This space has been intentionally left blank in anticipation of finding a suitable photo to match this pages content

To prepare for the move the Squadron suspended all flying activities on 21 October, and everyone got busy checking and closing inventories and doing all the paper work necessary to get the personnel away on embarkation leave by 6 November.  The situation was not improved by the fact that F/L W.H. Walker, the adjutant, was away on temporary duty at the time orders  came through; he was hurriedly recalled (F/L Walker had been detached on temporary duty as adjutant for No. 164 Squadron at Moncton since 24 September.) Through all the bustle and hustle the Fifth Victory Loan campaign forged ahead, and No. 123 subscribed $21,000 (at least), exceeding its quota ($16,000) by over 30 %.

Two unpleasant incidents marred the last days at Debert. One night attempt was made to chop down the flagpole in front of the administration building.  A few nights later part of that building was gutted by fire which, evidence suggested, had been deliberately started.  Thanks to the valiant efforts of officers and men, who had to work with gas masks on, many vital records were saved. The Squadron had its suspicions about the culprits in these two regrettable incidents; it was certain that no one in No. 123 was responsible.

This space has been intentionally left blank in anticipation of finding a suitable photo to match this pages content

Despite the serious setback of the fire, preparations for departure went ahead. There were the usual last minute changes in personnel.  F/L J.W. Saville and F/O W.K. Scharff, two former members,  returned to their unit. Seville and Scharff were two of the original group of ten pilots who constituted the Squadron on its formation (as the School of Army Co-Operation) in October 1941. Six new pilots were posted in to bring it up to strength. - F/L H.K.J. McAvity, F/Os A.C. Clarke, W.J. Mahagan and B.P. Swingler, and P/Os P.S. Barton and A.L. Henderson.  Regrettably, S/L Rankin was not allowed to lead his Squadron overseas; on the eve of departure he was posted to R.M.C. (Royal Military College) as Air Staff Officer and the senior officer on strength was designated to take temporary command until a new C.O. was appointed overseas.  At a farewell dinner his officers presented S/L Rankin with an engraved silver tray in tribute to the wholehearted respect and admiration which he had commanded throughout his long service with the unit. 

No 123's diary ended at Debert on 31 October 1943, and did not re-open until 1 January 1944 (when the unit was at Wellingore in Lincolnshire, England. At that date the strength was 29 officers (including 23 pilots) and 219 airmen, with two Army officers and three other ranks attached. In the interval the Squadron had "cleared station" at Debert, departed on embarkation leave, re-assembled at the “Y" Depot about 20 November and sailed for overseas, ending its 25 months tour in Canada.