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First World War (1914-1918)
Canadians in the Royal Naval Air Service

Among the Canadians serving with the Royal Navy were those in its aviation branch, the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). They included aces and future leaders of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The dangers they faced included the enemy, the elements, and their own unreliable aircraft.

Service Dress Jacket, Royal Naval Air Service
Service Dress Jacket, Royal Naval Air Service

This Royal Naval Air Service dress jacket belonged to Flight Sub-Lieutenant Edward Desbarats.

The blue service dress jacket has the eagle insignia over one embroidered stripe, indicating Desbarats's rank of Flight Sub-Lieutenant (left sleeve, cuff). Like many Canadians in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), Desbarats originally joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force - in his case, in 1916, and then transferred to the RNAS, flying his first mission in August 1917. Shot down and captured in September 1917, he spent the rest of the war as a prisoner.

Service Dress Jacket, Royal Naval Air Service
CWM 19890260-002





Service Dress Cap, Royal Naval Air Service
Service Dress Jacket, Royal Naval Air Service
Flying Helmet, Royal Naval Air Service
Medal Set, Air Vice Marshal Raymond Collishaw
Wristwatch, Flight Lieutenant Henry Botterell
Medal Set, Captain Arthur Brown
Propeller Fragments, Flight Lieutenant Harry Wambolt
Memorial Plaque, Flight Lieutenant Harry Wambolt
Model, Felixstowe F2A
Flight Commander Wilfred Austin Curtis
Telegram Confirming Flight Lieutenant Harry Wambolt's Death
Letter to Flight Lieutenant Harry Wambolt's Parents