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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) and RCAF Foundation (RCAF), unveiled a new, permanent exhibit in the airport’s mainland pavilion in commemoration of the RCAF centennial and 85th anniversary of the airport.
The exhibit features an original First World War-era Curtiss JN-4 Canuck biplane propeller and a collection of nine original pilot’s wings badges, representing the evolution of badges worn by Canadian aviators from 1912-present and including the rare Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) wings of the First World War.
The “Canuck,” manufactured by Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. of Toronto was the Canadian variant of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny,” an American/British design. The Canuck was widely used in training by Canadian pilots during the First World War.
Part of the collection of the RCMI museum, these artifacts are now on permanent display at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, next to the airport’s cast bronze statues of First World War flying aces and Victoria Cross recipients William Barker and William Avery “Billy” Bishop — the airport’s namesake.
Established in 1939, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has operated on the Toronto waterfront for 85 years and has strong ties to Canadian military and aviation history.
In its early years, from 1939 to 1943, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport served as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces, with neighbouring Little Norway Park named in honour of the Norwegian community that settled around the airport in 1940.
To learn more about the history of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, please view a video of the airport’s journey over the past 85 years, or visit BillyBishopAirport.com to view a timeline featuring archival photos from the PortsToronto collection dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Follow along and connect social media at @BBishopAirport or with the hashtag #YTZ85.
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s iconic location on the Toronto waterfront was selected in the 1920s by a City-appointed committee led by First World War flying ace, Victoria Cross recipient, and our namesake, William Avery ‘Billy’ Bishop. The airport went on to play an important role in the war effort serving as a training base for Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Force pilots,” said RJ Steenstra, president and CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s connection to military and aviation history in Canada runs deep, and we are honoured that the Royal Canadian Military Institute recognized this in selecting our airport to host these superb, original First World War-era pieces from their collection. The exhibition unveiled today is a fitting tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s century of aviation excellence in Canada, and underscores Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s important role in the past, present and future of aviation in this country.”
“The story of the Royal Canadian Air Force is one of courage and sacrifice that has shaped our nation’s military history and heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is an honour to be able to unveil this exhibit to commemorate the historical connection the Royal Canadian Air Force has with the Greater Toronto Area which encompasses the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Together, we celebrate our centennial, honour our veterans, and recognize today’s air force personnel, whose dedication and professionalism keep our skies safe,” said LGen Eric Kenny, commander, Royal Canadian Air Force.
“As the exhibition’s curator, I am proud to help commemorate the RCAF’s centennial with PortsToronto through this striking new permanent gallery. The carefully curated and original artifacts within have captured the power and character of Canada’s storied military aviation history. This important exhibit will endure as a testament to the many Canadian air force personnel who have served, and continue to serve, with great courage and distinction – their history and impact will continue to matter,” said Ryan Goldsworthy, museums manager, City of Toronto (former museum director & curator of RCMI).
“Today’s unveiling serves both as a testament to how the long histories of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport are intertwined, and as a reminder that as we move into the future, the past should continue to inform our path forward. The history of the airport, the RCAF, and Toronto is all around us if we take the time to look—from Little Norway Park near the airport and the Daniels Building, formerly Spadina Military Hospital, to ‘Shrapnel Corners’ at Yonge and College, or the early air shows at the CNE where Amelia Earhart developed her love of aviation,” said Neil Pakey, president and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
“I encourage everyone to take today’s unveiling as not only an opportunity to learn about the Curtiss JN-4 and its role in Canada’s military history, but also as a jumping off point to learn more about the rich history of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Toronto.”
“The RCAF Foundation’s mission is to take a past, present, and future look at the Royal Canadian Air Force, aviation, and aerospace in Canada. We aim to share stories of the 100 years of the RCAF, while supporting the next generation of Canadians who plan to enter the sector, and make an important impact in their community and around the world. The exhibit unveiled today at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a perfect example of the RCAF’s legacy in Canadian aerospace and we were proud to see it shared with the airport’s passengers and community,” said Jeremy Diamond, CEO, RCAF Foundation.
This press release was prepared and distributed by PortsToronto.
