Groome, Roland (1897-1935)

Groome, Roland (1897-1935) · Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina

For “Military service” MAR 1917 of Roland John Groome

Regina's Roland Groome, born on July 10, 1897, was the first licensed commercial pilot in Canada: the Canadian Air Board (CAB) granted Groome his commercial license in April 1920. Groome enlisted in the Royal Air Force in March 1917 and completed his World War I service as a flying instructor at Camp Mohawk, Ontario. When he returned to Regina after the war, Groome and his plane attracted some attention by making the first delivery of a morning newspaper by air route in Canada. The Morning Leader was first delivered to Moose Jaw by air on May 27, 1919. A founding director of the Regina Flying Club (1927) and a popular instructor, Groome flew into northern Saskatchewan and throughout western Canada. Groome and one of his students were killed when they crashed near Regina on September 20, 1935.

RFC enlistment March 1917 and training as a flying instructor at Camp Mohawk, Ontario.

Groome, Roland (1897-1935) · Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina

For “Occupation (Aviator / Flying Instructor)” FROM 1919 TO 1935 of Roland John Groome

Regina's Roland Groome, born on July 10, 1897, was the first licensed commercial pilot in Canada: the Canadian Air Board (CAB) granted Groome his commercial license in April 1920. Groome enlisted in the Royal Air Force in March 1917 and completed his World War I service as a flying instructor at Camp Mohawk, Ontario. When he returned to Regina after the war, Groome and his plane attracted some attention by making the first delivery of a morning newspaper by air route in Canada. The Morning Leader was first delivered to Moose Jaw by air on May 27, 1919. A founding director of the Regina Flying Club (1927) and a popular instructor, Groome flew into northern Saskatchewan and throughout western Canada. Groome and one of his students were killed when they crashed near Regina on September 20, 1935.

First commercial pilot's licence (Apr 1920), first air-mail newspaper delivery (27 May 1919), Regina Flying Club (1927).

Groome, Roland (1897-1935) · Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina

For “Medical (Cause of death)” 20 SEP 1935 of Roland John Groome

Regina's Roland Groome, born on July 10, 1897, was the first licensed commercial pilot in Canada: the Canadian Air Board (CAB) granted Groome his commercial license in April 1920. Groome enlisted in the Royal Air Force in March 1917 and completed his World War I service as a flying instructor at Camp Mohawk, Ontario. When he returned to Regina after the war, Groome and his plane attracted some attention by making the first delivery of a morning newspaper by air route in Canada. The Morning Leader was first delivered to Moose Jaw by air on May 27, 1919. A founding director of the Regina Flying Club (1927) and a popular instructor, Groome flew into northern Saskatchewan and throughout western Canada. Groome and one of his students were killed when they crashed near Regina on September 20, 1935.

Names the fatal crash near Regina, 20 Sep 1935, with a student.

Groome, Roland (1897-1935) · Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina

For Roland John Groome (1897–1935)

Regina's Roland Groome, born on July 10, 1897, was the first licensed commercial pilot in Canada: the Canadian Air Board (CAB) granted Groome his commercial license in April 1920. Groome enlisted in the Royal Air Force in March 1917 and completed his World War I service as a flying instructor at Camp Mohawk, Ontario. When he returned to Regina after the war, Groome and his plane attracted some attention by making the first delivery of a morning newspaper by air route in Canada. The Morning Leader was first delivered to Moose Jaw by air on May 27, 1919. A founding director of the Regina Flying Club (1927) and a popular instructor, Groome flew into northern Saskatchewan and throughout western Canada. Groome and one of his students were killed when they crashed near Regina on September 20, 1935.

Supports the exact birth date (10 Jul 1897), RFC enlistment (Mar 1917), Camp Mohawk Ontario training — matching Ruth's email that the local history group's interest was 'his training in the RAF in Ontario during WWI' — and the 1935 death. 'Regina's Roland Groome' does not clearly assert a Regina birthplace; none is set (see proposal note).