848 Squadron was originally a Royal Navy Torpedo Bombing Squadron. Its crest was an Osprey holding a torpedo in its talons. The present squadron crest shows an Osprey over the ramparts of Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University.
848 “Colwood” Squadron was formed in November of 1976 to fill a growing need for a second Air Cadet Squadron in the Greater Victoria area. The squadron was re-named “Royal Roads” in the subsequent years, as the Historic site was one of the parade grounds for the squadron. The Motto of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program is To Learn-To Serve-To Advance, while the 848 Squadron motto is Perficere Disce – Learn to Achieve. The Squadron has a proud history in the Western Communities, offering youth aged 12 – 18 an opportunity to develop skills in Leadership, Citizenship, Physical Fitness, and learn about the air activities of the Canadian Forces. Additionally, the squadron has maintained a number of successful teams over the years. The 848 Range Team, and Biathlon team have had members compete at the local, provincial, and national level. The Band is often heard accompanying community events, and the First Aid Team has provided numerous cadets the skills to prevent injury and preserve life in emergency situations.