Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, ON
Commemorating the British Commonwealth Air Training Program Plan (BCATP)
Trees for Life is honoured to have donated trees to commemorate the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
Under the BCATP deal signed in 1939, Canada agreed to provide training and facilities to airmen from every part of the British Commonwealth.
The program was a success with 131,533 pilots, observers, flight engineers, and other aircrew trained for the air forces of Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand during World War II.
To commemorate the BCATP or Empire Air Training Scheme, a forest was planted at Canada’s national cemetery as part of the celebration of the history and legacy of the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial.
A tree representing each country was planted and a boulder with a plaque was placed in front of each tree. The boulders were provided by each country and were taken from an area with local historical and military significance, retracing the journeys of the Air Force members who came to Canada to train.
On May 17, 2024, these plaques were unveiled at a private ceremony with delegates from each country.
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