The RCAF no longer exists, but the memories and spirit live on. The RCAF’s anniversary, which is actually April 1, marked the 85th birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF has a very rich history and it is boards like this that will keep those memories forever alive! I found a rather funny story in the London Free Press ( London, Ontario) Air force spirit soars Lorne Spicer can safely reveal his secret now without going to jail for life. He was 16 ½ years old and desperate to join the air force. The sign up age was 17. So he erased the offending numbers from his birth certificate, then took it to the only place in town with a typewriter, the OPP office. The friendly police officer showed Spicer how to work the typewriter then walked out of the room for a short time. “If you ever tell anybody I helped you,” the officer warned, “I’ll find some way to put in jail and you will never get out.” That was 66 years ago and Spicer, now 82, was pretty sure telling the story wouldn’t get himself or the patriotic OPP officer in trouble. After all, this weekend is for celebrating the 85th birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force by doing what fliers do best beside flying — “shoot the bull,” as Spicer said. Several dozen fliers — from Second World War veterans to relative newcomers who pilot jets — as well as family and friends, gathered at the 427 London Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada Saturday to celebrate. “This is about observing the glorious tradition of the RCAF,” 427 Wing president Joan Sullivan said. The RCAF no longer exists, but the memories and spirit live on, Sullivan said. “We do something every year,” she said. Sullivan talked about the traditions of the RCAF while sitting in same corner of the air force building near London International Airport where she met her husband 55 years ago. “I’m 75 years old. I’m the baby of this group,” she laughed. Members of the group marked the RCAF’s anniversary, which is actually April 1, by first touring the Fingal wildlife management area, site of the former RCAF #4 Bombing and Gunnery School. A luncheon and “shooting the bull” took place after, followed by a concert.
belive it or not lorne spicer was a crewman on my grandfathers plane with squadron 426. his name was herb harvie and was the pilot. it is a honor to read about the crew he flew with. if anyone has any more information on lorne i would love to read it
