Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

November 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 1457

1 November 1943
Monday

1 November 1943
Monday

• Dark wet day – Morning solid overcast 200-300 ft. light snow continued till late evening. . Time for the Trade Tests again. C10532 F/L R.A. Reid (Photo) and C26524 FO McConnell (A.E.) arrived by rail at 1330 hours to conduct the tests during this week.
• Graduation date for Course 64 WAGS extended to November 15th.
• Course 94 Air Bombers commenced training. There were 27 R.A.F., and one R.C.A.F. The R.C.A.F. trainee was transferred from Course 92 Air Bomber to course 94 Air Bomber. One R.C.A.F. trainee reported on station from No. 2 l.T.S. Regina to complete course 95 Air Bomber.
• Possible flying hours – Nil
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

2 November 1943
Tuesday

• Frosty, clear and bright. Morning C.A.V.U. continued all day.
• A short film made by the Associated Screen News during the summer and depicting some phases in the life of an Airwoman was shown in the Recreation Hall in conjunction with the regular show.
• The Entertainment Committee met at 1600 hours in the S.A.O.’s Office to check final plans for
• the Broadcast and Dance by Mart Kenny to be held on Friday night. Due to the isolated position of the Unit, extra arrangements must always be made for transportation, accommodation and refreshments in connection with any Special Event such as this.
• Possible flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:40 Night 8:30

IMAGE 1458

3 November 1943
Wednesday

• Sunny, bright and clear. Morning high scattered overcast, otherwise C.A.V.U., threatening in afternoon.
• V30105 Ft/O M.X. Clark, Command Equipment Messing Officer, visited the Station and made a survey and inspection of all three messes.
• C3880 S/L P.M. Hale (O.C. Flying) attended a conference in Regina. (C3616) S/L T.F. Allison (S.A.O.) proceeded to Moose Jaw to attend a Sports Meeting. He was accompanied by F/O P. O’Mara, the Unit Sports Officer.
• C158 G/C S.G, Cowan (Equipment) arrived at 1307 hours by rail to discuss Equipment matters with the S.E.O.
• Possible Flying Hours – 22
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:35 Night 2:30

4 November 1943
Thursday

• Heavy fog – chill and damp. Morning C.A.V.U. – fair afternoon.
• Possible Flying Hours – 8
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 2:45 Night Nil

5 November 1943
Friday

• Dark, with rain turning to light snow. Morning C.A.V.Z. – unfavourable all day.
• The big excitement of the day was the Broadcast and Dance featuring Mart Kenny and his Western Gentlemen. By 1745 hours the Drill Hall was filled with an appreciative audience who showed by their hearty applause how much they enjoyed the music and the short program which followed the Broadcast.
• At 2100 hours, dancing began and midnight came all too soon. In spite of the wet and mud, the floor of the Drill Hall was in good shape for the dance. Five bus leads of girls from Moose Jaw helped to balance the “boy-girl problem and the girls quickly found partners for and joined in the fun.
• Co-operation on the part of all personnel who were detailed for special duties resulted in an orderly, well run, and most enjoyable affair.
• Copies of “Contact” were sold at the entrance to the Drill Hall and found a ready market. A new cover is in use this month.
• Possible Flying Hours – Nil
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

IMAGE 1459

6 November 1943
Saturday

• Ground covered with light snow. Morning ceiling 400-500 ft. Light snow – continued unchanged all day.
• A Picture Show in the Legion Hut proved good entertainment for a wet, cold night. “Girls in Chains” was the title – the time – 1930 hours.
• The Legion Hut is almost ready for general use again. At present only special features are put on there – for although the painting is finished, the new floor covering is still waiting to be laid. Special help from Regina is arriving next week to help catalogue and set up the “library”. Since about 3700 books are now on the shelves, the library has become a very important item.
• Possible Flying Hours – Nil
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

7 November 1943
Sunday

• Still dull, cold and dark – C.A.V.Z.
• A record attendance at Church at 1115 hours in the Recreation Hall – partly because flying was washed out and also because of the arrival of the new Mirshall Organ. Section Officer Andersen played for the Service and also gave a prelude and postlude. The singing was hearty and a splendid spirit prevaded. Flight Lieutenant Light gave an inspiring talk. Holy Communion Service followed the regular Service.
• Poppies for Remembrance Day were on sale at various parts of the camp.
• Possible Flying Hours – Nil
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

IMAGE 1460

8 November 1943
Monday

• Overcast in early morning but clearing later, flying went forward apace. Morning fog ceiling 500 ft. favourable balance of day.
• Sale of poppies very brisk.
• Members of the Women’s Division held an “all girl” social evening in their Recreational Centre from 2000 hours until 2200 hours. Games and singing with corn popping in front of the open fire made up an evening of good fellowship.
• Possible Flying Hours – 10
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8:30 Night 1:35

9 November 1943
Tuesday

• Still overcast, heavy sky. Cold and raw. No flying. Morning ceiling 300-500 ft continued all day.
• The Commanding Officer C1010 W/C K.C. Tennant returned from Vancouver and took over the Command of the Station from W/C W.J. Bundy.
• Possible Flying Hours – Nil
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

10 November 1943
Wednesday

• Dull grey skies – cold wind – bleak weather.
• Mrs. Baltus of the Legion Library Services, Regina, arrived on the 1307 train, to supervise the setting up of the Library. It has been closed since the Legion Hut Building has been redecorated. The Library now numbers about 3700 books so the classification required a lot of work.
• Possible Flying Hours – 10
• Hours Flying Carried Out Day 2:30 Night Nil

11 November 1943
Thursday

• Bright clear day, following a night of brilliant moonlight. Flying going on apace. Morning and afternoon C.A.V.U.
• Remembrance Day – a two minute silence was observed at 1100 hours by all personnel.
• Dance held in the W.D. Canteen for Corporals and below – and a good time was enjoyed by all. The Station Dance Band provided the music and during the evening, the Commanding Officer, Adjutant, and W.D. Officer dropped in for a short time.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out Day 9:50 Night 8:30

IMAGE 1461

12 November 1943
Friday

• A beautiful warm, clear day, during which flying went on apace. Morning C.A.V.U., continued all day.
• Mrs. Baltus returned to Regina after organising the library in the Canadian Legion Hut, and instructing an airwoman in her duties as librarian.
• Mr. Cal Suter of Mossbank, presented the Officers’ Mess with a barrel of oysters, which were served to an enthusiastic and ravenous gathering at the evening meal. Late flyers complained bitterly that by the time they reached the dining room all the oysters were gone! and they were obliged to subsist on roast veal.
• One R.A.A.F. and one R.N.Z.A.F. trainee reported on the Station from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg to complete course 68 W.A.G.’s.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night 9:30

13 November 1943
Saturday

• Very low ceiling in the early morning which lifted just before noon and made flying possible. Everywhere covered with a heavy hoar frost, which beautified the landscape. Morning C.A.V.Z – afternoon favourable.
• The airwomen sold poppies for Remembrance Day and collected the sum of $30.00 out of the total quota for the station which was $55.00.
• The airwomen are enjoying a badminton tournament, and many games are being played, in spite of the slippery floors which are not yet back to normal after being waxed for the Mart Kenny dance.
• Two R.A.F. and twenty-five R.C.A.F. trainees reported on the Station from No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ontario to complete course 68 W.A.G.’s. Twelve R.C.A.F., six R.A.A.F., and one R.N.Z.A.F. trainee reported on the Station from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg to complete course 68 W.A.G.’s. One other R.A.A.F. trainee was to report but is still in hospital in New York.
• Twenty-seven R.A.F. trainees reported en the Station from No. 31 P.D. Moncton, N.B. to complete course 96 Air Bombers.
• Possible Flying Hours – 11
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 3:00 Night Nil

IMAGE 1462

14 November 1943
Sunday

• A cloudy morning with no flying. Morning ceiling 800 ft. – 11:30 hours ceiling 300 ft. continued with light snow flury, balance of day.
• Church Parade was unusually well attended, and a definite interest in the new organ was noticed. Holy communion was administered at the close of the Service. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Chapel which is now complete except for a heating system. A farewell gathering was arranged by the airwomen for Ft/O Reed and took the form of a hard-times party. A band of merry airwomen called at the W.D. Officer’s quarters for the guest of honour in a tractor complete with trailer and she was driven to the W.D. Canteen amid the shouts and screams of the girls. A program was presented by the airwomen, which included vooal solos, skits, and games, after which refreshments were served from a table covered with newspapers and decorated with vegetables. Course 89 Air Bombers graduated and were posted out.
• Sixteen R.C.A.F., Nine R.A.F., Four R.A.A.F., and one R.N.Z.A.F. – all were posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg. One R.C.A.F. trainee was transferred to course 92 for Medical Reasons.
• Possible Flying Hours – Nil
• Hours flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil

15 November 1943
Monday

• A clear bright day, with flying.
• C10214 F/L C.S. Lindberg, Command Trade Test Officer reported in on Temporary Duty, to attend a Board of Officers, and returned by M.T. to Moose Jaw.
• Ft/O K.E. Reed left the Station on posting to No. 3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. She had been at this Unit for over a year and was a great favourite with both airwoman and airmen alike. Course 68 W.A.G. commenced training consisting of fifty trainees; Two R.A.F.; Thirty-seven R.C.A.F.; Two R.N.Z.A.F.; Nine R.A.A.F.
• Course 95 Air Bombers commenced training, consisting ef twenty-six trainees; Twenty R.A.A.F. and Six R.C.A.F.
• Course 64 W.A.G.’s graduated, and posted out. Consisted of 56 Trainees; Six R.C.A.F.; Forty-eight R.A.A.F.; Four R.N.Z.A.F. They were posted as follows:
  • Six R.C.A.F. – posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
  • Nine R.A.A.F.- posted to No. 31 O.T.U., Debert, N.S.
  • Two R.A.A.F. – posted to No. 34 O.T.U., Pennfield Ridge, N.B.
  • Thirty R.A.A.F. – posted to No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ont.
  • Seven R.A.A.F. – posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
  • Four R.N.Z.A.F. – posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
  • One R.A.A.F. Trainee was transferred from Course 64 W.A.G. to Course 65 W.A.G. for Medical Reasons. (cont’d)

IMAGE 1463

13 November 1943
Monday
(continued)

• At 1335 hours an accident occurred on the main aerodrome when Bolingbroke IV-T 10066 caught fire. The pilot R70312 WI2 Brennan. F.V. was uninjured. Three Wireless Air Gunners. R194857 LAC Burke, V.L., R191998 LAC Cassells, J., R124105 LAC Champagne, RMJ, also uninjured. The Pilot was returning from a routine Gunnery exercise when the fuel line broke, spraying interior of aircraft with gasoline which caught fire. Pilot landed with wheels down.
• Possible flying Hours – 20
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8:30 Night 8-00

16 November 1943
Tuesday

• A beautiful warm bright day – just like July days should have been but were not.
• S/L N. Helwig – 3297 – Aircraft Recognition Officer from A.F.H.Q. arrived by air at 1730 hours and departed by air for 34 S.F.T.S. at 1230 hours November 17.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 10:10 Night 9:00

17 November 1943
Wednesday

• A clear day with a strong wind in the afternoon. But no complaints can be made as the weather so far has been exceptionally mild for November.
• The wearing of Great Coats and Gloves by all personnel was made compulsory when leaving the station, effective to-day.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night 5:30

18 November 1943
Thursday

• Clear bright day with blue skies and a cold wind.
• Commanding Officer’s Inspection, so everyone is busy cleaning and polishing. An American Badminton Tournament was held, in which twenty couples participated. Airwomen were teamed with Officers – the Commanding Officer and his partner, a small red-headed clerk accounting, made a very high score. After the tournament, coffee and do-nuts were served on the mezzanine lounge.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24 _
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:00 Night Nil

IMAGE 1464

19 November 1943
Friday

• Friday: Clear cold morning.
• At 1300 hours, a Station Parade was held, at which the Commanding Officer inspected the winter kit of all personnel.
• “Thermionic Valve” – a film of special interest to maintenance personnel, was shown ia tha Recreation Hall.
• Possible Flying Hours – 34
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night Nil

20 November 1943
Saturday

• Clear bright day again – with flying limited duo to low serviceability.
• Announcement was made that evening classes in conversational German, and senior mathematics will be held three times each week, commencing November 22nd.
• Wing Commander C.H. Press (33279), Captain T.P. Kempster (102709V), Squadron Leader A Cross (42965),Squadron Leader R. Keltner (C2105), Wing Commander W.F. Hobson (26180), visited the station for purpose of discussing armament training.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night Nil

21 November 1943
Sunday

• Clear, cold day – C.A.V.U.
• It is noticed that only a few Great Coats are being worn, which is very unusual for this time of year.
• A good attendance at Church Parade again, with several remaining for Holy Communion. Wings Parade was held at 1430 hours.
• Course 65 W.A.G. consisting of thirty-nine trainees graduated and was posted out,
• Twenty-seven R.C.A.F. were posted to No, 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S. Nine R.A.A.F. were posted to No, 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
• Three R.N.Z.A.F. were posted to No, 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S. . (ED NOTE – see appendix “F” at IMAGE 1556).
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night Nil

22 November 1943
Monday

• Warm clear day, good flying weather,- C.A.V.U, during first half.
• Swimming classes have been organized and will commence 23 November. All non-swimmers are being strongly urged to attend,
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 10:00 Night 9:10

IMAGE 1465

23 November 1943
Tuesday

• Overcast – cold grey day. Fog and low clouds moved in at 0815 hours and flying washed out for rest of day.
• The Education Officer has been very busy organizing evening classes for the winter season. The following subjects are being presented, Art, Automotive Engineering, Diesel Engineering, Radio, Typing, W.O.S.’s, Wireless, Signals and Woodworking.
• Lysander 2344, pilot Sgt. Templeton made forced landing at No. 1 Target due to weather conditions. Ansons 8267, 8419, 8306, 8275, Bolingbroke 10065, landed at Swift Currant Airport due to bad weather conditions here.
• Squadron Leader J.G. Sparling, Command Chaplain (P), reported in by bus from No. 2 I.T.S., Regina, and left by rail for Calgary on November 24th.
• Possible Flying Hours – 25 Min.
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 25 Min. Night Nil

24 November 1943
Wednesday

• Cold, with sky overcast. No flying. Ceiling 700′ – 1000′ – 10/10 overcast, and hazy.
• Group Captain T.W. White, New Zealand Mission, Ottawa, visited the Station for the purpose of Liaison work, and left by G.M.T. for No. 32 S.F.T.S. Moose Jaw.
• Possible Flying Hours – 4
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4:00 Night Nil

25 November 1943
Thursday

• A beautiful clear warm day – morning C.A.V.Z – extensive fog and low clouds.
• Show nights have been very popular this month, due to the excellent pictures which have been
• shown. “Hello Frisco Hello”, “Princess O’Rourke”, “The Man From Down Under”, “Salute to The Marines”, “The Ghost Goes West”, and “Dixie” are among those most enjoyed.
• Possible Flying Hours – 18
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 7:30 Night 8:30

IMAGE 1466

26 November 1943
Friday

• Another sunny clear day, with front in the early morning and a nip in the air all day. C.A.V.U.
• Group Captain D.S. Blaine, and Wing Commander Godson reported in by air from Weyburn.
• A dance was held in the Sergeants’ Mess, to which the Commanding Officer, S.A.O., Adjutant, C.I., W.D. Officers and many W.D.’s were invited. Coffee and sandwiches were served in the ante-room and the affair was a giant success..
• Possible Flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:00 Night Nil

27 November 1943
Saturday

• A dull day – C.A.V.U.
• A very quiet day at the station.. A fav brave souls invaded the town of Mossbank, but found very little doing – so came back early to the Station and danced in the W.D. Canteen.
• Course 90 Air Bombers graduated, consisting of twenty-eight trainees, and were posted out as follows:
  • Twenty-one R.C.A.F. posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg
  • Three R.A.F. posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg
  • Three R.A.A.F. posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg
  • One R.N.Z.A.F. posted to No. 5 A.O.S. Winnipeg
• Fifty trainees reported on Station from No. 3 Wireless School, Calgary, Alta., to complete Course 69 W.A.G.’s. This course consists of: Thirty-six R.N.Z.A.F., Three R.A.F., Ten R.C.A.F. and One R.A.A.F.
• Possible Flying Hours – 11
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night Nil

28 November 1943
Sunday

• A beautiful day again, clear and warn. C.A.V.U. all day.
• Church Parade as usual a Communion Service followed. The singing of a Christmas Carol brought the proximity of the Christmas Season.
• An acquaintance Day – as a stimulus for recruiting all men’s organizations from nearby towns to were invited to inspect the Station. They were met at the gate by trainees who acted as guides on a tour of the Station. The W.D. Canteen, G.I.S., Coffee Bar, Drill Hall, and Hangars were among those buildings visited. A Wings Parade was held at 1500 hours, following which tea was served in the Mezzanine lounge.
• Mr. Wickens of Moose Jaw presented another evening of good music in the Recreation Hall. The audience was large and appreciative. These musical evenings are becoming increasingly popular and is apparent from the necessity to move from the W.D. Canteen to the Recreation Hall in order to accommodate the crowd..
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:15 Night 8:00

IMAGE 1467

29 November 1943
Monday

• C.A.V.U. during morning and afternoon.
• N.C.O. (W.D.) meeting was held in the W.D. Canteen.
• Squadron Leader CM. Monteith (C2352) Accounts Officer from No. 4 Training Command, Calgary, Alta. visited the Station for purpose of inspection.
• Course 69 W.A.G.’s commenced training, consisting of fifty-one trainees of which thirty-six are R.N.Z.A.F., Ten are R.C.A.F., Three are R.A.F., and One R.A.A.F. One R.N.Z.A.F. trainee was transferred from Course 68 W.A.G. to Course 69 W.A.G.
• Course 96 Air Bomber commenced training, consisting of twenty-seven trainees, all R.A.F. Course 66 W.A.G. consisting of fifty-nine trainees, all R.A.A.F., graduated and were posted out as follows:
  • Eight R.A.A.F.. posted to No. 34 O.T.U. Pennfield Ridge, N.B.
  • Seven R.A.A.F. posted to No. 31 O.T.U. Debert, N.8.
  • Two R.A.A.F. posted to No. 1 A.O.S., Malton, Ont.
  • Ten R.A.A.F. posted to No. 8 A.O.S. Ancienne Lorette, P.Q.
  • Six R.A.A.F. posted to No. 4 A.0.8. London, Ont.
  • Twenty-six R.A.A.F. posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, N.S.
• Possible Flying Hours -24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9:30 Night 8:30

30 November 1943
Tuesday

• A fine day in the early morning with a light fall of snow before noon. Unfavourable from 1000 hours to 1420 hours for local flying.
• Possible Flying Hours – 10
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 5:30 Night Nil

Water Consumption

Water Consumption for Month of November, 1943	1,269,700 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	42,323 1/3 gallons

IMAGE 1468

30 November 1943
Tuesday
(continued)

1. The general health of the Station has been particularly good this month. No cases of influenza have developed, despite the epidemics in surrounding districts. One Nursing Sister and three Hospital Assistants (W.D.) from this Unit have been posted to Regina on Temporary Duty to assist in the epidemic there. This leaves our Hospital Staff very short handed, and it is hoped that no epidemic will develop at this Unit.
2. The Chapel remains unfinished due to difficulty being experienced in procuring certain equipment for the heating system. It was hoped that Christmas Services might be held in the new building, but this is doubtful. However, the new organ is very popular and adds considerably to the value of Church Services. A Choir is being formed, under the direction of two airwomen, to provide special music for the Christmas Season.
3. Discipline is very good/ Discipline on the station has shewn a marked improvement, j especially so in the case of trainees. Since the wearing ef gloves without greatcoats on the camp is permitted, it is seldom necessary to check airmen for hands in pockets. Women’s Division discipline is very good. A.W.L. oases have decreased and no serious offences have been reported.
4. Recreation is plentiful, and the Drill Hall continues to be popular. Bowling Alleys are under construction and should be ready for use by the New Year. Movies have been especially good this months and -the Recreation Hall is always crowded on show nights. The Station Entertainment Committee is busy arranging for regular dances to be held in the Recreation Hall during the winter months. It is expected that these functions will be very popular particularly with the trainees.

Aircraft Strength

	Serviceable	Unserviceable
Anson II	19	8
Bolingbroke IV-T	7	13
Lysander IIIA-TT	10	3
Harvard II	1	Nil
Menasco Moth II	2	Nil

Flying Hours

Total Flying Hours for Month of October, 1943

2417:40

IMAGE 1469

30 November 1943
Tuesday
(continued)

COMMANDING OFFICER, No.2 BOMBING AND
GUNNERY SCHOOL, R.C.A.F., MOSSBANK, SASK.

IMAGE 1470

Appendix “A”
(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show)

IMAGE 1471

Appendix “A”
(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show, Lighter copy of Image 1470)

IMAGE 1472

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show)

IMAGE 1473

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show, Lighter copy of Image 1472)

IMAGE 1474

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show)

IMAGE 1475

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show, Lighter copy of Image 1474)

IMAGE 1476

(Advertisement for the “Mart Kenney and his Western Gentlemen ‘Radio Show and Dance'” Show)

IMAGE 1477

(Advertisement for the “Mart Kenney and his Western Gentlemen ‘Radio Show and Dance'” Show, lighter copy of Image 1476)

IMAGE 1478

(Advertisement for the “Mart Kenney and his Western Gentlemen ‘Radio Show and Dance'” Show)

IMAGE 1479

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show)

IMAGE 1480

(2 Images of what appears to be a Concert or Show, Lighter copy of Image 1479)

IMAGE 1481

Appendix “C”
(Program Cover)

“Acquaintance Day”

November 28/43

IMAGE 1482

(Appendix “C”
(Page 1)

“Acquaintance Day”

November 28/43)

Greeting from the Commanding Officer

To you who have journeyed from the different sections of the Province to be with us on the occasion of our “Acquaintance Day” I extend a most cordial welcome. It is indeed a pleasure to provide you with an opportunity to inspect this station. Many of our guests to-day have sons or daughters serving in the Forces, Some have passed through this School. Others are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to do so. Your visit will bring you into intimate contact with the various phases of Service life, which the pupil receives in his training as Bombardier or Air Gunner. It will afford also an opportunity to inspect the numerous facilities which contribute so greatly to the well-being of all who are stationed at No. 2 B & G School.

A vast community in itself, station personnel may be divided into two groups – pupil trainees, and staff. Every effort is given to provide for personnel comfort and recreation which is so essential to efficient Unit operation and the training of highly skilled aircrew. Only by complete co-operation between flying personnel, and the equally important ground staff can this objective be attained to the maximum degree.

I should like to consider the visitors with us to-day as neighbors – neighbors who have extended warm hospitality to the personnel of this Unit. Need I state how very much such hospitality is appreciated? It is my sincere wish that to-day your kindnesses may, is small measure, be repaid.

I hope your tour of the Station will be enjoyable, interesting and educational, and that before the day is over I shall have an opportunity of meeting each one of you personally.

(E.C. Tennant) W/C,
Commanding Officer.

IMAGE 1483 + 1484

(Appendix “C”
(Page 2,3)

“Acquaintance Day”

November 28/43)

TOUR OF STATION

1. Service Police & Guardhouse – Here all personnel leaving and entering the station are checked for credentials. “Service” personnel, offenders under Air Force regulations are confined.

2. Legion Hut – In charge of a Canadian Legion Supervisor, this is the Airman’s Recreation room. Here also is the Station Library, containing 1000 books – available to all ranks – together with ‘reading rooms.

3. Barrack Block #15 – Airwomen – The quarters of all R.C.A.F. (W.D.’s) other ranks, on strength of this Unit. Women Division Officers have separate quarters. Airwomen are subject to barrack regulations similar to airmen

4. Recreation Room – Airwomen – Where airwomen spend most of their off-duty time. Twice a week, under supervision, they entertain their airmen friends. Have domestic evenings and game nights. A hairdresser with complete facilities serves their needs.

5. Barrack Block 11A – Airmen Pupils – An officer is responsible for his men their comfort and welfare. N.C.O. i/c barrack block is responsible to the section officer that discipline and barrack regulations are observed. Barrack and hut regulations posted in each barrack block.

5A. Control Tower – From this vantage point all flying is controlled. With an unobstructed view of the aerodrome the Flying Control Officer by means of various signals flag – lamps and Very Light Pistol authorized the take-off and landing of all aircraft.

6. Airmen’s Mess – Dining Room for airmen and airwomen who dine separately. Corporals have separate dining room as have civilians employed on station. A qualified dietitian supervises staff and preparation of all meals in all station Messes.

7. Ground Instructional School (G.I.S.) – Main Building – Here are taught the theory of bombing and gunnery with allied subjects. Note particularly the Aircraft Recognition Room with silhouettes of all type of aircraft. An Intelligence Library provides pupils with latest warfare developments of enemy and United Nations.

8. Wireless Room – Pupils are given practice in Buzzer and Aldis Lamp signalling. G.I.S. “synthetic” training gives practice on the ground in various operations later to be performed in aircraft.

9. Standard Gunnery Trainers – These are operational gun turrets installed in hemispheres. Gunners “fire” at attacking aircraft projected on a screen. They also are trained to inform pilots of the enemy’s movements, so that he may take evasive action.

10. Turret Manipulation (No. 1 Hangar) – Gunners require considerable practice in operating gun turrets, before doing air exercises. They work here in full flying gear and soon become highly proficient.

11. Range Estimation Room (No. 1 Hangar) – Attacking aircraft are projected on a screen and trainees, looking through a service gun sight learn to estimate correctly the exact range of the target before opening fire.

IMAGE 1485

(Appendix “C”
(Page 4)

“Acquaintance Day”

November 28/43)

12. Skeet Range (No. 1 Hangar) – This is moved inside for greater convenience during winter. Shooting clay birds trains the eye and develops skill in “aiming off” to allow for enemy speed.

13. Parachute Section – All parachutes are unpacked – inspected and repacked every 30 days. Periodically parachutes are subject to “drop test” using dummies. Great care is taken in handling at all times.

14. Gunnery Flight – Here pupils are “briefed” (i.e. receive Instruction) on their next training exercise.

15. Station Chapel – A chapel is under construction to hold Protestant and Roman Catholic Church Services. Services are held at different times of day. An electric organ has been provided from Non-Public Funds.

16. Recreation Hall – For all forms of recreation for station personnel. Standard size films are shown 4 nights a week. Concerts & dances are held here periodically.

17. Hospital – A fully modern and completely equipped hospital servos station personnel. A competent staff of Medical Officers and Nursing Sisters, ministers to those in need. All personnel are checked on arrival and departure to station.

18. Drill Hall – Facilities are provided here for all types of sports. Organized basketball and badminton leagues operate. While swimming, boxing, wrestling, tumbling, archery and volley-ball are enjoyed by station personnel. A bowling alley is under construction paid from Non-Public Funds.

Point out En Tour – 25 Yard Range – N,C.O.’s Mess and Quarters – Airmen’s Canteen – Officer’s Mess and Quarters – Dental Clinic, – etc.

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PADRE’S D.R.O’S 14 NOV., 1943.

The part played by friends in our lives is very important and yet wo may not realize it. Our free evenings, our 48’s all our eager made plans depend for success on our friends. Someone to chum with, to listen to our worries and troubles; and together to enjoy the smiles of good fortune. The friendship we make in the Service more than compensate for the giving up of Civilian privileges. The friendly spirit is indeed a gift of God. He can be cultivated to do great good and bring much happiness of all who enjoy the comfort of having a friend. Loneliness can become a serious fifth-columnist in a camp. Beware never to substitute pity for friendship, but let us feel it a privilege to be called friends.

CHURCH SERICES ON THE STATIOH SUNDAY 14th NOV., 1943
Mass (f/L Branch) 0815 hours Rec. Hall
Station Service 1115 hours Rec. Hall
Holy Communion 1145 hours Rec. Hall.

CHURCH SERVICE IN THE VILLAGE OF MOSS3ANK 14 NOV., 1943
St. Lukes’ (C of E) Morning Prayer 11 A.M.
United Church Evening Service 7.30 P.M.

A TEXT
“Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life” (Luke 10|25).

A THOUGHT
“To have a friend is to be one”.

A POEM
“Oh the comfort – the inexpressible the comfort of feelin safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thought
Nor measure words – but pouring them
All right out Just as they are –
Chaff and grain together –
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them –
Keep what is worth keeping ,
And with the breath of kindness
Blow away the rest.

A STORY
Barber – Would you mind taking off your hat
Professor – I’m sorry, I didn’t know there were ladies present.

A PRAYER
O God, grant that the wonderful friendship of our Saviour may be an incentive to us all as we go through life.
In Christ’s name. Amen.

for Your Friend and Padre
F/L. E.S. Light

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Newspaper Clipping “Apple Pie Bed”

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Newspaper Clipping “Apple Pie Bed”