RCAF Remembers Pilots Who Fought in Pivotal Battle of Britain 86 Years Ago

The Royal Canadian Air Force held a Sept. 20 remembrance ceremony at 15 Wing Air Base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, honoring 117 Canadian airmen who took part in the 1940 Battle of Britain and the 23 who died. Saskatchewan-born airman Camille Robespierre Bonseigneur, 22, flew a Hurricane and was killed Sept. 3, 1940 after a German aircraft shot him down—one of the 23 Canadian pilots lost during the battle. Speaking at the event, Lt.-Col. Craig Cloete said the airmen’s determination helped defend freedom during Britain’s darkest period and still offers lessons for today’s pilots, including staying ready and adaptive.