File: 23-6-43 (DPR) 23rd June 1943.

Air Secretary

"Lion" Squadron

Nicknamed and Adopted Squadrons

1. Further to conversation today, there is no "M.G.M." Squadron, but there is a "Lion" Squadron, R.C.A.F., which has been adopted by Metro Goldwyn Meyer. The squadron had its nick-name before adoption.

2. In April, 1943, the motion picture company asked to be allowed to adopt the squadron, obviously because its name tied in with its trademark. M.G.M. gave undertaking that publicity tie-up would be under control of R.C.A.F. Headquarters Overseas and would be handled with strictest regard to Service procedure. The company also undertook to provide a mascot for the squadron and a squadron badge for each member, giving a free admission to all MGM theatres, and also undertook to provide comforts. The matter was referred here and approved. MGM recently held an adoption ceremony, which was filmed by an MGM unit. Film is now in possession of National Film Board. ________

3. For your information, a list of all nicknamed R.C.A.F squadron, (numbers of which are secret under security ruling) is attached.

4. Other "adopted" squadrons include:

"City of Oshawa" Squadron, adopted by the City of Oshawa. General Motors is back of this, S/L Lloyd Chadgurn having been one of its employees, and Mrs. R.S. McLaughlin heads the committee.

"Moose" Squadron, adopted by the City of Bradford, England, "Red Indian" Squadron, adopted by McColl Frontenac Oil Co.

"Les Alouettes" Squadron, (French Canadian) adopted by newspaper La Presse and by a Women's Auxiliary in Montreal.

The Toronto Parkdale Lions Club is also in the process of adopting a Squadron.

Note:

Lion Squadron is #427
about 15 planes in Squadron
5 to 7 Squadrons in a flight
8 to 15 squadrons in a group.

"G. W. Ghewy" Executive Assistant for Director of Public Relations.