Field of Crosses

19 hours ago

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was established by a Royal Warrant on April 13, 1912. At the outbreak of the First World War on August 4, 1914, the RFC comprised 147 officers, 1,097 men, and 179 aeroplanes.

While Canada did not have its own Air Force during the war, Canadian airmen served with the RFC or the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Approximately 22,812 Canadians served in the British flying services, and another 13,160 served as aircrew.

On April 1, 1918, the RFC and RNAS ceased to exist as they were merged into the newly formed Royal Air Force (RAF). By November 1918, Canadians made up 25% of RAF officers, with thousands more in training as pilots and observers when the war concluded.

By the war's end, nearly a quarter of all British flyers were Canadian. Of the 6,166 British Empire air service fatalities, 1,388 were Canadian, while an additional 1,130 Canadians were wounded or injured, and 377 became prisoners of war or were interned.

The motto of the Royal Flying Corps, "Per ardua ad astra," meaning "Through Adversity to the Stars," remains the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces.

Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance, the Field of Crosses in Calgary, Alberta, commemorates the four airmen from Southern Alberta who served with the Royal Flying Corps in World War I.

Craig, George B. – 23 – Lt RFC – 21/02/1918

Evans, Henry C. DSO – 36 – 2Lt RFC – 03/09/1916

Gee, Donald – 24 – 2Lt – 31/01/1918

Gilbert, Archibald H. – 23 – 2Lt RFC – 21/09/1917

#FieldofCrosses #RoyalFlyingCorps #RCAF #Canada #RFC #WW1 #Centennial #History #CanadianArmedForces ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

5 days ago

The time of year is approaching when Calgary’s landscape along Memorial Drive transforms into a place of honour and remembrance. Since 2009, The Field of Crosses has displayed over 3,500 crosses during the 11 days leading up to Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the brave soldiers from Southern Alberta and across Canada who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

By Adopting A Cross, your donation helps to preserve the memory of these heroes, ensuring their stories and sacrifices remain a part of our community for generations to come. Let’s honor those who gave their tomorrow for our today.

Visit our website to learn more about The Field of Crosses and how you can support by Adopting A Cross.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/adoptacross/ ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

1 week ago

Happy #Thanksgiving from The Field of Crosses. 🍁

We are so grateful for the incredible support from our community—our volunteers, donors, and everyone who contributes to keeping the remembrance of our fallen heroes alive. Without you, our annual display wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for helping us honour those who gave everything for our freedom. ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

3 weeks ago

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the children lost to the residential school system, the Survivors, and the families and communities forever impacted.

We will also take this opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans who served Canada with courage, despite facing discrimination throughout their service and beyond.

As we celebrate their strength and contributions, we must also acknowledge the painful history and ongoing impacts endured by Indigenous peoples. We remain committed to remembering their stories, ensuring their service is recognized, and continuing the journey toward reconciliation.

#NDTR #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #WeRemember #NeverForget #Canada ... See MoreSee Less