Page "Royal Canadian Air Force" Paragraph 5

The Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron air force formed during the First World War in Europe, also named the Canadian Air Force.

The new air force, managed by the Air Board, was largely focused on civilian operations such as forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols.

In 1923, the Air Board was amalgamated into the Department of National Defence, and one year later, the Canadian Air Force was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force ( RCAF ).

In the late 1920s, the air force evolved into more of a military organization.

The RCAF suffered budget cuts in early 1930s, but began to rebuild throughout the latter part of the decade.

However, by the end of the 1930s the RCAF was not considered a major military force.

With the implementation of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War, the RCAF was significantly expanded to become the fourth largest allied air force.

During the war the RCAF was involved in operations in Great Britain, northwest Europe, the north Atlantic, Egypt, Italy, Sicily, Malta, Ceylon, India, Burma, and with home defence.