417 Combat Support Squadron
Motto:
SUPPORTING LIBERTY AND JUSTICE
Battle Honours:
Defence of Britain 1942, Egypt and Libya 1942-43, North Africa 1943, Sicily 1943, Italy 1943-45, Salerno, Ansio and Nettuno, Gustaff Line, Gothic Line
History:
417 Fighter Squadron formed at Charmy Down, England, on 27 November 1941. On 13 April 1942, they moved to Africa, then to Malta on 15 June 1943, and on to Italy on 26 July 1943. They remained in Italy until they were disbanded on 30 June 1945. The squadron was reactivated at RCAF Station Rivers on 1 January 1947 as a Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron and deactivated there on 1 April 1949. On 11 March 1968, 417 Strike/Reconnaissance Operational Training Squadron stood up at RCAF Station Cold Lake, taking over from No.6 Strike/Reconnaissance Operational Training Unit. They disbanded on 1 July 1983 with the end of CF-104 training. On 1 April 1993, 417 Combat Support Squadron formed, taking over the duties of the Cold Lake Base Rescue Flight equipped with the CT-133 Silver Star and CH-146 Griffon. Currently the squadron flies only the CH-146 Griffon in yellow search and rescue markings.
Placed by a member of the Lakeland Geocachers