August 19th saw a grand celebration that commemorated 30 years of volunteer efforts by the Nanton Lancaster Society members and supporters.

Along with the museum’s milestone 419 Squadron RCAF celebrated their 75th anniversary having been formed in 1941.

The anniversary day started off with pancake breakfast in the adjacent Community Centre served by the Nanton Lions Club.

At 10:30, at the Memorial Wall in front of the Museum, 419 Squadron members led by the Squadron Chaplin celebrated their 75th anniversary and commemorated the loss of the Squadron’s 537 WWII casualties as listed on the Wall. This was followed by the laying of wreaths.

At the conclusion Two Hawk trainer jets saluted with a fly past. This was followed by the running of the Lancaster’s Merlin engines.

The indoor ceremonies commenced at 12:00 pm with a power point presentation of the 30 year history of the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, This was narrated by Karl Kjarsgaard.

The presentation went back to the very beginning, when George White, Howie Armstrong and Fred Garrett purchased Lancaster FM159 and on to the forming of the Nanton Lancaster Society, the governing entity of the Bomber Command Museum of Canada.

This was followed by guest speaker, Dr Stephane Guevremont, Honourary Colonel of 419 Squadron. Stephane related the history of the Squadron from its inception in 1941 to present day.

The next item was the second running of the Lancaster’s four Merlin engines in honour of the late Wing Commander Clifford Black DFC. A great day ended with the running of the Bristol Hercules engine on its display trailer.

The days food concession hosted from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm by the High River Hospital Auxiliary was much appreciated.