John Kurtz of Regina writes:
On June 26, my wife and I visited the Regina Flying Club as it celebrated the role of 15 Elementary Flying Training School (15 EFTS) under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) during the Second World War.
I was vividly reminded of this by Will Chabun’s June 25 story “Aerodrome of Democracy,” which discussed Regina’s part in the BCATP.
Noteworthy was the absence of any information on the BCATP’s 75th anniversary on any Regina TV or radio station. Were Premier Brad Wall, Regina MP Ralph Goodale, Regina-Qu’Appelle MP Andrew Scheer or Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aware of the BCATP’s anniversary?
My connection dates back 75 years to when I began my first job at 15 EFTS at age 16. I was hired by Mac Chase, who became my mentor and best friend. In 2004, I spoke about 15 EFTS and my experiences there to the local chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society.
I am writing this letter in the hope that Canadians never forget important people and events in our history. How can we forget Vimy Ridge and the sacrifice of so many Canadians on the battlefields in France, or the BCATP and the young and old civilians who worked in it, together with personnel in the RCAF and Allies from all over the world?
To all who made the supreme sacrifice for all of us, we say “Thank you” and “Thank God again.”
