During February 1944, AVM Clifford M. McEwen was appointed 6 Group's commanding officer. He was thus in charge of all the Canadian Bomber Squadrons, with the exception of 405 which operated with 8 Group, the Pathfinders.

AVM McEwen was a twenty-seven victory ace from the Great War and an inspirational leader in every sense of the word. Known as 'Black Mike', he was said to have been, "An extremely energetic officer who has already become vastly popular with his men, both in the air and on the ground and 6 Group, under his command, was, 'getting into its stride and putting up a magnificent effort.'"

According to David Bashow, author of 'No Prouder Place -Canadians and the Bomber Command Experience', "'Black Mike' was an unrepentant advocate of arduous, realistic and demanding training, as well as stern discipline. No armchair commander, McEwen led fearlessly from the front, often accompanying his airmen on their toughest missions and against the explicit orders of Arthur Harris.

"Knowing that their commander fully appreciated and shared their dangers, 6 Group's crews' performance soon became as good as any in Bomber Command, and better than most. McEwen's presence was soon being taken for granted -he became a good luck symbol.

"As the men saw it, when the man with the moustache was along, things were going to be fine. They felt drawn to this colourful airman who wanted to share their danger, and when ordered not to, could not sleep while his men were on a raid.

"As Air Officer Commanding 6 Group, Black Mike's credo was leadership by example, albeit in his case, illegal when he flew on operations, usually dressed in a sergeant's uniform. Despite an almost total ban by the highest of authorities, 'Bomber' Harris winked at McEwen's actions. However, what he was doing soon became known throughout 6 Group and beyond."