Featured Squadron of the Month
744 Cowichan Squadron
Chartered: November 5, 1963
Status: Active
Community: Duncan, BC
Squadron History:
744 Cowichan Squadron was officially founded on November 5, 1963, under the leadership of Captain William McAra. Its original sponsor, the Duncan Royal Canadian Legion Branch 53, provided both financial support and the Squadron’s first parade location. At that time, Branch 53 fulfilled the dual responsibilities of Corporate Sponsor and Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC).
Following its Dedication on November 24, 1963, a new Royal Canadian Air Cadet Ensign was presented to the Squadron by Padre Rev. A. J. Alfred. The ensign was presented to R.C.L. Branch 53 President D V Haynes who then ceremoniously handed the flag to Captain Bill Gabrial who then formally presented it to Flt. Sgt. Jim Lacy and the Squadron Color Party. The Squadron paraded at the Legion until 1972, when its growing membership required a larger facility.
From 1972 to 1976, the Squadron shared temporary parade facilities with another Cadet unit in Maple Bay. In March 1976, the Squadron relocated to St. Anne’s Academy in Duncan, where it remained for the next six years. By 1982, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 had acquired a building along the Trans Canada Highway, this then became the Squadron’s home until 1994.
In 1983, an opportunity emerged to acquire an unused elementary school situated on several acres of land in North Cowichan. Recognizing the long term value of this property, the Squadron established its own Administration Society, becoming incorporated under the Society Act on October 7, 1983, to facilitate the acquisition.
The property, now known as Henderson Hall, is located at 3790 Gibbins Road, Duncan BC. The Squadron’s Administration Society purchased the site in 1994. The building is named in honour of Major Bob Henderson, a pilot with Royal Canadian Air Force 443 Squadron in Victoria, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on April 28, 1994. A helicopter rotor mounted on the building serves as a lasting tribute to Major Henderson’s service.
Henderson Hall sits on a 5 acre property that includes a school originally constructed in 1961. A later addition provided a garage and classroom, and the original interior was redesigned to include a kitchen, three classrooms, and administrative offices. The grounds also feature a covered, unheated outdoor parade square measuring 50 by 100 feet, complete with lighting and power. A portable building, purchased with funds donated by the Gilman Estate, serves as the SSC Office and Parent Lounge.
Behind the main facility lies a forested area with a natural clearing ideal for survival training. The property borders Meades Creek, a well known fly fishing location. For several years, the local fly fishing club used the Squadron’s facilities for meetings and events.
To support modern Cadet training, the Squadron maintains an active flight simulation program featuring three flight simulators, with plans to add an advanced unit. The current Flight Simulation Instructor, CI Warren Ruiter, is a commercial pilot who earned both his glider and power licenses through the Air Cadet Program.
Table of Past Commanding Officers
Of the 744 Cowichan Squadron
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
| Name | Years as CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capt. William McAra | 1963-1964 |
| 2 | Capt. Pat Moore | 1964-1965 |
| 3 | Capt. Bob Mellalieu | 1965-1968 |
| 4 | Capt. John Flanagan | 1968-1971 |
| 5 | Capt. George Morris | 1971-1975 |
| 6 | Capt. Walter Scott | 1975-1979 |
| 7 | Capt. Rex Fransen | 1979-1983 |
| 8 | Capt. Mike Dzuba | 1983-1988 |
| 9 | Capt. Ken DeEll | 1988-1991 |
| 10 | Capt. John O’Reilly | 1991-1995 |
| 11 | Capt. Lisa Oliviera | 1995-1998 |
| 12 | Capt. Ernie Spencer | 1998-2002 |
| 13 | Capt. Karen Peel | 2002-2010 |
| 14 | Capt. Ben Yablonzki | 2010-2014 |
| 15 | Capt. Maritza Matheson | 2014-2019 |
| 16 | Capt. Shawn Carlow | 2019-2021 |
| 17 | Capt. Maritza Matheson | 2021-2024 |
| 18 | Major Jylene Ryan | 2024-2025 |
| 19 | Lt(N) Colleen Hurley | 2025-2025 |
| 20 | LCdr Donald Irwin | 2025-Present |
Community Support and Legacy:
744 Cowichan Squadron has benefited from decades of support from the Duncan Royal Canadian Legion Branch 53, which merged into Legion Branch 191 (Chemainus-Duncan) on February 10, 2026. Additional support has come from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 134 (Malahat), Royal Canadian Legion Branch 210 (Lake Cowichan), and WWII veteran and Spitfire pilot George Brewster.
We now invite you to click on the following Dropbox link to see a pictorial history of 744 Cowichan RCACS, and the Facebook Link to see a sampling of the amazing experiences that the Cadets, Staff and SSC members at 744 Cowichan enjoy during their training year.
Our sincere thanks to Lisa Olund for her contribution of the historic details and pictures that are presented in this presentation.