Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

October 1942

This Transcription of the Operational Record Book of No. 33 Service Flying Training School that was Located at Carberry, Manitoba, Canada was created by the volunteers at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Brandon, Manitoba. You can visit their website by clicking this heading.

IMAGE 149

Carberry.

• 1.10.42
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	85	932	–
RCAF	8	96	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	1	4	–
CPS	–	3
Civilians	–	–	24
Trainees
RAF	6	185	–
RAAF	–	35	–

• STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	45	36

IMAGE 150

Carberry.

• 1.10.42. The weather continued warm and sunny: ideal weather for flying and full programme
  carried out today. As usual on the day following Pay Parade, the local taxis did a roaring trade conveying airmen into town. In the evening a rather smaller crowd than usual attended the Camp Cinema. The film was interesting and unusual, “Sullivan’s Travels”, and from stray remarks from the audience as they filed out into the night, it was evident they had expected to see the film version of Dean Swift’s classic fantasy “Gullivers Travels”. In the Drill Shed boxing training commenced at 1800 hours and came to a reluctant conclusion at 2000 hours.
• 2.10.42. Flying training commenced at 0700 hours and continued throughout the day. In addition the night flying programme was carried out under ideal conditions.
• 3.10.42. The Indian Summer continued and those on 48-hour pass looked forward to the whole gamut of summer sport from canoeing to sunbathing. In the evening, one of the Beer Garden Concerts was held. The Recreation Hall had been disguised as a Continental “al fresco” Cafe, three short films and a number of brief “turns” were much enjoyed. Admittance was by ticket only, and as usual every ticket was taken long before the curtain went up.
• 4.10.42. There was a real Sabbath calm about the Station this morning and even the ACH/GD’s went about their mundane tasks more quietly than usual. Sun shone on the level turf, green and spring like, and it was only by the sad, bare trees that on was reminded the that the year was on the wane and that snow’ an ever present possibility. In the afternoon the french windows of the Officer’s Mess were opened and tables and chairs put out for tea, as many voted the room too warm for meals. A bumper

IMAGE 151

Carberry.

• 4.10.42. (cont’d) crowd turned up to witness the very amusing film “Batchelor” Husband” at the Camp Cinema. During the performance there was a fire alarm, but this proved to be no more than a precautionary measure, as a neighbouring farmer was burning his chaff. The fire was most awe inspiring and lasted almost to midnight.
• 5.10.42. The weather continues to be perfect, and flying hours mount accordingly, the state of serviceability good, and the Commanding Officer announced that for the month of September a total of 9,300 flying hours have been recorded. He congratulated the entire unit on this performance. On the entertainment front matters were brisk. In addition to a soft-ball match, Security Guard versus Senior N.C.O’s, there was a football match between a Sergeants XI and Hut 20. The latter was a good game, played between “bashers” and cashers”, meaning in plain English Stores Accounts Section v. Pay Accounts Section. The former won by 194 points.
• 6.10.42. Again this morning, and for the past five days, daily flying commenced at 0700 hours. The weather remained almost monotonously fine, although there was little criticism on that account. In spite of the heat and mosquitos, a good crowd witnessed a football match between an Officer’s XI and Hut 31. This was a first round game for the Station Football Cup Tie and resulted in a win for the Officers by 5 goals to Nil.

IMAGE 152

Carberry.

• 6.10.42. Later in the evening there was the usual match in the Bowladrome in Carberry, where a Camp league is well supported.
• 7.10.42. For the first time in many days the daily programme was interrupted. The early morning was just as promising as its predecessor and the C.O.’s Parade was held under summery conditions, but, at 1100 hours,
  there came a gale warning and aircraft was grounded. By noon grey-brown dust clouds could be seen rapidly approaching the Camp. The air became filled with tiny gritty particles and the sun disappeared, although the temperature showed little change. By 1400 hours the entire Camp was enveloped in the dust storm, which raged up and down the roads, battering the fly screens, covering furniture, papers, typewriters and etc., with dust. Personnel unfortunate enough to be out in the open, arrived with their hands and face grimy, and eyes smarting and red with irritation. In spite of the dust storm a Station 11 arrived from MacDonald and did battle on a pitch described as a “pocket handkerchief” dimensions. A well fought game was enjoyed, the score of 2 – 2 reflecting the state of play. In the Camp Cup-tie Competition, Huts 32 and 12 played a fine game, despite the grit and dust which seemed to cover everything from the grass on the pitch to the referee’s whistle. At Soft Ball an Officers’ Team tried their skill against the Senior N.C.O’s and the result was, Officers 15 runs, Senior N.C.O’s 17 runs.
• 8.10.42. Despite the fury of the previous day’s dust storm, serviceability was little affected, and flying commenced at 0725 hours and continued for the formal, or perhaps better the informal, opening of the new Airmen’s Lounge. This building, originally the Corporals Club, has been entirely redecorated

IMAGE 153

Carberry.

• 8.10.42. and refurnished, and with its cheerful green and silver decor, its deep well padded chairs, and indirect fluorescent lighting, it is indeed worth visiting. As one of the airmen said “This is the sort of place you’d laugh at if you saw it in the films”. In the Station Magazine, “Gen”, it was suggested that the rules would be unnecessary if the airmen simply remembered that “it’s your home, you’ve helped pay for it, so why not treat it like home” – advice which was heartily endorsed by the C.O. In the evening a large audience attended to see the film “Moontide”. An unusually simple, yet stirring production, it received hearty applause, and proved yet again the average airman can appreciate a film which depends more on good acting than it does on sheer spectacle.
• 9.10.42. This morning representatives of the R.C.A.F. Audit Branch arrived to inspect the Equipment Accounts Section. The day was very warm and sunny, and flying was in progress from 0725 hours onward.
  From the Squash Court came the sound of many hammers as strips of timber replaced the plaster which had proved unsuited to the stern task of stopping hard driven balls of the many squash enthusiasts.
  Messrs. BISHOP and YOUNG, representatives of the “Winnipeg Free Press”, visited the Station during the afternoon, F/LT. R.H. BUNKER, D.F.C., and F/O.B. BARDTON, D.F.M., both coming for their attention.

IMAGE 154

Carberry

• 10.10.42. During today a working party of ACH’s toured Station H.Q., taking down the wire fly-screens and substituting storm windows. It seemed ironical, with the thermometer registering 104º in the sun, and the air full of large insects and even large wasps. An Indian Summer in very truth, and one the warmth of which has greatly impressed new arrivals, who had expected that long before this date the Camp would have had several inches of snow. A Rugby IV visited Winnipeg to play against No. 3 Wireless School and lost heavily.
• 11.10.42. There was a large congregation at the Church Service this morning. The Padre was having an even busier Sabbath than unusual for, in addition to various services in Camp and in the town, he was flying over to Neepawa for evening services.
  The day was just as summery again, and flying continued without interruption all day. There was no football today, but in the evening the Camp Cinema was crowded. A number of farmers were burning chaff and the flames gleamed ruddily around the Camp. However there was no wind, and no danger of the fires spreading.
  This typically Canadian system caused much surprise amongst new arrivals with the some knowledge of English farming methods.
• 12.10.42. Flying commenced early today, continuing all day and night. Some excitement was noticeable amongst the fortunate ones, due to return to the Homeland, when their posting instructions became known later in the day. The whole of the Station’s personnel, Officers as well as airmen, are beginning their Instructional and Annual Musketry Training on the rifle range. No. 66 Course, with a total of 59 very keen pupil pilots, commenced their training in earnest today.

IMAGE 155

Carberry.

• 13.10.42. Fine weather continued, and at lunch time it was real summerish, and not a few bets as to how long it would last. The Commanding Officer’s Conference was held and matters disposed of in a short 30 minutes this morning. A large number of results of examinations of airmen being reclassified from AC2 to AC1 and AC1 to LAC became known this afternoon, the average number of marks gained being extremely good.
• 14.10.42. Solo flying commenced in dull weather at 0800 hours after the Commanding Officer’s weekly Colour Hoisting Parade. The weather improved later, and a perfect day for flying was experienced for the rest of the day. In the early evening the Station football team engaged MacDonald and, after a fine classical game, won by 5 goals to 2. The airmen held their bi-monthly dance with the usual supporting number of ladies and hostesses present. Refreshments were served in the adjoining squash court in relays of 60 – the room being tastefully prepared for this innovation. Disappointment was the lot of several personnel when they learned this afternoon that their posting instructions had been cancelled, which in their own interpretation means only postponement, but they will still live for another day.
• 15.10.42. Yet again another fine and sunny day admitted of a full flying training programme. A useful collection of minor patriotic salvage was made, a number of people due for posting sooner or later were keeping the Station Hospital busy with vaccinations and inoculations, and the half-monthly pay of airmen was made in the morning.

IMAGE 156

CARBERRY.

• 15.10.42 On the first Friday of each month it is a day set aside for a monthly visit to the Station Hospital by wives of Officers, who will distribute to the patients various contributions from Carberry citizens in the form of chocolates and cigarettes, etc. Another innovation is a regular bi-monthly film to be shown to the Hospital patients under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. This evening the Adastral (Living out Personnel) Club met and decided at short notice to commence their winter season programme by holding a Dance on Tuesday, 28th October, in aid of the Milk for Britain Fund.
• 16.10.42. Excellent flying conditions enabled training to proceed continuously all day, and there was a full night flying programme as well. From the air it is obvious that nearly all harvesting operations are completed, and the countryside is now practically denuded of greenery. Miss NORA M. SCOTT, who on the 15th October, 1942, relieved Mrs. LEE as supervisor of the Hostess House (Y.W.C.A.), is now busily settling down with the assistance of Mrs. A.J. HUNT who relieved Mrs. MCREA on the same date.
• 17.10.42. Promptly at 0730 the first of today’s aircraft was heard aloft – a perfect day for flying though somewhat coldish early on. There was a special attraction at the Recreation Hall in the evening – the occasion being a film followed by a broadcast rehearsal, and then an actual broadcast by the Rip Chords as a contribution to the eve of Canada’s 3rd Victory War Loan. The event was well supported, the building filled to capacity, and the whole proceedings much enjoyed.
• 18.10.41. The Commanding Officer had a busman’s holiday this Sunday on his “48-hours” off. Attending Church Service in the Camp in the morning, trying out a new Anson II on a test and a general fly around later on, a 15-mile ride on his now well-known charger in the afternoon, and attending a Church Service in the town in the evening.

IMAGE 157

CARBERRY.

• 18.l0.42. There was nothing of especial interest anywhere in the Camp in the evening – the appearance of a couple of Officers well-laden with ducks after a 48-hours’ shooting expedition, and the fact that most of the others had pushed off to bed or retired to their rooms indicated it was well and truly a Sunday evening.
• 19.10.42. If the weather continues as excellent as it has these last three weeks with almost uninterrupted flying, it can be readily foreseen that two records will be broken this month. The u/t pilots are certainly able to do their “stuff” ad lib and, after all, that’s what they are here for. Fatal accidents are, however, rare but the sad news about tea time of the flying accident at Erickson, Manitoba, involving the deaths of three u/t pilots came as a shock to the whole Station. 1322538 LAC. Watson, D.M., pilot, and his two aircrew, 1552691 LAC. Woods, J.A. and 1391684 LAC. SAYER, P.E., on instrument flying practice in Anson II 8446 appeared to have struck some trees and then hit the side of a mound and became a total wreck.
• 20.10.42. A smoke haze and a strong bitterly cold wind, which later in the morning developed into a veritable dust storm kept aircraft grounded all day. In the afternoon the ladies of Adastral Club numbering 25 in all, met for their usual knitting and a considerable number of garments are now ready for shipment to England. It seemed apparent that the storm would continue, and night flying was accordingly cancelled.

IMAGE 158

CARBERRY.

• 20.10.42. The Adastral (Living-out Personnel) Club held a most enjoyable dance at the Orange Hall, Carberry, this evening in aid of the Milk for Britain Fund. Friends and wives of airmen and quite a smattering of Officers supported the event, which it is hoped will be repeated once a month during the winter. No. C.2797 F/LT. E.W.C. SHARPE, R.C.A.F., arrived from No. 2 T.C. on Investigation Duties concerning the recent fatal crash.
• 21.10.42. The Commanding Officer’s Colour Hoisting Parade for Maintenance Wing section of the Station was held at 0730, and prayers were said by the Padre. Solo flying commenced early as usual, but at 1000 hrs flying was cancelled with the advent of the first fall of snow. The funeral of the three u/t pilots, LAC. Watson, LAC. Woods and LAC. Sayer was carried out at Brandon this afternoon with full Military Honours – Appendix “A” (NOT attached). Officiating at the Service at the Pro-Cathedral, Brandon, were Archdeacon HEYWOOD, S/LDR. REV. L. OWEN WILLIAMS, and F/LT. REV. A.A. BOOME. The interment took place in Brandon Cemetery – the coffins being borne on gun carriages provided by Camp Shilo.
  The first boxing match of the season drew a large crowd, including many visitors. Our Station, put up a number of contestants again No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon, and pulled off 6 wins. The Commanding Officer invited Major OSLER to present the Cups. He afterwards spoke briefly and congratulated all the participants in the dozen bouts that had taken place.
• 22.10.42. Though dull this early morning and very cold, flying commenced actively at 0730 hours. Weather conditions improved, with the sun struggling to show its existence for a short while but it turned over-cast in the afternoon.

IMAGE 159

CARBERRY.

• 22.10.42. It is appropriate to record today, being Wings Parade day, that No.109027 P/O. V.A. SCOTT, who graduated at this unit on 20.8.41, has been awarded the D.F.C. on a recent bombing operation at BREMEN. The citation ends “Through the operation this Officer displayed skill and judgement of a high degree”. The Wings Parade for No. 58 Course was held this afternoon in the Drill Shed. Wing Commander A.G. GOLDING, supported by the Commanding Officer, presented the Wings and afterwards took the salute in a March Past.
• 23.10.42. All sections were this morning busily preparing for the anticipated invasion on Sunday of the Station being opened in support of the 3rd Victory Loan. With price tickets hung on aircraft, engines, Hangars, motor transport, spare parts, etc., it will seem to the casual observer that this whole Station is up for sale. A Concert of Classical Music was given in the New Airmen’s Lounge during the evening, and was well attended as there was no night flying. No. 58 Course, comprising 57 u/t Pilots promoted to rank of Sgt. Pilot departed by rail on posting in the course of the day.
• 24.10.42. Solo flying commenced early today after the cancellation of night flying the previous evening owing to weather conditions. The Officers held another enjoyable Dance, preceded by a cocktail party at 8 p.m. The Lounge was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the walls of the Dance Room appropriately decorated for the occasion of Hallowe’en. A number of visiting Officers, included Col. MITCHELL of Infantry Training Centre, Camp Shilo, and others supported the occasion. Dancing was almost continuous

IMAGE 160

CARBERRY.

• 24.10.42. until the early hours of the morning, and the whole affair was voted as being most successful. J.6237 F/O. K.A. BUCKLEY departed by rail on posting to No. 37 S.F.T.S., CALGARY, this afternoon.
• 25.10.42. Church Parade was held as usual today, being Sunday. It was a fine day, but a bitterly cold wind which was the reason for the small number of visitors to the open airport in the afternoon.
  Suitable to the occasion, however, those visitors who made their way to the Station were well rewarded with the information available to them as to the cost of aircraft, engines, and other equipment on view to them. A typical example of priced items on aircraft and equipment at the Entrance to No. 5 Hangar is shown on the attached photograph.(Not attached.) It is estimated that 70 local and district visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to see how their war savings are being used in the War Effort. Every facility was extended to them by the provision of escorts to all sections of the Station. The Camp was open until 5 p.m. and the visitors were entertained to tea in the Recreation Hall. In the evening a variety show given by the Ukrainian Concert party from Winnipeg was much enjoyed and from general remarks it was considered a tip-top concert. No. 40668 F/Lt. R.H. BUNKER, D.F.C., who had been serving a long time at this Unit, left in the afternoon on posting to No. 31 P.D., MONCTON. C.513 F/O. E.A. MAGEE, R.C.A.F. arrived from No. 2 I.T.S., REGINA, on posting for Link Trainer Duties.
• 26.10.42. Solo flying continued actively all day. The Equipment Section is again in comparative peace following the recent visit by the auditors. The Rip-Chords Concert Party, with new talent to replace some whom have returned to the U.K., are now in full rehearsal, preparing for their 5th Edition.
  An additional item at the Cinema Show this evening constituted a one act farce “Passing the Buck”, played by Station talent. A full night flying programme was also carried out.

IMAGE 161

CARBERRY.

• 27.10.42. The Commanding Officer had a lengthy conference this morning dealing with many matters of internal organisation and administration and, to our regret, made brief reference to his forthcoming departure from the Station. In a semi-final Cup-tie this evening, the football match between the Officers and Hut 14 resulted in a win for Hut 14 by 2 goals to Nil.
• 28.10.42. After the Commanding Officer’s weekly Colour Hoisting Parade, solo flying was commenced at 0800 hours. A fairly sharp and sudden snow storm at 0916 downed aircraft for ¾ hr. with four aircraft still adrift at 1000 hours when dual flying was resumed. Only ¾ hr. night flying programme was carried out owing to another slight snow storm. The Small-bore Rifle Club was active in a meeting in the Drill Shed in the evening, whilst the airmen, holding their bi-monthly Dance, were obviously pleased with the newly constructed Stage Setting for the band stand, with its excellent lighting effects. The Rip Chords Orchestra seemed to play in better mood this evening – maybe because one of the airmen’s fiancée, Miss Eileen Wall, sang during the dance band items.
• 29.10.42. A very dull morning turned out to be a brilliant day soon after 1000 hours. Flying continued actively in the welcome sunshine. Rumours that the new Commanding Officer, Group Captain T.B. BRUCE, would be arriving today made everybody feel that his own particular Section is the most important one on the Station – “he’ll be sure to come here first” sort of feeling existed. At 1100 he did arrive at the Railway Station, accompanied by Mrs. BRUCE, welcomed by Group Captain C J. BRILL

IMAGE 162

CARBERRY.

• 29.10.42. and W/Cdr. M.W. MOORE. Minor salvage collections of silver paper, tin and lead foil, used razor blades, toothpaste and shaving cream tubes, bottle caps, cigarette tins and cartons, etc., showed a considerable increase as against September, and a truly salvage-minded spirit now exists, every section contributing their own quota. The Rip Chords, or rather a few of them, were invited to give a show at Winnipeg this evening in further support of the 3rd Victory War Loan in that City. With Walter Pidgeon of “Mrs. Minniver” fame also supporting the Concert held in the Auditorium, they felt quite proud to be able to give their services for the second time in three weeks. A full night flying programme was carried out under excellent night flying conditions. 384200 W/C. E.K. PIERCY returned to the Unit and assumed duty as Chief Instructor after a refresher course at TRENTON.
• 30.10.42. Group Captain BONHAM CARTER from H.Q. Training Command paid a flying visit to the Unit this morning, met the new Commanding Officer, had lunch in the Mess, and was off again at 14.45, hailed just as he took off by the perfect timing of the fire alarm sounded for the attention of a minor fire.
  Pay Parade was held in the morning, with the issue of the monthly magazine. The weekly Commanding Officer’s inspection revealed a good state of the Huts. The Small-bore Rifle Club Meeting and cinema show in the evening and a number of Officers, including the C.O. attending a wedding ceremony of one of the Junior Officers ended the day’s activities.
• 31.10.42. Heavy soft snow grounded aircraft at 1150 hours. Warning was received that some 15 aircraft would be taking refuge at the Station but only six came between 1130 and noon – the pilots being
  accommodated for rations. At 1550 hours, however, the weather cleared and flying resumed and the visiting aircraft took off again. There was, however, no night flying programme.

IMAGE 163

CARBERRY.

• 31.10.42. The Sergeants’ Mess held one of their periodical “does” in the evening – supported by a goodly number of lady acquaintances and friends of the Senior N.C.O’s. Some Officers and their wives also foregathered and the boys were pleased to see the Commanding Officer and G/C. BRUCE dancing the light fantastic too, enjoying themselves as much as anybody else. The Dance Music was again supplied by the Rip Chords Dance Orchestra, who do so much willingly and voluntarily to amuse and entertain the Station.
  SUMMARY.
  Aircraft Strength: ANSON I – 70.
  ANSON II – 65.
  Flying Training Wing.
  Course No. 58 graduated on October 23rd with an average of 150.45 hours per pupil, after being granted an extension of 14 days. In spite of the shortage of aircraft due to lack of spares, fine weather has this month enabled this Unit to put in a record month’s flying hours, totalling 9870.
  Maintenance Wing.
  Another record of 9165.05 flying hours has been achieved for October. This is an excellent performance, having regard to 2 day’s bad weather on which practically no flying done, and the chronic spares situation in connection with the supply of spares for Cheeta engines and ANSON II airframe parts.

IMAGE 164

Carberry.

• 31.10.42
  STRENGTH-PERSONNEL.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	92	974	–
RCAF	8	99	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCACS	1	4	–
CPS	–	3	–
Civilians	2	–	19
Trainees
RAF	8	211	–
RCAF	–	6	–
RAAF	–	33	–
(37 Graduated Trainees awaiting posting)

• STRENGTH-AIRCRAFT.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	52	40

• T.B. Bruce
  Group Captain, Commanding,
  No. 33 S.F.T.S., RAF.,
  CARBERRY, MANITOBA.