424 Squadron History

Hector Lindsay was a freelance writer.

This amply illustrated book accurately covers the 50-year history of 424 City of Hamilton Tiger Squadron. It was formed in 1935 as No.19 (Bomber) Squadron in Hamilton, Ontario, as a volunteer unit with some assistance from the Department of National Defence. Later it became 119 (Bomber-Reconnaissance) Squadron. It served on Canada’s West and East coasts until disbanded on March 16, 1944. 424 Squadron (RCAF) originated at Topcliffe, England, in October 1942. After the disbanding of 119 Squadron, 424 Squadron was adopted by the City of Hamilton. At the end of the War, 424 Squadron was also disbanded and an auxiliary squadron, formed in Hamilton, was assigned the number 424 because of the city’s past association with the wartime unit. The auxiliary unit, in turn, was disbanded in 1964 and the number 424 was assigned to a newly formed squadron at CFB Trenton.

The various units, their personnel, and their activities are described in considerable detail, including incidents of squadron life in action and off-duty. The volume should be of interest to any RCAF member associated with this distinguished unit in its various incarnations.