100th Anniversary of the RCAF celebrated by 101-year-old Canadian Bomber Pilot

April 1, 2024, marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It's been an important milestone for Reginald "Crash" Harrison, who turned 101 years old in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan last August and was setting his sights on living long enough to see the 100th anniversary of the RCAF - which he has done!

Reg was a Canadian bomber pilot during the Second World War. His life story, including growing up on a Saskatchewan farm and then surviving 4 wartime aircraft crashes in England, is told in my new book Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death (https://driverworks.ca/product/crash-harrison-book-by-deana-j-driver/ ).

Reginald "Crash" Harrison and author /publisher Deana J. Driver with
the book Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death

I spoke with Reg a few days ago and he told me his plan is to attend one of this summer's air shows celebrating the 100th RCAF anniversary. Saskatchewan cities are all too close to their airports, he said, so he'll likely travel to Cold Lake, Alberta, with family members to see his favourite Canadian Forces Snowbirds and other talented aviators in action.

If you want more information about the RCAF's 100th-anniversary celebrations, go to https://rcaf2024arc.ca/ which lists the events and also states:

    "The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future. This is an opportunity to fuel internal and external support in the organization that instills pride in Your Air Force while creating an enduring legacy that propels the institution forward into its next century of service. Canada’s Air Force will be showcased in a past, present, and future context, with a focus on highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability."

Happy Anniversary, Royal Canadian Air Force! Thank you for your service.

99 Year Old Bomber Pilot an Honorary CF Snowbird

I visited 99-year-old Reg "Crash" Harrison in Saskatoon recently to learn more about his fascinating life story, including the four crashes he survived as a bomber pilot during the Second World War. I wrote about those events in Volume 1 of Flight: Stories of Canadian Aviation by Deana J. Driver and Contributors.

But Reg's story deserves to be shared wider and with various audiences around the world.

So this time, Reg and I talked about some other stories that we can share for a new kids' book I am writing about him.

In this video, Reg talks about his first Moose Jaw air show and his special connection to the CF Snowbirds aerobatics team.