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Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
July 1942
- 1 July 1942
- Strength of Station at End of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF) (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
- Harvards…………………….. 1
- Lysanders…………………….. 5
- Wednesday:
- Light S.W. wind. Ceiling unlimited but visibility poor on account of smoke haze which has been around now for three days. Bomb-dropping exercises restricted but a good day’s gunnery exercises carried out. Being considerably behind schedule and short in a/c every available minute has to be taken advantage of and all hands are going at it with a will.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 55 min.
- 2 July 1942
- Thursday:
- Light N.W. wind continues and weather conditions same as yesterday with smoke hampering operations.
- Two Anson a/c destined for this Unit and being ferried from Winnipeg forced down at Virden, Man., by engine trouble. Expected to proceed in a day or two.
- F/L. Briese, E.C., from No. 4 Training Command with F/O Johnstone, J.D., from No. 8 B. & G. arrived from Lethbridge at noon. The former is in for discussions with S/L Reyno, E.M., No. 135 “F” Squadron.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
- 3 July 1942
- Friday:
- The heavy smoke haze continues and has increased to the extent of preventing any flying today or almost.
- Contractors are on the ground today making a start on the fillets for the Runways.
- Congratulations were extended today to Sgt. Wismer (WD) on advice that she had been appointed to a commission. An excellent choice for the appointment.
- Maximum available flying time – 70 min.
- 4 July 1942
- Saturday:
- Smoke continues and weather poor with one or two light showers.
- One of the Ansons forced down at Virden 2-7-42 arrived today at Weyburn, forced to remain there on account of the weather. The other Anson waiting at Virden for further repairs.
- Maximum available flying time – 1 hr. 10 min.
- 5 July 1942
- Sunday
- A heavy shower at midnight had not improved the visibility this morning and a thunder storm with a sharp shower in the afternoon had no effect on the smoke, much to the surprise of most. However a fairly good day’s flying exercises carried out.
- F/L A .E. Harley, arrived today from Rockcliffe on posting to No. 135 “F” Squadron, will act as Second in command.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 45 min.
- 6 July 1942
- Monday:
- The weather situation had improved somewhat this morning and by the evening visibility was fairly good. A heavy day of flying exercises was carried out.
- A start was made today on the extension to the Post Office. This new building will mean the installation of a general delivery system, an improvement on the present system.
- Eight trainees arrived today, the first to arrive under the new Bomb aimer training programme.
- Maximum available flying time – 11 hrs. 50 min.
- 7 July 1942
- Tuesday:
- Distinct change in weather. Very hot with warm S.W. wind. No ceiling, visibility unlimited.
- A Battle a/c made a forced landing today near Mossbank, Sask., on return from exercises. Nobody hurt but the usual damage to propeller and oil cooling radiator.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
- 8 July 1942
- Wednesday:
- Flying conditions same as yesterday and an all out effort to catch up on training carried out.
- Three Hurricane a/c arrived from Lethbridge at 1420 hours for No. 135 “F” Squadron. Considerable interest on the Station at first appearance of Fighter a/c.
- A special detail (Flight) went to Moose Jaw today to take part in a Victory Parade on the first day of Moose Jaw’s Fair. The Flight had been well rehearsed in marching technique by F/Sgt. J.B. Reilly and was under the command of P/O Byars, P.F.C.
- At the invitation of Moose Jaw Exhibition Board G/C F.C. Higgins, attended by F/L B.M. Laubach was in a party which included Brigadier General Trudeau, G.C.C. No. 12 M.D. and Lieutenant Colonel Webber, D.A.A.G. and Q.N.G. M.D. 12 on the reviewing stand with His Honour A.P. McNab, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. It was evident that a little extra work by the Detail was justified as the Flight from this School in blues, was certainly the smartest Unit in the Parade.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs.
- 9 July 1942
- Thursday:
- Another fine flying day and a/c very active. We now have the pleasure of seeing other than the good old “Battle” in action as Drogue and Bombing Flights are making good use of the Lysanders and Ansons now on hand. Modifications and Adjustments are required in every case but the incoming ships are put into maintenance immediately on arrival and out into operation without delay. We begin to hope that one fine day we will lave a satisfactory number of serviceable a/c.
- 9 July 1942 (continued)
- Thursday:
- W/C Leacock C.O. #34 E.F.T.S., Assiniboia was a visitor today accompanied by Mr. Nicholl, Manager of the Civilian Co., which is taking over that Station. They spent several hours with G/C Higgins and S/L H.E. Stewart, C.I., discussing matters of service interest.
- F/L J.B. Brown, aero-control, left today on posting to W.A.C. F/L Brown has been acting as Station Adjutant for the last four months, prior to that as Adjutant of A.T.S. a former “Mountie” he has a very good sense of the military and was unquestionably one of the most popular officers on the Station. He had been Mess Secretary here for 13 months and largely instrumental in the building of a fine and happy mess. “Brownie” will certainly be missed.
- Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 35 min.
- 10 July 1942
- Fridays:
- Fine weather, good flying, lots of work done. Apart from a handicap by shortage of serviceable a/c exercises are Being put through in top line order.
- Visitors today are W/C J.D. Nelson (RAF), W/C L. Levis (RAF) and W/C K. Gray for training discussions with S/L H.E. Stewart, C.I., and. S/L E.G. Macnutt, O.C., G.I.S. The party will remain overnight and carry on in the morning.
- F/O E.A. Nicholl left today on temporary duty to Ottawa preparatory to transfer to the Intelligence Branch. F/O Nicholl is President of the airmen’s Canteen and in charge of Entertainment, in which capacities he has done an excellent job. It is believed, on the other hand, that Intelligence may offer more opportunities for his particular temperament.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hrs. 50 min.
- 11 July 1942
- Saturday:
- Occasional showers today cut flying operations down.
- Advised today that S/L E.M. Reyno is posted from No. 135 “F” Squadron to No. 1 O.T.U. Baggotville, Que. A bit awkward since a replacement will not arrive for a week after he leaves and the Squadron has had no chance to get into active training owing to lack of aircraft and time is getting along. However, F/L Harley, A.E., arrived a few days ago and would appear to be quite capable of carrying on.
- W/C’s Nelson and Levis left this morning for Swift Current.
- Maximum available flying time – 5 hrs.
- 12 July 1942
- Sunday:
- Weather cloudy and one or two showers. The storms of yesterday and the previous Thursday were of such cloudburst proportions that storm sewers were unable to take the water off and on both days flooding occurred at the south end of No. 6 Hangar in which the Equipment Section is housed. Fortunately S/L J.D. Brown. S.E.O., has always been careful to foresee that possibility and no damage has resulted. Measures are being taken to prevent any further such situations.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 05 min.
- 13 July 1942
- Monday:
- Perfect weather and a full day’s flying exercises carried out.
- Three Anson a/c arrived today from Lethbridge improving our a/c situation a bit.
- S/L E.M. Reyno, No. 135 |”F” Squadron left today by rail on posting to No. 1 O.T.U., Baggotville.
- Maximum available flying time – 19 hrs. 20 min.
- 14 July 1942
- Tuesday:
- Fine flying weather and every available a/c in the air.
- F/L W.C. Connell arrived today from Rockcliffe to assume temporary command of No. 135 “F” Squadron.
- Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs. 05 min.
- 15 July 1942
- Wednesday:
- Good flying day but low clouds and haze over target area, however quite a lot of good work done.
- The Station Band and Baseball Team went to Limerick, Sask., today to take part in their Field Day. The Annual Field day in most of the villages on the Prairies is a big day. The attendance of our Band at one or two of the closest ones has been very much appreciated.
- The evening a Quiz Contest was held in the Recreation Hall in which a team of W.D. Challenged a team chosen from the boys in the audience, highly successful and lots of fun.
- Maximum available flying time – 15 hrs.
- 16 July 1942
- Thursday:
- Very hot with S.W. wind. A violent thunder storm developed at 1330 hours. One plane left in air but got out of road and landed later.
- Mr. E.W. Badger, temporarily here with Canadian Legion has been of tremendous help in suggesting ideas and organizing entertainment. He has made several valiant attempts, though, to form a female or mixed glee club, but afraid it’s no go.
- Regular Monthly Sgt.s Mess Dance tonight very good and well conducted.
- Maximum available flying time 7 hrs. 55 min.
- 17 July 1942
- Friday:
- Low ceiling today and rain showers cut down flying time somewhat.
- More aircraft in today, Lysander and Anson. Situation improving all the time.
- Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 25 min.
- 18 July 1942
- Saturday:
- Showers again today and weather fairly cool.
- Station Baseball Team to Moose Jaw to play against City Team. Our Corp won 8 to 6.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
- 19 July 1942
- Sunday:
- Low ceiling and occasional showers limited air activity.
- A regrettable accident today when a Harvard a/c of No. 135 “F” Squadron spun into the ground arid caught fire. The accident took place about 1 mile south of Dunkirk, Sask., at 1630 hours. The Pilot R77277 Sgt. Schoeler, G.P.E. and passenger R58840 Cpl. Wintonick, W.B. were both killed and burned beyond recognition. Court of Inquiry is investigating. Sgt. Schoeler was a newcomer to the Station and his home in Montreal (not married). Cpl. Wintonick was one of the originals of the Station having arrived in October 1940. He was a very popular and likeable lad and was to have been married shortly. His home is in Winnipeg. Remains in each case are to be sent to their respective homes.
- Maximum available flying time – 4 hrs. 15 min.
- 20 July 1942
- Monday:
- Unsatisfactory weather with a heavy smoke haze again.
- Bolingbroke and Anson a/c in.
- Preparation under way to send a funeral party in to Moose Jaw for the removal of the remains of the two Airmen killed yesterday from the Undertaker to the C.P.R. Depot.
- Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs. 45 min.
- 21 July 1942
- Tuesday:
- Showers and the smoke haze is still with us, however every available minute was put to good use.
- Maximum available flying time – 17 hrs. 45 min.
- 22 July 1942
- Wednesday:
- Low ceiling and occasional showers but a good days exercises carried out.
- As part of the Station Entertainment programme a Hidden Talent programme was put on this evening with the dual purpose of providing Entertainment and trying to locate Local Talent. The C.O. kindly granted an extra 48 hour pass to the winner. The show was very successful, several good items turned out. The 48 hour pass went to a W.D. vocalist.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 15 min.
- 23 July 1942
- Thursday:
- Weather fair and visibility indifferent.
- Four Hurricane a/c arrived today for No. 135 “F” Squadron and 2 Anson for No. 2 B. & G. School. With increased Training programme, increased number and variety of a/c and with the necessity of careful checks on all a/c in. It has been necessary to restrict the granting of annual Leaves and cancel, for the meantime, the granting of Harvest Leaves. Incidentally the number of applications for Harvest Leave is much greater with the bumper crop in sight; however, it is doubtful if any personnel can be spared from this Unit.
- Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
- 24 July 1942
- Friday:
- Smoke haze continues to interfere with flying exercises. A Bolingbroke headed for here from Medicine Hat had to turn back.
- G/C F.C. Higgins left today on a well earned Annual Leave. G/C Higgins has worked very hard to pick up all the threads of his command, so that today he leaves the Station well organized to carry on. S/L H.E. Stewart assumes temporary command during the G/C’s absence.
- Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs.
- 25 July 1942
- Saturday:
- Still smoke haze and work over the Range target area limited.
- F/L Brickenden, No. 4 T.C., Auxiliary Services Officer accompanied by S/L Lee arrived from 34 E.F.T.S. Assimiboia this afternoon and left in the early evening for Regina.
- Three Bolingbroke a/c for this Unit and three Hurricanes for No. 135 “F” Squadron arrived today.
- A little excitement turned up this morning when the ashphalt kettle caught fire while on road repair within the camp. No damage done other than the loss of one tire. The response to the Fire Alarm was very satisfactory and the fire was quickly put out by means of chemical.
- Maximum available flying time – 7 hours 10 mi.n.
- 26 July 1942
- Sunday:
- The poor visibility continues and flying restricted.
- Four more Bolingbroke a/c arrived and the a/c situation has improved very considerably. The question of conversion training for our Pilots comes up now, but apparently the C.I. S/L H.B. Stewart has the necessary arrangements in hand to look after that problem without delay.
- A very successful concert was held in the Recreation Hall this evening. A varied programme by three visiting artists F/O H.L. Brown from #38 S.F.T.S., Mrs. B.W. Badger and Mr. Forrest from Moose Jaw. All three were given a very fine ovation at the end of the concert, by a large audience, which is really something, since a good part of the programme was decidedly “highbrow”. F/O Brown is rated among the top world violinists, a native of Australia, he is only 23 now and prior to five years study in London was conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. A very fine chap and quite unassuming.
- Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs. 5 min.
- 27 July 1942
- Monday:
- Cloudy and one or two showers, flying restricted.
- Maximum available flying time – 6 hrs. 05 min.
- 28 July 1942
- Tuesday:
- Good flying weather, (light S.W. wind) after a fog had lifted at noon. Flying continued on then without a break until 0500 hours next morning.
- Maximum available flying time. – 14 hrs. 30 min.
- 29 July 1942
- Wednesday:
- Good weather and a drive is on in an effort to catch up with flying exercises to get two classes out this weekend, 48 hour passes are cancelled unti1 we do catch up.
- Battle a/c 1902 was forced down, a/c engine trouble near No. 1 Bombing target. No injuries to personnel. Propeller and Radiator of a/c damaged.
- Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs. 25 min.
- 30 July 1942
- Thursday:
- Flying exercises hampered today by low ceiling and rain showers. The weather is very cool with prevailing north winds.
- No. 135 “F” Squadron is now into an active training programme. With a good number of Hurricanes on hand, they are at it whenever weather permits. It is noticed that they are becoming very proficient in formation flying.
- A visit yesterday from Mr. F. E. Holliday, Educational Supervisor, Canadian Legion, Sask. He was down for discussions with our Educational Officer P/O M.J. Fitzpatrick. Mr. Holliday tells us that this Unit is exceptionally high in the amount of Educational activities and promotion. P/O Fitzpatrick has turned out to be a very capable and energetic Officer, he takes his job seriously and makes himself available at all times to the airmen for consultation and advice besides a heavy programme of organization and lecturing.
- Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs. 45 min.
- 31 July 1942
- Friday:
- Cloudy but good flying day and exercises continued through from 0600 hrs. to 0330 hrs. next morning without break.
- July has been another very unsatisfactory month from the point of view of weather, similar to the month previous, and it has been quite an effort to keep up with required schedules, particularly with the increased courses, however, with a number of Bolingbroke, Lysander and Anson a/c replacing the overworked Battles and the gradual conversion of Staff Pilots to the newer type, the situation will improve from day to day, and concern about the immediate future has been minimized.
- Maximum available flying time – 20 hrs. 30 min.
- Water Consumption for Month of July, 1942 – 1,145,700 gallons. Average Daily Consumption -36,958 gallons.
- Strength of Station at End of Month
- Officers (RCAF) (RAF) (WD……….. 53
- Army Officers…………………………… 3
- Airmen Staff……………………………… 646
- Airwomen Staff…………………………. 103
- Trainees…………………………………… 181
- Civilians………………………………….. 85
- Other Ranks…………………………….. 9
- Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
- Fairey Battles……………… 59
- Norseman…………………… 2
- Harvard………………………. 1
- Lysanders……………………. 10
- Ansons……………………….. 12
- Bolingbrokes……………….. 12
- Total Flying Hours for Month of July – 2,123 hrs. 25 min.
- Number of. days Aerodrome unserviceable NIL
- COMMANDING OFFICER, No. 2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.
