Gerry Carty was born in Saint John in 1925 to Albert and Fanny (Tyler) Carty. Coming from a proud military family, he was one of five Carty family members to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II, following an earlier generation who fought in World War I.
In 1942, at just 17 years old, Carty enlisted in the RCAF and was selected for aircrew training. He excelled in his flight training, graduating as the top student in his class. At only 18, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, making him one of the youngest commissioned officers in the RCAF at the time. Though the RCAF had officially removed racial barriers for minority officers and pilots, Black bomber pilots remained exceedingly rare.
During the war, Gerry Carty flew 35 combat missions over occupied Europe as a pilot of Wellington and Halifax bombers, facing some of the most dangerous conditions of any Canadian service members. After being wounded in action, he used his recovery time in England to train as an electronics technician.
For his distinguished war service, he was awarded:
•The Defence Medal
•The War Medal (Victory Medal)
•The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp
Returning to New Brunswick after the war, Carty became a pioneer in electronics and aviation. He was the first person in the province to receive an electronics technician certification and established an electronics service centre in Fredericton. In the 1950s, he became a trailblazer in cable television, helping bring new technology to the region.
His passion for aviation never waned. He was involved in a charter air service, helped found the Fredericton Flying Club, and served as commanding officer and instructor for the Air Cadets.
Gerry Carty was also deeply committed to his community, playing key roles in organizations such as:
•The Royal Canadian Legion
•The YMCA
•The RCAF Association
Gerry Carty’s legacy is one of courage, innovation, and service. From breaking barriers in the RCAF to advancing technology and aviation in New Brunswick, he left a lasting impact on both his country and his community. Gerry died in 2008 at the age of 84.
Service to country ran deep in the Carty family. Five brothers answered the call during the Second World War, following in the footsteps of their father, Albert Carty, who had served with the No. 2 Construction Battalion in the First World War.
At a time when racial barriers limited opportunities for Black Canadians in the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Carty brothers pushed past those restrictions and proudly became airmen. Four of them were stationed at military bases across Canada. The eldest, Flight Sergeant Adolphus Carty, worked as an airframe mechanic. Flight Sergeant William Carty served as an aeronautical inspector. Leading Aircraftman Clyde Carty took on the role of firefighter, while Aircraftman Second Class Donald Carty served as an equipment assistant.
Continuing the family’s strong tradition of service, the two younger Carty brothers who remained at home during the war—Robert and Malcolm—were active members of the Army and Air Cadets.
Photo courtesy of the Carty Family
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