No. 403 “City of Calgary” Squadron (Auxiliary)

Badge: A wolf’s head erased

Motto: Stalk and strike

Authority: King George VI, October 1943

The wolf is a fierce and powerful antagonist, indigenous to most parts of Canada. 

Formed at Calgary, Alberta on 15 October 1948, the squadron flew Mustang aircraft in a fighter bomber and fighter role until January 1957 when it was redesignated a transport unit and re-equipped with Expeditor aircraft. In March 1958 it was reassigned to a light transport and emergency rescue role and received Otter aircraft. A reduc­tion of the Auxiliary Force resulted in the squadron being disbanded on 1 April 1964.

Brief Chronology: Formed as No. 403 (FB) Sqn (Aux), Calgary, Alta. 15 Oct 48 (1). Titled No. 403 “City of Calgary” (FB) Sqn (Aux) 3 Sep 52. Redesignated No. 403 “City of Calgary” (F) Sqn (Aux) 16 Nov 53. Redesignated No. 403 “City of Calgary” (T) Sqn (Aux) 25 Jan 57. Redesignated No. 403 “City of Calgary” Sqn (Aux) 1 Apr 58. Disbanded 1 Apr 64.

Title: “City of Calgary

Nickname: “Wolf”

Commanders

• W/C W.A. Mostyn-Brown, AFC 15 Jan 50 – 31 Jan 52.
• W/C D.B. Freeman, DFC 1 Feb 52 – 29 Nov 53 died.
• W/C A.R. Cruickshank 30 Nov 53 – 29 Nov 56 ret.
• W/C G.M. Kelly, CD 30 Nov 56 – 28 Feb 59.
• S/L H.T. Johnstone 1 Mar 59 – 25 Nov 59 ret.
• S/L W.H. Huston, CD 26 Nov 59 – 7 Sep 60.
• W/C J.G. Mclaws 8 Sep 60 – 31 Jan 63 ret.
• W/C W.H. Huston, CD 1 Feb 63 – 1 Apr 64.

File number: PA-1599-382a-80 Title: Wing Commander A. R. Cruickshank briefs pilots of #403 Auxiliary Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Calgary, Alberta. Date: [ca. January 28, 1956]

Higher Formations and Squadron Location

North West Air Command,

Tactical Air Command (1 Aug 51),

Air Defence Command (16 Nov 53),

Training Command (25 Jan 57),

Air Transport Command (1 Apr 61):

No. 30 Wing (Auxiliary) (1 Aug 54),

• Calgary (2), Alta. 15 Oct 48 -1 Apr 64.

Representative Aircraft (Unit Code 1948-51 AD, 1951-58 PR)

North American Harvard Mk.II (Aug 49 – Mar 57)

• 2653   2654   3131   3286

North American Mustan Mk.IV (Nov 50 – Oct 56)

• 9244   9291   9590   9594

Canadair Silver Star Mk.3 (Nov 55 – Feb 57)

• 21438   21460

Beechcraft Expeditor Mk.3 (Aug 56 – Mar 64)

• 1417   1513   1594   2354

de Havilland Otter (Oct 56 – Mar 64)

• 3668

(1) Was to have been formed as No. 403 (Fighter Reconnaissance) Squadron (Auxiliary) on 15 September 1948, but the order was amended.

(2) Renamed Lincoln Park on 1 September 1961.