ONG,
Your question got me thinking and, inevitably, researching what little I could find on tactical air support for the Canadian Army during the 60's.
To begin with, it looks like the RCAF left TAS to the Auxiliary squadrons in 50's. Specifically to 406 Squadron in Saskatoon and 418 Squadron in Edmonton both of which operated the Mitchell light bomber.
"Both of these units had made their reputation on the famous Mosquito during the war; for their tactical role they were equipped with the Mitchell." Roundel, April 1964
By 1961 however, the Auxiliary squadrons had lost their Mitchells, Mustangs and Sabres and were reequipped with Expeditors and Otters.
In 1962, 408 PR Squadron in Rockliffe (equipped with PR Lancasters) was augmented by a flight of four PR equipped T-33 Silver Star trainers.
"Equipped with photo-reconnaissance noses these aircraft operated in support of Army exercises at Gagetown, Wainwright and Suffield. 408 Squadron History
In March, 1964 the squadron moved to RCAF Rivers in Manitoba where the CJATC operated. It was re-designated 408 Transport Support and Area Reconnaissance Squadron equipped with T-33s, Dakotas and C-119 Boxcars. In may of that year the number of T-33s was doubled to 8.
"Four of the T-birds were equipped with photo-recce noses, while the remaining four were armed to provide tactical firepower in support of ground troops. These aircraft supported the summer concentration exercises at Camp Gagetown and Camp Wainwright during June and July, and during October and November they were involved in exercises on both coasts." 408 Squadron History
In April 1968 the Squadron was allocated to Mobile Command from ATC. In October, divested of all of the transport aircraft and with a complement of 18 T-33 aircraft the unit was re-designated 408 Tactical Fighter Squadron. In 1970 it stood down in preparation of becoming the third operational CF-5 unit. When the decision was made to only have 2 such squadrons its designation was re-allocated to the new operational helicopter squadron to be based in Edmonton. TAS passed to 433 and 434 Squadrons.
Now about the Banshee; all I know is that they were phased out of RCN service by 1962. Banshee naval squadrons did however, undertake summer taskings at Rivers during which they were able to fire rockets and drop bombs and could very well have acted in a TAS role during Army exercises. Like I mentioned at the beginning, my knowledge is limited.
Cheers,
Dan.
