Para rescue invented in Edmonton during WW2

[Tom H]

Para Rescue invented in Edmonton
for operations on the North West Staging Route

With the many thousands of aircraft transiting through the North to Alaska, many on to Russia, there were the inevitable accidents and mechanical failures. Often these occurred far off the path of roads, rivers and trails leaving the pilot or crew almost impossible to rescue to assist.

To W.R. (WOP) May Commander to #2AOS and famous bush pilot this could not be allowed and he set upon the creation of the first Para-Rescue operations.
http://www.wopmay.com/adventures/rcafRescue.htm
Laying the ground work for the amazing Search and Rescue and Para-Rescue operations we have today both here in Canada and around the World.

Since WOP May created the Para-Rescue systems thousands have been assisted and saved by crews following the principals established by May and his volunteers from #2AOS Edmonton.

In appreciation the United States of America awarded WOP May the following honour…

In 1947, Brigadier General Dale Gaffney of the United States Army Air Force presented "Wop" May with the Medal of Freedom, with Bronze Palm. The citation read:

Mr. Wilfrid Reid May, Canadian Civilian, performed meritorious services for the United States Army Air Forces from January 1942 to January 1946. Mr. May, serving in the capacity of Superintendent of the Air Observer’s School at Edmonton Municipal Airport and later as District Manager of Canadian Pacific Airlines, voluntarily loaned the personnel and the facilities of his school to assure the delivery of aircraft to the Aleutians and Alaska without delay. He conceived the idea of aerial rescue crews for rescue of flyers in the bush area, and after developing a trained parachute squad he furnished a rescue service indiscriminately to Americans and Canadians thus saving the lives of many of our fliers. In do doing he fulfilled the highest traditions of the Dominion of Canada.

Once again Edmonton and a great Edmontonian led the World during the Second World War and the time of the North West Staging Route, this time with effects that last through to today.

Join us during the visit of the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing's B-17 "Sentimental Journey" August 30th to September 4th as we celebrate the accomplishments of the North West Staging Route.


Thomas Hinderks
Executive Director
Alberta Aviation Museum Association