Donald "Don" L. Cardiff
Description
Don Cardiff was born on 13 December 1897 in Santa Cruz, CA. In 1930, he flew gliders and started a glider flying club near Bakersfield, CA with Ross Peacock. Using a sailplane manufactured by Hawley Bowlus, they attempted to break the sailplane world record of six continuous flying hours, from Carmel, CA.
When World War II broke out, Don Cardiff worked initially as a flight instructor for the USAAF. He then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, initially ferrying aircraft from the USA & Canada to Europe for the Transport Command. He seemingly later rejoined the USAAF and flew as a bomber pilot in Europe. During a raid over Berlin in a B-17G on 18 March 1945, he was shot down and made a forced landing in Poland, before returning to duty.
After the war, Don Cardiff became the vice-president of VARIG in Brazil, starting their flight program and being in charge of operations. He also acted as an agent for the purchase and importation of several aircraft into Brazil, both for VARIG and Itau. Don Cardiff eventually worked for VARIG for 40 years before retiring at age 86.
Right: Captain Don Cardiff and his crew (he is in the middle) stepping out of an RCAF Liberator they ferried from Canada to Italy, May 1944.
Photo credit: Australian War Memorial
Commandos Owned
Among the various aircraft he temporarily owned during their importation to Brazil or their sale from one Brazilian operator to another, Don Cardiff owned the following Commandos:
Last edited: 29/08/2023