Bradford West Gwillimbury celebrates 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury capped off a week of festivities with a once-in-a-century celebration on Friday.

On the ground, it began with a parade straight down Holland Street West as hundreds of Canadian military personnel and community members marched through the city.

Among those marching was Lieutenant Colonel Bill Sergeant, who first joined the RCAF in 1972 as an aerospace engineer.

“It warms my heart to see so many people from so many disciplines within the armed forces, police, cadets – who are the future of the armed forces – here this morning to help us celebrate this milestone,” said Sgt.

In the air during the parade, there were special flights by four World War I aircraft, leaving streaks of aerobatic tracks across the sky.

Then, shortly after the parade ended at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, a dozen members of the Canadian SkyHawks Parachute Team performed a sequence jump from 6,000 feet while carrying Canadian flags.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here as part of the SkyHawks, jumping for the RCAF and the city of Bradford,” said Lance Corporal Benjamin Barrett, one of the jumpers.

The afternoon ended with a special ceremony. Bradford Mayor James Leduc presented the keys to the city to Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Wong, who accepted them on behalf of the RCAF.

“The RCAF is honored and I am honored to be here representing the RCAF to accept the keys (to the city) on this occasion,” said Lt Col Wong.

The city’s RCAF centennial festivities were the vision of longtime Bradford resident and retiree Lt. Col. Ferguson Mobbs, who first brought the ideas to Mayor Leduc in the fall of 2023.

“I’m thrilled with the turnout,” Mobbs said. It exceeded my expectations. It just goes to show you that the people of Bradford want to celebrate and appreciate the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

Mayor Leduc called it a historic moment. “This being the 100th anniversary of the RCAF at Base Borden, which is in Simcoe County. We’re in Simcoe County. I was delighted to be able to do this,” he said.

The RCAF will continue to commemorate its 100th anniversary with several celebrations across the country throughout the rest of the year.