Saving the Aerodrome of Democracy

F.D.R called Canada the Aerodrome of Democracy for its massive undertaking and central responsibility for flight training of pilots and aircrew from all across the British Empire during the Second World War. Unfortunately we now learn that 447 Wing, the last of the so-called "H-huts", is facing the axe from its apparently ungrateful host.

"HAMILTON — Real Second World War history is a messy business, soaked with blood, sweat and countless spilled beers. And so it is at 447 Wing, also known as the last of the “H-huts.”

Here, at the edge of Hamilton Airport, you enter a time capsule where you can blink your eyes and find yourself in 1942. The bar rail is dented by boots that worked the rudder pedals of Spitfires and Lancasters, and the walls are hung with squadron insignias and photographs of young Princess Elizabeth.

The clientele is vintage too – some of the men who come here for a quiet drink have been regulars for close to 70 years..."