15 Facts About Wilfred Curtis

Wilfred Austin Curtis was a Canadian airman and Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1947 until 1953.

Wilfred Curtis was born in Havelock, Ontario, having received his early education in Toronto.

Wilfred Curtis then joined the infantry of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1915; he graduated on 11 August 1916 and joining the Royal Naval Air Service as a fighter pilot.

In 1917 Curtis was promoted to captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his skill and courage.

Wilfred Curtis has on many occasions destroyed and driven out of control enemy machines.

Wilfred Curtis proved his worth as a highly successful fighter pilot by shooting down 13 enemy aircraft confirmed; his final tally was 4 enemy planes destroyed, 3 of which were shared victories;, he drove down 9 enemy planes out of control, one of which was shared.

Wilfred Curtis transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918.

Wilfred Curtis became Officer Commanding in 1935 and initiated experimental air operations in mid-northern Ontario.

Wing Commander Wilfred Curtis was called to active duty in the RCAF on 1 September 1939 and became deputy air officer commanding, RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London in 1941.

Wilfred Curtis became a member of the Air Council in 1944.

Wilfred Curtis received French, American and Italian decorations in recognition of his contributions.

Wilfred Curtis remained Chief of the Air Staff until his retirement in January 1953.

Wilfred Curtis always devoted time to other aviation concerns: was President of the RCAF Association for two years until he was appointed Grand President of that organization, founded and organized the Canadian National Air Show in 1939 and served as chairman of its scholarship fund and was appointed the Honorary Wing Commander of the No 400 Squadron.

Wilfred Curtis served as Chairman of the Canadian Opera Company and President of the Canadian Inter American Association.

Wilfred Curtis materially contributed to the glorious saga of Canada's military and industrial aviation accomplishments.