Air Classics - Where History Flies! - August 2022

94 AIR CLASSICS/August 2022

RCAF MITCHELLS
Really enjoyed the cover of the July
issue. What is of interest is that the
photograph was taken during February
1952 and it can be clearly seen that the
Mitchell was being loaded with real
“iron” bombs. This leads, of course, to
the question if the RCAF was the last
major air force to utilize the B-25 in
its intended role as a bomber? During
WWII, the RAF would receive a bit over
700 Mitchells and many of these aircraft
were flown by RCAF crews. With the
end of the war, many Mitchells were
transferred to the RCAF in Canada
and flown on a wide variety of duties
— everything from trainers, to target
tugs, to survey aircraft, and, as can be
seen in your photo, as bombers. The last
RCAF Mitchells were struck off strength
in 1960 and numerous examples went
on the civilian registers of Canada and
the USA. I am hoping someone can
come up with a definitive answer on
whether the RCAF Mitchells were the
last bombers.

Brian Finnegan
Vancouver, British Columbia

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Finnegan
poses an excellent question. We would
presume some of the third world
Mitchells retained an offensive capability
but many were modified as personnel
and cargo transports. We would
appreciate hearing from readers that
might have further information but until
then we are presenting some photos of
Mitchells in post-war RCAF service.

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After WWII, 418 Squadron RCAF was reestablished as an auxiliary (reserve) squadron.

From 1946 through 1957, the squadron flew Mitchells as medium bombers in defense of

the Canadian north.

This Mitchell Mk. IIPT (Pilot Trainer) flew with 418 “City of Edmonton” Squadron. The

aircraft’s plexiglass nose has been painted black.

RCAF 5220 was a Mk. 3ST serving with

No. 412T (Training) “Falcon” Squadron

but the polished metal finish and curtains

in the waist positions may indicate the

plane was being used in a VIP role when it

was photographed at RCAF Goose Bay.

The nose of this Mitchell Mk. II of No. 13 (Photo Survey) Squadron received camera

blister modifications somewhat similar to the USAAF’s F-10 photo conversion.