Pioneer Days
No 9 S.F.T.S., Centralia, Ont.
(reprinted from the December 1944 issue of No 9 Flyer)
By Pioneer Days – No 9 S.F.T.S., Centralia, Ont.
by Martin Grudnitski, Sgt.
When Spring gave way to Summer of 1942, a bee-hive of industry could be noted by anyone arriving, or passing by this Airport tucked behind the Village of Centralia. I can never forget my first sight of this, now modern metropolis, with its tree-lined avenues, and slick white buildings, and the red roofs showing through the maze of barracks and hangars, and the continuous hum of warming-up aircraft. But that is getting ahead of my story. I am here to tell you of No. 9’s Pioneer days!
Instead of Aircraft, the steady drone of high powered tractors were taking off on their first solo flights through the mud that oozed and trickled over every inch of the Station. I arrived at the main gate and was asked for my ‘‘I’’ card and my next of kin was jotted down in the S.P.’s log book, this precaution, he informed me, was being taken at present, as many had disappeared between the main gate and Admin. Building, never to be heard of again. So I stepped through the gates of ‘‘good ole No. 9’’ and was immediately surrounded by mud and dew worms, bidding me welcome to my new home, or theirs. As I paddled my way down the main road astride a large timber, which would eventually form the under-pinion of one of the barracks, I passed several of the original boys standing at attention. Later I found out that they had no choice. The mud was up to their chins. All were very optimistic, however, and expected that W. & B. would get around to extract them before the mud finally baked in the July sun.
Under the capable leadership of WO.1 “Bert” Massiah, work parties of AC.2’s and Flight Loot’s were formed, and board walks were built to lay along the main thoroughfares of the station. Equipment stores issued goggles after a few attempts were made by the more trusting souls of the station, who attempted to walk on them, and received a ‘‘squirt’’ in the eye for their trouble. Barracks, new and unfurnished (with the exception of a few Varga girls) presented quite a problem to the boys. Hot water was unheard of! Flight Pringle was doing his utmost to save the masculine beauty from being marred by razors wet with cold water. I can hear those razors yet in the clear cool hours of the morning, the sound was not unlike a hundred miniature aircraft warming up for the take-off, punctuated by the curses of the suffering population. Those who were fortunate enough to possess an electric razor became the most popular boys on the station. Because amusements were not yet set up by the capable Y.M.C.A., it was not uncommon to see an admiring crowd standing about watching one of the boys as he did ‘‘steep-turns’’ and “‘banks’’ with his electric lawn mower.
Gradually the station began to take form, the mud of the roads was replaced by pavement, and every day brought in new postings. The first WD. personnel to arrive were AW.2’s Wilson and Stuart (since posted to Gander). Stuart and Wilson were Hospital Assistants and created quite a sensation when they walked into the combined Officers’, N.C.0.’s, and Airmen’s Mess. After the cheering had died down and the girls blushingly had taken their places, the problem that confronted the “‘Admin.’’ heads was—where are they to go? This was settled by the Medical Officer who pushed a tunnel through the shavings in the hospital and allotted a room for them there. Several days later the girls arrived from Summerside and the new WD. barracks were opened. Yes, opened I said, but still not complete. In parts of the station the cement was still missing and the girls ambled about in rubber boots with the Airmen, moaning about the floors in barracks which were soon covered with a thick layer of mud brought in from the pools outside. Yet I think they all enjoyed these days when No. 9 was in the rough. What a happy day when the first signs of steam and hot water came through the pipes and we all enjoyed a hot shower! A lot of credit is due to the original pioneers of No. 9. Flight Pringle, our popular Stationary Engineer, who not only laboured long hours at his pipes and boilers, but was duly elected as the ‘‘first bar tender’’ at the Sergeants’ Mess. In both these capacities he showed great insight, his motto being, “Keep Her Flowing,’’ as he thumped out on the piano, ‘‘Song of Russia.’’ Also we must not forget the able Equipment Section, F/S. Saunders (now WO.2), N.C.O. in charge, had his hands full unloading equipment for the various sections, and yet, in spite of this, he never neglected his social obligations during the evenings. These were only a few of the problems which were encountered, but as the men toiled the appearance improved rapidly.
The official opening of No. 9 S.F.T.S. took place on Wednesday, September 21st, 1942, and it was estimated that ” thousands of visitors from the countryside attended the opening. Air-Vice Marshall G. O. Johnston, M.C., Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Training Command, was present to officiate. Air-Vice Marshall Johnston stated that this school, along with it’s relief fields at Grand Bend and St. Joseph, was a station built in record time, and the best ideas from all other flying schools were incorporated into this school, so as to make this station most efficient in flying and more comfortable for the personnel.
As the school was officially opened, the continuous drone of aircraft in the sky could be heard throughout the day and night, as Instructors toiled ceaselessly to train the students as pilots, for they were needed by the Allies in carrying the Air Warfare to enemy territories. Soon pilots were graduating and proceeding Overseas where they showed great valour in the Battle of Europe, and their efficiency in their work reflected back to their station and the Instructors and Ground Crew of No. 9 S.F.T.S. who felt very proud that pilots trained at this station had received the very best they could give. This work was only accomplished through the coordination and co-operation of all concerned on this station, and we at No. 9 S.F.T.S. realized that we had done, and will continue to do, owe utmost in the training of pilots, so that this war may be brought to a quick and victorious close.
Not only has this station proved itself in the battle Overseas, but we are very proud with the memories that in the Winter of 1943 and 1944, the Station Hockey Team consisting of Officers and Airmen of this station, partook in the Command Hockey League, and throughout the season sportsmanship and continuous effort of the team with the full support of the Station behind them, won their games and in the final (the Command play-off’s) defeated their opponents and became the No. 1 Training Command Hockey Champions.
The Station Pipe Band has won a great deal of praise and approval from the personnel of the station, and the public. The Band has partaken in many events in the surrounding cities and towns. A special Kiltie uniform was patented for the Band and approved by the R.C.A.F. as the official plaid. The formation of a trumpet band, which later was inaugurated into the Brass Band, has also won many praises from the public. In years to come as you take up this souvenir and glance through the pages, many memories of ‘’Ole No. 9,” will be recalled and in your mind you’ll think, ‘‘That was a Station I was glad to be part of.”
The pictures accompanying this article reveal life “in the rough’’ —and the present ‘‘No. 9.”