ARCHIVED - The Battle of Britain: Army Cooperation Squadrons

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News Article / July 24, 2015

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force will gather on parade squares and at other venues across Canada in September to remember the brave men and women who served, supported and lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.

This year is special because we are marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle. In honour of “the few” who gave so much, we highlight the little-known Army cooperation pilots who flew during this famous battle.

By Major Mathias Joost

Each September, we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Canadians who served during the Battle of Britain. About 100 Canadians flew in the battle, mainly with No. 1 Fighter Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). However, there were two other Canadian squadrons present in Great Britain during the Battle of Britain whose activities and support are hardly ever mentioned.

These two squadrons were No. 110 and No. 112, each with the role of Army cooperation. During the Battle of Britain, they were instrumental in preparing and training for a potential invasion and supporting Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command and the RCAF’s No. 1 Fighter Squadron once the battle broke out.

As the battle raged on, the drain on Fighter Command’s resources grew. This resulted in perhaps the most significant contribution of No. 110 and No. 112 Squadrons – the injection of six Army cooperation pilots to No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF during the Battle of Britain.

The squadron would likely have been withdrawn from combat much earlier without this injection of fresh pilots. Their availability also allowed the squadron to maintain its Canadian identity but more importantly they allowed the squadron to keep flying and fighting until October 10. The pilots of No. 110 and No. 112 Squadrons who proceeded to No. 5 and No. 6 Operational Training Units may have been credited with participating in the Battle of Britain with No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF or RAF squadrons; however, their origin with the two army co-operation squadrons has been forgotten or missed.

The two Army cooperation squadrons in Great Britain have received little recognition for their support during the Battle of Britain. Yet, their support was very important to No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF in continuing operations and maintaining its Canadian identity and the pride of the RCAF in its role in this critical battle.

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