In 2026, Mississauga is large enough to need three Air Cadet Squadrons, with hundreds of new cadets enrolling yearly. They sign up eager, nervous and wide-eyed at age 12, and graduate 5-7 years, later self-assured, dedicated, and ready to serve their community and country. Today, South Mississauga is served by 845 Avro Arrow Squadron, but years ago it was the only squadron in the city.
The ‘’Phoenix’’ Days -- I976-I993
In 1975, George Moir of the Air Cadet League’s Ontario Provincial Committee, requested that Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Jim Flesher, CD, meet with a small group in Mississauga who were interested in forming an Air Cadet Squadron in their community. This group was invited to observe 700 David Hornell V.C. Squadron in Weston, Ontario in order to see an operational cadet unit firsthand. They must have been impressed, as a short time thereafter, George Moir initiated the documentation to form 845 Squadron Mississauga, which officially formed on 1 June 1976.
Larry McPhail and Steve Polanski became two of the original staff members and 20-25 cadets initially paraded on a weekly basis at Queen Elizabeth Senior Public School. Senior NCOs were drawn from 142 Mimico, 540 Oakville and 707 Etobicoke Squadrons.
Major Robert Beck, who hailed from 707 Squadron, was the original Commanding Officer of 845 Squadron and was joined a short time later by Major Walter Richardson of the COPS Cadet Corps. Mr. John Daly who also came to 845 by way of 707, served as Squadron Sponsor Chair. Steve Byrd was promoted to the position of Warrant Officer First Class, the first chief of the Squadron.
Supply at that time was located in the basement of the IGA store on the South Service Road in Mississauga, and uniforms were issued from an apartment building in which the training officer lived. No wedges were available at the time due to a change in uniform policy and as a result, cadets were given permission to wear winter base ball caps complete with tuck up ear flaps.
The ‘’Avro Arrow’’ Days -- 1993-Present
Throughout the initial years, 845 was known as Phoenix Squadron. However, in 1993, under the command of Major Gary Meissner, it was rededicated as 845 Avro Arrow Squadron, embracing the national claim to aviation history of the area.
Both Jim Floyd and Jan Zurakowski of the original development and testing teams of the Avro Arrow, supported the Squadron and most graciously allowed their excellence and legend to inspire the Squadron to still greater heights of accomplishment, and unparalleled standards.
During the command of Major Roman Ciecwierz, the Squadron continued to grow, earning the TAG Sword and celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Major Perry Doig saw 845 become the equivalent size of a “Wing” and brought the Squadron into the new millennium, and now presides over its Silver Anniversary.
On the 27 May 2001, 845 was granted Freedom of the City by the City of Mississauga, the Mayor, Her Worship Hazel McCallion and the Council. This is a traditional means for a city to honour a unit of the Canadian Forces and it is rare for a Cadet Unit to be so recognized.