AN INDIE IS:
Brandon Flying Club, 1929-1939
Tiger Moths used by BFC instructors to train RCAF pilots in 1939. photo: Brandon A Prospect of A City
Aviation became a reality in Brandon in September of 1929 when a group of interested citizens obtained a charter to establish the Brandon Aero Association.
They sold shares at $100 each and purchased some acreage on First Street North.
They acquired an Avro Avion biplane, engaged a young flyer from Winnipeg, W. A. Catton, as flying instructor and air engineer, and were in business.
The venture folded in 1934, but a year later a new group established The Brandon Flying Club, with C. E. Leech as its first president.
The Club gained such a favourable reputation for the high calibre of pilots it was turning out that it was selected the first club in Canada to train pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
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In the summer of 1939 the first class of trainees arrived, and the Tiger Moths shown in the above photo were the first aircraft used.
The first Provisional Pilot Officers to be trained in Brandon for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939 are shown here with their instructors C. E. Leech, left and ‘Mac’ Mclean, right.
Two members of this class, Squadron leader ‘Bob’ Morrow (centre) and Wing Commander ‘Granny’ Morris (at Morrow’s left) distinguished themselves in the Battle of Britain during World War II.
Both received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In 1941 when the British Commonwealth Air Training Station was established five miles north of the Club’s field, civil flying operations had to be suspended until after the war.
– Brandon: A Prospect of A City by Mary Hume
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THE CINNAMON TREE
French Doll Necklaces
Fabulous statement necklaces featuring beautifully crafted dollies on long chains – quirky and unique!
Today’s Throwback
Tiger Moth
refuelling at dawn, No. 12 Service Flying Training School, Brandon, c. 1941
photo: Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
BROMLEY’S MENSWEAR
S. Cohen Collection
• Impeccably tailored from fabrics sourced from the world’s finest mills.
• Trousers have Stretch Guard Panels and Performa-Stretch Waistbands to provide exceptional comfort.
Framed items and your decor
Marlene Leflar, co-owner, Lasting image
Today, we offer these framing tips courtesy of Larson-Juhl.
Custom framing is an integral part of decorating a home or business.
In fact, when you buy quality custom framing, it is like purchasing furniture for your walls.
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When selecting art and framing, your number one goal should be to find something you love.
Do not settle for art simply because it matches your colour scheme.
If the colours do coordinate, that’s OK, but it really shouldn’t match too well because you want it to stand out so it becomes a special accent in the room.
LASTING IMAGE
Get your keepsakes out of the drawer!