Royal Canadian Air Cadets
395 "Griffon" Squadron
Squadron History
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395 Edmonton Squadron was formed on the 11th of April, 1946 and received its Charter on the 3rd of July, 1946 after operating for four months. This makes it one of a handful of squadrons formed right after the war had ended and; it is the only one still active. Since then many changes in training, facilities, sponsors, and staff have been made. The Squadron strength built up to over 200 cadets during the 50s and between 1968-79, making it the largest in Alberta and Western Canada for quite a few years. The first facility that 395 Squadron used was a hanger near the present-day N.A.I.T. In 1958 the hangar was destroyed by fire and temporary accommodation was later established in a WWII H-hut close to where the Ramada Inn on Kingsway is now located. As the Squadron had over 200 cadets parading as a wing with two complete squadrons the new facility was not large enough. So in 1959, 395 Squadron created a sister squadron, 699 Jasper Place, by moving one whole squadron (complete with staff) to the west end. The Squadron made its third move to the now demolished Northwest Air Command Communication Building just across the street from the H-hut on Kingsway Ave. From these cramped quarters, the Squadron moved in 1962 to its present facility, known at that time as Building 42, Kingsway Recreation Center and is known today as HMCS Nonsuch. During all these moves, and while 395 Squadron was still part of # 9 Wing, the Wing offices seemed to follow the Squadron around. 395 Squadron unofficially had female cadets ("cadettes") in 1952 and by the late 50's they formed a separate flight in # 9 Wing. One of these female cadets, FSGT Dianne Jamieson received her pilot wings in 1959. Until they were officially recognized in 1975, female uniforms were sewn by the girls and the Parent's Committee of 395 Squadron. The Squadron has been sponsored by the West Edmonton Rotary Club since the early 80s. Before that, 395 Squadron as well as 12, 504, 570, & 699 Squadrons (# 9 Wing) were sponsored by # 700 City of Edmonton Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Prior to that a group of civilian citizen minded people sponsored 395 Squadron. This was quite an accomplishment since most other squadrons were sponsored by some type of organization or club. Today, the Squadron has a Parent's Committee working with the sponsor, West End Rotary Club of Edmonton, to provide additional financial and moral support. Extra fund raising activities by the Parent's Committee and the Squadron have made possible many special activity trips. The major ones are listed below:
395 Squadron is very active throughout the training year participating in many extra activities such as the Battle of Britain, Remembrance Day, Church parades, working at the Air Show held every two years, community activities such as the Edmonton Food Bank Airlift, Poppy Sales, and numerous Band Concerts. Other activities are tours of Garrison Edmonton, Cold Lake, the City Center Airport, the Police Department, the U of A Observatory, and the Reynolds Museum to name a few and the ever popular weekend Bush Camps at Camp Wright. Familiarization glider flights approximately twice a year and power flying flights in small fixed wing plane, 408 Squadron and 417 Squadron CH146 Griffons are always extremely popular. The Squadron has always been successful in earning special awards and scholarship. 395 Squadron was presented Top Squadron in # 9 Wing several times and numerous times attained a rating in the top ten in the province. In 1973 the Squadron won the Top Squadron in Alberta award. Twenty years later 395 won the Most Improved Squadron in Alberta and the following year won the award for the Highest Proficiency in Alberta. In drill and sports the Squadron has won many awards:
Over the years 395 Squadron cadets have earned hundreds of scholarships, with over 80 Power Flying Scholarships and a dozen Exchange Visits. Each year 395 Squadron recognizes outstanding cadets with various
annual awards, presented each year at the Annual Parade and Banquet.
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