427 Squadron was initially formed in 1942 as a bomber squadron during the Second World War. The squadron was adopted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM, who presented a bronze lion to the squadron. This, along with the adoption of one of Prime Minister Churchill’s lion cubs, Mareth, is how the squadron became affectionately known as the Lion Squadron.
Following the war in 1952, 427 squadron was re-activated as a fighter squadron flying first the CF-86 Sabre and then the CF-104 Starfighter in 1962. In 1971, the 427 Lion Squadron was rerolled to tactical aviation flying in support of the army with a variety of aircraft including the L-19 Bird Dog, CH-136, Kiowa, CH-135 Twin Huey, and currently the CH-146 Griffon.
427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron is now the dedicated Special Operations Forces aviation assets for the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
In leading up to the squadron's 75th anniversary, a project was undertaken to honour all those who had perished while serving with 427 Squadron since its inception. The 427 Squadron Memorial Cenotaph was unveiled in Veterans' Memorial Park on October 15, 2017. Four black granite ‘wings’ are slotted into a center, main granite pillar. On each wing are etchings of the different aircraft used by the squadron over the years, followed by a listing of those who died in service on those aircraft. Information included for service members: air force they served with, rank at time of death, name, date of passing, and location of mission associated with passing. The memorial is topped with a black granite cap and a sculpted bronze lion.
The Cobden Veterans Memorial is also located here.
