Daily Diary
No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan
January 1944
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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ORGANIZATION ORDER 454
DISBANDMENT OF 2 BGS, MOSSBANK, SASK.
(This Order cancels 00 06)
COPY: 11
FILE 192-10-21/2 (DEO)
DATE: 14 Oct/44
INFORMATION
Curtailment of the BCATP permits the closing of certain Bombing and Gunnery Schools.
INTENTION
It is the intention to disband 2 BGS, Mossbank. Sask.
EXECUTION
Effective Date
2 BGS, Mossbank. Sask., is to become inactive 1 Dec/44, and is to disband effective 18 Dec/44.
Training
Course 92 (WAGS) is to graduate as planned effective 1 Dec/44.
Intakes for all subsequent courses have been cancelled.—
Establishment
The establishment for 2 BGS is to be cancelled effective 16 Dec/44.
Personnel
AOC, 2 AC, is to arrange the withdrawal of personnel between 2 Dec/44 and 16 Dec/44, inclusive.
Personnel of Military Post Office 1203 AMP (Postal Liaison) is to issue separate instructions reguarding MPO personnel, funds and equipment (See AFAO A.33/11).
Equipment
AMS is to arrange the withdrawal of all equipment, including non-secret publications, forms and stationery on charge to 2 BGS.
Buildings and Property
AOC, 2 AC, is to arrange the taking over of all buildings and property on charge to the CO, 2 BGS, and is to be responsible for their care and
maintenance pending receipt of further instructions regarding their future use.
Documents
l1. Disposal of documents is to be in accordance with KR (Air).
Accounting – Public Imprest, Non-Public Funds and Equipment Accounting
Accounting action is to be taken in accordance with instructions contained in AFHQ letter, file 1000-1-70 (AMAF/DA) dated 29 Feb/44
addressed to all Commands and with A.FAO A.20/46 in regard to non-public funds and equipment..
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Reports and Liaison
AOC, 2 AC,s to inform AF HQ when all sections in connection with the disbandment of 2 BGS, Mossbank, Sask., has been completed.
ACKNOWLEDGE
(F.S. McGill) A/V/M
f or CAS
INSTRUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH AI 5
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COPY:
ORGANIZATION ORDER NO.60 FILE: 925-72-1
Date: 11-9-40
FORMATION OF NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL
APPENDIX “A”: Personnel and M.T. Establishments.
INFORMATION
In order to train pupils from Wireless, Air Observers and Service Flying Training Schools in Bombing and Gunnery, it has become necessary to open No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School.
INTENTION
It is intended to form No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank, Saskatchewan
EXECUTION
No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School is to open at Mossbank, Saskatchewan, on October 28th., 1940, on which date it will receive its first intake of pupils.
Personnel
A.M.P. after consultation with A.F.H.Q. is requested to make Appendix “A” effective at once. Arrangements are to be made to have 35 pupils ex-Air Observer Schools and 30 W/T Air Gunner Pupils available for training on October 28th, 1940.
Aircraft
A.M.ES. is requested to arrange for the provision of aircraft in accordance with Appendix “A”.
Mechanical Transport
A.M.E.S. is requested to arrange for the provision of transport, in accordance with Appendix “A* attached, by September 24th., 1940. The balance to complete the ultimate Establishment is to be supplied by October 14th., 1940, or as soon thereafter as possible.
Marine Craft
A.M.ES. is requested to arrange for the provision of marine craft according to Establishment by October 14th., 1940.
ADMINISTRATION
Command
An Officer will shortly be appointed to command No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, which will be under No. 4 Training Command for all purposes.
Accommodation
No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School will be accommodated in now hutted buildings.
Equipment
The scales of issue of equipment are contained in C.A.P. 74. No. 4 Training Command is to inform the appropriate Equipment Depot when
the Unit i6 ready to receive the equipment in accordance with the approved scales.
Accounting
The Unit will be self accounting for pay and equipment.
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ADMINISTRATION (Cont’d)
Publications
(a) Central Publications Section is to arrange for an initial issue of publications in accordance with the approved scale laid down.
(b) Air Force Headquarters will make arrangements with Printing and Stationery Branch for issue of the initial supply of printed forms and
articles of stationery.
INTERCOMMUNICATION
address
The address of No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School will be:
No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, R.C.A.F.,
Mossbank, Saskatchewan.
Telephones .
A.M.E.S. (DAS) is requested to arrange for the provision of all telephone facilities.
ACKNOWLEDGE
Group Captain,
for Chief of the Air Staff
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1 January 1944
Saturday
Number and Type of Aircraft on Strength
| Serviceable | Unserviceable | |
| Anson II | 23 | Nil |
| Bolingbroke IV-T | 16 | 6 |
| Lysander III-TT, III, IIIA-TT | 7 | 6 |
| Harvard II | 1 | Nil |
| Menasco Moth II | 2 | Nil |
1 January 1944
Saturday
- C.A.V.U. Wind South-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Weather very fine to start
- New Year out. No flying during the day.
- Between 1100 and 1145 hours the officers received the Sr. N.C.O.’s in the Officers Mess. At 1145 hours the Mess was deserted aa all the officers and N.C.O.’s led by the Commanding Officer and his Adjutant as well as a band composed of the Sr. Admin. Officer, paraded to the Airmans Mess. Grace was said by F/L Branch after which the paraders clothed in white aprons and jackets served New Years dinner to the airmen and airwomen.
- A picture “Across the Pacific” was shown at 1400 hours and again at 1630 hours.
- New Years dinner was served in the Officers Mess at 1800 hours.
- At 2200 hours the Station seemed to have retired in a body.
- Possible flying hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day nil. Night – nil.
2 January 1944
Sunday
- Sunday: Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south by south west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. – wind west by south-west 10 to 20 m.p.h.
- Flying commenced at 1200 hours.
- Mass with F/L Branch was celebrated at 0815 hours. At 1115 hours the regular Station Service under the direction of F/L Light and at 1145 he administered Holy Communion.
- The Sr. N.C.O’s held their New Years dinner Sunday evening, to which they invited their wives and friends from nearby district.
- There were only 7 patients in hospital over the New Years holiday.
- Possible flying hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 5 hours. Night – nil
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3 January 1944
Monday
- Light snow flurries. Morning l0/10 overcast approximately 1000′. Wind west by north-west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon 10/10 overcast. Light snow. Wind south by south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Flying washed out.
- F/L Hesseson and Sgt. Cotes arrived from No. 10 R.D. by Air to wold two Bolingbroke engine mounts.
- There was some difficulty in getting enough voltage to operate Electric Welders in #5 Hangar.
- S/L Begg departed this Unit for Dafoe.
- W.A.G. Course No 71 commenced training to-day. (ED NOTE – see appendix “C” at IMAHE 1553).
- Air Bomber Course No. 98 commenced training to-day. (ED NOTE – see appendix “D” at IMAGE 1554_.
- Possible Flying Hours – Nil.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – Nil. Night – Nil.
4 January 1944
Tuesday
- Weather – C.A.V.U. Wind south-west 5 to 10 m.p.h.
- G/C Blaine arrived on the Station by air this afternoon, and brought some visitors along to see the swimming pool, Legion Hut and W.D. Canteen.
- F/L Hessesson and party departed station at 14.30 hours.
- The bowling alleys are completed and immediately the decorating has been done, will be officially opened.
- There was quite a large sick parade this morning. Mumps epidemic is apparently under way.
- Possible Flying Hours – 16 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 8¼ hours. Night – nil.
5 January 1944
Wednesday
- Morning – overcast, snow flurries. Ceiling 1200 feet, wind south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon – C.A.V.U. Wind East, North-east at 5 to 15 m.p.h.
- F/L Henry and F/L Stone arrived from. No. 2 Command to study operation of Conversion Flight. Work has new started on the decorating, seating and lighting of the bowling alley.
- Arrangements were made to-day, to take throe boxers to a boxing card at No. 2 I.T.S. on 15th Jan.
- Possible Flying Hours -15 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 8.30 hours. Night – nil.
6 January 1944
Thursday
- Morning C.A.V.U. slight fog patches, wind East, south-east 10 to 20 m.p.h. Afternoon – C.A.V.U., slight fog, wind south, south-east 10 to 20 m.p.h.
- W.O.1 Cralle was posted to Mountain View in exchange for W.O.1 Ramsay, effective 8th January.
- Nine patients in hospital, five of which are infective parotitis.
- In Volley Ball G.1.S. defeated P.T. & D., and A.T.S. defeated Headquarters.
- The Station Hockey team and inter-section hockey league are being organized.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – 10.30 hours.
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7 January 1944
Friday
- Morning C.A.V.U. Wind south, south-east 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon was the same.
- Fifteen airmen and two N.C.0.’s arrived from No. 10 R.D, to dismantle and ship Bolingbroke and one of the N.C.O.’s overhauled the Link Trainer.
- The Command Wireless Officer visited the Station to-day.
- Sewage disposal area outlet was commencing to freeze and endanger C.N.R. tracks. Corrective measures were taken.
- Thirty hockey players turned out in Mossbank for tryouts for station team.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – 8 hours.
8 January 1944
Saturday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south-west 50 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. – wind west-north-west 15 to 20 m.p.h.
- The Badminton Tournament scheduled for this evening was postponed until Sunday but quite a number of badminton enthusiasts played anyway.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – nil.
9 January 1944
Sunday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south-south-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon – CAVU – wind south to west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Very good weather.
- F/L Calderwood posted on Armament Course and F/O Henderson assumes command of Drogue flight in his absence.
- Night flying washed out due to 50 m.p.h. wind.
- Mixed American Badminton Tournament was held, 20 players participating. W/C Tennant and Cpl. Fisher were the winners.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – 1 hour.
10 January 1944
Monday
- Morning 10/10, overcast 800 to 1200 feet. Wind north-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon 5/l0 stratus to1200 feet, intermittent fog, wind north-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Low ceiling until 15.30 hours.
- No bombing all day, gunnery able to do 66 splash.
- Night bombing was washed out when weather closed in.
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10 January 1944
Monday
(continued)
- New Standard practical and oral bombing exam arrived to be used as final exam. Written exams in bombing to be discontinued.
- Test hole dug for new pipe line to new reserve well, 1000 feet south of Johnston Lake well.
- Volley-Ball – Headquarters won ever Trainees by default. P.T. & D. defeated Armourers.
- Possible Flying Hours – 16 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 5.30 hours. Night – 3.15 hours.
11 January 1944
Tuesday
- Ground fog held flying up until 1000 hours. C.A.V.U. at 1000 hours.
- F/L Nicholls returned to-day from the Armament Course at Mountain View.
- S/L Hanson reported to Equipment Section on temporary duty to fellow up observation raised on Fourth Equipment Accounting Audit.
- All General List personnel reporting for lectures from 1715 hours to 1830 hours.
- The installation of a new switchboard in the Administration building has boon started.
- Volley-Ball – Fire Department defeated Equipment.
- Possible Flying Hours – 14 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 7.15 hours. Night – 8 hours.
12 January 1944
Wednesday
- Morning and afternoon C.A.V.U. wind 5 to 10 m.p.h.
- Bombing flight completed 101 exercises, well above number required. The shortage of pilots is causing some difficulty in making up the schedule for the day.
- Drogue and Splash completed 138 exercises, the best day during the fall and winter.
- WO1 Ramsay arrived from Mountain View to replace WO1 Cralle, as school Sgt. Major.
- Basketball – No. 2 B & G beat a team from Assiniboia.
- Air Bomber class No. 93 were given Harvard Step Test.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – 8.30 hours.
13 January 1944
Thursday
- Morning and Afternoon – C.A.V.U. wind south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h.
- The strip of aerodrome between taxi strip and No. 1 Runway is in the process of being levelled to prevent unnecessary wear on tires.
- Air Bomber class No. 94 were given the Harvard Stop Test to-day.
- The hospital reported one new “mumps” case this morning.
- A W.D. dance was held in the W.D. Canteen. Personnel from Gunnery Flight were invited to attend. The Station orchestra played to a large crowd of happy dancers. Several small prizes wore given during the evening. The canteen closed at 2359 hours.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24
- Hours Flying carried Out – Day 8.30 hours. Night – 4 hours.
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14 January 1944
Friday
- Morning – overcast 7000 foot. Wind light and variable, south-east and south-west. Afternoon – C.A.V.U. – wind south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h.
- S/L Hansen completed his temporary duty in Equipment Accounting and departed.
- Flying was washed out rest of the day for bombing due to low ceiling. Drilling on the Stand by well at Johnston Lake has been started.
- Basketball – No. 2 B & G team played Swift Current team at Moose Jaw and won.
- Possible Flying Hours – 18 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8.45 hours. Night – Nil.
15 January 1944
Saturday
- Morning overcast and fog. Wind south 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon – scattered fog patches, wind – south, south-east 10 to 20 m.p.h.
- Air Bomber course No. 93 graduated to-day. (ED NOTE – see appendix “E” at IMAGE 1555).
- Boxing Card at No. 2 I.T.S. Regina. Our boxing team went to Regina to-night and AC1 Prentice won his fight and LAC Marchand lost, this decision being very unpopular with the crowd. The card was brought to a close at midnight, cutting off LAC LaFountain’s bout.
- Possible Flying Hours – 9 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 3 hours. Night – nil
16 January 1944
Sunday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind north-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. – wind south, south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h. A very satisfactory, ordinary day carried out.
- W/C W.F. Hobson, T.-Arm. arrived by air from No. 4 T.C. for a three-day conference.
- Work was started on the extension to the kitchen of the large canteen.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – 4 hours.
17 January 1944
Monday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south-west 20 to 30 m.p.h. Afternoon – dust storm, south, south-west 25 to 35 m.p.h. The high winds during the afternoon caused considerable difficulty in bombing.
- Only 79 exercises completed in Gunnery Flight due to shortage of personnel for drogue operation and the high wind and dust during the afternoon.
- Course No. 69 Wireless Air Gunners graduated to-day. (ED NOTE = appendix “F” at IMAGE 1556).
- Course No. 72 Wireless Air Gunners commenced training to-day . (ED NOTE – see appendix “G” at IMAGE 1557).
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17 January 1944
Monday
(continued)
- Course No. 99 Air Bombers commenced training to-day. . (ED NOTE – see appendix “H|”: at IMAGE 1558).
- The Bowling Alloys fully completed now and official opening is to be held Tuesday, 18th January.
- Twenty-one patients in hospital, outbreak of entiritis, the suspected source (meat) was sent for investigation.
- Possible Flying Hours – 15 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 8.30 hours, Night – nil.
18 January 1944
Tuesday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south, west 20 to 30 m.p.h. Afternoon the same.
- The A.O.C. arrived by air for a short visit during the afternoon.
- Ft/O Laidlaw, W.D. Command Staff Officer arrived by rail to spend a couple of days visiting in sections where W.D.s are working.
- F/O Cassidy arrived by rail from No. 14 “X” Depot, Regina, to disable faulty communications.
- The Bowling Alleys were officially opened this evening at 1900 hours, when the Commanding Officer W/C Tennant. threw the first balls, after which there was a great scramble for alleys.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 8 hours 30 min. Night – nil.
19 January 1944
Wednesday
- Morning C.A.V.U. with wind south west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon – C.A.V.U. – wind south west 20 to 30 m.p.h.
- W/C Hobson and Ft/O Laidlaw departed by air for Moose Jaw at 1650 hours.
- Technical stores are being moved to a new location in lean-to of No. 6 Hangar.
- Volley-ball – Headquarters defeat the Fire Dept.
- Patronage of the bowling alleys is good.
- Personnel here were delighted at the write-up in the Regina paper about G/C A.J. Ashton. former Commanding Officer of No. 2 B & G School, and his promotion to Air Commodore.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours. Night – nil.
20 January 1944
Thursday
- Morning – overcast. Visibility unlimited, wind 25 to 35 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U.. wind 45 to 55 m.p.h.
- Bombing washed out most of the day due too high wind.
- Volley-ball – Service Flight defeated P.T.&D.
- Aircrew was out for P.T. and sports in the Drill Hall because flying was washed out.
- Possible flying hours – 15 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 2.30 hours. Night – Nil.
21 January 1944
Friday
- Morning C.A.V.U. Wind south – west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon – C.A.V.U. Wind south, south-west 10 to 15 m.p.h.
- F/O LaFluffy was posted to Edmonton as aircrew and F/O Davidson is now replacing him in Servicing Flight.
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21 January 1944
Friday
(continued)
- Bombing Flight carried out the record number of exercises for the month.
- The revised schedule as of 23 JAN. permits of using only two targets and fewer aircraft.
- General camp clean up in full swing.
- Basketball – our team journeyed to No. 32 E.F.T.S., MOOSE JAW. and defeated the home team.
- Possible Flying .Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 6 hours. Night – 4 hours.
22 January 1944
Saturday
- Morning C.A.V.U. – wind south 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind south, south-east 5 to 15 m.p.h.
- Possible Flying Hours -24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9.30 hours. Night – nil.
23 January 1944
Sunday
- Morning C.A.V.U. Wind south, south-west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. – wind westerly 5 to 15 m.p.h.
- An Oxford A/C from Moose Jaw crashed on take off, but no one was injured. . (ED NOTE – see appendix “K” at IMAGE 1567).
- F/O Alger and Sgt. Pilot Hugill reported to Conversion Flight.
- Works and Buildings are changing the coffee urns in the Airmen’s Mess according to No. 4 T.C. plans.
- The A.M.P., A.V.M. J.A. Sally, A/C F. Tice, DMS/AlR,W/C J. Young, S/L J.F. Coate, S/L C.W. Banwell and F/L W.S. Warren arrived at 1530 hours by air. The A.M.P. addressed the trainees, Sr. N.C.O.s and the Officers. His visit was short and immediately after dinner the party left for CALGARY.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 hours, Night – nil.
24 January 1944
Monday
- Morning C.A.V.U., wind south west 10 to 15 miles per hour. Afternoon – C.A.V.U. – wind westerly 5 to 10 m.p.h.
- Lysander 2369 and Bolingbroke 10075 collided near No. 1 Target. Johnston Lake. Both occupants of the Lysander P/O William Russel Stephens – Pilot (J27462) and R198589 LAC Madiuk, Arther – Drogue Operator were killed. Two students parachuted to safety from the Bolingbroke and one student and R72595 WO2 MacDonald, Adolphus. Gerard pilot of the Bolingbroke landed safely at the aerodrome. . (ED NOTE – see appendix “L” at IMAGE 1567).
- S.E.O. proceeded on Temporary Duty to No. 4 T.C.H.Q. and 11 E.D. to discuss equipment matters.
- A.V.F. carried on with inspection.
- Funeral arrangements for P/O W.R. Stephens and LAC Maduik. A. are being made with Jones & Son. Moose Jaw,
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24 January 1944
Monday
(continued)
- Harvard Step Test was given to the first group of aircrew.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9 Hours. Night – 7 hours.
25 January 1944
Tuesday
- Morning – 10/10 overcast ceiling. Afternoon – C.A.V.U., wind westerly..
S/L O’Day, Command Accident Investigator arrived from Assiniboia to investigate yesterday’s crash.
f/O J, Clarke waa posted overseas.
Completed salvage of wreckage pf Lysander No. 2369.
The Hockey game wad called off due to no ice.
Our Basketball team defeated No. 32 E.F.T.8., Moose Jaw in a game played here to-night. Attendance was quite good..
Possible Flying Hours – 24.
Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9.15 hours. Night – 7.30 hours.
26 January 1944
Wednesday
- Morning – overcast 700feet to 1500 feet. Wind westerly 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon – overcast 800 fret. Wind south west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Bombing was washed out for the day.
- No flying for Gunnery Flight after completion of 34 exercises. Lecture on 8.B.A. procedure was given by F/L E.W. Lane.
- Our hockey team journeyed to Regina and were defeated by the team from No. 2 I.T.S.
- Sq/O Clark, Command Messing Officer visited us, making a tour of the Messes.
- Possible Flying Hours – 4 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 2.30 hours. Night – nil.
27 January 1944
Thursday
- Morning fog and low clouds. Wind south east 10 to 29 m.p.h. Afternoon- scattered fog patches. Wind south 5 to 10 m.p.h.
- The W.D.’s held another dance in their canteen and dancing to the phonograph wax greatly enjoyed by all present. This week bombing flight was invited and the dance was over at 2359 hours.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 2.30 hours. Night – 7 hours.
28 January 1944
Friday
- Morning C.A.V.U. wind south-west 5 to 10 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind south-west 5 to 10 mph.
- F/L Paull from No. 4 T.C.H.Q. is hare reviewing paint requirements for the Station.
- Practical and Oral “Progress Test” was completed on W.A.G. Course No. 72.
- One case of chicken pox was admitted to the hospital.
- Course 94 Air Bombers graduated ta-day. (ED NOTE – see appendix “M” at IMAGE 1568)
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day I 9 hours. Night 7.45 hours.
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29 January 1944
Saturday
- Morning C.A.V.U. wind south west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind south, south west 10 to 20 m.p.h.
- In accordance with the fine weather prevalent in Southern Saskatchewan, the Commanding Officer, Officers and N.C.O.s engaged in a softball game; The officers defeated the N.C.O.s when a tie score was broken by a home run hit by the Adjutant.
- F/L Venables and F/O Davidson were posted overseas.
- Boxing – LAC Marchand represented our unit in the Boxing Card at No. 2 I.T.S., REGINA and won his fight.
There was a messs dinner to-night at which time we bade good-bye to W/C Bundy who is posted to Lethbridge, and F/O Davidson who leaves for overseas on 31st Jan. Several speeches were given by members of the Mess and F/L Francis, Medical Officer and S/O McPherson W.D. Admin. Officer were welcomed to the Mess. - Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9.30 hours. Night – nil.
30 January 1944
Sunday
- Morning C.A.V.U. wind south west 5 to 15 m.p.h. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind north west 20 to 30 m.p.h.
- F/O Merrick DFC – DFM (A.G.) who served with W/C/ Gibson VC, dam buster, arrived on our station to address the Wings Parade for Course No. 70 W.A.G. in the Drill Hall at 1500 hours. After Wings Parade he showed slides of damage in Berlin etc. to the trainees.
- Possible Flying Hours – 24.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day – 9.15 hours. Night – 7.30 hours.
31 January 1944
Monday
- Morning C.A.V.U. wind south, south east 5 to 15 mph. Afternoon C.A.V.U. wind south east 20 to 30 m.p.h.
- F/O Davidson departed on Overseas posting.
- Course 70 Wireless Air Gunners graduated to-day. (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1571 for appendix “O”)
- Course 73 Wireless Air Gunners commenced training to-day. . (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1573 for appendix “O”).
- Course 100 Air Bombers Commenced training to-day. . (ED NOTE – see IMAGE 1574 for appendix “R”).
- Possible Flying Hours – 24 hours.
- Hours Flying Carried Out – Day 9 hours. Night 8 hours.
Water Consumption
| Water Consumption for Month of January, 1944 | 1,255,600 gallons |
| Average Daily Consumption | 38,890 l/3 gallons |
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31 January 1944
Monday
(continued)
Aircraft Strength
| Serviceable | Unserviceable | |
| Anson II | 20 | 3 |
| Bolingbroke IV-T | 19 | 3 |
| Lysander III, III-TT, IIIA-TT | 8 | 6 |
| Harvard II | 1 | Nil |
| Menasco Moth II | 2 | Nil |
Flying Hours
| Total Flying Hours for Month of January, 1944 | 2,816 hrs. 10 min. |
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31 January 1944
Monday
(continued)
Personnel Strength
| Staff | Officers | Airman of Other Ranks | W.D.s | Civilians | |
| RCAF | 75 | 670 | |||
| W.D. | 3 | 142 | |||
| Nursing Sisters | 2 | ||||
| Airmen (Useful Employment) | 27 | ||||
| Service Personnel Other than RCAF | |||||
| RAAF | 3 | 3 | |||
| RNZAF | 3 | 2 | |||
| RCASC | 1 | 3 | |||
| CDC | 1 | 1 | |||
| CPC | 3 | ||||
| Civilians | |||||
| Barracks Officer | 1 | ||||
| Others | 132 | ||||
| Total Staff | 88 | 719 | 142 | 133 | |
| Trainees | |||||
| RCAF | 80 | ||||
| RAAF | 140 | ||||
| RAF | 89 | ||||
| RNZAF | 8 | ||||
| Total Trainees | 317 |
(E.C. Tennant) Group Captain,
Commanding Officer,
MOSSBANK, Saskatchewan.
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APPENDIX “C”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK. SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 71 – Wireless Air Gunner | |
| Course Began | 3 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 45 | |
| RCAF | 2 from No 2 Wireless School, Calgary | |
| RAAF | 38 from No 2 Wireless School, Calgary | |
| RAF | ||
| RNZAF | 5 from No 2 Wireless School, Calgary | |
| Course Ended | 23 December 1943 | |
| Transfers in | 3 |
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APPENDIX ”D”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 98 – Air Bomber | |
| Course Began | 3 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 27 | |
| RCAF | ||
| RAAF | ||
| RAF | 27 from No 31 Personnel Depot, Moncton | |
| RNZAF | ||
| Transfers in | 3 |
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APPENDIX “E”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL. MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January. 1944.
| Course No. | 93 – Air Bomber | |
| Course Began | 18 October 1943 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 27 | |
| RCAF | ||
| RAAF | ||
| RAF | ||
| RNZAF | ||
| Course Ended | 15 January 1944 | |
| Transfers in | 1 | |
| Transfers Out | 2 | |
| DISPOSITION | ||
| No 5 AOS, Winnipeg | 26 – RAF |
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APPENDIX “F”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL. MOSSBANK. SASKATCHEWAN.
PARTICULARS OF GRADUATING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944.
| Course No. | 69 -Wireless Air Gunner | |
| Course Began | 29 November 1943 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 50 | |
| RCAF | 10 | |
| RAAF | 1 | |
| RAF | 3 | |
| RNZAF | 36 | |
| Course Ended | 17 January 1944 | |
| Transfers in | 5 | |
| Transfers Out | 7 | |
| Reselection | 1 | |
| DISPOSITION | ||
| No 1 AOS, Malton | 9 – RNZAF | |
| No 9 AOS, St John (Jean), Quebec | 4 | |
| No 31 P.D., Moncton | 2 | |
| No 1 “Y” Depot, Lachine | 1 – RAAF 17 – RNZAF | |
| No 3 Operational Training Unit, Patricia Bay | 7 – RCAF | |
| No 34 Operational Training Unit, Pennfield Ridge | 1 – RAF |
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APPENDIX “G:”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL. MOSSBANK. SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 78 – Wireless Air Gunner | |
| Course Began | 17 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 53 | |
| RCAF | 1 From No 2 “M” Depot, Brandon 24 from No 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg 11 from No 4 Wireless School, Guelph | |
| RAAF | 2 from No 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg | |
| RAF | 4 from No 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg | |
| RNZAF | 2 from No 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg | |
| Transfers in | Nil |
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APPENDIX “H”
NO. 2. BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL. MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 99 – Air Bomber | |
| Course Began | 17 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 27 | |
| RCAF | ||
| RAAF | ||
| RAF | 27 from No 31 Personnel Depot, Moncton | |
| RNZAF | ||
| Transfers in | 1 |
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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: | |
| 23 January | Oxford – No 32 SFTS | Selected Wheel “UP” before aircraft was airborne. | Main Aerodrome | Slightly. | None. | |
| 24 January | Bolingbroke 10075 – Lysander 2369 | Mid air collision | No 1 Target Lake Johnstone Ranges | Lysander – Totally Bolingbroke – Slightly. | J27462 F/O Stephens, W.R. R198589 LAC Madiuk, A. In Lysander, NONE in Bolingbroke. |
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APPENDIX “M”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF GRADAUATING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 94 – Air Bomber | |
| Course Began | 1 November 1943 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 27 | |
| RCAF | ||
| RAAF | ||
| RAF | 27 | |
| RNZAF | ||
| Course Ended | 29 January 1944 | |
| Transfers in | 4 | |
| Transfers Out | 3 | |
| Reselection | 1 | |
| DISPOSITION | ||
| No 2 AOS, Edmonton | 19 – RAF | |
| No 5 AOS, Winnipeg | 1 – RCAF 17 – RAF |
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APPENDIX “O”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICIPANTS OF GRADUATING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944.
| Course No. | 70 – Wireless Air Gunner | |
| Course Began | 13 December 1943 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 43 | |
| RCAF | 11 | |
| RAAF | 32 | |
| Course Ended | 31 January 1944 | |
| Transfers in | 7 | |
| Transfers Out | 2 | |
| Reselection | Nil | |
| DISPOSITION | ||
| No 2 AOS, Kingston (?) | 3 – RCAF | |
| W.A.C., Vancouver | 2 – RCAF | |
| No 1 “Y” Depot, Lachine | 18 – RAAF 5 – RNZAF | |
| No 32 OTU, Debert | 4 – RCAF 8 – RAAF | |
| No 111 OTU, Nassau | 2 – RCAF 5 – RAAF | |
| Awaiting Posting | 1 – RAAF |
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B., G. S. Mossbank
APPENDIX “P”
Daily Diary for month ending 31 January, 1944.
MONTH END REVIEW
- Health on the Station during the month of January has been good. At the beginning of the month a mumps epidemic appeared to be under way, but was soon stopped.
- The Morale on the Station during the last few months has greatly improved due to the many Station facilities and recreation activities. The new Chapel is well attended and adds greatly to the Spiritual Welfare af the Unit.
- Station Discipline – Orderly Room cases for the month of January show a alight increase over previous months due to a general check-up by the Service Police on dress regulations. One airman was apprehended in Windsor, Ont. after absence of 26 days. No other serious offences to report.
- Recreational & Social Activities
- The Drill Hall at any time during the day’s the Station’s busiest spot- badminton, bowling, archery and swimming are some of the recreational facilities available there.
- During the month of January there have been dances in the Recreation Hall and W.D. Canteen, alternate weeks, with an attendance of airmen and airwomen up to the rank of Corporal.
- The films shown here have been excellent and on The whole and the attendance each night is good.
- On Saturday nights there is always something planned for the personnel. Sometimes it’s a show, Bingo game or a tournament of some kind.
(E.C. Tennant) G/C,
C O, No. 2 B&G S.,
MOSSBANK, Sask.
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APPENDIX ” Q”
NO. 2 BOMBING- AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK, SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 73 – Wireless Air Gunner | |
| Course Began | 31 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 51 | |
| RCAF | 3 from No 2 Wireless School, Calgary | |
| RAAF | 48 from No 2 Wireless School Calgary | |
| Transfers in | 1 |
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APPENDIX “R”
NO. 2 BOMBING AND GUNNERY SCHOOL, MOSSBANK. SASKATCHEWAN
PARTICULARS OF INCOMING COURSES
MONTH ENDING 31 January, 1944
| Course No. | 100 – Air Bomber | |
| Course Began | 31 January 1944 | |
| Number of Trainees starting | 27 | |
| RCAF | 6 from No 6 ITS, Toronto 4 From No 7 ITS, Saskatoon 17 from No 8 ITS, Belleville | |
| Transfers in | Nil |
