RAF No 18 Squadron emblem

RCAF No 414 (Sarnia Imperials) Squadron

Motto: Totis Viribis (With all our might)

Formed on 12 August 1941 at Croydon in the Army Co-operation role, it was equipped Lysanders and Tomahawks.

The squadron occupied itself with exercises and training with the Army during this early period of its career. In June 1942 it began to re-equip with the Mustang I and these were taken into action during the Dieppe landings of 19 August 1942.

It then began to carry out Rhubarbs and Populars over Northern France and The Channel, also undertaking convoy escort and coastal protection duties. By early 1944, it was flying Tactical and Photo Reconnaissance missions and on D-Day it spotted for the naval guns.

In August it re-equipped with Spitfire IXs and moved to the continent, from where it continued to support the Allied armies as they advanced towards Germany. It continued in this role up to the end of the war and disbanded at Luneburg on 7 August 1945.

Battle Honours

Defence of Britain 1941-43, Fortress Europe 1942-44,France and Germany 1944-45, Dieppe Normandy 1944, Arnhem Biscay 1943

Squadron Codes used: - RU Aug 1941 - early 1943

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This webpage was updated 30th June 2023

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