Lt. Col. Jeff Tasseron was  Commander of 423 Sqn when I first had the pleasure of personal contact with him in regards to this website.

During his time as CO of 423 Shearwater, I was informed of the naming of a new hangar to be officially named  Archdale Hangar , after the wartime home of 423 Sqn in Northern Ireland.

I received a very heartfelt notification from Lt. Col. Tasseron about this naming ceremony taking place, here is an excerpt from the letter sent to me from Lt. Col. Tasseron:

 

Mr. Picken - Hello from 12 Wing Shearwater, and from 423 (MH) Sqn.

 

It gives me great personal satisfaction to inform you that, owing in no small part to the excellent historical effort you made with your website, and to the kind efforts of A/CAS staff and my Wing Commander, I have succeeded in gaining approval to officially name the new 423 Squadron Hangar "Archdale Hangar."

 

I thought it only correct to let you know first, since it was your work that inspired me to read more deeply into the Sqn history, such that I came to believe quite strongly that "Archdale" was the right name for our impressive new facility.  I discussed other alternatives with an extensive set of 423 CO alumni, and while there were many worthy suggestions, none of them felt as historically evocative of the spirit and surroundings that made this Squadron into what it is today.

 

Jeff Tasseron
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron

 

 

 

Here are official photos that were kindly sent to me from Shearwater that show the naming ceremony that took place which included 8 CO's of 423 Sqn coming together.