423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron

Squadron standard

Badge

Description

Argent a bald-headed eagle volant proper wings displayed and inverted, legs and claws extended.

Significance

The bald-headed eagle is a powerful bird of prey, from the Canadian side of the Atlantic. The motto refers to the squadron’s role as a coastal unit.

Motto

QUAERIMUS ET PETIMUS (We search and strike)

Battle honours

The Second World War

ATLANTIC, 1942-1945; ENGLISH CHANNEL AND NORTH SEA, 1944-1945; Normandy, 1944; BISCAY, 1944.

The Gulf War

GULF AND KUWAIT.

Coalition Operation – Libya

LIBYA, 2011

SOUTH-WEST ASIA

ARABIAN SEA

Lineage

• Authorized as 'No.423 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron' 18 May 1942.^{Footnote 1}
• Redesignated 'No.423 (Transport) Squadron' 5 June 1945.^{Footnote 2}
• Disbanded 4 September 1945.^{Footnote 3}
• Reformed as '423 All Weather Fighter Squadron' 1 June 1953.^{Footnote 4}
• Disbanded 31 December 1962.^{Footnote 5}
• Reformed as ''423 Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron' 3 September 1974,^{Footnote 6} from one-half of '50 Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron' (authorized 4 July 1955 [see also 443 Squadron]).^{Footnote 7}
• Designated in French ‘423e Escadron d’hélicoptères antisous-marins’ 9 September 1977. ^{Footnote 8}
• Redesignated '423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron' 30 January 1995.^{Footnote 9}

Operational history

The Second World War

The squadron flew on convoy escort and antisubmarine missions in Great Britain under 'Coastal Command' and on transport duties with 'Transport Command'.^{Footnote 10}

The Gulf War

The squadron participated with the multi-national Persian Gulf tactical air force in the United Nations action against Iraq.^{Footnote 11}

Coalition Operation – Libya

As part of Op MOBILE, 423 Squadron provided Helicopter Air Detachment 3 to embark on HMCS Charlottetown. ^{Footnote 12}

South-West Asia

At various points between 2001 and 2014, 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron deployed as part of allied maritime forces to the airspace above the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters. ^{Footnote 13}