Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

March 1941

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 1087

• 1 March 1941
  • Wing Commander A.J. Ashton (C59) Commanding Officer of Station promoted to rank of Group Captain A.F.R.O. 240.
  • Strength of Station at beginning of month.
    • Officers 59
    • Airmen 787
    • O.R. 12
    • Civilians 115
  • Maximum available flying time – 2 hours.
• 2 March 1941
  • Graduation of 37 Air Observers, posted to No.1 Air Navigation School, Rivers.
  • 1700 hrs. Fairey Battle No.1704 flown back to Station from Lake Johnstone where it had forced landing, 28-2-41. Airscrew repaired and skis attached at Lake Johnstone piloted back by Flying Officer A. Cheesman.
  • Maximum available flying time – 4 hours.

IMAGE 1088

• 3 March 1941
  • Arrival of Lieutenant H. Rustard and two Airmen this Station on posting from R.N.N.A.F. Toronto.
  • Arrival of Flying Officer A.B.C. Weatherwax on posting from No. 10 (B) Squadron, Dartmouth assumes command of Bombing Flight.
  • 36 Air Observers reported from No. 3 Air Observer School, Regina.
  • 1120 hr. Arrived from 32 S.F.T.S., Dragon Fly 7625, piloted by Flying Officer F.C. King, passengers Flying Officer’s R.F.E. Kempster and J. Howell.
  • 1625 hr. Arrived from Regina Dragon Fly 7625 piloted by Flying Officer F.C. King, passenger Flying Officer H.H. Graham.
  • 1130 hr. Dragon Fly 7625, departed for Regina, piloted by Flying Officer F.C. King.
  • 1645 hr. Dragon Fly 7625, departed for Regina, piloted by Flying Officer F.C. King.
  • Flying Officer R.F.E. Kempster arrived from Command Headquarters to conduct trade tests.
  • Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
• 4 March 1941
  • 1035 hr. Arrived from Regina, Dragon Fly 7625, piloted by Flying Officer A.D. Rhodes, passenger Mr. R. Maclellan.
  • 1430 hr. Departed for Regina, aircraft above piloted by Flying Officer A.D. Rhodes, Passenger Captain D.A. Hall.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11½ hours.

IMAGE 1089

• 5 March 1941
  • Drill course for Officer under Flt. Lieutenant G.O. Godson announced, commencing 10-3-41.
  • Fairey Battle 1767 piloted by R72167 Sgt. Jarred A., passenger 404385 LAC Paterson, D.H. made successful forced landing at 32 S.F.T.S. The weather deteriorated and pilot could not find Aerodrome.
  • 1130 hr. Arrival Harvard 2734 From 32 S.F.T.S. piloted by Squadron Leader R.S. Peill, passenger AC 2 Turner E.C. Departed for 32 S.F.T.S. 1220 hours with same pilot and passenger.
  • 1222 hr. Arrival Dragon Fly 7625 piloted by F/O A.R. Rhodes from Regina departing for Regina 1650 hours.
  • Maximum available flying time – 7 hours.
• 6 March 1941
  • All civilians required to take oath of Secrecy.
  • Drill Hall made available for organized sports in evenings.
  • Maximum available flying time – Nil.

IMAGE 1090

• 7 March 1941
  • Wing Commander W.A. Jones returned from semi-annual leave.
  • 1120 hr. Arrived, A Fairey Battle 1767 piloted by Sgt. Pilot Jarred A. from 32 S.F.T.S., passenger LAC Paterson, D.H.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11 hours.
• 8 March 1941
  • 1012 hr. Arrived, Dragon Fly 7624 piloted by Flying Officer S.F. Roude passenger, Flying Officer P.M. Stewart, Recruiting Officer, RCAF Recruiting Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan, to enlist R.C.A.M.C. personnel into R.C.A.F.
  • 1345 hr. Aircraft above mentioned departed for Regina, with same pilot and passenger.
  • 1444 hr. Arrived from Regina Fairey Battle 1690, piloted by Flying Officer C.L.Werly, passenger Cpl. Fleming.
  • 1039 hr. Departing to Regina 1039 hours, same pilot, and same aircraft as mentioned above with passenger Flying Officer R.F.E. Kempster (trade test officer from Command) and Cpl. Fleming
  • 1542 hr. Arrived from Regina, Pilot Mr. N.S. Cornish, passenger Flying Officer D.P. Thompson, LAC Tricket, R.I. and LAC Sullivan J.P. and directed by Control Tower, Regina, to remain here until further instructions – landed because of bad weather.
  • Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.

IMAGE 1091

• 9 March 1941
  • Forced landing of Fairey Battle 1742, piloted by Flying Officer H.H. Hessenflow, passengers Flying Officer Thomas, R68108 LAC Dermody B.J., R61792 LAC Duncan M. and Mr. S. Peabody, on Lake Johnstone, pilot thought aircraft on fire, slight damage to aircraft – personnel uninjured. Expect Aircraft can be repaired on scene and flown back.
  • 1110 hr. Departure of Anson 6184 piloted by Mr. N.S. Cornish, passenger Flying Officer D.P. Thompson LAC Tricket R.I. and LAC Sullivan J.P. for Regina.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hours
• 10 March 1941
  • Flt.Lt. G.O. Godson (C1586) Officer Commanding G.I.S., appointed to investigate forced landing Fairey Battle 1742
  • Maximum available flying time – 2 hours.
• 11 March 1941
  • 1050 hr. Arrived from Regina Dragon Fly 7624, Piloted by Flying Officer N.M. Decker, Passengers Flying Officer W.R. Pearce, Mr. A Blackie.
  • 1410 hrs. Departed to Regina, same Aircraft and passengers as above mentioned.
  • 1410 hr. Arrival from Moose Jaw, Harvard 2560, piloted by Sgt. Cowley J. and AC. Harris J.M.
  • Mr. A. Blackie of No. 2 Training Command, in charge of the Water Works at Dafoe, arrived

IMAGE 1092

• 11 March 1941 (continued)
  • in connection with water supply of this Station. He was accompanied by Flying Officer W.R. Pearce of No.4 Training Command.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11½ hours.
• 12 March 1941
  • Flight Lieutenant L.C. Scott (C3657), padre, leave this Station today on posting to No. 2 I.T.S.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11½ hours.
• 13 March 1941
  • Honourary Flt. Lt. W. McClean, C3946, new padre of this station arrived today from No. 2 I.T.S.
  • 0920 hr. Arrived from Regina, Dragon Fly 7624, piloted by Squadron Leader J.A. Verner, passenger LAC Mowatt J., Flt. Lt. Cook, C.A.
  • 1700 hr. Departed for Regina, same pilot, with passengers Flt. Lt. C.A. Cook, Flying Officer R.A. Jones
  • 0930 hr. Arrived from Regina, Battle 4005, Pilot Flying Officer C. Werly.
  • 0800 hr. Departed for Regina, same aircraft and pilot as above with Flying Officer W. Pourpore as passenger.
  • 1700 hr. From Regina, Battle 1694 piloted by Flying Officer Pischel.
  • 1025 hr. Departed to Regina, same pilot and aircraft as above.
  • Fifteen A.E.M. arrive from T.T.S., St. Thomas.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours.
• 14 March 1941
  • Fifteen A.E.M. aircraftmen arrived today posted on establishment this Station from T.T.S. St. Thomas, Ontario.

IMAGE 1093

• 14 March 1941
  • (Con’t) Fairey Battle 1768, forced landing on Lake Johnstone, piloted by R56907 Sgt. Pilot Orr, J.D. passenger 404371 LAC Campbell K.S., ACl Noyes C.D. R62374, AC1 R55404 Fuller R.E. Aircraft ran out of petrol, damage slight, personnel uninjured.
  • 1725 hr. Arrival of Fairey Battle No. 4005 piloted by Flying Officer C.L. Werly from Regina,
  • 1610 hr. departed for Regina with same pilot and passenger Flying Officer E. Friesen, and Flying Officer B.P. Keenan (C1396) and Flying Officer J. Johnson.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11 hours.
• 15 March 1941
  • Very unusual weather, heavy blizzard and high wind with velocity of 57 miles per hour, commenced about 0930 hours and continued until morning of 16-3-41. Range Crew unable to return to Station until morning. 16-3-41. Several R.C.A.F. personnel assist in search for two young children lost in storm near Station. Fairey Battle 1768 still on Lake Johnstone.
  • Order convening D.C.M. for Trial of R72197 A/Cpl Barton D.B. signed by Group Captain D.D’A.A Grieg, D.F.C, Acting D.C., No. 4 T.C.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil.

IMAGE 1094

• 16 March 1941
  • Fairey Battle 1763 piloted by R72167 Sgt. Pilot Jarred A., had forced landing, with crew of R404281 LAC Latter and R404375 LAC Crowhust, A. Damage slight
  • 1555 hr. Arrived from Moose Jaw, Harvard 2806 piloted by Flight Lieutenant H.M. Robertson with crew of LAC Mclean A.P. R70457.
  • 1620 hr. Departed to Moose Jaw with same pilot and passenger.
  • 73 LAC Graduate as Air Gunners promoted to rank of Sergeants & posted to embarkation Pool Debert, N.S.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11 hours.
• 17 March 1941
  • Flying Officer E.C. Herring arrived in connection with Light Beam Trainer Installation.
  • Mr. V.J. Jurgens of “March of Time” arrives this Station today to take moving pictures of training undertaken here.
  • Seventy Wireless Operator Air Gunners arrived from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary and were photographed by March of Time (Jurgens) on detraining.
  • Squadron Leader R.A. Cameron (C137) of No. 3 Bombing & Gunnery School, visits Station with view to co-ordinating B. & G. Schools in No. 4 Training Command.
  • Wing Commander H.A. Peacock (C4064) P.M.O. No. 4 T.C. visited Station today, inspected water supply and witnessed third major operation at Station Hospital. Appendectomy on R56305 LAC Baby P.

IMAGE 1095

• 17 March 1941 (continued)
  • Seventy-three Wireless Operator Air Gunner’s Course No. 6 leave Station via C.P.R. for embarkation Depot, Debert, N.S.
  • 1150 hr. Arrived from Regina via Moose Jaw Dragon Fly 7624 piloted by Flying Officer G. Schmitz (C3163) with passenger Wing Commander H.A. Peacock (C4064.)
  • 1600 hr. Departed for Moose Jaw the above Aircraft and passengers.
  • Fifteen Wireless Operators Air Gunners reported from No. 2 Wireless School Calgary for training.
  • Forty Australian Air Crew reported from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary and 16 New Zealand Air Crew reported from No. 2.W.S.
  • Twelve Wireless Operator Air Gunners reported from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hours.
• 18 March 1941
  • Order convening District Court Martial for trial of R72197 A/Cpl Barton D.B., received from No. 4 T.C. to be convened 25-3-41. First Court Martial to be convened on this Station. Charges under A.F.A. Section 8 (1), 8 (2) and 40.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hours.

IMAGE 1096

• 19 March 1941
  • Mud condition on Station makes movement of M.T. Vehicles and cleanliness of quarters difficult.
  • Flight Lieutenant J.C. Whyte (C4079) Station Medical Officer, S.O.S. here today on posting to No. 1 Selection Board, Toronto, Ontario.
  • Maximum flying time – Nil.
• 20 March 1941
  • Flying Officer Birch (C2698) SR, awarded the Air Gunners Badge effective 3-3-41.
  • Maximum available flying time – Nil.
• 21 March 1941
  • Supplement D.R.O. 71 d/21-3-41 attached, containing particulars of first District Court Martial to be assembled this Station. Trial for offences A.F.A. Sections 8 (1) 8 (2) and 40.
  • Order of dress amended, Officers, Caps round, peaked instead of Caps, Fur: Caps, field service wedge, on Station only: other Ranks, Caps, Field, Service Wedge instead of Caps Yukon, Winter. Maximum available flying time – Nil
  • Flying Officer K.R. Dorman (C2641) (SR) reported A.W.L. 19-1- 41 Still absent
• 22 March 1941
  • Mr. H.G. Murray visited the Station to inspect the Canadian Comstock Heaters in the Hangars and found same satisfactory.
  • Maximum available flying time – Nil

IMAGE 1097

• 23 March 1941
  • By order in Council today, set aside is a special day of prayer and intercession.
  • Protestant Church parade held 1915 hours, Recreation Building this Station
  • Battle Aircraft 1767 Pilot Flying Officer C.F. Lawson (C3209) Crew R60369 LAC Goodman A.H. forced landing five miles east of Station at 1015 hours, caused by motor failure. Aircraft damage slight, personnel uninjured.
  • Maximum available flying time 11 hours.
• 24 March 1941
  • 0815 hr. Cessna T 50 “Crane” arrived from Saskatoon, Pilot Flight Lieutenant J.K. Herriot, Crew AC 1 Alexander R.S. Passenger Mr. Victor Jurgen of the “March of Time”.
  • 1515 Hr. Departure of above named aircraft with same pilot and passengers for Rivers Manitoba.
  • 1600 hr. Arrived from Regina D.H. Dragon Fly 7625, Piloted by Flying Officer C.J. Harris, passengers Wing Commander J.C. Malone, and Wing Commander Jones, Flying Officer J.D. Patterson, and Flying Officer A.C. McClaskey.
  • 1620 hr. Departed for Regina D.H. Dragon Fly 7625, Pilot Flying Officer C. J. Harris with no passengers.

IMAGE 1098

• 24 March 1941 (continued)
  • Fifteen General Duties reported from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon Manitoba.
  • Battle 1767 forced landing 23-3-41, jacked up skis affixed and flown back to Station by Flight Lieutenant W.M. Penman.
  • Maximum available flying time 8 hours.
• 25 March 1941
  • 1425 hr. Arrived from Regina D.H. Dragon Fly No.7625 Pilot Flying Officer F.C. King.
  • 1430 hr. Departed for Regina Pilot Flying Officer F.C. King, with passengers Wing Commander J.C. Malone, and Flying Officer J.D. Peterson and Flying Officer A.C. McClaskey.
  • First Court Martial on Station assembled today, proceedings completed by 1200 hours.
  • Maximum available flying time 7 hours.
• 26 March 1941
  • Air Commodore R. Leckie D.S.O.,D.S.C., D.F.C. visits Station to examine training methods suggestions made by him extremely useful and helpful.
  • Mud condition has grown progressively worse due to higher temperature and frost coming from ground: condition aggravated by reason of construction operations on Station last fall and winter setting in before grading undertaken: Tractors (Cats) unable to move over most roads – roads to Moose Jaw unpassable by motor car.
  • Maximum available flying time 5 hours.

IMAGE 1099

• 26 March 1941 (continued)
  • Three Aircraft were sent to MacDonald, Manitoba. Battle 1636 piloted by Flying Officer R.I. Ehrlichman, Battle 1731 piloted by Flight Lieutenant H.C. Thompson and Battle 1680 piloted by Flying Officer C. Scarr.
  • 1020 hr. Arrived from Regina Dragon Fly No. 7624, piloted by Flying Officer Harris, passenger, Air Commodore R. Leckie D.S.O., D.S.C., D.F.C.
  • 1030 hr. Arrived from Moose Jaw, Harvard 2621, piloted by Flight Lieutenant D.R. Miller, passenger, LAC McLeish, W.A.G., departed for Moose Jaw at 1140 same pilot and passenger as above.
• 27 March 1941
  • 1155 hr. Arrived from Moose Jaw, S.F.T.S. No. 32, Harvard No. 2637, piloted by Flight Lieutenant D. Millar.
  • 1200 hr. Returned to Moose Jaw No. 32 S.F.T.S., same aircraft and pilot as above.
  • Maximum available flying time. – Nil.
• 28 March 1941
  • 1720 hr. Departed for Moose Jaw No. 32 S.F.T.S., Battle No. 1705. piloted by Flying Officer W.M. Penman, passengers, Group Captain A.J. Ashton and Flight Lieutenant J.I.M. Beddall,

IMAGE 1100

• 28 March 1941 (continued)
  • Flying Officer J.R. Bryan and Flying Officer O.W. Durdin.
  • Fourteen Security Guard (Potential Pilots or Observers) arrive from No. 2 Manning Depot Brandon.
  • Twenty-nine Security Guard (W.O. Air Gunners) depart for No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary.
  • First discharge effected by this Station. Discharged from RCAF under K.R. (Air) 392 (17) Character on discharge “very Good”
  • Maximum available flying time – 11½ hours.
• 29 March 1941
  • 1655 hr. Arrived from Regina, Dragon Fly No. 7624, piloted by Squadron Leader J.A. Verner, passengers Flying Officer J.R. Fournier, Flying Officer G.F. Mack, Flying Officer R.O. Babbitt, Flying Officer J.J. Stephenson.
  • 1700 hr. Departed for Regina, with same aircraft and pilot and passengers as above.
  • Nineteen Security Guard (Potential Pilots or Observers) depart for No. 2 I.T.S. Regina.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11½ hours.
• 30 March 1941
  • 1240 hr. Arrived from Regina. Dragon Fly 7624, piloted by Flight Lieutenant R.D. Byers, passenger Flying Officer R.E. Jones, Flying Officer J.E. Bisson and Mr. K. W. Tyler, Civil Instructor E.F.T.S. Regina.
  • 1400 hr. Departed for Regina, piloted by Flight Lieutenant R.D. Byers and passenger, Mr. K.W. Tyler.
  • Maximum available flying time – ½ hour.

IMAGE 1101

• 31 March 1941
  • No. 6 Air Observers Class, entry No. 12. consisting of 27 R.A.A.F. are given their Temporary Sergeants Stripes and A.O. badges, being posted to No. 1 A.N.S. Rivers, Manitoba.
  • Three R.N.N.A.F., one Officer and two other ranks also complete the course and proceed to R.N.N.A.F. Toronto. Every pupil on this class received 32 hours 19 minutes flying time which is the largest amount that any class so far has been able to acquire. This class is considered to be the best to date in their practice as well as the written exams .
  • Number and type of Aircraft on charge at end of month: 55 Fairey Battle.
  • M.A.F.T. – 8 hours.
  • Total Number of Hours Flown during the month: 743 hours
  • Strength of Station at end of month:
    • Officers 56
    • Airmen 729
    • Other ranks 13
    • Civilians 119
  • 1510 hr. Arrived from Regina, Tiger Moth No. 4127 piloted by Flying Officer C.J. Harris, passenger Group Captain A.J. Ashton.
  • 1540 hr. Departed for Regina, Flying Officer C.J. Harris, with same aircraft as above.
• COMMANDING OFFICER No. 2 BOMBING AND
  GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.

IMAGE 1102

APPENDICES (A)

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
DAILY ROUTINE ORDERS

Serial No. 71
Date 21-3-41
Page 1

AFTER ORDER

Issued by Group Captain A.J. Ashton,
Commanding Officer No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School, Mossbank. Sask.

PART I ADMINISTRATION
“A” GENERAL

1. DISTRICT COURT MARTIAL

By order of Group Captain D.D’A.A. Greig, D.F.C., A.F.C., Acting Officer Commanding No. 4 Training Command, Regina, Saskatchewan. d/15-3-41 (D.R.O. No. 4 Training Command No. 66 d/19-3-41) a District Court Martial composed as hereunder stated has been convened to try No. R72197 Acting Corporal Donald Banting Barton of No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mossbank, Saskatchewan. The Court will assemble in the Recreation Building at No.2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mossbank, Saskatchewan, 25th March, 1941 at 1000 hours.

• PRESIDENT: Squadron Leader H/Wing Commander J.C. Malone —— No.4 T.C.H.Q.
• MEMBERS:
  • Flight Lieutenant H.H. Booth —— No.2 B.& G.
  • Flying Officer J.D. Patterson —- No.2 I.T.S.
• WAITING MEMBER:
  • Flying Officer E.O.W .Hall —— No.2 B.& G.
• The detail of Officers and other ranks as mentioned below will attend at the said time and place for the undermentioned purposes:
• DEFENDING OFFICER: Flying Officer R.I. Ehrlichman — No.2 B.& G.
• PROSECUTING OFFICER: Flying Officer – O.W. Durdin —- No.2 B.& G.
• OFFICERS DETAILED FOR INSTRUCTION:
  • Flight Lieutenant W.N.Penman RAF 37362
  • Flight Lieutenant J.I.M.Beddall C938
  • Flight Lieutenant G.O.Godson C1586
  • Flying Officer F. Birch C2698
  • Flying Officer J.H.Drewry C2855
  • Flying Officer H.Prendergast C1644
  • Flying Officer J.R.Bryan C1452
  • Flying Officer J.E.Willson C2965
  • Flying Officer G.C.Smith C1803
  • Pilot Officer T.E.D.Boys C4124
  • Pilot Officer E.C.Bishop C3828
• WITNESSES FOR PROSECUTION:
  • Flight Lieutenant B.P.Duncan C4031
  • R61570 Sgt. Reilly, J.P.
  • R57802 Cpl. Chivers,H.
  • R65838 Cpl. Taylor, J.E.
  • R60648 Cpl. Raymond, G.I.
  • R91220 AC2 McKeague, W.J.
  • R66114 AC2 Hobson, J.
  • R91651 AC2 Palmer, S.A.
  • R66151 Cpl. Smith, R.S.
• WITNESSES FOR DEFENCE:
  • R64914 Cpl. Phillips, R.T.
• ESCORT OF THE ACCUSED:
  • R62350 Cpl. McMillan, C.C.
  • R80717 Cpl. McLean, J.T.
• COURT ORDERLIES:
  • 10001A Flt. Sgt. Carver, A.E.

/OVER

IMAGE 1103

• ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
  DAILY ROUTINE ORDERS Serial No. 71
  Date 21-3-41
  Page 2
  AFTER ORDER
  Issued by Group Captain A.J. Ashton,
  Commanding Officer No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School, Mossbank, Sask.
  PART I ADMINISTRATION
  “A” GENERAL
  (Cont)
• DISTRICT COURT MARTIAL (Cont)
  COURT RUNNERS:
  R86657 AC2 Donald, A.D.E.
  R81711 AC2 Sago, A.
  Personnel as detailed above will report at the Recreation Building
  at 0940 Hours 25-3-41.
  Escort will parade the accused at the Recreation Building at 0945
  hours 25-3-41.
  The Medical Officer will medically examine the accused and
  complete Form M.F.B. 246, as to the fitness of the accused to
  stand Trial by Court Partial, prior to 0930 hours 25-3-4l.This
  certificate will be delivered to the Prosecuting Officer prior to
  0945 hours 25-3-41.
  Court Orderly will report to President for instructions, upon the
  President’s arrival on this Station.
  PART II PERSONNEL
  “A” OFFICERS
  NIL
  “B” AIRMEN
  NIL
  “C” PERSONNEL OTHER THAN R.C.A.F.
  NIL
  (B.M. Laubach) Flying Officer,
  Adjutant, for Commanding Officer,
  No.2 Bombing & Gunnery School, RCAF,
  Mossbank, Saskatchewan.