Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

February 1943

This Transcription of the Operational Record Book of No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School that was Located at Mossbank, Saskatchewan, Canada was created by the volunteers at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Brandon, Manitoba. You can visit their website by clicking this heading.

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• 1 February 1943
  Monday:
  • Fine bright clear day.
  • Maximum available flying time – 17 hrs.
• 2 February 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Southerly wind. Considerably milder than the previous day. Fog conditions prevailed in early morning hours.
  • An accident occurred one mile north-west of the Control Tower at 1735 hours with no injuries to personnel. The pilot was R60553 F/S Beckett, H.S. passengers being R166324 LAC Mulock, J.S., R159417 LAC Norris-Jones, I.A., R158367 LAC Berkley, S.C. Aircraft – Bolingbroke Mk IV T No. 9892 Mercury XV Port Mk V 2879 Starboard Mk V 2861. While carrying out a routine Gunnery Exercise aircraft force landed due to engine failure. Starboard propeller shaft back to reduction gear broke off in air.
  • Maximum available flying time – 14 hrs. 35 min.

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• 3 February 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Wind in the north west at about 20 m.p.h. Somewhat colder today. Low celling with visibility one-half to two miles.
  • Forty-three W.O.A.G.s Course No. 45 graduated, ten being posted to No. 36 O.T.U. Greenwood, N.S., nine to Eastern Air Command for subsequent reposting to No. 31 P.D., Moncton, N.B., twelve to No. 31 P.D., Moncton, N.B., seven to No. 7 A.O.S., Portage la Prairie, Man., five to No. 31 P.D., Moncton, N.B., reporting ten days later than the other group going to this centre. The balance (three) were disposed of as follows – one to course 46 (Medical reasons) one to Course 46 (Failed academically) and one to Course 47 (Medical reasons).
  • Maximum available flying time – NIL
• 4 February 1943
  Thursday:
  • Blustery and colder. Snow flurries, very high surface wind.
  • A choir practice was held in the RCAF(WD) Canteen at 1830 hrs. This group of airwomen are improving and are near the point where they are ready for a public appearance.
  • Maximum available flying time – 4 hrs. 20 min.
• 5 February 1943
  Friday:
  • A blizzard occurred during the previous night. It was quite stormy up to 1045 hrs., when the wind subsided. The sky became clear and flying began. During the evening and night ideal flying weather prevailed.
  • Two sleighs were hired to provide a sleigh-ride. It turned out to be a fine evening. Lunch was served in the Airmen’s Mess afterwards.
  • The Gunners came out on top in their hockey game at Gravelbourg winning by a score of ten to seven.
  • S/L A.E. Mix (C2432) from 4 T.C. and F/L E.A. Goodwright (79894) from No. 32 S.F.T.S. (RAF) Moose Jaw, reported to serve on a Court of Inquiry with S/L B.M. Laubach (C3631) of this Unit.
  • Maximum available flying time – 6 hrs. 35 min.
• 6 February 1943
  Saturday:
  • Wind in a south-easterly direction. Turning mild again. Ceiling unlimited for greater part of day.
  • 25 W.O.A.G.s reported for Course 48 from No. 2 W.S. Calgary. 27 Air Bombers Course No. 73, reported for training. 9 from No. 7 I.T.S. Saskatoon, 8 from No. 2 I.T.S. Regina and 10 from No. 4 I.T.S., Edmonton.
  • Maximum available flying time – 20 hrs. 10 min.

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• 7 February 1943
  Sunday:
  • Ceiling at zero all day. Fog conditions prevail. Continuing mild with wind in a north westerly direction. Icing conditions.
  • A musical evening was held in the Recreation Hall. The artists GB1651394 LAC Preskett, D. R126278 LAC McDougall both performed on the piano while R134156 LAC Green, M. and R162778 Sgt. May, R.J. rendered vocal selections. Community singing helped to round out a good evening’s entertainment.
  • Maximum available flying time – NIL
• 8 February 1943
  Monday:
  • A high wind prevailed – north-west direction and turning into a blizzard in the early morning hours. Visibility one-half mile.
  • The visiting flight arrived from Mountainview.
  • Maximum available flying time – NIL
• 9 February 1943
  Tuesday:
  • It dropped to -35° during the night, wind in a north west direction and very cold. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • An accident occurred on the main aerodrome at 1350 hrs. when R125188 Sgt. McCallum, W.L. R160698 LAC Reilly, T.E. R166331 LAC Weir, I. A. Air Bombers in Anson II 8240 Jacobs L6MB Port 3060/16881 Starboard 10072/26818 in landing on return from Bombing Exercises had a flat tire which caused aircraft to swerve off runway on landing. The aircraft struck soft snow and tilted up on nose.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 45 min.
• 10 February 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Still very cold. -20° at an early hour this morning, Wind in the south and south-east. Ceiling unlimited and visibility one to four miles in fog.
  • 33 graduated from Course No. 68, 9 were posted to No. 2 A.O.S., Edmonton, 24 to No. 3 A.O.S. Pearce, 6 failed academically and were transferred to Course 69.
  • Arriving here to discuss Service Police problems were S/L M.A. McNeil (C2019) from A.F.H.Q. and F/L L.W. Marlor (C2858) from No. 4 T.C.
  • Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs. 30 min.

IMAGE 1338

• 11 February 1943
  Thursday:
  • Very much milder. Wind in the west at a speed of 40 m.p.h. Ceiling 6,000 feet with visibility of 25 miles.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 15 min.
• 12 February 1943
  Friday:
  • It has turned colder today with a wind blowing from the northwest. Icing conditions exist, sky is overcast. Reasonably good flying weather up to 1745 hours.
  • An accident occurred on the main aerodrome at 0855 hrs. R141175 Sergeant Pilot Brydon, R.H. R85386 LAC Horning, J., Drogue operator, both uninjured in taxiing accident preparatory for take-off for drogue exercises. Cross wind caused aircraft to swing off runway on to snow. Pilot attempted to force aircraft through soft snow, wheels stuck and aircraft went on nose. Accident attributed to Pilot’s error. Aircraft was a Westland Lysander Mk III A 2344 Mercury XX Makers 5102049 A 252738 RCAF 24135.
  • Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 45 min.
• 13 February 1943
  Saturday:
  • The wind direction changed from a northerly direction to the south. Ceiling and visibility were zero. A fair amount of snow fell.
  • This Unit entered enthusiastically into the Mossbank Bonspiel, 21 Service and Civilian Rinks participated. The winning rinks from this School coming out on top in their competition were –
    • The Army Rink – Skip: Capt. L.J. Conn, Capt. -K.M. Coons, Lieut. W.A.S. Barnes and Jock Hutton, Assistant Engineer attached temporarily to this Station.
    • Cline Rink – R91997 Cpl. Cline, E.A. (Skip) R58653 Cpl. Fredricson, R.A., R98620 LAC Heagy, A.S. and R59828 Sgt. Williams, H.L.
    • Rench Rink – R109355 LAC Audibert, P.A. (Skip) R149205 LAC Rench, R.F., R149216 LAC Miller, W.B. and R87494 LAC Glauser, A.S.
    • Grand aggregate standings (Winner – Cline: Average 77.7%. Second – Army Rink: Average 75%. Third – Rench: Average 72%.).
  • The RCAF (WD) put on a Valentine Dance in the Recreation Hall being Hostesses, particularly to the RAF RNZAF RCAF & RAAF Trainees on the Station. This Valentine party gave the RCAF (WD) an opportunity to display their talents. Cardboard hearts of all sizes, red and white frilly streamers, zooming cardboard aircraft, etc., were prominently and effectively displayed throughout the Hall. A floor show, well planned in advance helped round out a good evening’s entertainment.
  • Maximum available flying time – 20 min.

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• 14 February 1943
  Sunday;
  • The day continued dull and cloudy throughout with a low ceiling and icing conditions. Snow flurries during afternoon, visibility from one to twenty miles throughout the day.
  • The RCAF (WD) Rink entered in the current Bonspiel got into the finals in one event losing out by one point. The following comprised the only women’s rink taking part – Skip: Cpl. Nepitt, E.J. (W301312) 3rd: W304435 Cpl. Leggett, W.B. 2nd: W304444 Cpl. McAdam, G.R. and Lead: W300992 Cpl. McDonald, J.M.
  • Maximum available flying time – 2 hrs. 45 min.
• 15 February 1943
  Monday:
  • Ground fog. No flying in morning. The fog cleared away and flying was proceeded with in the afternoon. Seasonable weather prevails. Ceiling unlimited and visibility good during the afternoon and evening.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs.
• 16 February 1943
  Tuesday:
  • A fine bright clear day with no wind. The first good weather for day flying in a week. In early morning hours and during the evening visibility was poor.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs.
• 17 February 1943
  Wednesday:
  • No wind. A little colder today but bright and clear and ideal for flying. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hrs.
• 18 February 1943
  Thursday:
  • Another fine day with ceiling unlimited and good visibility.
  • 44 graduated from Course 46 W.O.A.G.s, 3 were posted to No. 1 A.O.S. Malton, 8 to No. 3 A.O.S. Pearce, 2 to No. 4 A.O.S. London, 11 to C.N.S. Rivers, 11 to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg, 5 to No.7 A.O.S. Portage La Prairie, 4 to No. 8 A.O.S. Ancienne Lorette, Three academic failures were transferred to Course No. 48B.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hrs.

IMAGE 1340

• 19 February 1943
  Friday:
  • Fine bright clear day with the sun shining and with a touch of spring in the air. Wind speed 5-10 m.p.h. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • 30 graduated from Course No. 69 (Air Bombers) 10 were posted to No. 7 A.O.S. Portage la Prairie, the balance (20) were posted to No. 1 C.N.S. Rivers, Man. 3 ceased training at own request one posted to K.T.S. Trenton and balance to No. 1 “M” Depot, one trainee was transferred to Course 71 for Medical reasons and another trainee to Course 72 for academic failure.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hrs.
• 20 February 1943
  Saturday:
  • Somewhat hazy over the lake but sufficient visibility to allow flying to continue. Wind from the south and southwest. 38 P.P.O’s departed from this School for No. 2 I.T.S. Regina.
  • 27 Air Bombers, Course No. 74, reported for training. 20 from No. 4 I.T.S. Edmonton and 7 from No. 7 I.T.S. Saskatoon.
  • Maximum available flying time – 20 hrs.
• 21 February 1943
  Sunday:
  • Hazy but conditions satisfactory for flying in morning. The sun came out in the afternoon and it became bright and clear. We are getting nicely caught up with our flying programme. Wind in a westerly direction at 8 m.p.h. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • 35 trainees reported for Course No. 49 W.O.A.G. reporting from No. 4 W.S. Guelph.
  • A variety show was staged in the Recreation Hall. Included on the bill was a dancing chorus from the Wynjoy School, Harmony Girls, Comedy sketches and Andy Henderson from Radio Station CHAB, all from Moose Jaw. Group Captain D.S. Blaine (C145) Commanding Officer of the School, departed for No. 15 S.F.T.S., R.C.A.F. Claresholm, Alberta, to preside as President at a District Court Martial. During his absence Squadron Leader W.J. Bundy assumed command of the Station.
  • Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs. 20 min.
• 22 February 1943
  Monday:
  • Bright and clear. Wind 15 m.p.h. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • 21 trainees graduated from Course No. 47 W.O.A.G. 9 were posted to Eastern Air Command, Halifax, N.S. for subsequently being posted to 31 O.T.U. Debert. 8 were posted to Western Air Command, Vancouver, B.C. for reposting to No. 32 O.T.U. Patricia Bay, B.C. 4 to Eastern Air Command for reposting to No. 36 O.T.U. Greenwood. One transferred to Course 48 for academic reasons.
  • Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs.

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• 23 February 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Dull and cloudy. Wind speed 20 – 25 m.p.h. Ceiling 900 feet and visibility 5 – 10 miles. During the evening it started to turn much colder with the wind in the north-west.
  • Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs.
• 24 February 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Although very cold during the night, the wind got around to the south in the early morning hours and staying in this direction all day, it warmed up again considerably. It became, however, somewhat gusty during the early part of the evening. Wind speed 15 – 20 m.p.h. with ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • Group Captain D.S. Blaine (C145) resumed command of the Station today, returning from No. 15 S.F.T.S. R.C.A.F. Claresholm, Alberta, where he had served as President on a District Court Martial.
  • Squadron Leader W.J. Bundy (C264) proceeded by air to No. 32 O.T.U., Patricia Bay, B.C. He along with training staff members from other schools are being sent to this operational training unit in order to effect a closer liaison between operational training units and Bombing and Gunnery Schools.
  • Maximum available flying time – 14 hrs. 40 min.
• 25 February 1943
  Thursday:
  • Low ground fog in early morning mild weather. The sun came out about 1000 hours. The day thereafter was bright and clear with a touch of spring in the air.
  • S/L J.G. Sparling (C4230) Command Chaplain was here to discuss religious and welfare problems with the Station Padre.
  • Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs. 20 min.
• 26 February 1943
  Friday:
  • Wind speed 10 – 15 m.p.h. Clear sky with unlimited visibility. Wind in a westerly direction.
  • Capt. L.P. Hacking arrived from Regina to medically examine some of the personnel.
  • Maximum available flying time – 17 hrs. 05 min.

IMAGE 1342

• 27 February 1943
  Saturday:
  • The wind became violent at times, hindering flying operations. It was bright and clear throughout the day with four or five degrees of frost.
  • The regular fortnightly Airmen’s and Airwomen’s dance was held in the Recreation Hall with the Station Orchestra in attendance.
  • A dance and supper for the Officers and their wives and civilian friends from Assiniboia and Mossbank along with Service personnel from No. 34 E.F.T.S. Assiniboia was held in the Officers’ Mess. About 110 attended.
  • Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 55 min.
• 28 February 1943
  Sunday:
  • Flying operations were at a standstill up to 1000 hours. Light fall of snow in early morning hours with sky overcast. Wind in the north at from 15 – 20 m.p.h.
  • An accident occurred 9 miles northwest of Mossbank at 1100 hrs. No one injured. Pilot R88735 WO2 Johnston, C.L. with passengers R134941 LAC Jackson, S. (Armourer) R158392 LAC Alder, W.L. and R176138 LAC Beatty, A.M. both Air Bombers while carrying out a routine scheduled splash target gunnery exercise. The port engine failed at 200 feet. The pilot attempted to fly on starboard engine but used only normal five pound boost. Aircraft then gradually lost height and pilot force landed with undercarriage retracted. The aircraft was a Bolingbroke Mk IV-T9920 Mercury XV Starboard RCAF 238748 Makers 557046 Port RCAF 238681 Makers 556919. The damage consisted of the nose of the fuselage being pushed out of alignment. Lower portion of fuselage belly scraped and torn
  • Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 35 min.

Water Consumption for Month of February, 1943	917,200 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	32,766 2/3 gallons

Total Flying Hours for Month of February	1,770 hrs.
Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable –	Nil

• C. O. No. 2 B & G SCHOOL
  MOSSBANK. SASK.