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Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
January 1942
- 1 January 1942
- Strength of Station at commencement of Month
- Officers (RCAF)(RAF) 58
- Army Officers 3
- Airmen 674
- Trainees 76
- Civilians 111
- Other Ranks 10
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles 60
- Norseman 1
- Harvard 1
- Thursday:
- New Years Day: Apart from specified duties station personnel were excused parades for the day. The Officers were hosts to the members of the Sergeants’ Mess from 1115 hours until 1215 hours in the Ante-room of the Officers’ Mess. A feeling of great friendliness prevailed and “one anothers” health was proposed and drunk in real style.
- At 1215 hours Officers and Sergeants paraded to the Airmens’ Mess and there acted as waiters. Over 400 Airmen got real service from the waiters. The Officers were later kept busy autographing the menus for the Airmen. The Menus were neatly printed and bore the picture of Their Majesties, King and Queen.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 2 January 1942
- Friday:
- The Mercury sank to a low of-24 degrees this morning.
- Flying was washed out.
- Maximum available flying time. – Nil
- 3 January 1942
- Saturday:
- A Wings presentation parade was held at 1000 hours this morning in the Drill Hall. Squadron Leader W.M. Penman presented badges to Course No. 22 consisting of 11 Air Gunners. The Band was in attendance. Squadron Leader Penman took the salute as the parade marched past the Administration Building.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 4 January 1942
- Sunday:
- Mr. G. Brown, Service Representative of the British Aeroplane Engine Ltd. with offices in Montreal arrived last night for a few days stay at the Station. This morning he gave a lecture at A.T.S. on a general study of “Aero Engines”. All Pilots N.C.O.’s and A.E.M.’s attended and were rewarded with much information. The weather continues cold, the mercury slipping to 35 below.
- Voluntary Church Parade (Protestant) was well attended at 1915 hours in the Recreation Hall. Flight Lieutenant McClean, Station Padre, officiated. Weather too cold for flying.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil.
- 5 January 1942
- Monday:
- Work at the Station in full swing again. Personnel on New Years leave returning to duty this morning. Weather just a little milder today.
- Maximum available flying time. 8 hours.
- 6 January 1942
- Tuesday:
- A Drill Course for all Officers on the Station commenced this morning
- and will last for two (2) weeks. The parade falls in at 0715 hours and continues for thirty minutes. Flight Lieutenant J. Bundy is O.C. instruction with Flying Officer J. Drewry as second in command. Another day of intense cold: 35 below zero.
- Maximum available flying time. 8 hours.
- 7 January 1942
- Wednesday:
- Squadron Leader A.C. Stone P.M.O. #4 Training Command arrived today on inspection of Station Hospital.
- Night Flying was in operation today in spite of the intense cold.
- Maximum available flying time. 8 hours.. Night Flying 6 hours
- 8 January 1942
- Thursday:
- Flight Lieutenant B.P. Duncan, Medical Officer here since October 15, 1940 was posted today to #2 I.T.S. Regina as Senior Medical Officer.
- Flight Lieutenant T.R. Walker Messing Officer from Command was here today on inspection of all Messes on the Station.
- Maximum available flying time. Nil.
- 9 January 1942
- Friday:
- The taking of photographs at all R.C.A.F. Stations and area adjacent is strictly taboo…
- 9 January 1942 (continued)
- Friday:
- … D.R.O. entry today states that only with permission from A.O.C. #4 Training Command can photographs be taken. Any infringement of this order will be severely dealt with.
- Hut 13A was awarded the “Special Flag” for the cleanest and best barrack block in order following the Commanding Officer’s inspection today.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 10 January 1942
- Saturday:
- Weather extremely mild today. Chinook winds clearing up the snow fast.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- Night Flying – 3 hours.
- 11 January 1942
- Sunday:
- Squadron Leader H. Phillipson arrived at 1420 from #33 E.F.T.S. Caron pilot of Tiger Moth #5957. He left for Caron at 1500 hours.
- LAC Roberts I. pilot of Harvard #72 landed at 1245 from #32 S.F.T.S. Moose Jaw, departing at 1345 hours.
- All Protestant personnel of Duty Watch #1 attended Church Service in the Recreation Building at 1915 hours. The Station Padre, Flight Lieutenant McClean officiated.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 12 January 1942
- Monday:
- Effective today Maintenance personnel will operate as a separate Squadron from Armament Training Squadron in accordance with Station Establishment. Maintenance personnel, wireless and electrical personnel and Station Work Shops personnel will form the Maintenance Squadron.
- Flight Lieutenant J. Badgley will continue as O.C. Armament Training Squadron while Flight Lieutenant W.E. Jamison will assume O.C. Maintenance Squadron. Perfect flying weather continues and 5 hours night flying was recorded.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- Night Flying – 5 hours.
- 13 January 1942
- Tuesday:
- Harvard A.J.728, Pilot Flight Lieutenant. W.R. Burton, arrived at 1052 hours from #32 S.F.T.S. at Moose Jaw. His passenger was Sgt. Lucas. His plane left again at 1150 hours. Harvard A.J.728, Pilot Flight Sergeant Walnut arrived at 1455 hours from #32 S.F.T.S. Moose Jaw. No passengers. He left at 1502 hours. While ceiling and visibility were unlimited, flying was washed out at 1225 hours due to an extremely high wind of near gale proportions. No night flying.
- Maximum available flying time – 4 hours 35 min.
- 14 January 1942
- Wednesday:
- Our Control Tower received a call from Moose Jaw Control Tower at 1300 hours enquiring if we had seen plane #A/C2800 (51) with Pilot Officer Jones and pupil. Apparently they had left Moose Jaw at 0940 hours on a spinning-under-the-hood exercise. No further information regarding this matter.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours 45 min.
- Night Flying – 5 hours 15 min.
- 15 January 1942
- Thursday:
- Difficulty in getting deliveries of coal has reduced the stock on hand below the normal safe level for this season of the year; however, the unseasonably, mild weather has prevented this being a problem and there have been no heating difficulties. Present coal consumption is running about 30 tons a day as against 40 tons a day in cold weather.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- Night Flying – 6 hours 10 min
- 16 January 1942
- Friday:
- Wings Parade was held in the Drill Hall at 1400 hours today. The Commanding Officer made the presentations. Later he took the salute from the steps of the Administration Building. The parade was led by the Station Band. The Graduating Classes consisted of: Observers Class #32 – – 20 (no failures)
- Wireless Air Gunners Class. #23 – – 23 (no failures). One man (in hospital) was held over for the next course.
- An Australian, Sgt. Staughton H.P. No. 401725 was top man of his course. Beautiful weather-worthy of April-no wind.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours 25 min.
- Night Flying Ni1
- 17 January 1942
- Saturday:
- Beautiful weather has continued for the last week or ten days. The
- last few days there has been practically no wind. Temperatures around 30 and 40 above zero. Squadron Leader W.M. Penman left in Harvard 3797FK for Moose Jaw at 0955 hours. He returned at 1230 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours 15 min.
- Night Flying – 10 hours 15 min.
- 18 January 1942
- Sunday:
- Tonight the Protestant personnel attended at the Recreation Hall after Duty Watch Parade to hear the farewell service of Flight Lieutenant McClean who has been posted to No. 4 I.T.S. Edmonton. Flight Lieutenant P.M. Laubach presided at the piano.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- Night Flying Nil
- 19 January 1942
- Monday:
- Flight Lieutenant G.F. Robinson (C2895) No. 4 T.C. Physical Training and Drill Officer, visited by air. Arrived at 0950 hours and left at 1600 hours. Flying Officer J.I. Taylor (C6703) Drill Test Officer from No. 2 I.T.S., arrived by air at approximately 1400 hours and left at approximately 1630 hours. He was here to list airmen recommended for promotion. Hereafter he will make monthly visits.
- Truly a “Blue Monday” for this Station.
- Today, at approximately 1430 hours, our Harvard No3797, crashed near, Briercrest, Sask. Flight Lieutenant J.A. Peterson (C609) and Flying Officer C.F. Lawson (3209) were killed. This constitutes the first fatal crash since, the Station was opened nearly fifteen months ago. A total of over 32,000 hours has been flown – – averaging 16,000 hours to a fatality. Prior to today the most serious flying hurt had been a sprained wrist. Flight Lieutenant J.A. Peterson (Pete) was Senior Administration Officer. He was a veteran of the last war and wore wings-having served with the R.A.F. He came to this Station from Trenton, Ont. on the 19th of March, 1941. He was one of its most popular Officers and enjoyed the confidence of all…
- 19 January 1942 (continued)
- … Flying Officer C.F. Lawson (Slug) had a long record of flying hours, both in the Service and before joining it. His infectious smile and gay good nature endeared him to all. A native of Missouri, he was one of the large number of Americans Pilots who came to Canada to join the R.C.A.F. many months ago. He reported to this Station the 19th of February l9/41 from Picton, Ont.
- A Court of Inquiry, composed of the following Officers, will assemble on the 20th of January for the purpose of investigating and reporting upon the accident. It will be comprised as follows:
- President: S/L W.C.S. Cooper, R.A.F. (37720)
- Members:
- F/L L.M. James (C1102)
- F/O L.E.J.H. Prendergast (C1644)
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours 30 min
- Night Flying Nil
- 20 January 1942
- Tuesday:
- The first meeting of the Central Purchasing Board took place at 1400 hours today in the Station Hospital. It was purely organizational. Flight Lieutenant W.D. Williams presided. Flying Officer R.A. Rennie was appointed Secretary. Flying Officer E.N.
- Nicholl represented Flying Officer L.G. Cutts (Airmens Canteen) who was absent on leave. Sergeant Lewis G.J. represented the Airmens Mess. Flying Officer W.G. Harding Non-Public Funds and F/Sgt. Reilly J. Airmens Mess attended in an advisory capacity. It was decided that the first regular meeting of the Board should take place the following Thursday 22-1-42 at 1200 hours, and each succeeding Thursday at the same time.
- Maximum available flying t’ime-8 hours 30 min.
- 21 January 1942
- Wednesday:
- The people of Mossbank have invited personnel of the Station to join a Choir to be formed in the United Church. Apparently the need of male voices is delaying organization.
- D.R.O.’s contained information – to the effect- that any member of the personnel who had a grievance should put it in writing and submit it to the Commanding Officer not later than 1200 hours 28-1-42. This is in anticipation of the forthcoming visit of the Inspector General.
- Maximum available flying time – 14½ hours
- 22 January 1942
- Thursday:
- Weather continues extremely mild. What little snow is left is rapidly drawing away. The Station Band rehearsed the Chopin Funereal March at slow time on the Parade Ground this afternoon.
- The first regular meeting of the Central Purchasing Board took place at 1400 hours today in the office of Flight Lieutenant M.D. Williams-Station Hospital.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hours.
- 23 January 1942
- Friday:
- The funeral of Flight Lieutenant J.A. Peterson took place in Regina, today.
- The Commanding Officer and six Flight Lieutenants attended. No. 2 B. & G. S. provided the firing party. Our Station band played Chopins Funeral March while the procession moved at slow time. Muffled drums.
- Station Headquarters seeks information regarding any member of the personnel who speaks Japanese fluently.
- The new Protestant Chaplain Flight Lieutenant H.C. Smith arrived today from No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto. He was formerly at No. 4 B & G School at Jarvis Bay, Ont.
- The Commanding Officer held a Wings Parade at 0725 hours this morning. Visiting Aircraft: Harvard 2726 Pilot P/O S. Harriott, passenger P/O R.B. Burden, from Moose Jaw. Arrived 1500 hours, departed 1510 hours.
- The Special Flag was awarded Hut 13A as being cleanest and in best order on the Commanding Officer’s inspection.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 24 January 1942
- Saturday:
- Flight Lieutenant H.C. Smith, the new Protestant Chaplain, held his first service in the Recreation Hall at 1915 hours. That very important “first impression” was favourable and many expressed real pleasure in his address.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 25 January 1942
- Sunday:
- Guests of the Officers’ Mess this afternoon were six Officers (R.A.F.) from No. 34 E.F.T.S.. Assiniboia, a new R.A.F. Station shortly to be opened. Their Commanding Officer Wing Commander L.A. Cox was included in the group.
- Maximum available flying time – 8½ hours.
- 26 January 1942
- Monday:
- A meeting of the Officers’ Mess was held at 1300 hours, today. The President, Squadron Leader W.M. Penman, presided. Flight Lieutenant J.B. Brown was elected Mess Secretary and Flight Lieutenant W.E. Jamison was elected to the Mess Committee in place of Flight Lieutenant C.B.G. Church who has been posted away from the Station. The following were elected to the Messing Committee: Flight Lieutenant A.C. Blair, Flying Officer W.O. Mowers, Lieutenant R.A. Pelletier (R.C.A.S.C.). There were thirty eight (38) Officers present at the meeting.
- Maximum available flying time – l5½ hours.
- 27 January 1942
- Tuesday:
- A Wing Parade and Inspection was held at 0725 hours today. The Commanding Officer took the salute. The Station Band was in attendance and, subject to the complication of cold instruments which hampered their opening notes, put on a good show. All personnel are putting forth special effort to have everything in readiness and order for the visit of the Inspector General-Air Vice-Marshal G.M. Croil (C65). This will take place at 0945 hours Thursday, 29-1-42 and will be the occasion for a Wings Parade and march past.
- Visiting Aircraft Harvard AJ848, Pilot Squadron Leader W.S. Cooper from Swift Current arrived at 1125 hours, departed 1205 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 28 January 1942
- Wednesday:
- In sharp, contrast to the weather of the last two week’s daylight came with an overcast sky that gradually closed down to such an extent that flying was shortly washed out. Cold raw wind by noon and snow in the early afternoon. Signs of a stormy night. Weather foreast is poor for the Inspector Generals visit tomorrow.
- A Concert Party is expected from Moose Jaw tonight. There is a possibility now that the weather may prevent their coming–It did!
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 29 January 1942
- Thursday:
- This was an important day in the calendar of the Station. Due to a complete wash-out in flying weather the Inspector-General, Air Vice-Marshal G.M. Croil A.F.C., did not arrive until 1230 hours. He was originally scheduled to arrive by air at approximately 0930 hours, instead he made the trip from Swift Current by car. His P.A., Flight Lieutenant G.P. Dymond (C1968) and Squadron Leader J.R.V. Tremaine (C3368) from No. 4 Training Command, accompanied him.
- The party was entertained at lunch in the Officers’ Mess immediately upon arrival. After which a
- Wings Parade was held for his inspection. The Inspector-General took the salute in the march-past and then proceeded to a very thorough and careful inspection of the Station. What he thought we probably shall, in due course, learn. The party left, after a late and informal dinner, by car for Moose Jaw.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 30 January 1942
- Friday:
- Lieutenant R.A. Pelletier, R.C.A.S.C, attached to this Station, left this morning for Regina on Temporary Duty.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 31 January 1942
- Saturday:
- Water Consumption for month of January,1942 – 773,600 gallons. Average Daily Consumption 24,955 gallons.
- Maximum available flying time – 8½ hours.
- Strength of Station at End of Month
- Officers (RCAF)(RAF)……….50
- Army Officers……………………. 3
- Airmen (Staff)…………………628
- Trainees………………………….. 84
- Civilians………………………….110
- Other ranks…………. ……………10
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles……..60
- Norseman……………..1
- Total Flying Hours for month of January – 1446 hours, 20 minutes
- Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable – 9 days.
