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.

Flight Commander Wilfred Austin Curtis

This photograph shows Curtis wearing the standard naval service dress uniform with the distinctive insignia of Flight Commander in the RNAS (left sleeve, cuff).

Born in Havelock, Ontario, Curtis joined the RNAS in late 1916. He shot down 13 enemy aircraft and was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Remaining active as a reservist between the wars, Curtis served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, and commanded it as Chief of the Air Staff from 1947 to 1953.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19770650-030