The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was born on the 1st April 1924. Early tasks focused on civil air operations including forestry patrols, surveying and anti-smuggling. When the call to arms came in September 1939, Canada’s youth dutifully joined the cause. By 1944, the RCAF reached its peak strength of 215,000 men and women – making it the fourth largest air force in the world. Air force personnel served proudly under the RCAF Roundel in both peace and war for forty-four years. While the RCAF itself is no longer in existence, a version of it’s roundel is still proudly displayed on today’s military aircraft.