Clifford McEwen[1] | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Black Mike[2] |
Born | 2 July 1896 Griswold, Manitoba[2] |
Died | 6 August 1967[2] Toronto, Ontario[2] | (aged 71)
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | Canada |
Service | Royal Flying Corps Royal Canadian Air Force |
Years of service | 1916–1946[3] |
Rank | Air Vice-Marshal[3] |
Unit | 196th Battalion, CEF No. 28 Squadron RFC[3] |
Commands | No. 1 Group RCAF No. 6 Group RCAF[3] |
Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Bronze Medal of Military Valor[3] |
Other work | Director, Trans-Canada Air Lines[3] |
Air Vice Marshal Clifford Mackay McEwen CB, MC, DFC & Bar (2 July 1896 – 6 August 1967) was a fighter ace in the British Royal Flying Corps during World War I and a senior commander in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. His Second World War service culminated in his commanding No. 6 Group RCAF in England from 28 February 1944 to 13 July 1945.
During his command the performance of the RCAF was greatly improved, becoming the most successful Allied bombing force in several ways. By late 1944 the RCAF had both the best survival rate and the highest accuracy of any bombing force.[4]
McEwen was born on 2 July 1896 in Griswold, Manitoba and grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.