Canada. Canadian Armed Forces. Squadron 423

HS 423 Squadron was established during World War II as an anti-submarine patrol squadron whose primary task was contributing to the security of the North Atlantic convoy routes. It was ordered to form in May 1942 and was Canada's first Sunderland Squadron in the United Kingdom. During this time period they flew Sunderland flying boats from the Castle Archdale seaplane base in Northern Ireland. Before being disbanded in September of 1945, they flew Liberator bombers. The squadron was reactivated in July 1953. After a transfer to Europe late in the 1950's, it was again deactivated in December 1962. In September of 1974, it was again reactivated to fly Sea King helicopters in the squadron's original role, and be one of the two ASW squadrons at CFB Shearwater. They presently operate out of 12 Wing Shearwater in this role. Besides Shearwater and Castle Archdale, they have also operated out of St. Hubert, Quebec and Grostenquin, France where they flew CF-100s. Their motto is "We search and strike." The squadron's battle honours include: Atlantic (1942-1945), English Channel and North Sea (1944-1945), Normandy (1944), and Biscay (1944).