41 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) was formed on 18 October 1941, some six months after the establishment of the Air Cadet League of Canada. World War II was in its third year and Canada was just 74 years old as a country. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) had been in existence for some 17 years. The squadron’s number designated it as the forty-first air cadet squadron to be formed.
The Squadron’s first sponsor was 600 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA). In September 1971, sponsorship was changed to the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch No.1, Regina. Sponsorship of the Squadron (Sqn) is now shared by the RCL and the civilian sponsor committee. The civilian sponsor committee is largely made up of parents and other interested individuals.
No.41 RCACS flew to Sea Island aboard a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in 1955. After this flight the Squadron adopted the name “Hercules” as its own. Since that time, the Squadron has been known as No.41 Hercules Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
Hercules Squadron came to possess a Gypsy Moth bi-wing aircraft in 1972. This aircraft was the predecessor of the World War I Tiger Moth trainer. After some restoration, the Gypsy Moth was donated to the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw, SK
In more a prosperous time, the Squadron donated a glider to the Air Cadet League. The League presented Hercules Squadron with a plaque in recognition of the generous gift.
In 1991, Hercules Squadron celebrated its fiftieth anniversary together with the Air Cadet League. A wing parade was held with Nos. 34 Sabre and 703 Optimist Sqns in honour of the event.
In 2017, 41 along with 34 will be celebrating their 75th anniversary along with 703 squadron. Events are planned throughout the 26-28 May weekend including an alumni dinner with guest speaker, none other than 41’s own Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Desmond Brophy.
41hercules.ca 