Aircraft technology was barely a decade old when the First World War began in 1914, but the needs of warfare quickly fuelled incredible advancements in aviation technology. As Canadian pilots and “aces” soared through the sky in aircraft such as the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a, they played an important role in a new era that shaped modern warfare and ultimately redefined industry and transportation. The reverse design by Canadian artist David A. Oram features a richly detailed, engraved depiction of an airfield where a squadron prepares for takeoff. A Crossley Light Tender 20/25 truck is parked behind five Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a aircraft, which have lined up in front of several Bessonneau hangars; the foremost plane is particularly striking thanks to the use of selective colour, which recreates the biplane fighter’s dark green colour, as well as the blue, white and red roundel and tail cockade that identified the aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps.