Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

May 1943

This Transcription of the Operational Record Book of No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School that was Located at Mossbank, Saskatchewan, 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 1361

• 1 May 1943
  Saturday:
  • Rain clouds in early morning. In late morning hours the first real rain storm of the season occurred, temporarily preventing flying training. However the afternoon saw favorable weather and training in the air was resumed.
  • A dance took place in the Recreation Hall for airman and airwomen of the rank of Corporal and below. Novelty numbers furnished by some of the members of the Station Orchestra helped round out a pleasant evening.
  • A dance was held also in the Officers’ Mess with guests from Mossbank and Assiniboia attending. Special guests from Regina were Major and Mrs. M.A. MacPherson, K.C. Altogether a delightful evening was held.
  • Twenty-three R.C.A.F. Airman of Course No. 73, Air Bombers were posted to No. 5 A.O.S., Winnipeg. The remainder of the course (All R.C.A.F.) numbering seven were disposed of as follows: 1 transferred to Course 74, 4 transferred to Course 77, 1 transferred to Course 78, and 1 transferred to Course 80.
  • Maximum available flying time – 3 hours.
• 2 May 1943
  Sunday:
  • A wings parade was held at 0950 hours this morning. Major M.A. MacPherson, K.C. was introduced by the Commanding Officer who stated in part that Major MacPherson gave distinguished service in the last conflict, being wounded and since has been contributing in no small measure to the war effort, being here to-day on behalf of the Fourth Victory Loan Drive and also to present Wings to the Wireless Operator Air Gunners, Course No. 51. He congratulated the Station in having exceeded its quota to-date and called on one and all to make an investment by purchasing a Bond mentioning how essential it was to have everyone contributing who could possibly do so. The moral effect of success in this drive to those overseas was apparent to all. He spoke particularly to the graduating class wishing them God speed and a safe return.

IMAGE 1362

• 2 May 1943 (continued)
  Sunday:
  • Ideal weather prevailed in the morning. Light fall of rain occurred in the afternoon, shortly afterwards clearing and remaining fine for the rest of the day.
  • The graduates of Course No. 51, Wireless Operator Air Gunners totaled twenty-eight. Two R.A.A.F. airmen were posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, five R.A.A.F. Airmen to No. 31 O.T.U. Thirteen R.C.A.F. airman to No. 1 “Y” Depot and eight R.N.Z.A.F. Airman to No. 1 C.N.S. Rivers, Man.
  • Station personnel were entertained by Song and Dance by a Ukrainian Concert party from Moose Jaw and District.
  • Forty-three R.A.A.F. airman reported for Wireless Operator Air Gunners Course No. 54, reporting from No. 2 Wireless School, CALGARY..
  • When returning from a routine gunnery exercise at 1715 hours and preparing for landing, the port wheal lowered but would not retract. . The starboard wheel would not lower and pilot R64144 WO2 Ruppel, K.G. executed one wheel landing. The aircraft ground leaped, no one being injured. Air Gunners in the aircraft ware AUS422573 LAC Kennedy, H.E. AUS422602 LAC Malcolm T.P. and AUS422141 LAC Daniels, E. The accident happened on the main aerodrome, the aircraft being a Bolingbroke IVT 10079, Mercury XV, Port RCAF 12178 Makers 850296, Starboard RCAF 12246 Makers 850200. The part wing was strained and the port propeller tips were bent.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 3 May 1943
  Monday:
  • Clear during the day with the exception of a couple of hours.
  • Group Captain D.S. Blaine and Group Captain Morrison of No. 32 S.F.T.S. RAF Moose Jaw accompanied by Squadron Leader B.M. Laubach visited No. 34 E.F.T.S. RAF Assiniboia, the two former speaking to the Officers and airmen and civilians an behalf of the Fourth Victory Loan Campaign. Much good natured rivalry was noted between the Air Force personnel and civilians on the Station.
  • Twenty-seven airman reported to-day for Air Bombers Course No. 81. One R.A.F. Airman reporting from No. 2 Manning Pool, Brandon, Ten R,C.A.F. airmen from No. 7 I.T.S., Saskatoon, nine R.C.A.F. airmen from No. 4 I.T.S., Edmonton and seven from No. 2 I.T.S., Regina.
  • Maximum available flying time – 22 hours.
• 4 May 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Alternatively bright and clear, dull and cloudy throughout the whole of the day with occasional showers occurring.
  • S/L J.G. Sparling, Chaplain from No. 4 T.C. conferred with the Station Padre regarding religious problems.
  • Maximum available flying time – 16 hours, 10 minutes.
• 5 May 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Cloudy. Flying however continued in morning but had to be washed out for the rest of the day. Rainfall occurring.
  • A large number of personnel are playing softball, hardball, soccer, horse-shoes, badminton, gymnastics and volley-ball and signs of boxing being revived as a major sport is apparent. Schedules are being

IMAGE 1363

• 5 May 1943 (continued)
  Wednesday:
  • … drawn up for softball and hardball and all sections are represented in the Inter-Unit League starting next week.
  • Maximum available flying time – 6 hours.
• 6 May 1943
  Thursday:
  • After the rainfall of yesterday, a aright blue sky greeted those who turned out for morning Work Parade. Ceiling and visibility unlimited. Light variable wind.
  • The ninth lecture in the series of talks given to Officers was given in the form of a talk on Orderly Room proceedure given by P/O V. Mulligan. A week orderly room case brought out in a vivid manner the exact steps necessary to successfully perform this type of work,
  • Maximum available flying time – 22 hours.
• 7 May 1943
  Friday:
  • Rainfall throughout the greater part of the day. Light fall of snow during the early afternoon. Turning somewhat colder.
  • Maximum available flying time – 7 hours, 25 minutes.
• 8 May 1943
  Saturday:
  • Another cloudy day with light fall of rain. Ground fog in morning.
  • Eighteen Boy Scouts from Mossbank were guests of the Station to-day. The Padre, F/L E.S. Light showing them the points of interest here. They displayed keen interest on their tour.
  • Maximum available flying time – 15 hours.
• 9 May 1943
  Sunday:
  • A light fall of snow but sufficient however to cover the ground. Low clouds.
  • They have been unusually busy ever at the Legion Hut this past week assisting the personnel in sending out cables and telegrams for Mother’s Day.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours.
• 10 May 1943
  Monday:
  • Continuing cold. Low clouds particularly in the morning when ceiling was as low as 500 feet.
  • Wing Commander C.F. Falkenberg (ADM) from No. 4 T.C. and Squadron Leader J.C. Gray (ADM) spent the day on the Station.
  • Maximum available flying time – 14 hours

IMAGE 1364

• 11 May 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Dull and cloudy with prospects of clearing not very bright. Unusually cold for this time of the year.
  • The Ensa organization who have been playing at R.A.F. Stations in Canada last night were at No. 34 E.F.T.S RAF Assiniboia and a few consented to come here. Over five hundred of the personnel were highly entertained by story, dance and song by this group augmented by talent from this Unit.
  • Group Captain M,D. Lister, Commanding Officer of No. 8 B and G School, RCAF, Lethbridge, along with Squadron Leader R.F.E, Kempster (A.I.) and ‘Flight Lieutenant I.C. Elliott (Arm) of the same School were conferring with some of the Senior Officers to-day an mutual problems.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours.
• 12 May 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Bright and clear in early morning hours but again clouding up before noon. The Air Training proceeded however apace.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 13 May 1943
  Thursday:
  • Clear and bright throughout the whole day. Continuing cold. Ceiling and visibility unlimited. Wind speed ten ta fifteen miles par hour.
  • The first softball game of the season took place this evening when a girls team from Mazenod invaded the School in the hope of defeating the R.C.A.F. (W.D.) team. Their hopes were fulfilled, the Mazened team emerging from the game winners by the close margin of twenty-one runs to twenty. The game was followed by a dance in the W.D. Canteen for airmen and airwomen of the rank of Corporal and below, admission to the dance being 10 cents
  • Squadron Leader F.C. Manning (W&B) from No. 4 T.C. has been here for the past day discussing projects in view for the Unit.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 14 May 1943
  Friday:
  • A good day for flying. Morning ceiling and visibility unlimited. 1830 hours winds 10 to 15 miles per hour.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 15 May 1943
  Saturday:
  • Overcast conditions in early morning hours. At 0800 hours it began to clear and it remained bright and clear for the rest of the day.
  • Twenty-six R.C.A.F. Air Bombers of Course No. 76 ware posted to No. 5 A.O.S., Winnipeg. The remaining two R.C.A.F. airmen were transferred to Course No. 77.
  • Seven women members of the Selective Service Beard from Regina accompanied by Section Officer McPherson of the R.C.A.F. Recruiting Centre, Regina, visited the station during the afternoon. The purpose was to get first hand information on the work of the Women’s Division and to be able to assist in recruiting suitable girls.

IMAGE 1365

• 15 May 1943 (continued)
  Saturday:
  • The graduating class, No. 52 – held a farewell dance in the Recreation Hall, Lunch was served at 2245 hours in the Airmen’s Mess.
  • A natural death occurred at 0745 hours of R213885 LAC Park, G.E. – G.D. Projectionist from coronary thrombosis.
  • 1650 hours Bolingbroke 9985 F/e Henrickson flew parallel to runway in use past the tower, and fired a red flare. Crash tender and ambulance called. Aircraft landed O.K.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 16 May 1943
  Sunday:
  • Bright morning with some wind. C.A.V.U. continued good all day. A Wings Parade was held at 1000 hours when G/C Blaine presented Wings to Wireless Air Gunners of Course No. 52. The Commanding Officer also congratulated the Unit on the successful response to the Fourth Victory Loan Campaign which closed on May 15. The competition between No. 8 B and G and No. 2 B and G for largest subscription was won by No. 2. The final totals were No. 8 B & G – Lethbridge $56,500, No. 2 B & G – Mossbank $62,000. The remainder of the day was declared a holiday in celebration.
  • The graduates of Course No. 52, Wireless Air Gunners, totalled 49 – all members of the R.A.A.F. Of this class, 27 were posted to No. 5 “M” Depot for reposting to No. 111 O.T.U. Nassau and 22 were posted to No. 32 O.T.U., Patricia Bay, B.C.
  • A variety show was presented in the Recreation Hall at 2015 hours by a Concert Party from Moose Jaw headed by Mr. Puddon and Mr. Henderson. Some excellent talent was displayed, the songs by LAC Slack being outstanding.
  • Beginning was made at filling the swimming pool.
  • (C264) S/L Bundy, Chief Instructor, posted to A.F.H.Q., Ottawa.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 17 May 1943
  Monday:
  • C.A.V.U. all day.
  • Work was started at the improvement of the Station grounds – a regular face-lifting. Lawns were laid and walks made in the area between Headquarters Admin. Building and the Post Officer and Guard House. Shrubs and bushes are being set out in many places.
  • A special dinner was served in the Cpls. Mess for all members of the Women’s Division to mark the end of the first year of W.D.’s at No. 2 B & G School. The CO. and S/L B.M. Laubach attended and both spoke briefly. Latter a party was held in the Airwomen’s Recreational Centre.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.

IMAGE 1366

• 18 May 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Morning was good with ceiling and visibility unlimited. It continued in the afternoon but the wind was variable and gusty, W/C Blaine visited Lethbridge and Calgary.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 19 May 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Good flying weather, C.A.V.U.
  • Four members of the staff of No, 5 Recruiting Centre. Regina reported at this Unit to arrange details of “Air Force Week” being held in Moose Jaw, May 24 to 29 inclusive.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours,
• 20 May 1943
  Thursday:
  • Good flying weather – ceiling and visibility unlimited all day.
  • At 1540 hours Lysander 2437 made a forced landing 5 miles south of Assiniboia having run out of gas. No damage was done. Returned at 1900 hours under own power.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 21 May 1943
  Friday:
  • Very warm and bright, ceiling and visibility unlimited,
  • Anson 11472 made a forced landing at Peerless, Montana – one engine cut out and pilot AUS425096 Sgt. Keen, L.N. misjudged direction landing in U.S.A. Starboard propeller broken and slight other damage. Maintenance crew despatched to replace propeller and fly aircraft back.
  • Maximum available flying time -.24 hours.
• 22 May 1943
  Saturday:
  • Morning, cloudy with a strong wind, high overcast with threatening scattered showers. Afternoon showers.
  • 22 P.A.G.s reported in from No. 3 “M” Depot, Edmonton, Alberta.
  • Maximum available flying time – 20 hours. .
• 23 May 1943
  Sunday:
  • Morning – very strong winds, dark, cloudy. Afternoon – rain and wind, smoke haze.
  • Communion Service was hold in W.D. Recreational Centre at 0830 hours and Church Service in the Legion Hut at 1000 hours.
  • Maximum available flying time – 14 hours.
• 24 May 1943
  Monday:
  • Morning, low ceiling, later broken, overcast. C.A.V.U. Rain and wind continued throughout the night. Morning cold.
  • Opening of Air Force Week in Moose Jaw. G/C D.S. Blaine, S/O D.E. Reed and P?O R de F Jenner attended Civic Reception in Collegiate Grounds.
  • During this week, two Airwomen gave a demonstration of parachutes packing in Jayners Store daily at 14.30 hours. At the same time, an airwoman WOG was demonstrating the use of the Wireless in Kresge’s Limited.

IMAGE 1367

• 24 May 1943 (continued)
  Monday:
  • S/L Hamilton reported in from No. 4 T.C.
  • The swimming pool was opened for use much to the delight of all. Over one quarter of the personnel of the Station took a “dip” on the first day.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours, 55 minutes.
• 25 May 1943
  Tuesday:
  • C.A.V.U.
  • Twenty airwomen and five airmen proceeded to Moose Jaw by bus to take part in Air Force Week celebrations The airwomen were entertained at a luncheon and later, accompanied by eight members of Recruiting Centre Regina, led by No. 2 I.T.S. Band, paraded to a Band Concert in the Technical High School. During the evening, the airmen and five airwomen appeared on a Radio Broadcast over C.H.A.B.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 26 May 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Ceiling and visibility unlimited all day.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 27 May 1943
  Thursday:
  • Morning C.A.V.U, Continued good all day. About 1700 hours threatening showers appeared in the N.V.
  • At 1005 hours Lysander 1567, C7101 Flying Officer Calderwood, John, Robert, Pilot, crashed one half mile east of Bishopric, 8ask. Pilot suffered broken leg and head injuries. Ambulance was sent out. This crash was reported by telephoned by R77535, LAC Whittaker, Harry, Douglas, Drogue Operator, the other occupant of aircraft, LAC Whittaker received minor head injuries and leg abrasions. Aircraft was a total loss. While awaiting gunnery aircraft motor cut, pilot attempted forced landing, wheels hit a knoll and plane turned over.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 28 May 1943
  Friday:
  • Morning C.A.V.U. ,
  • At 0750 hours Anson 8281 Sgt Cutler radioed in that he was returning to aerodrome on one engine. Crash tender called. Aircraft landed O.K.
  • Wing Officer Walker, Squadron Officer Davey and Flight Officer Goddard reported in by air from Moose Jaw at 0945 hours and spent the day inspecting the work of the Women’s Division at this Unit. An inspection and March Past was held at 1830 hours, followed by and address to the Airwomen by W/O Walker.

IMAGE 1368

• 28 May 1943 (continued)
  Friday:
  • Later 30 Airwomen proceeded to Moose Jaw by bus to take part in a Wings Parade Ceremony and Parade which concluded Air Force Week in that city. The Airwomen made a splendid showing at both events and received many compliments on their smart appearance.
  • Graduating class Course No# 53, Wireless Air Gunners, were presented with Wings by the Mayor of Moose Jaw at a public ceremony held on the Central Collegiate Grounds in Moose Jaw at 1900 hours. Twenty-four R.C.A.F. Sgts. were posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot. Halifax, of the six R.N.Z.A.F. Sgts. two were posted to No. 10 A.O.S. Chatham, N.B., two to No. 34 O.T.U. at Pennfield Ridge. N.S. and two to No. 8 A.O.S. at Ancienne Lorette, Quebec. Fourteen R.C.A.F. Sgts. and one R.A.A.F. Sgt were posted to Eastern Air Command reporting to No. 31 O.T.U., Debert, N.S.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 29 May 1943
  Saturday:
  • Morning C.A.V.U. but rain threatened from about 1400 hours with showers at 1700 hours.
  • Thirty airmen, members of Coarse 77 Air Bombers were posted to No. 7 A.O.S., Portage La Prairie. Of these, eight were R.A.F. and twenty-two were R.C.A.F.
  • J20448 P/O Minton fired red flare over field. Undercarriage appeared to be O.K. on approach. Landed on even-landing appeared to be normal. Ambulance and crash truck stood by.
  • 49 WAGs reported in for Crse. 56 (R.A.A.F.) from No. 2 W.S., Calgary.
  • Maximum available flying time 22 hours.
• 30 May 1943
  Sunday:
  • Cold dark and rainy morning. Intermittent rain all day. .
  • Good progress was made on the beautification of the station. Shrubs and plants were set out in all prepared plots.
  • Twenty-two Standard Air Gunners were posted to No. 9 P.A.E.D., MacGill University, Montreal. Twenty-eight R.C.A.F. airmen reported in for Course 83 Air Bombers. Seven reporting from. No. 2 I.T.S., Regina, 10 from No. 4 I.T.S. Edmonton, 6 from No. 7 I.T.S. Saskatoon and 5 from No. 3 “M” Depot, Edmonton.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours.
• 31 May 1943
  Monday:
  • Morning – steady rain. Cleared up a little in the afternoon and the evening was fine.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hours.

IMAGE 1369

• 31 May 1943 (continued)
  Monday:
  
  

Water Consumption for Month of May, 1943	1,228,900 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	39,642 gallons

Total Flying Hours for Month of May	2,927 hours and 20 minutes
Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable –	Nil

• (D.S. Blaine) Group Captain,
  Commanding Officer,
  No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
  MOSSBANK, Saskatchewan.