419 SQUADRON RCAF

A Moose attacking, representing the squadron's nickname, is a fierce fighter indigenous to Canada.

Motto: MOOSA ASWAYITA - "Beware of the moose"

No. 419 Squadron formed at Mildenhall on 15 December 1941 as a Vickers Wellington squadron in No. 3 Group, Bomber Command. It started operations in January 1942, converting almost immediately to Wellington Mk IIIs with which it fought on, moving north to Leeming as part of the new No. 6 Group in August 1942. Here in November it re-equipped with Handley Page Halifax Mk IIs, which it flew for the next 18 months on the night offensive against Germany. After three quick moves it settled at Middleton St George in November and stayed there for the rest of its service in Bomber Command. In April 1944 the squadron began to convert to Avro Lancasters, using the Mk X which was produced in Canada and flown across the Atlantic.

It was with one of these that Pilot Officer A. C. Mynarski won the squadron's VC in June 1944.

P/O Andrew Charles Mynarski VC

The squadron remained continuously on the offensive until 25 April 1945, when it flew its last sortie. It flew back to Canada in June 1945 and was disbanded at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on 5 September 1945.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Lancaster MK X in flight. It is one of only 2 Lancasters flying today.