Groups of cadets from Manitoba Squadrons compete for the Golden Falcon Trophy signifying the most proficient Flight in the scheduled sporting events. A limited number of cadets from each squadron may attend dependent upon the facilities used for this annual event. Saturday's activities include the sporting competitions with a cadet dance in the evening. The Sunday's activities include a parade and Drum Head Ceremony in the host community with the local Mayor or a senior dignitary as Reviewing Officer; the parade is followed by a presentation banquet. The event is usually held over the May long weekend and rotates between various Manitoba Communities.
50 RCACS Dauphin
2008 Glen Golden Falcon Competition Winners
Participating Squadrons compete for the Glen Ellwood Trophy signifying the top Rural Manitoba Squadron in drill and deportment.
Squadron Leader Ellwood (1918 – 27 March, 1999) of Portage La Prairie was a navigator in Bomber Command with 405 and 617 squadrons. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in June 1941. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 4 October 1943; the Distinguished Service Order on 29 September 1944; and the bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross on 23 November 1945. He flew four bombing mission tours for a total of 120 missions and was one of only three Canadians to survive the war with that many tours of operations.
Squadron Leader Ellwood was an active and strong supporter of the Air Cadet Program in Portage La Prairie. The Rural Manitoba Air Cadet Squadrons' Drill Competition is named in his honour.
82 RCACS Brandon
2008 Glen Ellwood Drill Competition Winners
The City of Winnipeg Air Cadet Squadrons vie for the Wing Commander Tommy Cooper Trophy signifying the top City of Winnipeg Squadron in drill and deportment. The event is usually held during the month of January or February at 17 Wing Winnipeg.
Tommy Cooper was a Boy entrant to the Band of the Gloucester Regiment in the World War I era. He later joined the Canadian Air Force as a mechanic. During WW2, he led the Central Band of the RCAF, as well, as being the Commanding Officer of #8 Repair Depot in Winnipeg. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his war time service.
After the war he was Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets #3 Wing, 1946-1957. #3 Wing was comprised of the 7 City of Winnipeg Air Cadet Squadrons, with headquarters at Ellice and Ferry Road. The Wing was disbanded in 1971.
A civilian pilot, he was a member of the Winnipeg Flying Club for many years. Wing Commander Cooper passed away at his retirement home in White Rock B.C in the 1980's.
177 (Air Canada) RCACS
2008 Tommy Cooper Drill Competition Winners
Participating Manitoba Air Cadet Squadrons compete for the Gilbert Eaton Trophy signifying the top Manitoba Squadron in Marksmanship.
Mr. Gilbert Eaton was the second Chairman of the Manitoba Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada. More on Mr. Eaton is available at the Chairmen page of this site.
The Gilbert Eaton Trophy was presented for Air Cadet Marksmenship using the .22 calibre rifle until 1986; it was reincarnated in 2008 to recognize marksmenship competitors in the Air Rifle competitions.
677 RCACS Russell
2008 Gilbert Eaton Marksmanship Competition Winners
The aim of the Effective Speaking Competition is to provide an opportunity for Air Cadets to increase their self-confidence; and increase their ability to reason, organize and express ideas. The program started as part of the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Air Cadet League of Canada in 1991 although Manitoba did not have a candidate that year.
Cadets from participating Manitoba Squadrons compete for the Past Chairmen's Award and the opportunity to represent Manitoba Air Cadets at the National Effective Speaking Competition usually held in conjunction with the Air Cadet League of Canada's National Annual General Meeting.
RECIPIENTS: 1991 - 2008
2008 Effective Speaking Competitors
