Deadly Skies at the War Museum in Ottawa

A reproduction of a Sopwith Pup used by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Navy Air Service during the First World War. (On loan from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum)

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa unveiled a new original exhibit this week called Deadly Skies Air War 1914-1918.

Drawing on historical research from multiple international institutions, the exhibit is divided up into four thematic zones: training, observation, bombing and aerial combat.

Using a large scale graphic novel approach, colourful panels around the gallery invite viewers to learn more about nine individuals – both military and civilian –  whose lives were directly impacted by the war. Some are household names, like Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, while others are likely unknown to most Canadians.

Some viewers might be disappointed in the absence of material about Canada’s many First World War flying aces, such as Billy Bishop (72 kills and a Victoria Cross), Raymond Collishaw (60 kills), Donald Roderick MacLaren (54 kills) and William George Barker (50 kills and a Victoria Cross).

There are many artifacts on display including a reproduction of a First World War Sopwith Pup fighter plane. Other artifacts are smaller but no less interesting, such as Canadian fighter pilot Eric Ohman’s good luck charm.

Pilots needed all the good luck they could get. In April 1917, the life expectancy of a Royal Flying Corps pilot was 11 days.

Mr. Ohman was one of the lucky ones. He survived the war, returned to civilian life in Montreal and lived to the age of 65.

Another interesting facet of the exhibition is the interactive element whereby viewers are invited to step inside an observation balloon and write down what they see in front of them on a mock battlefield, such as artillery, troop movements and enemy aircraft.

Deadly Skies continues at the war museum until January 29, 2017.

How observant are you? Climb in an observation ballon and test your skills.