Cadets with the 513 Hornet Squadron demonstrated their accomplishments at a recent ceremonial review.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets squadron In New Westminster. The squadron, formed on Nov. 10, 1949, is the second oldest air cadet squadron in British Columbia.
“Our name, Hornet Squadron, was adopted from two predecessor Squadrons. The original ’Hornet’ Squadron was formed in 1942. It flew Spitfires, served in Europe from April 1944 to March 1946 and took part in the D Day invasion in 1944. The squadron was disbanded in 1946. In 1951, the City of New Westminster Squadron (Vancouver) of the Air Force Auxiliary was formed, and it also used the name Hornet Squadron. The auxiliary squadron flew the North American P-51 Mustang, Harvard and Expeditor out of RCAF Sea Island. The squadron again disbanded on 31 March 1964,” said an email from the squadron. “Our squadron adopted the name ‘Hornet’ from the New Westminster Air Force Auxiliary Squadron. Today we are officially known as 513 Hornet Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets.”
New Westminster’s 513 Hornet Air Cadet Squadron held its Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) on Sunday, June 9.
“The Annual Ceremonial Review is the most important event of the air cadet training year,” said the email. “This mandatory event is an opportunity for the cadets to display what they have learned over the past training year to their families and assembled guests. It is also the opportunity for the squadron to honour deserving cadets by presenting them with various awards.”
