The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post - French-Canadian Aces

19 October 2000, 07:18 AM

Further to an earlier thread which touches on the concept of racism in the military (hardly a novel idea), I have noted the lack of French-Canadian aces in WW1. In 1914 about 30% of Canadians were Francophones, but the only French-speaking ace was DelHaye (9 victories), who was actually a Frenchmen who had immigrated to Canada, not a French-Canadian. Another possibility might be the French-Canadian/American ace

Emile Lussier.

J.A. LeRoyer, an observer, had four victories, and some sources indicate a possible fifth.

By WW2, the door to the Anglo old boy's club may have opened a crack further. Aces like Sabourin, aricheliere, Robillard, Charron, and Levesque served with distinction. I am not sure if R.J. Audet (10.5 victories) from Alberta was Francophone.

I realize that both world wars were unpopular amongst many Quebecois so perhaps that may have contributed to the low numbers.

19 October 2000, 07:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
Terry McCormick Guest Posts: n/a	Further to an earlier thread which touches on the concept of racism in the military (hardly a novel idea), I have noted the lack of French-Canadian aces in WW1. In 1914 about 30% of Canadians were Francophones, but the only French-speaking ace was DelHaye (9 victories), who was actually a Frenchmen who had immigrated to Canada, not a French-Canadian. Another possibility might be the French-Canadian/American ace Emile Lussier. J.A. LeRoyer, an observer, had four victories, and some sources indicate a possible fifth. By WW2, the door to the Anglo old boy's club may have opened a crack further. Aces like Sabourin, aricheliere, Robillard, Charron, and Levesque served with distinction. I am not sure if R.J. Audet (10.5 victories) from Alberta was Francophone. I realize that both world wars were unpopular amongst many Quebecois so perhaps that may have contributed to the low numbers.