Key Second World War plane to visit P.E.I. as part of RCAF's 100th anniversary

One of the last examples of a Canso, a plane that played a significant rolein the Second World War, will visit P.E.I. as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 100th anniversary celebrations.

"The Canso played a vital role in Canada's history," retired air force sergeant Debbie Reidtold CBC News.

"It was used as a patrol bomber and submarine hunter during the war and it flew over[the] NorthAtlantic."

After the war, the plane was used by theair force forphoto reconnaissance and search and rescue, said Reid, who is also president of the RCAF Association 201 Wing Charlottetown.

The planewas retired in November1962.

About 3,600 Cansoswere built worldwide, fewer than 1,000 of those in Canada. Only 13 remain.

The Royal Canadian Air Force was created 100 years ago, formed from two squadrons that flew during the First World War. The RCAF is holding celebrations to mark the anniversary across the country.

Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry and Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown will be at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Monday onthe P.E.I. Flying Associationtarmac off Brackley Point Road. People are asked to be seated by 1:45 p.m., and walkarounds of the plane will be possible afterwarduntil 5 p.m.

A similar ceremony takes place at Summerside's Slemon Park on Wednesday.A fly-past with squadrons from Greenwood begins at 1 p.m., with a lecture following at2 p.m. Aircraft tours will be offered from 2:30 to 4 p.m.