Every day, numerous residents of Calgary travel along McKnight Boulevard, a significant east-west thoroughfare in the northern part of the city. What many may not realize is that this road is named after William McKnight, a distinguished Canadian flying ace who served with the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Born in Edmonton in 1918, McKnight grew up in Calgary, specifically in the Crescent Heights neighborhood. He joined the British Royal Air Force through a short-service commission as part of a predominantly Canadian unit that was established before the Royal Canadian Air Force presence was fully developed.
McKnight’s exceptional flying skills came to the forefront when World War II commenced, as noted by local historian Shelly McElroy. McElroy, who is currently working on a book about McKnight, described him as a highly dedicated and elite pilot.
McKnight’s impressive record includes downing 17 German planes, making him Canada’s top-scoring ace of the Battle of Britain, according to the Royal Canadian Air Force. To achieve the status of a flying ace during that time, pilots had to shoot down five or more enemy aircraft.
One of McKnight’s notable achievements was shooting down 10 planes over Dunkirk and securing six victories in just four days. Flying with the 242 Squadron, known as the “all Canadian” squadron due to its predominantly Canadian personnel, McKnight demonstrated exceptional courage and skill.
Tragically, on January 12, 1941, McKnight’s Hurricane aircraft disappeared during a mission over the English Channel. He was 23 years old at the time and has no known grave. Despite his untimely disappearance, McKnight’s legacy lives on, with his story continuing to inspire and be remembered.
Douglas Bader, a famous pilot who flew alongside McKnight, praised the fearless and skilled Canadian pilot, highlighting McKnight’s remarkable contributions during the war. Bader’s admiration for McKnight played a role in the decision to name a road leading to the airport in Calgary in his honor.
In honor of McKnight’s memory, Shelly McElroy will be delivering a presentation on his life at the Central Public Library on November 18, providing further insight into the remarkable story of this courageous Canadian flying ace.
