Saving the Halifax: A Race Against Time

More than 6,000 Handley Page Halifax bombers were built during World War II. Today, only a handful remain. 

At the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, an extraordinary team of volunteers, historians, and restoration experts is working to bring one of these legendary heavy bombers back from history—piece by piece. Using recovered wreckage, rare original parts, and components sourced from around the world, they are rebuilding a Halifax to honor the crews who flew them into combat over Europe. 

But this is more than a Canadian story. During World War II, more than 8,800 Americans crossed the border to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force before the United States officially entered the War. 

Many of them flew aboard Halifax bombers during some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict. Thousands never returned. 

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we go behind the scenes of one of the most important warbird restoration projects underway today. Discover the history of the Halifax, the international effort to preserve it, and the people dedicating countless hours to ensure these stories are never forgotten. This is not just the restoration of an aircraft—it is the restoration of memory. 

Subscribe for more aviation history, warbird stories, and behind-the-scenes access from the Commemorative Air Force. 

Aired on: May 22, 2026

Guest: Karl Kjarsgaard

Host: Steve Buss

Producer: Bob Score

Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

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