Wop May, Canadian captain and pilot (d. 1952)

Wilfrid Reid "Wop" May, a name synonymous with both aerial combat and intrepid exploration, was born on March 20, 1896, and left an indelible mark on aviation before his passing on June 21, 1952. His remarkable career spanned two distinct yet equally challenging arenas: becoming a decorated flying ace during the harrowing days of the First World War and later transforming into a pioneering bush pilot, opening up Canada's vast northern territories.

A Canadian Flying Ace in the Great War

May's early life saw him drawn to the skies, a calling that would soon place him at the forefront of aerial warfare. Serving with distinction in the First World War, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (later the Royal Air Force), earning a reputation as a formidable pilot. It was on April 21, 1918, during a dogfight over the Western Front, that May found himself embroiled in one of aviation history's most iconic encounters. As a relatively new pilot, he was engaged in his very first combat mission with No. 209 Squadron RAF when he was targeted by none other than the legendary German ace, Manfred von Richthofen, famously known as the "Red Baron." May, struggling to navigate the intense aerial ballet, was pursued relentlessly by Richthofen. This dramatic chase concluded when Richthofen, in pursuit of May, was himself shot down, marking the end of an era and securing May's place in history as the last Allied pilot to be pursued by the Red Baron. By the war's end, May had demonstrated his aerial prowess, officially credited with 13 victories, solidifying his status as a Canadian flying ace.

Pioneering Bush Pilot in Post-War Canada

Upon returning to Canada after the war, "Wop" May traded the battlefields of Europe for the untamed wilderness of his home country. He embraced a new and critical role: that of a bush pilot, a profession that would define much of his post-war legacy. Working with Canadian Airways, he became a trailblazer in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. In an era before established airfields and sophisticated navigation, May and his fellow bush pilots were the lifeline for remote communities, delivering essential supplies, mail, and critically, providing medical evacuations in challenging, often life-threatening conditions. He flew a variety of aircraft, often on floats in summer and skis in winter, landing on remote lakes and frozen rivers. These daring flights demanded exceptional skill, resilience, and an intimate understanding of the treacherous northern landscape. May’s pioneering spirit helped to bridge vast distances, connect isolated outposts, and facilitate the development of Canada's remote regions, cementing his status as a true Canadian aviation legend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wilfrid "Wop" May

Who was Wilfrid "Wop" May?
Wilfrid Reid "Wop" May was a decorated Canadian flying ace from the First World War and a pioneering bush pilot who significantly contributed to northern Canadian aviation in the post-war era.
What was his most famous aerial encounter in WWI?
His most famous WWI encounter was on April 21, 1918, when he was the final Allied pilot pursued by the legendary German ace, Manfred von Richthofen (the "Red Baron"), just moments before Richthofen was shot down.
How many victories did "Wop" May achieve in WWI?
Wilfrid "Wop" May was officially credited with 13 aerial victories during the First World War, earning him the title of flying ace.
What did "Wop" May do after WWI?
After the war, he returned to Canada and became a pioneering bush pilot, working for Canadian Airways in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He was instrumental in delivering supplies, mail, and providing medical services to remote communities.
Why was he called a "bush pilot pioneer"?
He was a pioneer because he helped establish and develop air services in the rugged and remote northern regions of Canada, often flying in extreme conditions with rudimentary infrastructure, which was crucial for connecting isolated communities and facilitating development.