407 Long Range Patrol Squadron

407 Long Range Patrol Squadron (abbreviated 407 LRP Sqn, formerly 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron) is a long range and maritime patrol squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It is located at 19 Wing Comox, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and operates the CP-140 Aurora.

407 Long Range Patrol Squadron
407e Escadron de patrouille à longue portée  (French)
Active
  • 1941–1945
  • 1952–present
CountryCanada
BranchRoyal Canadian Air Force
RoleLong range patrol
Part of19 Wing Comox
Based atCFB Comox
Nickname(s)Demon Squadron
Motto(s)To hold on high
Battle honours
  • Atlantic, 1943–1945
  • English Channel and North Sea, 1941–1945
  • Fortress Europe, 1942
  • German Ports, 1942
  • Normandy, 1944
  • Biscay, 1942–1945[1]
  • Arabian Sea[2]
Websitercaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/squadron/407-squadron.page
Aircraft flown
Bomber
Patrol
407 Sqn Hudsons over the UK in 1942

History

No. 407 Coastal Strike Squadron was formed at RAF Thorney Island, England on 8 May 1941, first training on the Bristol Blenheim. It was one of seven Article XV RCAF units to serve with RAF Coastal Command.

The squadron's wartime history can be divided into two periods. From September 1941 to January 1943, the squadron operated as a "strike" squadron attacking enemy shipping with the Lockheed Hudson. It was as a strike squadron that it won its reputation and its nickname "The Demon Squadron". On 29 January 1943 it was re-designated as 407 General Reconnaissance Squadron, and for the remainder of the war it protected friendly shipping from the U-boat threat operating the Vickers Wellington.

The squadron was disbanded on 4 June 1945 following the end of the Second World War. On 1 July 1952 the squadron was reactivated at RCAF Station Comox as 407 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron flying the Avro Lancaster. On 17 July 1956 it was redesignated as a Maritime Patrol Squadron.

The squadron has served continuously in Comox since 1952 flying the Lancaster, Lockheed Neptune, and Canadair CP-107 Argus. On 28 June 1975, the squadron was presented its Standard by the Honourable Walter Owen, Q.C. L.L.D. Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Currently, 407 Squadron flies the Lockheed CP-140 Aurora on coastal patrol, anti-submarine and long range patrol duties. It used these aircraft to conduct operations in the Arabian Sea after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks.

Squadron commanding officers
  • Lieutenant Colonel Garry Rheaume: 1997-1999
  • Lieutenant Colonel Gary Szczerbaniwicz: 1999-2002
  • Lieutenant Colonel Fred Bigelow: 2002 – 2004
  • Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ormsby: 2004 – 2006
  • Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hogan: 2006 – 2008
  • Lieutenant Colonel Mario Leblanc: 2008 – 2010
  • Lieutenant Colonel Dave Robinson: 2010 – 2012
  • Lieutenant Colonel Jason Kenny: 2012 – 2014
  • Lieutenant Colonel Andrew McCorquodale: 2014 - 2016
  • Major Kreager Graham: May 2016 - August 2016
  • Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Philippe Gagnon: August 2016 - August 2018
  • Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Castonguay: August 2018 – August 2020
  • Lieutenant Colonel Fil Bohac: August 2020 - Present

References

Citations
  1. Government of Canada, National Defence (9 March 2005). "407 Maritime Patrol Squadron". www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  2. Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada. "Honours & Recognition for the Men and Women of the Canadian Armed Forces 2016 10th Edition" (PDF). publications.gc.ca. p. 46. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2019. Retrieved 29 March 2019.

Bibliography
407 Squadron uniform patch, probably from the 60s.
  • Procter, Tom (1996). 407 Squadron History, 1941-1996. 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron Association.
  • Abbott, Kim (1987). Gathering of demons : 407 Demon Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, during its first year of operations, between May 8, 1941, and June 30, 1942, when it was engaged on low level shipping attacks along the coasts of occupied Europe. Perth, Ontario: Inkerman House. ISBN 096926710X.
  • LCOL Montgomery, B.T., ed. (1975). The Demon Squadron, 407 Squadron in War and Peace. CFB Comox, British Columbia: E.W. Binkle Ltd. ASIN B000PB087O.
  • Canadian Department of National Defence - Honours & Recognition for the Men and Women of the Canadian Armed Forces 10th Edition - 2016. Accessed 14 March 2019
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