In 1920 the Canadian Air Force (CAF) was created, and the designation of "Royal" was added officially in 1924. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was responsible for both aircrew training and civilian flying operations, and it soon proved its worth by contributing considerably to Canada's development.
During the inter-war years, the RCAF delivered mail by air, engaged in crop dusting,
over flew forests in search of fires, patrolled fishing grounds, photographed and mapped much of Canada's uncharted areas, conducted anti-smuggling operations, and carried supplies, medical aid and people to remote communities.
In 1938 the RCAF became an independent Service within the Canadian Armed Forces, which gave the Air Force the same legal and political standing as the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army in relation to the Department of
Defense.
