Every day, numerous residents of Calgary travel along McKnight Boulevard, a significant east-west route in the northern part of the city. However, many may not be aware that the boulevard is named after William McKnight, a distinguished Canadian flying ace from the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Born in Edmonton in 1918, McKnight spent his formative years in Calgary, specifically in the Crescent Heights neighborhood. He enlisted in the British Royal Air Force through a short-service commission, joining a predominantly Canadian unit established before the Royal Canadian Air Force’s presence was solidified.
Local historian Shelly McElroy highlighted McKnight’s exceptional capabilities when the war commenced. She described him as a highly skilled and devoted pilot, emphasizing his elite status within the ranks.
McElroy’s interest in McKnight was sparked unexpectedly while discussing Calgary Stampeder football players who served in the war. This led to a deeper exploration of McKnight’s story, facilitated by his nephew providing previously undiscovered documents and personal items related to McKnight.
McKnight’s aerial prowess during the Battle of Britain is renowned. The Royal Canadian Air Force documented his downing of 17 German planes, establishing him as Canada’s top ace of the battle. Achieving such a feat was rare, with only a small fraction of fighter pilots attaining ace status during the war.
One of McKnight’s notable achievements was shooting down ten planes over Dunkirk, including a series of victories within a short span. His exceptional performance, such as recording three kills in a single day during the Battle of Britain, earned him admiration from his peers, including the legendary Douglas Bader.
Tragically, McKnight’s aircraft disappeared over the English Channel on January 12, 1941, during a mission. Despite his immense contributions, he remains missing, with no known grave, having been just 23 years old at the time.
Bader’s subsequent visits to Calgary underscored the profound impact Canadians had on him, prompting efforts to honor McKnight’s memory by naming a road leading to the airport after him. McElroy will delve deeper into McKnight’s life during a presentation at the Central Public Library on November 18.
