Daily Diary

No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

December 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 1489

1 December 1943
Wednesday

1 December 1943
Wednesday
(continued)

• Very poor, condition prevalent considerable improvement during last half of day.
• Possible flying hours – 10
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day Nil Night Nil.

2 December 1943
Thursday

• C.A.V.U. all day.
• Another American Badminton Tournament was held in the Drill Hall with 20 couples participating. Coffee and sandwiches were served in the Mezzanine Lounge and an enjoyable evening was spent by all.
• Possible flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs. 30 min. Night 5 hrs.

3 December 1943
Friday

• Weather overcast approximately 5000 feet, lowering 500 to 1000 feet.
• The Men’s Basketball team from this Unit played No. 15 E.F.T.S. in Regina, the score being 43- 40 in favor of No. 15 E.F.T.S.
• Possible flying hours – 20
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs. Night 1 hr. 35 min.

4 December 1943
Saturday

• Ceiling 5000 to 8000 feet and overcast.
• The Men’s Basketball team played No. 2 I.T.S. in Regina and lost with a score of 36-23, but despite two losses the boys are enthusiastic and eager for more games.
• Curling teams are being organized on the Station and they have been invited to affiliate with the Mossbank Curling Club.
• Possible flying hours – 20
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs 30 min. Night Nil.

IMAGE 1490

5 December 1943
Sunday

• C.A.V.U. Had south-west 15 to 20 miles per hour.
• A special mail service has been arranged for the four Sundays in December. Mail is brought from Moose Jaw by Motor Transport. As the regular mail service at this Unit is very poor (one delivery only on week days and none on Sunday) this arrangement is greatly appreciated by all personnel.
• Possible flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 45 win, Night 9 hrs.

6 December 1943
Monday

• C.A.V.U. Mind 25 to 30 miles per hour.
• A men’s volley ball tournament is in full swing.
• Possible flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out. – Day 9 hrs. Night 3 hrs.

7 December 1943
Tuesday

• A light snowfall made it necessary to wash-out flying and turned the dead brown of the prairie to a dazzling white. Wind south-west 15 miles per hour, snow flurries. Zero to 500 feet ceiling.
• Possible flying hours – 11
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4 hrs. Night Nil.

8 December 1943
Wednesday

• Low ceiling and snow during a.m. Flying commenced at 1230 hours. C.A.V.U. in afternoon with high wind.
• Plans are being made for Christmas and work on the Bowling Alleys is expected to be completed for New Year’s Day.
• There was a large attendance of airwomen at the Dance in the Rec. Hall. A committee of W.D. N.C.O.’s were responsible for the arrangements and requests have already been received for a repeat performance.
• The hospital was made out of bound’s to all personnel except close relations. The hospital is full and influences is prevalent.
• The hospital staff turned but “en masse” to have their picture taken.
• The Station Team is busy practising basketball. The court has just boon enlarged and lines repainted. Also the baskets are greatly improved.
• Possible flying hours – 12
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 6 hrs. Night Nil.

9 December 1943
Thursday

• Morning 2000 feet to 4000 foot ceiling. Afternoon. C.A.V.U.
• The Visiting Flight arrived in a Lockheed and for the next three days will be checking the pilots. The plane returned to Regina. Included in the Flight are S/L Cleland, in charge, F/L Hughes, F/O Webster. F/S Card and F/O Thompson.

IMAGE 1491

9 December 1943
Thursday
(continued)

• Seven Mercury Aero Engines were transferred to No. 8 B & G School, Lethbridge.
• Sgt. Salberg reported on Temporary Duty from No. 10 R.D. re inspecting settings of propellers. Bombing Flight – The visiting flight completed 63 exercises out of a possible 102, despite very high upper winds.
• Fifteen Wireless Air Gunners arrived for entry on Course No. 70 from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg.
• P/O R.C. Spencer wax posted to No. 1 “Y” Depot (Overseas).
• Arrangements have boon made to present Capt. Armitage Concert aa Saturday night. The influenza epidemic appears to be letting up.
• Harvard Step Test was given to Course No. 91 Air Bombers.
• A long distance call was received from F/P Ward, No. Four Training Command Headquarters re forced lending of Oxford Aircraft at Viceroy.
• Possible flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night 4 hrs.

10 December 1943
Friday

• C.A.V.U. Wind 5 to 10 miles par hour
• Twenty four Air Bombers were posted to No. 5 A.O.S., Winnipeg as graduates of Course No. 91
• Air Bombers today. (ED NOTE – see IMAG 1500 for Appendix “A”).
• Possible Flying hours – 15
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 30 min. Night 8 hrs 30 min.

11 December 1943
Saturday

• Morning C.A.V.U. wind 15 to 25 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind 25 to 35 m.p.h.
• Weather clear with strong winds, flying periodically washed out. Night flying washed out duo to strong winds.
• There was s large movement of Major equipment to-day.
• Influenza subsiding and sick ‘parades are becoming smaller again.
• The Basketball team from No. 2 I.T.S. played our Station team here and won with a score 61-32.
• Possible Flying Hours -24.
• Hours flying carried out – Day 9 hrs. Night 50 min.

IMAGE 1492

12 December 1943
Sunday

• Morning 10/10 overcast 500 to 1000 feet, Wind North 10 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon 8/10 overcast 2500 feet, wind North-west 2 to 5 m.p.h.
• Considerable difficulty was encountered while unloading the gasoline tank car due to valves freezing.
• F/L Hoseason from No. 10 R.D., Calgary, arrived with Oxford which made a forced 1andlag at Viceroy on Dec. 9th.
• Flying was washed out due to low ceiling.
• The frame construction on Spot Light Trainer building has boon started.
• Twenty-nine members of Coarse 97 Air Bombers commenced training to-day. (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1501 for Appendix “B”).
• Possible Flying Hours – 4
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 2 hrs. 45 min. Night Nil.

13 December 1943
Monday

• Good flying, both day and night. First below zero weather was experienced to-day. C.A.V.U. Wind North-East 5 to 15 m.p.h.
• The Visiting Flight, after giving us a very good report, left to-day for Lethbridge.
• A Bomb Aimer hit target on night exercise putting out all lights and making target unserviceable.
• Work has commenced on the laying of linoleum in the Canadian Legion Hut, Armen’s Mess kitchen and Sgts’ Mess Kitchen.
• The rooms and wards in the Hospital are being decorated for the Christmas season.
• Forty-four members of Course 70, Wireless Air Gunners commenced training to-day. (ED NOTE – See IMAGE 1502 for Appendix “C”).
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs. Night 9 hrs.

14 December 1943
Tuesday

• Morning 8/10 high overcast 8000 feet. Wind South-East 10 m.p.h. Weather was decidedly cold all day, but flying was carried out as usual.
• W/C E.C. Tennant departed on Temporary Duty to Chemical Warfare School, Suffield, Alta. and W/C W.J. Bundy assumes temporary command of the Station during his absence.
• Fifty-nine airmen received their wings to-day as graduates of course No. 66, Wireless Air Gunners. (ED NOTE – See IMAGE 1503 for Appendix “D”).
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night 7 hrs. 30 min.

15 December 1943
Wednesday

• Weather clear and mild. Morning C.A.V.U., wind South-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U., wind Worth West 5 to 10 m.p.h.
• F/O Widdington, Mr. Bruden, Mr. Dodges and Mr. Lockart arrived from No. 2 A.O.S., Edmonton to inspect and obtain pointers on our Station facilities.
• Seven R.A.A.F. Wireless Operator Air Gunners from Course 66 wore selected for commissioning.
• Possible Flying Hours. – 24.
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night 8 hrs.

IMAGE 1493

16 December 1943
Thursday

• Morning C.A.V.U., wind South-West 10 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon CA.V.U., wind south-west 5 to 10 m.p.h.
• The No. 15 E.F.T.S, Basketball Team played here against our Station Team and wen with a score of 31-18.
• There have been no new influenza patients for the last few days.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24.
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night 7 hrs. 30 min.

17 December 1943
Friday

• Weather both clear and warn, day and night flying carried out. Morning C;A;V;U., wind South West two to five m.p.h.
• Installation of the heating system in the Airmen’s Canteen leanto has been completed.
• The Hospital Staff hold a combined Farewell Party and Christmas Party for S/L M.D. Williams in the Hospital. Later in the evening they adjourned to the Mezzanine of the Drill Hall for a social evening.
• Two volley ball league genes were played. G.I.S. defeated Servicing and A.T.S. defeated Fire Dept.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs. Night nil.

18 December 1943
Saturday

• Flying washed out most of the day due to high wind. C.A.V.U. Wind South-west by south 25 to 35 m.p.h.
• The skating rink was flooded by the Fire Department.
• Badminton and swimming went on a usual with a fair number of enthusiasts.
• Twenty-seven R.A.F. reported in from No. 31 P.D. Moncton to complete course 98 Air Bombers which will commence training 3rd Jan./44.
• Possible Flying Hours – 20 .
• Hours Flying Carried Cut – Day 8 hrs. Night nil.

19 December 1943
Sunday

• Weather good for complete day and night flying. Morning C.A.V.U., wind South-west 15 to 20 mph. Afternoon C.A.V.U., wind South-west 15 to 20 m.p.h.
• An R.A.F. trainee LAC Hallington G.E.C. was injured while attending a P.T. class, suffering an intracranial haemorrhage. He was flown to Calgary, accompanied by F/L Emery, Medical Officer.

IMAGE 1494

19 December 1943
Sunday
(continued)

• The Boosters Concert Party from No. 32 S.P.T.E., Moose Jaw, presented an entertainment enjoyed by an audience which filled the Recreation Hall to capacity. F/O Daniels was in charge of the arrangements. Following the show, refreshments were served in the Mezzanine Lounge and several of the visitors borrowed swim suits and took a dip in the pool. The Badminton tournament scheduled for to-day was postponed owing to the concert.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hrs. Night 7 hrs. 30 min.

20 December 1943
Monday

• Good weather for day flying. Low clouds at night with light fall of snow. Morning C.A.V.U. Wind southwest 5 to 10 m.p.h. W.D.s held their Christmas party with the C.O. as Santa Claus.
• S/L MacDonald, Command Signals Officer arrived by rail at 1303 hours to discus allotment of radios to this Station. He departed later but air for Moose Jaw at 1600 hours.
• Gunnery Flight reports that 178 exercises were completed, 22,700 rounds were fired.
• W.O.1 Williams was posted and most important of all, W.O.2 Mayet came back off leave – a Papa !!
• A Volley ball game in the current tournament was played off with P.T. & D.s defeating Headquarters.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night nil

21 December 1943
Tuesday

• Weather clear and cold. Morning ceiling overcast 300 to 500 foot. Wind North-West 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U., wind North-west 15 to 20 m.p.h.
• Anson aircraft 8283 was forced down immediately after take-off when engine cowling came off, damaging airscrew and cowling slightly. (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1523 for detail),
• Maintenance reports that serviceability at -0800 hours was 64%.
• The first Re-Selection Board under new procedure arranged for ceased training airman on W.A.G. Course No. 68.
• The Station Rink is being flooded end should be ready for use by skating enthusiasts on Christmas Day.
• Possible Flying Hours – 15
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 Night N

22 December 1943
Wednesday

• The coldest day of the season so far with flying well ahead of schedule. Morning C.A.V.U. light ground fog, wind South-west 0 to 5 miles per hour. Afternoon C.A.V.U. Maintenance reports serviceability at 64%.
• Schedules at Bombing Flight upset due to difficulty in starting aircraft because of cold weather. Plans were received today for the new synthetic trainer.
• The Nursing Sisters quarters were re-decorated to-day.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hours. Night 8 hours

IMAGE 1495

23 December 1943
Thursday

• Weather much warmer and a complete day of flying carried out. Morning overcast, wind south 10 to 15 m.p.h.
• Maintenance reports serviceability up to 67%.
• G.1.S. reports that their intercommunications system was installed between G.I.S.. operations room and the 25 yard range, Control Tower, Bombing and Gunnery Flights, Turret Section. This promises to be a good asset.
• 25 Air Bombers of Course 92 graduated to-day. . (ED NOTE – See IMAGE 1504 for Appendix “E”).
• 43 members of Course 68 Wireless Air Gunners graduated to-day. (ED NOTE – See IMAGE 1505 for Appendix “F”).
• Possible Flying Hours – 15
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs. 30 min. Night nil.

24 December 1943
Friday

• A beautiful day with bright sunshine and practically no snow on the ground at all. C.A.V.U., light clouds, wind South-west 10 to 15 m.p.h.
• The Station seams half deserted with half the personnel away on Christmas Leave.
• At 1930 hours a band of airwomen gathered in the W.D. Canteen to sing Christmas Carols. They were joined by several airmen and proceeded to tour the Station, gathering more and more carollers as they went by. They visited the Hospital, Officer’s Mess, Sgts Mess and Coffee bar and delighted their audiences with Christmas Carols.
• At 2100 hours the Recreation Hall was the scene of a Station dance with the Station orchestra in attendance. A very clever pianist from No. 32 S.F.T.S. substituted for our W.D. pianist who was. on. Christmas leave. He offered two Boogie-woogie solos which added to the enjoyment of .the evening. The occasion was a field day for the airwomen as there were considerably moro airmen than airwomen.
• Possible Flying Hours – 24.
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 40 min. Night nil.

25 December 1943
Saturday

• Strong winds, low clouds moving in rapidly from west, ceiling 1000 feet. Mossbank’s dream of a White Christmas is still just a dream, the day was warm, bright but snowless,
• A few of us started off the day right by attending communion service, the first service to be held la the new Chapel. At 1100 hours the Officers were guests of the Sgts. Mess and at 1200 hours Officers and Senior N.C.O.’s paraded to the airmens mess where they supplied with cook’s aprons and caps given instructions regarding the serving of Christens dinner to the airmen.

IMAGE 1496

25 December 1943
Saturday
(continued)

• The Mess was gay with Christmas decorations and the tables were colorful with attractive menus, lighted red candles and bowls of fruit.
• The cooks had done an excellent job on the turkeys etc. and the airmen and airwomen appreciated the grand spread provided for them.
• At 1430 hours and 1930 hours a movie was shown in the Recreation Ball “Young Ideas” starring Herbert Marshal, Susan Peters and Mary Astor.
• No flying Christmas Day.

26 December 1943
Sunday

• Forecast clearing. A bright clear day, after a light fall of snow during the night.
• The first Church parade was held in the new Chapel where a temporary heating plant has been installed pending the arrival of the long awaited boiler.
• Possible Flying Hours – 20
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4 hours. Night nil.

27 December 1943
Monday

• C.A.V.U. Wind south-west, 15 to 25 miles per hour. Weather clear and warn. Flying carried out all afternoon.
• Work was resumed in N.C.O.’s quarters and spot light trainer. Contract awarded Waterman & Waterbury, Regina for new synthetic trainer.
• F/L Jennings assumed command of A.T.S. in the absence of S/L Hale who proceeded on the War Staff Course.
• Possible Flying Hours – 15
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4 hrs 30 min. Night nil

28 December 1943
Tuesday

• C.A.V.U. Wind; south-west 10 to 15 miles per hour.
• W.A.G. Course 69 completed flying today and will be leaving on New Years leave.
• Very quiet day.
• Possible Flying Hours 10
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 4 hrs. Night nil.

29 December 1943
Wednesday

• Morning C.A.V.U. wind south-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. Wind calm. Good Flying weather.
• Course 93 Gunners commenced Gl and G7 exercises.
• The steam heating system for the Station Chapel was received to-day.
• The Legion MadCaps came to Mossbank and presented a very lively show which was greatly enjoyed by all personnel. Attached as appendices are photos taken of some of the members of the cast. (ED NOTE – not ATTACHED)
• Possible Flying hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 30 main. Night nil

IMAGE 1497

30 December 1943
Thursday

• Morning C.A.V.U. Wind south-west 50 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon, same.
• The second reportable accident in four months happened yesterday when a Lysander, Pilot – Sgt. Whittaker, ground looped. Inspection revealed a damaged spar. (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1523 for detail).
• Possible Flying Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 30 min. Night Nil.

31 December 1943
Friday

• Morning C.A.VU. Wind south-west-5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon same.
• Flying carried out until 17.30 hours.
• F/L C.W, Braburn arrived from No. 4 training Command on the matter of Pre-rehabilition.
• Final arrangements for the Station New Year’s Dance were completed. An attendance of approximately 600 included all ranks. Immediately after the singing of Auld Lang Syne, the Commanding Officer delivered a New Year’s Message.
• Possible Flying, Hours – 24
• Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hrs 30 min. Night Nil.
• N.B. A summary of “Acquaintance Day” held at this Unit 28 Nov./43 and omitted from the last submission of the Daily Diary is attached as Appendix *K” (IMAGE 1516)

Water Consumption

Water Consumption for Month of December, 1943	1,153,700 gallons
Average Daily Consumption	37,216 2/5 gallons

Aircraft Strength

	Serviceable	Unserviceable
Anson II	23	Nil
Bolingbroke IV-T	16	6
Lysander III-TT, III, IIIA-TT	7	6
Harvard II	1	1
Menasco Moth II	2	Nil

Flying Hours

Total Flying Hours for Month of December, 1943

2,682 hrs 20 min.

IMAGE 1498

31 December 1943
Friday
(continued)

(E.C. Tennant) Wing Commander,
Commanding Officer,
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
MOSSBANK, Saskatchewan.

IMAGE 1499

Duplicate of IMAGE 1498

IMAGE 1500

APPENDIX “A”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		91 – Air Bombers
Course Began		20 September 1943
Number of Trainees starting		28
	RCAF	26
	RAAF
	RAF	1
	RNZAF
Course Ended		10 December 1943
	Transfers in	1 RCAF from Course 89
	Transfers Out	3 RCAF
	Reselection	1
DISPOSITION
	No 5 AOS, Winnipeg	23 – RCAF 5 – RAF

IMAGE 1501

APPENDIX “B”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		97 – Air Bombers
Course Began		12 December 1943
Number of Trainees starting		29
	RCAF
	RAAF	21 posted from No 3 R.D. 19 November 1943
	RAF	6 posted from No 12 S.F.T.S., Brandon
	RNZAF
Course Ended		10 December 1943
	Transfers in	1 RAF from course 96 1 RAF from course 93

IMAGE 1502

APPENDIX “C”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		70 – Wireless Air Gunner
Course Began		13 December 1943
Number of Trainees starting		44
	RCAF	11 from No 4 W.S., Guelph
	RAAF	32 from No 3 W.S., Winnipeg
	RAF
	RNZAF
	Transfers in	1 RCAF from Course 68

IMAGE 1503

APPENDIX “D”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		66 – Wireless Air Gunner
Course Began		18 October 1943
Number of Trainees starting		59
	RCAF
	RAAF	59
	RAF
	RNZAF
Course Ended		14 December 1943
	Transfers in	Nil
	Transfers Out	Nil
	Reselection	Nil
DISPOSITION
	No 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax	26 – RAAF
	No 31 OTU, Debert	7 – RAAF
	No 34 OTU, Pennfield Ridge	8 – RAAF
	No 1 AOS, Malton	2 – RAAF
	No 4 AOS, London	6 – RAAF
	No 8 AOS, Ancienne Lorette	10 – RAAF

IMAGE 1504

APPENDIX “E”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		92 – Air Bombers
Course Began		? October 1943
Number of Trainees starting		27
	RCAF	27
	RAAF
	RAF
	RNZAF
Course Ended		21 December 1943
	Transfers in	3
	Transfers Out	5
	Reselection	Nil
DISPOSITION
	No 2 AOS, Edmonton	3 – RCAF
	No 5 AOS, Winnipeg	22 – RCAF

IMAGE 1505

APPENDIX “F”

No.2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES

MONTH ENDING DECEMBER, 1943.

Course No.		68 – Wireless Air Gunner
Course Began		15 November 1943
Number of Trainees starting		49
	RCAF	36
	RAAF	8
	RAF	2
	RNZAF	3
Course Ended		23 December 1943
	Transfers in	Nil
	Transfers Out	5
	Reselection	1
DISPOSITION
	No 4 AOS, London	9 – RCAF
	No 8 AOS, Ancienne Lorette	8 – RCAF
	No 31 P.D., Moncton	2 – RAF
	No 1 “Y” Depot, Lachine	8 – RCAF 5 – RAAF 2 – RNZAF
	Lachine for Subsequent reposting to No 111 OTU, Nassau	6 – RCAF 3 – RAAF

IMAGE 1506

Appendix “G”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1507

Appendix “G”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same images as 1506

IMAGE 1508

Appendix “G”

Image of Dancing Couples – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1509

Appendix “G”

Image of Dancing Couples – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1508

IMAGE 1510

Appendix “H”

2 Images of a Christmas Party – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1511

Appendix “H”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same images as 1510

IMAGE 1512

Appendix “H”

Image Christmas Party – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1513

Appendix “H”

Image Christmas Party – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1512

IMAGE 1514

Appendix “J”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1515

Appendix “J”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1514

IMAGE 1516

Appendix “J”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1517

Appendix “J”

2 Images of an event – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1516

IMAGE 1518

APPENDIX “K”

REPORT ON “ACQUAINTENCE DAY” NOVEMBR, 26, 1943.
No. 2 B. & G. School, Mossbank

Despite cloudy skies and a cold wind during the forenoon, one hundred and ninety visitors representing thirty-one different communities, mostly from Southern Saskatchewan, gathered at the Station early in the afternoon. Visitors were even registered in the Guest Book from Montreal, Quebec, and Congress, Alberta. Visitors included men of various vocations, farmers, business men, professional men, students, etc.

After registering at the Guard House and receiving individual Pamphlets describing the work carried out in each section, the visitors in groups of ten, were conducted on a tour of the Station by smart appearing trainees, most of who will graduate in the near future. Dividing the visitors into small groups enabled a measure of informality during the tour of the Station that enabled a highly desirable atmosphere of friendliness by the members of the group.

Major interest was displayed in the jobs being done by the airmen, particularly in those being performed by the trainees. It was observed that our visitors took for granted the messing arrangements and other personal services provided for comfort and recreation, and that the standard of station life was highly satisfactory. What they did want to know was some of the work their sons or friends were doing in training, and what they will be doing later at operational units. As one guest remarked when visiting the Airmen’s Mess, “It is great the way the Air Force feeds the boys, but lets go and see what my boy will have to learn when he joins up this winter to drop block busters on Berlin.

On several occasions friendly arguments developed amongst the guests, the settlement of which required the services of the Specialist Officer in charge of the section visited. A typical instance occurred in the turret manipulation section where in a few minutes available a short course of instruction was given to satisfy the inquiring minds of the group members.

Although boys eligible for aircrew enlistment were few in number, there were a number under enlistment age, and these were thrilled by what they saw. One High School student, Jim Anderson of Limerick, Saskatchewan, expressed his keen interest by stating that he was going to see his School Principal about the formation of an Air Cadet Squadron.

At 1600 hours all groups assembled at the Parade Square to witness a Wings Parade which had been especially arranged for a course graduating. After an address by Wing Commander E.C. Tennant, Commanding Officer of this School, a touch of realism was added when the Commanding Officer introduced Mr. C. Skogberg, whom he called upon to present the Wings to the graduates. Mr. Skogberg is a veteran Dieppe, where he was seriously wounded. After an extended period of convalescence, he returned to Canada to assume his duties as Auxiliary Services Supervisor for the Canadian Legion at No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School. Flight Lieutenant J.E. Branch and Flight Lieutenant E.S. Light, Station Chaplains, spoke briefly to the graduates, congratulating them, and wished them God Speed.

Following the ceremony, the visitors were escorted to the Mezzanine Floor of the Drill Hall, where refreshments were served by W.D. personnel. Here the Commanding Officer and a number of other Officers mingled with the guests who asked numerous questions about station routine, training methods, etc.

In all, “Acquaintance Day” was considered highly successful, affording as it did an opportunity for our visitors and station personnel to exchange views and enable a better understanding of life at and R.C.A.F. Unit.

N.B. Mr. Skogberg’s home was in Estevan, Saskatchewan, before enlisting in the South Saskatchewan Regiment.

IMAGE 1519

Appendix “K”

2 Images of a Parade – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1520

Appendix “K”

2 Images of a Parade – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1519

IMAGE 1521

Appendix “K”

2 Images of a Parade – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out

IMAGE 1522

Appendix “K”

2 Images of a Parade – the contrast and Black and white film make them hard to make out
Same image as Image 1516

IMAGE 1523

A P P E N D I X “L”

NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL,MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
ACCIDENTS, FORCED LANDINGS, ETC -.

Date:	Type of Aircraft or Equipment involved;	Cause of accident:	Location of Accident:	Extent of Damage to Aircraft or Equipment:	Injury to Personnel:
Dec.21	Anson II 8285	Port engine cowling came off.	Aerodrome No. 2 B&G	Port Engine – slight Damage to engine Cowling. Port airscrew split on trailing Edge.	None.
Dec,29	Lysander III A. No. 2344	Ground loop on landing	Main aerodrome No. 2 B&G	Stbd. Wing tip, tail plane tip, elevator tip damaged.	None.