Government of Canada honours national historic significance of C. H. “Punch” Dickins (1899–1995)

News release

October 18, 2019                                                       Fort McMurray, Alberta                                    Parks Canada Agency


Considered by many as a pioneer in early Canadian aviation, C. H. “Punch” Dickins played an important role in the development of Canada’s air transportation capabilities in the North.

Today, Dr. Joe Anderson, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Representative for Alberta, commemorated the national historic significance of C. H. “Punch” Dickins with a plaque unveiling ceremony in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Dickins was a distinguished pilot of the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, and a pioneering bush pilot in the 1920s and 1930s. Flying over great distances in Canada’s North, Dickins demonstrated the feasibility of flight in the coldest weather and under extremely difficult take-off and landing conditions. His explorations produced invaluable maps of these remote parts of Canada.

Later in his career, Dickins joined de Havilland Aircraft of Canada, contributing to the design of the de Havilland Beaver aircraft, a small airplane known as the “workhorse of the North” that became world-famous for its short take-off and landing capabilities.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorates the significant people, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,000 designations have been made. 

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Quotes

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of ‘Punch’ Dickins. His accomplishments during his career as a skilled pilot certainly elevated Canada to a world leader in frontier aviation. Historic designations reflect Canada’s rich and varied history and I encourage all Canadians to learn more about ‘Punch’ Dickins’ important contributions to Canada’s heritage.”

Dr. Joe Anderson,
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Representative for Alberta


Quick facts

  • In 1927, “Punch” Dickins made a 12-day journey of approximately 6,000 kilometers (along a largely uncharted route from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Baker Lake (located, today, in Nunavut) and continuing to Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan). 

  • In 1919, Second Lieutenant Dickins received the Distinguished Flying Cross, a medal awarded to officers who show courage, valour or devotion to duty while flying operations against the enemy. In 1968, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

  • The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019. 

  • Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. 

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Contacts

Tim Gauthier
External Relations Manager
Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
867-872-7642
tim.gauthier@canada.ca


Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca

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