No. 1 General Reconnaissance School RCAF

(Redirected from No. 1 GRS BCATP)

No. 1 General Reconnaissance School RCAF was a flight training unit in 3 Training Command, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying Avro Ansons from RCAF Station Summerside, PEI. [1]

No. 1 General Reconnaissance School RCAF
Country Canada
Branch Royal Canadian Air Force
RoleGeneral Reconnaissance (Ocean Patrol) Training
Part ofRCAF Eastern Air Command
No. 3 Training Command

RCAF Eastern Air Command was the part of the Royal Canadian Air Force's Home War Establishment responsible for air operations on the Atlantic coast of Canada during the Second World War, including BCATP flight schools. Many of its assigned training schools conducted advanced flying courses including Service Flying Training (SFTS), Air Observer (AOS), Bombing and Gunnery (BGS), General Reconnaissance (ocean patrol) (GRS), Naval Aerial Gunnery (NAGS), Air Navigation (ANS) and Operational (OTU) training throughout the war. Together with some advanced aircraft types these units mainly flew older bomber and patrol aircraft that had been removed from active service. [1]

These schools were not part of the Order of Battle of RCAF Eastern Air Command. However, 3 Training Command aircraft were very active over the entire Eastern Command Area of Operations. They made an important contribution to the surveillance of the region as a force multiplier, providing extra eyes and ears. During the emergency known as the Battle of the St. Lawrence their role was very important and some units undertook combat patrols. [2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b RCAF Commands and their Units Retrieved 2013-01-10
  2. ^ Haliday, H., "Eastern Air Command: Air Force, Part 14" Royal Canadian Legion Magazine, March 1, 2006"