439's new abode in Marville, France. These photos by Pat Barrett are circa 1963. 

Photo Copyright ©Pat Barrett. Used with permission.

The Squadron remained in North Luffenham flying their F-86 Mark II Sabres until March 1955, when it was moved to 1(F) Wing Marville, France, and refitted with new Mark V Sabres.

This complemented the RCAF's build up of four fighter wings at Sollingen and Zweibrucken Germany and Grostenquin and Marville, France. The only major problem encountered was to find a suitable location for the squadrons to carry out their required air-to-air firing practice, and this was initially solved when agreements were completed to use the base in Rabat, Morocco for this purpose.

On the 3 August 1955, No. 439 Squadron deployed to Rabat for their first gunnery camp at this new location. The RCAF found that although flying facilities were adequate, it was rather hazardous for Canadians to mix with the seemingly uncivilized Moroccans in Rabat and nearby Casablanca.

Since it appeared inevitable that sooner or later a serious incident would occur, negotiations with the Italian and German Air forces commenced, and it was decided that the RCAF would pay 25% of the cost to prepare the Italian base in Decimomannu, Sardinia, for air-to-air gunnery.

 

No.1 Fighter Wing - Marville, France

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