[BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) Fighter Pilots Reunion]

Audio recording of a reunion for service members of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Winnipeg, Manitoba, circa 1970.

Text on label: "A Gathering of Eagles. Reg Fowert."

Abstract from transcript: This recording contains highlights from a reunion held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, circa 1970, for Canadian and British fighter pilots who were involved with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during World War II. Speakers share remarks and humorous stories about each other and pay homage to the wartime service of Canadian pilots. Identified speakers include German fighter ace Adolf Galland; British fighter aces James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson and Douglas Bader; and Air Commodore John Fauquier of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Also included is an excerpt from a BBC radio broadcast of then-Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson giving a briefing on the eve of D-Day.

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), also known as the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), was an aircrew training program implemented during World War II by the Royal Air Forces of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A reunion for BCATP-trained Canadian pilots was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, circa 1970, and the event included a luncheon attended by Canadian and British fighter pilots, as well as at least one German fighter pilot. Several of the speeches made by the guests of honor were recorded.