The Chipmunk was the first primary trainer manufactured by De Havilland Canada, of Downsview (North York) Ontario, as a successor to the Tiger Moth. The first prototype flew in 1946 and the design proved most successful. Approximately 1000 were built, including some that were made under
license in England and Portugal.
The RCAF accepted its first DHC-1 Chipmunks in 1948 and did not retire the last one until 1972, three years after unification in 1968 had led to the demise of the RCAF. The Chipmunk's long service was due, in part, to its fully aerobatic capabilities and superb flying characteristics, similar to the Spitfire's, which made it a delight to fly. It is also a mechanically sound aeroplane and, consequently, many Chipmunks are still operational around the world.
The CWH Chipmunk was one of the early trainers built as a DHC1B-2-S5 and was designated a Chipmunk II. It went into service with RCAF Training Command in 1956 and remained on strength until 1972. The Chipmunk belonged to a former Canadian fighter pilot who had been a prisoner of war (POW) in Stalag Luft III, the POW camp made famous by the escape of 76 Allied aircrew in 1944, and by the movie, "The Great Escape." The former "Kriegie" (from the German Kriegsgefangener - POW) donated the Chipmunk to the Museum in 1973.
