Members, both past and present, of 404 Squadron gathered at the VP International spaces to celebrate our present and remember past exploits Friday, February 2 (Ground Hog Day).
This newly initiated “Black Friday” event allowed serving and veteran members of the modern day 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron (a.k.a. The Thundering Herd) to gather for a few hours to share comradery and stories of past and present successes of our squadron.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Gignac told the crowd the purpose was not to be seen as a memorial, but to provide members a chance to foster connections between current members of the Herd, as well as alumni; and it is hoped this will become an annual event.
Several veterans of 404 Squadron were present and shared some stories with current members, just starting to build their repertoire.
The original “Black Friday” was February 9, 1945. Banff Strike Wing, under the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, suffered the highest loss taken by any Coastal Command strike wing throughout the entire Second World War. Allied losses in Førde Fjord, Norway, included six of the eleven 404 Squadron aircraft involved in the attack. While 2024, marks 79 years since Black Friday, it is also the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force, perhaps a fitting time to start a new tradition of social and comradeship.
The February 2 gathering was held a week early to avoid conflict with the wing’s Winter Carnival pep rally.
