Out-going 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Duane May, right, and incoming Chief Warrant Officer Derek Stratton display May’s parting gift to the squadron August 13: a new crested flagpole, including an embedded squadron chief warrant officer’s coin.
In 2000 Chris Ward published a book called " RAF Bomber Command, Squadron Profiles Number 84, 405 Squadron" Researched, compiled and written by Chris the book profiles the Squadron's activities during the war. It was not meant to be a comprehensive history but to provide as much information as possible in a non-anecdotal form.
In 2024 Chris published a more informative history of 405 Squadron's wartime activities. It is three times the size of his frist book and is available on Amazon
NEW - WAR TIME HISTORY OF 405 SQUADRON
Pathfinders mark 405 Squadron change of appointment
05/09/2025
Sara White, 14 Wing, News
Calling his time at 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron “the highlight of my career,” Chief Warrant Officer Duane May made a few changes August 13, turning over his chief’s responsibilities and taking on a captain’s rank and role.
“I stand here with pride and gratitude, and disbelief my time at this squadron has come to an end. I stand before an impressive, mission-focused team. I’ve witnessed the highs and the lows, as you’ve deployed around the world at a moment’s notice. The aircrew – you train, prepare for and execute missions – and you forget how easy you make it all look. The maintenance team – your skill and confidence is easy to respect. The operations and safety team – you ‘orchestrate the madness,’ essential to the squadron’s effectiveness.
“I leave proud of what we achieved, and the unit is in great shape. Never forget what you are capable of. Whether it’s on the ground or in the air, you are leading the way every day.”
Incoming Chief Warrant Officer Derek Stratton, signing in as the squadron’s chief for the next couple of years, spoke after May, taking “a lot of direction” from his predecessor’s speech.
“You set the bar high and will be a tough act to follow. Your work ethic and values – there is no more deserving member than you to promote to captain,” Stratton said.
“In the 1990s, the success of becoming a chief felt like an impossibility for me. Intangible. I was happy to be a soldier. As it turns out, life has a way of shaping you. I gained rank and experience, and doors opened. The inspiration for me was the leaders and the leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces I had the privilege of serving alongside, inspiring me to grow as a professional – and a person.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Stubbert, who returned to 405 Squadron for the third time just last month, said units rely on their chief warrant officers.
“They play a vital role as the technical, connective tissue of a squadron; as mentors; upholding the highest standards.”
Stubbert first met May in 2022, remembering him as “the voice of reason and maturity,” and that his obvious dedication to the welfare of squadron members is “unmatched – the very best qualities possible in a chief warrant officer. As he welcomed Stratton as his command team partner, he reminded him, “you are now part of a legacy committed to excellence and protecting Canadians.”
The crest of 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron depicts an eagle's head facing to the sinister and holding in the beak a sprig of maple. Its motto refers to the fact that this was the first and only Royal Canadian Air Force Pathfinder squadron. The eagle's head which faces the sinister suggests leadership, is derived from the pathfinder badge