Historic aircraft unveiled at 17 Wing in Winnipeg

In celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the 435 Squadron, a key air unit used for supply missions during the Burma Campaign in the Second World War, the Canadian Forces unveiled a C-47 Dakota aircraft painted in the colours used during those missions.

The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired its first C-47 Dakota in 1943 and eventually operated 169 of the transport aircraft.

The unveiling took place Saturday in Hangar 16 at 17 Wing in Winnipeg.

In a release, the Canadian Forces said the 435 and 436 Squadrons were based in India beginning in 1944 and were critical in getting supplies to areas difficult to reach due to difficult terrain, weather and a lack of transportation infrastructure.

The Burma Squadrons Association, celebrating its 67^th anniversary this year, also took part in the unveiling.

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  Members of the Burma Squadrons Association celebrate the unveiling of a C-47 Dakota painted in the colours of 435 Squadron at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Saturday, May 24, 2014.