The highlight of my November and perhaps my year, was my participation in the 101 Sqdn Remembrance Parade and Dedication Ceremony, which took place on Haida Gwaii, at Alliford Bay, near Sandspit, Haida Gwaii.  This ceremony is officially known as the “STRANRAER 935 Remembrance Parade, 19 November 2011, RCAF Station Alliford Bay.

RCAF Station Alliford Bay was a WWII Seaplane Base, operating Stranraer aircraft, whose role was Maritime Reconnaissance, including anti submarine duties.  The ceremony was in remembrance of an RCAF Stranraer 935, which crashed in Alliford Bay upon landing, following the return to base from a mission.  The aircraft had live depth charges on board which detonated following a hard landing, destroying the aircraft and causing the loss of the entire crew of six RCAF airmen.

The Ceremony took place at the land point nearest the actual crash site.  A permanent “Obelisk" memorial monument has been placed on the shore and will be maintained by the elders of the community.

This dedication was another of the amazing achievements of our AFAC brothers from 101 Squadron, Port Hardy and their small but mighty flight at Haida Gwaii.  Six members from 101 Squadron and four members from 888 Wing took part in the ceremonies.  

The operation was very well supported by 19 Wing Comox personnel without whom the actual ceremony may not have taken place as planned.  The Haida Gwaii company of Canadian Rangers and local citizenry were also very instrumental in doing all of the site preparation and planning.  19 Wing Commander, Colonel Jim Benninger and Wing Chief, Chief Warrant Officer Dave Bolster, participated in the ceremony.  Wreaths were placed at the memorial by the 19 Wing Commander, the 19 Wing Aircrew personnel who supported the event, 888 Wing IPP, and others who were in attendance.  Three Elders from the Haida Gwaii nation attended along with about 30 local residents from the Sandspit and Queen Charlotte City local areas.

To say that it was a totally enjoyable day may be somewhat of an over/under statement.  The weather was not conducive to an outdoors event.  It snowed - very wet and large snowflakes which added to the solemnity of the occasion.  There were no hurried parts of the program.  Prayers and anthems were said and sung with the same emotion as if it were bright and sunny.  Wreaths were placed without being hurried.  To say that one wished they were elsewhere would have been untrue.  I believe that all who attended were pleased to have been a part of remembering a long forgotten event, which took the lives of six of our youngest and brightest that have forsaken their lives for us.

 Following the Remembrance Ceremonies, all present were treated to some very fine foods, hot and cold refreshments and considerable and very fine meet and greet conversations.  Our motto “Per Ardua Ad Astra” has never meant so much.

We, the membership of 888 Wing, must consider ourselves blessed with good fortune by having the very dedicated and mighty crew of 101 Squadron.  Without the magnificent support from 19 Wing we would have less of a bright future.

Per Ardua Ad Astra