LAC Butch and His Parachute: A 418 Squadron Legacy
In the annals of the 418 Squadron's storied history, few tales capture the imagination quite like that of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) Butch, a canine of distinguished service and curious adventures. In 2014, a discovery in a Calgary attic—a small brown canvas bag adorned with the 418 Squadron badge—rekindled interest in this four-legged hero's extraordinary journey.
A Pup's Ascension to Squadron Mascot
Butch's tale begins in the fall of 1954, outside the 418 Squadron's hangar at what was then the City Centre Airport, now the site of the Alberta Aviation Museum. A lean, part-collie pup, fed scraps by squadron members, soon exhibited an unwavering loyalty to those in RCAF blue, earning him the rank of Leading Aircraftsman and the name Butch. His unique rank mirrored his unique role within the squadron—not just a mascot, but a guardian of morning milk deliveries and an emblem of the unit's camaraderie.
The Parachute That Was Butch's Alone
Butch's fame soared with the creation of an RCAF-approved parachute, ingeniously crafted from an old drogue chute by LAC Chuck Levesque. Though Butch never took an actual leap, the parachute symbolized his integral role in the squadron. He became a celebrated figure, logging over 50 hours in various aircraft, from B-25s to C-119s, and even gracing television screens, known nationwide as the only dog in Canada with his own parachute.
Adventures and Misadventures
Butch's escapades weren't without their mischiefs. A memorable encounter with a skunk in Summerside, P.E.I., in 1955 earned him a rather undignified award—a trophied depiction of a horse's behind. Yet, it was these stories that endeared him further to his squadron family. His wandering spirit led to a humorous episode in 1956 when the city dogcatcher sought to speak with "Leading Aircraftsman Butch" after a misadventure in west Edmonton.
A Legacy Preserved
Butch's story took a poignant turn in late 1957, marking the end of his time with the squadron as it moved to Namao. A farm in Tofield became his final home, where his adventures ended tragically with an accidental poisoning. Remembered as the "sloppiest, laziest, meanest, and smelliest mascot," by his commanding officer, those who knew him tell tales of a much-beloved figure, whose antics and loyalty left an indelible mark on the squadron.
The Parachute Returns Home
Decades later, the parachute believed to have belonged to Butch has found its way back to the squadron's legacy, thanks to the Staniland family's discovery and the efforts of 418 Squadron Association members. Now housed among the 418 Squadron collections at the Alberta Aviation Museum, Butch's parachute stands as a testament to the extraordinary bond between the squadron and its most unconventional member.
Butch's tale is more than a chapter of squadron history; it's a story of loyalty, adventure, and the enduring spirit of the 418 Squadron. It's a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, some even with four legs and a tail.