RCAF Aviation History: RCAF Squadrons at Home during the Second World War

RCAF Home Squadrons during the Second World War

No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, coded NA.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3207274)

Hawker Hurricane, No. 1 Squadron RCAF, being pushed into a hangar, 5 Sep 1939.

No. 1 (F) Squadron RCAF was formed as a fighter unit at Trenton, Ontario on 21 Sep 1937 with Armstrong Whitworth Siskin fighters. The squadron was formed from the Fighter Flight of No. 3 (Bomber) Squadron. In August 1938, the squadron moved to Calgary, Alberta, and was re-equipped with Hawker Hurricane fighters in February 1939. While stationed in Calgary, the squadron was commanded by S/L Elmer Garfield Fullerton. It was mobilized at Saint-Hubert, Quebec on 10 September 1939, and on 5 November 1939 it moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

The unit began as a permanent peacetime unit which, augmented by personnel from RCAF No. 115 Squadron (Auxiliary), arrived at its first base in the UK, Middle Wallop, on 21 June 1940. It had brought its own Hurricanes from Canada, and as these were not fully up to UK standard, the squadron was non-operational until mid-August when it moved to RAF Northolt. At the time the squadron comprised 27 officers (21 pilots) and 314 airmen. To gain experience of Fighter Command operations, S/L E.A. McNab, Commanding Officer, flew on operations attached to No. 111 Squadron RAF, and claimed a He 111 bomber destroyed on 11 August 1940.

While serving with Fighter Command the squadron was posted to Middle Wallop in June 1940, before in July moving to Croydon. The squadron's début was inauspicious when two Bristol Blenheims of RAF Coastal Command were accidentally shot down on 24 August, and three crewmen killed. On its second patrol on 26 August 1940 it met with 25–30 Dornier do 215s and was credited with three destroyed and three damaged in the fight. However, three of the squadron's aircraft were shot down and one pilot (F/O R. L. Edwards[6]) was killed. The squadron experienced a fairly high aircraft loss rate during the end of August and into September as the squadron battled against the German formations over south London.

On 21 September the squadron participated in the first attempt at a wing formation operation by the Northholt-based squadrons, with No. 229 Squadron RAF and No. 303 (Polish), although no enemy aircraft were encountered. By 27 September, although downing seven bombers, only six aircraft were operational by the end of the day. On 11 October the depleted squadron was moved to RAF Prestwick in Scotland and its operational activity was coastal patrol work over the Clyde approaches.

During the 53 days No. 1 (F) Squadron participated in the battle the squadron claimed 30 enemy aircraft destroyed, probably destroyed eight, and damaged 35. It flew 1,694 sorties (1,569 operational hours and 1,201 non-operational), lost three pilots killed, thirteen wounded, 17 aircraft FB/Cat.3 and 10 Cat. 2. The most successful pilots were F/L Gordon McGregor (five kills), S/L E. A. McNab (four and one shared), F/O B. D. 'Dal' Russel (four and one shared), F/O J.W. Kerwin (three) and F/O A.D. Nesbit (three).  Three Distinguished Flying Crosses were awarded. The squadron was withdrawn to Scotland during October 1940. On 2 November McGregor took over as CO from McNab.

The squadron moved south again in February 1941 when it arrived at RAF Digby. It was here on 1 March that No 1 (F) Squadron RCAF was renumbered to No. 401 (F) Squadron. The squadron ended the war as 2TAF's top scoring unit, claiming 112 aerial victories between 6 June 1944 and 5 May 1945.[13] Their total score for the war was 186.5 confirmed, 29 of which were claimed during 1940 when operating as No.1 RCAF Squadron. (Kostenuk, S.; Griffin, J. (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto, ON: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Co.)

Commanders

Sep 37: F/L B.B. Carr-Harris. Aug 38: S/L Elmer G. Fullerton (C.25 – Canada). Nov 39: S/L Ernest A. McNab (C.134 – Canada). Nov 40: S/L Gordon R. McGregor (C.936 – Canada). Dec 40: S/L Paul B. Pitcher (C.615 – Canada). Became No. 401 (RCAF) Squadron 1 Mar 1941.

(IWM Photo, CH 1733)

A group of pilots of No 1 Squadron RCAF, gather round one of their Hawker Hurricane Mk. Is at Prestwick, Scotland, 30 Oct 1940. The Squadron Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader E A McNab, stands fifth from the right, wearing a forage cap.

No. 2 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, coded KO.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3545872)

Armstrong Whitworth Atlas (Serial No. 410), No. 2 Squadron, 1938.

As a result of increased tensions in Europe and the development of long range bomber aircraft, the Royal Canadian Air Force expanded during the mid-1930s to provide air defense for Canada. No. 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron was formed on 1 April 1935 at Trenton, Ontario, equipped with Armstrong Whitworth Atlas Mark I biplanes, under the control of RCAF headquarters. Along with Nos. 3 and 6 Squadrons, It was authorized to be formed with two flights for purely military purposes during Fiscal Year 1936/1937. Under the command of Flight Lieutenant W.D. Van Vliet, it drew on a cadre from the Atlas-equipped Army Co-Operation Flight, which had been formed on 1 April 1930 at Camp Borden and relocated to Trenton, the RCAF training base, in September 1931. Due to a shortage of aircraft and personnel, the squadron included only one flight on 15 April 1936. Flight Lieutenant F.G. Wait replaced Van Vliet on 2 July, and it expanded to two flights on 13 July. On 10 August it was combined into a four-flight composite squadron under the command of No. 3 Squadron commander Squadron Leader A.H. Hull with No. 3 Squadron due to the shortages, with A and B Flights from No. 2.

When it was reactivated on 1 December, the squadron was under the command of Squadron Leader T.A. Lawrence until 4 February 1937. It relocated to Rockcliffe on 17 June of that year, and Squadron Leader G.L. Howsam MC took command on 9 August. During 1937, the squadron was the most active RCAF unit, conducting army co-operation training with militia units by sending detachments to the camps of the latter, and carrying out gunnery and bombing practice. This activity level continued through 1938, with the squadron conducting service training during the fall, winter, and spring months, though dogged by the obsolescence of Atlases and a shortage of personnel. It fielded seven serviceable aircraft for most of that year, during which Lawrence resumed command on 1 April. In the summer months the squadron sent detachments to Shilo, Petawawa, and St. Catharines. supporting concentrated militia training at Camp Borden in August along with No. 3 Squadron. Two aircraft crashed during this period, one of which was written off. During the Munich Crisis in September of that year, the squadron was sent to Halifax with its Atlases to provide artillery observation as there was not yet a coast artillery co-operation squadron in the region. It remained there through October to practice coast artillery co-operation with local militia units.

After returning to Rockcliffe, the squadron commenced individual ground and air training, emphasizing forced landings, message delivery, camera gunnery, night flying, signals, photography, and mechanics. It also sent detachments to the School of Army Co-Operation for demonstration flights. Van Vliet, now a squadron leader, took command on 1 December; he would command No. 2 Squadron for the rest of its existence. It focused on two- and three-aircraft formation flying as well as night flying during January and February 1939. Although training continued during the spring, Van Vliet deplored that it was hampered by personnel shortages and daily drill parades being conducted in preparation for the upcoming visit of King George VI. The squadron returned to Trenton on 21 March 1939, absorbing the School of Army Co-Operation there and thus acquiring training responsibilities in addition to its operational mission. It helped non-permanent squadrons during their summer camps and sent a detachment to Petawawa for artillery observation practice and tactical and photography missions with army units in July.

Shortly before the Second World War began, on 26 August, the squadron was alerted for hostilities, relocating to the civil aerodrome at Halifax, Nova Scotia, where it joined Eastern Air Command. Leaving behind A Flight at Halifax, the squadron again moved to RCAF Station Saint John on 1 September. Between 7 September and 30 October it flew reconnaissance patrols over the Bay of Fundy from both Halifax and Saint John, which amounted to 74 sorties. It was mobilized there on 10 September, and without A Flight fielded eight pilots (officers) and 90 airmen in the second half of October. After being selected for the Canadian Active Service Force, destined for overseas operations, No. 2 Squadron returned to Rockliffe to receive training and re-equip with the newer Westland Lysander Mk. II monoplane on 1 November. The squadron turned over its Atlases to the replacement No. 118 Squadron and sent some of its personnel to reinforce the latter. Due to a shortage of aircraft, the squadron was disbanded on 16 December to bring Nos. 110 and 112 Squadrons, slated for transfer to England, up to full strength. Its pilots flew 168 operational and 212 non-operational flying hours during wartime; the squadron received no battle honours. (Wise, Sydney F. (1980). The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Vol. I: Canadian Airmen and the First World War. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203502)

Westland Lysander Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 421), No. 2 Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario.

Commanders

Dec 40: S/L William F. Hanna (C.409 – Canada), Jan 41: S/L Gordon R. McGregor (C.936 – Canada),

‍Became No. 402 (RCAF) Squadron 1 Mar 1941.

No. 3 (Bomber/Reconnaissance OTU) Squadron, coded OP.

No. 3 (Bomber) Squadron was formed on 1 September 1935 at the RCAF main training base in Trenton, Ontario, under the control of RCAF headquarters. Along with Nos. 2 and 6 Squadrons, It was authorized to be formed with two flights for purely military purposes during Fiscal Year 1936/1937. The squadron was to include a Fighter Flight with the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mark IIIA and a Bomber Flight with the Westland Wapiti. Only the former was formed on 1 September from the pre-existing Fighter Flight formed in 1930 as the Wapitis had yet to arrive from England. Due to a shortage of aircraft and personnel, the squadron included only one flight on 15 April 1936. It expanded to two flights under the command of Squadron Leader A.H. Hull on 13 July; the Bomber Flight was to include the nucleus of No. 6 Squadron. On 10 August it was combined into a four-flight composite squadron under the command of Hull with No. 2 Squadron due to the shortages, with C Flight from the Bomber Flight with the No. 6 Squadron nucleus and D Flight from the Fighter Flight; A and B Flights were from No. 2. After No. 6 Squadron was activated on 1 December 1936, No. 3 Squadron again became a separate unit under the temporary command of Flight Lieutenant B.G. Carr-Harris on 7 April 1937.

Squadron Leader A.A Lewis, who had returned from exchange duty with the Royal Air Force, became commander on 17 May; he would command the squadron for the rest of its existence. After the delivery of four Wapiti Mark IIAs on 1 June 1937, the squadron was reorganized with only bomber aircraft and the Fighter Flight expanded into No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron. Relocating to Rockcliffe on 17 June, No. 3 Squadron initially included five pilots and five air gunners. Though the Wapiti proved unpopular with its pilots due to its poor performance, the Canadian government would not spend more money for superior aircraft. No. 3 Squadron completed initial air gunnery and bombing practice with the Wapitis that summer.[8] Influenced by his RAF experience to believe that "the supreme test of a bombing squadron is its ability to reach its objective in any kind of weather", Lewis emphasized night flying and long-range navigation in squadron training.[9] During 1938, the squadron received four more Wapitis to form an additional flight, though only four of its aircraft were equipped with wireless, logging 1,000 training hours. One of the original Wapitis received in 1937 was written off after a crash landing at Sharbot Lake on 14 July.[10] In addition to practicing bombing with camera obscura during the year, the squadron flew simulated low-level bombing and gas attacks as part of the opposing force during Canadian Army exercises at Camp Borden in late August and early September.[11][12] In October, it flew its Wapitis 2,300 miles (3,700 km) to relocate to Calgary using the Trans-Canada Air Lines route, joining Western Air Command on 21 October after departing Rockcliffe on 18 October; this was the first RCAF long-distance relocation by air. The move originally scheduled for September but was delayed as a result of the Munich Crisis.[13] At the time, the squadron included four officers and 91 airmen, with six pilots included.

On 4 July 1939 the number of squadron aircraft was reduced to seven when one of its Wapitis was destroyed in a crash in Sarcee Camp while making a simulated reconnaissance of the militia training there; two militiamen were injured in the crash. Training continued, with squadron aircraft launching mock strafing and gas attacks against militia during their annual summer camp. During the month the squadron supervised the annual training school for No. 120 (Bomber) Squadron of the reserve Auxiliary Active Air Force. Shortly before the Second World War began, on 26 August, the squadron was alerted for hostilities, immediately departing with seven obsolete Wapitis for the civil aerodrome at Halifax, Nova Scotia, where it joined Eastern Air Command on 1 September with half of its aircraft. It received three new Wapitis with crews on 30 August from Trenton while stopping at Rockcliffe, bringing total strength to two flights with five aircraft each. Flying in short spurts, the aircraft took the direct route to Halifax, overflying American territory. The three remaining aircraft were forced down in Millinocket, Maine by engine trouble, risking internment if war was declared. Two of these remained there for needed repairs with spare parts flown in from Ottawa, which were effected by 3 September, though they were grounded by bad weather until the next day, a day after the British declaration of the war. They arrived at Halifax on 6 September – eleven days after departure.

At Halifax, the squadron formed the Air Striking Force of Eastern Air Command, intended to launch attacks, either independently or in cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy, against any German surface forces operating between Port Mouton and Cape Canso. The squadron was redesignated as No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron on 31 August while in transit, but was never actually converted to the latter. It was disbanded on 5 September, with its personnel and aircraft being transferred to No. 10 (Bomber) Squadron RCAF. The squadron received no battle honours. (Kostenuk, Samuel; Griffin, John (1977). RCAF: Squadron Histories and Aircraft, 1924–1968. Canadian War Museum Historical Publication No. 14. Sarasota/Toronto: Samuel Stevens/Hakkert & Company.)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3545901)

Westland Wapiti Mk. IIA, RCAF (Serial No. 510), No. 3 Squadron, 1938.

No. 4 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded FY, 1939-42, coded BD, FY, BO, 1942-45.

No. 4 Squadron was formed on 17 January 1933 at RCAF Station Jericho Beach and flew civil operations until 1939, conducting forestry, customs and fishing patrols as well as aerial photography. On 1 January 1938, it was redesignated a General Reconnaissance squadron but continued with the same aircraft, but began training for war operations. On 10 September 1939, the unit was mobilized for the war and redesignated again, this time as a Bomber Reconnaissance squadron, and it began carrying out anti-submarine patrols under the direction of Western Air Command while based out of RCAF station Tofino, in British Columbia. During the war, the squadron flew the Blackburn Shark, Supermarine Stranraer, Consolidated Canso and Consolidated Catalina before disbanding on 7 August 1945. (Kostenuk, S.; Griffin, J. (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto, ON: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Co. p. 24.)

(RCAF Photo)

Fairchild 71B, RCAF (Serial No. 633), previously Reg. No. G-CYVX, on floats. This type was flown by No. 4 (CP) Squadron.

No. 5 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded QN, 1939-41, coded QN, DE, 1942-45.

No. 5 (Flying Boat) Squadron was formed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia by the 16 April 1934 consolidation of Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 Detachments in The Maritimes, which had been formed at Ottawa in 1932. Equipped with the Fairchild 71, the squadron flew anti-smuggling and -illegal immigration patrols in support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

During the Second World War it was primarily used in an anti-submarine role with Eastern Air Command and was based at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Gander, Newfoundland, Torbay, Newfoundland, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The squadron flew the Supermarine Stranraer, Consolidated Canso and Consolidated Catalina before disbanding on 15 July 1945. (Kostenuk, Samuel; Griffin, John (1977). RCAF: Squadron Histories and Aircraft, 1924–1968. Canadian War Museum Historical Publication No. 14. Sarasota/Toronto: Samuel Stevens/Hakkert & Company)

(DND Photo, PL-1176, via Mike Kaehler)

Canadian Vickers Stranraer, RCAF (Serial No. 913), CV190, coded QN-B, No. 5 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF Station Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, sometime between 1938 and 1941.  Note the lines under the QN-B code indicate this is an aircraft from a Canadian Home Defence Establishment Unit.  It is carrying bombs under the wings.  913 flew with No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, British Columbia, in mid 1940.   It was later flown by No. 120 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Coal Harbour, British Columbia, from 1941 to 1943.

No. 6 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded XE, AF.

No. 6 Squadron was authorized as a Torpedo Bomber unit on 4 March 1936 at the RCAF main training base at Trenton, Ontario, under the control of RCAF headquarters. It began service training with flying boats before receiving  torpedo bombers from England in January 1937.  C.L. Trecarten became commander on 23 Nov 1936; subsequent prewar commanders were  E.A. Springall from 18 Feb 1938, and A.H. Hull from 13 June of the latter year. In Nov 1938 it relocated to, joining Western Air Command there on 5 November after departing Trenton on the first day of the month. The squadron trained in torpedo dropping at Jericho Beach.

It was mobilized for the Second World War on 10 Sep 1939, and flew its first mission on the next day – a patrol of the area from to the . These patrols, which had been begun by the RCAF on 2 Sep, were to identify and report all shipping transiting the area. Between 12 Sep1939 and 1 May 1940 the squadron detached two aircraft to Ucluelet. It was redesignated as a bomber reconnaissance squadron on 31 October 1939, and flew anti-submarine patrols for the rest of the war. Squadron Leader L.E. Wray replaced Hull on 4 February 1940; subsequent wartime commanders were Squadron Leaders M.G. Doyle from 6 November, B.N. Harrop from 25 August 1941, H.J. Winny OBE from 1 April 1942, G.C. Upson from 25 August, V.A. Margetts from 14 December, and L.A. Harling from 22 September 1943. Its last commander was Wing Commander A.C. Neale AFC from 20 September 1944. The squadron relocated to Alliford Bay on 15 May 1940, and during the year received at least three Noorduyn Norseman floatplane utility aircraft. After receiving Supermarine Stranraer flying boats in November 1941, it gave up its Sharks and Norsemans in December of that year. The squadron came under the control of the newly formed No. 4 Group RCAF on 16 June 1942 and reverted to Western Air Command on 1 April 1944 when the latter was abolished. Between 19 November and 3 December 1942 the squadron relocated to Bella Bella for a movement exercise. The Stanraers were replaced by the Consolidated Canso A between April and May 1943. In September of that year it received Consolidated Catalina IB and IIIAs, giving up its Cansos in November. The squadron again received Cansos in March 1944, operating these and the Catalinas for the rest of its existence.

The squadron relocated to Coal Harbour on 23 April 1944, remaining there for the rest of its existence. On 12 March 1945, the Canso crew of Flight Lieutenant Moodie sighted a partially deflated Japanese fire balloon over Rupert Inlet, and forced it down on the south side of Rupert Arm by flying above it. The balloon was subsequently recovered by a ground party and sent to Western Air Command headquarters for inspection. As the war drew to a close, the squadron was disbanded on 7 August after flying its last patrol on 1 August. The squadron flew 2,506 sorties during the war, and had a total of 11,716 operational flying hours and 10,565 non-operational flying hours. Its only losses were two aircraft and nine aircrew killed in non-operational incidents. None of its personnel received decorations. It earned the battle honour Pacific Coast 1941-1945, but was never awarded it due to its disbandment. (Douglas, William Alexander Binny (1986). The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Vol. II: The Creation of a National Air Force. Toronto: University of Toronto Press)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3208198)

Blackburn Shark Mk. III, RCAF (Serial No. 525), No. 6 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, May 1939.

No. 7 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, coded LT, FG.

No. 7 (BR) Squadron was amalgamated from various Rockcliffe based flights on 29 January 1936 at RCAF Station Rockcliffe near Ottawa, Ontario, as No. 7 (General Purpose) Squadron and was disbanded on 10 September 1939 to allow its personnel to bring more critical combat units up to strength with the start of the Second World War. It was reformed at RCAF Station Prince Rupert on 8 December 1941 as an anti-submarine unit with RCAF Western Air Command. The squadron flew the Blackburn Shark, Supermarine Stranraer, Consolidated Canso and Consolidated Catalina before disbanding a final time on 25 July 1945. (Kostenuk, S.; Griffin, J. (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto, ON: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Co.)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581010)

Blackburn Shark Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 503),RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 7 Nov 1936.

No. 8 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, coded YO, PO, GA.

No. 8 Squadron was formed on the 14 Feb 1936 as a General Purpose (GP) squadron at Winnipeg, Manitoba. The squadron moved to Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport in February 1937, where it was tasked as a photographic unit, equipped with Fairchild 71, Bellanca Pacemaker and Canadian Vickers Vedette.

Mobilized on the 10 Sep 1939 as No. 8 (GR) Squadron at Sydney, Nova Scotia, It was redesignated Bomber Reconnaissance (BR) at the end of October 1939. Equipped with Northrop Deltas and Bristol Bolingbrokes, the squadron was tasked with anti-submarine duty while serving with RCAF Eastern Air Command.

In December 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the squadron was moved to RCAF Station Sea Island on the west coast of Canada as part of RCAF Western Air Command. In June 1942 in response to the Japanese attack on the Aleutians, it was moved to Alaska flying the Bristol Bolingbroke V as part of RCAF X Wing, operating from Elmendorf Army Airfield (Anchorage), with small detachments stationed at Naval Air Station Kodiak and Marks Air Force Base (Nome).

The squadron returned to RCAF Station Sea Island in March 1943. Having converted to Lockheed Ventura GR.V in May 1943, the squadron continued with anti-submarine duty based from RCAF Station Port Hardy and RCAF Station Patricia Bay. No. 8 Squadron was disbanded at Patricia Bay, BC, 25 May 1945. (Vincent, Carl Canadian Aircraft of WWII (AviaDossier No. 1). Kitchener, Ontario: SkyGrid, 2009)

(RCAF Archives, DND Photo)

Aircrew and their aircraft of 8 (BR) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, probably in Alaska, 1942. Left to Right: Flight Sergeant G.A. Anderson (Wireless Air Gunner), J.M. McArthur (Pilot), W.J. Smith (Pilot), Flight Sergeant F.W. Johnston (Wireless Air Gunner).

No. 9 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded KA, 1939-41, coded HJ, 1942-45.

No. 9 (CP) Squadron was active during the Second World War, primarily in an anti-submarine role with Western Air Command and was based at Bella Bella, British Columbia. The squadron flew the Supermarine Stranraer, Consolidated Canso and Consolidated Catalina before disbanding on 1 Sep 1944.

(RAMWC Photo)

Boeing Canada Canso 2F, RCAF (Serial No. 11005).  27 Oct 1943, taken on strength by Western Air Command.  Operated by No. 9 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Bella Bella, British Columbia, c1943 to 1944.  11005 flew this unit's last war time patrol on 21 Aug 1944.

No. 10 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded PB, 1939-41, coded JK, 1942-45.

No. 10 (Bomber) Squadron RCAF was formed on 5 Sep 1939 for anti-submarine warfare using the same, now disused squadron number, and was active for the duration of the Second World War. While based on the east coast of Canada and Newfoundland it established an RCAF record for 22 attacks on U-boats and successfully sank 3, garnering the unofficial nickname of North Atlantic Squadron. The squadron flew the Westland Wapiti, Douglas Digby, and Consolidated Liberator. Mo. 10 (BR) Squadron sank three U-boats, 30 October 1942 – U-520, 19 September 1943 – U-341, and 26 October 1943 – U-420. (Kostenuk, S.; Griffin, J. (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto, ON: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Co. p. 31.)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581805)

Douglas Digby Mk. I, RCAF (Serial No. 751), coded Y, No. 10 "North Atlantic" (BR) Squadron.15 July 1941.  

No. 11 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded OY, 1939-41, coded KL,1942-45.

No. 11 (CP) Squadron was initially formed at RCAF Station Ottawa before moving to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on 3 November 1939, where it became operational. It was primarily used in an anti-submarine role and was based on the east coast of Canada and Newfoundland. From 26 October 1943 to 17 June 1944, it operated from Torbay, Newfoundland before returning to Halifax for a year, before again moving, across the country to Patricia Bay, British Columbia on 31 May 1945. The squadron flew the Lockheed Hudson and Consolidated Liberator maritime patrol bombers before disbanding on 15 September. The unit's first operational flight, on 10 November 1939, was to provide sighting practice for the anti-aircraft guns of the Royal Navy battlecruiser HMS Repulse and aircraft carrier HMS Furious, as well as for the Halifax, Nova Scotia shore batteries. (Kostenuk, S.; Griffin, J. (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto, ON: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Co. p. 33.)

(RCAF Photo)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, coded OY-C, from No. 11 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, based at RCAF Station Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, c1942.

No. 12 (Communications) Squadron, coded QE.

No. 12 Communications Squadron was formed at RCAF Rockcliffe, on 30 Aug 1940, taking the nucleus of original senior RCAF officers and aircraft from the disbanded No. 7 Communication Flight (ex-No. 7 General Purpose Flight). Wing Commander J.L. Plant became Officer Commanding of No. 12 Communications Squadron on 30 August 1940, At first, the squadron aircrews flew a variety of old aircraft as general air communication and light transport duties, plus ferrying and testing new aircraft for the RCAF. They also maintained a practice flight for the Air Force Headquarters personnel who were required to update their pilot flying hours every month. [North American Harvard, Hawker Hurricane and Avro Anson aircraft were mainly used for practice flights].

Their RCAF assigned aircraft became a wild mix – Fairchild 71 (Serial No. 647) and Fairchild 51 (Serial No. 625), two Stinson (Serial No. 3486), Fleet Fawn Mk. II (Serial No. 213), Hawker Tomtit (Serial No. 139), Grumman Goose (Serial Nos.917, 939, 943, 944 [ex-U.S. Navy] Goose (Serial Nos. 386, 383, and 390), Northrop Delta (Serial No. 675, a one-of-a-kind Barkley Grow (Serial No. 758), Lockheed Hudson (Serial Nos. 762, 765, 767, 770, and 774) Boeing 247D, Noorduyn Norseman (Serial Nos. 792 and 3539), three North American Harvard’s (Serial Nos .2918, 2922 and 3101), Hawker Hurricane (Serial Nos. 5689 and 5586), Lockheed 10A (Serial Nos. 1526, and 1528), Lockheed 12A (Serial No. 7646), and Lockheed 212 (Serial No. 7642), Avro Anson (Serial Nos. 11895, 11896, 11898, and 11899), Lockheed Lodestar (Serial Nos. 561, 565 and 567), Douglas Dakota (Serial No. 663), and Beechcraft Expeditor (Serial Nos. 1387, 1388, 1389, 1390, 1391 and 1392). Most of the early aircraft were rather plain inside as they were used to transport freight on one flight and the next day seats were added for passengers. (Clarence Simonsen)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583647)

Lockheed 10A Electra (Serial No. 1526), Camp Borden, 10 Jan 1940. This aircraft was impressed by the RCAF from TCA and served with No. 12 (Communication) Squadron from 23 Oct 1939 until 16 Jan 1946. 1526 is currently on display at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Rockcliffe, Ontario.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583767)

Lockheed Lodestar (Serial No. 567), with A/M Leckie pennant on her nose and “Royal Canadian Air Force” over the rear door. While this Lodestar appeared to be reserved for the Air Marshall, the Daily Diary records it being used as a normal transport in No. 12 (Communications) Squadron at Rockcliffe, Ontario. (Clarence Simonsen)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583789)

RCAF Lockheed Lodestar with Maple Leaf, 25 July 1945.  Note maple leaf decal. (Clarence Simonsen)

No. 13 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded AN, MK, 1939-41, coded AP, 1942-45.

1940-1942, May - Nov 1942, Seaplane and Bomber Reconnaissance School.

No. 14 (Fighter Photographic) Squadron, coded BF, YA.

• Jan 42: S/L Blair D. Russel (C.1319 – Canada) – Vol. I
• Nov 42: S/L Bradley R. Walker (J.3205 – Canada)
• Sent to the UK in January 1944 and became No. 442 (RCAF) Squadron.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5101219)

Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk pilots of No. 14 Squadron RCAF, Alaska, 1942.

No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron, coded TM, 1939-41, coded LZ, 1942-45.

The squadron was authorised in Vancouver on 5 Oct 1932 as No. 11 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron, an auxiliary squadron of the RCAF. It received its first aircraft, four de Havilland DH.60M Gipsy Moths, settling down to a routine of flying training at the weekends, with an annual summer camp. In 1935, it received a single Fleet Fawn trainer, equipped for blind-flying training, and in 1937, received two Avro 626 Tutors. The squadron was redesignated No. 111 (Coast Artillery Co-Operation) Squadron on 15 Nov 1937, with the duty of spotting for coastal defense artillery, although any operational training was still geared to the army-cooperation role. In March 1938, a single Avro 626 replaced one of the squadron's Gipsy Moths, allowing the squadron to carry out more realistic training, and in August that year, it received a single de Havilland Tiger Moth, with the Squadron's two remaining Gipsy Moths withdrawn in June 1939.

At the outbreak of the Second World War the squadron formed a detachment at Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island, now Victoria International, before being redesignated No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron on 1 July 1940. At this time the squadron flew the Westland Lysander as no modern fighter aircraft were available. It was disbanded on 1 February 1941 and then reformed on 3 Nov 1941 flying the Curtis Kittyhawk. The squadron and took part in air defence operations in Western Canada and the Aleutian Islands Campaign under RCAF Western Air Command. The squadron had the distinction of shooting down the only Japanese fighter by the RCAF home air force during the war. From the new American base in Umnak, Alaska, flying the Curtis P-40K from American stock, No. 111 (F) Squadron took part in several raids against the Japanese base at Kiska. On 26 Sep 1942 the CO, S/L K A Boomer, shot down an intercepting Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe fighter while leading four Canadian-manned P-40s involved in flak suppression.

The squadron was transferred overseas to the UK, moving to RAF Ayr where it was redesignated No. 440 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron on 8 Feb 1944 as an Article XV squadron under the control of the RAF. It was the third Canadian Typhoon equipped squadron of No. 143 Wing. The squadron was equipped with the Hawker Hurricane for working up but changed to the Hawker Typhoon once they were delivered.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3205767)

Avro 621 Tutor (Serial No. 225), No. 111 (AC) Squadron RCAF being washed by groundcrew, 2 Jun 1939.

(DND Photo)

RCAF Curtiss Kittyhawk formation including (Serial No. AZ138) coded LZ-S, and LZ-G, LZ-E, LZ-V and (Serial No. AL166), coded LZ-O, No. 111 (F) Squadron over the Rockies, ca 1942.

Commanders

Nov 41: S/L Arthur D. Nesbitt (C.1327 – Canada), Jun 42: S/L John W. Kerwin (C.922 – Canada), Aug 42: S/L Kenneth A. Boomer (C.1220 – Canada), Jun 43: S/L David L. Ramsey (J.3196 – Canada), Nov 43: S/L George J. Elliott (C.1349 – Canada), Sent to the UK in January 1944 and became No. 440 (RCAF) Squadron.

No. 113 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, coded BT, LM

No. 113 (BR) Squadron was originally formed as an Army Co-operation squadron and then a fighter squadron before being disbanded in 1939 and then reformed in 1942. It was primarily used in an anti-submarine role and was based on the east coast of Canada and Newfoundland. The squadron flew the Lockheed Hudson and Lockheed Ventura before disbanding on 10 August 1944.

On 31 July 1942, Hudson 625 commanded by Squadron Leader N.E. Small was conducting a patrol in the vicinity of Sable Island when it sighted U-754 on the surface. On the first pass, the aircraft dropped depth charges just as the submarine began to dive. A second pass found the boat just under the water, apparently damaged by the depth charges. On the third pass, the aircraft fired its front guns at the boat's conning tower. The plane then observed the damaged boat for 55 minutes before an explosion seemed to finally settle the matter. U-754 was sunk with all hands lost.[4] For this achievement, Small was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in January 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3650941)

Lockheed Ventura G.R. Mk. V, RCAF (Serial No. 2183), D, Jan 1944.  This aircraft flew with No. 113 (BR) Squadron in Nova Scotia and Newfoundlandm

No. 114 (Bomber) Squadron, coded MA

Authorized as No. 114 (Bomber) Squadron' on 1 April 1938. Disbanded 25 June 1943. The squadron was deactivated at the beginning of the war to provide personnel for other units.

No. 115 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded BK, 1939, coded UV, 1942-45.

(Umeyou Photo)

Fairchild Bolingbroke Mk. IV (Serial No. 9118), coded BK-V, No. 115 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, Patricia Bay, British Columbia, 1942.

No. 115 (BR) Squadron flew anti-submarine patrols along the coasts of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska as part of Western Air Command. On 7 July 1942, Flight Sergeant PMG W. E. Thomas and the crew of Bristol Bolingbroke maritime patrol aircraft No. 9118 sighted a target breaking the surface and emitting white "smoke" in the Pacific Ocean 130 kilometres (70 nmi; 81 mi) northwest of the Queen Charlotte Islands. At first thinking it was a whale, they quickly concluded that they could see the underwater silhouette of submarine at least 100 feet (30 m) in length and attacked, dropping a single 250-pound (113 kg) or 500-pound (227 kg) (sources disagree) bomb from an altitude of 500 feet (152 m) which landed just forward of the submarine's conning tower. They claimed to have damaged the submarine.[1] Based on the Bolingbroke's report, the United States Coast Guard cutter USCGC McLane (WSC-146), the U.S. Coast Guard-manned United States Navy patrol vessel USS YP-251, and the Royal Canadian Navy minesweeper HMCS Quatsino proceeded to the area on 9 July 1942 and began a search for the submarine, which McLane and YP-251 claimed to sink later that day. The Bolingbroke crew shared credit with McLane and YP-251 for the sinking, and in 1947 the Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee identified their victim as the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine Ro-32.[4] In 1967, however, the U.S. Navy retracted this assessment because Ro-32 had been inactive in Japan at the time of the sinking and was found afloat in Japan at the end of the war.[4] The submarine reportedly sunk on 9 July 1942 remains unidentified. No. 115 Squadron disbanded at Tolfino, British Columbia, in August 1944. (Kostenuk, S. and J. Griffin. RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Company, 1977.)

(DND Photo)

Lockheed Ventura G.R. Mk. V, RCAF, No. 115 (BR) Squadron.

No. 116 (Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron.

No. 116 (BR) Squadron was originally formed as a Coast Artillery Co-operation squadron and then a fighter squadron before being disbanded in 1939, and then reformed in 1941. It was primarily used in an anti-submarine role and was based at Dartmouth and Sydney, Nova Scotia and Gander, Newfoundland. The squadron flew the Catalina and Canso before disbanding on 20 June 1945.

(RCAF Photo)

Consolidated Aircraft Corporation Catalina Mk. I RCAF (Serial No. Z2138), No. 116 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 18 Sep 1941. Z2138 is on beaching gear and does not have its own undercarriage, outside a maintenance hangar as mechanics look it over.  Working on Catalina engines required a a bit of preparation and safety consideration.

No. 117 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron, coded EX, 1939-1941, coded PQ, 1942-45.

No. 117 (CP) Squadron was originally formed as a fighter squadron and then a Coast Artillery Co-operation squadron before being disbanded in 1939, and then reformed in its final role in 1941, disbanded later that year, reformed in 1942 and then disbanded permanently in 1943. It was primarily based at Sydney, Nova Scotia^[2] and used in an anti-submarine role.

(RCAF Photo)

Consolidated Aircraft (San Diego) Catalina Mk. IV, RCAF (Serial No. JX212), coded G, No. 117 (BR) Squadron, on patrol.

No. 118 (Fighter) Squadron, coded RE, 1939-41, coded VW, 1942-45.

The unit was redesignated No. 118 (Coast Artillery Cooperation) Squadron on 1 Sep 1939, activated for voluntary wartime service on 3 Sep, and moved to Saint John, New Brunswick on 28 Oct. 117 (Aux) Sqn from Saint John NB was simultaneously absorbed into the unit along with personnel transferred in from No. 2 (AC) Sqn with their Atlas aircraft. These reinforcements formed a new A flight that would operate out of Halifax airport until 31 March 1940 when they moved to RCAF Station Dartmouth.

The squadron was re-equipped with Westland Lysanders and Blackburn Sharks better suited to this new role which consisted of patrolling the coast for enemy naval activity and directing coastal artillery batteries when/if required. Westland Wapiti aircraft borrowed from No. 10 (B) Sqn were also used for a few months until more Atlases became available.

After nearly a year of coastal sweeps, the occasional patrol for convoys close inshore, dive-bombing exercises with army batteries and naval anti-aircraft gunners, air gunnery training and aerial photographic duties, the squadron was temporarily deactivated on 27 Sep 1940 pending redesignation and the arrival of more modern aircraft.The squadron was reactivated at Rockcliffe, Ontario on 13 Jan 1941 with the new designation No. 118 (Fighter) Squadron and reequipped with the Grumman Goblin, an American biplane design which was licence built in Canada by Canadian Car and Foundry . The unit moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in July being at that time, the sole fighter squadron available for East Coast defence. In Oct 1941 the more capable Curtiss Kittyhawk replaced the obsolete Goblin.

The RCAF was facing a serious shortage of frontline fighters, having sent its Hawker Hurricanes off to the UK with No. 1 (F) Squadron, it was having a hard time procuring additional fighters to meet its needs. For these reasons, 50 Canadian built Sea Hurricanes destined for the Royal Navy were retained in Canada. All were placed on strength of 118 Sqn in November 1941.These new fighters were test flown by 118 squadron pilots upon arrival or reassembly. Many were put in temporary storage, the few others still leaving with the RAF were also test flown by 118 pilots prior to being fitted to catapult equipped merchant vessels. 118 Sqn formed a “Hurricane Flight” and more than a dozen were regularly flown by squadron personnel. 118 was operating a full complement of Kittyhawks, Sea Hurricanes, and a few Harvards, and was still flying its Goblins well into January 1942.

The catapult spool and arrestor hook equipped Sea Hurricanes were painted in the British Fleet Air Arm paint scheme of dark greys with 'Royal Navy' painted on the fuselage, looking oddly out of place on an RCAF ramp. On 27 April 1942, the Sea Hurricanes, many of which with their naval modifications now removed, along with many 118 Sqn personnel from the “Hurricane Flight” formed the nucleus of the newly formed 126 (F) Sqn also at Dartmouth. This new unit would be temporarily under the command of F/L Arthur Yuile who had previously been in charge of the flight.

On 16 Jan 1942 two 118 Squadron Kittyhawks spotted and attacked a surfaced German U-boat approximately 10 miles off the coast between Halifax and Sydney. Flying Officer W.P. Roberts in Kittyhawk AK851 was able to fire six bursts and obtain a number of hits around the conning tower before the submarine dove underwater and disappeared from sight.The squadron code displayed on all unit aircraft was "RE" from Jan 1941 to May 1942 when it changed to "VW".With the entry of the United States into the war following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, the Canadian Government of Prime Minister Mackenzie King offered military naval and air support to the then limited American capabilities facing Japanese expansion in the Aleutian Islands.

Two fighter and light bomber wings were formed for service on the Pacific coast, X and Y Wings composed of Kittyhawk fighters and Bristol Bolingbroke light bombers under the RCAF Western Air Command. 118 Sqn and 115 Squadron formed Y Wing.For the historic cross-continent flight of 4,000 miles, 118 was led by Flight Lieutenant Yuile. Squadron Leader Hartland Molson, 118 Squadron's commanding officer and a veteran Hurricane pilot of the Battle of Britain, remained in Dartmouth to assume command of 126 (F) Sqn.The squadron left Dartmouth on the morning of 6 June 1942 for Annette Island, Alaska. The squadron made refuelling stops at Penfield Ridge, New Brunswick, Saint-Hubert, Quebec, North Bay, Ontario, Porquis Junction, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Alberta, and Prince George, British Columbia. They arrived on 21 June; A Flight was armed and refuelled ready for action within 15 minutes of landing.

The squadron moved to Sea Island British Columbia on 20 Aug 1943 and would remain there until ordered overseas. Five pilots died in non-combat-related crashes during this period of home defence. Leaving their Kittyhawks behind, the 142 strong squadron crossed Canada by rail embarking on 2 Nov 1943 in Halifax for the sea voyage to the United Kingdom. The squadron was once again redesignated, this time as No.438 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron upon arriving at  Royal Air Force Station Digby, Lincolnshire on 18 Nov 1943.(Kostenuk, Samuel; Griffin, John (1977). RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft 1924-1968. Toronto: National Museum of Man Canada. p. 255.)

(RCAF Photo)

Canadian Car & Foundry G-23 Goblins, No. 118 (Fighter) Squadron, RCAF, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 1941.

(DND Archives Photo, PL-8346)

Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk from No. 118 (Fighter) Squadron, RCAF, located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 4 April 1942.

No. 119 (Bomber) Squadron, coded DM, 1939-41, coded GR, 1942-45.

No. 119 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, was active from 15 May 1935 to 15 March 1944. No. 119 Squadron was an RCAF Canadian Home War Establishment (HWE) Squadron. Created 15 May 1935 in Hamilton, Ontario, it came to be tasked with coastal patrol and anti-submarine duty over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean around Nova Scotia. It was disbanded 15 March 1944 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

While based at Sydney, Nova Scotia, flying four aircraft Lockheed Hudson Mk. IIIs, it continued on anti-submarine reconnaissance over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island, flying its last operational mission on 11 March 1944. Disbanded at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 15 March 1944, it had conducted four U-boat attacks on eleven sightings.  On 10 March 1944, the City of Hamilton was advised their No. 119 ‘Hamilton Tigers’ Squadron was being disbanded, and flowing up the early actions of the “Hamilton Tiger Squadron Fund”, the City of Hamilton came to ‘officially adopt’ No. 424 Bomber Squadron RCAF in September 1944. No 119 Squadron RCAF earned the Battle Honour "Atlantic 1939 - 1945" for operations with Eastern Air Command, RCAF, for operations by aircraft of RAF Coastal Command and others employed in the coastal role over the Atlantic Ocean from the outbreak of war to VE Day, this battle honour also encompasses service during the Battle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (Bottomley, Captain Nora. 424 Squadron History: A detailed pictorial history of 424 Squadron (RCAF) from its origins in 1935 to modern times. Kingston, Ontario, Canada: The Hangar Bookshelf, 1985.)

(No. 437 Squadron Archives Photo)

Fairchild Bolingbroke Mk. Is, No. 119 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, Bolingbrokes, coded DM-K and DM-E, in formation near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, 25 Aug 1941.  Photo taken by a No. 118 (F) Squadron pilot flying escort.

No. 120 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, coded MX, 1939-41, coded RS, 1942-45.

This unit was initially designated No. 20 (Auxiliary Bomber) Squadron RCAF on 1 June 1935 at Regina, Saskatchewan.  It began flying operations in April of 1937, after receiving de Havilland Moth trainers.  On 11 Nov 1937 it was renamed No. 120 Squadron RCAF. In September 1939, the squadron was mobilized and a month later was transformed into a Maritime Patrol squadron. No. 120 (MP) Squadron carried out patrol flights along the west coast of Canada, until it was disbanded on 1 May 1944.  Its first mission was flown on in June 1940 with Northrop Delta (Serial No. 675 from Sea Island, BC, and its last mission was flown on 21 Apr 1944 by Catalina (Serial No. JX571), on a patrol flight from Coal Harbour, British Columbia.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3199589)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. 1, (Serial No. 776), coded MX-T, No. 120 (BR) Squadron based at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, British Columbia, 15 Oct 1941.

No. 123 (Fighter) Squadron, coded VD.

• Oct 41: S/L William W.S. Ross (C.638 – Canada)
• Jan 43: S/L Lloyd C. Rankin (C.620 – Canada)
• Nov 43: S/L W.H. Walker
• Sent to the UK in November 1943 and became No. 439 (RCAF) Squadron.

No. 123 (Army Co-operation) Squadron was formed on 15 January 1942 during World War II from the School of Army Co-Operation. The latter had been formed on 22 October 1941 at Rockcliffe, Ontario under the command of Squadron Leader W.W.S. Ross, who continued in that position for No. 123 Squadron. The school was administratively part of No. 3 Training Command and operationally under RCAF Headquarters. Equipped with North American Harvard Mark IIB trainers and Westland Lysander Mk. II army co-operation aircraft, the squadron trained with the 4th and 7th Canadian Divisions in close support and reconnaissance. It relocated to Debert, Nova Scotia, on 16 Feb 1942, joining Eastern Air Command. A detachment of three Lysanders was stationed at Sydney to patrol the harbour entrance there between 8 Oct and 27 Jan 1943, flying 98 sorties and 194 flying hours.  It transferred to Wellingore, England on 31 Dec 1943 and was renumbered No. 439 (Fighter-Bomber) Squadron on New Year's Day Jan 1944,

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203502)

Westland Lysander Mk. II (Serial No. 421), No. 110 (AC) Squadron RCAF, and flown by No. 123 (ACT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario.

No. 124 (Ferry) Squadron

Authorized as the Air Force Headquarters Ferry Squadron on 1 Jan 1942. Redesignated No.1 24 (Ferry) Squadron  on 13 Feb 1942. The squadron flew on inter-command ferry operations ferrying of all RCAF aircraft across Canada, with detachments located in Eastern Division at Moncton, New Brunswick, Montreal, Quebec, Megantic, Quebec, Malton, [Toronto] Ontario, North Bay, Ontario, Kapuskasing, Ontario, and Western Division at Armstrong, Ontario, Regina, Saskatchewan, Lethbridge, Alberta, Cranbrook, B.C. and Penticton, B.C. The squadron was disbanded on 30 Sep 1946.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3650728)

Douglas Dakota Mk III, RCAF (Serial No. 661), Moncton, New Brunswick, Jan 1944.

No. 125 (Fighter) Squadron, coded BA.

• May 42: S/L Charles W. Trevena (C.787 – Canada)
• Jun 42: S/L Robert W. Norris (C.994 – Canada)
• Sent to the UK in December1943 and became No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron.

No. 125 (Fighter) Squadron was formed on 20 April 1942 at Sydney, Nova Scotia and flew Hawker Hurricanes as part of RCAF Eastern Air Command. It was renumbered No. 441 (Fighter) Squadron when it transferred overseas to RAF Station Digby, Lincolnshire, England, on 8 Feb 1944, under the command of S/L George Hill.

(RCAF Photo)

Hawker Hurricane Mk. XII, RCAF (Serial No. 5501), coded L, No. 125 (Fighter) Squadron, 28 Feb 1943. Canadian Car & Foundry. Served with No. 125 (F) Squadron on the east coast in 1942. Category C damage at RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland at 13:25 on 29 January 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3205809)

Pilots of No. 125 (F) Squadron RCAF with a Hawker Hurricane Mk. XII,  Torbay, Newfoundland, 2 Oct 1942.

No. 126 (Fighter) Squadron, coded BV.

• Apr 42: S/L Arthur McL. Yuile (C.1328 – Canada)
• Jun 42: S/L Hartland de Montarville Molson (C.1226 – Canada)
• Sep 42: S/L Paul A. Gilbertson (J.3702 – Canada)
• Nov 42: S/L Ralph C. Weston (C.1330 – Canada)
• Feb 44: S/L Norman R. Johnstone (C.459 – Canada)
• Jul 44: S/L Frederick W. Kelly (J.2972 – Canada)

Authorized as No. 126 (Fighter) Squadron on 27 April 1942. Disbanded 30 May 1945. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Eastern Air Command.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4982739)

Hawker Hurricanes of No. 126 Squadron RCAF.

No. 127 (Fighter) Squadron, coded TF.

• Jul 42: F/L Wilbur P. Roberts (C.5573 – Canada)
• Nov 42: S/L Paul A. Gilbertson (J.3702 – Canada)
• Sent to the UK in December 1943 and became No. 443 (RCAF) Squadron on arrival.

Originally formed as No. 127 (Fighter) Squadron in the fighter role in July 1942, it operated along the East Coast of Canada (Including RCAF Station Gander in Newfoundland) flying Hawker Hurricanes until late 1943, when it was selected for overseas service. Arriving in Britain on 8 February 1944, it was redesignated No. 443 Squadron at Bournemouth and was soon based at RAF Digby, Lincolnshire, UK.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4983464)

Hawker Hurricanes of No. 127 Squadron RCAF, Gander, Newfoundland, 16 Dec 1942.

No. 128 (Fighter) Squadron, coded RA.

• Jun 42: F/L Charles C. Moran (C.1063 – Canada)
• Aug 42: S/L Ernest C. Briese (C.1591 – Canada)
• Apr 43: S/L Norman R. Johnstone (C.459 – Canada)
• May 43: S/L Albert E.L. Cannon (C.1077 – Canada)
• Disbanded 15.03.44.

Authorized as No. 128 (Fighter) Squadron on 7 June 1942. Disbanded 15 March 1944. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Eastern Air Command.

(Collingwood Photo courtesy of Stuart Collingwood)

Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIs coded 1-R and 2-T in formation, No. 128 (Fighter) Squadron en route to Gander, Newfoundland, in 1942.

No. 129 (Fighter) Squadron, coded HA.

• Aug 42: S/L Charles C. Moran (C.1063 – Canada)
• Nov 42: S/L Moses Lipton (C.868 – Canada)
• Feb 43: S/L William F. Napier (C.1711 – Canada)
• Jan 43: S/L Paul A. Gilbertson (J.3702 – Canada)
• Disbanded 30.09.44.

Authorized as No. 129 (Fighter) Squadron on 28 August 1942. Disbanded 30 September 1944. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Eastern Air Command.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3224859)

Hawker Hurricane Mk. XII, No. 129 (F) Squadron RCAF, May 1943.

No. 130 (Fighter) Squadron, coded AE.

• May 42: S/L Joseph A.J. Chevrier (C.856 – Canada)
• Jul 42: S/L Albert E.L. Cannon (C.1077 – Canada)
• Nov 42: S/L Eugene L. Neal (C.1640 – Canada)
• Dec 42: S/L Albert E.L. Cannon (C.1077 – Canada)
• May 43: S/L Norman R. Johnstone (C.459 – Canada)
• Nov 43: S/L Hugh J.L. Merritt (J.6828 – Canada)
• Disbanded 15.03.44.

Authorized as No. 130 (Fighter) Squadron on 1 May 1942. Disbanded 15 March 1944. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Eastern Air Command.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3334438)

Pilots of No. 130 (F) Squadron RCAF, with a Hawker Hurricane Mk. XII,  RCAF Station Bagotville, Quebec, 21 Oct 1942.

No. 131 Squadron - not formed.

No. 132 (Fighter) Squadron, coded ZR.

• Apr 42: S/L Albert E.L. Cannon (C.1077 – Canada)
• Apr 42: S/L Kenneth A. Boomer (C.1220 – Canada) – Vol. VI
• Aug 42: S/L George J. Elliott (C.1349 – Canada)
• Nov 43: S/L James A. Thompson (J.2970 – Canada)
• Disbanded 30.09.44.

Authorized as No. 132 (Fighter) Squadron' on 14 April 1942. Disbanded 30 September 1944. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Western Air Command.

(DND Photo via Shuan Mullins)

Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk. IAs, No. 132 (F) Squadron RCAF.  This Flying Party flew from Lethbridge, Alberta to Penticton, BC, on 8 June, 1942.  They were grounded there by weather.  The Flying Party finally arrived at Sea Island, BC, from Penticton on 12 June.  A Handley Page Hampden is taxiing in the background.

No. 133 (Fighter) Squadron, coded FN.

• Jun 42: S/L Walter T. Brooks (39932 – Canada)
• Mar 43: S/L Beverley E. Christmas (C.925 – Canada)
• Apr 43: S/L James B. Doak (J.5491 – Canada)
• Nov 43: S/L William C. Connell (C.1159 – Canada) – Vol. VII
• Jun 44: S/L Ian C. Ormston (J.5028 – Canada) – Vol. V
• Jan 45: S/L Jackson E. Sheppard (J.6289 – Canada)
• APr 45: S/L Harold S. Lisson (J.4330 – Canada)

Authorized as No. 133 (Fighter) Squadron on 3 June 1942. Disbanded 10 Sep 1945. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Western Air Command.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4982735)

Hawker Hurricane, No. 133 (F) Squadron RCAF.

No. 134 Squadron - not formed.

No. 135 (Fighter) Squadron, coded XP.

• Jun 42: S/L Edwin M. Reyno (C.806 – Canada)
• Jul 42: S/L William C. Connell (C.1159 – Canada)
• Nov 43: S/L David J. Smith (J.2977 – Canada)
• Apr 45: S/L Andrew R. MacKenzie (J.10976 – Canada)
• Jun 45: S/L Jackson E. Sheppard (J.6289 – Canada)

Authorized as No. 135 (Fighter) Squadron 15 June 1942. Disbanded 10 Sep 1945. The squadron flew on air defence operations under Western Air Command.

(RCAF Photo)

Curtiss P-49 Kittyhawk Mk. IV, No. 135 (F) Squadron RCAF, Mossbank, British Columbia.

No. 145 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, coded EA.

No. 145 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron  RCAF, was primarily used in an anti-submarine role and was based on the east coast of Canada and Newfoundland. The squadron flew the Lockheed Hudson and Lockheed Ventura before disbanding on 30 June 1945.

No. 147 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, coded SZ.

No. 147 (B) Squadron was a Canadian Home War Establishment (HWE) Squadron. It was formed as part of Western Air Command (WAC) on 1 July 1942 at Sea Island, B.C. where it served as a Bomber Reconnaissance (BR) unit tasked with anti-submarine duty, flying the Bristol Bolingbroke. 147 Squadron moved to RCAF Station Tofino, B.C. in March 1943 and, with the reduced threat of Japanese action on the Canadian Pacific coast, was disbanded 15 March 1944. (Kostenuk, S. and J. Griffin. RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft: 1924–1968. Toronto: Samuel Stevens, Hakkert & Company, 1977)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3521026)

Fairchild Bolingbroke Mk. I, RCAF (Serial No. 702), 22 Nov 1939.  This aircraft was flown by No. 147 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron from July 1942 to March 1944)

No. 149 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, ZM.

Authorized as No. 149 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron on 1 Oct 1942. Redesignated No.149 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron on 1 July 1943. Disbanded 15 March 1944.  The squadron flew on anti-submarine operations on the Pacific Coast under Western Air Command, including a period as part of the RCAF contribution in the Alaskan Panhandle. (Samuel Kostenuk and John Griffin, RCAF Squadron Histories and Aircraft 1924-1968 (Toronto, 1977), p.66)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, PB-1406, MIKAN No. 3225024)

Bristol Beaufort Mk. I (Serial No. N1030), coded N, No. 149 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, RCAF, on patrol over Patricia bay, British Columbia, 18 June 1943.

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X Wing RCAF, HQ Anchorage Alaska

No. 8 (B) Squadron with Bolingbrokes, No. 14 (F) Squadron with Kittyhawks at Anchorage, and No. 111 (F) Squadron with Kittyhawks on Kodiak Island.

Commanders: Jun 42: G/C Gordon R. McGregor (C.936 – Canada), Mar 43: W/C Robert E.E. Morrow (C.1238 – Canada), Sep 43: disbanded.

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Y Wing RCAF, HQ Annette Island, Alaska

No. 115 B) Squadron with Bolingbrokes, and No. 118 (F) Squadron with Kittyhawks on Annette Island.

Commanders: Jun 42: W/C Arthur D. Nesbitt (C.1327 – Canada), Oct 42: W/C Gerald G. Diamond (C.818 – Canada), Oct 43: W/C Robert F. Douglas (C.343 – Canada), Nov 43: disbanded.

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