Featured Squadron of the Month
655 Richmond Squadron
Chartered: October 22, 1957
Status: Active
Community: Richmond, BC
Squadron History:
655 Richmond (Kiwanis) Squadron received its charter from the Air Cadet League of Canada on October 22, 1957.
With 77 boys in attendance under the command of Flight Lieutenant Douglas Haig, and sponsored by the Richmond Kiwanis Club, 655 Richmond Squadron held its first parade at RCAF Station Sea Island on November 15th 1957.
By 1959 the Squadron grew to 141 Air Cadets and out grew the RCAF Station on Sea Island. It was split into two Squadrons to form then 692 Golden Hawk Squadron (Now 692 BCIT Aerospace Squadron).
In April 1963, Canadian Pacific Airlines (formerly CP Air) assumed sponsorship of the Squadron. During the 1960s, 655 became one of the most prominent Cadet units in the province. Cadets from 655 were given the opportunity to meet Senator Robert Kennedy, and formed an Honour Guard for the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Between 1965 and 1969, the Squadron supported an accomplished Pipe Band. 655 Squadron also formed a precision Drill Team during the 1960s, which went on to become one of the most successful Cadet drill teams in the province.
A profound change took place in 1975, when it was announced that females were officially allowed to join the Air Cadet program. In the mid-seventies, the traditional “Battle-Dress Blues” Air Cadet uniform was replaced by a new tri-service green uniform. 655 Squadron continued to excel in all aspects of training during the 1970s. For three years in a row (1979-81), the Squadron’s Drill Team won the National Precision Drill Team Championships.
In 1981, a small military band was formed, once again adding music to 655’s growing list of activities. From this group of about 10 musicians would grow one of the most successful and highly decorated Cadet military bands in the province. During the 1980s, the Cadets of 655 also enjoyed regular visits to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, McChord Air Force Base, and Canadian Forces Base Comox. In 1988, 655 Squadron moved its headquarters to 12 Service Battalion’s new home at the Colonel Sherman Armouries.
In 1990, Canadian Airlines ceased sponsorship of the Squadron. From then on, the Squadron was supported by its own Parent Sponsoring Committee. The original name of 655 “Richmond” Squadron was formally adopted at this time. In 1992, the Squadron created its own crest, and adopted the motto “Fly Above All.”
655 Cadets have had numerous opportunities to travel over the years. Some of the most notable trips took place during the 1990s, In 1991 the Squadron travelled to Alberta, Saskatchewan in 1992, Wakayama Japan in 1994, and New Zealand / Hong Kong in 1997. These opportunities were possible only through the hard work and dedication of the Cadets, officers and parents.
As the Millennium drew to a close, 655 continued its tradition of excellence. The 655 Drill Team continued to represent the Squadron well, including numerous wins during the early 1990s. In 1993, the Air Cadet program got back to its roots by returning to a blue uniform. The Squadron’s military band won the top military “A” division award a record nine times since 1994. Re-established in 1999, the Squadron’s pipe band performed very well at numerous functions and competitions. 655 Squadron has always operated an active flying program, which has given Cadets the opportunity to take part in familiarization flying at least once a month during the training year.
Over the next 25 years 655 Richmond Squadron was named Top Squadron in BC no less than five times. In 2008, they were the host Squadron for the start-up of 609 Steveston Squadron. Today, 655 Air Cadets continue to excel in all aspects of the Cadet program. Whether it be in Japan, New Zealand, Cold Lake, Albert Head, Comox, or on the parade square of the Col. Sherman Armoury, the members of 655 Richmond Squadron continue to…“Fly Above All”.
For more information about 655 Richmond RCACS we invite you to visit the Squadron’s website at:
https://www.655richmondaircadets.com/about-us
To enjoy a pictorial presentation of the Squadron’s activities, please visit the Squadron’s Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/655richmond/