588 Squadron on The March

First Parade Seen By Civilian Committee

            The first official parade and inspection of 588 (Canadair) Air Cadet Squadron was held in the Flight Hangar, Plant 2, on the evening of Sept 28th and cadets between the ages of 14 and 18 years marched smartly past officials of the squadron's civilian committee. Recruiting for the Canadair-sponsored squadron began last spring and with only some 12 hours of drill training, the 115 cadets displayed marching form that would make many a permanent force airman look to his laurels. The formation of the squadron marks the first time that an air cadet group in the Montreal area has been sponsored by an industrial concern. Officers of the squadron are drawn from Canadair personnel with Air Force experience and cadets are all sons of Canadair employees.

            Maurice Cousineau, Mayor of Ville St. Laurent and officials of the squadron's civilian committee, accompanied by F/L Eric Simms, Commanding Officer of 588 Squadron, inspected the cadets.

            Following a squadron parade before the saluting base, the official party toured the training facilities which Canadair provided for the cadets. No. I flight of the squadron then gave an exhibition of precision drill.

            Captain A. Lilly, formerly Chief Pilot at Canadair and now assistant to the Vice President-Sales, welcomed Mayor Cousineau and officials of the civilian committee. Speaking to the cadets, Captain Lilly congratulated them upon their performance and said that the training they were taking would them them better citizens. "The ability to take orders and carry them out in an efficient manner," he said, "will stand you in good stead in later years."

            Dean Stowell, representing J. Geoffrey Norman, our President and General Manager and Honorary Chairman of the civilian committee, told the cadets that Canadair was most anxious to sponsor air education among the youth of Canada. "Canadair," he added, "formed 588 Squadron in order to help keep alive the interest presently held in aviation by our young people. "In later years," he continued, "some of the cadets here tonight will become actively engaged in the aircraft business or with service flying. "Others," Mr Stowell stated, "would perhaps follow some other line of business but due to your present training, you will never lose your initial enthusiasm.'

            A trophy, donated by the Canadair Ex-servicemen's Association which will be presented to the cadet judged most efficient in the squadron at the end of the training year, was also on display.

            The officers of the second Canadair sponsored group of Air Cadets, the 592 St. Laurent Squadron, headed by Flt. Lieutenant Barnes formed part of the thirty invited guests.

            Following the inspection and march past the Cadets and guests were given a reception by the Company.

            Other Squadron News

            Forty-four cadets and six officers of the Canadair Squadron No. 588 of the Air Cadet League of Canada turned out for the Commemoration of the Battle of Britain Parade on Sunday, September 19th. This grand turn-out is a typical example of the enthusiasm shown by the boys since training started last spring. Officer Commanding Eric Simms asked for 44 volunteers and as he words it, "We were batting 100% on Sunday."

       Armistice Parade

            Squadron No. 588, along with other Montreal units will parade on Armistice day to the Cenotaph on Dominion Square for memorial services. Information on this parade will be reported in the next issue of the News.

            Recruiting Continues

            Total strength of 588 Squadron as of September 28th, is 115 but recruiting is continuing.

            With the many facilities of Canada's largest aircraft manufacturer available, with the chance to train under the best instructors to be found anywhere, with the possibility of finding a career that might lead to a future in the R.C.A.F. or to a civilian aviation job, NO boy should miss this opportunity of joining Canadair's Air Cadet Squadron No. 588.

            Send in your application-Now!