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Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
December 1941
- 1 December 1941
- Strength of Station at End of Month Number
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF) 54
- Army Officers 3
- Airmen 701
- Trainees 124
- Civilians 107
- Other Ranks 9
- and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles I 58
- Norseman IV 1
- Harvard 1
- Monday
- The average daily consumption of water for the month of November was 25,780 gallons. A District Court Martial comprised of Sqn. Ldr. W.M. Penman, Pres., Flt.Lt. J. Gray, and F/O R.O. Babbitt, members, both of No. 2 I.T.S., assembled for the trial of Sergeant Rudolph, A.C., of this Station.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours
- 2 December 1941
- Tuesday:
- A D.C.M. comprised of Sqn. Ldr. F.M. Milligan Pres., from 32 S.F.T.S. and Flt.Lt. F.S. Scott member also of 32 S.F.T.S. and Flt.Lt. W.J. Bundy member, of this School met for the trial of Sergeant Wallwork, J. The proceedings finished at 5 P.M.
- A mobile Canteen is under construction by the skilled artisans in Workshops. An old model “T” Ford truck with a Ruxtell axle has been bought, and on to this is rapidly being superimposed a serving cab, from which coffee, doughnuts, meatpies, etc, will be dispersed in the mornings and afternoons to the weary hangar workers. The coffee will be free, and the eatables will be sold at Canteen rates. We shall watch with great interest, the growing popularity of this “Wagon-de-joie”.
- F/O H.J. Rapley left today in the Battle which a bad ceiling caused him to force-land at Crestwynd on November 29th. He was on his way to No.8 B & G School, Lethbridge from Winnipeg and landed wheels down. Our own men here at No. 2 B&G had to pull the aircraft
- 2 December 1941 (continued)
- … about l½ miles to a flat field, when skis were put on it and it was flown successfully back to No. 2 B&G. Here it was made serviceable again, and F/O Rapley got on his way.
- Flt. Lt. G.A. MacDougall and Flt.Lt. J.H.K. Broughton are here from Command and will make a complete audit of the Accounts Section.
- Maximum available flying time – 5½ hours.
- 3 December 1941
- Wednesday:
- A spring-like day – warm and bright and if this keeps up there will be no snow left.
- The long-looked for Concert Party from the Canadian Legion was unable to get through the mud prevailing from Moose Jaw to here, so the Station went concert-less to bed. We all hope weather conditions will allow these excellent people to make us a second visit next Wednesday when we guarantee them a full house.
- F/O H.B. Houston took off today for No.8 B&G Lethbridge in the Battle which he force-landed on Nov. 29th at Claybank due to low ceiling. He landed with wheels down but damaged the airscrew. He was on his way to Lethbridge from Winnipeg, Our own mechanics replaced his damaged “prop” with a good one, put skis under the aircraft and flew it to No.2 B&G Mossbank. Here it was made serviceable and F/O Houston went on his way, Flt.Lt. R.E. Dodds visited us from Headquarters to check into all matters which concern U.S.A. personnel.
- Flt.Lt. A.S. Turnbull, from Command, checked up on our Security Guard today and found everything in first class shape.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 4 December 1941
- Thursday:
- Flt. Lt, Frank P. Blackmore, our very popular head of the Accounts Section (at least he is popular on the 15th and 30th of each month) left today for Banff where he will mumble a few words which will make him the husband of Miss Betty Snelson – on or about Dec. 6th. Congratulations and all best wishes to them both! We are all wondering what Flt.Lt. Blackmore will do with the existing inscription on the base of his tankard! The cold morning did not deter F/O J.H. Drewry and his Headquarters Squadron this morning from indulging in a short brisk route march at 0800 hours. An appetite for a second breakfast was worked up in many cases.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 5 December 1941
- Friday:
- Death and destruction were hurled at No. 1 Hangar by five aircraft last night. Only at 0300 hours was the “all clear” sounded, and according to the Camera Obscura very little of No. 1 Hangar was left standing. Twenty-four pupils completed twelve night-bombing exercises to the great satisfaction of all participating.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 6 December 1941
- Saturday:
- Wings presentation parade was held at 1000 hours this a.m. in the Drill Hall.
- Group Captain A.J. Ashton presented badges to Course No. 20 consisting of 28 Air Gunners and Course No. 30 consisting of 25 Air Observers. The Band was in attendance and quite a number of friends of the graduates turned out in spite of the cold morning. The parade marched past the Administration Building where the Commanding Officer took the salute.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 7 December 1941
- Sunday:
- Church Parade was held in the Recreation Hall at 1915 hours. No. 3 Duty Watch paraded and Hon. Flt, Lt. W. McClean presided and the Band played in the excellent styles to which we are now becoming accustomed.
- Thirty men went to the memorial service for Sgt. Brown, J.A. at Palmer, Sask. Sgt. Brown of the RCAF was killed in action in England.
- The whole Station was rocked by the news of the Declaration of War by Japan on the U.S.A. and Great Britain. Now American pilots now feel that their personal action in joining our forces is not going to waste.
- A telegram, couched in very official language (?) was received from Flt.Lt. and Mrs. Frank Blackmore from Banff, where they started off in double harness. The whole Mess drank their health and wished them long life and happiness.
- 7 December 1941 (continued)
- Sunday:
- Again the Recreation Hall resounded to the continuous applause of our boys, as a round dozen entertainers sent by the War Services Branch of the Canadian Legion “did their stuff”. Under the same auspices we expect another group on Wednesday of this week. In every way these concerts promise to be extremely popular winter features here and the thanks of all ranks go out to the Canadian Legion who make the shows possible.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 8 December 1941
- Monday:
- Snow began to fall at 0900 hours, gently but steadily. There is no wind consequently the day promises to be quite mild.
- Of course the main topic of conversation in Mess and Dining Room, in Quarters and in our offices, is the newest development in the Pacific. Consideration of the Pacific Coast, Canadian and American, as the newest potential “front line”, brings the War much closer to our imagination and the somewhat monotonous routine of school training took on a new sparkle this morning with the possibility of Coastal Operational work for some of us in the offing. Through all the seriousness of the conversation, however, there runs this salient question ” Will our leave in #4 TC be affected for Christmas and New Years?” The service must have something on which to base its multitudinous rumours and we couldn’t win the war if we didn’t have a “Grouse”.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 9 December 1941
- Tuesday:
- The Recreation Hall was comfortably filled to hear an interesting and educational talk by Wing Commander N.J. Edwards, V.C., D.F.C., of RAF. The officer spoke on “Day” and “Night” Bombing operations carried out by the Air Force over enemy territory in Germany and enemy occupied countries. Questions were invited by the Wing Commander and answered very satisfactorily. Group Captain A.J. Ashton, Commanding Officer, on behalf of the Station thanked the speaker for his able and interesting talk.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 10 December 1941
- Wednesday:
- Developments reaching strict seriousness on the Pacific Coast affected the movement of many personnel from this Station. 25 G.D.’s were posted to Patricia Bay. On immediate instructions from Command 15 W.O.A.G.’s were recalled from leave & their postings changed from Halifax, to Western Air Command. These airmen were contacted through long distance telephone in many parts of the Dominion. Not a dissenting voice was heard from any of them when told their leave must terminate, and they were to proceed immediately to the Pacific Coast.
- Following sub-zero weather for the past few days the temperature rose considerably today although a brisk wind made it somewhat discomforting.
- Maximum available flying time – 8½ hours
- 11 December 1941
- Thursday:
- More airmen were posted to the Pacific Coast today on orders from Command. In the last few days over one hundred of the Station personnel have been posted. General Duty airmen serving as Barrack Room Orderlies, transferred, have been replaced temporarily by civilian employees.
- The power went off for a short period around 1700 hours. A break in the transformers being the cause.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil
- 12 December 1941
- Friday:
- The importance of secrecy in the matter of postings overseas has been stressed to all personnel of the Station. The disclosure by personnel to friends or relatives of their posting overseas is strictly taboo. Information regarding the sailing dates of ships carrying RCAF personnel must not be divulged to friends or relatives. Following the Commanding Officers inspection this day the Special Flag was awarded to hut 9B as being the cleanest and in the best order.
- Maximum available flying time – 3½ hours
- 13 December 1941
- Saturday:
- The Station paper “Contact” came off of press today. It was the Christmas issue with outside pages coloured in green and red. The 16 page issue was a decided success and many complementary remarks from Station personnel were voiced. Two copies are to be mailed to Command.
- Maximum Available flying time – 8 hours and 3 hours Night Flying
- 14 December 1941
- Sunday:
- All protestant officers, and other ranks of Duty Watch No. 1 attended Church Service in the Recreation Bldg. at 1915 hours. The parade marched from the Drill Hall to the place of Service. The padre Hon. Flt. Lt. McClean officiated. The Band was in attendance.
- A1. Bishopric made a brief stop over here arriving in his Vultee N.C. 14252 Pilot was J.R. Crow.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours
- 15 December 1941
- Monday:
- Special train service with the C.P.R. was arranged today for personnel leaving on Christmas and New Years’ leave. Christmas leave train will leave Mossbank, Dec. 23 at 1740 hrs. with the return train leaving Moose Jaw on Dec. 28 at 2200 hrs. New Years’ Leave train will leave Mossbank Dec. 30 at 1740 hrs. with the return train Leaving Moose Jaw for Mossbank, Jan. 4 at 2200 hrs.
- Personnel contemplating leaving on leave to U.S.A. were pleased to hear of the reduction of fares to all points in USA – 5/6 of one way coach fare for the round trip.
- Maximum available flying time – 8½ hours
- 16 December 1941
- Tuesday:
- Personnel while on Special or annual leave have been warned that they must have themselves available for immediate return to unit, or other posting, on receipt of notification by telegram or radio broadcast.
- All Officers were notified today that they were to report at Photography Section to be individually photographed.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 17 December 1941
- Wednesday:
- Rev. Canon Saye, President of Anglican College of Regina, and member of brotherhood of Good Shepherd at Milestone gave an interesting address to the personnel of this Station in the Recreation Hall Wednesday evening. This was followed by an exceptionally good program sponsored by the members of the Moose Jaw radio Station. The members of the party were later entertained by the officers in the Mess by permission of the Commanding Officer.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 18 December 1941
- Thursday:
- Twenty G.D.’s arrived today posted from No.3 M.D. Edmonton.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 19 December 1941
- Friday:
- Hut 9B was awarded the Special Flag by the Commanding Officer for being the cleanest and best in order, following the weekly inspection today.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 20 December 1941
- Saturday:
- Wings presentation parade was held at 1000 hours this morning in the Drill Hall.
- Sqn. Ldr. W.M. Penman presented badges to Course No. 21 consisting of 41 Air Gunners and Course No. 31 consisting of 30 Air Observers. The band was in attendance & headed the “March Past” the Administration Bldg. where the Squadron Leader took the salute.
- Maximum available flying time – 8½ hours.
- 21 December 1941
- Sunday:
- Church Service was held in the Recreation Hall at 1915 hours today with the Padre Hon Flt.Lt. McClean officiating. All Protestants, Officers & Other Ranks of Duty Watch #4 attended, as well as other personnel of the Station. The parade marched from the Drill Hall to the Recreation Hall. The Band was in attendance.
- Maximum available flying time – 3 hours.
- 22 December 1941
- Monday:
- Mr. A.E. Bason, a civilian employee on this Station since its early days, died in the Assiniboia Hospital, Saturday last. Bason had been a faithful and efficient employee. The Station Padre F/Lt. McClean officiated at the Funeral service hold at Mossbank today.
- Fire Drill was hold at 1330 hours today. The Officers Mess was the scene of the practice and procedure of the Drill was carried out satisfactorily.
- Maximum available Flying time – 8 hours.
- 23 December 1941
- Tuesday:
- The following visiting Aircraft arrived and departed today: Moth #9954 Pilot Sgt. W. Philipson, with P/O G. Arnold as passenger arrived at 1248 hrs. and departed at 1519 hours.
- Approximately 50 per-cent of the personnel left this evening on the Special Christmas five days leave. Remainder confined to Station during their absence – this accepted with good nature as their turn will come New Years’.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 24 December 1941
- Wednesday:
- No flying today due to heavy overcast that settled down the previous late afternoon. Snow falling this evening.
- Arrival of Christmas mail the big event of the day.
- DRO carried the Commanding Officers greetings to all Officers, airmen, and civilian personnel on the Station.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil- Heavy overcast and snow – ceiling 500′
- 25 December 1941
- Thursday:
- The C.O. and Officers were entertained by the Sergeants in their Mess at 1115 hrs today. Later all adjourned to the Airmen’s Mess where Officers and N.C.O.’s served Christmas dinner. There was much hilarity and good feeling and general exchange of greeting-and no regrettable incidents.
- Dinner was concluded with the singing of carols and signing of souvenir menus.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil – Heavy overcast and snow
- 26 December 1941
- Friday:
- 1600 hrs. The following aircraft arrived from Winnipeg at 1600 hrs. Oxford 1315, Pilot F/O A. Galbraith with P/O J. Bryan and Sgt. Beebe, S., as passengers.
- Fine powdry snow has been falling off and on all day. Definitely below zero temperature in the evening.
- Snow drifts on runways and taxi strips cleaned smooth. Still a little snow but O.K. for operations.
- Maximum available flying time – 3 hours.
- 27 December 1941
- Saturday:
- A cold raw morning with a clear sky, but much warmer by noon. ATS working hard to catch up with flying schedule set back by low ceilings of last few days. The Oxford Aircraft #1315 which arrived from Winnipeg at 1600 hrs. Friday, Dec. 26 left at 0900 hrs. for Lethbridge. P/O A. Galbraith was at the controls and his passengers were F/O J. Bryan and Sgt. S. Beebe.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 28 December 1941
- Sunday:
- Late Sunday night 19 Air Observer trainees arrived for Course 33.
- A voluntary Church Parade held at 1915 hrs. in the Recreation Hall was well attened. Flt.Lt. McLean the Station Padre officiated.
- Maximum available flying time 8 hrs. Ceiling and
- visibility unlimited
- 29 December 1941
- Monday:
- A Strong wind developed during the early hours of the morning – increasing in intensity to near blizzard proportions. All flying washed out. Low temperature. Flt.Lt. R.A. Pelletier, R.C.A.S.C. proceeded to Regina today on temporary duty at 1500 hrs. His place is being taken by Flt. Lt. E. Lewis R.C.A.S.C. who arrives at approx. 1530 hrs.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil.
- 30 December 1941
- Tuesday:
- It was disclosed in D.R.O’s today that a new duty watch system would go into effect on 6-1-42, consisting of 4 Duty Watches. Terms of Duty Watch on the station will be from that date consist of one week periods. Forty Eight’s will be granted to personnel every other week end, as against the previous system of 48’s every 12 days. Approximately half of the personnel on the station left this evening for their 5 days New Years Leave.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 31 December 1941
- Wednesday:
- Water Consumption for month of December 774,500 gallons. Average Daily Consumption 24,986 gallons.
- Maximum available flying time. 9 hrs.
- Strength of Station at End 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
- Total Flying Hours for month of December – 1473 hours, 35 minutes
- Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable – Nil days
- COMMANDING OFFICER, NO. 2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.
