Window on Westmount Web

401 "CITY OF WESTMOUNT" SQUADRON

                       The mighty HARVARD          

F/O David Nicholson click to see a Vampire in which he broke the sound barrier

Vampire & F/O DTN

From the comfort of late 20th century Canada, where fighting for a country's survival seems to involve such things as the language of indoor signs in a K-Mart, it is sobering to look back over one-half a century ago, when the whole world really had something to worry about: when Hitler was poised to finish off Britain and gain total domination over Europe.

Back in 1940, the main thing stopping Hitler was the 67 squadrons of the Royal Air Force that defended Britain itself. There was just one non-RAF squadron: the only Canadian unit to fight in the Battle of Britain - No. 1 Fighter Squadron, RCAF, which was later to be renamed 401 "City of Westmount" Squadron. All air and ground crew in this squadron were Canadians. And not just any Canadians. Many of its pilots were from Westmount, among them were Hartland Molson and A. D. Nesbitt. Frank McGill, who became Air Vice-Marshall, actually created the squadron.

I imagine 401's pilots sitting in wicker chairs outside the wooden dispersal hut, wearing Mae West life jackets, waiting for the call from a black Bakelite telephone that would send them up on yet another sortie. What did they think as they scrambled, running toward their Hawker Hurricanes? The Hurricane was a plane with a top speed of 335 mph. Parts of its wings and fuselage even had a fabric skin. It was the mainstay of the RAF in 1940, but getting replaced with the faster Spitfires.

Many 401 pilots had to bale out over the sea, becoming members of the "Goldfish Club". Survivors had to go back in the air the day after being fished out of the drink. And then there was the red tape. RCAF headquarters ordered that sweaters and scarves were not to be worn in place of collars and ties. Nor could you tuck your pants into your flying boots.

As well as being the only Canadian unit to fight in the Battle of Britain, 401 was also the first Canadian squadron to engage the Luftwaffe and the first RAF or RCAF squadron to score a victory over a jet fighter. 401 flew more sorties (10,527!) and downed more enemy planes (195), than any other RCAF squadron during the War. This came at a heavy price. 53 of its pilots were killed.

So it was understandable that, at the Battle of Britain parade that was held in the Westmount arena last Sunday, and where the laying-up ceremony of 401's colours was held following its disbandment in June of this year, that at least one hundred vets showed up on parade. They marched alongside serving Air Force members and cadets. During the parade, a few cadets fainted, but no old-timers.

So the 401 is no more. The 401's colours with their battle honours have found their only appropriate resting place: Westmount City Hall. So when you see that glass case, think of the sacrifices our brave airmen made, and think of the Westmounters who fought in the skies above a little island during the darkest hours of the Battle of Britain. The Avro arrow night #777 jan 22

Chubby's Air ForceRCAF a/c Historical Archives