| 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron | ||
|---|---|---|
Squadron badge |
||
| Information | ||
| Role | Transport and Rescue | |
| Aircraft flown | CH-149 Cormorant | |
| Wing | 19 Wing | |
| Base | CFB Comox | |
| Motto | Un Dieu, une Reine, un Coeur (One God, One Queen, One Heart) | |
| Call Sign | Snake | |
| History | ||
| Date founded | January, 1944 | |
| Badge | A representation on Haietlik or Lightning Snake | |
| Notable Battle Honours | Fortress Europe 1944, France and Germany 1944-1945, Normandy 1944, Arnhem, Rhine, Aleutians 1943 | |
| Previous Designation | No.14 Fighter Squadron and 121 Composite Unit | |
442 Transport and Rescue Squadron is a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force of the Canadian Forces. Based at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island it provides Search and Rescue coverage for the West Coast of Canada. The squadron is currently equipped with the CH-149 Cormorant and CC-115 Buffalo
Contents |
Beginning as No 14 Squadron RCAF, it transferred to England in January 1944 and became 442 Squadron in keeping with overseas numbering of Commonwealth Air Force Units. During the war it was known as the "City of Vancouver" squadron.
During Operation Bodenplatte, 442 Squadron were operating under No. 126 Wing RCAF and were based at Heesch air strip. The Hessch strip had been built in October 1944, was likely unknown to the Luftwaffe. It is believed Luftwaffe JG 6 [1] had been launched to target Volkel airfield but, as they approached the airfield of Heesch and some pilots assumed it to be Volkel. Fortunately command had dispatched its No. 411 and No. 442 Squadrons on recce missions early that morning so the majority of its units were airborne. Very little damage was done at Heesch.[2]
442 disbanded in England in 1945 following the end of hostilities.
The squadron then reformed at Vancouver as an Auxiliary (Reserve) Fighter squadron. The Name City of Vancouver was added while stationed at RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver International Airport). It was disbanded in 1964 and reformed at Comox as a Search and Rescue squadron. The 442 squadron has served in the Canadian Forces since then.