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396 Squadron History

The 396 “City of Prince George” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has long benefited from the dedication of sponsors, officers, and instructors whose primary focus has been to provide a supportive environment and thoughtful leadership that empowers cadets to lead. From its earliest years, the squadron has embraced a philosophy of cadet-led training, where senior cadets—within established policy and safety guidelines—are encouraged to make decisions and form the core of the instructional cadre. Leadership theory is not merely taught, but actively practiced.

Cadets have consistently been encouraged to take responsibility for their own development rather than simply becoming recipients of assistance. Over the years, and with appropriate adult guidance, the squadron has raised funds to support a wide range of training resources, including a 13-acre lakeshore survival training area, a flight simulator training unit, a glider jointly owned with other northern squadrons, a glider trailer, and numerous other essential items. While the acquisition of equipment alone does not define the quality of training or the calibre of graduates, the right tools are essential to delivering a strong and effective program.

Following the closure of the armouries in 1971, 396 Squadron found itself without a permanent home. This changed in 1982, when the Royal Canadian Legion leased a partially fire-damaged school building from the City of Prince George. The squadron was offered a condemned, gutted third-floor space that had been deemed unusable by the Fire Marshal. The time, effort, and financial resources required to rehabilitate the space were significant—but the squadron accepted the challenge. Through determination and collective effort, the facility was transformed into what is now recognized as one of the finest cadet office and training spaces in the province.

The role of sponsors and training staff has always been clear: to provide the best possible environment for learning, enabling cadets to excel both individually and as a team. This shared objective has remained the guiding principle for the adults associated with the squadron.

Achieving this level of success is much like following a well-crafted recipe. No single ingredient guarantees results; rather, it is the careful balance of several essential elements that produces excellence. These include dedication to common goals that are challenging yet attainable, strong cooperation among all participants, sustained enthusiasm and effort, and a deep sense of personal pride and satisfaction in achievement. These qualities cannot be purchased, yet they are invaluable. Together, they form the foundation of true esprit de corps.

The results of this approach are evident. Throughout its history, 396 Squadron has produced numerous Flying Scholarship and Gliding Scholarship recipients, Senior Leader graduates, and exchange visit candidates—a record any unit of comparable size can take pride in.

Since its modest beginnings decades ago, the squadron has fulfilled the aims of the Air Cadet League to the best of its ability. Hundreds of young people from Prince George have been introduced to the responsibilities of citizenship, the fundamentals of leadership, and the principles of teamwork and service. They have gained exposure to aviation and related fields while maintaining physical fitness and personal discipline. Many have gone on to serve Canada with distinction in the Canadian Armed Forces, while others have made meaningful contributions to their communities in civilian life.

Most former cadets look back on their time with 396 Squadron with respect and fondness. The greatest testament to the squadron’s impact is the return of former cadets—now parents—who choose to enrol their own sons and daughters. This legacy remains the highest compliment the squadron can receive.

396 City of Prince George Royal Canadian Air Cadet Crest

The 396 RCACS Squadron Crest was created by a past cadet of the squadron named Paul Thobo-Carlsen.  Paul joined the squadron in 1979 at the age of 15, when the squadron was still parading out of the basement of Legion Br 43.  This was a few years before the squadron moved into the Connaught Youth Center. Below is his story on how he created the Official Squadron Crest.

When I joined the Sqn there was no official badge (crest), and because I had an interest in heraldry and dabbled in drawing I decided to take crack at creating one. I recall obtaining a generic template used for Royal Canadian Air Cadet badges (the circular frame with Maple Leaf cornet on top and motto scroll on bottom). I don’t recall where I got this template from, but probably one of the squadron officer staff at the time. In those days, well before the internet, all my research was book-based. I recall going through lots of library books and encyclopedias for ideas and inspiration. I recall seeing an old RCAF badge that featured two crossed torches. I believe it was either Training Command (Trg Comd) or it successor 14 Training Group (14 Trg Gp) (below). The meaning of lamps and torches in heraldry is learning (i.e., “enlightenment”). I thought that was a good symbol to represent a key aspect of the Air Cadets.

RCAF Training Command (1949-1958)	CAF 14 Training Group (1958-1966)

I choose an airborne gull to place in front of the torches to represent flying, a main component of the air cadet program (I was lucky enough to get both my glider and private licences through air cadets, and later my glider instructor rating as a CI). Although the typical bird used in RCAF heraldry is the eagle, I chose a gull since they were very common in PG and therefore represented the local community better in my opinion.

The latin motto, Aura Vincit, means “air conquers” or “victory through air.” This is meant to show that through flying (fam fights, glider/flying scholarships, etc.) cadets can conquer adolescent inhibitions and build confidence in their abilities.

I was fascinated to learn that, in 2011, 2 Canadian Air Division (2 Cdn Div) adopted a badge that bears remarkable similarity to the 396 RCACS badge. In fact, the 2 Cdn Div Badge also used the old Trg Comd and 14 Trg Gp badges as inspiration.

2 Canadian Air Division

Source: https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2147 

I don’t recall the exact year that I completed this design and submitted it to the CO for consideration, but was probably 1980 or 1981.  I’m pretty sure it was approved and in unofficial use before I turned 19 in the summer of 1983. However, I don’t remember if final heraldic artist-painted version had been received by the Sqn before I “aged out” as a cadet. As I recall, the Sqn had to send my colour design drawings up the air cadet chain of command for final approval to Ottawa. I never did get an official copy of the final artist’s painting before I left PG and joined the CAF Regular Force in 1985. However, I attended a 396 Sqn reunion back in 2008. Somehow that came up an a conversation with Don Doren (former CO, from 1982-86).  A few weeks after I got back home a package arrived in the mail with a framed print of the Sqn badge. Don had just moved into a smaller home and was happy to pass on his copy of the badge to me. So now, I finally have my own copy.

I am very happy to assist 396 Sqn by providing a blazon (heraldic description) for your badge:

Badge

Blazon

Argent two torches in saltire Copper enflamed Gules surmounted by a gull volant proper.

Symbolism

The gull is bird common to Prince George. The two torches represent learning. Their number recalls the learners (junior cadets) and the instructors (senior cadets and CIC officers).

Motto

Blazon

AURA VINCIT

Symbolism

This Latin phrase means “Air conquers.”  It shows that through flying cadets can conquer adolescent inhibitions and build confidence in their abilities.

Squadron Commanding Officers