At Debert S/L Ross's unit, assisted by an Army Staff section, provided army/air co-operation training for the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, under the command of Maj Gen F.F. Worthington, until the division went overseas in Aug 1942 and was replaced by Maj Gen P.E Leclerc's 7th Division, In addition to varied air activities. artillery "shoots", tactical reconnaissance exercises, mock-bombing attacks, supply dropping, photographic missions, etc., - the squadron conducted numerous ground courses on army/air support for brigadiers and Senior officers.

Some of 439's air arsenal. L-R Bolinbroke Mk IV, Hurricane, Lysander 7, Harvard Mk II, Anson Mk I

(Photo: 439 Sqn archives)

Some air co-operation schemes were also carried out in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Navy. Although termed a squadron, No. 123 functioned as a school, training Army and R.C.A.F. personnel in the technique of air co-operation; it also provided accommodation for large lumbers of RAF airmen from No. 31 O.T.U.