CFB BORDEN

There’s no mistaking that you are entering a place that differs from small towns in Ontario when you approach Canadian Forces Base Borden. A large sign warning “Marching troops have priority” gives you reason to be aware of your surroundings. Another states that all ranges are out of bounds and are restricted areas. As communities go, Borden is different of course, but at the same time it is a place with a thriving local population and a proud history of tradition and ceremony. Born in the midst of conflict, Base Borden began as a military camp when a young nation was engaged in building its first large-scale operation for foreign deployment. Camp Borden was officially opened in July 1916 during the height of a global war that that in many ways defined Canada’s future. Sprawling over 44 square kilometres of empty land covered in tree stumps and blowing sand, the newlycreated military base soon became one of the most important training facilities in the country. About half of the soldiers who served overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War received some of their training at Camp Borden. In 1917 the camp was selected to be the home of a new aerodrome. The first flight of a military aircraft at Borden took place on March 31, 1917, and on May 2, of the same year, the Royal Flying Corps of Canada officially took over the airfield. In those early days of flight, the Curtiss JN-4 model bi-plane was the aircraft of choice to train young pilots. The trainer had a wingspan of just over 13 metres and a top speed of 120 kilometres-per-hour. These early endeavors in military aviation have led to Borden being known as the birthplace of Canada’s Air Force. Several of the original hangars from that period are still intact at the airfield. After the war, Base Borden continued to be an important training facility. New schools were added, including the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, Royal Canadian School of Infantry, and the Canadian School of Military Intelligence. Activity increased significantly when the base became headquarters for the First Armored School during the 1930s. Army and Air Force training continued after the Second World War. In 1966, integration of the supporting services of the separate Army and Air Force establishments commenced and Camp Borden became Canadian Forces Base Borden, under one commander. Currently, Base Borden is home to several military training establishments and a variety of other military and civilian organizations. The base also serves as the headquarters of the Canadian Forces Support Training Group. Several other units call Borden home including the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and 700 Communications Squadron. The base has maintained its tradition of excellence in Air Force training and is home to 16 Wing - the largest training wing in the Canadian Forces. A lodger formation at Borden, 16 Wing has a headquarters and three schools - The Canadian Forces school of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, the Air Command Academy, and the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations. On average, 15,000 military personnel receive training at Base Borden every year. In the 91 years since its inception, Base Borden has evolved into a small town of sorts with housing, stores, and recreation facilities. Displays of military hardware from the past are located around the base with a large collection of armoured vehicles permanently positioned around the tank park. A new museum was recently opened with a large collection of military history including uniforms, insignia, a small arms wing, and an armoured vehicle display with tanks and hardware from several different countries spanning the 20th century. Base Borden is adjacent to the town of Angus, and just a few kilometres north of New Tecumseth. The distinctive military camouflage uniforms are easily recognized and the base has an excellent relationship with its surrounding communities. Borden’s history and that of the Canadian Forces is evident in the static military displays and memorials situated in parks and roadsides. Even the street signs bear some historical significance. The streets are named for famous battles and places where the Canadian military has been a force. Base Borden is worth a visit to soak up some military history and see the place where pilots first learned to fly before going on to pilot their Sopwith Camels in the skies over Europe.