Along with advancements in technology, changes to the very nature of war is inevitable. Proven throughout history, the side that better adapts usually emerges triumphant. The interwar period between World War I and World War II, produced many technological advancements that greatly altered the way wars were fought, such as the weaponization of airplanes. Unlike World War I, airplanes played a major role in World War II; from destroying military bases to flattening cities, airplanes were the ones that provided both sides with the necessary firepower. With much of Europe under the Nazi’s control, it was the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan that provided the Allies with a constant supply of high quality aircrew, giving them the ability to
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On October 10, 1939, negotiations regarding the BCATP began in Ottawa involving Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Australia. After two months of negotiations and discussions, the delegates signed BCATP Agreement on December 17, 1939. In this agreement, they agreed upon how many trainees each country was obligated to provide, and how the cost would be divided. The plan was quite ambitious, demanding for 50 000 aircrew annually and 58 training facilities to be built. The BCATP was to take place in Canada due the many strategic benefits, primary due to the distance between Canada and Germany. The Luftwaffe wouldn't bother wasting time, energy and fuel flying over the Atlantic just to bomb the BCATP facilities. On top of that, Canada had space for training facilities, the ideal flying climate, open spaces for flying and navigation training, access to the U.S. market, and was connected with Britain via North Atlantic Shipping Lanes. Besides being beneficial for the Allies, the BCATP also benefited Canada. Still recovering from the Great Depression, many Canadians were desperate for employment and the BCATP created a much needed demand for goods and services. After two long months of discussing and negotiating, the BCATP was finally came into effect. Product of the successful and advantageous planning, the agreement aimed to benefit both the Allies and …show more content…
While Germany dominated the first half of the war, conquering much of Europe, Britain was in disparate need of equalizer and the BCATP delivered. Throughout its entirety, the BCATP managed to train 80 000 ground crew and 131 553 aircrew. Of those aircrew, 72 835 joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, 42 110 joined the Royal Air Force, 9 606 joined the Royal Australian Air Force and 7 002 joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Graduates of the BCATP made up for 45% of commonwealth Air Forces and played a significant role in battles such as The Dieppe Raid and The Battle of Britain. Perhaps if it weren't for these airmen, the Allies would have lost many crucial battles, possibly resulting in Germany’s victory. In fact, one problem with the BCATP was that it was too successful. By the end of 1943, the BCATP was producing pilots faster then the operational squadrons could take in. So in February of 1944, it was decided that the project must be slowed down. Due to its continues success, the BCATP ensured that the Allies had a sufficient supply of pilots, bombers, gunners, navigators, wireless operators and engineers to participate in numerous bombing, aerial combat and anti-submarine missions which resulted in the Allies obtaining air superiority which eventually lead to
On October 10, 1939, negotiations regarding the BCATP began in Ottawa involving Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Australia. After two months of negotiations and discussions, the delegates signed BCATP Agreement on December 17, 1939. In this agreement, they agreed upon how many trainees each country was obligated to provide, and how the cost would be divided. The plan was quite ambitious, demanding for 50 000 aircrew annually and 58 training facilities to be built. The BCATP was to take place in Canada due the many strategic benefits, primary due to the distance between Canada and Germany. The Luftwaffe wouldn't bother wasting time, energy and fuel flying over the Atlantic just to bomb the BCATP facilities. On top of that, Canada had space for training facilities, the ideal flying climate, open spaces for flying and navigation training, access to the U.S. market, and was connected with Britain via North Atlantic Shipping Lanes. Besides being beneficial for the Allies, the BCATP also benefited Canada. Still recovering from the Great Depression, many Canadians were desperate for employment and the BCATP created a much needed demand for goods and services. After two long months of discussing and negotiating, the BCATP was finally came into effect. Product of the successful and advantageous planning, the agreement aimed to benefit both the Allies and …show more content…
While Germany dominated the first half of the war, conquering much of Europe, Britain was in disparate need of equalizer and the BCATP delivered. Throughout its entirety, the BCATP managed to train 80 000 ground crew and 131 553 aircrew. Of those aircrew, 72 835 joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, 42 110 joined the Royal Air Force, 9 606 joined the Royal Australian Air Force and 7 002 joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Graduates of the BCATP made up for 45% of commonwealth Air Forces and played a significant role in battles such as The Dieppe Raid and The Battle of Britain. Perhaps if it weren't for these airmen, the Allies would have lost many crucial battles, possibly resulting in Germany’s victory. In fact, one problem with the BCATP was that it was too successful. By the end of 1943, the BCATP was producing pilots faster then the operational squadrons could take in. So in February of 1944, it was decided that the project must be slowed down. Due to its continues success, the BCATP ensured that the Allies had a sufficient supply of pilots, bombers, gunners, navigators, wireless operators and engineers to participate in numerous bombing, aerial combat and anti-submarine missions which resulted in the Allies obtaining air superiority which eventually lead to