Sarnia Observer : November 16th 1940
Researched by Katie Braet, Coop Student 2016.
Airman Pilot K.W. McLaren Has Now Qualified to Fly Fighter Planes – May be Sent Overseas
Airman Pilot K.W. McLaren, the first Sarnia member of the R.C.A.F. to receive his wings under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, is visiting the city on a short leave after completing his training. He expects to report for duty on Monday and is awaiting instructions as to whether he will be detailed overseas for duty or instructional purposes in Canada.
Air Pilot McLaren is a son of the late Dr. W.R. McLaren of this city and was well known as a player on the halfline of the Sarnia Wanderers’ football team the last year it functioned. Before signing up he attended Pickering College at Newmarket and the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph.
Enlisted in April
The new flyer enlisted in April last and was in the first class for pilots, observers and air gunners under the commonwealth plan, which opened at the Eglinton Hunt Club, Toronto, in that month. He learned to fly at the Hamilton Aero Club and afterwards took a course in light aircraft at the trenton flying school.
Air Pilot McLaren completed his course at Ottawa in heavy aircraft and received his wings there on Sept. 30. Since then he has been taking the advanced training course for pilots at the capital. He is now a qualified fighter pilot.