RCAF Station Bowden

Last updated
RCAF Station Bowden
Near Bowden, Alberta in Canada
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RCAF Station Bowden
Coordinates 51°59′N114°01′W / 51.983°N 114.017°W / 51.983; -114.017 Coordinates: 51°59′N114°01′W / 51.983°N 114.017°W / 51.983; -114.017 [1]
Site information
OwnerDept of National Defence (Canada)
Site history
In use1941-4
Garrison information
OccupantsNo. 32 E.F.T.S.(1941-4);
Airfield information
Elevation3,100 ft (940 m) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
15/333,050 ft (930 m) Hard Surface
9/273,050 ft (930 m) Hard Surface
3/213,050 ft (930 m) Hard Surface
Airfields

RCAF Station Bowden was a Second World War British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) station located near Bowden, Alberta, Canada. It was operated and administered by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Contents

History

World War II

RCAF Station Bowden was constructed as a component of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan [2] near the community of Bowden, Alberta. It was originally opened by the Royal Air Force, as an elementary flying training school (No. 32 EFTS) on 12 July 1941. The Station had over 100 students at the time. [3] On 20 July 1942 it was taken over by the Edmonton Flying Club. Eventually, it had over 240 students and over 150 aircraft on strength. The aircraft used were initially Tiger Moths and later Cornells. [4] Stearman aircraft were also used. [5] RCAF Station Bowden was closed on 8 September 1944.

Aerodrome

In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at 51°59′N114°01′W / 51.983°N 114.017°W / 51.983; -114.017 with a Var. 24 degrees E and elevation of 3,100 ft (940 m). 3 runways were listed as follows:

Runway NameLengthWidthSurface
7/253,050 ft (930 m)150 ft (46 m)Hard surfaced
12/303,050 ft (930 m)150 ft (46 m)Hard surfaced
1/193,050 ft (930 m)150 ft (46 m)Hard surfaced

[1]

Relief landing field – Netook

The primary Relief Landing Field (R1) for RCAF Station Bowden was located approximately halfway between Bowden and Olds, Alberta. The relief field is now being operated as Olds (Netook) Airport.

Present Day

The aerodrome is now completely removed and the site is now the location of the Bowden Institution

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References

  1. 1 2 Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 82.
  2. ↑ Hatch, F. J. (1983). The Aerodrome of Democracy: Canada and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, 1939-1945. Ottawa: Directorate of History, Department of National Defence. ISBN   0660114437.
  3. ↑ "#32 Elementary Flying Training School": http://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/bcatpbowden.html
  4. ↑ "BCATP Station Bowden". www.bombercommandmuseum.ca. Archived from the original on 2011-08-26.
  5. ↑ "BCATP ORGANIZATION AND FACILITIES ~ HOW DID IT WORK? | Comox Air Force Museum". comoxairforcemuseum.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-11-01.


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