Air Force Museum of Alberta

William Carr

"His achievements in both military and civil aviation, along with his proven leadership and organizational abilities, have been of outstanding benefit to Canada."

William Carr

"His achievements in both military and civil aviation, along with his proven leadership and organizational abilities, have been of outstanding benefit to Canada."

William Carr

William Keir Carr joined the RCAF in 1941 and flew 143 photographic missions over Europe, Malta, North Africa and Sicily in Spitfire aircraft. During the post-war years he advanced rapidly in rank, serving as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff from 1973 to 1975, following which he was appointed the first Commander of the Canadian Forces Air Command. He is known as the "Father of the Modern Air Force" for his work in consolidating military aviation in the aftermath of the unification of the forces.

After retiring from the military in 1978, Lieutenant-General Carr joined Canadair Ltd., where he enjoyed a remarkable career in worldwide marketing of the then-new Challenger business aircraft.

Born: 17 Mar 1923, Grand Bank, NFLD
Awards: DFC, OSTJ, CD, CMLJ, LOM

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