Our Past is your Present!

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 Cooperation) 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.

RCAF 11 (CAC) Squadron Lysander Hangar on Sea Island, May 25, 1940
(Norman D. Eastman Collection)

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

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.