“To the hallowed memory of our colleagues”

412 Squadron consecrates new colours at Canada Aviation Museum

By Holly Bridges

The new 412 Transport Squadron colours draped over three drums during the consecration ceremony with the Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, looking on.  Credit: Corporal Issa Paré

In a sacred ceremony dating back centuries, the battle honours, or colours, of 412 Transport Squadron have been born anew at the hand of the Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces.  Brigadier-General Stan Johnstone officially consecrated the new colours amidst age-old pageantry at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa on October 10.

“For as much as men and women at all times have made for themselves signs and emblems of their alle­giance to their rulers, and of their duty to uphold those laws and institutions which God’s prov­idence has called them to obey, we, following this ancient and pious custom, are met together before God to ask His blessing on these col­ours, which are to represent to us our duty towards our sover­eign and our country,” said BGen Johnstone as he begun the consecration ceremony.

Colours are the embodiment, the visual symbol, of loyalty to the crown, to the nation, and to the unit in which one serves. Displayed on the colours are the battle honours of the unit, which represent its most glorious achievements. 

No longer carried in battle, colours are still an important part of many military traditions and ceremonies. When they become unserviceable or damaged through wear and tear, they are laid up and replaced with great respect and appropriate ceremony. Once laid up, they are deposited in a safe place and are not brought back into service again.  The colours that were laid up were first brought into service in 1964.

Following the marching out of the old colours and the marching in of the new colours and their official consecration, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean addressed members of the squadron and their families.  The squadron provides VIP transportation to the Governor General, high-ranking government officials, and foreign dignitaries, at home and abroad.

Major Chris Ashton, a pilot with 412 (T) Squadron, tenderly drapes the new colours over the drums during the consecration ceremony. Credit: Corporal Issa Paré

“As the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, I of course know how deeply significant this ceremony is for a squadron such as yours.  And as someone who has had the privilege of flying with the professionals of 412 Transport Squadron, I am very aware of the exemplary job you do, often in very challenging conditions.  Everyone gathered here knows that you have much to be proud of.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, echoed her Excellency’s comments, reminding everyone that the service and sacrifice the battle honours represent dates back more than 60 years.

“The (Falcon) squadron can trace its roots to the very first day that Canada entered the Second World War, on September 10, 1939 when #12 Communications Flight was created at RCAF Station Ottawa. The battle honours proudly displayed on the colours represent some of (the squadron’s) most glorious achievements but are only a small part of their contributions over the years in war and peace,” said LGen Lucas.

But it was perhaps when one of the squadron’s original members stood to speak that the crowd fell silent, hushed in silent contemplation of what the squadron’s colours really stand for.  412 (T) Sqn Honorary Colonel Charlie Fox, a Second World War member of 412 (T) Sqn and Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar recipient who flew three sorties on D-Day with the squadron, took the opportunity to remember all those he served with, and all those who never came home.  In particular, he recalled fellow pilot Andy Howden who was killed in action.

“I got a medal, while Andy Howden got an obituary.  I say, ‘who’s the hero?’  It’s not Charlie Fox.  It’s all the Andy Howdens that didn’t come home, and that’s why 412 accepting the new battle honours and colours is so important.  So today, I say, ‘we will remember them.’”

HCol Fox’s comments were not lost on Master Seaman Nicole Durant, a flight steward with 412 (T) who acted as his assistant during his trip to France for the 60th anniversary of D-Day aboard the CC-144 Challenger three years ago.

“Charlie Fox is just an outstanding man and Honorary Colonel for our squadron,” said MS Seaman following the ceremony.  “The whole event just sent chills up my spine because we’re such a small group at 412 Squadron; we’re like a family.  I think you can say that pretty much with whatever element you’re working with, but being at 412 you’re put into a lot of different situations, you’re under a lot of pressure at times, with timings (to get our VIPs to their destinations).  You’re just a really close bunch and it’s absolutely outstanding to be able to experience what I did today.”

The 412 (T) Squadron’s old colours will be kept at the Canada Aviation Museum in perpetuity. 

The history of 412 (T) Squadron

412 (T) Sqn Honourary Colonel Charlie Fox chats with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General, in front of a wartime Spitfire at the Canada Aviation Museum after the consecration ceremony. Credit: Corporal Issa Paré

On 1 April 1947, 412 (Composite) Squadron was formed from the amalgamation of Number 12 Communications Flight, originally created on 10 September 1939, and 412 (Fighter) Squadron, created on 30 June 1941 at Digby, England. From those early and heroic years, the squadron evolved into the unit that it is today. The squadron assumed its current role of VIP transport in 1949.

Over the years, the squadron has achieved many firsts. In January 1950, a flight to a Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Conference in Ceylon (today’s Sri Lanka) marked the squadron’s first flight around the world. The squadron was the first squadron of any air force worldwide to operate jet transport aircraft, when it acquired its first Comet in 1953. On 25 September 1964, it became the first regular force squadron to receive its Colours.

Throughout its history, the squadron has flown a wide variety of aircraft, from the Spitfire of the Second World War to today’s CC-144 Challenger. Today. It is based in Ottawa, but belongs to 8 Wing Trenton. The Squadron employs 16 pilots, seven flight stewards and nine civilian employees. Transport Canada assumed responsibility for the maintenance of its six aircraft in 1994.

Battle Honours:

• Defence of Britain 1941 – 44
• Fortress Europe 1941 – 44
• Dieppe
• Arnhem
• English Channel and North Sea 1942 – 43
• France and Germany 1944 – 45
• Normandy 1944
• Rhine