Record group 2 - Overseas War Establishment

When war began, the Royal Canadian Air Force was represented at the British Air Ministry in London by a liaison officer and fifteen officers attending training courses. In fall 1939, RCAF was pressing for the formation of overseas units and it didn’t want to be restricted to home defence and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. It suggested the formation of an RCAF overseas command that will operate under the Royal Air Force. The first three RCAF squadrons were sent to England during the first six months of 1940. The RCAF overseas grew rapidly, establishing a strong presence within British formations such as Fighter, Coastal and Transport Commands. By far the greatest concentration of Canadian airmen served within No. 6 (RCAF) Group, Bomber Command. Although there would be a total of 48 RCAF squadrons, as well as numerous other units, serving in theatres of war ranging from Europe to the Far East, the vast majority of Canadians abroad served in RAF organizations.