No. 423 Squadron Badge: A bald-headed eagle volant Motto: Quaerimus et petimus (We search and strike) Authority: King George VI, March 1943 The bald-headed eagle is a powerful bird of prey from the Canadian side of the Atlantic. The motto refers to the squadron’s role as a coastal unit. Formed as a General Reconnaissance unit… Read More
No. 422 Squadron Badge: A cubit arm holding in the hand a tomahawk Motto: This arm shall do it Authority: King George VI, October 1943 The painted arm indicates that the Red Indian brave is at war. The motto, from Shakespeare, refers to the squadron’s striking power. Formed as a General Reconnaissance unit at Lough… Read More
No. 420 Squadron Badge A snowy owl, wings elevated and adorsed Motto Pugnamus finitum (We fight to the finish) Authority King George VI, March 1943 The snowy owl is indigenous to Canada and hunts by night. Formed at Waddington, Lincolnshire, England on 19 December 1941 as the RCAF’s 18th – fourth Bomber – squadron formed… Read More
No. 419 Squadron Badge: A moose attacking Motto: Moosa aswayita (Beware of the moose) Authority: King George VI, June 1944 The moose, representing the squadron’s nickname, is a fierce fighter indigenous to Canada. The motto is in Cree. Formed at Mildenhall, Suffolk, England on 15 December 1941 as the RCAF’s 17th – third Bomber –… Read More
No. 418 Squadron Badge: none Formed at Debden, Essex, England on 15 November 1941 as the RCAF’s 14th -only Intruder -squadron formed overseas, the unit flew Boston and Mosquito aircraft on day-and night-intruder operations deep into enemy territory. Its claim of 178 enemy aircraft and 79½ V-1 flying bombs destroyed made it the top-scoring unit… Read More
No. 417 Squadron Badge: In front of a palm tree eradicated a sword and fasces in saltire Motto Supporting liberty and justice Authority King George VI, October 1945 The squadron operated with the 8th Army in North Africa, in the Sicilian landings, and in Italy in close support of the army. The palm tree suggests… Read More
No. 416 Squadron Badge: In front of the maple leaf a lynx leaping down Motto: Ad saltum paratus (Ready for the leap) Authority: King George VI, September 1944 The lynx is a fierce and dangerous opponent, indigenous to Canada. Formed at Peterhead, Aberdeen, Scotland on 22 November 1941 as the RCAF’s 15th – sixth Fighter… Read More
No. 415 Squadron Badge: A swordfish Motto: Ad metam (To the mark) Authority: King George VI, October 1942 The swordfish and motto indicate the squadron’s operational duties in attacking enemy shipping. Formed at Thorney Island, Hampshire, England on 20 August 1941 as the RCAF’s 13th – fourth coastal and only Torpedo Bomber – squadron formed… Read More
No. 414 Squadron Badge: none Formed as an Army Co-operation unit at Croydon, Surrey, England on 13 August 1941 as the RCAF’s 12th -second army co-operation -squadron formed overseas, and redesignated Fighter Reconnaissance on 28 June 1943, the unit flew Mustang aircraft on air intelligence work. It obtained photographic reconnaissance for Allied invasion planners, and… Read More
No. 413 Squadron Badge: In front of a maple leaf an elephant’s head affronte Motto: Ad vigilamus undis (We watch the waves) Authority: King George VI, October 1943 The elephant head represents the squadron’s operations from Ceylon, while the motto suggests its functions. Formed at Stranraer, Scotland on 1 July 1941 as the RCAF’s eleventh… Read More
