440 Transport Squadron

The history of the 440 Squadron can be traced back to October 5, 1932 when it was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia as No. 11 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, flying the DeHavilland DH-60 Moth aircraft.

On November 15, 1937, it was redesignated No. 111 (Coast Artillery Co-operation) Squadron. No. 111 (Coastal Artillery Cooperation) Squadron was stationed at Sea Island between May 31, 1935 and May 14, 1940, and again, between March 1, 1943 and January 6, 1944.

They had a hangar located on the south side of the Vancouver Airport until 1940. On July 1, 1940, they were redesignated No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron and relocated to form a detachment at Patricia Bay, near Victoria, on Vancouver Island. At this time, the squadron flew the Westland Lysander as no modern fighter aircraft were available.

The squadron was disbanded on Feburary 1, 1941 and reformed on November 3, 1941 flying the Curtiss Kittyhawk.

In the narrative of his Army recollections, Battery Sergeant-Major Robert Cecil Adams reports that he joined the 111 (Coast Artillery Co-operation) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF reserve) on Sea Island in 1936, an indication that at least one pre-war Army camp existed on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia by 1935. Sergeant Major Adams goes on to say he was born on May 22, 1918 in Vancouver, British Columbia and educated at private schools in Victoria, British Columbia and Port Hope, Ontario. He joined the 111 Squadron while employed by the British Columbia Electric Railway Company in Vancouver.

Between 1944 and May 1, 1995, No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron was redesignated 440 Squadron (Fighter Bomber), (Fighter), Communications and Rescue, and Transport and Rescue. It now operates under its last designation as 440 Transport Squadron.

If you wish to know more about the history of the 111 Squadron, its history, who served in the squadron and view a number of sourced photographs, the SIHS recommends the 111(F) Squadron website.