Remembering ‘Whispering Duke’ Schiller Canada’s forgotten aviation hero

Kateryna Bandura, 
Lookout Contributor 

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A new book in Canadian military history illuminates the extraordinary life of a Canadian aviation pioneer whose daring exploits and contributions to early flight have largely faded from public memory.

Tom Douglas’ Whispering Duke Schiller: Canadian Aviation Pioneer resurrects the remarkable story of Clarence Alvin ‘Duke’ Schiller, a man whose aerial feats rivaled those of his more famous contemporaries.

Douglas, a veteran journalist and author with a deep passion for Canada’s military heritage, discovered this compelling tale through a personal connection: Duke Schiller was his great-uncle.

“I grew up hearing stories about his heroics and escapades but never saw anything about him in print,” Douglas says.

Inspired by family lore and armed with a treasure trove of personal documents, Douglas embarked on a journey to uncover the full scope of Schiller’s adventures. The book chronicles Schiller’s life from his family’s roots as Hessian settlers in Ontario to his death-defying exploits as a pilot in the 1920s and 30s. Along this illustrious career, Schiller would pick up nicknames, including ‘Whispering Duke’ and ‘Foghorn Duke’ ironic references to the loud, barking voice he had developed due to his father being extremely hard of hearing.

One of the most gripping episodes recounts Schiller’s pivotal role in rescuing the crew of The Bremen, the first aircraft to successfully complete a transatlantic flight from east to west. When the plane crashed on remote Greenly Island off Labrador, it was Schiller’s skill and courage that saved the stranded aviators from certain death in the harsh winter conditions.

“But those who held the pessimistic view that the fate of the three European fliers would turn out to be only death delayed hadn’t taken into account the aeronautical know-how and steel nerves of one Clarence Alvin ‘Whispering Duke’ Schiller,” Douglas says.

Douglas’ research draws on family archives and extensive newspaper records. The story tells of a man who repeatedly risked his life in the name of progress and human compassion.

“I was surprised to learn that Duke was mistaken for a government agent during the Prohibition era in the United States and was beaten nearly to death by rumrunners in The Bahamas,” Douglas says. “He spent ten days in a coma in Nassau. Ironically, just days before, he had saved the life of a Bahamian resident living on one of the Out Islands by flying a doctor and medicine to her.”

Yet, as Douglas notes, “You could mention his name to the first one hundred people you stopped on the street and no one would know who I was talking about.”

The author’s passion for military history and veterans’ stories is deeply rooted.

“My father was a Second World War vet, and I have always admired those who laid everything on the line to fight for their country,” Douglas says.

His career path, including stints as a teacher in DND schools overseas and as a Communications Assistant to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, further fueled his interest in preserving these important narratives.

Douglas hopes his work will inspire a new or renewed respect for the sacrifices made by the men and women who set aside their own safety and comfort to safeguard democracy. The book’s creation was not without its challenges. Douglas describes the research process as ‘an ordeal, [but] it was a labour of love’.

This Remembrance Day, as we honour those who served in uniform, let us also remember pioneers like Duke Schiller, whose daring spirit and unwavering commitment to progress helped shape the world we inherit. Through Douglas’s vivid storytelling, we ensure that remarkable Canadians like Duke Schiller are never forgotten, their courage continuing to inspire generations to come.

The book is available through CANEX and www.tagonapress.com/product/whispering-duke-schiller/