The 306 “Maple Leaf” Wing, Air Force Association, Volunteer Pipes and Drums continue the tradition of Canada’s only Squadron to participate in the Battle of Britain, The 401 Fighter Squadron.

401 Squadron was originally known as No. 1 Fighter Squadron, formed at Trenton, Ontario on May 17, 1937. The squadron mobilized for war in September 1939 and moved to England on June 9, 1940. In England, they were renumbered as 401 Fighter Squadron on March 1, 1941. 401 Squadron was disbanded in Germany on July 10, 1945 and then reformed at RCAF Station St. Hubert as 401 Fighter Squadron (Auxiliary) on April 15, 1946. On September 4, 1952 the title "City of Westmount" was bestowed upon the Squadron and in 1968, the unit was renamed “401 City of Westmount Air Reserve Squadron”. In the 1980's it was renamed again to its final title, 401 Tactical Helicopter and Training Squadron. It’s badge was a rocky mountain sheep’s head and it’s motto was “MORS CELERRIMA HOSTIBUS”. The mountain sheep is know for its great stamina and fighting power and is indigenous to the Rocky Mountain region of Canada.

In 1948, 401 Squadron stood up its very own Pipe Band. From 1948 to 1968, the 401 Sqn P&D not only played for military ceremonies and street parades but was a very successful band on the competition circuit. Although the trophies have long gone, the 401 Sqn P&D were the recipients of many prizes and held the “North American Grade A Championship” title at Maxville for many years in the 1950’s. (During that period there were only grades “A” and “B”.)

From the late 1960’s to 1990 the 401 Sqn P&D remained relatively inactive until its revival in 1991.During this period, the Squadron only kept one Piper, CWO Ken Ireland, who remained on as the duty piper for ceremonial purposes until his death in 1985. Throughout this inactive period the 401 Squadron still maintained a pipe band on it’s establishment and it was on 30 Sept. 1990 that the squadron was able to reintroduce it’s band by bringing in Pipe Major Kirk Johnstone (previously from the Clan Sutherland Pipes and Drums). He was tasked to establish and train a new pipe band. Financial support was provided by a number of the Squadron’s officers including Colonel Al Gamble and Colonel Louis Geoffrion. Once enough funds were raised to outfit a full band, Kirk set off to recruit potential members (many of whom have remained to this day, after so many years). 1991 proved to be a slow year with minimal participation, but the band was able to boost its numbers by recruiting cadets from the Royal Canadian Air Cadet organization. Contributing Cadet Squadrons included the 803 North Shore Sabre Sqn , 690 Lake Shore Sqn and No 1 Westmount Sqn. 803 Cadet Squadron provided the lion’s share of new members, which went on to form the nucleus of the reincarnated 401 Sqn P&D.

1994: During Government cost cutting, the 401 Squadron was targeted and was stood down. This disappointing event resulted in the homelessness of the newly created pipe band and forced them to look for a new home. In 1995 the 306 “Maple Leaf” (R.C.A.F.A.) Wing was approached and President Brian Hunter welcomed the band as its very own.

1994 to Present: The band is alive and well having participated in a plethora of street parades, Remembrance Day ceremonies and private functions. If you would be interested in having our band play at your function, please go to the contact page and drop us a note.

While the band does not require members to be current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces ,many have served their country in this capacity. Len Campbell was a pilot with 401 Squadron and also flew for Air Canada. Robin Thibault and Michael Bisson are both captains with the Royal Canadian Hussars and have served in Bosnia. Robin has also seen action in Afganistan. Art Dickson and Gerry Kluke are both former members of The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada. Kirk Johnstone is presently a member of 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron

Most Memorable Events for the band:

Scotland Tour: In August of 2004, a contingent of the band played at the Edinburgh Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Parade along Princes Street, and at Balmoral Castle for her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elizabeth II.

2002 - 306 Wing hosted the national convention of the Air Force Association of Canada and the Pipe Band provided music for their parade and banquet. The Chief of the Air Staff offered his congratulations on the performance of the band.

Past Practice Locations:

1991 to 1993 - 306 Wing HQ, Sherbrooke/Metcalfe, Westmount

1994 to 1996 - Dorval Legion

1997 to 2001 - Lachine Hunting and Fishing Club

2002 to present - Karnak Temple, Sources Blvd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux