Don Laubman

A leading Canadian air ace of the Second World War, fighter pilot Don Laubman had a distinguished career in the RCAF. A graduate of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Don received his wings in 1941. Made a flight instructor, he logged over 2000 hours before being posted to 133 Squadron. Don proceeded overseas in March 1943, joining 412 Squadron flying Spitfires. After D-Day, Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar. He was posted back to Canada when his tour ended, but managed to arrange for another overseas posting, this time in command of 402 Squadron. During his wartime service Don destroyed 15 enemy aircraft, all of but one between June and October 1944.

Shortly after demobilization, Don returned re-enlisted in the RCAF. His postwar career included postings to 410, 416, and 418 Squadrons. In 1949 he led the RCAF’s first post-1945 aerobatic team, the Blue Devils. Don also assumed increasing administrative responsibility. After attending the RCAF Staff College in 1957, he was promoted to Wing Commander, then to Group Captain, Air Commodore, Major General, and Lieutenant General. Between 1966 and 1969 Don played a key role in implementing the unification of Canada’s armed forces and, in 1970/71, he served as Commander of Canadian Forces Europe. Don retired in 1972 and passed away in 2018.

For his lifetime of service, both in uniform and in his community, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is pleased to induct Don Laubman as a member for 2022.