RCAF No 411 (Grizzly Bear) Squadron

RCAF No 411 (Grizzly Bear) Squadron

Motto: Inimicus Inimico (Hostile to the enemy)

Formed at Digby on 16 June 1941 as a fighter squadron, it was equipped with Spitfires. Declared operational in August, it began to carry out offensive sweeps over the continent the following month. Throughout 1942 and 1943, it alternated between Digby and other stations in Fighter Command conducting the usual round of offensive sweeps and defensive patrols along the East Coast.

In July 1943, the squadron became part of No126 Airfield of the 2nd Tactical Air Force and now lived under canvas. In October the squadron moved to Biggin Hill, where it re-equipped with Spitfire IXs and continued its offensive operations.

In April 1944 the squadron converted to the fighter-bomber role, although it did not lose its ability to operate in the pure fighter role. It covered the D-Day landing on 6 June and on the 18th it moved over to France, moving bases as required to keep up with the advancing Allied armies. With the war over the squadron remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces, disbanding at Utersen on 21 March 1946.

Battle Honours

Defence of Britain 1941-44, English Channel and North Sea 1942-43, Fortress Europe 1941-44, Dieppe France and Germany 1944-45, Arnhem Normandy 1944 Rhine

Squadron Codes used: - DB Jun 1941 - Jul 1945