No. 419 Squadron RCAF

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419 City of Kamloops Squadron
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419 City of Kamloops Squadron is a Air Force unit with the Canadian Forces. Based at CFB Cold Lake it is responsible for advanced tactical fighter training for pilots as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC)program.

[edit] Squadron History

419 Bomber Squadron formed in England in 1941. They remained in England until they were disbanded on 5 September 1945. While assigned to Bombing missions over Europe, Andrew Charles Mynarski a member of 419 Squadron was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on June 12, 1944.

The restored Lancaster operated by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario is painted in the markings of aircraft VR-A of 419 Squadron in honour of the actions of Pilot Officer Mynarksi. This is one of two Lancasters still in flying condition. The other is operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Reformed on March 15, 1955 as 419 All-Weather Fighter Squadron and moved to Baden-Soellingen,Germany shortly thereafter. They were equipped with the Avro CF-100 Canuck as part of Canada's NATO commitment. They were disbanded December 31, 1962.

Reformed at CFB Cold Lake on May 2, 1975 as 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. It was disbanded in 1995 when the CF-5 aircraft were retired.

Reformed again at Cold Lake on July 23, 2000 to conduct advanced lead in fighter training for Canadian and allied pilots.