The MHSA Chronicle Official Publication of the Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta
The MHSA Chronicle Official Publication of the Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta Volume XXII Number 3 October 2019 Coaldale Centennial Mennonite Pilot Homecoming by Gerry Regehr by Dave Quapp I, Gerhard (Gerry) Regehr, joined the Royal Known Canadian Air Force on February 12, 1951 at the as The Gem age of 19. I had seen recruitment posters and of the West, found them appealing to my sense of adventure. Coaldale As I was being signed up, the recruiting officer was incor- asked me if I spoke a foreign language, and I porated as a answered, “Yes. German." Then the officer village in asked, “How fluent?" I replied, “Fluent." Ten 1919 and as years later this would send me to Germany as a a town in personal assistant to the base commander, a 1952. Its post I held for four years. centennial After joining up, I spent two years working homecoming Dave Quapp as an airman on Sabre aircraft. Then I entered a celebration, pilot training program. In November 1952, I Gerhard Regehr August 3-4, 2019, attracted former went before the Pilot Selection Board in Lon- 1951 Age 19 Coaldalites from all of western Can- don, Ontario. Of the 180 men present from all across Canada, I was one of ada, with a large segment consisting five who were already in the Air Force. Following a battery of tests, 100 of 2nd generation Mennonites. This were sent home, 37 were selected for pilot training, 17 graduated, and sev- event afforded a great opportunity en became career pilots. Two, Larry Rodewolt of St Albert and I, are still to renew acquaintances for chats alive.
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