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438 Squadron - thanks to RCAF.com

No. 438 Squadron

Nickname: City of Montreal, Wildcat
Motto: GOING DOWN

Battle Honours
Fortress Europe 1944, France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944 Arnhem Rhine

Its Badge, the head of a wildcat affronte. The wildcat represents the squadron's nickname. The motto is taken from the last instruction of the formation leader when Typhoon bombers of this unit were about to attack.

The squadron was initially equipped with Hawker Hurricane Mk IV's, later converting the Hawker Typhoon Mk IB in January 1944. The Squadron formed No. 143 Wing, along with Nos. 439 and 440 squadrons, RCAF, and were involved during the spring in the pre-invasion 'softening-up' raids and then flew in the close support role with No. 83 Group

Background: The War Years

Authorized on 1 September 1934 as No. 18 Bomber Squadron of the Non-Permanent Active Air Force, based at St. Hubert, the unit was redesignated as No. 118 Squadron in November 1937.

During the war the squadron served on the east coast for a time before it was transferred to the other side of the country for a tour in B.C. and Alaska. Then, late in 1943, it was sent overseas, where it received its present designation of No. 438.

, 2nd TAF. Based on the continent in the fighter bomber role few aerial engagements took place but No. 438 was able to claim 1 aerial victory.

One memento of its wartime role as a fighter-bomber squadron is its motto, "Going Down", which derives from the radio call of formation leaders as they went into their bombing dive. At the end of hostilities, after more than five years of distinguished service, the squadron was disbanded in Germany. Twelve years almost to a day from the date of its first formation.

Representative Aircraft

Background: The Cold War

After the war it became No. 438 City of Montreal(F) Squadron (Reserve) and was equipped with Vampires and Sabres.

Representative Aircraft

Background: Unification

Reformed as an Air Reserve squadron at CFB Montreal the squadron flew the CSR-123 Otter and eventually the CH-136 Kiowa helicopter.

Representative Aircraft

Background: The Present

In 1981 the squadron changed roles, becoming 438 Tactical Helicopter squadron and currently flies the CH-146 Griffon.

Representative Aircraft