First flown in March of 1936, the Fairey "Battle" was operationally obsolete at the outbreak of World War II in 1939 when it was in service as a front-line light-bomber. After valiant service with the RAF's famous Advanced Air Striking Force in France during the Nazi 'Blitzkrieg' in the spring of 1940, the Battle was withdrawn from front-line duty. The climax of its operational career came with the end of the 'Phoney War'. On 12 May 1940, the now historic attack on the heavily defended Veldwegelt Bridge spanning a section of the Meuse River known as the Albert Canal was made by Battles of No. 12 Squadron, RAF. For their bravery in this operation, FLYING OFFICER EDWARD GARLAND and his observer, SERGEANT T. GRAY, were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the first to be won by members of the RAF in World War II.

The RCAF received its first Battles in August of 1939 for its intended re-equipment of some of its squadrons -- Nos. 414, 111 and 122 Squadrons. A total of 802 eventually were flown by the RCAF. They were used as dual control trainers, target tugs, and gunnery trainers at the Bombing and Gunnery Schools of the BCATP. With the introduction of Bolingbrokes and Harvards, the number of Battles in service declined, but they continued in service until the end of hostilities.