The paint scheme was designed by artist Jim Belliveau, and captures snapshots of the Second World War history of this highly decorated unit. Canadian Armed Forces Photo
In honour of 419 “City of Kamloops” Squadron’s 75th anniversary, the squadron unveiled its newly painted CT-155 Hawk during a ceremony on June 2, 2016 at 4 Wing Cold Lake.
The paint scheme was designed by artist Jim Belliveau, and captures snapshots of the Second World War history of this highly decorated unit. The aircraft is a CT-155 Hawk from the fleet of NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Hawk trainers used to teach fighter lead-in training in Cold Lake, Alta., the current home of 419 Squadron and the “Moosemen,” as they have been affectionately known since the Second World War. NFTC contractor CAE agreed to facilitate the painting in honour of the anniversary.
The camouflage scheme is a stylized application of the classic Second World War Bomber Command topside green and brown, combined with an all-black undersurface, which masked the aircraft from below against the night sky when most wartime bombing operations occurred for the Allied effort. Canadian Armed Forces Photo
The call letters VR-W and the dedication of the aircraft on the nose (with yellow “W”) are rooted with the Wellington Bomber flown by Wing Commander John “Moose” Fulton, the first and beloved commanding officer of the Unit in 1941.
The Moose insignia on the nose and registration KB799 belong to the Lancaster era of 419 Squadron, and the oldest known “Moose” nose art for the unit.
The call letters VR-W and the dedication of the aircraft on the nose are rooted with the Wellington Bomber flown by Wing Commander John “Moose” Fulton, the first and beloved commanding officer of the Unit in 1941. Canadian Armed Forces Photo
The roundels on the wings are a stylized combination of old style Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) wartime markings with the addition of a Maple Leaf in the centre to link the wartime era markings to that of today, while the fin flash and side roundels are wartime RCAF.
As “City of Kamloops” squadron, 419 is also holding a reunion weekend July 8 to 10, 2016 in Kamloops, B.C., as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations and to celebrate its relationship with the city.
A revival of the “Moose” Fulton Club, history book release, Freedom of the City Parade, flypast and static aircraft display, will all take place over the weekend, culminating with a formal gala dinner Saturday night.
419 Squadron is a satellite unit of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the centre of RCAF aircrew training and is comprised of 402 Squadron in Winnipeg, Man., 419 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alta., 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Moose Jaw, Sask., and 3 CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Man.
“Today is a proud day for the Moosemen,” said LCol Mike “Moose” Grover, commanding officer of 419 Squadron
“I must sincerely thank Jim Belliveau for designing the paint schema, the Flying Colours Corporation paint team in Peterborough, Ont., and CAE for their financial and maintenance support in completing this project. This amazing colour bird represents something far greater than just our 75th anniversary, it signifies how the Royal Canadian Air Force respects its heritage and history and ensures that future generations continue to honour the sacrifices and contributions that so many veterans have made before us.”
