J.A.D. McCurdy induction: An aviation announcement from Hon. Col. Gerald Haddon
An Aviation Announcement
We are pleased to share with you the following notice from Honorary Colonel Gerald P. J. Haddon, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, Borden, Ontario:
Honorary Colonel and Mrs Haddon. Photograph: Tom Alfoldi, Courtesy of the Canada Science and Technology Museum
In a moving ceremony which took place at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on November 21, 2012, in Ottawa, Honorary Air Commodore, The Honourable John Alexander Douglas McCurdy, Canada’s First Pilot and the first man to fly in Canada and the British Empire, J.A.D. McCurdy, was inducted into the prestigious Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. McCurdy graduated from the University of Toronto in 1906 in Mechanical Engineering where he was the youngest student to be admitted to the University. Capping a brilliant career in aviation, McCurdy was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 1947-1952.
Known as one of the Principal Fathers of Canadian Aviation when he died on June 25, 1961, in Montreal, Quebec, he was the world’s oldest living pilot.
John A.D. McCurdy. Photograph: Haddon family
J. A. D. McCurdy was buried in his birthplace, Baddeck, Nova Scotia with full military honours facing the waters of Bras d’Or Lake from where he made his historic flight in The Silver Dart.
Honorary Colonel Gerald P. J. Haddon, representing his Grandfather, and accompanied by his wife Amanda, was presented with a proclamation from the Prime Minister outlining some of Mr. McCurdy’s aviation firsts along with a piece of handmade crystal.
Photograph: Haddon family
Photograph: Haddon family
Silver Dart. Photograph: Haddon family
I would like to receive an address for Mr. Haddon so that I can write him an e-mail or letter regarding my interest in the history of the Silver Dart. I am an ex RCAF Sabre pilot living in Calgary. In 2008 I conceived the idea, researched the drawings, financed and built ,with help, a full scale replica of the Silver Dart which now hangs in the Calgary Aero Space Museum.
I’m delighted to read your message, Richard. I will ensure that you are able to get in touch with Mr. Haddon.
Thanks for the article. I would like to contact Gerald Haddon to invite him to address our model plane club Humber Valley Radio Control Flyers (HVRCFG.ORG). Could you send an email address or other means of communicating?
Thanks
Milton Charlton
Toronto
I’m hoping that the information I’ve sent by email will enable you to get in touch with Hon. Colonel Haddon.