Every day, numerous residents of Calgary travel on McKnight Boulevard, a significant east-west thoroughfare in the northern part of the city. However, many may be unaware that the road is named in honor of William McKnight, a distinguished Canadian flying ace who served with the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Born in Edmonton in 1918, McKnight spent his formative years in Calgary, residing in the Crescent Heights neighborhood. He enlisted in the British Royal Air Force through a short-service commission, joining a predominantly Canadian unit established before the Royal Canadian Air Force presence was established.
Local historian Shelly McElroy highlighted McKnight’s exceptional abilities, noting that he emerged as a prominent and dedicated pilot once the conflict commenced. McElroy, who is currently writing a book about McKnight, shared that she stumbled upon his story while discussing Calgary Stampeder football players who had served in the war.
According to the Royal Canadian Air Force, McKnight successfully downed 17 German planes during his career, earning the title of Canada’s top scoring ace in the Battle of Britain. To achieve the status of a flying ace during World War II, pilots needed to have five or more confirmed aircraft takedowns.
During one instance over Dunkirk, McKnight shot down ten planes and achieved six victories in just four days. Notably, on August 30, 1940, McKnight achieved a remarkable feat during the Battle of Britain by securing three kills in a single day, earning the nickname “hat-trick” from his fellow pilots.
Tragically, on January 12, 1941, McKnight’s Hurricane aircraft vanished during a mission over the English Channel. He was 23 years old at the time of his disappearance, with no known grave. His legacy lives on, and his exceptional flying skills were recognized by his commanding officer, Douglas Bader, a renowned pilot who held McKnight in high regard.
Bader, who visited Calgary on multiple occasions, credited the Canadians for his success during and after the war. He advocated for honoring McKnight by naming a road leading to the airport after him, a suggestion that was eventually embraced by Calgary authorities.
Shelly McElroy will be hosting a presentation on McKnight’s life at the Central Public Library on November 18, shedding further light on the remarkable journey of this esteemed flying ace.