THE Evening Press supplement (March 21) proved interesting and I toast the strengthening of links between Canada and this country, and York in particular.
The Canada-York link goes back a long way as a perusal of the plaque at the Black Swan Inn in Peasholme Green will reveal. But the links were at their deepest and most dynamic during the Second World War, though not mentioned in this fascinating supplement.
For much of the war Canadian men and women of No.6 (RCAF) Group, Bomber Command, Royal Air Force made their presence felt in this country in a big way, especially in North Yorkshire and York.
To thousands of Canadians, Yorkshire was their home for much of the war and most of the airfields in North Yorkshire were Canadian bases for three years, operating hordes of Halifax, Lancaster and Wellington bombers with great dedication, bravery and skill.
Thousands lost their lives in the process and their names are recorded in the Book Of Remembrance in York Minster.
The Canadian presence in our midst had a profound and lasting effect.
Needless to say, fraternisation was rife with Anglo-Canadian relations frequently being united at the altar.
Last September, in a simple service in York Minister, a wall plaque was unveiled and dedicated to No.6 (RCAF) Group, Bomber Command, Royal Air Force. The links are still strong.
Derek Reed,
Chairman of Trustees,
Yorkshire Air Museum,
York.
Updated: 10:24 Thursday, April 05, 2001
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