Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was a contingent of two Canadian air force squadrons – one fighter and one bomber – authorized by the British Air Ministry in August 1918 during the close of the First World War. The unit was independent from the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Canadian Air Force
Aviation canadienne
Dolphins of No.1 (Fighter) Squadron, CAF
Active	1918–1920
Country	Dominion of Canada
Allegiance	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Engagements	World War I
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief	George V
Minister of Militia and Defence	Sydney Chilton Mewburn
Commander of the Canadian Air Force	Billy Bishop
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
Bomber	Airco DH.9A
Fighter	R.A.F. S.E.5A Sopwith Dolphin

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In addition to the two squadrons, a CAF Directorate of Air Services was formed, which was a branch of the General Staff of the Overseas Military Forces of Canada. The CAF's first commander, Lt. Col. W. A. Bishop began setting up the squadrons in August 1918. The two squadrons never fought during the war, which ended on 11 November 1918. The squadrons were administered by No. 1 Wing CAF, which was formed in March 1919.

Both squadrons were stationed in the United Kingdom at Upper Heyford and later, Shoreham-By-Sea, Sussex. All aircraft, equipment and training facilities were provided by Britain. Recruiting, pay and clothing, however, was a Canadian responsibility.

The British government cut funding for the squadrons in June 1919. The Canadian government decided that a permanent peacetime air force was not needed and so both squadrons ceased operations: No. 1 Squadron on January 28, 1920, and No. 2 Squadron on February 5, 1920. Aircraft and associated equipment were sent back to Canada. The Directorate of Air Services was dissolved on 5 August 1920.

This Canadian Air Force was Canada's second attempt at creating a relatively independent air force, the first being the creation of the Canadian Aviation Corps in 1914. Another Canadian Air Force would be established in 1920 as part of the Air Board in Canada and would exist until the Royal Canadian Air Force was established in 1924.