Page 26 - November 2017

No. 2 FTS in Moose Jaw also fielded a team in 1959 of This year, as we salute the 50th anniversary of the
four Harvard basic trainers which ultimately led to the Golden Centennaires and the wonderful memories
formation of the popular Goldilocks seven-plane
aerobatic team from 1962-1964.
Then, in 1967, following the demise of all of the
teams except for the Red Knight, the RCAF once again
formed one of the world’s greatest aerobatic teams
to represent the Canadian Armed Forces during
Canada’s Centennial Year. Known as the Golden
Centennaires, they were based at CFB Portage. Under
the command of W/C O.B. Philp, DFC, the team
comprised an eight-ship of CT-114 Tutor basic jet
trainers combined with two vintage Avro 504K
biplane trainers, a supersonic duo of the CF-104
Starfighter & CF-101 Voodoo and the Red Knight.
The members of the Centennaires enjoyed a
magnificent season, opening and closing Expo 67 at
“Man and His World” in Montreal. With an additional For those of us who grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s,
seven shows in the United States and two in the
Bahamas following their Canadian tour, the Tutor
team flew an astonishing 121 shows that season, a
record that will never be beaten. They had treated
Canadians to a phenomenal demonstration that
showcased our aviation heritage in grand style.
The CF-104 Starfighter and CF-101 Voodoo prepare to start their engines for
another show in 1967. (Bill Johnson)
they left us, the guardians of their proud heritage are
the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds who have now
been captivating North American audiences for 47
consecutive years. As Canada's aerial ambassadors,
they fly in the spirit of the Golden Centennaires,
Golden Hawks and all of the many teams that have
graced Canadian skies for over nine decades. They
continue to do our nation proud.
The Golden Centennaires flew a record number of airshows during Canada's
Centennial in 1967. (RCAF Photo)
the members of these teams collectively inspired us
to dream about the future, of what might be if we
were lucky enough to follow in their footsteps.
Countless young lives were shaped by the experience
of watching them weave their aerial magic – and for
that we will be forever grateful. I feel immensely
fortunate and proud to have flown two tours with the
Snowbirds – and to have lived an impossible dream –
that of flying an F-86 Sabre in Golden Hawk colours
th
from 2009-2012 in celebration of the 100
anniversary of powered flight in Canada. Now, some
54 years after that friendly wave from F/L Bill Grip, I
still get to experience the joys of flight – the sensation
of speed, chasing clouds and marveling at the
extraordinary scenery Canada has to offer in every
corner of the country. ”