435-436 Squadrons Association

Membership in the Association is open to all former and current serving members of 435 and 436 Squadrons.

In the summer of 1944, from the invasion in Normandy to the hard fought campaign in India and Burma some 6000 miles away, the Allied Forces were on the offensive. The formation of a major scale air transportation service in South East Asia to support the land forces, saw the birth of two new RCAF transport squadrons both operating DC3 aircraft, 435 'Chinthe' squadron, and 436 'Elephant' squadron.

When the war in Asia drew to a close in 1945, many squadron personnel saw the need to retain their close contact with squadron friends. From the shared experiences and close comradeship formed during the Burma campaign, the idea for an association was born.

Starting in 1946, the two squadrons held separate reunions, however it wasn't long before joint reunions started. In 1950 the, "Burma Star Squadrons Association" was formed.

Initially, membership was restricted to those who had served in either,of the two squadrons in South East Asia, with reunions being held annually since that date.

In 1974, in recognition of the many thousands of post war members of the two squadrons; many of whom had expressed the desire to maintain contact with former squadron friends and buddies, the Association expanded its membership criteria to include all those who have served, or were still serving, in either of 435 or 436 Transport Squadrons.

The comradeship formed as a result of service in either of the two squadrons is based on shared experiences in accomplishing often difficult and arduous tasks in both war and peace, resulting in an understanding between members which is unique.

Comradeship represents many important human values which are well worth preserving. The Association seeks to foster these values by providing a medium through which contact can be maintained with former squadron friends.

The Association roster provides names, addresses and phone numbers of all current Association members.

The "PUKKHA GEN magazine, issued 3 times per year, provides news and items of general interest, together with news items and comments from individual members. Reunion of old friends who have been out of touch for years sometimes occurs as a result. If you qualify for membership, and like us, wish to foster and preserve the values of comradeship, we invite you to join our Association.


	Membership Information. Membership in the Association is open to all former and current serving members of 435 and 436 Squadrons. In the summer of 1944, from the invasion in Normandy to the hard fought campaign in India and Burma some 6000 miles away, the Allied Forces were on the offensive. The formation of a major scale air transportation service in South East Asia to support the land forces, saw the birth of two new RCAF transport squadrons both operating DC3 aircraft, 435 'Chinthe' squadron, and 436 'Elephant' squadron. When the war in Asia drew to a close in 1945, many squadron personnel saw the need to retain their close contact with squadron friends. From the shared experiences and close comradeship formed during the Burma campaign, the idea for an association was born. Starting in 1946, the two squadrons held separate reunions, however it wasn't long before joint reunions started. In 1950 the, "Burma Star Squadrons Association" was formed. Initially, membership was restricted to those who had served in either,of the two squadrons in South East Asia, with reunions being held annually since that date. In 1974, in recognition of the many thousands of post war members of the two squadrons; many of whom had expressed the desire to maintain contact with former squadron friends and buddies, the Association expanded its membership criteria to include all those who have served, or were still serving, in either of 435 or 436 Transport Squadrons. The comradeship formed as a result of service in either of the two squadrons is based on shared experiences in accomplishing often difficult and arduous tasks in both war and peace, resulting in an understanding between members which is unique. Comradeship represents many important human values which are well worth preserving. The Association seeks to foster these values by providing a medium through which contact can be maintained with former squadron friends. The Association roster provides names, addresses and phone numbers of all current Association members. The "PUKKHA GEN magazine, issued 3 times per year, provides news and items of general interest, together with news items and comments from individual members. Reunion of old friends who have been out of touch for years sometimes occurs as a result. If you qualify for membership, and like us, wish to foster and preserve the values of comradeship, we invite you to join our Association.