was a small country of barely 11 million, but became the forth largest military power on the allied side. If the different sections instead were squabbling, the overall impact would have been much reduced.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is significantly easier than those of the aircrew. I have none of the risks that accompanied the job and have fewer responsibilities. I live in a better household and eat better and more food than the aircrews could.