PRESERVING A MEMORABLE ERA OF SERVICE

By Second Lieutenant Adeyemi Adeboye, 17 Wing Public Affairs 

At 1:24 p.m. on Friday 25^th July, 2025, a flight which originated in Oshkosh, Wisconsin terminated at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The arrival of Hannu Halminen in his P-51 Mustang signalled the commencement of the unveiling of a historical display commemorating the era when the 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron (402 Sqn) flew the legendary P-51 Mustang.

 P-51D | Photo taken by: S1 Megan Sterritt

In her remarks, Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt.-Col.) Geneviève Dussault, Commanding Officer (CO) of 402 Sqn and a former member of the RAMWC Board was delighted at the opportunity to have on display the P-51 Mustang which was the last fighter aircraft flown by the 402 Sqn, and the last propeller-driven fighter operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Dussault said, “From 1951 to 1957, the Mustang was a defining part of 402 Squadron’s post-war identity and seeing a beautifully preserved P-51D here today-still flying after all these years-is nothing short of incredible.”

Lt.-Col Geneviève Dussault

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Ernest Moncrief’s medals, serving as a moment to honour his service and legacy. Moncrief served with 12 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, later to become 112 Squadron, between 1933 and 1940. In 1942, Moncrief was awarded the Air Force Cross, and for his exemplary leadership in Britain and North-West Europe. He retired from the Air Force in November 1945 as a Group Captain – equivalent to the rank of a Colonel. He was only one of four RCAF members to have been awarded the Commander, Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords by the Netherlands.

Amongst other items on display until 1^st September 2025 are the Log-Book, of E. H. Moncrieff showing missions flown in the Mustang and a BC-602A Radio Control which was typically located beside the pilot’s seat in the P-51 Mustang.

In her closing remarks, Lt.-Col. Dussault appreciated the magnanimity of Ernest Moncrieff’s grandson, Hugh Moncrieff, in donating his medals to the 17 Wing Historical section thereby ensuring the preservation of his legacy.

Furthermore, she highlighted the fact that the event served as a reminder of the values, dedication and community spirit that continues to guide the RCAF. Finally, she said, “as we have recently marked the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial year, this ceremony reinforces the enduring bond between the military and the communities we serve. That connection is at the heart of our shared history and vital to shaping our future.”