Canadian Army Aviation
Canadian Army Pilot Mini-LuncheonCanadian War Museum Ottawa ON 2 Oct 2018On the occasion of a rare visit to the Nation’s Capital by Capt Ray Hall RCA from Sidney BC, a mini-luncheon was organized at the War Museum by one of the Museum’s Guides and former Canadian Army pilot, Maj “Digger” MacDougall. Also in attendance for the luncheon besides Digger were three other former Canadian Army pilots; namely, LCol Vic Coroy RCA, Maj Bill Lewis RCA and LCol John Dicker RCCS. Needless to say, a most enjoyable time was had by all. By way of background, Ray was a member of Light Aircraft Pilot Course No. 7, having undertaken ab initio pilot training at the Brandon Flying Club and then advanced flying training on the Auster aircraft at the Light Aircraft School, Rivers MB, graduating with the award of the coveted Canadian Army Flying Badge on 28 Oct 1953. Ray’s other course mates were Ernie Clinker, Chuck Coutts, Kevin Miller, Tommy Musgrave and Norm Ramsey. All, with the exception of Ray and Ernie, have now taken their Last flight to the big hangar in the sky. In spite of some hearing and vision issues, one would find it hard to believe in talking to Ray and noting his agileness, both mental and physical, that he is a young 89 years of age today. In sum, it was a delight for those present to meet with Ray again after so many years and we couldn’t have been more sincere in wishing him all the very best of everything in the years ahead. 
 Photo provided by Maj Digger MacDougall. L to R: Vic Coroy, Digger MacDougall, Ray Hall, Bill Lewis, John Dicker
 LAPC 7, Oct 53 Front Row L to R: (Instructors) Reid, Walker, Stewart(OC LAS), Leggett Rear Row L to R: (Students) Hall, Clinker, Ramsey, Coutts, Miller(Kevin), Musgrave |