INTRODUCTION

1.      Welcome.  The Chairman thanked all members that had assembled and acknowledged the efforts of those members unable to participate due to distance or operations.  There was only one outstanding Action Item from previous meetings – promulgation of the updated Squadron History, which is discussed below. 

2.      Of great interest, it was noted that a decision had been taken by the 14 Wing Commander, Col Bill Seymour, to host a Seventh Anniversary of the formation of 404, 405, 413 and 415 Squadrons.  The agreement to include 415 Squadron, even though it is disbanded, was a direct result of the intervention of the 415 Squadron Association.  As members should recall, the Association Charter clearly states that one of its key mandates is to hold a Seventh Reunion circa 2011/2012.

3.      Another key mandate of the Association was to ensure Squadron artifacts and memorabilia were safeguarded and readily available should the Squadron be reactivated.  There had been some hope that reactivation was possible with the probable acquisition of an Operational Level Unmanned Arial System (UAS).  Increasingly it appears that such an acquisition has been pushed to the right and that an initial operating capability will not occur prior to 2015 and may be even further delayed. 

4.      Given the above, the Chairman suggested that the focus of the Executive should be first and foremost identified with the Reunion now scheduled as RV 2011, which will take place during the period 9-12 June 2011.

ACTION

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DISCUSSION

5.       Update of Activities:   Committee members provided a summary of their activities over the past year.  A master list of artifacts has now been promulgated.  Committee members were pleased with recent upgrades to the website.  An update Alumni list is available on the website.  All members were urged to seek out and encourage former Swordfish to join the Association.

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6.        Treasurer Report:   Bill Brown advised the Committee that the current Bank Account was $4149.08.   There was one small outstanding bill of approximately $25.00 to be processed.

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7.       Historian Report: Maj Chris Larsen advised that the updated History had been completed following in put provided by Col Yvan Boilard.  Over the next few months a copyright notification will be issued and the History will be registered with the Library of Canada.  MP&EU will be engaged to assist in transforming the History into a publishing format and to assist in the development of a “Jewel” case for the CD, which should be available by end June 2010.  An update will be provided at the next Association meeting.

Maj Larsen

8.      RV 2011 CONOPs:  The 14 Wing Reunion Chairman, Maj Chris Davison, provided a summary of the coordinating activities which have already taken place.  The draft program of events follows:

Thur 09 - International Day (dependent upon international participants)

Fri 10 – Registration, Golf Day plus Meet & Greet

Sat 11 – Reunion Day, exhibits, tours and Dinner & Dance

Sun 12 – Brunch and Memorial event.

9.    Each of the major events will be sponsored by 404, 405 or 413 Squadrons.  It can be expected that registration will take place at VPI, the Meet & Greet at the Annapolis Mess, Reunion Exhibits on the CANEX parking area and the Dinner & Dance in 14 Hangar.  Precise details will be forthcoming however it is likely that approximately 600 sq ft of covered and secured area will be provided for the Squadron exhibits.

10.     A Bay of Fundy Memorial will be erected in Margaretville Nova Scotia.  It can be expected that a parade to unveil a black granite memorial stone will occur on Sunday 12 June to remember aircrew lost in the Bay of Fundy during World War II.

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11.   Friends of East Moor Memorial:  The 2010 Memorial will be held at Sutton-on-the-Forest on Saturday 22 May at 1400.  Details concerning the Memorial are available at www.415Sqn.com  At least three Swordfish will be present at this year’s ceremony.  

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12.     Reunion Preparations:  There was unanimous agreement that the Association should focus on the following slogan suggested by Rick Anscomb KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE as we prepare for the Reunion. 

·        RV2011 Representation.  The Chairman will continue to attend Wing Level Reunion Meetings.  A volunteer to act as a backup is required.

·        Letter will be written to former Cos and Chiefs to solicit their participation and ideas on how to make the Reunion a memorable event.

·        A number of initial suggestions were made concerning the acquisition of unique 415 memorabilia for the Reunion.  Ideas included: lapel pin, coin and tie.  Member input is solicited such that a decision can be taken on what to purchase by Sep 2010.

·        Develop a link to the RV2011 Website once it is on line.

·        A volunteer is required to produce an advertisement to attract former Swordfish.  The advert would be distributed to Wing Newspapers, the Legion Magazine, the Air Force magazine, etc.

·        A concept for the Squadron Display will be discussed at the next Association meeting.  A coordinator for this activity is required.

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Chairman

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Bert Campbell

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13.    Association Charter:  The requirement to update the Association Charter was discussed.  It was decided that an updated Charter would be prepared and presented at an Association General Meeting to be held during RV 2011.  First draft to be presented to the Executive in Sep 2010.

Chairman

14.    Museum Display:  The Museum has asked the Association to consider developing a diorama that depicts an event in 415s WWII history.  A few possibilities were discussed but a way ahead was not determined.  Once again a volunteer is required to step forward to move this initiative along.

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ADJOURNMENT

15.           It was proposed to hold the next Association meeting in Greenwood on Wednesday 30 June at 1300.  A draft Agenda will be promulgated by 20 Jun. 

SA Chairman

16.            The action list at Annex A was reviewed and confirmed.  There being no further business, the meeting of the SA was adjourned.

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