This Kiowa took on a special meaning for 400 Squadron in 1992 when it was painted to celebrate their 60th Anniversary
Several years ago someone identified that this Kiowa was now serving as a Gate Guard outside CFB Borden.
Carl Mills (may he RIP) started the planning and gathering the information required to restore it (weatherproofing, and re-painting it in 400's 60th Anniversary Colours. Carl had progressed to the point where he had several individuals willing to take on the management of this project so that once the funding was raised we would be in a position to commence its restoration. However, about 3 weeks before his death he advised me that he was just that day advised that the Gate Guard we thought was Serial # 136228 was in actual fact Serial # 136882.
I immediately started to search the various data bases of aircraft serial numbers to which we have access. After about a week I determined our Kiowa had be sold to a company in Australia in 2006 and registered as civilian helicopter VH-OSX in Australia to a private owner whom I managed to identify as Mr. David Sproule. I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a phone or email for Mr. Sproule but had left a trail of emails while trying to obtain contact information for him.
Contact made on Thursday, March 28, 2019
I received the following email yesterday:
"Hi Bill.
Here are a few photos of OSX. I’ve just purchased this Kiowa to complete my training and will be used for movement between farms and some recreational flying. I purchased it from David Sproule who has owned it from 2006
Would love to see any other previous photos or anything you have regarding it’s past.
Regards,Rod Forge"
I have written Rod Forge requesting a little more information.
When this is received this article will be updated and posted in our Aircraft Bay in the Kiowa Section to provide a permanent record of this special 400 Squadron helicopter's history.
All the events listed below will take place at:
York Cemetery and Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto ON
M2N 5Z5
Visitations
Friday 22 March 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday 23 March 1 pm to 2 pm
Funeral Service
Saturday 23 March 2 pm to 3 pm
Internment
Saturday 23 March 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Reception
Saturday 23 March 3:30 to 5:30
I will be flying in Friday night and will attend all events on Saturday where I hope to meet many of Carl's fellow admirers.
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA "Unc"
It is with deep personal sorrow that I must advise of the passing of Carl Mills, show on the left with his beloved wife Sophia.
Carl had been in hospital since Christmas eve and, although resolved to his fate, had maintained good spirits and was battling to get home until the end. He had a turn for the worse a few days ago and never recovered passing away Monday evening March 18, 2019.
I will add service information as soon as it is available.
Please remember this cherished member of 400 Squadron and keep he and Sophia in your mind and prayers.
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA my friend.
Not everyone is aware of the fact that 400 Squadron has commissioned, or been gifted, quite an extensive Art Collection. Carl Mills has identified 22 paintings and has managed to get photographs for 18 of these. The locations of these paintings vary from being in museums, to private collections, or located at the Squadron's Offices in its current hangar. The location of several of the artworks are unknown. We have taken to referring to this portion of our artworks as 'Our Original' collection which extends from our early years up to 2010.
The eighteen works for which we have photos are now in a virtual Art Gallery which was created by Bill Bishop, our webmaster and may be viewed by visiting the 400 Squadron Bay on the left menu, then selecting the tile "400 Squadron Artwork Bay" or you can CLICK HERE