The Formation of 10 Timmins Kiwanis Squadron
Newspaper articles publishing the creation of the Air Cadets captured the attention of a Timmins resident named Percy.T. Moisley. Mr. Moisley was the chairman of the Kiwanis Boys “K” Club Timmins, and as a former RCAF officer he was keenly interested in the creation of the Air Cadet program. In January of 1941 he wrote the Honourable Charles Power, and advised the he had 60 boys aged 14-16 years of age (the initial proposed age for the Air Cadets) ready to enroll in an air cadet program, and wished to form a squadron as soon as possible.
On April 9, 1941, a charter was officially granted establishing the Air Cadet League of Canada. It was not until June of 1941 that an official application to form an Air Cadet squadron could be submitted. By August of 1941 the squadron formally began to enroll cadets and officers into the squadron. A recruiting blitz in August was followed by the news on August 23rd, 1941 that Mr. Moisley’s application had been successful. An air cadet squadron would indeed be formed in Timmins, with the Timmins Kiwanis Club as its sponsor. On September 27th, 1941, confirmation was received in the form of a charter from the Air Cadet League of Canada. 10 “Timmins Boys K Club Squadron”, was born.
It is a significant point of pride and distinction that 10 Squadron was to be included among the first six squadrons created in Canada, along with Montreal, Woodstock, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. Flight Lieutenant Percy Moisley became the first commanding officer of 10 squadron and by September 29th, 1941, 229 cadets had registered for the program. 10 Timmins Kiwanis Squadron has been in continuous operation since its founding 1941, making this squadron the oldest in Canada, along with a few of the other "original six". Remarkably, the Timmins Chapter of Kiwanis International is remains the primary sponsor of the squadron today, with over 75 years of continuous support.
The Early Years
Learn more about the early years of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and of 10 Timmins Kiwanis Squadron