Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

August 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.

IMAGE 1394

1 August 1943
Sunday

	Serviceable	Unserviceable
Anson II	14	10
Bolingbroke IY-T	14	10
Lysander IIIA-TT	6	11
Harvard II	1	Nil
Menasco Moth II	2	Nil

1 August 1943
Sunday

• High scattered overcast – continued all day.
• Since flying and exercises were all well along the morning was declared free. Work continued as usual from 1300 hours.
• Members of the swimming team are using every available minute to get into condition for the Southern Saskatchewan Swimming Meet on August 7th.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day nil Night nil

2 August 1943
Monday

• C.A.V.U. Fairly dull day with cool breeze. Rain is badly needed throughout the district.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 45 min Night 5 hrs 30 min

3 August 1943
Tuesday

• Fairly cool day with scattered clouds.
• C5657 Matron J.E. Porteous and C12508 Ft/L Donaldson (both of the Medical branch) reported in from No. 4 T.C. by Air.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night 6 hrs 30 min

IMAGE 1395

4 August 1943
Wednesday

• Cloudy coming – threatening rain. By 1200 hours a gentle rain had started but the weather cleared again at 1500 hours.
• V30392 A/S/O Haycock left to attend a conference of Messing Officers at No. 4 T.C. Calgary.
• The Station Baseball Team attended the Sport and Field Day held at No. 5 & G School, Dafoe, where they defeated the local team 10-7.
• The A.O.C., Air Vice Marshall Howsam visited the Station, arriving at 1400 hours by Air and leaving for Calgary at 1730 hours.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs Night 4 hrs 25 min

5 August 1943
Thursday

• C.A.V.U. till early afternoon when showers began in vicinity. Weather cleared again by 1700 hours.
• The Station Entertainment Committee met at 1330 hours to make the first plans for a monster Field and Sports Day to be held on Labour Day, September 6, 1943. It is to be known as the “Aircapades of 1943.”
• Possible Flying Hours – 16
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs Night nil

6 August 1943
Friday

• Very intense display of lightning during the night with high wind but little rain. Morning C.A.V.U.
• NZ404074 E.A. Letchford reported in by air on liaison work.
• Capt. Henderson of the Canadian Dental Corp arrived from No. 4 T.C. on a visit of inspection. During the afternoon C1942 S/L W. Hammond A.F.M. visited the Station.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 12 hrs Night 7 hrs 5 min

7 August 1943
Saturday

• Cloudy with scattered showers. In the evening a severe thunder and rain storm.
• 25 members of Course 82 Air Bombers were posted to No. 7 A.O.S, Portage La Prairie, Man.
• 19 were R.A.A.F., 5 were R.C.A.F. and one was R.A.F.
• 3 R.C.A.F. and 1 R.A.A.F. LAC’s were transferred to later courses for medical reasons and 1 R.A.A.F. LAC ceased training – also for medical reasons.
• Members of the Swimming Team proceeded to Regina by Station Bus to take part in the South Saskatchewan Swimming Meet. With them was Mrs. and Mrs. Linda Hunt, diving coach. The boys made a very creditable showing taking 3rd place in the meet with 28 points. Having entered for nine events they returned home with 9 firsts, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds.

IMAGE 1396

7 August 1943
Saturday
(continued)

• Pilot Officer Henrickson broke the provincial record for Men’s 50 yard dash coming in in 27.2 seconds.
• A party for the graduating Class – W.A.G.s Course 58 was held in the W.D. Recreational Centre at 2100 hours free to all Service personnel. A good crowd attended.
• Possible Flying Hours – 15
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 6 hrs 50 min Night nil

8 August 1943
Sunday

• Very strong wind all afternoon. Broken overcast.
• A Wings Parade and March Past was held.at 1000 hours for Course 58 W.A.G.s. Group Captain Blaine spoke briefly congratulating the whole parade on the good condition of the camp, the team on their successes in baseball and swimming and the graduates on their excellent showing and successful completion of their course. He then presented the Wings, wishing each one Good Luck and God Speed.
• The afternoon was declared a holiday to all sections whose work was well caught up.
• Possible Flying Hours – 18
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day nil Night nil

9 August 1943
Monday

• Bright hot day – C.A.V.U.
• 43 R.A.A.F. graduates of Wireless Airgunners Course 58 were posted to various stations.
  • 11 report to No. 2 A.O.S. Edmonton, Alta.
  • 7 report to No. 9 A.O.S. St, Johns, P.Q.
  • 11 report to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
  • 13 report to No. 4 A.O.S., London, Ont. and
  • 1 reports to E.A.C., Halifax, N.S.

IMAGE 1397

9 August 1943
Monday
(continued)

• 40 LAC’s reported in for Course 61 W.A.G.s
  • 27 came from No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph
  • 12 came from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, and
  • 1 came from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary.
  • In the group were 30 R.C.A.F. boys, 2 R.A.A.F., 6 R.N.Z.A.F. and 2 R.A.F.
• A Station Kit Inspection was held at 1830 hours with officers and Senior N.C.O.s making a careful check of the Barrack Blocks under their charge.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs Night 7 hrs 20 min

10 August 1943
Tuesday

• Morning C.A.V.U. – continued all day
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 15 min Night 5 hrs 55 min

11 August 1943
Wednesday

• C.A.V.U. all day till a shower occurred during the early evening.
• The Swimming Team, accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Gutray (coach) went to Moose Jaw during the evening to take part in a Swimming Meet put on by No. 34 S.F.T.S. at the Natatorium. The competitors met great opposition from a team of Netherlanders but managed to bring home first prizes in several classes.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs Night 5 hrs

12 August 1943
Thursday

• Cold and cloudy in the morning. Clearing at noon with a high wind.
• The Station Pay Parade was held in the Drill Hall at 1800 hours.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 10 hrs 30 min Night nil

13 August 1943
Friday

• C.A.V.U. with high wind which continued all day.
• The personnel of the Station are being organized into Committees for work for the Aircapades to be held on Labour Day, September 6th. A good campaign of advertising is under way. Friday, the 13th, safely over once more !
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs 30 min Night nil

IMAGE 1398

14 August 1943
Saturday

• Another day of high wind – C.A.V.U.
• The Swimming Team visited Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to take part in the Provincial Swimming Meet. In spite of a cold raw day – and colder water – the boys made an excellent showing against ranking swimmers. They captured first in 100 yard, free style, first and second in Service Men’s Relay 2 and 3 in 150 Medley, 2 and 3 in 100 yard Back Stroke and 3rd in the mile. A second team of swimmers went to Moose Jaw to take part in a Meet held at the Acquatic Club. They met stiff opposition from the Netherlands team of No. 34 S.F.T.S. but managed to capture first and second in the Men’s 100 yard, free style, second snd third in the 200 yard Relay and Men’s 50 yard, free style. Also second place for diving.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs 30 min Night nil

15 August 1943
Sunday

• Clear bright day – C.A.V.U.
• C2612 F/L H. Bouts of Auxiliary Services Branch arrived by Air from No. 34 S.F.T.S. at 1540 hours.
• An informal dinner was held in the Officers’ Mess at 1830 hours when Mrs. Margaret Gutray was the guest of honor. Mrs. Gutray had done excellent work in coaching the swimming team and in fostering an appreciation of swimming as an Art. She was presented with a Morocco leather purse as a mark of appreciation for her work.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day nil Night 8 hrs 30 min

16 August 1943
Monday

• Good flying weather C.A.V.U.
• The Equipment Section held a party in the Hostess House in Mossbank. A very good time was reported with fun and games for all.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 45 min Night 6 hrs

IMAGE 1399

17 August 1943
Tuesday

• Bright hot day – high overcast formed by 0800 hours.
• Entries are being taken for the track and field events to be held on Labour Day.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night 6 hrs 40 min

18 August 1943
Wednesday

• Morning C.A.V.U. except for a storm north of Lake Johnston.
• An accident occurred to Bolingbroke 9985 at 1240 hrs when the pilot R126778 Sgt. Ronald John May taxied too fast and was unable to stop on arriving in front of the hangar. The port wing of the aircraft was damaged. The crew, (GB1623095 LAC H.G. Mather, GB1521445 LAC C. Matthews and GB1801056 LAC W.A. Mildren, Air Bombers,) was uninjured.
• Miss Mary Bujea of the Canadian Legion Educational Services arrived at the unit to interview the airwomen and to make a survey of how best the Legion can help with the occupation of leisure time. She spoke briefly to a meeting of the Airwomen during the evening. One interesting point that was brought forward was that Correspondence Courses are available through the Legion to the men in enemy prison camps.
• The Station Baseball Team played No. 11 S.F.T.S., Yorkton on the Yorkton field and held them to a 1-1 tie, after an exciting game.
• Possible Flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 15 min Night 6 his 50 min

19 August 1943
Thursday

• Morning C.A.V.U.
• The Inspector General, Air Vice Marshal Crolle visited the Station during the afternoon. He was accompanied by Wing Commander Drynan of Air Force Headquarters, Ottawa, and by Group Captain Iron of No. 4 Training Command, Calgary. Together with Group Captain D.S. Blaine, the party made an inspection of all sections.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night 6 hrs

20 August 1943
Friday

• Good bright morning but afternoon was cloudy.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

IMAGE 1400

21 August 1943
Saturday

• C.A.V.U. in the morning. The weather is becoming quite like fall –
• with clear hot days and cold nights.
• 30 Air Bombers of Course 83 were posted to No. 7 A.O.S. at Portage La Prairie. All were R.C.A.F. but four members of the R.A.F. One R.C.A.F. member of the course was transferred to Course 84 for Medical reasons.
• The Baseball Team played in a tournament at Davidson, losing 7-8 against Davidson who were in turn defeated by the Dundurn Army Team.
• A musical hour was held in the Legion Hut at 1930 hours supplied by the records of Mr.-A.J. Wickens of Moose Jaw. He has s very extensive library of excellent records and is willing to give time and effort to provide such programs. This particular one was made up of requests from Station Personnel. As the nights close in earlier, these evenings have greater appeal and popularity.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

22 August 1943
Sunday

• Bright and clear.
• A Wings Parade for the graduates of Course 59 (W.A.G.s) was held at 1000 hrs on the main parade square. In the absence of the Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader Laubach, Administrative Officer, presented the lads with their Wings. The Station Band was in attendance.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day nil Night 7 hrs 40 min

23 August 1943
Monday

• Morning C.A.V.U.
• 27 Air Bombers arrived to make up Course 89. They reported from No, 2 I.T.S. (4) and No. 1 Reselection Centre, Trenton, Ontario (23). 9 were R.A.F. boys, 13 were R.C.A.F. and 4 were R.A.A.F. There was 1 from New Zealand.

IMAGE 1401

23 August 1943
Monday
(continued)

• 36 W.A.G.s of Course 59 graduated and were posted to various stations.
  • One member of the course was transferred to Course 60 for medical reasons.
  • 1 N.Z. man went to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
  • 3 R.A.F. members were posted to No. 31 Personnel Depot, Moncton, N.B.
  • 24 R.C.A.F. men went to W.A.C. Vancouver, B.C. and
  • 8 R.C.A.F. members were posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
• 51 W.A.G.s reported in from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary, Alta. for Course No. 62. In the group were
  • 5 R.C.A.F. members,
  • 38 R.A.A.F. and
  • 8 R.N.Z.A.F.
• The Softball Team defeated Johnstone Dairies at Moose Jaw, 11-3.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

24 August 1943
Tuesday

• Ground fog and low clouds in the morning, clearing to become C.A.V.U.
• Miss Bujea, Legion Educational Services, completed her survey and interviews. It is hoped that through the efforts of the Legion a class in Arts and Handicrafts can be started by October 1st,
• with a trained worker coming to the unit regularly to assist in this work. Mr. Holliday of the same branch of Legion work, also spent the day at the Station. At 1640 hours an accident occurred 14 miles west and 6 miles north of Gravelbourg, Sask., when Anson MKII 7431 hit the top of a house and crashed. The pilot, R147519 Sgt. George Bertram Warren and Air Bomber R183105 LAC Thomas Millard were killed. Two other crew members, Air Bomber R174852 LAC Irving, Fredrick Cleaveland and R150078 AC1 Emile DeFortengy Jenner were slightly injured. The accident occurred during a routine bombing exercise and resulted from low flying.
• Possible Flying Hours – 20
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs Night nil

25 August 1943
Wednesday

• Morning C.A.V.U. – cloudy in afternoon.
• A return game between the Station Softball Team and the Moose Jaw Johnstone Dairies was played at 1815 hours resulting 9-5 in favor of No. 2 B & G School. The visiting team was entertained in the Airmen’s Mess following the game. This win puts the team into the South Saskatchewan finals when they will play the winner of the No. 2 I.T.S. – No. 11 S.F.T.S. game. At a track meet at No. 32.S.F.T.S. during the afternoon, LAC O’Connor of County Kerry won the mile race by a wide margin. A pick-up relay team, chosen in Short notice, placed fourth in the 440 event.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

IMAGE 1402

26 August 1943
Thursday

• Bright and clear.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 15 min Night nil

27 August 1943
Friday

• High clouds in late afternoon, otherwise C.A.V.U.
• The Recreation Hall has been under reconditioning for some time now. The change in the general appearance is most pleasing and a great deal of interest is shown, as the personnel await the opening. Although work has been rushed the hall will not be ready for the show of “The Blackouts” on August 29.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hours 30 min Night 6 hrs 55 min

28 August 1943
Saturday

• C.A.V.U. continued all day.
• Number One Entertainment Group of the R.C.A.F. arrived on the station to present their show “Blackouts of 1943.” The party consisted of 2 officers, 21 airmen, and 9 airwomen. After settling into their quarters, work was immediately started on setting up the Show. This an extra difficult task since the Hall had just been cleared of workmen, but judging by the will with which the caste went to work “the show will go on” tomorrow as per schedule.
• An accident occurred at 2320 hours four miles west of the station when a motorcycle collided with a car. R61206 Sgt. Carson (William Albert) A.F.M., was killed and R63987 Sgt. Hawley (Arthur Gordon) A.E.M., and R101910 Sgt. Beatty, (George Patrick) Pilot, were seriously injured.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

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29 August 1943
Sunday

• Bright and clear all day. A strong hot wind blew all day.
• Two shows of “The Blackouts of 1943” were given in the Recreation Hall, one at 1430 hours for personnel, (Corporals and below), and the second at 2000 hours for Officer, Senior N.C.O.s and Trainees. The two performances were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. Some disappointment had been felt at the Unit when the show did not visit No. 2 B & G School on its Western trip. So a sincere welcome awaited the players and their very excellent entertainment.
• After an accidental release of flares, Crane 8100 was destroyed by fire at 2347 hours. With quick action in pulling the burning plane from the hangar and efficient aid from the Fire Fighters the fire was soon under control.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day no flying Night nil

30 August 1943
Monday

• Bright clear day – a slight rain during the night cooled the air after yesterdays heat. 0800 C.A.V.U. continued all day.
• The final Game of the South Saskatchewan Baseball League was played at No. 2 B & G School at 1800 hours against No. 2 I.T.S. The honors went to Regina 6-3.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 11 hrs 30 min Night nil

31 August 1943
Tuesday

• Clear but ground fog to West moving in.
• Pay Parade was held in the Drill Hall at 1800 hours. This was of special interest to members of the Women’s Division who collected their advance in pay which was effective July 1st. Copies of “Contact” were on sale and found a ready market.
• The last of the peas from the Victory Garden are being used and “Corn-on-the-Cob” is next on the list for camp consumption.
• The end of the month finds the personnel of the Station in excellent health, and very busy with plans for the big celebration on Labour Day. Sports have had a major part during the month particularly Swimming and baseball.
• Possible Flying Hours – 18
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4 hrs 30 min Night nil

Water Consumption

Water Consumption for Month of August, 1943	1,275,000 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	41,135.5 gallons

IMAGE 1404

31 August 1943
Tuesday
(continued)

IMAGE 1405

31 August 1943
Tuesday
(continued)

Aircraft Strength

	Serviceable	Unserviceable
Anson II	12	11
Bolingbroke IY-T	10	11
Lysander IIIA-TT	6	7
Harvard II	1	Nil
Menasco Moth II	2	Nil

Flying Hours

Total Flying Hours for Month of August, 1943

2,991 hours 45 minutes

(D.S. Blaine) G/C,
C O, No. 2 B & G S,
MOSSBANK, Sask.