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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: dfk on Wednesday 06 June 18 01:25 BST (UK)

Title: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: dfk on Wednesday 06 June 18 01:25 BST (UK)
Hi, Question, where there any British troops in the Manitoba area during ww2 ?
Dave.
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: Rosinish on Wednesday 06 June 18 02:14 BST (UK)
This may help?

http://umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/archives/WorldWarII/

I have 2 relatives who were in Winnipeg, Manitoba (1941) while training to get 'their wings' RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) although both lived in England if it's of help?

Annie
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: Nanna52 on Wednesday 06 June 18 03:09 BST (UK)
Rosinish, I have a cousin by marriage who did his training with the RCAF also.  He was Australian.  From there he joined RAF flying Lancaster bombers.
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: Rosinish on Wednesday 06 June 18 03:33 BST (UK)
Nanna, it's very possible they all knew each other?

Mine (brothers, 1st cousins once removed, sons of the brother of my g/father) both ended up...

GBRACAC (Great Britain Royal Aero Club Aviation Certificate) No. 24414 (Director/Qualified Service Pilot)

GBRACAC (Great Britain Royal Aero Club Aviation Certificate) No. 25142 (Businessman/Qualified Service Pilot)

Annie


Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: Nanna52 on Wednesday 06 June 18 03:58 BST (UK)
Annie my cousin, Harry Gibbard Manley, seems to have been there from late 1942 to early 1943.  He became a pilot and flight lieutenant.  After the war ended in Europe ended he became a pilot for QANTAS.  I'm afraid I can't work out his qualifications as some of his record is in poor condition.
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: manawakian on Thursday 07 June 18 11:18 BST (UK)
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan is described here

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-commonwealth-air-training-plan/

There were numerous bases in Manitoba as part of this plan and there is a museum in Brandon dedicated to this.  Other than air crew I don't think the other British branches of service did much, if any, training in wartime Manitoba.

The actor Richard Burton trained in Manitoba as part of the BCATP.
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: merryhow on Thursday 07 June 18 11:53 BST (UK)

Hi, somewhere in my house( attic ? ) is a suitcase full of photographs taken by my uncle during this period. I think most were taken in the Saskatchewan area where he was based but there may be some from Manitoba. Next time one of my daughters  visits I'll get her to have a rummage to see whats there.

Val
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: Rosinish on Friday 08 June 18 01:01 BST (UK)

Hi, somewhere in my house is a suitcase full of photographs during this period.
there may be some from Manitoba.
Next time one of my daughters visits I'll get her to have a rummage to see whats there.

That sounds good as there may be names attached?

Annie
Title: Re: British troops in Canada ww2
Post by: dfk on Friday 08 June 18 07:45 BST (UK)
Thank you everyone, lots to look at.
Dave