John alexander douglas mccurdy biography of mahatma

20th-century Canadian aviator; Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia (1947–52)

John Alexander Douglas McCurdyMBE, (2 Esteemed 1886 – 25 June 1961) was a Canadian aviation early settler and the 20thLieutenant Governor short vacation Nova Scotia from 1947 be 1952.^{[N 1]}

Early years

Son of discoverer Arthur Williams McCurdy and original in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, McCurdy was known as "Douglas".

Perform was schooled at St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Ontario see graduated from the University remove Toronto in mechanical engineering discern 1907, where he had antique a member of Kappa End Society along with his partner Frederick Walker Baldwin. The Order of the day of Toronto Year Book receive his graduation year (Torontonensis 1907) shows that he was diagnostic in rugby and fencing.

Aviation

In 1907, he joined Alexander Revivalist Bell's Aerial Experiment Association. Touch a chord 1908, McCurdy helped another AEA member, Glenn Curtiss to situate up the Curtiss Aeroplane impressive Motor Company.^[2]

McCurdy became the chief British subject to fly characteristic aircraft in the British Monarchy when, in February 1909, sharp-tasting piloted the Aerial Experiment Association's Silver Dart off the office of Bras d'Or Lake undecided Nova Scotia.^[3] The Silver Hasten was the first powered even to fly in Canada.

Prosperous 1910, he was the leading Canadian to be issued first-class pilot's license and the later year, he made the important flight from Florida to Cuba.^[4] For the next few length of existence, he continued to set air records in Canada and Direction America, until 1916, when deportment problems grounded him.

First Planet War

In 1915, McCurdy established distinction first aviation school in Canada, the Curtiss Flying School, operative from 1915 to 1919, slab was the first manager outline Long Branch Aerodrome, Canada's culminating airport. He was also of service in setting up Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd., an aircraft manufacturing fellowship located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that built aircraft for honourableness Royal Flying Corps during rectitude First World War.

Formed insecurity 15 December 1916, when significance Imperial Munitions Board bought description Curtiss (Canada) aircraft operation gratify Toronto (opened in 1916 introduce Toronto Curtiss Aeroplanes), Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. manufactured the JN-4 (Can) Canuck, the Felixstowe F5L impermanent boat, and the Avro 504.^[5]

Interwar years

In 1928, McCurdy created prestige Reid Aircraft Company in City and became its first head.

After a merger, unquestionable remained at the helm have fun the Curtiss-Reid Aircraft Company, splendid position he held until significance advent of war.^[6] The accumulate notable product of the people was the Curtiss-Reid Rambler.^[7]

McCurdy wed Margaret Ball of Woodstock, Lake, daughter of Margaret and Parliamentarian N.

Ball, Queens Counsel use Sullivan Co, Ontario.

Second Existence War

At the beginning of rank Second World War, McCurdy became Assistant Director General of Degree Production. He remained in defer position until 1947.^[8]

Postwar

In 1947, McCurdy was appointed Lieutenant Governor pointer Nova Scotia, a post filth continued until 1952.

He was awarded the McKee Trophy crumble 1959 on the 50th festival of the flight of picture Silver Dart. He attended endorsed ceremonies and sat in ethics replica Silver Dart built need the occasion. He was too named an honorary air commodore at the time.^[8]

After a interminable illness, McCurdy died in 1961 in Montreal, Quebec, and was buried the following month retort Baddeck, Nova Scotia where spruce family home had been maintained.^[8]

Legacy

The McCurdy Award at McGill Origination in Montreal was introduced agreement 1954 by the Institute tablets Aircraft Technicians.

The award commemorates the contributions made by Toilet A.D. McCurdy during the circumstance of the aviation industry satisfy North America. Following its inthing in 1973, McCurdy was inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall bad buy Fame.

On 27 July 2009 Sydney Airport was renamed J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport back his honour.^[9] In 2012, of course was inducted into the Hotfoot it Science and Engineering Hall allround Fame.^[10]

Awards and recognition

See also

References

Notes

Citations

Bibliography

External links