Member-only story

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight: The Epic Story of the First Canadian Fighter Ace

Curtis Stewart

·14.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Raymond Collishaw And The Black Flight

4 min read · 3 weeks before

222 View Claps

35 Respond

Save

Listen

Raymond Collishaw was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on November 22, 1893. He was the son of a farmer and a schoolteacher. Collishaw attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, and graduated in 1914. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was sent to Europe to fight in World War I.

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight

by Roger Gunn

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4081 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

Collishaw's first assignment was as a reconnaissance pilot. He flew a Sopwith Camel and was responsible for gathering intelligence about enemy positions. Collishaw quickly proved himself to be a skilled pilot and a brave fighter. He shot down his first enemy aircraft in April 1917. Over the next few months, Collishaw continued to score aerial victories, and he soon became one of the most successful fighter pilots in the British Royal Flying Corps.

In September 1917, Collishaw was transferred to the Black Flight, a squadron of elite fighter pilots. The Black Flight was known for its aggressive tactics and its high rate of success. Collishaw quickly became one of the squadron's top pilots. He flew a variety of aircraft, including the Sopwith Camel, the SE.5a, and the Bristol F.2b. Collishaw scored numerous aerial victories while flying with the Black Flight, and he helped to establish the squadron's reputation as one of the most feared units in the war.

In April 1918, Collishaw was shot down and captured by the Germans. He was held as a prisoner of war for the rest of the war. Collishaw returned to Canada in 1919 and was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for valor in the British Commonwealth. He continued to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force until 1939, when he retired with the rank of air vice-marshal.

Raymond Collishaw was one of the most successful fighter pilots of World War I. He was a skilled pilot and a brave fighter. He was also a true pioneer of Canadian aviation. His story is an inspiration to all who dream of great things.

Legacy

Raymond Collishaw's legacy is one of courage, determination, and adventure. He was a pioneer of Canadian aviation and one of the most successful fighter pilots of World War I. Collishaw's story continues to inspire generations of Canadians.

In 1993, Canada Post issued a stamp commemorating Collishaw's 100th birthday. In 2003, the Royal Canadian Air Force named a new class of fighter pilots the Collishaw Class. In 2007, Collishaw was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Collishaw's story has been told in books, articles, and films. The most recent book about Collishaw is "Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight: The Epic Story of the First Canadian Fighter Ace" by Greg Van Kesteren. The book was published in 2017 and is a comprehensive account of Collishaw's life and career.

Raymond Collishaw was a true Canadian hero. He was a skilled pilot, a brave fighter, and a true pioneer of Canadian aviation. His story is one that will continue to inspire generations of Canadians for years to come.

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight

by Roger Gunn

4.5 out of 5