North Luffenham

Canada to England – 1952

441 Squadron was selected to proceed to North Luffenham in Enlgand. Apart from preparing for the move, personnel had embarkation leave from 21 January to 4 February 1952.

A memo dated 20 December 1951 outlined how the move was to be effected. Personnel, dependents included, were to assemble at the St. Hubert Drill Hall at 0900 on 12 February 1952, with baggage for customs inspection, and to receive their steamer tickets and rail berthing cards. At 1900 hours of 12 February, 441 Squadron would leave Montreal by rail for Saint John. Baggage was limited to 150 pounds (train) and 200 pounds (ship).

Although dependents might accompany RCAF personnel (at their own expense), official policy was clear: "This offer of assistance is not to be interpreted as encouragement for personnel to have their dependents accompany them to the UK, as living conditions in the UK, and particularly in the North Luffenham area, are such that it is undesirable for dependents to accompany personnel".

On 13 February 1952, the Silver Foxes sailed for the UK aboard the Canadian Pacific liner "Empress of France". The squadron disembarked at Liverpool on 20 February.