The 426 Squadron Standard


In 1943, King George VI announced that each RAF squadron would be entitled to receive a Standard after completing twenty-five years of service of after having earned the Sovereign's gratitude by completing especially outstanding operations. In 1955, a list of Second World War air battles approved by Queen Elizabeth as the Battle Honours of the RCAF was promulgated in Air Force Administrative Orders. This list announced the award of Battle Honours to each entitled RCAF overseas squadron, the end result of a review of the operations of all squadrons that operated during the Second World War. No 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron received the following Major Battle Honours and subsidiary Battle Honours:


ENGLISH CHANNEL AND NORTH SEA 1943

BALTIC 1943

FORTRESS EUROPE 1943-1944

FRANCE AND GERMANY 1944-1945

Biscay Ports 1943-1944

Ruhr 1943-1945

Berlin 1943-1944

German Ports 1943-1945

Normandy 1944

Rhine

BISCAY 1943


In 1958 the privilege of a Standard entitlement was extended to the RCAF. The Standard is the shrine of a squadron's traditions, a memorial to the devotion and sacrifices of past members, and an inspiration to those currently serving. It is honoured as a symbol of the Sovereign's trust in the squadron, and an emblem of the squadron's achievements. (Paraphrased from Thunderbirds at War, by Laurence Motiuk.)


Our Standard was presented by the Honourable Pauline M. McGibbon, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at CFB Trenton on 19 Aug '78. Emblazoned on the Standard are the Squadron's five Major Battle Honours and three of its subsidiary Battle Honours. In the centre is the Squadron crest of the '70s era, and around the border the various Provincial flowers.

 

No 426 Squadron marching on to the parade square with drums beating, swords drawn, and bayonets fixed.

 

The Standard being consecrated.

The Standard is marched before the Squadron for the first time.

Squadron march past in line with the Honourable P.M. McGibbon taking the salute.

Past members (many war vets) were in attendance, and had the honour of joining the march past.