What stands before us is a solemn reminder. It is the RCAF Memorial 427 Squadron & 6 Bomber Group. This memorial stands in silent tribute to courage and sacrifice. This memorial commemorates the brave men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force. They served with distinction during the Second World War.
No. 6 Group RCAF was a formation of Royal Canadian Air Force bomber squadrons. They were active in Europe from 1942 to 1945. These squadrons operated from airfields in Yorkshire England. The group played a crucial role in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany.
The RCAF wanted its bomber squadrons and personnel concentrated in a Canadian group. Thus, No. 6 Group was formed on October 25 1942. It initially had eight squadrons. At its peak it consisted of 14 squadrons. Fifteen squadrons eventually served with the group. This included almost every RCAF heavy bomber squadron.
Significant operations involving 6 Group included raids on U-boat bases. These bases were in Lorient and Saint-Nazaire France. They also executed night bombing raids on industrial complexes. Urban centers in Germany were targets too.
No. 6 Group flew 40822 operational sorties. Sadly 814 aircraft were lost. Approximately 5700 airmen did not return from operations. 4203 airmen lost their lives. The cost of No. 6 Group was borne by the Canadian Government. This included the upkeep of the operational squadrons. Fuel and ammunition came from Canadian taxes and loans.
One of the squadrons honored here is No. 427 Squadron RCAF. It was known as the “Lion” Squadron. It formed at Croft England on November 7 1942. The squadron spent its wartime entirely in England. It was part of No. 6 Group RCAF. The squadron flew Vickers Wellington and Handley Page Halifax aircraft. Later it flew Avro Lancaster bombers. The Lancasters were used for prisoner repatriation. No. 427 Squadron stood down on June 1 1946.
427 Squadron’s motto was “Ferte Manus Certas.” This means “Strike with a sure hand.” The squadron’s badge shows a lion in front of a maple leaf. This represents the squadron’s formation in England. It also symbolizes its Canadian identity.
No. 427 Squadron was adopted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. MGM was symbolized by a lion. The studio presented a bronze Lion statue to the squadron. They also permitted actresses to put their names on the 427 aircraft.
427 Squadron flew its first mission on December 14 1942. It was a minelaying sortie to the Frisian Islands. Its first bombing mission was January 15 1943. Six Wellington bombers attacked Lorient France. The last mission occurred on April 25 1945. Ten Lancasters bombed gun positions on Wangerooge Island.
In total 427 Squadron flew 3328 sorties. It dropped 10294 tons of bombs. They were credited with 10 enemy aircraft destroyed. They had one probably destroyed. 10 were damaged. Tragically 90 aircraft were lost. 522 aircrew were casualties.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the inscription at this site. On September 16 1943 an RCAF Halifax bomber crashed nearby. It occurred on return from a mission. All seven crew members were killed. This RCAF Memorial 427 Squadron & 6 Bomber Group is dedicated to them. It is also dedicated to all who served. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.