This cache has been placed for the CCARS12 event, held May 26-27, 2012. It should not be found prior to noon on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Caches for the CCARS12 event are released early so the geocaching community can plan their routes prior to the event start.
During the war, women played a significant role with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Their contribution to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was especially important: as women took on many responsibilities traditional reserved for men, BCATP schools were able to train and supply large numbers of male aircrew from around the British Commonwealth.
Many reasons could motivate a young woman to enlist in the RCAF Women’s Division: patriotism, a taste for adventure, a husband, a father or a brother with the RCAF.
Initially the work was administrative or clerical, but the scope of their responsibilities expanded to include equipment assistants, weather observers, wireless operators, chauffeurs, parachute riggers, and more and more often they held jobs that used to be strictly for men, such as electrical and mechanical work.
Women marching in front of Cessna Cranes at #3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary, Alberta
Aircraftswoman 2nd Class Laura Bagby towing a trainer aircraft with a tractor
#3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary, Alberta.
In 1980, women were accepted as military pilots; in 1988, Canada became the first western country to license women as fighter pilots.
And the tradition continues!
The posted coordinates will take you to a location near the entrance to the Calgary Aerospace Museum. Find the plaque titled, 'THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE WOMEN'S DIVISION (RCAF [WD]).
To find the final location, substitute as follows:
N 51 05.ABC W114 00.DEF
A = 3rd line, last digit of the second year mentioned
B = 5th line, last digit of the number mentioned
C = 3rd line, last digit of the first year mentioned
D = 3rd line, 2nd digit of the number of volunteers
E = 3rd line, first digit of the first year mentioned
F = 3rd line, 2nd digit of the first year mentioned
Check your solution
The cache is an easy walk from posted coordinates.