Goddard Event

Canada Aviation and Space Museum – Musée de l’aviation et de l’espace du Canada

SWORDFISH / GODDARD COMMEMORATION EVENT

PLANNING - ORGANIZING TOOL (Version 2 – Updated 28 Feb 11)

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“Sink the Bismarck” courtesy of Mr. Don Bell ( [email protected] )

mailto:[email protected]




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TABLE of CONTENTS

TABLE of CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY for CAvSM .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

ACTIVITIES for the GENERAL PUBLIC – DAY of EVENT: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

ASSOCIATED NON-PUBLIC ACTIVITIES: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

DETAILED PLAN ELEMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

OVERALL COORDINATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

DETERMINATION of DATE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

HISTORICAL RESERACH ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

DEVELOP ITINERARY for EVENT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

OBTAIN INFORMATION from CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

DEVELOPMENT and DELIVERY of POWERPOINT PRESENTATION .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10




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TABLE of CONTENTS (Continued)

COORDINATION with CDR GODDARD .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

INTERVIEW of CDR GODDARD ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

MODEL of CDR GODDARD’S SWORDFISH .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

MUSIC - BAGPIPES .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

MUSIC – CADET BAND ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

VINTAGE WINGS of CANADA (VWC) ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC) ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

DEPT. Of NATIONAL DEFENCE (DND) ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

MEDIA .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

INVOLEMENT of LOCAL VETERANS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

AIR CADETS / SEA CADETS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

CANADIAN AVIATION HISTORICAL SOCIETY .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

CANADIAN NAVAL AIR GROUP (CNAG) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

SUMMARY of REVISIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20




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OBJECTIVE

To remind and inform the general public of the important role that Canadians played in the Battle of the Atlantic.

To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the sinking of the German Battleship Bismarck – and highlight the role played by Swordfish aircraft (an example of which is in

the museum’s collection).

To honour our Canadian veterans – in particular, Cdr R. T. ‘Terry’ Goddard, who was a naval aviator (818 Squadron Royal Navy) that participated in the attack on the

Bismarck.

BACKGROUND

The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the most significant military campaigns of the Second World War. It was also the longest, running from 1939 to the defeat of

Germany in 1945. As an island nation, the United Kingdom was dependent on war materials and other vital supplies that came from North America. The Battle of the

Atlantic pitted U-boats and other warships of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) against Allied convoys. After the Fall of France in 1940, Nazi Germany dominated most of

Europe. However, Britain, the nations of the Commonwealth and free men from around the world fought on undeterred. While Britain stood alone, the convoys from

North America were under constant, unrelenting threat as the Kriegsmarine tried to strangle the vital lifeline of men and material.

Britain’s (and the Commonwealth’s) desperate situation was made even worse when the massive German battleship Bismarck was unleashed. Its goal was to raid supply

convoys sent from North America to Great Britain. Bismarck demonstrated her enormous destructive power by sinking the pride of the Royal Navy, the battle-cruiser

HMS Hood – which sank within minutes, taking all but three of her crew with her.

Churchill realized Bismarck’s tremendous lethal potential and issued the famous order: “Sink the Bismarck.” After a three-day chase, the Royal Navy destroyed the

Bismarck – with a fatal blow being delivered by Swordfish aircraft from HMS Arc Royal’s 818 Squadron, which damaged the Bismarck’s rudder. (The Bismarck was




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BACKGROUND (Continued)

subsequently sunk after a major engagement involving several Royal Navy ships.) The Swordfish crews – who attacked the world’s largest warship in slow-moving, fabric

covered bi-planes – demonstrated incomparable bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY for CAvSM

Cdr. Goddard (then an Acting Sub-Lieutenant) was a Canadian member of the Royal Navy’s 818 Squadron – who participated in the attack on the Bismarck. He flew in a Swordfish piloted by Lt.(A) S. Keane, DSC. Goddard is currently ninety-one years old and is living in Tottenham, Ontario. He is willing to come to the museum to discuss the Bismarck. The 70th Anniversary of the sinking of the Bismarck – and the fact that a Canadian veteran of this historic event is available – provides CAvSM with a very unique opportunity.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:

The proposed event will provide unique opportunities that will allow the museum to:

Honor Canadian Second World War Veterans;

Commemorate and raise awareness of an important chapter in Canada’s history;

Create a unique educational experience for young people and the general public;

Offer an opportunity to support the Department of National Defense (DND) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC);

Stimulate interest in the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CAvSM);

Continue cooperation and the pursuit of our shared goals with Vintage Wings of Canada (VWC); and

Present an opportunity for the CAvSM to showcase our new auditorium and entrance.




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ACTIVITIES for the GENERAL PUBLIC – DAY of EVENT:

The proposed event will have three major components that will involve the general public:

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION to take place in the new auditorium. The PowerPoint presentation will include a discussion of:

o Canada’s important role in the Battle of the Atlantic;

o The risks faced by allied sailors and troops crossing the Atlantic;

o The fearsome destructive power of the Bismarck;

o An explanation of the Swordfish aircraft and Swordfish attack on Bismarck;

o Introduction of Cdr Goddard; and

o Cdr. Goddard’s remarks and question/answer period (This element subject to Cdr. Goddard’s approval)

COMMEMORATION CEREMONY (In front of the Swordfish) to recognize Cdr Goddard and other veterans present.

o During the ceremony, we would have an opportunity to recognize – by name and branch of service - each of the veterans that is present.

o The ceremony could culminate in the unveiling of a permanent display in front of the Swordfish. The display to consist of a scale model of a Swordfish depicting

the aircraft in which Cdr. Goddard and his crew attacked the Bismarck and other related artefacts.

FLY-BY OF VWC SWORDFISH - if airworthy and if a Transport Canada (TC) Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) has been obtained. Alternatively, if the Swordfish is

not available, a screening of the film “Sink the Bismarck” in the auditorium.




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ASSOCIATED NON-PUBLIC ACTIVITIES:

The proposed event will have two components that will not involve the general public:

INTERVIEW OF CDR GODDARD

WRITING / PUBLISHING ARTICLES (related to the CAvSM and Swordfish / Goddard event)




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DETAILED PLAN ELEMENTS

ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

OVERALL COORDINATION

Kim Reynolds

TBD

TBD

TBD

DETERMINATION of DATE

Kim Reynolds

Date for event is Saturday, June 11, 2011

Rob K. has confirmed that this date is suitable for Cdr and Mrs Goddard

Reserve auditorium and other facilities as required

Advise staff / volunteers as required

TBD

HISTORICAL RESERACH

Robert Kostecka

Edward Soye (MA History)

Research on this topic has been underway for several years by Rob K

Edward Soye (MA History) to assist Rob with historical research

This activity concurrent with development of PowerPoint presentation described below...

Target date for completion of historical research and associated PowerPoint presentation is May 30, 2011




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DETAILED PLAN ELEMENTS (Continued)

ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

DEVELOP ITINERARY for EVENT

Robert Kostecka Johic Nicolas Kim Reynolds

See pages 7 and 8 for preliminary itinerary

This is a preliminary plan and can be modified as required.

Refine and implement plan

Approval of general concept provided via telecom with Stephen Quick on February 2, 2011

OBTAIN INFORMATION from

CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM

Marc Ducharme

Our colleagues at the Canadian War Museum

(CWM) held a Battle of the Atlantic Weekend in

2006.

http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/media/press-

releases/year-2006/battle-of-the-atlantic-

weekend-at-the-canadian-war-museum

Marc to contact CWM to obtain contact information for veterans and to seek additional ideas.

Information / ideas to be incorporated as required.

TBD

http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/media/press-releases/year-2006/battle-of-the-atlantic-weekend-at-the-canadian-war-museum






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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

DEVELOPMENT and DELIVERY of

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

Robert Kostecka

PowerPoint presentation to include:

Battle of the North Atlantic

Britain’s desperate need of convoys

The risks faced crossing the Atlantic in May, 1941 to be illustrated by the late Bill McRae’s travel to Britain during May, 1941

The Bismarck – her lethal power described (HMS Hood)

The Swordfish

Cdr Goddard

Complete research

Finalize presentation

Target date for completion of PowerPoint presentation is May 30, 2011




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

COORDINATION with CDR

GODDARD

Robert Kostecka

Goddard’s contact information: 6124 4th Line, RR2, Tottenham, Ontario, L0G 1W0 Tel (905) 936-3916 [email protected] (wife, Cora’s email address)

Priority Item:

Arrangements for transportation and accommodation to be made for Cdr Goddard and his wife

Consider corporate sponsorship for travel / accommodation.

TBD





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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

INTERVIEW of CDR GODDARD

Robert Kostecka Johic Nicolas Renee Raciot

Goddard to be interviewed in front of the Swordfish. CAvSM personnel (TBD) to coordinate videographer Rob K to coordinate still photographers Rob K will develop interview questions. Interview to be conducted by:

Stephen Quick (primary) and/or

Rob K. (backup)

Interview questions to be completed by (RK) April 30, 2011

Required personnel: o Videographers o Photographers

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

MODEL of CDR GODDARD’S

SWORDFISH / DISPLAY

(For permanent display at CAvSM)

Robert Kostecka / Wayne Giles Johic Nicolas

A highly detailed 1/32 scale Swordfish Mk 1 model has been purchased by Rob K.

Research has been completed on the markings to depict the aircraft flown by Goddard’s crew against the Bismarck

Wayne Giles – master modeller, IPMS member and CAvSM volunteer - to assemble model. Work commenced on Feb 13, 2011.

CAvSM to supply display cabinet to be located next to museum’s Swordfish

Wayne Giles to complete

model

o (613) 738-0062 o [email protected]

TBD to locate and provide display cabinet

Target date for model completion is April 13, 2011





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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

MUSIC - BAGPIPES

Robert Kostecka

Rob K. knows two very competent Pipers who can be asked to volunteer

Consult with CAvSM staff to determine if a piper is desired

Liaise with piper – if applicable

TBD

MUSIC – CADET BAND

Kim Reynolds

A CADET BAND might be suitable for this occasion. (Opportunity to involve youth)

Consult with CAvSM staff to determine if a cadet band is desired

Liaise with cadet organization – if applicable

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

VINTAGE WINGS of CANADA

(VWC)

Stephen Quick or Marc Ducharme

VWC has a Swordfish in their collection, which they hope to again make airworthy.

Mr. Michael Potter (VWC Founder) was a naval officer and is keenly aware of the Swordfish’s contribution to history.

If it is airworthy, it would be wonderful to include the VWC Swordfish in this event. It could perform a series of fly-bys - subject to obtaining a Transport Canada (TC) Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).

Regardless of the status of the VWC Swordfish, having Mike Potter or Rob Fleck (VWC President) speak during the presentation would be very desirable.

Priority Item: Establish a key contact to serve as liaison for VWC participation Time sensitive since obtaining a TC SFOC requires considerable lead time and because VWC has a demanding schedule.

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA

(VAC)

Christina Lucas

Kelly Ray

This event will provide a positive opportunity for

VAC to honour and recognize our veterans’

contribution.

Suggest that VAC be invited to attend and any high ranking representatives attending be acknowledged.

TBD

TBD

DEPT. Of NATIONAL DEFENCE

(DND)

Christina Lucas

Kelly Ray

This event will provide a positive opportunity for DND to honour and recognize our veterans’ contribution.

Suggest that DND be invited to attend and any high ranking representatives attending be acknowledged.

TBD

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

MEDIA

Robert Kostecka

Rob to draft preliminary press release for review by CAvSM personnel – target date April 20, 2011

TBD

TBD

Christina Lucas

Kelly Ray

TBD

TBD

TBD

INVOLEMENT of LOCAL

VETERANS

Robert Kostecka

From previous volunteer work, Rob K. has contacts with Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre (PRVHC)

PRVHC to be invited to participate

Veterans to be acknowledged during event

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

AIR CADETS / SEA CADETS

Kim Reynolds

This event presents a tremendous opportunity to reach out to young people - and teach them about Canada's rich history.

Because of the historical significant in terms of both naval warfare and aviation, this event will be of interest to Air Cadets and Sea Cadets.

Efforts should be made to invite – and encourage participation – from both of these organizations:

o Cadet band(s) could provide music;

o Cadet Honour Guard could be

positioned next to Swordfish

Priority Item: Establish a key contact to serve as liaison for cadet participation

TBD




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ELEMENT

RESPONSIBLE

DETAILS

REQUIRED ACTIONS

STATUS

CANADIAN AVIATION

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Marc Ducharme

CAHS to be advised of event:

Timothy Dubé Ottawa Chairman [email protected] (613) 841-6349 (Home) (819) 934-7380 (Work)

TBD

TBD

CANADIAN NAVAL AIR GROUP

(CNAG)

Marc Ducharme

CNAG to be advised of event

CNAG to be asked to help publicize

TBD

TBD





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SUMMARY of REVISIONS

REVISION

ELEMENT

CHANGE

REASON for CHANGE

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Determination of Date (p. 8) June 11 has been selected Additional time will provide several benefits:

o Additional time to organize and promote event

o Increase probability of Vintage Wings Swordfish being

available. (Time will be required to install the newly

overhauled engine and return aircraft to service.)

Note: This date has been confirmed as acceptable for Cdr and

Mrs. Goddard.

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Historical Research (p. 8)

Edward Soye has offered to assist Rob with historical research

New Target date for completion – May 30

Edward Soye has undergraduate (U of T) and masters (RMC)

degrees in history - focused on military and aviation history.

Edward also has over 1000 hours of experience flying tail wheel

aircraft, including the Fokker Triplane and Harvard.)




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SUMMARY of REVISIONS (Continued)

REVISION

ELEMENT

CHANGE

REASON for CHANGE

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Develop Itinerary for Event

(p. 9)

Johic Nicolas to help coordinate Suggestion of Marc / Johic is CAvSM Events Coordinator

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Obtain Information from

Canadian War Museum (p. 9)

Marc Ducharme to contact Marc offered

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Development of PowerPoint

presentation (p. 10)

New target date May 30, 2011 Additional time is available since event has been rescheduled

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Interview of Cdr Goddard

(p. 12)

Renee Raciot and Johic Nicholas to help

coordinate

Suggestion of Marc




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REVISION

ELEMENT

CHANGE

REASON for CHANGE

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Model of Swordfish / Display

(p.13)

Johic Nicolas to help coordinate

Rob K to obtain photos (and possibly other

artefacts) from Cdr Goddard for display.

Suggestion of Marc / Johic is CAvSM Events Coordinator

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Music – Cadet Band (p. 14) Kim Reynolds to coordinate Kim offered

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Vintage Wings of Canada

(VWC) (p. 15)

Stephen Quick or Marc Ducharme to coordinate

with VWC

Suggestion of Marc

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Veterans Affairs (p. 16)

National Defence (p. 16)

Media (p. 17)

Christina Lucas and Kelly Ray to coordinate Suggestion of Marc




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REVISION

ELEMENT

CHANGE

REASON for CHANGE

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Air Cadets / Sea Cadets (p.18) Kim Reynolds to help coordinate Kim offered

Rev 2 – 28 Feb 11 Canadian Aviation

Historical Society (CAHS)

(p.19)

Canadian Naval Air Group

(CNAG) (p. 19)

Marc Ducharme to help coordinate

CNAG to be asked to help publicize

Marc offered

Documents

Goddard Event