Canada’s Air Force: The Royal Canadian Air Force at 100

“As one of Canada’s most preeminent military historians, David Bercuson has produced a much needed, well written, and comprehensive overview of the Royal Canadian Air Force that is perfectly timed to commemorate its 100th anniversary.  This general history fills a serious gap in the literature and therefore joins the esteemed ranks of similar navy and Canadian army contributions.  His final analysis is vital as it addresses the key military paradox that our nation faces; namely how we ignore the Canadian Armed Forces in time of relative peace only to see our citizens make up for such unnecessary neglect, as well unpreparedness, through bravery and blood in times of war. For this lesson alone it is a must read.” Richard Mayne, Director and Chief Historian RCAF History and Heritage

“Based on decades of research and experience in the field of Canadian military history, and written in a clear, straight forward style, Canada’s Air Force is a useful and informative compendium, with a solid message about the perils of political influence on defence procurement. Canada’s Air Force should find a home on the shelves of serving and retired RCAF personnel, historians, and professional military educators. More critically, it deserves to be read by the public and especially Canadian politicians – for whom this should be a wake-up call.” Marc Milner, Professor Emeritus, University of New Brunswick, and Honorary Colonel, RCAF

“David J. Bercuson’s well-written history of the RCAF includes original and compelling chapters on the Cold War era.” Terry Copp, Member of the Order of Canada, and former Director of the Laurier Centre for Military and Strategic Disarmament Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University

"David J. Bercuson’s jet-fuelled prose covers the RCAF’s century at high speed. The book contains a detailed history and a multitude of personal stories that tell the Canadian air force’s tale of growth, triumph and tragedy, victory, and present-day decline because of successive governments’ parsimonious foolishness. Bercuson pulls no punches, and this is the book for veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces." J.L. Granatstein, author of Canada’s Army: Waging War and Keeping the Peace, Third Edition