This event has been cancelled. 

       – No ENGINE RUN –

Main Hangar Presentations

– Who was Johnny Fauquier?
– unveiling of new art work
– Update on Halifax 57 Rescue

Unveiling the Grand Slam Replica – with the De Winton woodworkers who built it
Cake at Noon
Food Concession in North Hangar hosted by High River Hospital Auxiliary (baked goods, hot dogs, hamburgers)

The RCAF’s most decorated airman, Air Commodore John Fauquier DSO and 2 Bars DFC, was Canada’s leading bomber pilot during World War II, flying at least 93 combat operations. ‘Johnny’ did it all during his flying career as a bush pilot, flying instructor, bomber pilot, squadron commander, pathfinder, master bomber, base commander, and finally leading 617 Squadron as they dropped 22,400 pound Grand Slam bombs on Nazi targets.

As well as commemorating the career of one of Canada’s most illustrious wartime airmen, the event will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the ‘Grand Slam’ and the end of the Second World War. ‘Johnny’ was the commanding officer of 405 Squadron RCAF during his two tours of operations with the squadron. His third tour was as the commanding officer of the legendary 617 Squadron RAF, ‘Dambusters’. The museum librarian and archivist Dave Birrell has written and recently published the biography of A/C Fauquier – available in the Gift Shop and on-line.

As a tribute to ‘Johnny’ and in anticipation of this event, our museum has built a full-size replica of the ‘Grand Slam’ bomb.

The museum is actively involved in the recovery of a 405 Squadron RCAF Halifax bomber (HR871)from beneath the Baltic Sea off of Sweden. ‘Johnny’ was the squadron c/o when this aircraft was lost.