Brian is proud to give an update on the squadron as well as a bit of history. This squadron is one of the few that can document their history as most of the others have lost their documentation for various reasons.
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 Second World War had ended and it is the only one still active from this group. Since then, many changes in training, facilities, sponsors, and staff have been made. The Squadron strength built up to over 200 cadets during the 1950s as well as the years between 1968-79, making it the largest in Alberta and Western Canada for quite a few years. Currently, it is one of the top 3 largest units in the prairie provinces.
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.
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 proudly 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.
Brian was thanked by Zen Moisey.
The meeting was adjourned by Darrel.