"...A bird in the air, feathers steel yet fair,
A friend of mine, not a foe."
Follow the story of Flight Lieutenant Lewis "Fundy" Callum, as he navigates his way through French countryside, in hopes of finding his way home...
Flight Lieutenant L.I. Callum
Adversity to the Stars
...is a day by day story that follows the life of Flight Lieutenant Lewis Isaiah Callum, as he talks about topsy-turvy life in the days leading up to D-Day. Often finding himself reminiscing about his glory days during the Battle of Britain, Callum is pushed by his superiors to bring himself back to that level.During a routine sortie to accompany bombers across the Channel, Callum encounters an issue with his aircraft, causing him to bail out over Nazi-Occupied France. With little to no support, Callum must find his way back to the United Kingdom alone, or with whatever help he can get.
Throughout Adversity to the Stars, Callum encounters issues with his own doubt of abilities, lack of resources, and general feeling of loneliness. Learning to overcome his own doubts is the first step he's forced to take, before he's able to start the trek south.With the influence of the local resistance, Callum is met with various figures who attempt to help him in his journey, but not without conflict.Does he make it back?
Flight Lieutenant Callum...
...is a Canadian pilot from the loosely populated area of Pine Glen, New Brunswick. Born to a family of foresters, he started his career as a pilot when his parents urged him to pick up the trade so they could survey the land that they logged.Upon realising his love for aviation, Lewis Callum joined the RCAF and further continued his studies to become a full fledged pilot. Upon completion of training, he was garrisoned in Trenton, later in Calgary, as a member of No. 1 Squadron.As the Royal Canadian Air Force became involved in the air battles above the United Kingdom, Callum's squadron would be called upon to participate. Establishing himself as an ace-in-a-day, then Flying Officer Callum would be awarded with a DFC after taking down a handful of bombers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you decide to start this project? - This was a concept I started to pass the time while staffing at a Cadet camp. I had met a fellow cadet who had interested me so much with his background, that I decided to write a character based off of him. Don't worry! He's completely aware of it!
What do you plan to accomplish with this? Another story? - I find that in the past few years, students across Canada become less and less interested in the history of our country, and the lives of those who had lived and enjoyed the freedoms before us. I plan to accomplish the creation of a piece of media that younger viewers can enjoy while still learning a thing or two about the RCAF's efforts during WWII.
Name a few of your inspirations. - The stories on the walls at the Air Force Museum of Alberta, the Canadian War Museum, The Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Museum, as well as in various other sources of media come to mind whenever this question is posed. The Canadian involvement in the Second World War is one that's often looked over, yet should be recognized.
What is your favourite airplane? - The Ilyushin IL-2 (1943).
During the Second World War, many soldiers, airmen, pilots, and civilians gave their lives for the Ultimate Sacrifice, so that we could live the way we do today. Some of these pilots travelled long distances, either in exile or in support from their home countries. A large portion of these brave aviators came from Canada, in order to support the British Crown, proving themselves in air combat across Europe.117 Canadian fighter pilots participated in the Battle of Britain. Out of those few, 29 would never grow old, losing their lives to the ultimate sacrifice. Canadians were not the only foreigners to fight alongside the British. Over 500 Pilots from Australia, New Zealand, Poland, France, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, and Ireland came together to help defend the British skies from the Nazis.This project is not affiliated with Veterans Affairs Canada, nor with the Royal Canadian Legion, but donations to either are appreciated.