On August 15, 1940, 85 years ago, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) secured its first aerial victory of the Battle of Britain. Squadron Leader Ernest Archibald “PeeWee” McNab, commanding a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter formation, engaged a Luftwaffe Dornier Do 17 with his Hawker Hurricane. Despite the enemy aircraft’s attempts to evade, McNab’s relentless pursuit and precise gunfire brought down the Do 17, marking the first confirmed RCAF aerial victory in the Battle of Britain.
Ernest “Ernie” McNab, son of Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor Archibald Peter McNab, was 34 years old during the Battle of Britain, making him one of the older pilots in the RCAF. His experience earned him the respect of his 102 fellow Canadian pilots and extensive support staff who fought in Britain’s first major air campaign of World War II. The Battle of Britain began on July 10, 1940, peaked on September 15, and concluded on October 31. For his leadership and success in downing the Dornier while commanding No. 1 Squadron, McNab was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The Hawker Hurricane, often overshadowed by the Supermarine Spitfire, was a cornerstone of the RCAF’s success in the Battle of Britain. While the Spitfire was celebrated for its sleek design and agility, the Hurricane proved indispensable in the early stages of the conflict. Both aircraft played critical roles in securing Britain’s victory and shaping the outcome of World War II. The Hawker Hurricane Mk. I, used during the battle, was powered by a 1,030-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine, achieving a top speed of 316 miles per hour and a service ceiling of 33,200 feet. It could climb to 15,000 feet in 6.3 minutes and was armed with eight 7.7mm machine guns, delivering the firepower needed to counter the German offensive at a pivotal moment in the war.
