The Royal Canadian Air Force in The Vale of York

During the Second World War, the British Commonwealth carried out strategic bombing attacks on enemy logistics and industrial production. The Royal Air Force Bomber Command was responsible for this campaign and many Canadians were a part of Bomber Command.

No 6 (RCAF) Group was formed because of the Canadian government's want to implement  'Canadianization' in RCAF squadrons. This measure was designed to place all Canadian aviators and groundcrew under Canadian command.

Ultimately this plan was never fully implemented.

No 6 (RCAF) Group took over many RAF stations in the area. This was not the best location for many squadrons due to numerous hills and smog. The Vale is further away from Europe than airfields to the south.

The area was crowded with airfields so collisions were common.

Airwomen of the Motor Transport section, RCAF in a Nissen hut. They are left to right, Leading Aircraftwoman (LAW) Rose Spencer, LAW Nora Plaxton, LAW Isabel White,  Aircraftwoman 1st Class Mary Dempsey, and LAW Joan Sutcliffe.

Members of the RCAF Women's Division were housed in these Nissen huts at No 6 (RCAF) Group Headquarters. 

Group photograph of Wing Commander W.F.M. Newson and personnel of No 431 (Iroquois) Squadron with Handley Page Halifax Bomber in April 1944.

The RCAF personnel were in constant contact with those who lived by the bases. Relationships were formed with local people including marriages and other types of close liaisons.

Many of the RCAF personnel in the Vale of York frequented local pubs and dance halls. They often used their own transportation, although that could be difficult due to fuel and other rationing.

The aircrews moved between the dangers of combat and civilian life in Britain, usually within hours.

This experience was quite different from those serving in the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy.

No 424 (Tiger) and No 433 (Porcupine) Squadrons operated out of Skipton. 

The Nissen huts are where the RCAF personnel lived. The conditions at the station were not well liked by the RCAF personnel despite amenities like the swimming pool.

Handley Page Halifax B MK III "Gutsy Girty" of No 427 Squadron at Leeming, Yorkshire with crew prior to another night operation. Bomber Command flew its bombing raids at night to provide protection from enemy anti-aircraft fire and aircraft. Casualties were still high. 

RCAF personnel celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe with a bonfire, beer, and fireworks.

No 428 (Ghost) Squadron was selected as part of Tiger Force, a group of Commonwealth Bomber Squadrons to serve in the Pacific against Japan. It was the first squadron to return to Canada for reorganization and training.

Tiger Force never saw combat against Japan. 

There is much debate about the effectiveness of the bombing raids. German war production did suffer as a result but the extent is impossible to know.

Many believe the outcome was not worth the high cost.

No 6 (RCAF) Group was a large contribution by Canada to the Allied victory in the Second World War. It came at high price as many were killed in the bombing raids. These aviators are still well remembered.