REPORT ON 415 SQUADRON’S SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

 The Seventieth Anniversary of the formation of 415 Squadron was celebrated on the weekend of 08-10 June 2011.  This celebration took place in conjunction with 404, 405 & 413 Squadrons at 14 Wing Greenwood.   After more than one year of joint planning, Rendezvous 2011 occurred under beautiful, sun filled and moon lit skies.  There were over 600 participants who joined in the festivities, which included: Meet & Greet, Golf Day, Squadron Displays, Unit Tours, Dinner & Dance and the Annual VPI Memorial Service.  In every respect the Reunion weekend was a huge success.  More than 200 former Swordfish were in attendance and over 150 of those pledged 415 Squadron as their primary affiliation.  Of even greater significance many of those in attendance chose to join the 415 Squadron Association and as a result, the Alumni now has over 120 members.

Since 415 Squadron was stood down in 2005, the Association assumed full responsibility for the planning and coordination of the Seventieth celebration.  Early on the Association Executive chose to participate in a joint celebration with resident 14 Wing Squadrons and VPI.  Known as “RV2011”, the Association was accepted as a full partner and played a key role in the design and conduct of the Reunion.  Each participating unit took responsibility for organizing one of the programmed RV2011 events.  The 415 Association teamed up with VPI to host the Reception Venue.   In addition, each of the four Squadrons agreed to develop a unit display, which would be showcased at the main event held in a large tent in front of the 14 Wing Museum and adjacent to the Memorial Gardens.   The 415 Display surpassed all others in both its content and variety.

 Thanks to the efforts of the Association Reunion Committee the 415 display, which showcased the Squadron’s proud heritage, was exceptional in every respect.  It included many poignant artefacts spanning the Squadron’s history as well as the Squadron Albums, which had been completely refurbished for the Reunion.  Grateful thanks are extended to a number of on-job-trainees who were awaiting courses at 404 Squadron and shared their time and talents to assist in the refurbishment of the Albums.  This work could not have otherwise been achieved in time for RV2011.  In addition three new portable displays, which highlight the three distinct eras of the Squadron’s history, were unveiled.   Most importantly, as a result of the support and cooperation of the 14 Wing Museum, the Association Reunion Committee was able to leverage both much needed working space and Those who attended the Reunion were thoroughly impressed with the quality and variety of the Squadron display and without exception had kind and supportive words to extend to the Association.  

Of course the two main goals of the Reunion were to celebrate the history of the Squadrons and to renew old friendships.  The construct of the Reunion combined with the good turnout meant that these goals were easily achieved at RV2011.  With respect to 415 Squadron, not only were there many in attendance from the Argus era, we were also fortunate to have two WWII veterans in attendance:  Arnold Blenkhorn and Alfred Smith; both of whom flew from East Moor.

 During the Reunion an Association General Meeting was held.  Over 60 members of the Alumni were present and many of them made valuable suggestions and comments concerning the mandate of the Association.  It was certainly clear to all in attendance that a strong and supportive mandate was handed to the Association Executive.  The highlights of the meeting included:  the adoption of an updated Constitution;  general agreement that the 415 Squadron Association was needed and should continue with its mandate as outlined in the Constitution;  sufficient volunteers came forward to fill all Executive positions;  and agreement that the Association should enter into a charitable affiliation with the Veteran's Wing of Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS.   Members were advised that over the next few years the Executive will focus its activities to further enhance the history of the Squadron by acquiring testimonials from Swordfish veterans and their families. 

A great time was had by all at the Dinner & Dance.  It was decided to go with open seating given that many participants had multiple Squadron affiliations.  413 Squadron’s Hangar floor was the venue for this catered party.  The full Stadacona Band provided music throughout the evening.  Remarkably meals were served quickly and the food was well prepared, plentiful and most importantly served hot.  Speeches were kept to a minimum, and banter amongst friends and colleagues was relentless.  We were fortunate to have seven former Commanding Officers present all of whom enjoyed the evening and helped make it such a memorable occasion. 

I believe that all members of the Swordfish Alumni would agree that the Reunion provided a welcomed impetus to revitalize interest in the Squadron’s history, to update Squadron records and to reaffirm the desire to maintain an Association.  With these thoughts in mind, an historical record of the Reunion is being developed and in due course an entry will be placed in the 2000 Squadron Album and a new section added to the Association Website.  These records would be significantly enhanced, if Reunion participants were to share one or two of their special e-pictures including a short summary with the Association via: swordfish.alumni@gmail.com 

In closing RV2011 was a great event and as participants bid farewell the common words heard were “See you at the next Reunion”.   Given our strong Association, including an effective Executive with its financial affairs in good order, one can expect that the next 415 Reunion will be equally successful.

AD METAM

Chris Henneberry

415 Squadron Association President