Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

November 1940

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.

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• 1 November 1940
  • A Sergeant’s Mess Committee organized. The 4th day of No. 1 A.G.’s Course. Lectures mostly impromptu Armament and practical hints. No equipment available. This is the 4th day of A.O.’s Course. Limited equipment is restricting scope of lectures. Course divided into 2 classes of 18 each. F.O. Ransom fell into deep ditch in front of Administration Building, this after performing his duties as Adjutant late into the evening. Hazards as here evidence continue to be presented to personnel on the Station, owing to the numerous ditches crossing the Station and the lack of illumination. F.O. Ransom taken to Station Hospital with broken leg. A.G.’s Course morning spent on practical work examining Battle A/c and familiarizing trainees with its various parts and functions. A.O.’s Course impeded due to lack of equipment and precis. No multi-graphing machine available to run off precis.
• 2 November 1940
  • A Board of Officers established for testing of Airmen in drill in accordance with A.F.A.O. A51/41.
• 3 November 1940
  • F.O. Ransom taken to Regina General Hospital by Ambulance. Trainees on A.O.’s Course prepared for Wind speed and direction

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• 3 November 1940 (continued)
  • exercises despite difficulty of lectures without equipment. A.T.S. finds it impossible to begin training flights. Only one Bomb-sight on the Station.
• 4 November 1940
  • Night classes of instruction for all Clerks in Central Registry, Orderly Room etc., have been started, with Sergeant-Major Power in charge. The classes are in letter writing procedure, etc. Succeeded in borrowing one G.O. gun from Regina for purposes demonstration and lectures for the No. 1 A.G.’s Course. Classes are unable to utilize last lecture period of day as no electric lights yet available in School building.
• 5 November 1940
  • 1520 hrs. – Four Fairey Battle planes arrived from Winnipeg, numbered 1693, 1690, 1637 and 1307. They were piloted by F.O. Shelforn, Sgt. Ritcher, Sgt. Fields and Sgt. Cunningham respectively.
  • F.O. Gregson and P.O.’s Johnston and Darrell together with staff of Clerk Accountants arrived today to open Accounts Section. Eight G.O. guns arrived for A.G.’s Course.
• 6 November 1940
  • Weather turning much colder. Certain of the Barracks have not yet had heaters installed. Offices and classrooms are being heated with expedients in the way of Kerosene stoves. The Hangars are without heat. Generally much distress is being experienced.
  • A.G.’s Course spent p.m. on sports. No lecture material available due to lack of equipment for lectures.
  • A.O.’s Course proceeding under difficulties. One additional Bomb-sight arrives. No compass

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• 6 November 1940 (Continued)
  • base, landing compass nor key for corrector lock of C.S.B.S. Electric lights at last available in School.
• 7 November 1940
  • F.O. Fenton returns to No. 4 T.C. after spending some days at the Station trying to expedite the progress of the works. Snow falls and the weather turns colder. The 2nd building designed for N.C.O.’s quarters opened. One of these buildings continues to be occupied by Officer’s as their quarters are not ready. A.O.’s commence flying exercises. Lack of equipment still detracts from satisfactory progress of the Course. No flying kit had been issued to trainees, nor were they outfitted with helmets with inter-communication fittings.
• 8 November 1940
  • Weather turns considerably colder and flurries of snow occur. More open, deep trenches are presently to be found on the Station than at any time previous hereto. On most streets there exists high mounds of earth on both sides of the ditches, thus impeding access to buildings and creating constant hazards in crossing. The slippery condition caused by the snow only serves to aggravate the situation. A.G.’s Course at standstill.
    

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• 9 November 1940
  • Snow flurries turning into steady fall. Colder. The offices in the Administration Building etc., continue to be heated by oil stoves, the heating units proper not yet having been installed. These oil stoves are most malodorous and unsatisfactory. Due to the unfinished sanitary facilities much difficulty in water supply, heating, etc., is being experienced on every hand. The facilities of the Station in their present condition, are being taxed to the utmost by the personnel presently stationed here.
• 10 November 1940
  • About 5″ of snow on the level. Clear sky and flying resumed. Temperature 0° Fahrenheit at noon.
• 11 November 1940
  • Weather cold with snow flurries. No apparent progress being made in laying of Sewer and Water-Main construction. Few men on the Construction job. Heating problem remains acute. Water pipes from temporary tanks to kitchens and ablution rooms constantly freezing. A crew of casual labourers engaged to cut pathways through earth embankments bordering trenches and to bridge same with timber, thus removing constant hazard to personnel having to cross same.
  • 1340 hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1703 piloted by Flt. Lt. Holmes and Battle No. 1705 piloted by Sgt. Jewsbury both arrived at this Station from Regina.

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• 11 November 1940 (continued)
  • 1400 Hrs. – It being found desirable to return Flt. Lt. Holmes to Regina immediately, Fairey Battle No. 1703 piloted by Flt. Lt. Holmes , passengers Sgt. Jewsbury and F.O. Werly departed for Regina. F.O. Werly was to fly the plane back from Regina, to Mossbank.
  • 1800 Hrs. Word received from F.O. Werly that he had landed in a field at Estevan. 130 miles east of here, having got lost in a snow-storm.
  • Camera Guns and Browning guns (less breech blocks) arrived for A.G.’s Course. Armourers nearly frozen cleaning them in below zero weather with practically no heat available.
  • No. 2 Course A.G.’s arrived without warning and without documents. While practice bombs have arrived, no detonators are to be had.
• 12 November 1940
  • Clear and cold. Certain amount of flying engaged in. The number of pilots on the Station has been reduced from 23 to 10, the remainder having been called away for ferry duty.
  • Fairey Battle No. 1704, piloted by F.O. Wilson and crew flew to Estevan to assist F.O. Werly start his plane. Were not able to return today. No breeches yet for Browning guns, likewise no ammunition and no mounting brackets. No magazines for G.O. Guns. No. 1 Course on 3rd week and still no air firing.

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• 13 November 1940
  • 1430 hrs. – Fairey Battle 1704, piloted by F.O. Wilson returns from Estevan. Fairey Battle No. 1703 and F.O. Werly still at Estevan. Can’t get 1703 started.
  • 1425 Hrs. – Avro Anson No. 1563, piloted by F.O. Pischel, passenger Sgt. Jewsbury arrived from Winnipeg
  • 1430 Hrs. – Avro Anson No. 1563, Piloted by Sgt. Jewsbury, passenger Sgt. Briggs departed for Lethbridge, Alta.
  • Thirty American rifles arrived for Guards, first to be made available on Station. A.G. Course occupied themselves cleaning these guns with what cleaning equipment was available.
• 14 November 1940
  • 1605 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1622 arrived from Regina, piloted by F.O. Ehrlichman, who is posted to this Station.
  • 1400 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1703 piloted by F.O. Werly arrived from Estevan, Sask., where it had been landed on 11-11-40, as per entry at that date.
  • Magnificient bright day, Ceiling unlimited and visibility extending for miles, much to the amazement of the Pilots from other parts of the Continent., posted to this Station.
  • Commanding Officer had conference with Contractors and it has been promised that at least the major buildings will be serviced with water, sewer and heat by the 23rd instant. Even if the Heating Units were installed and Sanitary facilities available, many of the buildings are still so far from completion that they could not be occupied.

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• 15 November 1940
  • Mild weather permits works on Station to be proceeded with. Back filling of trenches for Sewer Mains was started today.
  • 14.00 Hrs. – Flt. Lieut. Penman piloting Fairey Battle 1664 flew Commanding Officer to Regina, Saskatchewan.
• 16 November 1940
  • 1150 Hrs. – F.O. Pischel of this Station in Fairey Battle 1664 arrived from Regina, transporting Commanding Officer back from Regina. Accompanying him was Sqn. Ldr, T.C. McFarlane of Posting & Records Dept., R.C.A.F., Ottawa. Sqn. Ldr. McFarlane left by G.M.T. accompanied by Sqn. Ldr. Jones to return to Regina. Commanding Officer accompanied by the M.O. and the Orderly Officer effected a complete tour of inspection of the Station.
• 17 November 1940
  • 1150 Hrs. – Avro Anson No.W1593, piloted by F.O. Langmack arrived enroute from Toronto to Calgary.
  • 1130 Hrs. – Avro Anson No.W1593 departed for Calgary.
  • 1153 Hrs. – Avro Anson No. W9980, piloted by F.O. Ogilvie arrived en route from Toronto to Calgary.
  • Avro Anson No. W9980, departed by Calgary.

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• 17 November 1940 (Continued)
  • 1240 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1303, piloted by LAC Mews, passenger W.O. Arnold, arrived from RCAF Borden, Ont.
  • 1243 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1301, piloted by F.O. Iverson, passenger LAC Smith, arrived from RCAF Borden, Ont.
  • 1245 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1702, F.O. Hill, pilot, accompanied by LAC McLeay arrived from Trenton, Ont.
  • 1243 Hrs. – Fairey Battle No. 1649, Flt. Lt. Andrews, pilot, arrived from Trenton, Ontario.
• 17 November 1940 (Continued)
  • 1252 Hrs. – Fairey Battle, No. 1686, F.O. Joy, pilot, accompanied by LAC Maloney, arrived from Trenton, Ont.
  • 1255 Hrs. – Fairey Battle, No. 1694, F.O. MacDonald, accompanied by Corporal Keddvicks arrived from Trenton, Ontario.
  • As has been the case nearly every night and every Sunday the Commanding Officer and Headquarters staff were on duty, furthering the organization of the Station.
• 18 November 1940
  • The Airmen’s canteen was today duly opened in the building designed for it. The appointments and environment are excellent and should do much to relieve the tedium on a Station so far removed from an Urban centre. A.O.’s Course proceeding under difficulty.
  • No detonators as yet for practice bombs. Weather conditions and A/C unserviceable. Have reduced flying training of the trainees.
• 19 November 1940
  • The Station Post-Office and Guard House were opened today, and will fill in very much needed services on the Station. Identification buttons have been issued to all Civilians.

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• 19 November 1940 (continued)
  • These Identification buttons for Civilians will serve additionally in lieu of passes. Delay in the dispatch of Returns and periodic reports, Correspondence etc., is being greatly delayed by shortage of Typewriters. Fortunately the weather remains mild permitting fair progress to be made in completing the many unfinished aspects of the works.
• 20 November 1940
  • 1300 Hrs. Waco plane carrying Messrs. Maclean and Chilcott of the Dept. of Transport arrived from Regina. Had consultation with Commanding Officer in respect to those aspects of the works for which the Dept. of Transport is responsible.
  • 1550 Hrs. Messrs. Maclean and Chilcott departed by air for Regina.
• 21 November 1940
  • Motor Transport Section has moved into the buildings designed for it. H.Q. will now be in telephone communication with this section, and thus facilitate control and expedite service.
• 22 November 1940
  • Work of back filling trenches and grading streets proceeds apace, eliminating hazards that have been of constant concern. Progress in connection with the steel wire fence is also observed. This should permit greater control of ingress to the Station.

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• 22 November 1940 (continued)
  • Water connection to the sanitary installations to most of the buildings is now expected daily.
• 23 November 1940
  • 1210 Hrs. Lockheed No. 7347, carrying the A.O.C. of No. 4 Training Command, Air Commodore Cowley, Squadron Leader Davidson and Flt. Lt. Grant arrived.
  • 1430 Hrs. Lockheed No. 7347, departed with passengers as above.
• 24 November 1940
  • The Airmen on the Station were re-arranged in the various Barrack Blocks on the Station so as to segregate, insofar as possible, all Airmen in same Flight or Section.
  • 1125 Hrs. Waco aeroplane – CFBTP – piloted by W.H. Irvine, accompanied by Mr. Mclntyre, both of the Dept. Of Transport, arrived from Regina.
  • 1230 Above aircraft and passengers departed for Regina.
• 25 November 1940
  • Forty additional A.O.’s reported at the School today. Owing to shortage of Instructors, Courses 1 and 2 divided into classes of approximately 20 each, which is too large for efficient instruction.
• 26 November 1940
  • The Airmen’s Mess, proper, opened today. The Mess previously shared by Civilians and Airmen will now be used as a Civilian Mess only. Water turned into the Mains today. Much jubilation

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• 26 November 1940 (continued)
  • at indoor water and sanitary facilities being available. Hospital being moved from temporary to permanent Hospital building, although this is not entirely complete. Only temporary Heating facilities and only partly occupied.
• 27 November 1940
  • Gunnery Flight commenced operations today. Water turned off again. Trouble being experienced with leaking mains.
• 28 November 1940
  • 1130 Hrs. – Lockheed No. 7647, arrived from Regina, piloted by Flt. Lt. Austin carrying Major Bailey of R.C.D.C., Wg. Comdr. Bardon and F.O. Thornber.
  • 1400 Hrs. – Lockheed No. 7647, departed with Pilot and passengers as above. Sanitary facilities in operation again, water in reservoir being maintained by haulage of trucks. Leaks in water mains will require some time in correcting. By this date an additional eleven trainees for Course No. 2, A.O. have reported, resulting in further crowding of classes.

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• 29 November 1940
  • Detonators for practice bombs arrived today. Practice bombing flights will now be undertaken with greater possibilities of accomplishment. The Courses are up to schedule notwithstanding shortages of equipment, and other shortcomings enumerated before. This is due largely to the ingenuity and aggressiveness of the Officers in charge of Courses, who by improvisations and expedients have managed to carry on.
  • 1525 Hrs. – Fairey Battle, No. 1658, piloted by Pilot-Sgt. Abercromby, accompanied by AC2 Allen arrived from Winnipeg. This plane is added to the establishment.
  • 1130 Hrs. – Lockheed No. 7647, piloted by Flt. Lt. Austin, accompanied by F.O.’s, Rhodes, Napier and Fenton and Captain Brown, all from No. 4 Training Command.
  • 1607 Hrs. – Departed Lockheed No. 7647, piloted by Flt. Lt. Austin. Captain Brown of Dental Corps remained on this Station. Pilot-Sgt. Abercromby and other passengers, as above, returned to Regina, Sask.
• 30 November 1940
  • 1300 Hrs. – Fairey Battle, piloted by F.O. Cheesman arrived from Winnipeg. This is another addition to the A/C establishment.
  • Water system functioning with fewer interruptions. Filtration plant designed to remove harmful ingredients is rapidly nearing completion. Progress is noted in the installation of the Heating Plants for the Hangars. Civilian personnel, constituting in the main the cooking and messing staffs, as well as firemen and other key positions are greatly upset at the action of No. 4 Training Command in directing,

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• 30 November 1940 (continued)
  • that they be paid a lesser rate of pay than that stipulated at the time they were engaged by an Officer from Command Headquarters, for employment on this Station. A $10.00 per month disparity exists between rates payable under this ruling and that which prevails at Moose Jaw and Regina. It is feared that the Civilian personnel will resign en masse which would leave the Station in a situation which would be difficult to contend with. The Commanding Officer has drawn the matter to the attention of Command Headquarters, and action is expected to correct the discrimination, and remedy the injustice worked on the Civilians by this arbitrary departure from the agreements with them. It is extremely difficult to obtain Cooks, Clerks and certain other categories at the rates of pay which are stipulated for this Station.