Formation

395 Squadron Edmonton was formed on the 11th of April 1946 and received its Charter on the 3rd of July 1946 after operating for four months. This makes it one of a handful of squadrons formed right after the war had ended and the only one still active. Since then many changes in training, facilities, sponsors, and staff have been made. The Squadron strength built up to over 200 cadets during the 50’s and between 1968 and 1979 making it the largest in Alberta and Western Canada for quite a few years.

Parading as a Wing

The first hanger/facility for 395 was the WW2 hanger on the former site of the Edmonton Flying Club. The second facility that 395 Squadron used was a hanger near the present day N.A.I.T. In 1958 the hangar was destroyed by fire and temporary accommodation was later established in a WWII HHut close to where the Edmonton Inn is now located.

As the Squadron had over 200 cadets parading as a wing with two complete squadrons, the new facility was not large enough. So in 1959, 395 Squadron created a sister squadron, 699 Jasper Place, by moving one whole squadron complete with staff to the west end. The Squadron made its third move to the now demolished Northwest Air Command Communication Building just across the street from the Hhut on Kingsway Ave. From these cramped quarters, the Squadron moved in 1962 to its present facility, known at that time as Building 42, Kingsway Recreation Centre and is known today as HMCS Nonsuch.

Recognition of Females

During all these moves and while 395 Squadron was still part of # 9 Wing, the Wing offices seemed to follow the Squadron around.

395 Squadron unofficially had female cadets (cadettes) in 1952 and by the late 50’s they formed a separate flight in # 9 Wing. The female uniforms were sewn by the girls and the parents of 395 Squadron. One of these female cadets, F/Sgt Dianne Jamieson received her pilot wings in 1959. Later in 1975, the females were officially recognized by the military, subsequently by the cadet movement as part of the cadet organizations, land, sea and air.

The Squadron has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmonton West since the early 80’s. Before that, 395 Squadron as well as 12, 504, 570, & 699 Squadrons (# 9 Wing) were sponsored by # 700 City of Edmonton Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Prior to that a group of civilian citizen minded people sponsored 395 Squadron. This was quite an accomplishment since most other squadrons were sponsored by some type of organization or club. Today, the Squadron has a Parent’s Committee working with the sponsor to provide additional financial and moral support. The Squadron Banner was purchased by Hazel Dyer, a member of the 700 Wing Ladies Auxiliary, in memory of her son, Ryan. She presented the banner to 395 Squadron on November 30, 1982.

Major F.H. Mathew, OMM, CD2

Major Frank Hubert Mathew deserves special mention for his long and distinguished career with Air Cadets. As a member of the Edmonton School Boys Band, which joined enmasse in 1939 a newly formed Air Cadet Unit (to become in 1941 #12 Edmonton Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron), he was one of the very first air cadets in Canada. He like many other air cadets went on to join the wartime RCAF as aircrew in 1942. He was trained as a bombardier and was one of three on his course to receive his commission on graduation. Though he was slated for overseas, the war ended before he made it over. In 1947 he joined 12 Squadron as an instructor for a short time before he moved to the newly formed 504 Squadron as Equipment (Supply) Officer. In 1948 he was asked to take over another fairly new squadron which had only 15 cadets parading. Major Mathew was Commanding Officer of 395 Squadron for 31 years during which time he made the Squadron the biggest and most progressive in western Canada. This educated man also worked at summer camps in Gimli, Man., Sea Island, B.C., Namao and Penhold, Alta. every year from 1948 to 1981. After 34 years of dedicated service as a CIL Officer, Major Frank Mathew was made an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1983.

Squadron Affiliation With 417 Squadron, CFB COLD LAKE

In 1993, under CO Maj Stephen Wakeman, 395 Squadron entered into an affiliation with the newly reformed 417 Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake. 417 Squadron was formed from Cold Lake Base Flight flying T33 jets and Iroquois helicopters. The Squadron has replaced the Iroquois with three new Griffon helicopters.  With the kind permission of the then CO of 417 Squadron, Maj Wregget, 395 Squadron adopted the badge and motto of 417 Squadron. The Badge:

In front of a palm tree eradicated a sword and fasces in saltire. The motto: Supporting Liberty and Justice.  Formed in England on 27 November 1941, 417 Fighter Squadron, flying Hurricanes and later Spitfire aircraft was the only Canadian squadron in the Desert Air Force. The squadron operated with the 8th Army in North Africa, in the Sicilian landings, and in Italy in close support of the army. The palm tree suggests the desert, the sword air support to the army, and the fasces the fighting in Italy. The squadron was disbanded in Italy on 30 June 1945. Battle Honours:

• Defence of Britain 1942

• Egypt and Libya 1942-43

• North Africa 1943

• Sicily 1943

• Italy 1943-45:Salerno, Anzio and Nettuno, Gustav Line, Gothic Line

Sponsor: Rotary Club of Edmonton (West)

395 Squadron is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmonton West. They provide financial and moral support during our training year (September-June). Rotary Club started its sponsorship in September 1980.

395 Squadron Alumni Association

The squadron has had many cadets and staff join the unit and over the years when they have aged out, retired or moved on. It is estimated that over 3,000 former cadets, officers and staff have been through the unit since 1946. In 2009, two commanding officers, Major Andrus and Major Ste-Croix decided that a legacy of the unit would be to create an alumni organization. On Oct 8, 2010 at the Chateau Louis Lounge, the Alumni had their first meeting which was attended by Brian Andrus, Don Ste-Croix, Karen Butkowski, John Larsen.

In the 10 years of the Alumni’s existence we have accomplished quite a few things including, fundraising (family hypnosis shows, silent auctions and selling jet plane ride raffle tickets, organized two reunions in celebration of the squadron’s major anniversaries, organized several member meet and greets, and organized a camping trip weekend near Barrhead). On an ongoing basis, we support the squadron financially and morally and are actively involved with the squadron assisting with mock selection boards and effective speaking competitions. We annually attend the 395 Griffon coin parade and the Annual Cadet Parade (ACR).