Band History

On February 23rd 1909 J.A. McCurdy made the first powered flight in Canada. August 4th 1914 WWI broke out in Europe. 22,000 Canadians joined the RFC. Over 800 of them were decorated while 1,563 paid the supreme sacrifice. Almost 40% of allied pilots with 30 victories or more in the Great War were Canadian, and the highest scoring ace of the allied side was Canadian, Billy Bishop. Canada’s highest decorated war hero William Barker who also flew in the Great War. In 1919 it was decided that in peacetime an Air Force was not required and in 1920 Canada’s newly created No. 1 and No. 2 Squadrons were disbanded.

Early Beginnings:

  • On April 1, 1924 The Royal Canadian Air Force began operations.
  • On October 5th 1932, No.1 Army Cooperation Wing was established with Squadrons No. 10, 11 and 12. 10 Squadron would be in Toronto, later on December 16th No. 11 Squadron was assigned to Vancouver and 12 Squadron at Winnipeg.
  • 10 Squadron was authorized on October 5th 1932.
  • In December 1934, 10 Squadron was the first Squadron officially granted a city title, the City of Toronto and in April 1935 the Squadron officially became 10 (City of Toronto)(Army Co-operation) Squadron.
  • 10 Squadron was later re-named 110 Squadron in 1937, with the looming conflict in Europe, as it was decided that Canada may need more Squadrons than the two digits would allow. 110 Squadron was the first RCAF Squadron overseas.
  • 1941, to avoid confusion in Britain, Canada was assigned the 400-449 series numbers to differentiate Canada from Britain and other Commonwealth Air Forces, so 110 became 400. Squadron’s role in the war was armed reconnaissance and they flew the Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk in 1941.
  • 1942, change to Mustangs. In August 400 Squadron flew over Dieppe raid. Along with reconnaissance missions, “Popular”, “Rhubarb”, “Rangers”, “Intruders” and “Noball” missions all to create havoc for the enemy, costal patrols and surface vessel reconnaissance added to Squadron duties. 400’s first aerial victory over a Bf109.
  • 1943, Squadron earned the nick-name “The Train Busters”. Documentary film shot featuring the Squadron in action. Unarmed Mosquitos and Spitfires were added for high altitude work. Squadron flew reconnaissance for Operation Crossbow, Operation Jericho & Operation Renovate.
  • 1944, on D-Day-1 400 Squadron did about 1/2 of the reconnaissance, then flew support during the first 25 days of Operation Overloard. In July, 400 the first RCAF Squadron moved to Normandy.
  • 1945, moved to Belgium for Operation Varsity, the crossing of the Rhine. 400 was the first RCAF Squadron to cross the Rhine into Germany.
Post War:
  • 1946, 400 Auxiliary Squadron, reformed as fighter-bomber based at Malton, Ontario and flew Harvards. The Squadron would re-locate to Downsview and Vampire jet fighters were added.
  • 1955 Lockheed T-33 Silver Star fighter.
  • 1956 Sabre Jet fighters
  • 1958 Expediters with the role change to transport.
  • 1960 Expediters were augmented with Otters.
  • 1966 The Expediter retired.
  • 1968 Re-assigned Mobile Command and search and rescue.
  • 1980 Conversion to Kiowa Helicopters
  • 1987 Helicopter Operational Training
  • 1996 Relocation to Borden, conversion to CH-146 Griffon Helicopters
  • The present 400 Squadron is currently based at Borden, flying CH-146 Griffons, with various taskings. The Squadron Crest is an Eagle’s head, eyes in the sky, on crossed Tomahawks, the first wartime operational aircraft. The motto “Percussuri Vigiles” On Watch To Strike.

400 Sqn Heraldic Crest