405 Long Range Patrol Squadron

Squadron standard

Badge

Description

Argent an eagle's head erased proper sinister holding in its beak a sprig of three maple leaves Vert.

Significance

The motto refers to the fact that this was the first bomber squadron overseas, and the only pathfinder force squadron. The eagle's head, facing to the sinister to suggest leadership, is derived from the pathfinder badge.

Motto

DUCIMUS (We lead)

Battle honours

The Second World War

FORTRESS EUROPE, 1941-1944; FRANCE AND GERMANY, 1944-1945; Biscay Ports, 1941-1945; Ruhr, 1941-1945; Berlin, 1941, 1943-1944; German Ports, 1941-1945; Normandy, 1944; Walcheren; Rhine; BISCAY, 1942-1943.

Lineage

• Authorized as 'No.405 (Bomber) Squadron' 23 April 1941.^{Footnote 1}
• Disbanded 30 September 1945.^{Footnote 2}
• Reformed as ‘405 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron’ 1 April 1947.^{Footnote 3}
• Disbanded 1 October 1947.^{Footnote 4}
• Reformed as '405 (Maritime Reconnaissance) Squadron' 31 March 1950.^{Footnote 5}
• Redesignated '405 Maritime Patrol Squadron' 17 July 1956.^{Footnote 6}

Operational history

The Second World War

The squadron flew on night bombing operations in Great Britain under 'Bomber Command'. It carried out the Royal Canadian Air Forces' first bombing sorties on 12/13 June 1941. It also flew anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay while on loan to 'Coastal Command'.^{Footnote 8}

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