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 the desert, the sword air support to the army, and the fasces the fighting in Italy.

Formed as a Fighter Reconnaissance unit at Rivers, Manitoba on 1 June 1947, the squadron flew Mustang aircraft in close support training with army units until disbanded on 1 August 1948.

Brief Chronology: Formed at Rivers, Man. 1 Jan 47. Disbanded 1 Aug 48.

Commanders

• W/C J.D. Mitchner, DFC and Bar 11 Jun 47 – 1 Aug 48.

Higher Formation and Squadron Location

North West Air Command:

• Rivers, Man. 1 Jun 47 – 1 Aug 48.

Representative Aircraft (Unit Code AT)

North American Harvard Mk.II (Jul 47 – Jul 48)

• 3063 AT-W.

North American Mustang Mk.IV (Jul 47 – Jul 48)

• 9567 AT-F   9573   9577   9580 AT-B