Memorial sculpture unveiled

Sculptor Illarion Gallant speaks during the unveiling and dedication of the Hospital Hill Memorial Sculpture he designed called “Lost Airmen of the Empire” at the Victoria International Airport June 1. Photo by MCpl Chris Ward, MARPAC Imaging Services

Captain Peter Ryan, 12 Wing PAO ~

Several hundred people attended a dedication June 1 on the north side of the Victoria International Airport, overlooking 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, for those posted to the Royal Canadian Air Force Station Patricia Bay, and who died during the Second World War.

The memorial consists of 25, 12-foot high, Corten steel, Cooper’s Hawk feathers with the names and ages of each fallen member cut into the feathers.

The memorial is located on Hospital Hill, named for the base hospital at the time.

Over 5,000 personnel trained as pilots, navigators, armourers and mechanics as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. This was the third largest training centre of its kind in Canada at the time.

A total of 179 people perished while posted to, or working at, RCAF Station Patricia Bay, or were aboard aircraft from that base.

The occasion was marked by a Trooping of Colours by 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, remarks from dignitaries, and a flypast featuring a variety of RCAF aircraft.

“It was an honour for 443 Squadron to be part of this event and to participate in the planning sessions leading up to the memorial dedication to the Lost Airmen of the Empire,” said LCol Shawn Williamson, 443 MH Squadron commanding officer. “This memorial overlooks 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport and serves as a reminder of past sacrifices, and the important role our RCAF members in the maritime helicopter community carried out in the defence of Canada aboard Royal Canadian ships deployed on missions around the world. We are proud members of this community and it is our duty to serve.”

The monument was selected by Victoria Airport Authority and a group of citizens, including members from 443MH Squadron, who formed a working group that had the common goal of increasing awareness of military history at the airport. The memorial sculpture was designed by Illarion Gallant and is accessible to the general public.