Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections
Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections
1 of 4
Description:
Item is an interview/narrative of George Roberts Howsam' s experiences during World War II. Air Vice-Marshal Howsam, C.B., M.C. served with the 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, the Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on May 14, 21, 28 and June 2, 1980.
Date:
1980-05-14
Collection:
Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections
People Depicted:
Air Vice-Marshal Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988
Page Title:
Howsam_G_0194_01.mp3
Abstract:
(Reel 4, Side 1, interviewed by W. S. Thackray) Planning for possible expansion of flying training. Impressions of the defence bureaucracy in Ottawa, 1937-1939. Government policy dictated that all senior Air Force officers in Canada should be Canadian. This led to unfortunate repercussions for the R.C.A.F. later in England. Early wartime aid by the Americans. (45:00) Training commands established which, by 1943, consisted of 360 training schools. In 1940 undertook a familiarization tour of the United Kingdom and France. Public relations. Problems of building training bases. (40:00)
(Reel 4, Side 2) Offers an account of the construction and establishment of the training base at Yorkton, Sask. Private funds were obtained to enhance mess facilities. In Feb. 1942 was promoted to air commodore and stationed in Calgary. The Northwest Staging Route began and airports became clogged with American aircraft. Appointed to command and reorganize the staging route. Discusses training aircraft, safety factors; North American Harvards were excellent. (35:00)
(Reel 5, Side 1) Much co-operation with the Americans, additional headquarters established. Details of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. In 1944 air training was reduced and Howsam was transferred to Ottawa to plan for the postwar air force. (45:00)
Experiences with the "political factor" in Ottawa. Retired, effective Apr. 30, 1946. Explains some problems with the R.A.F. component of the air training plan. In 1942 particularly there were man management problems of a fairly serious nature. Feels that R.C.A.F. headquarters suffered from some political interference. (45:00) Returns to comments on the Canadian Air Force at the end of the Great War.