Squadron patch/insigna

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RCAF, 441 Squadron

 

Nickname: Silver Fox

Motto: STALK AND KILL

 

Battle Honours: Defence of Britain 1945, Fortress Europe 1944, Normandy France and Germany 1944-45, Arnhem Walcheren

 

Its Badge, a silver fox's mask. The silver fox, an animal indigenous to Canada, represents the squadron's nickname.

 

Background: The War Years

When transferred to the UK in February 1944, No. 125 Squadron, RCAF was renumbered No. 441. Established at Digby flying Spitfire Mk VB's, it moved to Holmesley South and replaced those with Mk IXB's the following month, commencing operations as part of No. 144 Wing, 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force). Moves were made to various south coast bases, culminating at Ford in May, from where sorties were made during the invasion until a move to Normandy followed on the 15th of June. Early in July the wing was disbanded, 441 Squadron being posted to fly alongside RAF and RAAF units in 125 Wing. At the end of September 125 Wing was designated to receive squadrons of Spitfire Mk XIV's, and the Spitfire IX units all left the 2nd TAF, returning to the UK, 441 Squadron included. The unit moved to Hawkinge until the end of the year, flying escorts to Bomber Command daylight raids over Europe. It then moved to Skabrae in the Orkneys for a rest, returning in April 1945 to Hawkinge to resume these activities, moving late in the month to Hunsdon. It was intended the re-equipment with Mustang Mk IV should take place, but this did not occur until mid May, buy which time the war had ended. The squadron claimed 48 victories before leaving the 2nd TAF. The squadrons' aircraft carried the unit code 9G during this period.

 

Representative Aircraft

Spitfire VB (February 1944 - April 1944)

Spitfire IXC/E (April 1944 - May 1945)

Mustang IVI (May 1945 - August 1945)

Background: The Cold War

Reformed in March of 1951 at Chatham, N.B. as a fighter squadron and equipped with Vampires and Sabres.

 

Representative Aircraft

Vampire

Sabre

Background: Unification

Later, No. 441 Squadron was transferred to Marville, France, where it operated CF-104 Starfighters. The squadron disbanded from Baden-Soellingen March of 1986.

 

Representative Aircraft

CF-104 Starfighter

Background: The Present

Reformed at CFB Cold Lake June 26, 1986 where it now flies the CF-18 Hornet Tactical Fighter.

 

No. 441 TFS was consolidated with No. 416 TFS at CFB Cold Lake, Jul 6 2006 to form No. 409 TFS and its Battle Honours laid to rest.

 

Representative Aircraft

CF-18 Hornet

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RCAF, 440 Squadron

 

Nickname: City of Ottawa, Red Bat

Motto: KA GANAWAITAK SAGUENAY - "He who protects the Saguenay"

Its Badge, a bat in front of clouds. The bat suggestive of night flying and use of radar, and the cloud conditions of poor visibility.

 

 

 

Battle Honours: Fortress Europe 1944, France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944, Arnhem Rhine Aleutians 1942-43

 

 

Background: The War Years

No. 111 Fighter Squadron was transferred overseas and renumbered on arrival as No. 440 Squadron in February 1944. The squadron was initially equipped with Hawker Hurricane Mk IV's, later converting the Hawker Typhoon Mk IB in February 1944. The Squadron formed No. 143 Wing, along with Nos. 438 and 439 squadrons, RCAF, and were involved during the spring in the pre-invasion 'softening-up' raids and then flew in the close support role with No. 83 Group, 2nd TAF. Based on the continent in the fighter bomber role few aerial engagements took place but No. 440 was able to claim 1 aerial victory.

 

Representative Aircraft

Hurricane IV (February 1944 - April 1944)

Typhoon IB (April 1944 - August 1945)

Background: The Cold War

Reformed as an AW(F) Squadron at Bagotville, Quebec, on 1 October 1953 and equipped with F-86 Sabres and, later, CF-100s. On 11/12 May 1957, No. 440 AW(F) Squadron flew from Bagotville to Zweibrucken, Germany, to take its place with No. 3 (F) Wing, No. 1 Air Division. It was the third CF-100 unit to fly the Atlantic and was known as Nimble Bat III. The squadron was disbanded on 31 December 1962.

 

Representative Aircraft

Sabre

CF-100 Canuck

Background: Unification

No. 440 squadron reformed as a Search & Rescue squadron based at CFB Namao (Edmonton), Alberta and equipped with the CC-138 Twin Otter which were shared with 418 City of Edmonton Reserve Squadron.

 

Representative Aircraft

CC-138 Twin Otter

Background: The Present

The squadron moved to Yellowknife, NWT in 1994, where it remains today as a transport/rescue squadron equipped with the CC-138 Twin Otter.

 

Representative Aircraft

CC-138 Twin Otter

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the "applique" for the squadron patch for the 64th Aggressor Squadron that was stationed at Nellis AFB, NV. They were the RTU (training squadron) for all the USAF Aggressor squadrons and flew the F-5E.

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RCAF, 410 Squadron

 

Nickname: Cougar, City of Saint John

Motto: NOCTIVAGA - "Wandering by Night"

Its Badge, in front of a decrescent, a cougar's face. The Cougar is a Canadian animal noted for its speed and power in striking down its prey. The waning moon indicates the squadron's night operations.

 

 

 

Battle Honours: Defence of Britain 1941-44, Fortress Europe 1943, Rhine France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944, Biscay 1943, Gulf War

 

Background: The War Years

The RCAF's third nigh-fighter, No. 410 Squadron, formed on Defiants at Ayr at the end of June 1941, moving to Drem in August with detachments located at several other airfields. Beaufighter II's replaced the Defiants in April and in June the Squadron returned to Ayr, with a detachment a Drem, before moving to Scorton in September and to Acklington in October where it converted to deHavilland Mosquito Mk II's, with which the first victory was claimed. In February 1943 the unit moved to Coleby Grange to undertake some 'Ranger' sorties, while a detachment moved to Predannack. Mosquito Mk VI's supplemented the Mk II's from July, while in November the unit moved to Hunsdon where in December Mosquito Mk XII's replace the earlier types. In June 1944 a move was made to Zeels where the Squadron became part of the 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force), moving to Colerne in July, and in August commenced conversion to the Mosquito Mk XXX. A return to Hunsdon preceded a move to France in September, where regular patrols commences. Moves to other French airfields followed, and then in April 1945 to Gilze-Rijen in Holland. The Squadron had the distinction of being the top-scoring night-fighter unit in 2nd TAF in the period between D-Day and VE-Day. A total of 75 3/4 victories had been claimed by the end of the war. The Squadron used the code letter RA on it's aircraft during this period.

 

Representative Aircraft

Defiant NFI (July 1941 - May 1942)

Beaufighter II (April 1942 - January 1943)

Mosquito II (November 1942 - December 1943)

Mosquito VI (July 1943 - September 1943)

Mosquito XIII (December 1943 - August 1944)

Mosquito XXX (August 1944 - June 1945)

Background: The Cold War

No. 410 was reformed in December, 1948 at St. Hubert, P.C. The first post-war fighter squadron in the RCAF (Regular). Originally equipped with Vampires the Cougars became the first squadron in the RCAF to fly Sabres. No. 410 became the first RCAF squadron to go overseas equipped with Canadian-built aircraft. Based at North Luffenham until the fall of 1954, when it moved to Baden-Soellingen, Germany, where it was attached to No. 4 Fighter Wing until March, 1955. The Cougars moved to Marville, France, where they were disbanded. Reformed at Uplands as 410 (AW)F Squadron on 1 November 1956. On 20 December 1961 became Canada's first operational Voodoo squadron. It was disbanded once again an 31 March 1964.

 

Representative Aircraft

Vampire

Sabre

CF-100 Canuck

CF-101 Voodoo

CF-18 Hornet

Background: Unification

Reformed again No. 410 Nighthawk was the operational training squadron for the CF-101 Voodoo interceptor. The squadron was based at CFB Bagotville, Quebec. The squadron was the first squadron to re-equip with the CF-18 Hornet in the early eighties.

 

Representative Aircraft

CF-101 Voodoo

CF-18 Hornet

Background: The Present

On June 11, 1982, the squadron moved to CFB Cold Lake and re-equipped with the CF-18 as 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Sqn were it currently resides today.

 

Representative Aircraft

CF-18 Hornet

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the historical "Friday" patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy.

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RCAF, 400 Squadron

 

Eagle, City of Toronto

PERCUSSURI VIGILES - "On the watch to strike"

Adoption: City Council of Toronto, Ontario

Its Badge, in front of two tomahawks in saltire an eagle's head erased. The eagle's head indicates the squadron's role as a reconnaissance unit on army co-operation work, the tomahawks indicates the type of planes with which it was once equipped.

 

 

 

BATTLE HONOURS Fortress Europe 1941-44, France and Germany 1944-45, Dieppe Normandy Arnheim Rhine Biscay 1942-43

 

The War Years

 

The City of Toronto Squadron, originally No. 10 Army Cooperation Squadron, was formed in October 1932, and was the RCAF's first auxiliary squadron. It acquired its Toronto affiliation in 1935 and a new numerical designation, "110", about two years later. Reformed as No. 110 "City of Toronto" (AC) Sqn (Aux), Toronto, on October 5, 1932. No. 110 Squadron, RCAF arrived in the UK in February 1940 as an Army Cooperation squadron. It was renumbered as 400 Squadron at Odiham Hants., England March 1, 1941, operating Curtiss Tomahawks and later North American Mustang Mk I aircraft. During the Mustang period some engagements with Luftwaffe aircraft took place when tactical reconnaissance sorties were being flown over Western Europe during late 1942 and 1943. Nine victories were claimed by December 1943. The squadron was re-equipped with the unarmed photo reconnaissance Spitfire Mk XI and Mosquito Mk XVI. The squadron carried the code SP on its aircraft during this time. It was disbanded on 7 August 1945 at a captured airfield in Germany.

 

Lysander III (March 1941 - April 1941)

R9001, R9009, R9119, R9125

 

Tomahawk I/IIA/IIB April 1941 - September 1942

AH789 (L), AH806 (W), AH824 (F), AH831 (N), AH841 (K), AH862 (J), AH895 (B), AK324 (S), AK481 (S), AK484 (Y), AK528 (B)

Mustang I (June 1942 - February 1944)

 

AG488 (B), AG521 (P), AG528 (B), AG583 (G), AG587 (L), AG591 (A), AG615 (Q), AG641 (V), AG658 (T), AG659 (U), AG661 (X), AL971 (S), AM126 (D), AM129 (M), AM184 (N), AM187 (J), AM237 (E), AM256 (Y), AP191 (O)

 

Mosquito P.R. XVI (December 1943 - May 1944)

MM275, MM284, MM306, MM353

 

Spitfire P.R. XI (December 1943 - August 1945)

PL799, PM124, PM144, PM158

 

 

Operational History

 

Sorties: 3,000

Operational/Non-Operational 4833 / 13,907

Victories: Aircraft: 9 destroyed, 2 probable, 9 damaged

Victories: Ground: 15 locomotives, 1 probable, 75 damaged; 34 trains, 23 misc.

 

Casualties: Operational: 12 pilots killed of missing, 2 wounded

Casualties: Non-operational: 17 killed

 

 

 

The Cold War

 

No. 400 was the first (F) Squadron (Reserve) to reorganize in peacetime (April, 1946) and flew Vampires and Sabres in the Air Defence role.

 

Harvard Mk II

Vampire Mk III

Silver Star Mk.3

Sabre Mk.5

 

 

Unification

 

The Squadron was reformed as a light transport squadron using the Expeditor and later added the Search and rescue role with the deHavilland Otter aircraft. With the retirement of the Otter the squadron converted to a rotary wing squadron within 10 Tactical Air Group operating the CH-136 Kiowa in the LOH role.

 

Expeditor Mk.3

CSR-123 Otter

CH-136 Kiowa

The Present

 

The squadron moved to CFB Borden in 1996 and is now equipped with the CH-146 Griffon.

 

CH-146 Griffon

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RCAF 401 Squadron

 

Nickname: Ram

Motto: MORS CELERRIMA HOSTIBUS "Very swift death for the enemy."

Adoption: No. 2 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) Uplands, Ontario

Ancestry: No. 1 Squadron and No. 115 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary)

Its Badge, a rocky mountain sheep's head. The mountain sheep is known for its great stamina and fighting power and is indigenous to the Rocky Mountain region of Canada

 

 

 

Battle Honours Battle of Britain 1940, Defence of Britain 1940-41, English Channel and North Sea 1942, Dieppe Arnheim Fortress Europe 1941-44, France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944 Arnheim, Rhine.

 

The War Years

 

The history of 401 is one of many "firsts", it originated as a fighter flight at Camp Borden, equipped with Siskins. Moving to Trenton in September, 1931, the flight became No. 1 (F) Squadron in March 1933. In August 1938 the squadron moved to Calgary and early in 1939 exchanged its long-obsolete Siskins for new Hurricanes. At the outbreak of the war it was mobilized at St. Hubert and subsequently amalgamated with No. 115 (Auxiliary) Squadron of Montreal before going overseas in June, 1940.

 

No. 1 Squadron, RCAF arrived in England in June 1940, going to Middle Wallop were it was equipped with the Hawker Hurricane Mk I. In July the Squadron moved to Croydon and in August the Squadron moved to Northolt, seeing action during the Battle of Britain until October, when it withdrew to Scotland to rest. It returned to Digby in March 1941, where it was renumbered No. 401 Squadron to avoid confusion with No. 1 Squadron, RAF. In May it was re-equipped with the Hawker Hurricane Mk II. In September these were replaced with Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIs, and later in October of the same year by Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb's when the unit moved to Biggin Hill. During early 1942 the Squadron flew from Gravesend and Eastchurch, where in July some of the first Spitfire Mk IX were received. Operations with these aircraft continued from Martlesham Heath, Biggin Hill, Lympne and Kenley. The squadron took part in operations over Dieppe on August 19. In January 1943 the squadron the withdrew to Catterick to rest and was equipped again with the Spitfire Mk Vb, which were retained when the unit resumed operational flying from Redhill in July, and Staplehurst in August. Upon returning to Biggin Hill the Squadron gave up its Mk Vb's in exchange for Spitfire Mk IX's as the Squadron became part of No. 127 Wing and the 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force). Operations prior to D-Day were flown from Tangmere, and on June 18 the Squadron moved to French soil, one of the first squadrons to due so. As part of No. 83 Group the Squadron saw much air superiority work above the beachhead throughout the summer and then over Nijmegen in September. Although carrying bombs in the tactical fighter role, the Squadron regularly encountered the Luftwaffe and regularly added to it score. On 5 October five of the Squadrons pilots claimed the first Me 262 jet shot down for the Commonwealth Air Forces, while during New Years Day attack of January 1945 by the Luftwaffe, the unit was able to claim nine of the attackers shot down. Just as the war was about to end, the Squadron received some Spitfire Mk XIV's, but the hostilities ceased before they could be employed. Despite this, the Squadron ended the war as the 2nd TAF's top scorer, having claimed 112 aerial victories between 6 June 1944 and 5 May 1945; this raised the total for the war to 186 1/2, 29 of which had been claimed during 1940 when the unit was operating as No. 1 RCAF Squadron. The code letters carried by the Squadron during this period were YO.

 

Hurricane I (April 1941 - May 1941)

Hurricane IIB (May 1941 - September 1941)

Spitfire IIA (September 1941 - October 1941)

Spitfire Vb (October 1941 - August 1942)

Spitfire IXC (July 1942 - December 1942)

Spitfire VC (December 1942 - October 1943)

Spitfire IXC (October 1943 - April 1945)

Spitfire XIVE (May 1945 - June 1945)

Spitfire XIVE (June 1945 - July 1945)

 

Operational History

 

Sorties: 12,087

Operational / Non-operations flying hours: 17,211 / 13,747

Victories: Aircraft:

195 destroyed, 35 probables, 106 damaged

Victories: Ground:

dropped 278 tons of bombs

 

Casualties: Operational:

 

61 pilots of whom 6 were killed, 28 presumed dead, 18 PoW, 9 evaded capture

 

Casualties: Non-Operational:

 

10 killed

 

 

 

 

The Cold War

 

Disbanded overseas in July 1945, the squadron was reactivated as an Auxiliary fighter unit - No. 401 (City of Westmount) Squadron.

 

Unification

 

No. 401 squadron was an air reserve squadron based at CFB Montreal and flew the CC-123 Otter and CH-136 Kiowa aircraft.

 

The Present

 

No. 401 Squadron is currently an inactive squadron.

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RCAF, 402 Squadron

Nickname: Bear, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Bears

Motto: WE STAND ON GUARD

 

Its Badge, a standing grizzly bear totem of the North Pacific Coast Indians. The grizzly bear holds a prominent place in Indian mythology and is believed to have supernatural powers.

 

 

The War Years

 

This squadron began at Winnipeg as No. 12 Army Cooperation Sqn on 5 October 1932, and was renumbered on 15 November 1937 as No. 112 Army Cooperation Sqn. No. 2 Squadron, RCAF formed at Digby in December 1940 from personnel of No. 110 and No. 112 Squadrons, RCAF. Initially equipped with the Hawker Hurricane Mk I. Renumbered as No. 402 Squadron in March 1941, the unit was re-equipped with the Hurricane Mk II in May and then Hurricane Mk IIb's in June. With these it began training to become the first Hurribomber unit, commencing operations in this role in November, carrying pairs of 250lb bombs beneath the wings. In March 1942 the Squadron resumed its fighter role moving to Colerne and converting to Spitfire Mk Vb's. Cross-Channel sorties from various bases followed, notably Kenley and Redhill until August when it received Spitfire Mk IX's, employing these over Dieppe on the 19th of August. A move to Digby in March 1943 brought a return to Spitfire Mk V's, which were flown from a variety of airfields right up to and during the Normandy invasion, when it operated from Horne, Westhampnett and Merston, mainly in a fighter-bomber role. Spitfire IX's were again received in July, but their stay was brief, in early August a move was made to Hawkinge where the Squadron re-equipped with the Griffon-engine Spitfire Mk XIV's and operations against the V-1 flying bombs were commenced. At the end of September, with the V-1 threat being largely over, the Squadron was posted to the 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force) in Belgium, joining No. 125 Wing. A move to Grave in Holland followed where the first victories were claimed over Nijmegen on the 6th of October. In December the Squadron joined No. 126 Wing, RCAF to fly alongside the Wings Spitfire IX's. It continued to see regular action against Luftwaffe aircraft during the last weeks of the European war, 19 victories being claimed in April 1945 alone. The ending of the hostilities found the unit on German soil at Wunstorf with total victories for the war of 49 1/2 aircraft. The code letters carried by the Squadron during this period were AE. The Squadron disbanded at Fassberg, Germany on July 10, 1945.

 

Hurricane I (April 1943 - May 1941)

Hurricane IIa (May 1941 - April 1942)

Hurricane IIb (June 1941 - April 1942)

Spitfire Vb (April 1942 - May 1942)

Spitfire IXc (May 1942 - April 1943)

Spitfire Vc (April 1943 - June 1944)

Spitfire IXc (July 1944 - August 1944)

Spitfire IXVe (August 1944 - June 1945)

Spitfire IXV (June 1945 - July 1945)

 

 

The Cold War

 

Re-formed as No. 402 (Auxiliary) Squadron on 15 April 1946. On 18 September 1950, the title 'City of Winnipeg' was added to the squadron name. In 1957, the squadron gave up the fighter role and became 402 Transport Sqn (Auxiliary).

 

Unification

 

The name was changed in 1968 to 402 'City of Winnipeg' Air Reserve Sqn based at CFB Winnipeg and flew the CC-129 Dakota in the light transport and VIP roles. The last unit in the Canadian Forces to fly the C-47, DC-3 Dakota.

 

The Present

In the late eighties the name changed to 402 'City of Winnipeg' Transport and Training Sqn. and used the CC/CT-142 Dash 8 to provide light transport and training for the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School. In 1997 the 2 CC-142 Dash 8 light transport aircraft were disposed of leaving 402 operating only the CT-142 Dash 8.

[Blue Sky]

Harrier Patch!

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RCAF, 403 Squadron

Nickname: Wolf, City of Calgary

Motto: STALK AND STRIKE

 

Its Badge, a wolf's head erased. The wolf is a fierce and powerful antagonist, indigenous to most parts of Canada.

 

Battle Honours: Defence of Britain 1941-44, English Channel and North Sea 1942, Fortress Europe 1941-44, Dieppe France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944 Rhine

 

The War Years

 

This was the first Canadian squadron formed overseas that had no ties to any previous flying unit. Created on 1 March 1941 as No. 403 Army Cooperation (AC) Squadron equipped with the Curtiss Tomahawk. In May of 1941 the Squadron's role was changed to Fighter and it exchanged its Tomahawks for Supermarine Spitfire Mk Is and moved from Baginton to Ternhill. The Squadron moved again in August to Hornchurch to commence offensive operations and replaced its Mk I's with new Spitfire Mk Vb's. The Squadron continued operations from various airfields in the south of England until July 1942, when it withdrew to Catterick. It returned briefly to Manston to participate in operations over Dieppe on the 19th of August. The Squadron then moved to Kenley in January 1943 and converted to Spitfire Mk IX's. Kenley became No. 127 Airfield in No. 17 Fighter Wing, and then 127 Wing of the new 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force) later in the year. In April 1944 the wing moved to Tangmere for operations during the Normandy invasion, moving to French soil on 16 June. Patrols over the front and frequent aerial engagements followed throughout the summer and fall. Moving into Belgium in November the Squadron maintained regular contact with the remainder of the Luftwaffe and this ensured that the unit ended hostilities as the RCAF's second highest scoring unit with 125 1/4 victories claimed. The code letters carried by the Squadron during this period were KH. The Squadron was disbanded at Fassberg, Germany on 10 July 1945.

 

Tomahawk I/IIA (April 1941 - June 1941)

Spitfire I (May 1941 - July 1941)

Spitfire IIA (July 1941 - September 1941)

Spitfire VB (August 1941 - January 1943)

Spitfire VC (August 1941 - January 1943)

Spitfire IXC (January 1943 - December 1944)

Spitfire XVI (December 1944 - July 1945)

 

 

 

The Cold War

 

On 15 October 1948 the squadron was re-formed at RCAF Station Calgary as 403 Fighter-Bomber Sqn (Auxiliary), and on 3 September 1952 it received the title 'City of Calgary'. The squadron remained in Calgary until it was disbanded on 30 June 1964.

 

Harvard Mk II, IV

Mustang Mk IV

CT-133 Silver Star

CSR-123 Otter

C-45 Expeditor

 

 

 

Unification

 

The Squadron re-formed in 1968 as No. 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron (HOTS) and moved to CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. The Squadron was operational training squadron for all the Utility Tactical Helicopter (UTTH) and Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) squadrons of the Canadian Armed Forces.

 

CH-118 Iroquois

CH-135 Twin Huey

CH-136 Kiowa

 

 

Background: The Present

 

No. 403 Hel OTS (Helicopter Operational Training Squadron) remains at CFB Gagetown and currently operates the CH-146 Griffon in the operational training role.

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the Combat Archer/Red Flag patch in 2001 for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy.

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RCAF, 404 Squadron

 

Nickname: Buffalo

Motto: Ready to Fight

 

Its Badge, a buffalo's head, denotes the buffalo is a fierce and powerful fighter.

 

 

 

Battle Honours: Atlantic 1941-45, English Channel and North Sea 1941-45, Baltic 1944-45, Normandy Biscay 1943-44

 

The War Years

 

No. 404 Coastal Fighter Sqn formed at Thorney Island in England. Tasked with coastal patrol and attack, the squadron flew the Bristol Beaufighter and deHavilland Mosquito until it was disbanded on 25 May 1945.

 

Blenheim IV (April 1941 - January 1943)

Beaufighter IIF (September 1942 - April 1943)

Beaufighter XIC (March 1943 - December 1943)

Beaufighter XC (September 1943 - March 1945)

Mosquito VI (March 1945 - May 1945)

 

 

 

The Cold War

 

The squadron was re-formed on 30 April 1951 at RCAF Station Greenwood as 404 Maritime Reconnaissance Sqn. On 17 July 1, 1956, 404 Sqn was redesignated as a long-range anti-submarine/maritime patrol squadron based at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

 

Avro Lancaster MP

Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune

 

 

 

Unification

 

The squadron was equipped with the CP-107 Argus until 1981 when it was replaced with the 'Canadianized' version of the P-3C Orion the CP-140 Aurora.

 

Canadair CP-107 Argus

Lockheed CP-140 Aurora

 

 

The Present

 

No. 404 Buffalo squadron currently resides at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia and flies the CP-140 Maritime Patrol aircraft.

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the desert version of the CSAR patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. It depicts that they are an essential part of the Combat Search and Rescue role.

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RCAF, 405 Squadron

 

Nickname: Eagle

Motto: DUCIMUS "We Lead"

 

An eagle's head erased, facing to the sinister and holding in the beak a sprig of maple. The eagle's head, facing to the right to suggest leadership, is derived from the Pathfinder badge.

 

Battle Honours: Fortress Europe 1941-44, France & Germany Biscay Ports 1941-45, Ruhr 1941-45, Berlin 1941, German Ports 1941-45, Normandy 1944, Walcheren Rhine Biscay 1942-43

 

Background

 

The motto indicates that this was the first RCAF bomber squadron formed overseas and the only RCAF Pathfinder Squadron. No. 405 Squadron was formed at Driffield, Yorkshire, on April 23, 1941, and flew the RCAF's first bombing operation ten weeks later on June 12th and 13th. If flew Wellingtons until April 1942, and then converted to Halifaxs, becoming operational with the latter in time to take part in the historic 1,000-bomber raid on Colonge. Late in October 1942, the squadron was loaned to Coastal Command to strengthen our air defence of the Bay of Biscay at the time of the North African landings. Returning to Bomber Command at the beginning of March, 1943, No. 405 flew with No. 6 (RCAF) Group a few weeks before being selected for No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group with which it served until the end of the war. Through the last 20 months of the bomber offensive the squadron was equipped with Lancasters, and there is interest in noting that it later become the first unit to operate a Canadian-built Lancaster. This was KB700 (named The Ruhr Express), the first production Mk. X. The squadron was disbanded June 1945. During the war, 405 Sqn moved around among several bomber bases before returning to RCAF Station Greenwood in 1945. The squadron was disbanded at Greenwood on 5 September 1945. On 31 March 1950 it was re-designated No. 405 'Eagle' Squadron, a maritime patrol squadron based at Greenwood, N.S. The squadron flew the the Lancaster MP, Neptune and CP-107 Argus until 1981 when it was replaced with the 'Canadianized' version of the P-3C Orion the CP-140 Aurora.

 

No. 405 Maritime Patrol Sqn. 405 Sqn currently flies the CP-140 Aurora and CP-140 Arcturus out of 14 Wing, Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

 

Representative Aircraft

 

Wellington II (May 1941 - April 1942)

Halifax II (April 1942 - September 1943)

Lancaster I/III (August 1943 - May 1945)

Lancaster X (May 1945 - August 1945)

KB961 LQ-A, KB964 LQ-B, KB997 LQ-C, KB965 LQ-D, KB977 LQ-E, KB973 LQ-F, KB991 LQ-G, KB967 LQ-H, KB976 LQ-K, KB999 LQ-M, KB956 LQ-N, KB950 LQ-O, KB968 LQ-P, KB700 LQ-Q, KB945 LQ-T, KB949 LQ-U, KB955 LQ-U, KB957 LQ-W, KB952 LQ-X, KB959 LQ-Y, KB966 LQ-?, KB985 LQ-?

Lancaster MP

P2V-7 Neptune

CP-107 Argus

CP-140 Aurora

 

 

 

Operational History

 

First Operational Mission in WWII:

12/13th June 1941 : 3 Wellingtons bombed railway marshalling yards at Schwerte, & another Wellington aborted.

Last Operational Mission in WWII:

25th April 1945 : 9 Lancasters bombed Berchtesgaden & 4 other Lancasters bombed enemy gun batteries on island of Wangerooge.

Last Mission before VE Day:

7th May 1945 : 8 Lancasters marked aiming point for other Bomber Command Lancasters detailed to drop supplies to Dutch at Rotterdam.

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[Blue Sky]

 

This is the Bosnia patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. It has the "timeless" mottos across the top and bottom. Awesome patch!

[Ospite intruder]

 

RCAF, 406 Squadron

 

Nickname: Lynx

Motto: WE KILL BY NIGHT

 

Its Badge, a lynx saliente affronte. The lynx, an animal possessing keen sight at night typifies the unit's operational role as a night fighter squadron.

 

 

Battle Honours: Defence of Britain 1941-45, English Channel and North Sea, Fortress Europe 1943-44, France and Germany 1944-45, Rhine Biscay Ports 1944, Normandy 1944, Biscay 1944

 

The War Years

 

Formed 10 May 1941 as the RCAF's first night fighter squadron at Acklington. The Squadron was initially equipped with the Bristol Blenheim Mk I and IV aircraft but after a month of in service these were replace with the Bristol Beaufighter Mk II aircraft which became operational during the summer. In February 1942 the Squadron moved to Ayr, with a detachment at Scorton. In June the whole Squadron moved to Scorton and converted to the Bristol Beaufighter VI, then moved on to Predannack in Cornwall in September and then on to Middle Wallop in December. In March 1943 went to Valley on Isle of Anglesey in the far north-west of Wales. The Squadron returned to the south-west at Exeter in November. A further move to Winkleigh in April 1944 and reequipping with deHavilland Mosquito XII's, saw the unit defending the invasion ports and achieving some success. In July Mosquito Mk XXX's replace the Mark XII's and in September they moved to Colerne to undertake training for intruder operations. Moving to Manston in late November, the intruder raids commenced in December allowing 23 air and 10 ground victories to be claimed during the last four months of the war, raising the unit's total victories in the air to 53 1/2. The Squadron used the code HU during this period. The Squadron was disbanded in England on 1 September 1945.

 

Blenheim I/IV (May 1941 - June 1941)

Beaufighter II (June 1941 - August 1942)

Beaufighter VIF (June 1941 - August 1944)

Mosquito XIII (April 1944 - July 1944)

Mosquito XXX (July 1944 - September 1945)

 

 

The Cold War

 

Re-formed at RCAF Station Saskatoon on 1 April 1947 where it was known as 406 Tactical Bomber Sqn (Auxiliary) and adopted title 'City of Saskatoon' on 3 September 1952. The squadron was disbanded again on April 1, 1964.

 

Unification

 

The Squadron re-formed at CFB Shearwater on 12 July 1972 as No. 406 Maritime Helicopter Operational Training Sqn, flying the Tracker and Sea King. Shortly after the Trackers were assigned to No. 880 Air Reserve Squadron in the Maritime/Fisheries Patrol Role.

 

CP-121 Tracker

CH-124 Sea King

 

 

The Present

 

Today No. 406 Maritime Helicopter Squadron is the Helicopter Operational Training squadron for the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King.

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the Allied Force patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. Yet another awesome patch!

[Ospite intruder]

 

RCAF, 407 Squadron

Nickname: Demon

Motto: TO HOLD ON HIGH

 

A winged trident piercing the shank of an anchor, represents the blows struck against enemy shipping by the squadron.

 

 

 

Battle Honours: Atlantic 1943-1945, English Channel and North Sea 1941-1945, Fortress Europe 1942, German Ports 1942, Normandy 1944, Biscay 1942-1945

 

The History

 

 

0n 8 May 1941, 407 Coastal Strike Sqn was formed at Thorney Island, England. It was redesignated 407 General Reconnaissance Sqn on 29 January 1943 and disbanded on 4 June 1945.

 

It re-formed 1 July 1952 at RCAF Station Comox as No. 407 Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) Squadron flying the Lancaster and later the Lockheed Neptune. It was renamed on 17 July 1956 as a No. 407 Maritime Patrol (MP)Squadron. No. 407 (MP) Squadron was the last operational Squadron to fly the Avro Lancater. No. 407 Squadron was integrated into the Canadian Forces and remained at CFB Comox eventually converting to the Canadian built Canadair CP-107 Argus..

 

Today No. 407 Sqn flies the CP-140 Aurora on maritime patrol, arctic surveillance and anti-submarine duties from CFB Comox, British Columbia.

 

Blenheim IV (May 1941 - August 1941)

Hudson III/V (June 1941 - April 1943)

Wellington XI (February 43 - April 1943)

Wellington XII (March 1943 - February 1944)

Wellington XIV (June 1943 - June 1945)

Avro Lancaster Mk X

P2V-7 Neptune

CP-107 Argus

CP-140 Aurora

[Ospite intruder]

 

ARVN Lac Luong Dac Biet (Forze Speciali), insegna portata talvolta anche dai membri delle Special Forces americane

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the "purple" version of the "Viper Sandy" Supersonic Saviours patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. They were forward deployed to a Turkish base in support of the operations. This patch too is VERY colorful. Awesome!

[Ospite intruder]

 

US Navy, Harbor Clearance Unit 1

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the "Buzzards LPA" patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. They were forward deployed to a Turkish base in support of the operations. This patch too is VERY colorful and depicts the young characters of the "South Park" television show.

[Ospite intruder]

 

Naval Construction Force (Seabees)

[Blue Sky]

 

This is the "Buzzards LPA" patch for the 510th Fighter Squadron that flies the Viper out of Aviano Air Base, Italy. This patch too is VERY colorful and includes velcro.

[Ospite intruder]

 

F 21 - Kungliga Norrbottens Flygflottilj, Luleå: when the 1^st Squadron nicknamned "Akktu stakki" - "The Lone Wolf" acts in the SWAFRAP force (Swedish Air Force Rapid Reaction Unit), this variation of the squadron badge is used.