Wilfrid Reid May

ARTICLE CONTENTS:  |  Suggested Reading  |  Links to Other Sites
Wilfrid Reid May, "Wop," airman (b at Carberry, Man 20 Mar 1896; d at Provo, Utah 21 June 1952). He was a novice pilot on the Western Front being hotly pursued by Manfred, Freiherr von Richthofen, when the "Red Baron" was killed on 21 April 1918. May might have been his 81st victim but instead went on to become one of Canada's leading bush flyers in the postwar era, winning the MCKEE TROPHY in 1929. During WWII he helped set up the BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AIR TRAINING PLAN and was a pioneer in aerial "search and rescue" techniques.
May, Wilfrid
May, Wilfrid
May survived a pursuit by Baron von Richthofen to become one of Canda's best-known bush pilots (courtesy private collection).

Author BRERETON GREENHOUS


Suggested Reading
Sheila Reid, Wings of a Hero: Canadian Pioneer Flying Ace Wilfrid Wop May (1997).


Links to Other Sites
Wilfrid R. "Wop" May
This family website is dedicated to the memory of Canadian aviator Wilfrid R. "Wop" May. Features audio clips, photos, and articles related to May’s experiences as a First World War fighter pilot, bush pilot, community leader, and humanitarian.

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