News and Events


Bomber Command Museum of Canada
Twenty-fifth Anniversary
AUGUST,  2011   SUMMER   EVENT



"A   SALUTE   to   408   SQUADRON"

Bomber Command Museum
August 20, 2011

Event Schedule
                        

Canadian
408 Squadron Losses


408 Squadron Halifax crew




408 Photo-reconnaissance crew in 1957




408 Squadron in Afghanistan




408 Squadron in Afghanistan
  Download  Event Poster

As part of the celebration of the museum's Twenty-fifth Anniversary, the museum will be honouring No. 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron currently based at Edmonton Garrison.

2011 is the Seventieth Anniversary of the formation of the squadron during the darkest days of World War II. No. 408 distinguished itself while serving with Bomber Command, flying Hampden, Halifax, and Lancaster aircraft. Canada's Bomber Command Memorial on the front lawn of the museum includes the names of the 425 members of No. 408 Squadron who were killed.

From 1949 until 1964, the squadron was based at Rockcliffe from which they flew Lancasters in a wide variety of roles.

From 1968 until 1970, the squadron became a Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying T-33's in a ground attack and aerial combat role based at Rivers, Manitoba.

Since 1971, 408 has been a Tactical Helicopter Squadron flying Twin Huey, Kiowa, and most recently Griffon and Chinook helicopters. As well as serving extensively in Canada, the squadron has participated in numerous overseas deployments most recently in Afghanistan.


Personnel from 408 Squadron have been deployed to Afghanistan almost continually in some capacity since 2006 supporting the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) with personnel and equipment transport, reconnaissance, armed escort and fire support as part of Canada's Air Wing in Kandahar.

Given the high level of IED threat posed to ground-based transportation, the Squadron has proven and continues to be invaluable in helping keep Canadian and other ISAF troops off dangerous roadways in Afghanistan.


The Bomber Command Museum of Canada looks forward to honouring 408's splendid service over the past seventy years.




Twenty Five Years of Progress



Photo Gallery of 408 Squadron Serving in Afghanistan - 38 photos
( click image to open gallery )





408 Squadron Halifax in 1942










Event Schedule

Bomber Command Museum of Canada
25th Anniversary Celebration  -   Salute to 408 Squadron

[ As always, Museum admission and all activities and events are "By Donation" ]

  Download  Event Schedule







Activities


  • 408 Squadron Military Helicopters and personnel
  • Lancaster Merlin Engine Run-ups
  • Lancaster Rear Gun Turret Demonstrations
  • Lancaster Cockpit Tours
  • Snowbird Cockpit Tours and Photo Ops
  • Lancaster Mid-upper Gun Turret Photo Ops
  • Video Presentations in the Joe English Room
  • Snacks and Refreshments available in the North Hangar

  • The names of all 425 of the No. 408 Squadron
    who were killed serving with Bomber Command
    will be indicated in this way on August 20th.




    Scheduled Events



    Time Activity
    14:00 pm

    Arrival of 408 Squadron Helicopters

    14:30 pm

    Official Opening of new Halifax Bomber Display and recently arrived Halifax parts

    19:00 pm

    "Meet and Greet” for museum members and special guests

    21:30 pm

    Lancaster Engine night Run-up





    Time Activity
    8:00 to 10:00

    Pancake Breakfast (Outside the Community Centre)

    9:00

    Museum Opens

    9:30

    Halifax Project Up-date (Karl Kjarsgaard) (Joe English Room)

    9:30 - 11:00

    Lancaster Cockpit Tours

    9:30

    408 Squadron Helecopters open for display

    10:30

    "408 in Afghanistan" presentation by 408 aircrew in Main Hangar

    10:45

    Lancaster Rear Gun Turret Demonstration

    11:00

    Lancaster Engine Run-up

    12:00

    Luncheon (Pre-purchased tickets only)

    11:30 - 13:30

    Lancaster Cockpit Tours

    13:15

    Lancaster Rear Gun Turret Demonstration

    13:30

    Program in the Main Hangar:

    Tribute to 408 Squadron
    408 Squadron Guest Speaker
    Commemoration of Museum 25th Anniversary
    Museum History Video
    Guest Speaker (Christopher Terry -Diretor Canada Aviation Museum Ret'd)

    15:30

    Memorial Service at Canada's Bomber Command Memorial Wall

    15:45

    Lancaster Engine Run-up

    16:15

    Flypasts

    16:30

    Departure of 408 Squadron Helicopters and Flypast

    *Attendance of military aircraft is subject to operational commitments.

    Nanton's Ultimate Trains Garden Railway, Museum of Miniatures, Grain Elevators,
    and Antique and Art Shoppes are just a short walk from the museum.




    Accommodation available in Nanton and nearby towns of High River, Vulcan and Claresholm.
    Accommodation List



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