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 at a hangar located on the south side of the Vancouver Civic Airport on Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia.

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

No. 11 AC Squadron tasks included coordinating air operations with the Canadian Army coastal artillery batteries, assisting in reconnaissance, spotting for artillery fire, and performing anti-submarine patrols.

On November 15, 1937, it was redesignated No. 111 (Coast Artillery Cooperation) Squadron Non-Permanent (NP). With this new designation came more equipment and increased intensity of tasks.

The squadron, now at Patricia Bay, was disbanded on February 1, 1941. On November 3, 1941, the squadron was reformed as No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron, a fighter unit equipped with Kittyhawk MK1 aircraft. The Kittyhawk squadron was a whole new operation with the old number. By June 1942, they moved to Annette Island to cover Prince Rupert as part of the joint Canada – USA Aleutian campaign. A further move to Anchorage and then to Nome and Umnak Islands in the Aleutians, No. 111 (F) Squadron fought with distinction against the Japanese. The campaign had concluded by the end of 1943.

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.