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Canadian WWI Flying Ace - Capt. W. Rogers

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    Canadian WWI Flying Ace - Capt. W. Rogers

    Capt. W. Rogers, M.C. (10 November 1896 – 11 January 1967)

    Last week I was most fortunate to be able to acquire the WWII RCAF uniform of a Canadian who was a WWI flying ace. Shown here are the greatcoat, tunic, pants and wedge cap, all custom-made for Squadron Leader W. Rogers in 1939 with his personal name labels sewn on the inside (except the cap). The tunic has his Pilot Wings and WW1 ribbons which include one for his Military Cross award.

    It should be noted here that it wasn't until WWI that the Canadian government became interested in military aviation. At the beginning of the First World War on 04 August, 1914, Canada became involved in the conflict by virtue of Britain's declaration.

    Rogers had grown-up and received his primary education in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 1915 at the age of 18, while attending the University of Toronto, he joined the Canadian Officers' Training Corps (COTC) and then attended the Royal School of Artillery at Kingston, Ontario.

    In 1916 he went to England and enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps where he was appointed a Flying Officer on 25 April 1917. Then posted to No.1 Squadron, RFC in France, his illustrious career literally "took off" as one of Canada's fighting airmen...he scored nine victories flying Nieuport scouts.

    On 12 July 1917 he scored the first of a run of six "out of control" victories over enemy Albatros fighter planes, with the string ending 29 October 1917. On 18 November 1917 he was appointed Flight Commander.

    On 12 December 1917, he shot down a huge Gotha G bomber piloted by German Blue Max winner Hauptmann Rudolf Kleine, killing Kleine and his three crew members.

    Rogers went on to two additional "out of control" victories, with his last win coming on 18 December 1917.

    For a listing of his victories, see here:
    http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/canada/rogers2.php

    After surviving WWI Rogers settled in Saint John, New Brunswick where he was a member of the "Byng Boys Club" at the Union Club of Saint John. A trophy of the German Gotha bomber which he brought down is located there. He managed several enterprises of the local magnate K.C. Irving and operated a very successful automobile business. He was also the moving spirit in the Saint John Flying Club.

    I hope that all reading this thread will enjoy doing so and seeing the items pictured.

    Regards,

    John

    The greatcoat and epaulette:
    Attached Files
    Last edited by jwburchell; 05-10-2011, 06:48 PM.

    #2
    The sewn-in tailor's label and tunic (with pants on hanger underneath):
    Attached Files

    Comment


      #3
      Close-up of tunic and hat & superb, officer-quality insignia:
      Attached Files

      Comment


        #4
        Very interesting story and quit a find!

        Comment


          #5
          Very nice addition! My collection passion in RFC and the canadians that served in it.

          It's nice to see items attributed to a great war ace

          What was the extent of his service in WW2? I assume his age would have prevented him from flying operationally.

          Comment


            #6
            Thanks, Greg. Nice to have your comments.

            As far as his WWII service goes, I have no further details. My cursory initial research turned-up nothing on that. But have a look here:

            http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/~Her...ACSquadron.htm

            See also here the only picture of Rogers that I have located to date. It appears on page 29 of the book "We that are left...Remember New Brunswickers in the Air Force", published in 2002 by 250 RCAF (Saint John) Wing Air Force Association of Canada.
            Attached Files
            Last edited by jwburchell; 05-11-2011, 10:19 AM. Reason: additional info.

            Comment


              #7
              Have you seen this link? It has a picture of Mr Rogers in his Nieuport.

              http://www.greatwarflyingmuseum.com/...ll_rogers.html

              Comment


                #8
                Wow! Thanks, Greg. I missed that site. Great WWI period shot of this ace!

                Comment

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