John Gavin “Jack” Showler commenced flying instruction in 1936 in Saskatchewan, with the Regina Flying Club and enlisted in the RCAF in 1940. He instructed others at Summerside, PEI until 1942 when he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and was posted to No. 164 Heavy Transport Squadron. In 1945, he was named commander of the air element of Operation Muskox in the Canadian Arctic, and served as commanding officer of the RCAF station at Fort St. John, B.C.

In 1952, he planned and completed the first accurate mapping of the Canadian Arctic. The SHORAN program used in this mission allowed all equipment to be pre-positioned by sea or aircraft. More than 100,000 pounds of technical gear were flown in to Thule, Greenland and Resolute Bay.

Born: 15 June 1912, Winnipeg, MB
Died: 28 Aug 1989
Awards: AFC, CD