Freedom of the City

By Harold E. Wright,
CAHS Turnbull (New Brunswick) Chapter
posted June 2022
In September 2019 the Turnbull (NB) Chapter, Canadian Aviation Historical Society, requested that the City of Saint John grant the Freedom of the City to No. 403 (City of Calgary), Helicopter Operational Training Squadron. The City granted this request in January 2020.
Front Row (L to R): Honourary Colonel J.M. Gallant, Mayor Donna Noade Reardon, Lieutenant Colonel A.F. Guenetter, CD
Back Row (L to R): Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Art Amey, CD, and Jonathan Taylor, City Clerk.  (photo by Wayne Long, MP)
The Turnbull (NB) Chapter was formed in 1996 to document and promote the aviation heritage of New Brunswick. The Chapter owns the Don McClure aviation history gallery at the Great Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport. The Chapter is currently assisting two NB communities restoring a CF-100 Canuck and CF-101 Voodoo aircraft.
 
The Freedom for 403 Squadron is the third time which the Turnbull (NB) Chapter asked the City to grant the Freedom to a military unit. In 2012 the Freedom was granted to 410 (City of Saint John) Squadron at Cold Lake, AB, and in 2017 the Freedom was granted to the nine Greater Saint John area air, army and sea cadet units.
 
When we made our 2019 request for 403 Squadron, we provided Saint John Common Council with several reasons for the request. These reasons are summarized:
  • 403 (City of Calgary) Helicopter and Operational Training Squadron, Base Gagetown
     
    No. 403 (Fighter) Squadron, RCAF, was formed at RAF Station Baginton (now Coventry Airport), at Warwickshire, England, on 01 March 1941. It was the first squadron of the RCAF formed overseas under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. During this war the squadron destroyed 123 enemy aircraft, shared in seven, had 10 probably destroyed, and 72 damaged. Sixteen Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFC), four DFC with Bar, and one Military Medal were awarded to Squadron members. The "Wolf" Squadron lost 76 pilots and 85 aircraft.

    After the war the Squadron went through several reformations flying both fixed and rotary winged aircraft. Today the Squadron flies the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. In September 1952, "City of Calgary" was incorporated into the Squadron's title. In 1972 the Squadron was given the role of training aircrew and technical personnel for the Tactical Helicopter and Rescue Squadrons. In August 1980 the Squadron gained aircrew and support personnel from the disbandment of 422 Squadron.

  • In 1979 the Squadron (then 422 which amalgamated with 403 shortly thereafter) provided familiarization flights for air cadets to Partridge Island. In 1982, with support from 450 Squadron in Ottawa, two naval gun barrels were brought onto the mainland.

  • Since the late 1970s, 403 Squadron provides tours of their Squadron quarters and their flight simulators, and familiarization flights to our local air and army cadets. They also do the same for various veterans and community organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, our own Turnbull (NB) Chapter, and for 250 (Saint John) Wing, RCAF Association.

  • Over the past forty years they have supported our annual Battle of Britain parade in September, along with the parades in Fredericton and McAdam. This includes Squadron personnel and when the fog lifts as it did this year, with a helicopter flyby.

  • Since 2006 the Squadron has participated in many of the annual Pennfield Ridge air station services. They have attended dinners and provided guest speakers for dinners and public lectures.

  • Over the past several years, when the Province or the City were affected by forest fires, flooding, or extreme weather events, Squadron personnel provided assistance through sand-bagging, or aerial observation over the St. John River to ensure the best protection plan for Saint John residents.

  • In 2012 when the City of Saint John granted the Freedom of the City to our own 410 (City of Saint John) Squadron, 403 provided material support for the organization and carrying out of that presentation ceremony and parade.

  • In 2019 the Squadron provided personnel and transport to our members and guests as we recognized the first two members of the RCAF who died during the Second World War at a crash in Juniper, NB, and of two pilots who were lost in a crash east of Saint John in 1944.
Symbolism of the Freedom Certificate
The images and design for the 403 Squadron certificate is full of symbolism. It is based on the certificate presented to 410 (City of Saint John) Squadron in 2012. The design and most of the images were provided by Turnbull (NB) Chapter.
 
The border is a joined ribbon of the RCAF and City of Saint John tartans. The City of Saint John corporate seal, and the 403 Squadron crest adorn the top. At the bottom are the logos of the City and the Wolf Squadron.
 
The certificate is adorned with several photos significant to the Squadron, the City and the Turnbull (NB) Chapter. The 403 photos cover the period from the Second World War to present. There are multiple photos showing 403 Support to Turnbull (NB) Chapter - the 2019 Juniper ceremony with the Squadron, Major General Blaise Frawley, Deputy Comnmander, RCAF, and J.K. Irving, the property owner, and the Rennie family, related to crew member Corporal David Rennie. There are also images showing support for our Battle of Britain ceremonies with the Air Cadets and 250 (Saint John) Wing, RCAF Association.
 
The City photos highlight some local landmarks like the Carleton Martello Tower and the City Market, and the Labour Monument at Lily Lake. There is one photo which is also on the certificate for 410 (City of Saint John) Squadron. The bottom left image shows a lady cleaning the sidewalk in front of her house. That lady is now our Mayor, Donna Noade Reardon.
The 403 Squadron Certificate (click to enlarge).
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