Canada Special Event Cover #S127 - Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 100th Anniversary (2024)

In 2024, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) marks its 100th anniversary as a distinct branch of the Canadian military. While thousands of Canadians served in Britain’s flying services during the First World War, it wasn’t until after the war that military aviation became a permanent part of Canada’s defence organization. In 1920, a part-time Canadian Air Force was authorized by an Order-in-Council.

After receiving the “Royal” designation from King George V, it became a permanent component of Canada’s defence force, on April 1, 1924. The RCAF went on to play a key role in the Allied victory in the Second World War and has since contributed to major Canadian deployments in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Today, the RCAF is tasked with defending and protecting Canadian and North American airspace and contributes to international peace and security through its commitments to organizations such as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The RCAF also serves at home, providing such capabilities as search and rescue and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters.