Garden of Memories - Winnipeg, MB - World War II Memorials / Monuments on Waymarking.com

The Garden of Memories is located in Air Force Heritage Park in Winnipeg,surrounded by several mounted aircraft that showcase the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Garden of Memories commemorates Manitoba's contributions to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Over 175,000 air and ground crew were trained in Canada for the Commonwealth air forces during World War II. Winnipeg was home to the #3 Wireless school and the #5 Air Observer School, as well as being the HQ of the #2 Training Command.

The Garden consists of a round plaza paved with bricks. In the centre of the plaza is the RAF roundel, with a large polished stone monument in the shape of the Province of Manitoba. On the front of the monument is a map of all BCATP sites in Manitoba, while the back lists the activities that took place at each site. The plaza is surrounded by a circle of benches and planters with various memorial inscriptions. Four arrow shaped walkways lead towards the plaza, each inscribed with one of the four main participants in the plan (Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand).

On the south side, an arch surmounted by the RCAF crest provides access to the plaza. There is a plaque next to the arch with text as follows:

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
(B.C.A.T.P.)

On 17th Dec. 1939, Australia, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand approved a plan in which aircrew required for the duration of the war, would be trained in Canada. Some 131,553 airmen graduated at the various B.C.A.T.P. schools across the country. With over 100 schools in Canada, Manitoba has 12 major sites and 14 satellite airfields, and was the Headquarters of No2 Training Command.

This memorial is dedicated not only to those who came here to be trained, but also to the instructors and teachers, and the civilian population of the Province of Manitoba who assisted in making these young men welcome in their cities, towns and villages, as well as their homes.

Date of Dedication: 06/06/1999 Property Permission: Public Access instructions: Located in Air Force Heritage Park. Parking is available. Website for Waymark: [Web Link] Location of waymark: Air Force Way Winnipeg, MB Canada Commemoration: British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Access times: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   11/04/2016 PeterNoG visited it 09/23/2015 The Burrow visited it 05/21/2015 PM8 visited it 05/16/2015 machard visited it 05/13/2015 LadyKarine visited it

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