Welcome to the 415 Squadron Association Website.  It is our hope that you find the information on this site to be both informative and factual.   Our goal is to keep the memory of 415 Squadron a live and to treasure the contributions made by its many members throughout 48 years of service to Canada.   The Association currently has a membership of over 120 former Swordfish, as well as an active Executive, which normally meets twice a year.  Over the past two years considerable efforts have been expended by the Executive to update the Squadron History, procure promotional material, refurbish Squadron artefacts and prepare for the Seventieth Anniversary of the Squadrons Formation.

Five months have now passed since the Seventieth Anniversary Reunion activities that took place at 14 Wing Greenwood.  More than 200 former Squadron members attended the Reunion, many of whom joined the Association and became members of our Alumni.   It was wonderful to see so many Swordfish come together to celebrate the history of 415 Squadron and renew old friendships.  Representation from the Argus era was strong and we were fortunate to have two World War II veterans in attendance.   As noted in the Reunion Report, from start to finish the celebration was a tremendous success.  The Squadron display was outstanding and both the Meet & Greet and Dinner & Dance were well attended.   Of particular significance was the positive outcome of the 415 Squadron Association General Meeting, which was held during the Reunion.

Ideally an Association General Meeting is conducted when a significant number of the Alumni can be present.  Obviously the Reunion provided a perfect venue to ensure maximum participation.  We were not disappointed - over 60 members of the Alumni were present.  There was unanimous agreement for the continuance of the Association and its mandate under the direction of the current Executive.  As reported in the Minutes, volunteers were found to fill all the Association Executive positions.  An updated Constitution was adopted as were a number of reports.  Additionally members agreed to adopt the Soldier’s Memorial Veteran Wing as the designated Association charitable affiliation.   With an effective Executive in place and the Association financial status in good order, one can expect an equally successful Eightieth Reunion.

In the interim, the challenge for the Association is to build on the enthusiasm and strong support that was demonstrated at RV2011.  At the next Executive Meeting, scheduled for 24 November, we will explore a number of potential projects for 2012.  My intent is to identify three distinct activities that will further expand the historical record of the Squadron.  Of paramount concern is the need to capture stories from Swordfish Veterans from WWII.  To this end, I am happy to report that a number of family members have recently contacted the Association via swordfish.alumni@gmail.com to share information concerning parents and grand-parents who served on 415 during World War II.  We will endeavour to share one of their stories per month throughout 2012.  I would encourage any reader who wishes to participate in this program to contact the Association. 

In closing, the 415 Squadron Association has been refreshed and is eager to further enhance the historical record of the Swordfish.  To make this happen, the Executive needs input from former serving members and their families.  We have a growing Alumni, from which to draw valuable information and assistance.  The Alumni would be further strengthened by the addition of additional former serving member of the Squadron.  If you are not already an Alumnus, please consider joining our Association.

Ad Metam

Chris Henneberry

President