All the "Diary Entries", "Letters Home" and "Memoirs" included in the simulation are authentic, as are all of the battlefield photographs. The tests, challenges and decision screens are all based on intensive research

No one Canadian airman experienced all the events described in this simulation. Parts of the story have come from the experiences of airmen from the 14 RCAF squadrons in No. 6 Bomber Group. Before 1943 the RCAFs bomber force consisted of four squadrons of outdated aircraft. In January 1943, Bomber Command Group No. 6, was formed, eventually consisting 15 RCAF squadrons, primarily flying four engined Halifax bombers. In 1943 No. 6 Group aircraft participated in the strategic bombing of German cities, industries and resources. In 1944, the Group undertook tactical operations in France in addition to the continued offensive against German targets. Canadian bombers attacked V-1 and V-2 targets in the "rocket coast," assisted in the preparations for D-Day, and then gave valuable tactical support to the Canadian Army in northern France. In 1945, the Group supported the Allies' final all-out offensive with daylight attacks against German targets. During its 28 months of activity crews from No. 6 Group flew over 40,800 sorties and dropped over 126,000 tons of bombs and mines, at a cost of 814 crews missing or dead.

During World War II the RCAF grew from a small group of obsolete aircraft into the fourth largest Allied Air Force, operating 80 squadrons with 200,000 service men and women. The RCAF had three major responsibilities: creating and operating the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), providing fighter and bomber squadrons for overseas service, and defending Canada.

The BCATP:
From very modest beginings in 1940, the BCAPT grew into a massive pilot and aircrew training system. At its peak, the BCATP graduated over 3000 aircrew a month, including 500 cadet pilots, 544 pilots with service training, 920 air observers, wireless operators and air gunners. At its maximum extent the BCATP included 97 flight training schools. In less than three years the program had trained 82,000 aircrew.

The Defence of Canada:
In September, 1939, the RCAF Eastern and Western Commands were created to patrol and defend Canada's coasts and oceans. The Eastern Air Command (EAC) assumed the heaviest load. Its air crews flew multi-engined patrol aircraft over the vast expanse of the northwest Atlantic. Their key tasks were convoy protection and locating and attacking U-boats. On the ground its support staff operated the bases, communications, and navigation systems needed to keep the planes flying. The Western Air Command eventually grew to 20 squadrons, including long range patrol aircraft, patrol bombers and older model fighters.

Overseas Service:

RCAF Fighter Wings
In March 1941 the RCAF had one squadron of fighters operating overseas. By the end of the war the RCAF had 41 operational fighter squadrons, including day-fighters, fighter-bombers,fighter-reconnaissance, and night-fighter and intruder squadrons. Canadian fighter pilots fought in the Battle of Britain, in North Africa, in the defence of Malta, over Sicily and Italy. They escorted bomber formations over France and Germany, provided tactical support for our soldiers in Normandy, destroyed German trains, vehicles and V-1 launchers.

Far East Command
RCAF squardons and personell were active in the Far East from 1942 until the end of the war. No. 413 Squadron aircraft patrolled the Indian Ocean searching for Japanese shipping and and conducting search and rescue missions. Nos. 221 and 224 Squardons flew fighters and light bombers in defence of India and Sri Lanka and on penetration missions in Burma. Nos. 435 and 436 Transportation Squadrons flew supply missions for Allied forces deep inside Burma.

The Auxiliary Forces
In July 1941, the RCAF Women's Division was formed to allow women to take over more duties that would free up more men for combat duties. Over 17,000 WDs were enlisted and trained in more than 40 trades including: clerks, airframe, aero-engine, radar, and wireless mechanics. Many served overseas at RCAF headquarters and on stations of the Canadian bomber group. Women also flew deliveries of new aircraft to operational squadrons. The Air Cadet League was formed in June 1941. Over 30,000 Air Cadets received preliminary flight and aircraft instruction during the war. Many later served with distinction in operational squadrons.