The day of the march itself proved mentally and physically challenging for the members of the aptly named “Op Sore Talons” team. Starting out at 4 a.m., spirits were high. After the first stage, faces were fresh and invigorated. By the third stage, the enormity of the challenge set in and the value of having a search and rescue technician, borrowed from 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron, Master Corporal Kevin Cochrane, on hand to provide medical support became blindingly clear.
Op Sore Talons Marches To Success
by
Master Corporal Anthony Spittachine
405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron
While 14 Wing Greenwood was kicking into high gear to celebrate the 75th anniversary of four 400-series squadrons on the base, a team from 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron, the sole Royal Canadian Air Force squadron designated as a Pathfinder Squadron, was finding new gears of its own at the annual Pathfinder March in the United Kingdom.
A 405 Squadron team of 10, including marchers and support staff, took on the challenge of marching the arduous course to celebrate not only the squadron’s 75th anniversary, but also the 74th anniversary of the creation of the Second World War Pathfinder Force.
The Pathfinder Force of squadrons included hand selected aircrew that demonstrated exceptional navigation abilities. This elite force was tasked to lead bombing missions, marking targets and guiding the waves upon waves of bombers that followed - all with the focus of increasing the effectiveness of Bomber Group. In commemoration of the Pathfinders, the annual Pathfinders March was created.
The march, hosted at RAF Wyton, England, gives participants 20 hours to navigate a 74-kilometre (46-mile) course through the countryside connecting all the now decommissioned airfields used by the Pathfinder Force during the Second World War. After months of preparation and training, the 405 Squadron team departed June 14. Over the next five days, representatives not only participated in the march, but also reconnected with the communities that housed, fed and hosted 405 Pathfinders during the war.
The Royal Air Force and the village of Great Gransden, the site
of the airfield 405 Squadron used during the war, were
gracious hosts. The people of Great Gransden welcomed the
team into their homes for tea, took members on a tour of the
old airfield, now a glider training centre; and joined the team in
commemorating the lives of the 801 members of 405 Squadron
who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. That
commemoration took place in St. Bartholomew’s Church, which
houses a stained glass window dedicated to the members of
the 405 Squadron Pathfinders. All this was rounded out with a
visit to a local pub, members of 405 used to frequent in war
years, The Crown and Cushion.
Fifty kilometres in, the team remained determined, trudging
through the longest stage: one the team affectionately dubbed
“The Soul Crusher.” At the team’s darkest hour, the bright and
ever energetic face of Padre Rory MacDonald bounded into view
to raise our spirits with bagpipe music and quirky anecdotes. His intercession at that moment got the team over the hump (and precluded him having to fulfill the other duty he was brought along for - last rights). Despite the challenges presented, all 405 team members were able to complete the march in the required time, in good spirits and with minimal injuries.
The following day, the team took in the sights of London on a walking tour, albeit a short and very slow one. No sooner had they finished reconnecting with the past in the United Kingdom, the team was back on the plane to Greenwood and home, ready to celebrate the squadron’s 75th anniversary with sister 14 Wing squadrons, 404, 413 and 415. The opportunity to experience the squadron’s history in the flesh was invaluable. Walking the streets of the towns and runways of the airfields once the site of such heroism and bravery humbled team members, and provided a unique, first-hand perspective.
Many years have passed since those days, but 405 Pathfinders are still leading the way on international operations. History has come full circle. The squadron members only hope the service and sacrifice they commit to today will one day be worthy of those who sacrificed so much in the past for their nation, and the world.
Ducimus - We Lead