Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

November 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 196

Carberry.

• 1.11.42
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	92	974	–
RCAF	8	99	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	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

IMAGE 197

CARBERRY.

• 1.11.42. Summer is over, and – it appeared – “we’ve had it” for this year at least as the new month and the new week commenced this Sunday morning. At 1030 hours with the falling of heavy soft snow, aircraft was downed for the rest of the day – visibility being only 500 yards. Ground work, however, carried on as usual, all aircraft housed and there was no night flying. A film “Call Out the Marines” shown in the Recreation Hall attracted a good crowd in the evening.
• 2.11.42. Group Captain T.B. BRUCE, M.C., this morning assumed command of the unit, vice Group Captain C.H. BRILL who has completed just over a year as Commanding Officer. Though our former C.O. is still here saying fond farewells to all ranks, he does not escape the formality of a clearance chit which is busily going its rounds. Solo flying continued until 1650 hours and then ceased on account of snow.
• 3.11.42. Though dull early on, flying continued actively all day. The Commanding Officer held his first weekly conference, which lasted an hour, and readily signified his help in overcoming such difficulties and improvements necessary as and when they arise. It was decided to ask Group Captain C.H. BRILL to present the Wings on the Wings Parade on Thursday, 5th November. The Station Armament Officer informed the Conference that several aircraft have been allotted for Armament Air Exercises whenever possible. This is a new departure and aircraft numbering 15 in all are now fitted completely with Armament Equipment, cameras, sa shilite containers, bomb sights, etc. G/Capt. C.H. BRILL, as Guest of Honour, was entertained at a cocktail party in the Officers’ Mess this evening, many of the Officers and his friends in the surrounding district attending the occasion in honour of his pending departure. As well as the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander E.K. PIERCY also spoke in appropriate reference to this event during a brief interval in the dancing.

IMAGE 198

CARBERRY.

• 4.11.42. A white carpet of snow greeted us this morning and with snow continually falling there was no flying all day. The C.O’s Weekly Colour Hoisting Parade for Maintenance Wing having been cancelled gave ample opportunity to catch up with aircraft repairs and maintenance. A Fire Committee Meeting, clashing with an Officers’ Mess Meeting in the afternoon, was postponed. Many matters were discussed at the latter meeting – all tending to future improvements for the benefit of its numerous members. The snow-storm had eased up at night as the Officers and the airmen and their lady friends made their way to the Recreation Hall to witness the Rip Chords’ 5th Edition Show. The building was already pretty well jammed at 1900 hours – an hour before it started. Added to the Party was a number of new talent, and the new items on the programme created new interest, and it was again considered one of the best shows presented.
• 5.11.42. A bright sunny morning greeted us as the snow lay in its depth of 4 inches, and in various sized drifts across the main roads and against buildings. Snow rollers were all morning busily engaged on the aerodrome preparing a way for the awaiting aircraft to awake

IMAGE 199

CARBERRY.

• 5.11.42. (Cont.) from their 24-hours’ slumber. The sun was conspicuous by its brilliancy in a cloudless sky as the first aircraft took off at 1300 hours. The Ceremonial parade – Presentation of Flying Badges to No. 60 Course graduates – was held this afternoon, and it was appropriate for our former C.O. to be invited to present the badges on this occasion. G/Cpt. C.H. BRILL was accompanied by the Station Commander, Group Captain T.B. BRUCE, M.C. In a short speech at the conclusion of the ceremonial proceedings he made brief references to the changes that had been made; he paid tribute to the maintenance and ground crews, giving graduates advice as to their responsibilities as Officers and N.C.O’s, also thanking the voluntary band for their services, and the civilians present for much hospitality they had for a long time extended to so many personnel on the Station. This address ended with a wish of good luck to all, including his successor now in command of the Station. The visitors were, as usual, entertained to tea in the Officers’ Mess and the Recreation Hall.
• 6.11.42. Another bright morning enabled flying training to carry on from 0800 hours until 1145 hours, when flying ceased on account of low ceiling. U/t Pilots numbering 48, now of sergeant rank, left on posting to various further courses today. Training Wing today recorded that the average stats of serviceability for the past week was satisfactory, a fact which gives considerable satisfaction to Maintenance Wing in spite of the situation of spares, Cheetah engines and Anson II airframes.

IMAGE 200

CARBERRY

• 6.11.42. (Cont). Flying continued a short while in the afternoon but at 1500 hours on account of snow it again ceased for the rest of the day.
• 7.11.42. Solo flying did not commence until 0945 hours this morning owing to bad visibility. It is pleasing for the Unit to record today, under an Honours and Awards announcement, that “CAN. (J.15678) P/O. James Donald DICKSON who received training here has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for great gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations”. The citation stated that this officer, as a F/Sgt., participated in attacks on Brest, Hamburg, Luebeck, Rostock, Essen, Emden and many equally important targets. Flying ceased hurriedly at 1745 hours. A regular London “pea-souper” fog came up with such amazing suddenness that within 15 minutes day was transformed into night. Accordingly there was again no night flying.
• 8.11.42. Following such a fog as descended upon the Camp and surrounding district the previous evening, the trees presented a wonderful spectacle covered with hoar frost most of the day. 60 u/t pilots being members of No. 68 Course arrived today and were busily settling in. Church Parade was held in the morning, dual flying training went on from 1245 hours but again, as for the past 6 nights, there was no night flying.
• 9.11.42. Some of the lads were this Monday morning overheard to be feeling “browned off”, but not for any other reason apparently, than that the dull overcast conditions are not so stimulating as sunshine even

IMAGE 201

CARBERRY.

• 9.11.42. (Cont.) in sub-zero weather, when there is invariably much singing and whistling whilst at work in the hangars.
  Low visibility and icing conditions downed all aircraft again after only an hours flying this morning. The
  student pilots of No. 68 Course commenced their studies in the Ground Instruction School and their respective flights today and were addressed by the Commanding Officer. Some 14 swimming enthusiasts made their way to Brandon Baths this evening to participate in a swimming trial. The Commanding Officer G/Capt. T.B. BRUCE, M.C., left on temporary duty for No. 2 Training Command, WINNIPEG, today.
• 10.11.42. Dual flying training commenced at 0800 hours and actively continued throughout the day in improved weather conditions. G/Capt. C.H. BRILL said farewell to the Officers in the Mess at lunch-time, popping in also at the Station Hospital and elsewhere prior to his departure. A number of the elder inhabitant Officers and airmen and personal friends saw the G/Capt. off by train at CARBERRY station and he had a hearty send-off. A party of boxers, selected to represent the Camp against No. 39 S.F.T.S., in an inter-unit boxing tournament made their way to Swift Current tonight. Local residents in CARBERRY very generously entertained the u/t pilots of the recently arrived No. 68 Course in their homes this evening. There appears to be a very earnest desire to meet these airmen during their short period of training at the Unit. A full night flying programme was carried out under favourable conditions.
• 11.11.42. The weekly Colour-hoisting Parade for Maintenance Wing was held this morning and at 0815 solo flying began and continued all day in spite of light snow later in the morning. G/Capt. PLEASANCE from No. 2 T.C. landed by air to refuel at 1125 and flew off again just after lunch. The Commanding Officer returned this afternoon after his temporary duty visit to No. 2 T.C. 44991 S/Ldr. W.J. WALKER (Tech) and 44203 F/Lt. H. HORTON (Tech) both arrived at the Unit on Central Trade Test Board duties.
  Armistice was observed at 1100 hours by a three-minutes silence in all Sections.

IMAGE 202

CARBERRY.

• 11.11.42. (Cont.) The Sergeant’s Mess held a meeting this evening fixing forthcoming events – A social on 13th December and a Dance on 19th December. The meeting agreed to changing round the rooms and $50.00 is to be spent on pictures. At the Recreation Hall in the evening the Rip Chords gave a repeat performance which was well received by another crowded house of airmen and civilian friends. The visiting boxing team returned from Swift Current with the news that they had lost 8 bouts, but are not the less deterred.
• 12.11.42. Another brilliant sunny day admitted of flying at 0800 hours, continuing actively all day, the pupil pilots of the next passing out course putting the finishing touches to their extensive training. The Commanding Officer’s Conference, postponed until this morning, produced a variety of matters for discussion, covering the Carberry Air Cadets, Recreation Hall increased seating, salvage disposal difficulties. Church Services, tradesmen replacements for aerodrome snow compaction, physical training for pupil pilots, safe custody of pyrotechnics, shortage of fuel, and additional matters to be brought forward at the next Conference. As regards the Carberry Air Cadets, it is pleasing to know that, owing to there being no facilities for training in the town of Carberry, the Station has now taken them over for training on the Camp, and is providing transport for them. The C.O. and the Chief Ground instructor are taking a personal interest in them. A meeting of the Music and Arts Club was held in the room assigned for that purpose, and it is proposed to formally open the Club shortly, and a large membership is anticipated. A full night flying and cross-country night flying programme was carried out.

IMAGE 203

CARBERRY.

• 13.11.42. The Commanding Officer inspected several huts today on his weekly inspection and, generally, found things satisfactory. At 1200 hours he met a number of living out Officers in the Mess to discuss the proposal of a prefabricated housing scheme. Flying training went on all day and at night. The half-
  monthly pay day being held, a number of airmen trotted off to town making last minute purchases of Christmas gifts and cards for the homeland. S/Ldr. W.J. WALKER and F/Lt. H. HORTON left by rail to No. 41 S.F.T.S. on completion of C.T.T.B. duties.
• 14.11.42. Solo flying training continued progressively all day from 0815. It seems almost ironical sometimes to be starting day flying just as it is getting light and the flare paths still lit. Under the auspices of the Y.M.CA. the small canteen re-opened for business after well needed redecorations. At the present moment the airmen’s Mess is receiving attention under the C.O.’s watchful eye.
  At Petrel today – where 30 airmen are comprising the permanent Staff – they were all found to be happy in spite of their denial of outdoor sports and other limited facilities. They have constructed and are preparing an out-doors skating rink and one of the barrack rooms is much used for indoor sports and as a gymnasium.
• 15.11.42. The Station Chaplain conducted the weekly Church Services today and spoke longer than usual.
  After giving the airmen an opportunity of choosing there own hymns each Sunday, he has now gone further and invited them to choose his own weekly talks for him. It was dull most of the day and flying went on all the time and also at night. At 1455 the alarm sounded, but it was merely an aircraft landed on the far end on the ‘drome with one of the oleo legs collapsed. At 1600 hours the sun just managed to peep through after struggling to do so earlier on.

IMAGE 204

CARBERRY.

• 15.11.42. The “Commandos Concert Party” comprising some 15 young ladies, entertained the Camp at the Recreation Hall for an hour and a half’s evening entertainment. It was intended that they could be invited to the Officer’s Mess afterwards but, as this intention clashed with another event, the Sergeants’ Mess admirably looked after them. The Officers’ were busily holding their first “Open House” event – this to be a regular affair which the Commanding Officer is encouraging one evening each week. No. 81372 F/LT. H.A. KIDD-MAY, who had been at this Unit for nearly two years was also busy saying farewell on his forthcoming posting to the U.K.
• 16.11.42. Just the opposite of being “browned-off” as was the state of affairs last Monday morning, all the hangar groups were singing and whistling away this morning – proof positive that the sunny morning had something to do with it. Servicing Squadron had plenty of work on hand, too – the serviceability state getting lower after several full days and nights of flying activity. A new Bowling League programme is to be commenced on the 19th, a notice about the return boxing match with Swift Current and the weighing-in of boxers, a Debating Society Meeting – all indicated things were getting brisk in the entertainment and welfare branch of the Station activities.
• 17.11.42. Solo flying training commenced at 0815 and continued all day after a full night flying programme. The Commanding Officer held his weekly Conference this morning. Christmas arrangements were much in

IMAGE 205

CARBERRY.

• 17.11.42. evidence for discussion and, as usual, the Works and Buildings Officer was frequently in demand for matters affecting the Station. Work proceeded steadily all day – the slippery roads making it difficult to even return or make a salute in the proper manner, unless it is done with a certain amount of reservation for caution to avoid slipping up. The Commanding Officer, accompanied by O.C. Maintenance Wing visited every Section of Maintenance Wing this afternoon. A full night flying programme was again carried out.
• 18.11.42. Bright sunny weather still continues and flying activity goes on interminably day and night.
  What an honest lot of folk there are at the Camp! Today there is an announcement of the finding by personnel of no less than 5 items awaiting claimants. The lost items seemed to be readily restored to the owners with alarming speed, too. The Adastral (Living out Personnel’s Club) met this evening in arranging for another Dance in aid of the Milk for Britain Fund, this time at the Camp Recreation Hall. The bi-monthly airman’s Dance was held tonight – the usual 325 in number and, as usual, was a delightfully orderly affair. The Commanding Officer, Group Captain T.B. BRUCE, put in an hour amongst the airmen, Mrs. Bruce joining in the dancing and the C.O. presenting the prizes.
• 19.11.42. After so many days and nights of full flying training programmes, there is no wonder that the state of serviceability is down a little. Anyway, the average stats of serviceability is fair, and Maintenance Wing personnel don’t mind jumping to overtime at nights if necessary.

IMAGE 206

CARBERRY.

• 20.11.42. Again a brilliant sunny day, though noticeably duller in the morning. The C.O’s Weekly Inspection was carried out this morning. Group Captain D.W.F. BONHAM-CARTER suddenly arrived by air, and soon afterwards flew off to Winnipeg with the Commanding Officer on temporary duty at No. 2 Training Command. The Rip Chords Concert Party had a wonderful reception at the Walker Theatre, Winnipeg. No tickets other than rush top gallery seats had been available for several days. The C.O. gave them moral support by putting in another appearance of the Show. It was the fifth occasion of their visit to the great City. A Station team of representative swimmers, in a six-a-side relay race with the Navy Team at Winnipeg, came in second. 79947 Flying Officer G.M. MORTON (Equipment Officer) arrived at the Unit by air today on posting from Estevan.
• 21.11.42. Flying continued actively again all day following another night flying programme.
  A visiting Moth aircraft took away Flying Officer PROUDLOVE by air to Neepawa, following his few days detention in this Unit’s hospital. The Station Swimming Team, again without their best swimmer, lost to the Navy in a second six-a-side relay programme at Winnipeg tonight.
  108625 F/O. J. FARRELLY, following a long period at the Unit, was married at short notice

IMAGE 207

CARBERRY.

• 21.11.42. (Cont). today to a Winnipeg resident, prior to his posting to No. 2 F.I.S., Vulcan. The Commanding Officer returned to the Unit by air from No. 2 T.C. in the late afternoon.
• 22.11.42. Fine weather continues, snow fast disappearing, keeping the Station guessing – or rather the new arrivals – as to whether there is really anything in the alleged severity of the winter climate. It is indeed being very kind to us. The Sabbath was observed by the morning Church Parade, lasting about 40 minutes and the Commanding Officer took a run over the Petrel sub-station, afterwards. An excellent concert was provided by the Great West Insurance Company of Winnipeg.
• 23.11.42. Solo commenced as usual at 0815 hours, continuing throughout the day. With the change of personnel – departures of 37742 Squadron Leader C.V. SMITHER and 34200 Wing Commander E.K. PIERCY (Chief Instructor), other newly arrived Officers come along and everything goes on just the same. The Commanding Officer (G/Cpt. T.B. BRUCE, M.C.) and a few others assembled to say farewell to the Chief Instructor on his departure for MONCTON in the afternoon. Serviceability today is 50% – proportionately good, having regard to the amount of flying carried out thus far this month. Captain W.A. MARQUIS. Dental Officer arrived by rail on posting from No. 3 B. & G. School, McDONALD.
• 24.11.42. A low ceiling of 200 foot and icing conditions prevented flying until 1045 hours this morning, when dual flying in local areas was authorised. Air Commodore T.A. LAWRENCE,

IMAGE 208

CARBERRY.

• 24.11.42. (Cont). S.A.S.O. from No. 2 T.C. arriving in a Lockheed at 11.50 hours, spent an hour with the Commanding Officer at the Camp and visited Petrel Sub-station. Hospital patients were favoured with on enjoyable film show under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. in the afternoon, the Adastral (Ladies) Club had over 26 Officers’ and airmen’s wives at their Weekly Sewing and Knitting Meeting for bombed-out areas of Britain, and appeals are being made for the support of more Officers’ and airmen’s wives to assist – the C.O’s wife, Mrs. BRUCE having also given her support. The Station Debating Society had their usual weekly meeting in the evening. Owing to icing conditions, flying ceased at 1600 hours and there was no night flying.
• 25.11.42. The weather having cleared up, solo flying proceeded actively all day. The Commanding Officer carried out an inspection of part of the Camp and 35109 Wing Commander M.W. MOORE proceeded by rail on Court Martial duty at Estevan. Business is again brisk on the entertainment front this evening’s Boxing Event being a return match with Swift Current and large crowds were attracted. The result was a draw of 6 bouts each. An Exhibition All-in wrestling contest was given during the interval. 41129 Squadron Leader K.A. PHILLIPS (Equipment Officer) left by rail today on posting to No. 32 S.F.T.S., MOOSE JAW, and Captain G.H. MERKBLEY (Dental Officer) left by road to No. 11 R.D., WINNIPEG, on posting.
• 26.11.42. Fine weather again today gives the flying personnel an opportunity to try and equal last month’s flying record in spite of weather setbacks encountered during the month. Local Trade Test Board Examin-

IMAGE 209

CARBERRY.

• 26.11.42 (Cont). ations were held all day – 74 airmen sitting for reclassification. The Lifbuoy Follies Concert party being professional Music Hall artists as more commonly known to the R.A.F. gave a show lasting two hours this evening. The Sergeants’ Mess entertained the party before and after the show.
• 27.11.42 Although it was colder than usual this early morning – the temperature now being in the region of sub-zero – it turned out to be a brilliant sunny day and flying went an interminably all day. The Commanding Officer inspected all the Maintenance Wing huts at his weekly inspection in the morning. A visit to the Station Hospital reveals that five major operations have been carried out successfully during the month, and two of the Medical Officers’ wives had been up to present chocolate and cigarettes to the patients. That the general state of health is pretty good – a few day patients being treated for colds – is a good wallop of information extracted from these secretive M.O’s, who never do tell much anyway. They wanted to withdraw the first part of the information recorded but it was too late. The Small Bore Rifle Club held a meeting in the Drill Shed this evening.
• 28.11.42. Solo flying commenced at 0815 hours this morning in a temperature of 1.4º below zero and continued throughout the day in an overcast sky. The cold wind accompanying this sub-zero weather forced the personnel to put on warm clothing, though a few of the hardier types are still to be seen venturing out without greatcoats. Four short films were shown to the Hospital patients in the afternoon – some ladies were to be seen playing Badminton, whilst the evening’s entertainment consisted of a repeat, film “Henry Aldrich for President”. Wing Commander M.W. MOORE returned to this Unit from Temporary Duty at Estevan.

IMAGE 210

CARBERRY.

• 29.11.42. At 0700 hours a light snow storm descended upon the Camp but after 25 minute all was well again. With a temperature of 2.5° below zero, solo flying went on in an overcast sky most of the day, a lone aircraft took refuge at 1445 hours enquiring about weather conditions. Serviceability of aircraft had increased from 54.8% to 55.7% since morning, and the sun was struggling to peep through the skies at odd intervals. A letter of appreciation from No. 2 Training Command for co-operation and support given to the recent effort of the third Victory Loan, has been received by this Unit of which so many personnel in various ways helped to contribute to its success, even in a minor way. The Morning Church Parade was held as usual and conducted by the Station Chaplain who, during the Service, appealed for volunteers to form a male choir for Christmas Carols. Another crowded house at the Recreation Hall had the pleasure of an enjoyable entertainment sponsored by the Beacon Theatre Concert Party from Winnipeg, preceded by a short film display and community singing. It was a breezy show, full of amusement from the beginning to the end of a full three hours.
• 30.11.42. In an endeavour to catch up with lost flying hours, solo flying commenced right on time this morning in a temperature of 1° below zero. Pay Parade was held this morning with the sale of the Monthly Journal.
  A visiting flight from C.F.S., TRENTON, with 6 passengers in a Lockheed arrived in the afternoon and were accommodated for the night. F.O. C.B. THOMAS (Sports Officer) left the Unit this evening on posting to MOOSE JAW.

IMAGE 211

CARBERRY.

• 30.11.42 (Cont). Pilot Officer R.R. MORGAN (1430857) – Sports Officer – who had been Camp Commandant at Petrel Sub-station for some time, took up permanent residence at this Unit. 8193.05 is the total number of flying hours reached by Aircraft Control as the month ended tonight.
  SUMMARY.
  AIRCRAFT STRENGTH – ANSON I 60.
  ANSON II 95.
  TOTAL 155.
  Flying Training Wing.
  Course No. 60 graduated on 6.11.42 with an average of 150 hours per pupil. This was the first Course to graduate with 150 hours on time, and was an excellent achievement by the flights concerned. Decreasing hours of daylight, bad weather, difficulty in starting aircraft due to extreme cold weather and the difficulty of obtaining spares have all hindered flying training for the month with the result that a total of only 8193.05 flying hours was acheived. There has been a large decrease in the number of accidents for the month, which is a creditable reflection on all flying personnel.
  Maintenance Wing.
  The advent of cold weather and biting winds is causing considerable discomfort to the ground crews, particularly on night flying duty. Lack of Anson II airframe spares again retards the efforts of the Maintenance Section to maintain a high rate of serviceability which, during the month just ended, averaged 55.5%.

IMAGE 212

Carberry.

• 30.11.42
  STRENGTH-PERSONNEL.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	86	930	–
RCAF	8	95	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCACS	1	3	–
CPS	–	3	–
Civilians	2	–	19
Trainees
RAF	10	196	–
RCAF	–	4	–
RAAF	–	1	–
RNZAF	1	–	–

• STRENGTH-AIRCRAFT.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	37	50

• (T.B. Bruce) Group Captain,
  Commanding, No. 33 S.F.T.S.,
  RAF., CARBERRY, Manitoba.