YanksintheRCAF
Plans, Needs and Goals
About the Project
Several years ago I was reading through diaries, flight logbooks, letters and news clippings from my father’s experiences as a pilot in World War II. He had joined the war effort in advance of the US entering the war, by voluntarily going to Canada to become a pilot. He was joined by his best Ken Dressler friend in this endeavor.
It was a challenge to find materials about others who took this avenue to join the fight for freedom and democracy. Certainly there was awareness of the heroism of the three RAF Eagle fighter Squadrons with their American volunteers . But, upon further research, it became apparent that many more Americans did take the course of action to get into the fight earlier.
I began to wonder if this little-known part of history could be brought to the screen. Specifically, the story of:
1) approximately 9,000 brave young Americans, who (like my father), before the US entered WWII, volunteered to join England’s desperate fight for liberty and freedom. Britain was in need of help - alot of help. Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia were doing all they could together to oppose the Axis powers; and
2) the deep and enduring affinity and bond between Americans and particularly the Brits and our neighbors to the north.
Brave Americans went north to Canada on their own. They joined the RCAF, trained in Canada and shipped to England.. They would serve as sorely needed bomber and fighter crews, bolstering and also helping to replenish, in some cases, those being lost in the Royal Air Force.
During my initial research, I happened to be visiting family in Saratoga Springs, NY. I read in the local newspaper- (The Saratogian) about scenes for a documentary being filmed in the area by David DeVries, a noted director, writer and film maker. David was kind enough to take time from his schedule to meet for lunch. Over lunch we discussed how to make this relatively obscure but powerful and touching story come to life by creating a documentary.
David was busy working on “Turmoil and Triumph - The George Shultz Years" at the time. He had already produced, directed, and written television documentaries in thirty-one countries. His numerous accomplishments include: ” “T.R.: An American Lion", “The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai” and “Egypt: Beyond the Pyramids”. His more complete and very distinguished biography is also posted on this site.
The project was initiated with seed pre-funding from Pat, and over a year of hard work was completed. David interviewed eleven (11) American/RAF-RCAF WWII veterans, and created a “Demo Video” to give a sense of the scope and drama of the story. At that time, we tentatively titled:the project “Volunteer Warriors”.
This Demo Video is available to those interested in the story of these heroes and who may want to help provide support.
Please read on for more information on the project details, the Demo Video (link on next page), goals, needs and next steps.