Rough-Hewn Tradition
The story of the Chinthe Support Services
(Republished from the September 1953 issue of The Roundel)
By W.O.1 A.J. Dale
(This article to which Warrant Officer Dale’s first paragraph refers was entitled Determined to Deliver,” and was written by Flying Officer David Martin. The following sequel to it offers an unusually convincing object-lesson on the subject of morale. Its author is at present employed at Air Materiel Command Headquarters, Ottawa.— EDITOR).
The FEBRUARY issue of ‘‘The Roundel’’ contained an extremely interesting story regarding the part played by the Canadian Chinthe Squadron in its tactical support of the 14th Army in India and Burma. It was necessarily an operational report, written by a competent and experienced writer. It may well be, however, that readers of ‘The Roundel” might be interested in hearing something further about the Chinthe Squadron — specifically, about the ground organization which supported the Chinthe’s operational forces.
One of the principal tenets of successful operation and function is the unshakable recognition that administration must support and work in accord with function. It is necessary that administrative personnel thoroughly understand the functions of the unit if they are to realize the part they must play in successful operation and if they are to contribute as a smoothly-working unit in the machine. A narration of the part played by the administrative services in contributing to the high standard of morale which was one of the outstanding achievements of the Chinthe Squadron may well serve to emphasize the above point. The relationships between ground crew, air crew, and administrative staffs (including mobile equipment, messing, and station services), were built up so strongly over a period of months, that they still exist today in the form of No. 435 Squadron Association, which holds annual get-togethers in Toronto. These reunions are attended by scores of Chinthe personnel from all over Canada. Such enduring morale may be attributed in large part to the integration of the functional, operational, and administrative elements of the unit.
The Chinthe Squadron consisted of a conglomeration of more than 700 personnel — members of the R.C.A.F., R.A.F., R.A.A.F., and Indian Air Force, and enrolled followers (natives attached for housekeeping duties). Apart from the operational element (C.O. and air crew), the officer staff was meagre. It included an administrative officer, a medical officer, a dental officer, an aeronautical engineer, a radar officer, signals and intelligence officers, and an education officer.
The axiom that N.C.O.’s are the backbone of a unit was certainly epitomized in the Chinthe organization. They were the backbone, the muscles and the sinews; and the spirit of the Chinthes fed their veins. All N.C.O.’s and aircraftmen of the Chinthes may well be proud of the record achievements of the squadron in carrying the loads to support an army. But for the efforts of all the ground crew in keeping up a record standard of serviceability throughout the operational life of the squadron, such a gigantic contribution to the defeat of an enemy would not have been possible. As a smoothly-working team they were magnificent. It is to their credit that the health standard of the unit was extremely high, and incidence of disease was lower than that experienced even by units in Canada. Such a situation was made possible partly by the high morale and resourcefulness of the men under conditions that were sometimes extremely adverse, and partly by the strong leadership shown by both officers and N.C.O.’s in recognizing problems and lending a ready ear to suggestions by the men. Of no small account was the part played by Flt. Lt. ‘‘Doc” Barnard in recognizing the dangers of tropical disease and taking strong measures to protect his charges against any outbreaks. Capt. Jamieson of the Dental Corps played his part equally well.
Flt. Lt. Dave Kerr stood out as an aeronautical engineer who was able to get the most out of his men. Thanks to the remarkable accomplishments of his ground crew, something over seven hours’ flying time per day was obtained per aircraft. This is something of a serviceability record for an operational squadron in any air force, particularly when maintained throughout eight months of operational service. The proximity of the American squadrons in the operational area helped the Chinthes in maintaining their serviceability and operational record. Many urgently-needed Dakota spares were cheerfully supplied. Furthermore, functions were not stifled by the red tape of an equipment accounting system — necessary though such a system certainly is during time of peace.
Located in an isolated area, and operating alone and without administrative support units, the unit establishment none the less provided for only the basic nucleus of officers. Strong reliance had therefore to be placed on the N.C.O.s; and, as has been proven, the confidence was justified.
To cope adequately with the problems entailed in repairing leaky thatched basha roofs, in road maintenance, in the provision of water supply, rations, and amenities, in army support liaison, and in a host of unforeseen tasks, mobility and resourcefulness were prime requisites. Fortunately, army rolling-stock filled the requirements which an inadequate M.E. establishment could not furnish. Such liaison with local units was most beneficial to the Chinthes in numerous other ways as well.
At an isolated base where the normal amenities was not provided, it was quickly recognized that the best contribution to unit morale would be a “full house” of recreational activities. Accordingly, within a short period of time, the Chinthe Squadron had just that. As a starter, liaison trips to Calcutta and Comilla resulted in the inclusion of the Chinthes in three film circuits totaling seven films a week. Operational requirements split the squadron into two flights that worked alternately on a day-on-day-off basis. The day-off flight was able to see the matinée, whereas the day-on flight was able to see the evening show. And before the films were returned to the circuits (by air), the army units in the Imphal Valley were also able to view them. Great care had to be taken that the circuit was not broken at any time. Thus we were assured of a continuous supply of entertainment films.
The co-operation extended to the army in the matter of films paid off many times over. A labour force of forty West Africans were supplied, and with the help of bulldozers, graders, etc., a sports field was constructed, with a quarter-mile track, a baseball stadium, a stable and race-track for horse-racing. A stable of seven riding-horses and ten army mules was procured.
The Maharajah of Manipur allowed squadron personnel to use his private lake for swimming, and some very fine swimming and diving apparatus was constructed. A leave camp was established at the lake, and included a small canteen, horses for riding, badminton, and swimming. A softball league, consisting of teams representing Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, kept well over eighty members busy each evening. In addition, more than one hundred members were enrolled in the camera club, more than sixty in the riding club, while many others engaged in activities made available by a gymnasium, stamp club, unit orchestra, vaudeville, duck shooting, etc. In short, everyone, was doing something, or had some interest. A 35-mm. movie was produced which showed the squadron on operations, and at work and play. The movie is presently held by the National Film Board, Ottawa.
Each week a meeting was held in which all squadron personnel participated. Here ideas were solicited, considered by the meeting, and, if accepted, acted upon forthwith. Implementation committees were organized and volunteer working-parties were called for. Work was always started immediately and progressed rapidly, as early results encouraged fresh ideas and inspired enthusiasm. One of the chief factors in the success of the projects was the M. E, Section, headed by W.O.1 MacRae. Transport was always available to move working-parties and equipment. In addition, Sgt. “Chuck” Hurley (Canada’s light-weight boxer representative at the British Empire Games in Australia, 1936) provided supervisory control over a native working-party. ‘“Chuck’’ was respected by the natives both for his leadership qualities and for his fistic prowess in representing the unit in assaults-at-arms with British and Indian Army units.
An outstanding feature of squadron spare-time activity was the production of the “Chinthe Pictorial Album.’’ This book is perhaps the best work produced by any unit during the war, and contains many interesting illustrated articles on the peoples of India, in addition to photographs of squadron personnel. More than a hundred squadron members contributed to the success of the publication, and a staff of both air crew and ground crew sacrificed their spare time for a period of three months to the considerable work involved in the production. The Camera Club provided the many photographs required. The book was published in Vancouver and several thousand copies were sold. It is an outstanding souvenir of the squadron’s life in the Far East. The driving force behind this work was the editor, Flying Officer Law.
The gratitude of the people of Manipur State to the Chinthe Squadron was manifested on V-J Day when the Maharajah of Manipur held a huge celebration in the palace grounds, inviting all squadron personnel to attend. The day featured such highlights as the victory address of His Highness, a colourful boat race in the palace moat, the usual dancing-girls, and horse-racing. The haunting strains of the flutes and the presence of the Nagi hillmen and the citizens of the Imphal Valley provided a typical Oriental setting for the occasion. The R.C.A.F. contribution was a fly-past by Chinthe Dakotas, and a fireworks display arranged by our boss armourer, Fit. Sgt. Rynard. In addition, a huge bonfire was built in the paddy field at the Chinthe site as a means of letting off steam. Fuel for the fire was cut by a volunteer party of officers headed by Sqn. Ldr. Irving, the Protestant padre. Free beer was supplied to all the airmen, and sandwiches were served, thanks to a volunteer party of officers led by Sqn. Ldr. Bélanger, the R.C. padre.
High morale is not come by easily. In the course of many years, it can be built into the time-honoured traditions of a unit, as in the olden days. The battle honours and the colours of the unit provide a foundation upon which pride can well be based. But in the case of the Chinthes it had to be rough-hewn from a rocky beginning, with a sense of urgency, in months instead of years. It is, I think, well worth bearing in mind that the tool which accomplished the task was nothing more complicated than plain co-operation.