McNaughton's air force: The creation of the first Non-Permanent Active Air Force squadrons, 1931–1933

Popular histories ascribe the formation of the first Non-Permanent Active Air Force squadrons, which were established in October 1932, either to public pressure or financial rationalization while more scholarly works have provided no explanation whatsoever. This thesis demonstrates that Major-Genera...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Joost, Mathias
Format Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Published ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2008
Subjects
Canadian history
Military studies
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Summary:Popular histories ascribe the formation of the first Non-Permanent Active Air Force squadrons, which were established in October 1932, either to public pressure or financial rationalization while more scholarly works have provided no explanation whatsoever. This thesis demonstrates that Major-General A.G.L. McNaughton, the Chief of the General Staff, provided critical support for and the eventual authorization of these squadrons as part of his plan to modernize the Canadian Militia. The thesis examines various factors that could have generated the requirement for the squadrons and concludes that all but one can be eliminated on the basis of documentary evidence. Some factors, such as financial considerations, had no influence, while others, such as the Royal Air Force, may have provided a model for the RCAF to emulate but not the specific stimulus to create the units in question. The conclusion is that General McNaughton, in restructuring the Militia, required aerial support that could be called up should an expeditionary force be required. Accordingly, the squadrons were created on a part-time basis, similar to the Militia, to provide this support. Keywords. McNaughton, Royal Canadian Air Force, Non-Permanent Active Air Force
ISBN:0494478977
9780494478974