“Hockey in the Duff or They Just Have to be Canadians”
During the Second World War all branches of the Canadian Military played
hockey when time, location, weather and the enemy allowed. Play varied
from organised leagues to pickup games and even took place in POW camps.
RCAF members stood out as being particularly zealous in finding ways to
have games. In England, on one base, an outdoor rink was constructed
complete with boards and fan seating. When the need for a roof was
identified, they managed to scrounge up the materials required. Due to
engineering concerns a support column was added that came to be placed
near center ice. Needless to say this had to be avoided at all costs during a
game.
When the 2nd Tactical Air Force moved to the continent after D-Day several
Canadian Fighter, Fighter Bomber and Reconnaissance Wings went with it.
During the winter of 44-45 the YMCA organised games in Holland and other
locales. This lead to a playoff between the different Wings to see who would
go back to England, to compete against the Bomber ‘Pros’ from No. 6 Group.
126 Wing (Spitfire) won over the other Spitfire Wings and then the Typhoon
Wings’ champion. They were beaten quite soundly by the ‘Bomber Boys’ in
the final, though the trip to England probably mitigated any disappointment.
Depicted here pilots from a RCAF Typhoon Squadron take advantage of
some ‘Duff’ weather and a patch of ice to get in a quick game. The two ‘Erks’
on the wing are taking a break from their duties to watch the action.
Ardell Bourgeois © 2003
hockey when time, location, weather and the enemy allowed. Play varied
from organised leagues to pickup games and even took place in POW camps.
RCAF members stood out as being particularly zealous in finding ways to
have games. In England, on one base, an outdoor rink was constructed
complete with boards and fan seating. When the need for a roof was
identified, they managed to scrounge up the materials required. Due to
engineering concerns a support column was added that came to be placed
near center ice. Needless to say this had to be avoided at all costs during a
game.
When the 2nd Tactical Air Force moved to the continent after D-Day several
Canadian Fighter, Fighter Bomber and Reconnaissance Wings went with it.
During the winter of 44-45 the YMCA organised games in Holland and other
locales. This lead to a playoff between the different Wings to see who would
go back to England, to compete against the Bomber ‘Pros’ from No. 6 Group.
126 Wing (Spitfire) won over the other Spitfire Wings and then the Typhoon
Wings’ champion. They were beaten quite soundly by the ‘Bomber Boys’ in
the final, though the trip to England probably mitigated any disappointment.
Depicted here pilots from a RCAF Typhoon Squadron take advantage of
some ‘Duff’ weather and a patch of ice to get in a quick game. The two ‘Erks’
on the wing are taking a break from their duties to watch the action.
Ardell Bourgeois © 2003
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All sales are subject to availability.
All sales are subject to availability.
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be
reproduced without their consent.
reproduced without their consent.
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