Empire Air Training Scheme movie

Keith Webb · #1 13-06-07, 13:51

On YouTube, this excellent clip features Harvards, Fairey Battles, Ansons and more and can be seen here

Can anyone identify the base? I was wondering whether it was 1 SFTS Camp Borden.

Here's a still from the movie.

Tony Smith · #2 13-06-07, 14:40

That's the way, Keefy! Keep reminding 'em it was the EATS, not the BCATP!

Hanno Spoelstra · #3 13-06-07, 16:20

Thanks Keith!

Obilgatory vehicle content: still of Ford/Marmon-Herrington Crash Tender.

H.

servicepub (RIP) · #4 13-06-07, 18:07

The last bit, of course, is from "Captain of the Clouds". You can't miss James Cagney and company. Great movie clip. Thanks for posting.

Grant Bowker · #5 13-06-07, 18:07

All I can say is that the buildings an other scenery are "typical" BCATP. There were literally dozens of standardized airfields constructed in different parts of Canada that were virtually identical. Many of the airports (both runways and buildings) are still in use with different degrees of modernisation.
I'm currently sitting at Ottawa International Airport CYOW, the last of the BCATP hangars were torn down about 2 years ago.
Within 100NM of here I can find Tyendinaga CPU6, Rockliffe CYRO, Carp CYRP Kingston CYGK, St Hubert CYHU, Arnprior CNP3 that were obviously constructed to the standard pattern. It wasn't uncommon for trainee pilots to land at the wrong airport because they were often closely spaced and all looked the same. Naturally anyone committing such a faux-pas would have a spell as SLJO.
At least part of Captain of the Clouds was shot here in Ottawa, in the area now occupied by the Ottawa Flying Club. In particular, the graduation parade and possibly other sequences.

Keith Webb · #6 14-06-07, 14:17

Just had a look at some history relating to the movie which can be found here.

Grant, you were right about Ottawa, the base being Uplands.

servicepub (RIP) · #7 14-06-07, 14:29

As an Ottawan (Ottawanker?) I always fouind Cagney's walk through downtown confusing. As he looks to the left and to the right the camera cuts to a landmark feature such as the Cenotaph, the Chateau Laurier Hotel, Parliament, etc... However, the only way that he could see these features, in the order that he does and facing the direction he goes, is by walking backwards.

Grant Bowker · #8 14-06-07, 15:53

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
However, the only way that he could see these features, in the order that he does and facing the direction he goes, is by walking backwards.

At least that is possible, unlike some of the pipe dreams hatched on Parliament Hill.

sapper740 · #9 25-06-07, 01:29

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith Webb
On YouTube, this excellent clip features Harvards, Fairey Battles, Ansons and more and can be seen here

Can anyone identify the base? I was wondering whether it was 1 SFTS Camp Borden.

Here's a still from the movie.

Keith, I'll bet dollars to dimes that is indeed CFB Borden. I walked the flight line there many times and the sand to the right and the low hill to the left in the distance couldn't be anywhere but Borden. Borden, by the way is the birth place of the RCAF in 1924.

Grant Bowker · #10 25-06-07, 02:54

Quote:

Originally posted by sapper740
Borden, by the way is the birth place of the RCAF in 1924.

On April Fools Day, in a wonderful stroke of irony, given the woeful state of RCAF equipment on that date.

sapper740 · #11 25-06-07, 04:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Grant Bowker
On April Fools Day, in a wonderful stroke of irony, given the woeful state of RCAF equipment on that date.

And still to this date!

However, there is a slight glimmer of hope for the Canadian Air Force. Two acquaintances of mine work for Lockheed in Fort Worth, one is an engineer on the F2 (Japanese F16) program and the other is involved in liason with NATO governments re: the F35 and F22. He just spent 3 years in Ottawa promoting the F35. Canada has expressed an interest in the future purchases of the F35. One can only hope.
Here's a bitter irony for you. I'm a total aviation nut and I've arranged a special, personal tour of the F22 production line for my wife and step-son. I, as a non U.S. citizen cannot attend.

Here's a little Canadian aviation trivia question for everyone:

What was the first aircraft purchased by the Canadian Aviation Corps?

If you think you know the answer, PM me. Wouldn't want to broadcast any sensitive info...might be some Americans listening in!

Keith Webb · #12 25-06-07, 05:19

Quote:

Originally posted by sapper740
Keith, I'll bet dollars to dimes that is indeed CFB Borden. I walked the flight line there many times and the sand to the right and the low hill to the left in the distance couldn't be anywhere but Borden. Borden, by the way is the birth place of the RCAF in 1924.

Thanks for that, Derek.

I've interviewd several people recently who trained there during the war.