Out in the cold

Australians served all over the world during the Second World War, and by far the most travelled were those serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. As part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, Australian aircrews found themselves travelling to schools in England, Rhodesia and Canada.

Australians arriving in Canada faced numerous challenges, not least among them the language barrier. Accepted phrases at home had in some instances, entirely different meanings. However, these wrinkles were soon ironed out. One thing the Antipodean visitors never really acclimatised to was the weather, which provided ample fodder for nationalistic banter.

Hannah Max Billington examines the experiences of Australian aircrews in Canada, from why they had been sent there, to the intensity of their training and how they engaged with the Canadians and in some cases, how they did not.

To read Hannah Max’s article, purchase your copy of Wartime 104.