Articles
An update on the Vickers Vedette Project - 2010
Gord Emberley CM (17.04.2010)
Last year the Lac du Bonnet Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) was successful in receiving a Heritage Grant of $ 2,500 to help implement Phase 1 of the Vickers Vedette project. This whole project would not have been possible without the encouragement and ongoing financial support given by the Rural Municipal and Town councils of Lac du Bonnet. MHAC is now able to proceed with the installation of the foundation at the La Verendrye Boat Launch site. Construction had to be delayed to June of this year as a change in the original location had to receive the approval of Oceans and Fisheries, Water Storage Land Management of Manitoba Hydro and Water Stewardship, Fisheries Branch of the Manitoba Government. Approvals of both Rural and Town councils and local Building Inspector were also finalized.
In August of 2009 The MHAC launched a second financial campaign in support of Phase II and phase III of the Vickers Vedette project. Phase II involves the actual construction of the Vedette, the pylon on which it will be mounted and the various infrastructures associated with the monument. In August of 09 some 170 letters were sent to aviation interested persons and companies and the response was more than expected. A follow-up letter in December resulted in the MHAC achieving our goal of $ 24,000. Additional contributions still continue to arrive and will, no doubt, accommodate the usual unforeseen expenses. The response to "work in kind" (volunteer labour, transportation and construction materials) is more than we hoped for and is most appreciated. With the needed finances in place and the necessary cost estimates finalized, the MHAC applied for the Community Places Grant in February, 2010. We now await, with anticipation, for the magic letter from the Minister of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport that will allow us to proceed with Phase 11 of the project. Phase III involves the landscaping and Plaquing.
Last year we celebrated the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada. But this year we celebrate the FIRST FLIGHT to have taken place in MANITOBA. Eugene Ely, an American pilot in his Curtiss Flyer pusher biplane, the third one built by Glen Curtiss, came to Winnipeg for his first exhibition flight. He flew over the Winnipeg polo grounds on July 15th, 1910 in winds exceeding 30 to 40 miles per hour. It is unclear as to whether he made two or three flights but it is recorded that his last flight ended in a crashed landing.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our progress as the events unfold.
Vickers Vedette
Gord Emberley CM (17.04.2010)
Special attention is directed to the very hazardous flying which is carried out in many parts of Canada, particularly Alberta and Manitoba, for the pilots of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It is imperative that no false ideas of economy should be allowed to interfere with the provision of the very best material available in the world for the use of the personnel of the Royal Canadian Air Force in these operations, undertaken to protect the forests of Canada and for the execution of aerial survey.' (l)
'The first new aircraft acquired by the R.C.A.F., to replace the obsolete war-time types was the Vickers "Viking" which made its appearance in 1923. In 1924 it completed further contracts for the R.C.A.F., building two more "Vikings*', constructing five single seater Avro "Viper" fire-patrol aircraft for use at High River and reconditioned five Avro due! control trainers. The most significant developments of the year were the addition of a designing staff to the establishment of the Vickers company as a result of the increase in government and civil business and the appearance of the first product of that staff - the "Vickers Vedette". It was designed to fill the need for a photographic and fire patrol machine and would be more efficient for its horse power, cheaper in first cost and more economical to operate than either the obsolete Curtiss HS2L or the Vickers "Viking". Launched in late October 1924, the "Vedette" passed its trials successfully, and gave "promise of development into a exceedingly useful type" - a promise which it brilliantly fulfilled during the next decade. (2) The "Vedette", the first product of Canadian Vickers' own design staff, completed a season's work in the field at Ottawa in 1925 and "proved to be a complete success and a credit to her designer and builder." For forestry work, photography and light transportation, the "Vedette" was "a remarkably efficient little working boat ….and equal, and for Canadian conditions, the superior, of any flying boat in the world today'(3)
'A small biplane of single-bay construction, the "Vedette" carried a crew of three, the pilot on the left side of the cockpit, the air engineer or passenger on the right side and the observer or photographer in a large cockpit in the nose. The control column was wheel type. Fuel was carried in a main tank in the hull behind the pilot's cockpit; a gravity fuel tank and the oil tank were fitted under the top wing in front of the engine, forming a fairing for the engine. Fuel is pumped from the main tank to the gravity fuel tank by a pump driven by a flexible shaft from the engine; a hand pump was also provided for emergencies.'
'The wings were of wood and fabric construction. The centre section was somewhat unusual in that the rear truss which carried the engine was in the shape of an X with external bracing wires. The tail plane had adjustable incidence operated by the pilot through a lever and quadrant. This proved a quick, positive fore and aft trim and allowed the pilot to feel for the correct setting to suit immediate flight requirements.1
The hull was a semi-flexible monocoque construction, the ribs being hoop-shaped and fixed rigidly to the keel. Cedar planking with copper riveting was used throughout, the top planking being 3/16 of an inch thick, the bottom fore body 1/4, the bottom aft body 3/16; the whole hull was covered with two layers of canvas. This construction proved very satisfactory; on more than 100 hours of flying in 1925, during which the "Vedette"' remained in the water for weeks at a time, the hull remaining absolutely dry and free from soakage.'
'The first production models of the "Vedette" had a 200 h.p. Wright "Whirlwind" radial engine mounted pusher fashion. (4) With full load it climbed to 10,000 feet in about 30 minutes and reached its service ceiling of i 3.000 feet in 45 minutes. At ground level the speed at full throttle was 95 m.p.h.. and at 10,000 feet 75 m.p.h.: cruising speed at 5,000 feet was 75 m.p.h. with fuel consumption of !2 gallons per hour giving the aircraft an endurance of five hours. The outstanding features of the "Vedette"* were its quick take-off and good maneuverability under all conditions. With full load the flying boat could take off in about six seconds from calm water. Its boding speed was a low 45 m.p.h.. Taxiing could be carried out with ease, up* down or across a fresh breeze, without calling on one of the crew to do any "wing-walking" to maintain lateral balance.’
"The dimensions of his remarkable little craft were: ma in plane span 42 feet, cord - (> feet 9 incises; gap - 78 inches; tail plane span - 12 feet 8 inches, cord - 32 1/2 inches; elevator span - 12 feet 8 inches, cord 1 foot 9 inches. The airframe weighed 1,220.75 pounds, the power plant 628.2 pounds, fuel and oil 535 , crew 540 and photo equipment 125, making a total all-up load of about 3,050 pounds.'
The MkI was the product of the R.C.A.F. specification C-6/24 that ..."covered the design of this forestry designed flying boat and contracted for a prototype to be equipped with a Woseley Viper or Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine at a cost of $15,000 less engine.” (5) The 60 aircraft production comprised of 1 MkI, 22 MkII, 36 MkV (31 of these were amphibian) and 1 MkVI. One MkV was reconditioned with a metal hull. The various Mk numbers reflected different gross weights from 3,155 to 4,000 pounds with various engine installations included Wright .14, J5 and .16, and Armstrong Siddeley Lynx. "The history of the MkIII and IV Vedettes which were not produced is not known. However, at one time Canadian Vickers was asked by the RCAF. to design a transportation version of the Vedette which was to incorporate an enclosed cabin for the occupants. The pilot was to occupy the front seat with the two passengers in the rear. A drawing showing this proposal has survived and it is felt that probably one of these two missing Mark numbers would have been allocated to it."(5) Production ended in 1930 and the R.C.A.F declared the craft surplus in 1941.
Later in 1925 the prototype of the second Canadian Vickers design. The “Varuna” was delivered to Ottawa for trial flights.
(1) A Report on Civil Aviation, 1924; pp. 83
(2)D.N.R. Report, 1925-26; pp. 5-6
(3) Report on Civil Aviation, 1925; pp. 14 and 21
(4)The prototype had a water cooled "V" engine (Wolesley Viper)
(5) The Canadian Vickers Vedette, by FCM.MoIson
Extract quoted from "Air Board, CAF and R.C.A.F. 1W-1939" by W/C F.H.Hitchins and The Canadian Vickers Vedette, by K.M.MoIson
ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF AVIATION IN CANADA 1909 - 2009
EARLY AVIATION HISTORY OF LAC DU BONNET
Gord Emberley CM (17.04.2010)
The first recorded use of Lac du Bonnet as a base of operations for an aircraft is July of 1922 when the Canadian Air Force (pre RCAF 1924) was doing survey work in the area. Western Canada Airways followed in 1926 and the RCAF in 1927. In 1924 Canadian Vickers of Montreal designed and built the Vedette flying boat for the RCAF and they operated a number of these aircraft out of Lac du Bonnet until 1933.Amoung many of its achievements it was the first designed and built aircraft in Canada. Due to the "depression of 1929", cutbacks in RCAF personnel resulted in layoffs and a reductions in Civil Operations In 1932 negotiations between the Dominion Government and the Province of Manitoba resulted in the RCAF turning over six Mk.ll Vedette flying boats for the sum of $ 1.00 each with the provision that the Manitoba Government would also employ six ex RCAF pilots who had been released from active service. Later two newer Mk.V Vedettes were added to the fleet. This was the start of the Manitoba Government Air Service and the construction of its main base of Operation and Maintenance in Lac du Bonnet. The last Vedette aircraft, CF-MAG, was withdrawn from service in 1937. (The salvaged remains are on view at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Winnipeg, MB.) The service history of the Vedette and the pilots and engineers who flew in them is well recorded in the annals of Canadian accomplishments. Residents of Lac du Bonnet worked for and with the air and ground crews and remember this part of their history. Throughout the 1920's, 30's and 40's many other companies, such as Western Canada Airways (Canadian Airways), Starratt Airways, Wings Limited, Canadian Pacific Airlines, Central Northern Airways, Trans Air Limited, Wendigo Wings, Air Park and Whiteshell Air Service, operated out of Lac du Bonnet. Today Provincial Helicopters and Adventure Air are the only two companies currently serving the community. As well many private operators made Lac du Bonnet their base of operations. From our past history one can see that Aviation played a significant roll in the cultural, economic and social life of our community. The Vickers Vedette is a significantly unique aircraft to remind us of our past and will further enhance the cairn already in place that commemorates the existence of RCAF Station Lac du Bonnet.
Donation campaign for Vickers Vedette monument project
Updated By G, Emberley (17.04.2010)
Gordon Reeve is well-known in Manitoba for his sculpture Justice, which stands outside the Law Courts building in downtown Winnipeg. Reeve also designed the public art project Agassiz Ice on the Portage Avenue side of the Assiniboine Park footbridge.
He’s also dabbled in film, creating the 1992 documentary Moment of Light about ballerina Evelyn Hart.
Reeve noted the site is going to be more than just a traditional picnic area with a statue on it. He has visions for the site that include composting washroom facilities, and even a device that would use the river to generate power that would be used to power things located on the greenspace. The Vedette monument will contain a water pump that creates a mist to create the illusion of the plane taking off.
“I want people to go there and get the feeling that they’re visiting a site that’s completely unspoiled,” he said. “The Vedette
was a flying canoe, and the canoe connects us to the entire history
of man. Since it was created, the canoe’s basic design hasn’t really
changed at all.” Donations have already started to come in, Emberley
said. The MHAC recently received a $2,000 grant from the Lac du
Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby.
For information on the project, Emberley can be reached at 345-8916 or e-mail vergo@mts.net.
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Remembering the Vedette
Airplane replica to be placed at La Verendrye boat launch
Posted By Marc Zienkiewicz (Spring 2009 - Experience Lac du Bonnet)
A University of Manitoba professor and sculptor is set to begin building what could become a major tourist attraction in Lac du Bonnet.
Gordon Reeve has been chosen by the Lac du Bonnet Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) to build a monument that will commemorate an historic aircraft that operated in the community in the early 20th century — the Vickers Vedette.
Reeve is well-known in Manitoba for his sculpture Justice, which stands outside the Law Courts building in downtown Winnipeg. He also designed the public art project Agassiz Ice on the Portage Avenue side of the Assiniboine Park footbridge.
He's also dabbled in film, creating the 1992 documentary Moment of Light about ballerina Evelyn Hart.
Reeve noted the site chosen for the monument — the La Verendrye boat launch along Hwy. 502 — will be turned into a green space that may include composting washroom facilities, and even a device that would use the river to generate power that would be used to power things located on the green space. The Vedette monument will contain a water pump that creates a mist to create the illusion of the plane taking off.
"I want people to go there and get the feeling that they're visiting a site that's completely unspoiled," Reeve said. "The Vedette was a flying canoe, and the
canoe connects us to the entire history of man. Since it was created, the canoe's basic design hasn't really changed at all."
It was also the first aircraft built in Canada.
"We want people to be able to picnic there and really enjoy the site," MHAC chairman Gord Emberley said. Best of all, the green space will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
"We want to emphasize the 'green' aspect of it," he added.
The project has been in the works for five years, and the MHAC recently began a campaign to solicit donations to help fund the project's $37,000 first phase.
There's no shortage of people in the community who either have been or are currently involved in aviation. Emberley said project organizers found 80 people in the Eastern Manitoba phone directory who fit that description.
"We'll be approaching all of them to ask for help in funding this," he said.
If enough funding comes through, construction of the Vickers Vedette replica could begin as early as July or August. Seeing as 2010 is the 100th anniversary of
the first flight in Manitoba, it seems all the more appropriate, Emberley noted.
Site-specific
Reeve was drawn to the project because it involves more than just a steel replica of an airplane, he said. "When it comes to my art, my goal is to not only give people something to look at, but to give them an actual experience," he said. "My work is always site-specific. This will be a place where people will come to learn how they can better care for the environment." With thousands of cottagers flocking to the region each summer, Reeve envisions the site becoming an educational one for those who choose to make the region their summertime playground. "No matter what we do as human beings, we have an impact on our environment," he said. "I want to show people that as a society we have to start seriously thinking about that." Emberley feels the Vedette itself is a good metaphor for environmental stewardship. "The Vedette was a green aircraft — it discharged its cargo from the water and left no footprint," he said. For information on the project or to donate, Emberley can be reached at 345-8916 or e-mail vergo@mts.net. (top)
Making Aviation History
First Arctic Coast flight made by Lac du Bonnet man
Posted By Marc Zienkiewicz (Spring 2009 - Experience Lac du Bonnet)
Lac du Bonnet certainly has a colourful history when it comes to aviation, being the site of the first airmail delivery flight in Canada, not to mention many other things.
But not many know that one of Lac du Bonnet's very own residents helmed the first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) flight to the Arctic coast.
According to air force documents provided by area historian Gord Emberley, the late Jim Uhlman of Lac du Bonnet made the flight in 1930 at the request of Canada's Civil Government Air Operations (CGAO), a civil service division of the RCAF.
"This has never before been printed," Emberley said. "It really is a fascinating piece of Lac du Bonnet history, in light of 2009 being the 100th anniversary of aviation."
Indeed, this year does represent a century of Canadian aviation. On Feb. 23, 1909, J.A.D. McCurdy made history when he flew the now-famous Silver Dart airplane at Nova Scotia's Bras d'Or Lake. He flew only a half mile, but it was the first heavier-than-air machine to fly in Canada.
A replica of the Silver Dart is now on display at the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
Two decades later, aviation had made its mark on the Lac du Bonnet community. The first mention of Lac du Bonnet as a base of operations is found in the July 1922 issue of the old Lac du Bonnet Times. In those
days, aviation was considered a novelty, but by the time Manitoba's first airmail flight took off from the Lac du Bonnet town dock in 1927, aviation was quickly becoming an indispensable part of the country's economy.
Uhlman became an original member of the Manitoba Government Air Service in 1932, but had started his aviation career several years earlier and became a part of Civil Government Air Operations.
"They performed all kinds of important tasks for the country. They did aerial surveys, photography, flew government personnel, you name it," Emberley said. "They played a major role."
In 1930, Uhlman was asked to command the air service's first flight to the Mackenzie River, which originates in Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, and
flows north into the Arctic Ocean. It is the longest river in Canada.
The mission enabled the director of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, and two officials from the Indian Affairs and Agriculture Departments, to carry out inspection visits along the Mackenzie. "The party set out from McMurray on July 2 and flew down the river, making stops at Fitzgerald, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Fort Wrigley, Fort Norman, Arctic Red River and Aklavik," the documents state.
The flight represents a crucial moment in RCAF history.
Uhlman's daughter Shan Hornby, who lives in Headingley and is now 72, said her father was quiet about his history in aviation, and the family didn't uncover most of his history with the Air Force until after his death in the 1980s.
"He never talked a lot about himself," Hornby said. "He never got a lot of recognition for his achievements, but then again he never asked for any."
Uhlman had quite a detailed history with the Canadian Forces. He was wounded in Vimy Ridge and would go on to serve in the RCAF in Halifax, after learning to fly in England.
"He was a real inventive kind of guy," Hornby said.
Uhlman moved to Victoria after his retirement, but lived in Lac du Bonnet for many years.
"He always enjoyed his life there," Hornby added. "He never got a lot of recognition for his achievements, but
then again he never asked for any."
—Shan Hornby
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