The RCAF played a major role in the aerial operations that led to Allied victory over the Axis powers - Germany, Italy and Japan.
The RCAF's only operational group overseas was 6 (RCAF) Group (fourteen squadrons), which took part in Bomber Command's strategic air offensive against Germany. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Lancaster bomber is dedicated to Winnipeg, Manitoba's Andrew Mynarski, who was awarded 6 Group's only Victoria Cross.
Coastal Command's RCAF maritime squadrons flew vital anti-submarine patrols and attacked German coastal shipping. The Canadian Warplane Heritage PBY/Canso is dedicated to Mimico (Etobicoke), Ontario's David Hornell, who was awarded Coastal Command's only RCAF Victoria Cross.
In Northwest Europe the RCAF was represented, in the 2nd Tactical Air Force, by fighter-bomber, army co-operation and fighter squadrons. Three RCAF transport squadrons flying C-47 Dakotas served in Northwest Europe and Southeast Asia.
