Whitey: A World Famous Mascot
Named for a brilliant white shock of hair on his head, Whitey was a world famous mascot for the RAF, airport, and RCAF.
Lorne Hicks, airport manager from 1942-1974, first brought Whitey to the airfield when he was just a pup in 1943. Unbothered by the sounds of the airfield, Whitey greeted passengers and crew disembarking from airliners, and roamed the terminal building freely.
When the Royal Air Force flying school operated out of the North Bay Airport during the Second World War, Whitey adopted the flying school as his permanent home, where he was adored by staff and students, and served a therapeutic role to homesick personnel, especially those from other countries.
After the war’s end, Whitey returned to civilian aviation and rejoined the Trans-Canada Air Lines’ daily operations at the airport. When the RCAF base was opened in the early 1950s, he joined the Air Force. Whitey was known by everyone on the base and even flew in airplanes, rode in base vehicles (in the front seat), ate at the mess hall, and attended inspections and parades.
In 1952, after nine years of service on the base, and with more flying hours than some pilots, Whitey was awarded full corporal’s rank. In 1954, Whitey was promoted to sergeant and received his third stripe. He was the only canine RCAF sergeant in Canada.
North Bay Museum, Hicks Collection
The story of Whitey’s promotion to Sergeant appeared in the Globe and Mail on Saturday, April 10, 1954.
North Bay Museum, Hicks Collection
North Bay Museum, Hicks Collection
North Bay Museum, Hicks Collection
Lorne and Whitey in front of two Royal Air Force Douglas C-47s. The aircraft were used by the RAF flying school to train student pilots and navigators. Photo circa 1944.
North Bay Museum, Hicks Collection