YF Research is dedicated to producing high quality historical research projects in a variety of formats. These can include reports and books, as well as documentary audio-visual presentations and specialized products such as house or building histories, family research and other similar projects for interested clients. Our key personnel are Michael Payne, a historian with over three decades of experience as a writer and researcher for archives, museums and historic sites, and Christopher Payne, an experienced film and video maker and installation artist, with experience as a cameraman, and with sound work and editing for film and video.
Publications
This edited collection of letters tells the story of Pilot Officer Dale Jones, a young Canadian from Saskatchewan who joined the RAF in early 1939. He was still in training as a fighter pilot when war was declared, and would later be posted the RAF’s 242 (Canadian) Squadron. This squadron was created with the encouragement of the Canadian government as a way of emphasizing Canada’s distinctive role in the war effort. Composed entirely of Canadian pilots, the squadron served with distinction in the Battles of France and Britain, but suffered heavy losses in the early months of the war. Dale Jones was one of 242 Squadron pilots who lost his life in combat during the frenzied fighting at Dunkirk in May 1940. The letters provide new insight into the attitudes and experiences of the young Canadian pilots who flew with this squadron. The drudgery of flight training and the problems of adjustment to life in Britain gave way to excitement and pride at serving in an all-Canadian squadron, but this was quickly followed by growing tension and worry as the “terrible and terrifying” business of aerial warfare sank in.
You can order this book from YF Research directly by emailing us with your order and shipping address. The cost is $25.00 including all taxes and shipping costs. The book is also available through Amazon.ca at https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1553834259
Film and Video
A sample of our documentary work can be found at:
This documentary on the massive flood that devastated Edmonton in 1915 was done to raise awareness of the way in which this catastrophe reshaped residential and industrial land-use in the city and to show how archival resources can be used to raise historical awareness with new audiences. The documentary is featured on the websites of the John Walter Museum and the City of Edmonton Archives and has been shown at Film and Video Arts Alberta and City of Edmonton Archives events.
YF Research 