10 Elementary Flying Training School Memorial Plaque

This memorial is dedicated to the staff and aircrew who served and trained at 10 Elementary Flying Training School (10 EFTS), September 1, 1942 to September 15, 1945.

In August 1940, the Hamilton Aero Club was asked by National Defence staff in Ottawa, to organize an elementary flying training school to operate at Mount Hope airport (now the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport). Raising the required capital, incorporating the company, finding and training the staff, 10 Elementary Flying Training School (10 EFTS) opened their first office at the airport on September 1, 1940.

By early October, the first aircraft arrived on site with the first students arriving on October 14. By spring 1942, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was required to train more navigators and the Navigation School at Mount Hope was expanded. This expansion led to the relocation of 10 EFTS from Hamilton to Pendleton/Curran (near Ottawa), a distance of 640 km.

In August 1942, 10 EFTS moved staff and equipment to their new location and full training commenced on September 1. By the end of May 1944, developments overseas required that the previously all-civilian 10 EFTS staff be replaced by RCAF personnel. The 10 EFTS continued to operate with an RCAF staff until its closure on September 15, 1945.

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

Plan d’entraînement aérien du Commonwealth Britannique

10 Elementary Flying Training School

September 1, 1942 – September 15, 1945

10 École de pilotage militaire

De 01 sep 1942 au 15 sep 1945

Dedicated by/ Présentée par

Eastern Region Wings, Ontario Group

Air Force Association of Canada

L’escadre de la région de l’Est, Groupe de l’Ontario

De l’Association de la Force aérienne du Canada

May 8, 1999 / le 8 mai 1999