407 Long Range Patrol Squadron

407 Demon Squadron
Squadron badge
Information
Role	Long Range Patrol
Aircraft flown	Bristol Blenheim, Lockheed Hudson, Vickers Wellington, Avro Lancaster, CP-127 Neptune, CP-107 Argus, CP-140 Aurora
Wing	19 Wing Comox
Base	CFB Comox
Motto	To Hold On High
Call Sign	Demons
History
Date founded	8 May 1941
Badge	Winged Trident breaking an anchor
Notable Battle Honours	Atlantic 1941-43, English Channel and North Sea 1941-45, Fortress Europe 1942, German Ports 1942, Normandy 1944, Biscay 1942-45
Previous Designation

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

History

No. 407 Coastal Strike Squadron was formed at Thorney Island, England on the 8 May 1941, first training on the Bristol Blenheim. It was one of seven 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 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 at the end of the Second World War on 4 June 1945. 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 renamed as a Maritime Patrol Squadron.

The squadron has served continuously in Comox since 1952 flying the Lancaster, P2V-7 Neptune, and CP-107 Argus. On 28 June 1975, the squadron was present its Standard by the Honourable Walter Owen, Q.C. L.L.D. Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Today, 407 Squadron flies the updated CP-140 Aurora on coastal patrol, anti-submarine and long range patrol duties.

Squadron commanders

• 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 -

References

• The Demon Squadron, 407 Squadron in War and Peace, published as at the presentation of the Squadron Standard

External links

• [http:// Official website]
• CAF - History of 407 Squadron
• CAF - World War II Coastal Command