Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

March 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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• l March 1943
  Monday:
  • Not quite as windy as the previous day. Wind north and north-west, about 25 degrees of frost. Clear sky, icing conditions prevailed for part of day.
  • Maximum available flying time -20 hrs. 30 min
• 2 March 1943
  Tuesday:
  • North-West wind at from twenty to twenty-five miles per hour. Quite cold.
  • Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 30 min.
• 3 March 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Very mild in morning with a light wind and bright clear sky. A strong north-west wind came up about 1400 hours and by 1700 hours there was quite a blizzard blowing and it became cold again with snow falling.
  • Eleven Curling teams from this Unit have entered in the Mossbank Challenge Cup Curling Tournament.
  • Two Billiard tables have been purchased and set up in the old small Canteen. These will provide additional recreational facilities for the Station.
  • The Ladies Auxiliary of the R.C.A.F. Moose Jaw, sponsored a dance this evening in the Temple Gardens, Moose Jaw, the proceeds to be donated in assisting to furnish the W.D. Recreation Centre. The Auxiliary has assisted in the past supplying this Unit with furniture and curtains. Some of the personnel from this Unit were in a position to attend this function.
  • Maximum available flying time – 8 hrs. 35 min.

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• 4 March 1943
  Thursday:
  • It turned very cold overnight, the thermometer dropping to twenty-three degrees below zero. It continued cold throughout the day. Icing conditions prevailed.
  • An opportunity is being provided to all personnel on the Station this week to see the ten reel film “The Next of Kin.”
  • Lt. Colonel F.R. Drewry of Canadian Dental Corps in charge of Dental work for Units in No. 4 Training Command was a visitor on the Station along with Group Captain P.R. Hampton (C1206) and Wing Commander C.A. Cook, both from No. 4 T.C.
  • Maximum available flying time – 4 hrs. 15 min.
• 5 March 1943
  Friday:
  • Wind from a south-westerly direction. Bright and Clear and cold in morning and warming up considerably as the day advanced. Low clouds in afternoon.
  • Group Captain D.S. Blaine (C145) accompanied by Squadron Leader B.M. Laubach (C3631) attended a dance in the Officers Mass at No. 2 I.T.S. Regina. These Officers were special guests of the Commanding Officer of this School.
  • Maximum available flying time – 7 hrs. 25 min.
• 6 March 1943
  Saturday:
  • No wind, visibility and ceiling unlimited. It started to cloud up again in the evening.
  • With a very limited supply of armourers and range crew and a definite serviceability problem, endeavoring to keep the program up to schedule is causing much concern.
  • Forty aircrew (Potential Air Gunners) “Standard” were posted to No. 4 “M” Depot, Quebec City, P.Q. From Course 70, Air Bombers, nineteen airmen were posted to No. 7 A.O.S. Portage la Prairie, eight were transferred to Course No. 71.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
• 7 March 1943
  Sunday:
  • Wind from the south and south-east, continuing very cold for this time of the year. However it was a good day for flying. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.
• 8 March 1943
  Monday:
  • Not as windy as the previous day. The wind was from the West and the day was bright and clear. Weather closing in with light snow fall in evening.
  • Twenty-eight airmen reported for Course No. 75 Air Bombers – nineteen from No. 2 Manning Pool, Brandon, and nine from No. 1 Reselection Centre, Trenton.
  • Maximum available flying time – 11 hrs. 25 min.

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• 9 March 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Clear, blue sky with a light wind blowing front the West. The thermometer continues to drop below zero at night and therefore unseasonable weather exists.
  • While carrying out a routine gunnery exercise pilot R101910 F/Sgt Beatty, G.F. had his engine fail due to internal glycol leak and bearing failure and forced landed with wheels retracted. The following trainees (Air Bombers) were in the aircraft – R159332 LAC Krinke, K.H. R176121 LAC Radiff, W.M. No one was injured. The accident occurred three miles N.E. of Ardill at 11.30 hours using a Fairey Battle MKI 1769 Merlin III makers 819-117585. The engine and propeller were severely damaged.
  • Air Vice Marshall G.R. Howsam left by air today for No. 33 E.F.T.S. Caron, having arrived yesterday by air from Calgary.
  • S/L L.O. Dyte from A.F.H.Q. and F/L T. P. Downie from No. 4 T.C., both P.T. and Drill Officers were here to discuss physical, training and drill methods amongst the personnel.
  • Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs. 20 min.
• 10 March 1943
  Wednesday:
  • The wind is in a South-Westerly direction. Milder today. It has become hazy. A light fall of snow occurred in the afternoon.
  • While warming up aircraft in a gusty wind tail was struck when throttle was full open causing aircraft to nose over and propeller struck tarmac. R167885 AC1 Powell, L.N. was at the controls and showed lack of judgment in positioning aircraft. The accident occurred on the tarmac at 1230 hours, the aircraft being a Westland Lysander MK IIIATT Mercury XX makers S100007 (180247) RCAF 24238. The engine and propeller were severely damaged.
  • Maximum available flying time – 9 hrs. 40 min.
• 11 March 1943
  Thursday:
  • Bright, clear day.
  • The airwomen are continuing to hold weekly choir practices and such interest is evidenced in their progress to date.
  • Maximum available flying time – 18 hrs. 45 min.

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• 12 March 1943
  Friday:
  • Poor flying weather. The day became cloudy. Wind direction East with a light fall of snow occurring in the afternoon and evening.
  • Maximum available flying time – 3 hrs. 10 min.
• 13 March 1943
  Saturday:
  • Cloudy with fog conditions prevailing, wind in a North-Westerly direction and stormy in the early morning hours.
  • The usually fortnightly dance was held in the Recreation Hall for Airmen and Airwomen of and below the rank of Corporal. The Station Orchestra was in attendance.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil hours.
• 14 March 1943
  Sunday:
  • A strong north-east wind prevailed all day reaching blizzard like proportions. It became much colder. The aerodrome became unserviceable and the problem of keeping same in reasonably good condition until the storm entirely subsided was apparent.
  • The Radio Station C.H.A.B. of Moose Jaw had to cancel the arrangements to put on a concert here this evening owing to the roads being blocked.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil hours.
• 15 March 1943
  Monday:
  • The weather settled down for a few hours today. Still somewhat cloudy in morning, the sky becoming bright and clearing up nicely in the afternoon. However the aerodrome was not ready for use today and it will take a full day to bring it back to a serviceable state. In the evening the wind started up again and our hopes of successfully continuing with the flying program have become dissipated.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil hours.
• 16 March 1943
  Tuesday:
  • During the night a strong North-West started, travelling at about fifty-five miles per hour. Natives of the district claim it has been the worst storm in years. Travel by road to Moose Jaw is now impossible and much difficulty has been experienced in getting back and forth to Mossbank.
  • The work on the aerodrome yesterday will have to begin all over again. While not cold (about five degrees above zero) the velocity of the wind makes walking outdoors very uncomfortable.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil hours.
• 17 March 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Not quite as blustery and cold as the previous day. Gradually clearing as the day advanced. Flying would have started prior to noon had the aerodrome been serviceable.
  • Maximum available flying time – nil hours.

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• 18 March 1943
  Thursday:
  • Wind in the South. Clear and bright, becoming milder and the weather more seasonable.
  • The snow has drifted badly but successful results were achieved in having the aerodrome ready for aircraft to land this morning from 0800 hours on, on the main aerodrome.
  • An accident occurred at 1455 hours, the Pilot being R61066, Sgt. MacKenzie, J.W. with the following trainees (Air Bombers) in the aircraft. R170065 LAC Proctor, L.D., R166052 LAC Wideneja E.T., R172012 LAC Dalton, J. No one was injured. While carrying out a routine Bombing exercises port brake apparently seized on landing, aircraft nosed over slightly damaging both propellers. The aircraft was an Anson MKI No. 8294, Jacobs L4MB port makers 9257 RCAF 17884 starboard makers 9262 RCAF 17889.
  • The Art class met again this evening. This group are now working on charcoal sketches. Later on intending to work with water colour, pen and ink, pastels, pencil and possibly oils. This is just one of the many hobbies carried on here on the station by a group.
  • Maximum available flying time – 21 hours, 50 min.
• 19 March 1943
  Friday:
  • Another day of good flying weather. Wind in the South. Ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • An accident occurred on the main aerodrome at 1110 hours when R28736 WO2 Johnston, C.L. while acting as Pilot in a routine Gunnery exercises landed on extreme port side of landing runway, the port wheel caught in soft snow on runway edge causing aircraft to ground loop to port. The following Wireless Operator Air Gunners were in the aircraft – R165145 LAC Fisher, C.N.Mck., R164531 LAG Legge, P. St. Clair, R128541 LAC Small, R.L. No one was injured. The aircraft was a Bolingbroke MKIVT 9963, Mercury XV port makers 86835 RCAF 120376 starboard makers 86963 starboard oleo leg torn off and airframe seriously damaged.
  • Maximum available flying time – 20 hrs.05 min.
• 20 March 1943
  Saturday:
  • Alternatively cloudy and dull throughout the day. Continued however with a complete flying program. Wind in a South-Westerly direction at 18 to 25 miles per hour.
  • An accident occurred on the main aerodrome at 1450 hours, the pilot being R70312 Sgt. Brennan, F.V. with R172282 LAC Kelly, C.J. R172031 Lang, A.M. R172178 McLean J.N. Trainees (Air Bombers). No injuries were suffered. The accident occurred while carrying out a routine bombing exercises. A tire blowing out on landing causing aircraft to swerve off runway into snow. Propeller damaged on crust. The aircraft was an Anson MKII 7429 Jacobs L4MB port makers 9161 RCAF 17788 starboard makers 9054 RCAF 17683.

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• 20 March 1943 (continued)
  Saturday:
  • Twenty-one trainees reported for Course 51, Wireless Operator Air Gunners today. Four from No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, sixteen from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, and one from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary.
  • Maximum available flying time – 19 hrs.
• 21 March 1943
  Sunday:
  • A splendid day to continue flying with ceiling and visibility unlimited. Wind in the South,
  • F/L M.S. Dodgson, Protestant Chaplain from Regina took the morning Church Service in the absence of F/L A.C. Light.
  • Twenty-seven airmen reported for course No. 78 Air Bombers from No. 3 Manning Depot, Edmonton.
  • Educational films were shown in the Legion Hut.
  • Maximum available flying time – 19 hrs. 30 min.
• 22 March 1943
  Monday:
  • Clear, blue sky with ceiling and visibility unlimited.
  • An accident on the main aerodrome at 1415 hours when the pilot R85028 WO1 Williams, E.C. when aircraft started on line the starboard oleo leg collapsed allowing wing to contact ground. The starboard propeller blade broke. Wheels were apparently in selector up position prior to starting. Aircraft was an Anson MKII 8306 Jacobs L6MB port RCAF 26813 makers 10047 starboard RCAF 17227 makers 3404. The starboard wing panel was severely strained.
  • An accident occurred on the main aerodrome at 1145 hours. The pilot R124306 Sgt. LeBlanc, J.A. with trainees (Air Bombers) R178478 LAC MacDonald, D.M. R172419 LAC Ravenscroft, T.E and R132083 Steinhauer A.R. escaped injuries. When returning from routine bombing exercises plane landed and ran into snow on edge of runway causing it to nose over damaging both propellers. The aircraft was an Anson MKII 8240 Jacobs L6Mb port RCAF 26797 makers 10051 starboard RCAF 26818 makers 10072.
  • Thirty-four Wireless Operators Air Gunners graduated from course 49 – eleven being posted to No. 33 O.T.U. Patricia Bay, five to No. 31 O.T.U., Debert and eighteen granted two weeks leave. Two transferred to Course 50.
  • Maximum available flying time 18 hrs. 30 mins.
• 23 March 1943
  Tuesday:
  • Another good day for flying. South-West wind at from six to ten miles per hour.
  • Owing to a shortage of aviation gasoline, flying operations did not proceed as usual.
  • S/L F.C. Manning, W&B. (Engineer) from No. 4 C. & M. Unit, spent the past 24 hours on the Station.
  • A series of lectures on Knowledge of Air Force Fundamentals, Discipline and morale, Experiences of an operational Air Gunner, Sports and Recreation, Orderly Room procedure and other allied subjects for all the officers began to-night with the Commanding Officer taking the first lecture and dealt with Air Force Fundamentals, Discipline and Morale.
  • Maximum available flying time 20 hrs. 25 min.

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• 24 March 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Sky overcast in morning. Brightening up considerably before noon with ceiling and visibility becoming unlimited.
  • The Legion amongst other activities are continuing to hand out cigarettes to Hospital patients.
  • Maximum available flying time – 16 hrs. 45 min.
• 25 March 1943
  Thursday:
  • More windy than it has been all week. However this will greatly assist in the drying up process and with not sufficient wind to hinder progress training in the air except in early morning hours.
  • The second in a series of talks to officers was given by the Station Adjutant, F/L C.R. Welfley, who dealt with Discipline and Morale, pointing out particularly the value of chain of authority, Junior Officers knowing Air Force Routine matters and the relationship that should exist between officers and airmen. Also how Junior officers might improve their qualities of leadership.
  • Maximum available flying time – 12 hrs. 25 min.
• 26 March 1943
  Friday:
  • Bright with sunshine in the morning. Hazy throughout the afternoon and evening. Deteriorating and unfit for flying from early afternoon and continuing during the evening.
  • Thirty-three Air Bombers graduated from Course 71, ten being posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg, twenty-three to No. 7 A.O.S. Portage la Prairie. Two were transferred to Course No. 72 and one was posted to No. 1 R.C. Toronto for medical reasons.
  • Maximum available flying time – 10 hrs. 30 min.
• 27 March 1943
  Saturday:
  • Ceiling zero. Blustery day with snow-flurries, wind South-West at from thirty to thirty-five miles per hour. Clearing somewhat during late afternoon.
  • A dance was held in the Recreation Hall for Airmen and Airwomen.
  • The Officers with their wives and friends held a dance in the officers Mess. Many citizens of Assiniboia who were especially invited attended.
  • Maximum available flying time – 9 hours.

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• 28 March 1943
  Sunday:
  • With a southern wind blowing and a blue sky overhead and an appreciably change in the weather, it is becoming much Warmer. The day was thoroughly enjoyed. Ceiling however dropped to 800 feet by 2300 hours.
  • The policy of having Sunday morning as a rest period was enjoyed by many. Some in the Armament Training Section and Maintenance personnel were detailed for work parade at 0910 hours. Many took advantage to attend Protestant Church Service when the previous Padre to this Unit was present, namely F/L H.C. Smith.
  • Maximum available flying time – 13 hrs. 20 min.
• 29 March 1943
  Monday:
  • Ground fog in morning caused flying plans to be cancelled. Cleared up nicely in the early afternoon to again become windy and cloudy in evening.
  • The Red Cross drive at this Unit has been successful. $1,529.00 has been collected to date with further monies forthcoming. Included in the above sum is the donation made by Mr. H. Marder of Winnipeg dealing in Motion Picture films who donated his share of the receipts totaling $71.50 for the show held on March 15/43. It is expected that when the final report is made on April 2/43, it will be found that practically all the personnel on this Station have contributed.
  • Maximum available flying time – 5 hours.
• 30 March 1943
  Tuesday:
  • With the roads becoming clear of slush and snow and the sun becoming much stronger and with the days lengthening out appreciably, winter is being forgotten although in the evening a strong North-West wind started to blow and signs of colder weather were again apparent. Hazy for part of morning.
  • P/O R.D. Jenner, G.M. lectured to the officers to-night on “Training Experiences Overseas.” It was of an instructional and educational nature.
  • Regional films were shown in the Legion Hut this evening and included the films “Carry on Canada.” “The Road to Tokyo” “Twenty men and a Reader.”
  • Maximum available flying time – 6 hrs. 50 min.
• 31 March 1943
  Wednesday:
  • Bright clear day. The wind has died down. A full complete day of flying.
  • Bingo was played in the Legion Hut in the main room being filled with participants who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
  • Maximum available flying time – 24 hours.

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Water Consumption for Month of March, 1943	951,000 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	30,677 2/5 gallons

Total Flying Hours for Month of March	1,889 hours, 30 minutes
Number of days Aerodrome unserviceable –	4

• (D.S. Blaine) Group Captain,
  Commanding Officer,
  No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
  MOSSBANK, Saskatchewan.