Featured squadron

Squadron of the Month

767 Dearman RCACS

Chartered

January 17, 1967

Status

Active

Community

Surrey, BC

Motto

Nos Crescamus

Squadron History

The origins of 767 Dearman Squadron trace back to April 9, 1941, when the Air Cadet League of Canada received its Dominion Charter. This national milestone established a youth program dedicated to citizenship, leadership, and aviation, laying the groundwork for what would become one of British Columbia's most distinguished squadrons.

In 1967, Captain Ed Graham gathered twenty-four youth in Surrey's Whalley community to form 767 Whalley Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. The early years were marked by perseverance, with the squadron moving from school to school in search of a permanent home. Wednesday evenings became parade nights, and the cadets forged a strong identity through shared commitment and enthusiasm.

A major turning point came in 1972, when Captain W. Wasserslaben assumed command. Under his leadership, the squadron secured a $29,000 LIP Grant to repair a deteriorated building across from Whalley Legion Branch #229. That building became the squadron's home for the next 45 years, shaping generations of cadets.

In 1975, the first four female cadets joined 767, marking an important step toward inclusivity. Their uniforms — blue bomber jackets and blue plaid kilts — reflected the era's evolving standards.

The arrival of Officer Cadet Jacqueline Dearman in 1978 marked a defining moment. OCdt Dearman became the squadron's first female officer and the first female cadet in Canada to earn her Power Wings through the Power Pilot Scholarship. Her achievements inspired cadets across the country.

Tragedy struck in December 1981, when Lt. Jacqueline Dearman, newly sworn in as Commanding Officer, was killed in a traffic accident during Winter Stand Down. Her passing deeply affected the squadron.

In 1982, Officer Cadet L. Keogh became CO. The officers and cadets resolved to honour Lt. Dearman's legacy by building a squadron defined by teamwork, high standards, and unity. The Lt. Jacqueline Dearman Scholarship Fund was established that same year, supporting former cadets pursuing post-secondary education. Today, her legacy continues through the Lt. Jacqueline Dearman Award, presented annually to the Best Overall Cadet.

In the spring of 1984, the squadron officially adopted its new identity: 767 Dearman Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, with a new crest and the Latin motto "Nos Crescamus" — We Shall Grow.

On June 15, 1984, Lt. Fred Sjoquist assumed command. That year also saw the formation of the squadron's first band under Lt. Jean Norris, known as Iroquois Flight. Lt. Norris, revered and feared as the "Dragon Lady", instilled discipline, musical excellence, and pride. The band was later renamed Dragon Flight in her honour, and the Captain Jean Norris Award continues to recognize the Top Band Member annually. The squadron's first NCO Mess Dinner was also held in 1984, establishing a tradition that remains central to senior cadet culture.

The late 1980s and 1990s were marked by national recognition, leadership transitions, and the establishment of enduring traditions. In 1985, the squadron visited 880 RCACS in St. John's, Newfoundland during an Open House Canada Exchange. In 1987, the squadron mourned the loss of WOI Steven Colledge, one of its most accomplished cadets — his legacy is honoured through the Steven Colledge Memorial Sword and the Steven Colledge Memorial Award. In 1988, Major Brian Norris became CO; Cadet Phillip Colter earned Top Marksman in BC, and Cadet Ed Perigo earned Top SLC Cadet in Canada. In 1990, Cadet Laura Colter achieved Top Shot in Canada with a score of 98, and the squadron received the Battle of Britain Trophy. The 1990s saw further leadership transitions and the formation of Spider Flight, the squadron's pipe band.

The 2000s brought renewed leadership and national recognition. In 2005, WOII Todd Hanover earned Top Musician in Canada. In 2017, Captain Kevin Antrobus became CO — the second cadet to rise from AC to CO — and WOII Andrew Crawford was named Air Cadet of the Year by the Royal Canadian Legion, attending the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

In 2018, the squadron left its long-time home of 45 years as the Whalley Legion prepared for demolition to make way for the Veterans Village, Canada's first Centre of Excellence for Veterans and First Responders. The squadron entered a period of movement, returning to school facilities while awaiting a new permanent home. In 2019, groundbreaking began for the Veterans Village. In 2022, Captain Tarra Heiland became CO. In 2023, the Veterans Village opened, serving as a hub for Administration, Supply, Ground School, and optional training. In 2025, the squadron moved into North Surrey Secondary School, establishing a new home within the community.

The squadron's music program reached unprecedented size and success, with over 90 cadets participating in band activities. The program split into two ensembles: Iroquois Flight (Junior Band) earned 2nd place in C Division at the Lower Mainland Band Competition, while Dragon Flight (Senior Band) earned 1st place in A Division with a Gold Standing — the squadron's first A Division victory since 1997.

The cadets, staff, and families of 767 Dearman Squadron continue to build upon a legacy defined by resilience, excellence, and service. As the squadron establishes its new chapter at North Surrey Secondary School, it carries forward the spirit embodied in its motto: Nos Crescamus — We Shall Grow. The story of 767 Dearman Squadron continues to unfold, written each week by the cadets who proudly wear its name.