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Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
July 1941
- 1 July 1941
- Strength:
- 54 Officers,
- 14 Other Ranks,
- 775 Airmen,
- 114 Trainees,
- 110 Civilians, ( see S-50-2B, dated 30-8-41 from A.O.C. 4 T.C.)
- A Softball game between the Officers and Sergeants was played in the town of Mossbank, on July 1st Sports Day. This game was quite an attraction with the Sergeants defeating the Officers.
- 1500 hrs. A visit was paid to this Station by Colonel Nelligan and Major E.B. Baker. These two Officers are the senior Roman Catholic Padres at Headquarters, Ottawa. They were accompanied by Squadron Leader C. Howard from Regina, the senior Roman Catholic Padre at No. 4 Training Command. They arrived by Norseman 2461 piloted by J.E. Bisson.
- 1730 hrs. Norseman 2461 returned to Regina with same pilot and passengers as stated above.
- A Band for the Station is being organised. It is felt that a band would be a decided asset to the Station. The Committee appointed is; Flying Officer J.B. Brown, Flying Officer G.B. Randall, R60677 Cpl. Porter R.H. and R73929 LAC Cannon E. This Committee will have a formidable job to keep the band fully organized as transfers of personnel will not always obligingly miss the best players in the band.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 2 July 1941
- Flying Officer J.G.J.Y. Bigras (C1443) was appointed to the Station Ration Board and also appointed President of the Airmens’ Messing Committee, taking the place of Flight Lieutenant H.H. Booth.
- 1500 hrs. Vultee 14252 piloted by W.C. Gage arrived from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, with Mr. A.H. Bishopric and Mr. J.C. Crow as passengers.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 3 July 1941
- The adjourned District Court Martial of #2293 Flight Sergeant Walley B.C. was held today in the Recreation Building. Officials presiding were as follows; President – Wing Commander J.C. Malone, Judge Advocate – Flight Lieutenant A.C. McClasky, Members – Flight Lieutenant W.J. Bundy and Flying Officer R.O. Babit.
- Fifteen General Duty Airmen (Std) posted here for permanent guard duties arrived from No. 2A Manning Depot, Penhold, Alberta.
- 1215 hrs. Vultee 14252 piloted by W.C. Gage departed for Regina with Flying Officer H.H. Hessenflow as a passenger.
- 0825 hrs. Norseman 246I piloted by C.G. Reeves arrived from Regina with the following passengers; Wing Commander J.C. Malone, Flying Officer R.O. Babit and Flight Lieutenant A.C. McClasky.
- 1935 hrs. Norseman 2461 returned to Regina with same pilot and passenger as above with Wing Commander W.A. Jones accompanying them also.
- 1200 hrs. Fairchild 646 piloted by Group Captain A.J. Ashton arrived from Calgary, Alberta. This aircraft is being taken on charge at this Station.
- 1240 hrs. Beechcraft CF/BID piloted by T.M. Ried arrived from Regina and departed at 1445 hours for Medicine Hat, Alberta, with same pilot.
- 2010 hrs. Vultee 14252 piloted by C.H. Gage arrived from Regina with Flying Officer H.H. Hessenflow as passenger. The same aircraft and pilot departed for Regina at 2035 hours with Miss Jesse Boyht as a passenger.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 4 July 1941
- The Commanding Officer’s Weekly Flag, for the Barrack Block being in the cleanest and best order was awarded to Barrack Block 13A.
- A thunder storm, along with considerable rain commenced about 2200 hours Mountain Daylight Saving Time.
- Two Armourers arrived at this Station on posting from R.C.A.F. Station, Mountain View, Ontario.
- All Offices and N.C.O.’s are to report to the Station Hospital between 5-7-41 and 7-7-41 for inoculations.
- 4 July 1941
- The laying of the new pipe line from the new water wells, at Johnston Lake has commenced. The present medium of hauling all the water by motor truck is an expensive operation which is to be halted shortly.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hours.
- 5 July 1941
- A very thick ground fog came up at 0630 hours and did not clear until 0930 hours. There were six of our aircraft aloft at that time. One flew to No. 32 S.F.T.S. Moose Jaw and landed safely, another flew to Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and made a safe landing. Two more aircraft stayed aloft above the Station and landed here after the fog had lifted. Battle 1316 piloted by Flying Officer F.E. Lapniewski forced landed, with a crew of two, namely R78624 LAC Grant N. and Rl02077 AC.2 Patterson R.A. No injury was suffered by the personnel. The airscrew and landing gear of the aircraft were damaged. Battle 1701 piloted by Pilot Officer A.R. Race with R66296 LAC Duggan F.R. as passenger forced landed near Lake Johnston. The airscrew of the aircraft was damaged with no injury to the personnel.
- Five Air Frame Mechanics arrived at this School from the Technical Training School, St. Thomas.
- The average daily water consumption for week ending July 5th is 49,535 gallons.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 6 July 1941
- Commencing today, all the Station is under quarantine for Mumps. Naturally it is not very welcome but was taken with fairly good humour.
- The Station Protestant Church Parade was held at 1130 hours in the Drill Hall with the Station Padre officiating.
- Father Branch of Gravelbourg said mass at 0900 hours in the Recreation Building to the Roman Catholic Personnel of the Station.
- One officer and four privates arrived from Little Norway in Toronto, Ontario, for training. One officer and nine airmen of the R.A.F. arrived this Station on posting from the United States where they had been taking a Navigation Course at Miami, Florida. These airmen were posted to Air Observer Course No. 22.
- 7 July 1941
- Continued interest remains in the Educational Courses, 133 of the personnel on the Station are participating. This number shows a slight increase. It is proposed to further develop interest through an article in the Station Newspaper “Contact”.
- 34 R.A.A.F. Wireless Operator Air Gunners from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, Manitoba, were posted here for the No. 11 Air Gunners Course. 49 R.A.A.F. reported from No. 2 Air Observer School, Edmonton, Alberta. One R.C.A.F. reported in from No. 3 Air Observer School. All these Airmen were posted to Course No.22. 37 Air Observer Graduates of Course No. 19 left on posting to No. 1 Air Navigation School, Rivers, Manitoba.
- Two Nursing Orderlies arrived this Station on posting from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon. A ground fog settled at 0630 hours. Three aircraft were in the air at the time. One proceeded to No. 32 S.F.T.S., the other two waited until the fog cleared and then landed at this aerodrome safely. After the fog a thunder storm came up about 1700 hours, some rain fell and then cleared up after one hours time.
- The Station Library housed in the Canadian Legion Hut loaned out 66 books during the week ending today.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 8 July 1941
- A fairly violent storm struck this section of the country, hitting many telephone poles.
- Southwest of this district considerable hail fell and caused some damage to crops etc. The lights of this Station were off from 1915 hours until about 2215 hours.
- The formation of a Station Band is receiving great interest, about 35 prospective bandsmen are very enthusiastic. Organization work is still being done.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 9 July 1941
- A meeting of the Airmens’ Mess Committee was held today.
- Another storm came up today but with less severity than yesterday. It commenced about 1730 hours with considerable rain falling.
- Flying Officer R.T. Headrick gave a flight test to a model aeroplane that he constructed. The
- model made a perfect take-off but the controls jammed in flight and it dove crashing to the ground, but fortunately it sustained only partial damage.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 10 July 1941
- Three Nursing Orderlies arrived this Station on posting from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon.
- 10 General Duties arrived from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon, for Drogue and Range Duties, replacing 10 others who have been posted to No. 7 Bombing & Gunnery School, Paulson, Manitoba.
- 10 July 1941
- An emergency appendicitis operation was performed in the Station Hospital on R65553 LAC Gibson J.A. by Flying Officer C.B.G. Church.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hours.
- 11 July 1941
- A Census of the Royal Air Force Personnel on this Station was taken as directed by the Chief of the Air Staff. There are very few of the Royal Air Force on this Station, they consist of two Officers and thirteen other ranks.
- A parking lot for automobiles owned by Station Personnel was made effective today. The location is between the main gate and the Motor Transport Building. Ample space for 100 cars has been provided.
- The Commanding Officer’s Flag for the week, for the barrack hut that is the cleanest and in best order, was awarded to Barrack 9 B.
- During the quarantine period no oases of mumps broke out which resulted in the quarantine being lifted, much to everybody’s delight.
- R87107 AC.l Swanson E., when going out to the Range was thrown out of the truck and suffered a fractured skull. He is being treated in the Station Hospital.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 12 July 1941
- The Civilian Mess was closed today as with additional equipment received it has been found both convenient and economic to mess the Civilians in the Airmens’ Mess building. Half of one wing is divided, the Corporals using half and the Civilians the other half. The building formerly used as the Civilian Mess is being converted into a Station Barber Shop, Station laundry Distribution and Receiving Depot, and Central Warehouse of Canteens and Messes, with but slight partioning necessary to fit the building to this use.
- The average daily water consumption for the week ending July 12th is 49,550 gallons. All this water was hauled in.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 13 July 1941
- The Station paraded for Church Services, forming up on the Parade Square with those of the Roman Catholic Faith forming a separate Squadron. The Protestant Service was held in the Drill Hall with the Station Padre officiating. The Roman Catholic Mass was said by Father Branch of Gravelbourg in the Recreation Hall.
- A softball game between the Sergeants and Officers ended in a win for the Sergeants with a score of 19 to 12. Some improvement was shown since the last game but the pitching continues to be a weak spot in the game.
- Another flight of Flying Officer R. Headrick’s model plane was held, creating considerable interest. Several successful flights were made but the last resulted in a complete crash with the engine being smashed beyond repair. The cause of the crash was an unsuccessful loop. Undaunted by the catastrophe Flying Officer R. Headriok started on a new model plane and ordered another engine.
- 0822 hrs. Dragon Fly 7624 arrived from Regina, piloted by C. Reeves, with Flying Officer B.M. Laubach as passenger. This aircraft departed at 0915 hours with same pilot but minus the passenger.
- 1905 hrs. Tiger Moth 4951 piloted by Sergeant Stevens arrived from Hazenmore, Saskatchewan, and departed at 2000 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 14 July 1941
- Fifteen potential Pilots for Security Guard arrived from No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon, Man., and fifteen potential Pilot Security Guards are posted from this Station to No. 4 Initial Training School, Edmonton, Alberta.
- A two ton Freight Tender leaves by road to No. 3 Manning Depot, Edmonton, Alberta, to report to Squadron Leader H.W. Hows at the exhibition grounds in Edmonton. A good rain fell during the night.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 15 July 1941
- All Officers on the Station are to report to the Station Hospital for Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria tests.
- Air Commodore A.T. Cowley and Wing Commander P.R. Hampton together with Mr. McLean of Ottawa and Mr. L. Chase, Saskatchewan Command Secretary of Canadian Legion and also two Nursing Sisters, Miss McCausland and Miss Birtwhistle from No.2 Initial Training School, Regina, Saskatchewan, visited the Station.
- “Contact” the monthly Station Newspaper is off the press on time. This paper is of intimate interest to all personnel. It is filled with good natured jest, records and serious thoughts. Copies of “Contact” Volumes No. 1, 2 and 3 are attached as appendix “A”. (ED NOTE – not attached).
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 16 July 1941
- Two Officers, Flying Officer D.A. Lane and Pilot Officer W. Trischuk arrived this Station on posting from Trenton, Ontario. These two Officers came off of Course No. 16 and are here for practical training, pending a posting to another Bombing & Gunnery School. Considerable interest is being shown in the “Fly” powered model aeroplanes as a result of an article in Esquire Magazine, August issue. Several have been constructed and different “Fly” power tried. The old question of how a fly lights on the ceiling is as yet unsolved.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 17 July 1941
- An “Old Swimming Hole” has been discovered some 14 miles southeast by road and known as Menchenko’s Dam. It is an old Saskatchewan River bed and is fed by springs. The water was tested last year by the University of Saskatchewan and found to be in a fit condition. Swimming parties are being organized which will be in charge of an officer and will have several qualified swimmers holding life saving certificates, to watch the swimming party.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 18 July 1941
- On arraignment today, before the Justices of Peace Chaddock and Hensrud at Mossbank, Sask., Mr. W. Mullen of Moose Jaw, was fined $5.00 and assessed $4.50 costs and in default of payment 15 days in jail, on a charge of stealing two pounds of coffee and one pound of tea, the property of the R.C.A.F. whilst employed as a civilian messman at the civilian mess at this Station. Notice of this conviction will appear in tomorrows D.R.O. for the information of all concerned.
- Maximum available flying time –
- 19 July 1941
- The two administrative officers were posted away today. Flying Officer D.A. Lane was posted to No. 4 Bombing & Gunnery School, Fingal and Pilot Officer W. Trischuk was posted to No. 6 Bombing & Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario.
- 19 July 1941
- Two United States Air Corps Officers, Lieutenant Colonel Martinus Stenseth and Lieutenant R.F. Warden, accompanied by Wing Commander C.E. Beamish of the Royal Air Force, who arrived July 17th in two North American aircraft No.s 522-41 and 641-41 from Las Vegas, Nevada, where a bombing and gunnery school is being constructed. They are making a tour of inspection of the Station for the purpose of gaining information regarding the operation of this type of School. They expect to remain here a few days.
- The weather is extremely hot going over the century mark in the shade, there being no shade the heat was quite a trial.
- The average weekly water consumption for week ending July 19th was 61,721 gallons. 2800 feet of pipe has been laid from the new wells and 16000 feet of ditch dug as of this date. Progress is satisfactory on this project.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hours.
- 20 July 1941
- The Station Protestant Church Parade was held at 1100 hours in the Drill Hall, the Roman Catholic Faith held mass in the Recreation Hall at the same hour.
- The terrific heat which has been experienced-the last few days, modified somewhat today. The neighbouring town of Assiniboia held a Decoration Day. Forty-two Airmen of this Station in charge of Flying Officer J. Bryan and Flight Sergeant Eichel, G.A. attended and marched in a most creditable fashion.
- Maximum available flying time – 16 hours.
- 21 July 1941
- The water main broke down by No. 1 Hangar at 1100 hours.
- Mr. Sjogren a heating expert from Ottawa, arrived to inspect all the heating units on the Station and reports that they are all in excellent order.
- The tennis courts now have a wire fence back stop, energetic drives can now be missed without the additional penalty of chasing the ball.
- A number of the officers, wives and friends held a Weiner Roast at the “Swimming Hole” Machenko’s Dam. Lieutenant Colonel Martinus Stenseth of the United States Air Corps was a guest.
- Maximum available flying time – 16 hours.
- 22 July 1941
- Repairs to the water main which broke yesterday between No. 1 and No. 2 hangars are completed at 1500 hours after having worked continuously from 1100 hours yesterday. The break was a fresh crack in the 6″ main and was about 4′ long. Approximately 55 feet of 9 foot deep trench had to be dug and pumped in order to effect repairs.
- 2015 hrs A violent windstorm arose at 2015 hours M.D.S.T.
- At 1055 hours, M.D.S.T. North American No. 640 departed for Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. piloted by Lt. Col. Martinus Stenseth. North American No. 522 also departed at this time for the same destination piloted by Lt. Worden carrying passenger T/C Bemish.
- Maximum available flying time – 16 hours
- 23 July 1941
- The station personnel participated in the sports day at Kincaid, Sask. by fielding a hard and also a soft ball team. A soccer game was played in Moose Jaw against the Moose Jaw Casools.
- 1030 hrs Battle 1616 sustained a flat tyre on taking off. The craft contained – Pilot Prendergast, (C1644), passengers LAC Tooth, G.A. R.74914 and AC.l Farquharson, R.74642.
- Arrived from Moose Jaw at 1005 hours Harvard 2743 – Pilot F/O Thompson. This aircraft departed for Moose Jaw with same pilot at 1040 hours.
- Findings of the District Court Martial of No.2293 F/Sgt Walley, B. C, was promulgated to-day.
- F/Sgt Walley was found guilty of both charges namely, of disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer and of conduct prejudicial to good order and Air Force discipline. He was reduced to the rank of Sergeant.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hours
- 24 July 1941
- The Station Band, having acquired sufficient instruments, have established a regular routine of three practice period per week.
- A forced landing of Battle No. 1758 (with wheels up) occurred at Lake Johnstone at 0600 hours to-day. Piloting the craft was F/O W.J.A. Nelson (J4932).
- A good general rain fell during the night and forenoon but ceiling was low after the rain ceased.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hours
- 25 July 1941
- A meeting of the Officers Mess was held to-day.
- Several of the personnel who are citizens of the U.S.A. have taken advantage of the privilege of wearing a distinctive shoulder badge and have obtained for their uniforms the “U.S.A.” Badge.
- F/O R.A. Rennie (C4393) was posted to this School from Mountain View, Ontario, to-day.
- Maximum available flying time – 14 hours.
- 26 July 1941
- The Commanding Officers flag was awarded to Barrack Hut 13A. This hut was the cleanest and in the tidiest condition.
- Fifteen Security Guards (General Duties) arrive from No. 2 Manning Depot. The average weekly water consumption was 45,955 gallons per day.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hours.
- 27 July 1941
- 1100 hrs The Station Protestant Church parade was held at 1100 hours. The parade formed up on the Drill Square and was marched into the Drill Hall where the ceremony was held. Personnel of the Roman Catholic faith formed a separate squadron and was marched to the Recreation Building where Mass was said by Father Branch.
- 2050 hrs A severe electrical rain storm occurred this evening. The lights went out at 2220 hours and remained off until approximately 2300 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hours.
- 28 July 1941
- A meeting of all Corporals was held to-day in the Recreation Hall.
- A Court of Inquiry was constituted comprising of, President – F/L J.G. Begg (C2103), Member – F/O L.H. James (C1102), to inquire into the cause and nature of injuries sustained by R87107 LAC Swanson, Eric while on a truck at the Range (#2 C.Q.S) of No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School, on July 11th, 1941.
- Speed limit of 20 miles per hour is set for Motor Vehicles driving within the Station area.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hours
- 29 July 1941
- Station lights went out during the evening and prevented the station Movie from completing its show. Tickets were returned to personnel to be used at the same showing July 30th. More rain last night. There was a mist early this morning and it was much cooler.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hours
- 30 July 1941
- Another storm last night. Station power was off from approximately 2130 hours to 2315 hours. Rainfall was heavy.
- Maximum available flying time – 14 hours 30 minutes.
- 31 July 1941
- There was a heavy ground fog at 0400 hours this morning and rain fell again in the late evening.
- Oath of allegiance and office was administered to all Civilian personnel on this Station. A baseball game between the town of Mossbank and the Station team was played to-day at 1900 hours on the new baseball diamond near the 10,000 tree farm at the east gate of the station.
- Maximum available flying time – 14 hours 30 minutes.
- Number of days aerodrome was unserviceable during July — Nil
- Total hours flown during month of July 2049 hrs. 10 mins.
- Number and type of aircraft on strength:
- Fairey Battle 52
- Norseman 1
- Fairchild 1
- Personnel on strength this School (31-7-41)
- Officers (RCAF) 56
- Army Officers 2
- Airmen 663
- Trainees 138
- Civilians 105
- Other Ranks 8
- COMMANDING OFFICER, NO. 2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.
