High school students across PEI will receive an educational and entertaining history lesson next week when actor David Morris performs "Canadian Air Force Pilot - Second World War." This one hour monologue will tour all secondary schools between November 15–19 and will expose students to the harsh realities faced by Canadian Air Force Pilots in the Second World War.
Morris' "Canadian Air Force Pilot - Second World War" script was based upon extensive interviews with the late Royal Air Force Squadron leader, Keith Ogilvie, DFC, who flew during the Battle of Britain, earned the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for his pilot exploits, and survived the celebrated "Great Escape" from Stalag Luft III in 1941, the story of which was later to become a major motion picture. Last year, while touring Island high schools, Mr. Morris performed his highly popular Canadian Infantry Soldier - First World War. Mr. Morris has also researched and written 18 other scripts based upon the lives of historical figures, performing his monologues mainly in Ontario and Quebec. In 1985, he made a radical career change, as he went from performing in the world of theatre to an almost exclusive use of his skills in the educational field.
The David Morris tour schedule is as follows: Kinkora Regional High School, Kensington Intermediate Senior High School, and Bluefield Senior High School, Monday, November 15; Westisle Composite High School and Three Oaks Senior High School, Tuesday, November 16; Souris Regional High School, Wednesday, November 17; Charlottetown Rural Senior High School and Montague Regional High School, Thursday, November 18; and Colonel Gray Senior High School and Morell Regional High School, Friday, November 19.
"Canadian Air Force Pilot - Second World War" follows national "Veterans' Week," November 5 -11. Veterans' Week is traditionally a time for the nation to focus on the achievements and sacrifices made by Canadians in the wars and other armed conflicts that took place during this century.
The PEI Department of Education, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, are co-sponsoring "Canadian Air Force Pilot - Second World War."