Skip to content
Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
June 1942
- 1 June 1942
- Strength of Station at commencement of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF). (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
- Monday:
- Showers to-day, but clearing and several good flying hours.
- Continued heavy showers have made dirt roads in the district impassable. The roads in the camp are exceptionally good, and no small satisfaction is held that the contractor who put them in knew his job and carries it out well.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours 20 min.
- 2 June 1942
- Tuesday:
- Great flying weather, temperature just right, and the boys are turning out the exercises with clock-like precision.
- Keen disappointment when the intended visit of Air Marshall Garrod, A.M.T., Air-Vice-Marshall Leckie, R., G/C Oddie, and A/C Howsam, G.R., A.O.C. No.4 T.C. failed to materialize. The party was to arrive at 1400 hours, but on account of delay of T.C.A. it had to be called off altogether. Afraid we’re off the beaten path a bit here, so many intended visits never get beyond the intent.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hrs.10 min
- 3 June 1942
- Wednesday:
- Another fine flying day.
- Getting well into a sports program now. F/O Meyers, E.W. reported yesterday to fill the P.T. Drill Officer’s post vacated by P/O Arn, posted. F/O Meyers expressed his pleasure at the program already lined up and is immediately making plans to enlarge it even more and work towards some bang-up field days.
- Four Battle a/c from No. 5 B. & G. Dafoe, landed at 1540 hours and departed on return at 1620 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hours.
- 4 June 1942
- Thursday:
- Good weather, but indications of rain, in fact, one or two light showers this evening.
- A visit to-day from W/C Gray, K, and S/L Cook, C.A. No. 4 T.C. Training. Day long discussions re changes and proposed changes in Training program.
- The Fire Dept. moved to-day into its new quarters in center of Station. The new building is very well designed, centrally located and in all ways extremely suitable quarters for the excellent Fire-Fighting equipment with which we are supplied. The Station Fire Dept. is in the hands of a very capable N.C.O. and in every respect a source of satisfaction to those in authority particularly considering the isolated situation of the Station.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 45 min
- 5 June 1942
- Friday:
- Wings Parade at 1000 hours on Flying Field, 34 A.G.’s graduated and presented with their Badge by W/G Penman, W.M. This will be the last Wings Parade in which W/C Penman will participate as he is leaving shortly on return to RAF England. He has been a member of this Unit since its inception October 1940, and has seen many students pass through in that time. In his remarks to the Graduates one could not help but notice that he felt he was leaving something very much worth while behind him and even the thought of returning to his homeland would not entirely relieve the “tug” at leaving here. W/C Gray, K, also spoke briefly prior to his return to Calgary.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs.
- 6 June 1942
- Saturday:
- Now well into a typical Saskatchewan summer, long days, very warm, but cool at night, plenty of flying time available.
- Advised yesterday that No. 135 Fighter Squadron (Hurricane) would arrive here for training shortly after 15-6-42. Undoubtedly will create a great deal of interest for personnel of this Unit, which have not had much opportunity of contact with a/c other that Battles. Accommodation, equipment, maintenance, etc. all carefully reviewed, and find that we can likely handle the situation with present means available.
- Maximum available flying time-9 hours
- 7 June 1942
- Sunday:
- Good flying weather, but warm S.E. wind.
- The W.D. Officers’ Quarters being completed, A/S/O Hooke, D.E., in charge of W.D., moved in with suitable ceremony and pomp. The building is exceptionally well laid out and attractive. A/S/O Hooke, the sole W.D. Officer at present is more than pleased with it.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.
- 8 June 1942
- Monday:
- Continuing quite warm with strong S.E. Wind. Tiger Moths unable to carry out their exercises yesterday or to-day.
- A baseball game was held this evening between the station and a team from Crane Valley, Sask. The local team won. The game was in the nature of a try-out for the games against No.120 Training Centre, Regina, which will be held here Wednesday and again on Saturday in Moose Jaw. Mr. Hal Mills, Canadian Legion Supervisor attached to this station temporarily has lined up quite a full program of Baseball and Softball events, and with the kind permission of G/C Higgins some quite important games will take place shortly.
- Maximum available flying time -14 hrs, 45 min.
- 9 June 1942
- Tuesday:
- Flying exercises well ahead of schedule, and training machinery running smoothly.
- The R.C.A.F. (WD) would now appear to have found their stride and have fitted themselves into their jobs with a minimum of upset. Postings of service men are fairly heavy and the responsibilities of the girls is increasing accordingly. They apparently are able to accept those responsibilities satisfactorily.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 20 min.
- 10 June 1942
- Wednesday:
- High winds, and flying restricted by occasional showers. Concert Party and Ball Games called off on account of rains.
- S/O Evans, S.I. RCAF (WD) was a visitor to-day from 4 T.C. S/O Evans reported her pleasure and satisfaction with arrangements and organization (W.D.) with particular commendation for A/S/O Rooke, B. E. O.C. (W.D.)
- Maximum available flying time – 6 hrs.45 min.
- 11 June 1942
- Thursday:
- Good flying day although the 25 m.p.h. wind is gusty and has become quite cold after shifting to N.W.
- A/S/O Acland, M.L. R.C.A.F. (WD) arrived to-day and was welcomed by none more heartily than by A/S/O Rooke, B.E. who has had her hands full with the initial organization of the Women’s Division. Appropriate at this time to say that A/S/O Rooke has done an exceptional job, her tact and cheerful nature combined with a large capacity for work, has been the chief reason for the trouble free inauguration of the W.D.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hours.
- 12 June 1942
- Friday:
- Another fine day. Aircraft recognition (aircraft of the day) was put into effect for the whole station to-day. At several points, offices etc. throughout the Station, diagrams were put up in special holders on the walls and a metal “money box” with the inscription “for the blind” just below. The re-action to it was much better than expected and the “blind” are going to do pretty well at 5¢ for officers and 1¢ for Airmen.
- S/L Reyno arrived to take command of No.135 “F” Squadron. S/L Reyno comes in with a splendid operational record behind him and the station looks forward to an active “F” Squadron Training Period.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs.25 min.
- 13 June 1942
- Saturday:
- A fine day – good flying.
- This is “Mossbank Day” in Moose Jaw. The good citizens of Moose Jaw have decided that there is no reason that No. 32 S.F.T.S. RAF should get all the advantage from their proximity to that city and have organized a “Mossbank Day” to show that they are thinking about us too. At the invitation of Mayor Corman, J.W., three ball teams and the band were sent in from here and a full days baseball and softball events were run off at Rosswell Park, with a dance given by the Canadian Legion for the service men at night. One feature was a parade in which our Girls’ Softball team took the spotlight in their new light blue sports uniforms. Mayor Corman took part in the parade accompanied by S/L Stewart, H.E., representing G/C Higgins. G/C Higgins wrote to Mayor Corman in appreciation of the interest shown by himself and citizens of Moose Jaw. The ball games results, won one, lost one, and the 3rd was a draw, a perfect average.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs 30 min.
- 14 June 1942
- Sunday:
- Fine weather continues.
- A tremendously successful dance was held in the Officer’s Mess last night with the kind permission of G/C Higgins, F.C. The occasion of the party was the early departure of W/C Penman, W.M. our popular Chief Instructor, on his return to England. During the evening W/C Penman was presented with an engraved Beer Mug. G/C Higgins made the presentation and spoke of the high esteem in which all held the Wing Commander and assured him of the very best of luck from all for himself and his charming wife.
- A visitor to-day was F/Lt Frederickson, F. one of Canada’s best known hockey players of all time. He can always find a number of old friends wherever he goes, and do the ladies go for his card-tricks?
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs, 30 min.
- 15 June 1942
- Monday:
- Good day, very warm, culminating in a thunderstorm at 1700 hours with a very heavy rain.
- F/L Kempster, R.F.E. arrived to-day to commence Trade Tests.
- An attempt was made to play off the tied Baseball Game against No. 120 B.T.C. (Regina) in Mossbank, but rain washed it out at the 3rd inning. The game is postponed to Wednesday next. Considerable interest has been created in Regina and Moose Jaw over this series as both teams are strong, having many semi-pro players on them,
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hours
- 16 June 1942
- Tuesday:
- Continual rains to-day with a 30 mile per hour wind, quite cold.
- Postings for No. 135 “F” Squadron have been reporting in for several days and S/L Reyno, E.M. is rapidly whipping his organization into shape so that they may be completely ready for the arrival of Aircraft and an immediate start at training.
- Maximum available flying time NIL
- 17 June 1942
- Wednesday:
- To-day has seen a continual series of heavy rain showers with a N.W. wind from 50 to as high as 70 m.p.h. and very cold. It will be interesting to see the precipitation figures for these two days. After 12 or 13 years of almost drouth conditions in this part of the Province, this Spring has been a complete reversal as far as moisture goes and if the crops are suffering from backward weather, certainly a good return has been made to the moisture reserve.
- Advantage has been taken to do a lot of “fixing” in Hangars etc.
- F/L Jenkins, T. Command Fire Prevention Officer arrived to-day. While we are still waiting installation of a Fire Alarm system, we have never felt uneasy in that we have a splendid Fire Organization under the best of “Chiefs” F/S Rousby.
- Maximum available flying time NIL
- 18 June 1942
- Thursday:
- Cold westerly winds prevail, but down to 15-20 m.p.h. In spite of occasional showers, however, a good day’s flying exercises were carried out.
- Visitors today were F/L E. B. Reese, W & B from 4 T.C. F/O W. N. Keeling (C3012) Adm. from 9 B. & G. Mont Joli, and F/O A. S. Currie (C6086) Arm. from Rockcliffe, The latter two are new postings and will be welcome additions to our staff.
- A meeting of all airmen was held in the Recreation Hall this afternoon for the purpose of electing new members to the Station Messing Committee, and general discussion. The messing must be rather good here, there’s always been a strange lack of grousing. F/O W. McMillan was recently appointed President of the Messing Committee and is taking a very keen interest.
- Maximum available flying time – 14 hrs. 45 min,
- 19 June 1942
- Friday:
- S.E. wind, low ceiling, flying time limited.
- The Commanding Officer has another serious problem on his hands. He has difficulty deciding which Barrack Hut should get the Flag of Merit for being cleanest and in best order on his weekly inspection. Formerly the problem was simple enough although the competition was sometimes keen, now, with the advent of the W. D. it is almost a case of give it to them all the time or never. However, no suggestions are requested, G/C Higgins has a way about him of getting around any problem.
- Maximum available flying time – 5 hrs. 50 min.
- 20 June 1942
- Saturday:
- Overcast and occasional showers.
- No. 135 “F” Squadron issued their first D.R.O. today – Serial No. 1 issued by S/L Reyno, E.M. who assumed command of the Squadron, eff. 15-6-42.
- Over the last day or two something over one hundred and fifty personnel have been posted in from a variety of Units and S/L Reyno is rapidly producing a well organized unit in preparation for early training.
- Maximum available flying time – 1 hr.
- 21 June 1942
- Sunday:
- Rains and cool northerly winds. Flying restricted.
- Normal Station Duties carried on, but outside sports washed out entirely.
- Maximum available flying time – 2 hrs. 10 min.
- 22 June 1942
- Monday:
- Strong wind and showers in morning lifting in afternoon and ceiling high enough for exercises afternoon and night.
- The picture “Target for Tonight” having arrived yesterday is up for a number of showings. One was held last night in the Officers Mess, one in Canadian Legion tonight and three showings at various times tomorrow by which it is expected all airmen on the Station will have an opportunity to see it. The re-action to the picture is decidedly favourable and it would seem that a certain value can be derived from the showing of such pictures.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 20 min
- 23 June 1942
- Tuesday:
- Strong winds prevailing heavy clouds but a good days flying carried out.
- The weather is having its effect on sports programmes and schedules are entirely “haywire”. On the other hand the indoor activities are greater than ever and the Drill Hall is the most popular spot these evenings.
- One of the most interesting and encouraging features of the life on this station is the very large interest and activities in sports of all kinds. Apart from the outdoor schedules, every inch of available space in the Drill Hall is taken up from 1700 hrs. to 2230 hrs. every day with Badminton, Basketball, Gymnasis, Boxing, even some newly invented games which haven’t been named as yet. G/C Higgins has more than once expressed his pleasure at this situation and gives every encouragement to increase it still farther.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 40 min.
- 24 June 1942
- Wednesday:
- The dirty weather continues and flying exercises are squeezed in between squalls.
- W/C Gray, K., arrived yesterday from No. 4 T.C. for discussions with the Commanding Officer No. 135 “F” Squadron and left later in the day.
- Maximum available flying time – 4 hrs. 10 min.
- 25 June 1942
- Thursday:
- North East wind – 5 m.p.h. this morning developing to 20 m.p.h. in the afternoon. Got a few hours flying in but occasional showers held it down.
- F/L Vincent, A.J. (G.L.) from 4 T.C. and F/L Taylor, W.S., from A.F.H.Q. were unofficial visitors today.
- Officers played G.I.S. Sergts tonight Softball and the Officers won. Wow !
- Maximum available flying time – 5 hrs. 50 min.
- 26 June 1942
- Friday:
- N.E. wind 18 to 20 m.p.h. rain showers all day – no flying.
- Roads throughout the country have become almost entirely impassable. Our chief concern is keeping a satisfactory road open to the/Bombing and Air Firing Range at Lake Johnson. Extra precautions and work are being taken to maintain this road and a considerable amount of gravel has been hauled for the purpose.
- The Hangar personnel are given route marches from day to day to offset any re-action from lack of flying activities.
- Maximum available flying time – nil.
- 27 June 1942
- Saturday:
- Strong winds with occasional showers.
- It is noticed that Hut No. 10B was awarded the Flag of Merit after the C.O.s weekly inspection. Worthy of notice because 10B is occupied by Trainees and it is the first time in the writers 18 mos. on this station that the Trainees ever got the flag or anywhere near it. Must be a super class and worth investigating.
- The Airmen’s Saturday night Dance which has become a regular Station feature held tonight and well attended. The Dances have turned out to be very successful and very well conducted. The onus of responsibility for conduct has been taken by the Airmen members of the Committee particularly and to their very excellent arrangements and control is due the clean and pleasurable parties that they are.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 50 min.
- 28 June 1942
- Sunday:
- S.E. wind – 30 m.p.h. raining most of the day.
- Having observed the action under pressure of heavy flying exercises and now after 2 weeks or more of adverse weather with more emphasis on discipline and the monotony of routine tasks. Isolation – roads blocked, fields too wet for sports, nowhere to go. After all this and without the element of active service, the morale and spirit at this unit has always been and remains high, very high.
- Church Parade well attended tonight and special Motion Picture showing afterwards.
- F/L J. N. Saylor, Canteen Officer from A.F.H.Q. arrived today and remained for several hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 45 min.
- 29 June 1942
- Monday:
- Strong N.E. wind but no rain today and sky cleared by noon, however flying was limited on account of a heavy smoke (apparently from forest fires) which became worse as the day wore on. Flying was washed out at 1630 hours.
- Kit inspection for the entire personnel up to F/Sgt. held tonight at 1800 hours. All personnel c.c. All officers and warrant officers pressed into service for the job which was completed by 2030 hours.
- Maximum available flying time – 3 hrs. 10 min.
- 30 June 1942
- Tuesday:
- N.W. to W. winds 15 m.p.h. ceiling unlimited but smoke pall restricts flying. This month of June has been one of the most disappointing in the history of the Station from the point of view of available flying time. Except for early part of month, the weather each day has been unsettled within most cases rain. Yesterday and today would be normally excellent flying days but a heavy smoke has all but washed out flying. Flying schedules are behind, further than at any time in Station records. Last two days however, winds have been fairly steady from North and it is hoped that the weather is settling to normal.
- Maximum available flying time – 14 hrs. 40 min.
- 30 June 1942 (continued)
- Tuesday:
- Water Consumption for month of June, 1942 – 926,700 gallons. Average Dally Consumption 30,890 gallons.
- Strength of Station at End of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF) (RCAF(WD)… 56
- Army Officers…………………………………. 3
- Airmen (Staff)…………………………………. 631
- Airwomen (Staff)…………………………….. 105
- Trainees………………………………………….. 133
- Civilians…………………………………………. 107
- Other Ranks…………………………………….. 11
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battle………………. 59
- Norseman…………………… 2
- Harvard……………………….. 1
- Lysanders…………………….. 5
- Total Flying Hours for month of June – 1,573.20
- Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable NIL
- COMMANDING OFFICER, No. 2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.
