Page 12 - November (Remembrance)2020

Born in England in the 1890’s, Roland Groome was a pilot

instructor during the First World War. He is best known for
making the first airplane flight from Saskatoon to Regina in Don O’Hearne enlisted in the RCAF in 1939, over the
1919. Other honours include receiving Canada’s first next 27 years he served around the world, flying
commercial pilot license in 1920 and having the first everything from war-time patrols along Canada’s west
registered aircraft in Canada. As chief flying instructor with coast to peace-time duty with Air Defense Europe. His
the Regina Flying Club he taught many people how to fly. distinguished military career was marked by numerous
Groome was killed in an airplane crash in 1935. honours, including the NATO forces decoration and
Queen’s commemorative metal. In 1982, he formed

Vintage Aircraft Restorers which over the years restored
several aircraft now on display in the Western
Development Museum, Moose Jaw.

Dick Ryan honed his skills with the Royal Flying Corps in
World War I. After the war, he returned to Moose Jaw
where he was active with the local flying club. In 1935,
Dick co-founded Prairie Airways, a commercial air
charter company. When it was sold to Canadian Pacific
Airlines in 1941 Dick moved with it as manager of
Saskatchewan Operations. He rose to executive vice
president of the airline before retiring in 1961.
When Stan McClelland joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917,
he demonstrated exceptional flying skill. He quickly became
a flight instructor in bi-planes. When he returned to
Saskatoon, he formed the first commercial aviation company
in western Canada. He also flew the first ever flight at
Saskatoon at 1919 and was the second Canadian to be
awarded a commercial pilot’s license.