Ronald Francis Redpath

Ronald Francis Redpath (1888-1970) served as a naval air pilot on the Western front during the First World War from the late summer of 1916 until March 1917. After receiving his flying education at the Toronto flying school and being appointed flight Sub-Lieutenant in December 1915, he was recruited by the Royal Naval Air Service. On a particular mission while he served in Europe, Redpath kept the flight from getting too far south into Switzerland by taking the lead after they had gone off course when returning from the Oberndorf raid of 12 October. Redpath was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his services with No. 3 (Naval) Wing based at Luxeuil. He spent the rest of the war years in Britain where he accomplished instructional duties. After the war, he became the second director of the Canadian Air Force, position that he held from 22 March to 12 July 1921.