Daily Diary

No. 2 Flying Instructors School,
Vulcan/ Pearce, Alberta

May 1943

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan, Alberta
1 May 1943

• The beginning of the month finds this Station “On the Move”. Personnel Movement Order calls for 120 personnel to move to Pearce tomorrow. In keeping with the universal Moving Day, No. 2 F.I.S. is a virtual ant-hill of activity. The Station Administrative Officer has both hands full of telephones keeping everything moving, arranging accommodation, feeding personnel and the many other services at both locations (sans G.D.’s) but he has the situation well in hand(s).
• Until the 720 Mess is completed at Pearce all Station personnel are fed in the 450 Mess so that Officers now have a change of environment (as well as calories).
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
2 May 1943

• Personnel Movement Order calls for 44 personnel to move to Pearce tomorrow. This will leave No. 1 Squadron – Flying Wing, Repair Squadron and a few clean-up men at Vulcan. Station mascot (Dog – “Sergeant”) stows away and arrives at new location.
• Personnel remaining at Vulcan hope to bid farewell to Vultures Gulch on May 28th.
• Maintenance Section at Pearce set up their various Departments with mechanical rapidity and aircraft were made available to No. 2 Squadron without the loss of a single flying hour.
• Personnel receive irritating welcome at new location by Bed-Bugs strategically entrenched in three barrack blocks.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
3 May 1943

• In spite of the many obstacles that had to be surmounted due to the Move, flying commenced on schedule — at 0600 hours. Maintenance Section housed temporarily in No. 1 hanger pending completion of construction of additional hangars.
• Our very popular chaplain – F./L. J.G. Brown was delighted with an overseas posting, but he will be greatly missed. He had been responsible for our excellent Station magazine “Vultures Kulture” and he will be hard to replace.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
4 May 1943

• Due to delay in construction of our Institutes Building, temporary accommodation had to be provided at Pearce for the W.D. Canteen, Legion, Library and other services.
• A programme of light classical music in the Recreation Hall was the attraction of the evening for personnel interested.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
5 May 1943

• Contrary to International Law, gas was used today in order to oust the little unwelcome brown enemy in barrack blocks. Airmen were obliged to take part in nude parades between barrack blocks as fumigation proceeded so that a medical “Sanitary Field” could be maintained.
• Billiard tables were erected in the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Lounges.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 17:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
6 May 1943

• No time was lost in transferring the 55 mm Cinema Equipment from Vulcan to Pearce. This equipment was purchased recently from Non Public Funds and is the best and most modern of installations. The first picture shown was “For me and my Gal”, featuring Judy Garland and was well attended in spite of Duty Watch. It has been decided to give four shows each week with a change of programme twice weekly.
• The Canadian Legion will give a free show each Wednesday and on any Sunday when a Concert Party has not arranged to visit this Station.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
7 May 1943

• Meeting held of Station Fund Committee with agenda including such items as the purchase of a P.A. System, washing machines, stage lighting equipment and seeds for Station Victory Garden, etc.
• The Movement to Pearce was completed as per Movement Order and due to detailed instructions being issued daily as the Move progressed, it was carried out without the loss of flying time and the loss of a single item of equipment.
• Approximately one-half of our civilian messmen elected to remain with No. 19 S.F.T.S. and as civilians employed by No. 5 A.0.S. obtained other employment, a serious G.D. problem was created.
• A cinema show at 1950 hours in the Recreation Hall was well attended.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
8 May 1943

• The three Wings held Muster Parades to ascertain if any personnel had been blown away between Vulcan and Pearce.
• No. 7 S.F.T.S. Orchestra played for well-attended dance in the Recreation Hall at 2000 hours
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
9 May 1943

• Sunday routine with Church Paredes.
• The B.P.O. Elks Concert Party from Calgary entertained full house and the programme was enjoyed to the utmost.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… NIL

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
10 May 1943

• Guards provided by the Maintenance Section to take care of Crane 8116 which made a forced landing three miles east of Airport, later after minor adjustments it was flown back to Airport by F/L A.N. Marshall.
• The Movie “They died with their boots on” at 1750 hours well attended.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
11 May 1943

• Crane Aircraft 7765 transferred to No. 5 S.F.T.S., Calgary.
• The Commanding Officer made a complete tour of the Station and the W.& B. Officer was given a list of numerous jobs requiring attention – in order of priority. The W. & B. Staff will be on the run for some time to come.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 18:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
12 May 1943

• The Canadian Legion regular Wednesday night cinema show was the attraction of the evening.
• The small Bore Club had its first shoot with a fair turnout of future marksmen.
• Our Soccer teem held its first workout.
• Trade Improvement Classes get under way.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
13 May 1943

• The Commanding Officer inspected the layout of our nine-hole Golf Course which it is hoped will be well patronized this summer.
• Work was also started on the construction of our soft-ball field.
• The regular Thursday night show “Tish* was the feature attraction of the evening.
• Two special buses were made available to transport personnel to the Carnival at No. 7 S.F.T.S., Macleod.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
14 May 1943

• Pay Parade well attended.
• No. 2 F.I.S. gets “Pat on the back” from A.O.C. for total of 8,099 flying hours completed without an accident for the mouth of April.
• Course No. 75 graduated today.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
15 May 1943

• Normal Routine. Airmen’s dance in the Recreation Hall, feature attraction of the evening.
• Archery target completed for the Archery Club.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
16 May 1943

• Sunday with its usual Church Paredes.
• The Canadian Legion picture show well attended at 1930 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
17 May 1943

• Compulsory P.T. & Drill and sports for each Section put into effect. Maintenance Section first at bat this P.M. and in spite of the fact that they were required to devote most of the time in preparing the Golf Course, they enjoyed this innovation to the utmost.
• Picture show in the evening “Now Voyager” featuring Bette Davis.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
18 May 1943

• A Court of Inquiry composed of S/L J.W. Hansen(C01727) – No. 3 S.F.T.S. and F/L H. McKochan (C.7844) – No. 7 S.F.T.S. assembled at 1000 hours to investigate and report on a fire in a box car at Pearce Siding, involving damage to R.C.A.F. Engines and packing ve cases.
• The Airmen’s Canteen Committee met at 1450 hours.
• Cinema in the evening also programme of recorded classical music presented in the Legion Hut.
• Our Rifle Club have organized practice shoots, three evenings each week.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
19 May 1943

• Meeting held at 1900 hours to organize an Archery Club.
• The Canadian Legion free picture show held in the Recreation Hall at 1950 hours. ° see
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
20 May 1943

• Commanding Officer’s Wing Parade held on the Parade Square at 0745 hours and after General Salute, the Commanding Officer inspected Headquarters Squadron.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
21 May 1943

• Picture Show in Recreation Hall at 1930 hours well attended.
• The work on our Golf Course is proceeding in good order. Indications are that it will be second to none (with assorted hazards).
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
22 May 1943

• Normal Routine.
• Dust Storm looms on the horizon at 1700 hours and all aircraft are rushed to hangars.
• Airmen’s dance well attended in the Recreation Hall at 2100 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
23 May 1943

• Special treat provided by the Victory Concert Party from Calgary who demonstrate to 500 personnel the result of team work in conjunction with talent second to none.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 20:00
  

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
24 May 1943

• The FOURTH VICTORY LOAN drive, amid Movement Orders and a change of location, nets gratifying result of $46,550.00.
• The Golf Course now nearing completion.
• The Rifle Club is now well organized and operating in the evenings.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
25 May 1943

• Maintenance Wing was inspected (in its temporary setup) by G/C Best (SABO), S/L-Ford and P.O. Porter of No. 47 T.C. They were accompanied by the C.0. – W/C J.B. Harvey, C.E.0.- F/L W.E. Jamison and O.C.Repair Squadron – F/L L.W. Bladon.’
• Six cases of measles reported in Station Hospital.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
26 May 1943

• The Governor General of Canada and Princess Alice were visitors at Vulcan where our No. 1 Squadron is still operating. Their Excellencies presented Diplomas to our graduating class – Course No. 76.
• Aircraft Cornell FH 659 involved in Category “A” Crash near Barons, Alberta; pilot: AUS 421592 Sgt. Ridgway, RA. and passenger R.155628 LAC. Koehler, were Killed instantly.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
27 May 1943

• Routine normal.
• Our Soccer Team defeated No. 19 S,.F.T.S. 1-0.
• Committee of Adjustment, composed of F/I P.F. Kerens, F/O R.G. Mathieson and P.O A.W. Reeves, assembled to administer Service estate of AUS 421392 Sgt. Ridgway, R.A.(Deceased).
• Committee of Adjustment, composed of F/L J.B. Wright, F/O ‘Des Newcombe and F/O R.H. Parkyn, assembled to administer Service estate of R.155628 LAC Koehler, W.G. (Deceased)
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
28 May 1943

• RCAF Escort Party provided for the body of LAC Koehler, to Pearce Siding. Interment at Moose Jaw, Sask.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
29 May 1943

• RCAF Funeral for Sergeant Ridgway this afternoon, body laid to rest in MacLeod Cemetery. Airmen’s dance held in the Recreation Hall at 2100 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
30 May 1943

• Station Equipment Section personnel, temporarily situated in three buildings, suffer from “Voucheritis” as the monthly stocktaking reaches climax in its present mobile condition.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Vulcan – Pearce, Alberta
31 May 1943

• Month ends quietly with normal routine, Station awaiting the day when buildings will be completed and the remainder of personnel can be transferred from Vulcan in order to be a complete Unit with all Sections housed according to plan.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE… 24:00

(J.B. Harvey) W/C.,
C.O., No 2 F.I.S.