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Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
May 1942
- 1 May l942
- Strength of Station at commencement of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF)………………….. 53
- Army Officers……………………………….. 3
- Airmen (Staff)……………………………….. 704
- Trainees………………………………………… 127
- Civilians……………………………………….. 102
- Other Ranks…………………………………… 11
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles…………………… 59
- Norseman……………………….. 1
- Harvard………………………….. 1
- Friday:
- Air Commodore G.R. Howsam, M.C. (C.33) with G/C P.R. Hampton and party left at 0900 hours for Calgary. The visit was greatly appreciated since advantage was taken of the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of matters with beneficial results.
- F/Lt. McKeen, J.L. (C2634) Senior Equipt. Officer left by train today on his posting to No. Repair Depot at Montreal. F/Lt. McKeen was one of the first three officers posted to this Unit. To his ability and knowledge of Equipment must be given a large share of the credit for the success that attended the organization of this School. The best wishes of the whole go with him.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 2 May l942
- Saturday:
- Good weather continues – – and the Station clean-up continues. A great deal of grass seed is being sown, and the last fall catch is being cut. It is gratifying to note the large number of trees and shrubs which were planted last year, all coming into bud, giving promise of an attractive Station. The Flying Field particularly stands out green and well cared for.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 45 min.
- 3 May l942
- Sunday: Flying continuing. The Padre F/Lt. Smith away on sick leave, and no Protestant Church Service is held in Camp. However, the Sports Officer has a full program of organized games set up for the summer and much activity along that line is in evidence. Hard and soft ball games, organized and unorganized, were held on more than one “corner lot today”.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 30 min.
- 4 May l942
- Monday: Very good flying weather, A Battle aircraft force-landed today one-half mile West of Aerodrome. Damage to propeller with slight damage to oil cooling system, no injuries to personnel.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hours.
- 5 May l942
- Tuesday: F/Lt. Briese, F/Lt. Ness with F/Lt. Gill as Pilot arrived at 1147 hrs. in Crane 7889 from No. 4 T.C. They later went to No. 34 E.F.T.S. Congress and returned in the evening. S/L Macnutt (C1288) new O.C. of G.I.S. arrived in the evening, by car. He is heartily welcomed.
- W/C Penman, F/Lt. Willson and F/Lt. Laubach left at 0900 hours in Battle for No. 33 S.F.T.S. Yorkton and returned at 1630 hours, the purpose was to observe and make note of their arrangements in the handling of W.D. Much valuable information was obtained. No. 33 S.F.T.S. were very willing to be of help.
- The official opening of the Soft Ball League took place at 1900 hours. W/C Higgins, F.C. Commanding Officer pitched to the first batter, F/Lt. Laubach and was caught by F/Lt. Badgley. The batter got a safe hit on fourth pitch but never got to 1st base, somehow! Two Ansons arrived from Lethbridge on way to Estevan.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hours.
- 6 May l942
- Wednesday:
- Excellent flying weather continues and flying exercises well ahead of schedule.
- A visitor arrived today in the form of a carrier pigeon, banded #CV39-15370, it has been taken under the special care of the boys of the M.T. Section.
- At 2345 hours, during night flying exercises a Battle aircraft developed a glycol leak and the Pilot ordered the two trainees to bale out. The Pilot landed aircraft successfully on aerodrome, but it was decided he used good judgment in ordering the bale-out. The jump was made at 5,000 feet, very dark, no moon, no wind. W/C Penman immediately took charge of search organization. A party of 100 took part. One of the boys walked on to road an hour later carrying his ‘chute and met one of our trucks. The second was met by the search party a little later. Both boys quite unharmed and very nonchalant about the whole thing…
- 6 May l942 (continued)
- … One said he was slightly embarrassed when he couldn’t find the handle of his chute after he jumped, he thought it took him quite a while to figure he had it on upside down. The boys were the object of much interest and envy for several days.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 7 May l942
- Thursday:
- S/L Williams, M.D. (S.M.O) returned today from a three to four day visit to various Station in No. 4 T.C. for purpose of observing and obtaining information on procedure etc. He states all Hospitals visited were very well organized and equipped but remains of the opinion No. 2 B. & G. is still ‘tops’.
- The first accident to occur to a Tiger Moth in training here from No. 34 E.F.T.S. Congress, occurred today when one nosed over in center of aerodrome. Very little damage done and nobody hurt.
- Two Ansons stopped briefly on way from Lethbridge to Estevan, Sask.
- Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs. 30 min.
- 8 May l942
- Friday:
- Clear day but strong N.E. wind blowing. Tiger Moths grounded.
- Wings Parade today: A.O.’s and A.G.’s. The parade was held this time on Flying Field just across Tarmac from Control Tower. Three Battle aircraft were set in a hollow square as a background. W/C Penman made the presentation after addressing the recipients. Band was in attendance.
- Our Soccer Team went to Moose Jaw today to play #32 S.F.T.S. the result was a win for Moose Jaw 2 to 1.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hours
- 9 May l942
- Saturday:
- Fine flying weather.
- All New Zealand Aircrew (seven in number) were down to Regina for purpose of making individual recordings of messages to their folks back home. Understand eleven came down from No. 5 B. & G. Dafoe for same purpose. The record will be forwarded to BBC London for Broadcast to N.Z. at an early date. Idea much appreciated by the boys.
- Softball game between Officers & Sergeants. Officers won, (think there must have been some skull duggery?)
- Anson 6599 (F/L Adams) and Oxford AS-699 (F/O Galbraith) stopped for an hour on way from Winnipeg to Lethbridge.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hours.
- 10 May l942
- Sunday:
- Flying exercises ahead of schedule and flying washed out today.
- Had a visit too from the R.C.A.F. Auxilliary, Moose Jaw, Committee comprising five members headed by Mrs. W. Shea, President. They came down to see if they could help in any way in the matter of making accommodation for R.C.A.F. (W.D) more comfortable. They were taken the rounds of the Station and spent some time in the W.D. Quarters and Recreational Centre.
- Keen disappointment in Officers and Sergeants Messes that W.D. Officer & Sergeant didn’t arrive on schedule.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil.
- 11 May l942
- Monday:
- Clear weather, cool strong East wind.
- F/Lt. Willson, J.E., F/O Nichol, E.N., and P/O Arn went to Saskatoon today by Air to inspect Swimming Pool at No. 4 S.F.T.S. Came back with a full realization of the advantages of a Pool and several good ideas on construction.
- A.S.O. Rooke, B.E. and Sergeant Wismer, Women’s Division arrived by Bus and went direct to Hotel in Mossbank as quarters not yet completed.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 25 min.
- 12 May l942
- Tuesday:
- Weather clear but a haze which appears to be smoke. High level bombing washed out as a result.
- Command P/M.O. S/L Eason arrived from Regina at 1042 hrs. in Crane 7889 piloted by F/Lt. Gill. Spent some time looking over Hospital and left mid-afternoon for Moose Jaw.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 20 min.
- 13 May l942
- Wednesday:
- Hearty congratulations to our Commanding Officer W/C F.C. Higgins are very much in order today on his appointment to Group Captain. It is the consensus of all that it is a well merited promotion after many years of good service, and the best wishes of all ranks are with him.
- The good flying weather continues although considerable haze again.
- The Station grounds are in very good shape now. Grass is healthy and all bushes and trees showing good steady growth. Have had no really warm weather yet.
- F/Lt. Helwig, D.F.C. from A.F.H.Q. arrived by Harvard from Moose Jaw. He will spend a day or two looking over G.I.S. and training program.
- S/L Gladden piloting Crane 7722 arrived from No. 14 E.F.T.S. Portage la Prairie at 1140 hrs. Passengers Mr. C.W. Nichol and Mr. J.T. Brown from same school. Left at 1400 hrs. for Swift Current.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 55 min.
- 14 May l942
- Thursday:
- Fine weather.
- P/O Barton, J.O, (Australian) from the Liaison Office, Australian Mission, Ottawa arrived today on his way through to San Francisco where he will meet a draft of Trainees arriving from Australia. Spent an hour or two with Australians at this Station and took an interest in program and progress.
- A special committee was appointed by G/C Higgins to organize a drive for donations to Red Cross. F/Lt. Blackmore was appointed president. G/C Higgins spoke to personnel of the Station in the Recreation Hall before the Picture Show commenced at 1930 hours outlining the needs .of the Red Cross and asking for support of all.
- Maximum, available flying time – 8 hrs. 15 min.
- 15 May l942
- Friday:
- Fine weather.
- A bad accident involving a M.T. vehicle and a taxi carrying two officers occurred at midnight this date when a taxi carrying F/O Lesesne, C. and F/O Hagest, C.M. and driven by a woman side-swiped a stake truck from this Unit on the road to Mossbank. The car literally cut the whole side off the truck with considerable other damage. The car was a total wreck. F/O Lesesne was badly hurt about the face and required several stitches. F/O Hagest slight lacerations. The M.T. Driver shaken but not hurt. The driver of Taxi was seriously injured.
- Maximum available flying time – 11 hrs. 30 min.
- 16 May l942
- Saturday:
- Continued excellent weather.
- F/O Reeves of No. 4 T.C. departed at 1455 hours for Congress in Crane #8100 returning to No. 4 T.C. H.Q.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 35 min.
- 17 May l942
- Sunday:
- Good flying day and quite warm,
- F/Lt. Smith, Padre is back from sick leave and the regular Church Parade was held and well attended.. It is good to have the Padre back, he is a steady worker and keenly interested in the welfare of the men.
- Sixty members of Women’s Division arrived on Special Week-End Train at 2345 hours tonight. They were in excellent spirits and did not hesitate to show it. They were driven to the Station in stake trucks and given a good warm meal on arrival. Quarters were in shape and ready for them on arrival.
- S/L Willan, Senior Chaplain No. 4 T.C. arrived in Harvard from No. 4 T.C. via 32 S.F.T.S.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours
- 18 May l942
- Monday:
- Fine flying weather.
- R.C.A.F. (W.D) reported at 0900 hrs. for signing in and were subsequently interviewed individually by their O.C. for selection for particular duties. Expressed pleasure at condition of their quarters and preparations made. Were taken on tour of Station in afternoon. Service men on Station haven’t done a full days work today, Officers either.
- An accident to Battle aircraft #1649 piloted by P/O Grice, W.D. occurred over Lake Johnston. The pilot stated he was practicing forced landings, raised his flaps and the subsequent drop of the aircraft brought it down to water level where one wing dipped in and the tip damaged by striking the lake bottom, (only a few inches of water in lake) Investigation followed.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hrs. 20 min.
- 19 May l942
- Tuesday:
- Again good weather.
- Visited today by W/C Cawthery of the Aero Engine Dept. No. 4 T.C. who arrived in Harvard AV913 at 1330 hours. W/C Cawthery spent several hours in discussion on engineering problems with F/Lt. Jamison, W.E., O.C. Maintenance and reported results to G/C Higgins, F.C. He left by Air at 1900 hours for Swift Current.
- F/Lt. Ashworth, D.J. (C.2478) pilot with F/Lt. Birch, F. (C2698) and F/O Cruse, J.M. (C.5887) arrived in Battle #40 from No. 5 B. & G. Dafoe. F/Lt. Birch took the opportunity of renewing old acquaintainships since he was at this Station from its inception to May 1941.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 30 min.
- 20 May l942
- Wednesday:
- Fine day, cool fresh breeze from N.N.W. strong enough to give the Tiger Moths of No. 34 E.F.T.S. operating from here, trouble with their exercises.
- F/Lt. Till, P.M. (C3387) Junior Acct. Officer left today on posting to Ucluelet, B.C. a hard working officer and a good fellow.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 35 min.
- 21 May l942
- Thursday:
- W/C Penman W.M. piloting Harvard 3833 left at 0900 hrs. for No. 1 A.N.S. Rivers with S/L Stewart, H.E., for discussions regarding graduation of Aircrew Observer graduations. Returned at 1630 hours.
- A Bolingbroke piloted by F/O Galbraith stopped for 50 minutes on way West.
- As a farewell gesture for seven American Officers who it is expected will be leaving shortly a gathering took place in the Mess at 1900 hrs. G/C Higgins spoke briefly extending the goodwill and best wishes of the Station and the Service.
- 22 May l942
- Friday:
- Twenty-two Air Observers and thirty Air Gunners graduated. Wings Parade held at 1000 hours. W/C Penman making the presentation. The parade had the benefit of the full strength of W.D. who made a good appearance, marching very well and in good order. They enjoyed the experience of taking part in a Wings Parade. Immediately following the Parade they had a group picture taken.
- 22 May l942 (continued)
- Friday:
- F/lt. McLellan, R.A. (C8030) W & B No. 4 T.C. and Mr. Schroeder, Sanitation Official from Prov. Gov’t. Regina, visited the Station today. The Sewage disposal bed has proved entirely unsatisfactory and is condemned by these officials. Immediate plans for an improved plant are in hand.
- F/O Beck, W.J. (C.6509) Jr. Acct. Officer arrived by C.P.R. today.
- Maximum available flying time –
- 23 May l942
- Saturday:
- The weather has turned very warm and the Commanding Officer has given his permission for the wearing of Summer Dress on the Station.
- The lack of rain is beginning to show effects in the growth of the grass and bushes, it is beginning to look very dry.
- A strong wind (S.E.) developed in afternoon and flying washed out.
- Maximum available flying time – 3 hrs. 45 min.
- 24 May l942
- Sunday: Victoria Day.
- A fine day for flying and nobody had time to remember about firecrackers. Turned very warm in afternoon and threatened a thunder storm but developed into a very welcome rain storm lasting from 1800 hours to 2130 hours. The rainfall was sufficient to put roads out of business and improve the appearance of all growth.
- Crane #8009 arrived from No. 4 S.F.T.S.. Saskatoon, Pilot Price, bringing a new posting Administration Officer F/O A.W. McMillan.
- Following Church Service in evening a Band Concert and Sing Song was held in the Recreation Hall. G/C Higgins attended with a party of Officers. It was quite successful and it is hoped it may be the forerunner of many others. The Band under Cpl. Probert did a particularly good job.
- F/Lt. Duggan arrived today by Air from No. 32 S.F.T.S. He is acting as advance party for the train bearing the Can-American Commission for repatriation of Americans. His visit was very welcome as he was in a position to put us straight on a number of points in this matter. F/Lt. Duggan left by Air for Regina in the afternoon
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 30 min.
- 25 May l942
- Monday:
- Quite cool today with a N.N.W. wind blowing.
- We were pleased to welcome S/L Beveridge, C.G. (C1384) Personnel 4 T.C., today, he was accompanied by F/L L’Ami, R.C. (C4389) Command Public Relations Officer and Miss Kay Kritzweiser, reporter representing Leader-Post, Regina. Miss Kritzweiser was particularly anxious to get a story on the R.C.A.F. (W.D.). G/C Higgins directed that every means be put at the disposal of the party to obtain a complete story and make their visit enjoyable. S/L Beveridge took advantage of the time to discuss many matters, and service affairs generally with G/C Higgins. The party returned to Regina by Air at 1700 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil.
- 26 May l942
- Tuesday:
- Strong Easterly wind, 40 m.p.h., some rain, no flying here but 10 Ansons arrived from No. 1 A.N.S. Rivers on navigational trip. Left in afternoon.
- A party of 23 Americans, comprising 6 Officers and 17 airmen, left today for Regina where they will go before the Special Board for repatriation to the forces of their own country. All but four of the party are pilots which will mean quite a turnover in that section. They have been a grand bunch of boys, both officers and N.C.O.s., and they will be missed for their cheerful and easy nature and willing co-operation.
- S/L Pearce, A.C.R. No. 4 T.C. Equipt. arrived by air from Regina to discuss Equipment matters with S/L Brown, J.D. S.E.O. this Unit, he left two hours later.
- Maximum available flying time – Nil.
- 27 May l942
- Wednesday:
- A dull day no ceiling in morning but by noon weather cleared and flying carried on.
- A Station Dance and Entertainment Committee was formed for the purpose of organizing and carrying out a program of dances and entertainments. It is proposed, now that we have the W.D. to arrange a dance for each Saturday night for Airmen and Airwomen of the rank of Corporal and below, to be held ln the Recreation Hall.
- 27 May l942 (continued)
- Wednesday:
- Action is being started immediately also, towards locating talent on the Station in sufficient quantity, it is hoped, to put on a local concert party or “amateur night” perhaps twice a month.
- With the kind permission of G/C Higgins the first dance will be held next Saturday 30-5-42.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 30 min.
- 28 May l942
- Thursday:
- Strong West wind, cool – – Tiger Moths grounded but the Battles got a good days exercises in.
- We hear to-day that all members of the American party who went before the Board in Regina yesterday successfully passed over to the U.S.A. Forces. We wish them the best of luck,
- W/C I.B. Newbigging, No. 4 T.C. Signals, and W/C M.H. Robinson, No. 4 T.C. Equipment arrived to-day in Harvard 913 at 1100 hours and departed at 1600 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 30 min.
- 29 May l942
- Friday:
- Fog to-day, low ceiling.
- A most popular promotion came through to-day in the appointment of F/Lt. Badgley, J.B. to A/Sqn.Ldr. S/L Badgley is O.C. Flying and unquestionably one of the most popular officers on the Station. A last war Pilot and still would rather fly than eat.
- Maximum available flying time – 2 hrs. 25 min.
- 30 May l942
- Saturday:
- Weather cleared at noon and a good flying schedule carried out subsequently.
- The first of what is hoped will be a regular Saturday Night Dance was held to-day. Rain, unfortunately, prevented all the guests from getting through on the roads but there was a goodly number of our own W.D. and girls from immediate vicinity. The Dance was entirely successful, well organized and orderly, and it is the unanimous opinion that it should be a regular affair.
- Two Lysanders arrived on the Station to-day, the vanguard of more to come, we hope.
- Maximum available flying time – 7 hrs. 10 min.
- 31 May l942
- Sunday:
- Good rains over the week-end have benefitted tremendously the whole area in Southern Sask., the farmers are jubilant and as far as the Station is concerned the improvement in the appearance of the countryside acts as a tonic. The growth of trees, bush and grass in the Station grounds is very satisfactory.
- 31 May l942 (continued)
- Sunday:
- Maximum available flying time – 3 hrs. 15 min.
- Water Consumption for Month of May, 1942 – 894,500 gallons. Average Daily Consumption 28,954 gallons.
- Strength of Station at End of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF) (R.C.A.F.(W.D).. 50
- Army Officers…………………………………… 3
- Airmen (Staff)………………………………….. 726
- Airwomen (Staff)……………………………… 65
- Trainees………………………………………….. 128
- Civilians………………………………………….. 100
- Other Ranks…………………………………….. 11
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles……………. 59
- Norseman…………………. 2
- Harvard…………………….. 1
- Lysanders…………………… 2
- Total lying Hours for Month of May – 1,604.10
- Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable NIL
- COMMANDING OFFICEER, No. 2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.
