Previously featured squadron
22 Red Knight Squadron
- Chartered
- October 25, 1941
- Status
- Active
- Community
- Powell River, BC
Squadron History
The 22 Powell River Air Cadet Squadron received its Charter on October 25, 1941. This was only the 22nd Air Cadet Squadron in Canada to receive its Charter and the first in British Columbia.
During the war years (1941–1945) Powell River was a company town whose economy was fuelled by the pulp and paper and logging industries. M.C. McLeod played a significant part in the formation of 22 Powell River Air Cadet Squadron, serving as both the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair and CO of the Squadron.
During the war years the Squadron had just over 300 Cadets/Cadettes as well as Juniors made up of boys between 12 and 14. This squadron on its own was officially referred to as "the Powell River Wing" — a wing was required to have 300 Cadets/Cadettes on strength.
In 1952 Powell River had three Cadettes who received their Private Power Pilot wings through the 7th Air Cadet Power Flying Scholarship Course at Sea Island: Pat McDowell, Marion Kenmuir, and Isobel Pittendreigh — the first Air Cadettes to receive their Power Pilot Wings. They were photographed with Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent on the day they received their Wings.
In 1991 the Squadron submitted an application to have the name changed to 22 Red Knight Squadron. The reason Red Knight was chosen was that an ex-cadet from the Squadron became a member of the Royal Air Force Red Knight aerobatic team. This was approved and the name change took effect officially on June 18, 1991.
22 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has operated uninterrupted since 1941. Over the years this squadron received the award for top squadron in BC numerous times, not to mention most proficient in Western Canada and also the best in the Nation.
In October 2022 at the BCPC Annual General Meeting and Award Presentation event, Captain Kathleen Boyd was presented with the BCPC Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding dedication to 22 Red Knight Squadron in Powell River. Our sincere thanks to Mike Symons, BCPC Historian, for his research and submissions.
Historical Photos
