May, Wilfrid Reid 'Wop' National Historic Person
Edmonton, Alberta
G.H. Rocke (left) et Wop May
(© Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / Library and Archives Canada / C-8833)
Address :
11410 Kingsway Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1974-11-15
Life Date:
1896 to 1952
Other Name(s):
-
May, Wilfrid Reid 'Wop'
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
1974-001
Importance:
Pioneer of bush flying in Canada, awarded the Order of the British Empire (1935)
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Alberta Aviation Museum 11410 Kingsway Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta
The noted bush pilot "Wop" May was raised in Edmonton. During World War I he joined the Royal Flying Corps winning the DFC and afterwards became involved in civil aviation in Canada. He won renown in 1929 for a series of daring mercy flights and for his role in flying mail into the Mackenzie District. He was awarded the McKee Trophy for his contributions to Canadian aviation in 1929 and received an OBE in 1935. During World War II, May served as general manager of No. 2 Air Observers' School at Edmonton. In 1947 he received the American Medal of Freedom and in 1973 was admitted to Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame.