Squadron History

514 Squadron was formed in September 1949 and was originally known as the Feildian Squadron affiliated with Bishop Feild College. The original sponsors, the Feildian Association, were a committee of former 'Feild' students and the officers were selected from ex Feildians who had served with the Royal Air Force, namely F/Lt Gerry Bastow, D.F.C.

Flying Officer Doug Hunt and Pilot Officer Jim Harvey. Many Feildian graduates were instrumental in the formation of the St. John's Kinsmen Club. 514 Squadron soon became one of its major projects. In September 1951 the Squadron became 514 Kinsmen Squadron and has been sponsored by the St. John's Kinsmen Club continuously since that time.

To date 514 Squadron has had a total of 13 Commanding Officers with an estimated 4,500 cadets passing through the ranks over our forty year history. Over one hundred have received flying scholarships. Over one thousand cadets have attended summer camps throughout the country, many receiving advanced courses such as Senior Leaders, Athletic Instructor, Technical Training, Rifle Coach, Air Crew Survival and National Senior Band Camps. Some of our top cadets have been chosen as Ambassadors of Canada as Air Cadet International Exchange Visit award winners.

The Squadron is the seven-time winner of the Darroch MacGillivray Shield for the Most Proficient Squadron in Newfoundland and Labrador. Twice winners of the Cross Trophy for the Best Drill Team in Newfoundland. Winners also of the Daily News Trophy. the Inter-squadron Soccer Trophy. The Gordon Morris Shield and the Most Improved Shield.

As we celebrate our 59th. Anniversary we are proud of our prestigious heritage, and will continue with our commitment to encourage our youth to strive to achieve their full potential as leaders and citizens of tomorrow.

Past Commanding Officer’s

1949-1954 Gerry Bastow

• Squadron Leader
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Canadian Decoration

1954-1956 Jim Harvey

• Flight Lieutenant

1956-1957 Dave Bastow

• Flight Lieutenant

1957-1967 Harvey Bishop

• Squadron Leader
• Canadian Decoration

1967-1972 Donald Gladney

• Major
• Canadian Decoration

1972-1974 Chesley Tuck

• Captain
• WOAG (Air Gunner)
• Canadian Decoration

1974-1977 Wayne Yetman

• Captain

1977-1980 David Kennedy

• Captain

1980-1986 Brian Earle

• Lieutenant
• Canadian Decoration

1986-1990 Larry Butler

• Captain
• Canadian Decoration

1990-2001 Brian Earle

• Captain
• Canadian Decoration

2001- 2006 Roger Miller

• Captain
• Canadian Decoration

2006 - 2008 Cynthia Tobin-Piercey

• Captain

2008 - Present Ken Holden

• Captain