Daily Diary

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

June 1943

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

• The existing vacancy of Barrack Warden filled today by Mr. F. Weldin. The Commanding Officer inspected the Maintenance Section in its temporary working accommodation which is very consolidated due to the incompletion of Hangar No.4. However, due to plenty of initiative in this Section, a high rate of aircraft serviceability exists with a minimum of complaints. R.C.A.F. professional entertainers present “BLACKOUTS OF 1943” at 2000 hours, the 650 Station personnel who attended the concert, considered it worthy of highest praise. Golf and softball are No.1 mediums of exercise these days.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

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

• Alberta’s Dust Bowl received slight precipitation today which may eventually make the grass change its brown colour. The long arm of Captain K. Epstein is reaching out these days and gathering all and sundry in to his Dental Clinic, No. 2 F.I.S. personnel will soon possess the major component of a pleasant smile.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

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

• The Commanding Officer’s Wing Parade held at 0745 hours. Crane Aircraft 8662 involved in crash at Vulcan (No. 2 F.I.S. Detachment), Pilot – F/O R.V. Morton (104386), no fatalities, investigation being held at Vulcan. F/L. P. Downie (Command P.T. & D. Officer) arrived at 2 F.I.S. for a visit today. Fire Committee met at 2100 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

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

• Routine Normal. The W.D’s have organized a softball club which promises to be just as potent as their basketball team. Movie in the evening at 1730 hours well attended.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

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

• Station Educational Officer – F/O A.W. Reeves advised Station personnel that Correspondent Courses may be taken on almost every subject and that he now has the theoretical equipment for them to start. A large number of technical books are now available at the Station Library for use of personnel.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Normal Sunday with its Church Parades. The Canadian Legion provided a free Movie in the Recreation Hall at 1730 hours
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• F/L Coates and F/L Hoseason from No. 10 R.D. visited No. 2 F.I.S. today. F/L. C.D. Mathewson, C9231, (local W. & B. Magnate) posted to 32 S.F.T.S. Moose Jaw in exchange posting with F/L. W.E. Gemmill (C.8031) who arrived today and will find this Unit an ideal outlet for his abundance of energy as this Station’s major housing components are still under construction.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Hon. F/L. F.R. Harback (C.24872)(Prot. Padre) arrived at the Station today for duty. After having no Station Padre for some time, Station personnel should have no difficulty now in finding the hymn books on Sundays. Musical evening at the Legion Hut commencing at 1930 hours also Movie in the Recreation Hall.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Our No. 1 Squadron Detachment at Vulcan is preparing to move to Pearce this week. Softball practices are bringing out some good players in both Station Teams (W.D. & Airmen). The Station’s Golf Course is almost completed and rumour has it that the C.O. will Tee Off officially in the Opening Tournament in a week or so. Free Show at 1930 hours in the Recreation Hall. Sergeants’ Mess Committee met at 1830 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• S/L. Anderson from S.A.E.O. Directorate visited our Maintenance Section today. No. 2 F.I.S. “Went on the Air” at 2100 hours in the “Command Performance” Programme and all participants gave a good account of themselves. No. 15 S.F.T.S.’s Orchestra were in attendance and after the Broadcast, they played for an impromptu dance. Religious Discussion Group reorganized at 2000 hours. Course No. 77 graduated today and after graduation preliminaries, the Commanding Officer made a speech to Station Personnel, his subject – The Danger of manufacturing Rumours and the Belief in them.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• With the announcement that Drill Tests will be held on Monday, C.A.P. 90 is an unusually popular publication. Some participants experiment by putting it under their pillow at night with the hope that its contents might sink in.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• 31 airmen on the staff of No. 1 Squadron, Detachment at Vulcan, returned to Pearce today. All aircraft except three (unserviceable) find their way to Pearce to their new home in No. 3 Hangar (just completed). Airmen & W.D. Dance held at 2100 hours in the Recreation Hall.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Remainder of our No. l Squadron arrive from Vulcan and seem to be quite happy about their new home. No. 2 F.I.S. has now completely vacated Vulcan. Softball practices and Golf games hold the limelight in the sport programme. G/C H.P. Crabb (A.O. – 4 T.C.) arrived on the Station and spent one-half hour in the Training Wing.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• New Flying Schedule started today with the Training Wing going to work at 0500 hours and flying completed at 1300 hours in order to eliminate some of the difficulties of turbulent air conditions. The Command Trade Test Officer arrived today. Special buses were chartered to take 250 of our personnel to MacLeod at 1900 hours to hear Mart Kenny’s Orchestra and dance – space permitting. Pay Parade had its usual high attendance. W/C F.W. Ball (C.841) and F/L B. Sparks from A.F.H.Q. (AMT) arrived on the Station at 1400 hours by air.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…21:30

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

• Official Opening Day for our Golf Course announced for Sunday, June 20th with W/C J.B. Harvey driving off at 1400 hours; refreshments promised thereafter. Musical evening commenced at 1930 hours in the Legion Hut. Picture Show at 1930 hours in the Recreation Hall.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…22:00

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

• Court-Martial assembled this morning, to try GB754994 Sgt. Dennis, I. for alleged low flying, as follows: Judge Advocate – S/L A.C. McClaskey (RAF 44607); President – S/L. P.C. Horden (RAF 70326); Members – S/L A.E. Mix (RCAF C.2432), F/L T.L. Morella (RCAF C.3005), F/L M.C. Luckham (RAF 44607). Cricket, with-out the spot of tea, made its debut this evening when the officers subdued the Sergeants 108 – 50. The Commanding Officer’s Wing Parade held at 1430 hours. The change of time due to the change of the No. 2 F.I.S. Flying Schedule. The Commanding Officer took advantage of the occasion to speak to Station personnel welcoming No. 2 F.I.S. back to the fold also pointing out the importance of team work in order to make No. 2 F.I.S. Pearce a place to be proud of.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Airmen and W.D. Softball teams visited Claresholm with the men’s team coming out second best to the tune of 3 – 1 but the W.D’s retaliate with 6 – 0 victory. The following board of Officers convene for the purpose of taking over R.1 at Granum: President S/L. D.L.G. Jones (C.1356); Members – S/L J.A. Head (C.2118), F/L. J.A. Ross (C.12011), F/L. F.W. Campbell (C.8749)
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Maintenance Section changed their Duty Watch System to that of four pools in order to work in conjunction
  with the new Flying Schedule but the Servicing squadron remain on the six pool system. Headquarters
  Squadron carried out Drill and Sports this afternoon,
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Airmen’s dance held in the Recreation Hall at 2100 hours. Some of the transportation difficulties have been eliminated by the appointment of a local Transport Officer (F/O S.A. Newcombe) in conjunction with the granting of a few special categories in the gasoline imbroglio.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Sunday routine with Church Parades. The weather man decided that there will be no Golf Tournament today by blowing unusually hard for even Pearce. Aircraft obliged to stay in the hangar.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…Nil

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

• Maintenance Personnel raise Ensign at 0730 hours. “Peaks, Red, Cap” make their first appearance on the Station and bewilder local Service Police in checking “DRESS”.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Cornell Aircraft 10710 forced down five miles north of the Aerodrome at approximately 0550 hours. F/L. T.B, Aken and Sgt. Munro, R.A. visited the scene. F/L. J.E. Wright (C.6321) appointed Investigating Officer. Crane 8657 had a slight accident on aerodrome at 1330 hours due to high wind, no investigation deemed necessary.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…20:00

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

• Free Legion Show in Recreation Hall at 1930 hours. Income Tax problems get priority in some Sections, the forthcoming seven days should eliminate most of them (troubles). No. 2 F.I.S. men’s Softball… team defeated 8 B. & G. at Lethbridge 5-3, the girls helped themselves to an 8-0 victory at the same place.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…11:00

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

• Our congenial P.T. & D. Officer (C.14297) P.J.B. O’Mara posted to No. 2 B. & G., Mossbank. Course 78 graduated today, G/C. W.E. Kennedy – C.O., No. 15 SFTS presented certificates to graduates. The occasion commemorated inception of 2 FIS one year ago at Claresholm. Appendix “A” shows G/C Kennedy taking salute as Wing marches past. Our Soccer team met too strong opposition at Lethbridge as the short end of the 5-0 score indicates, – APP. “A”
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Routine Normal. Local men’s softball team defeated 7 SFTS 9-3. W.D’s show usual form and help themselves to the long end of the 15-2 score at the same place. Station Fund Committee met at 1400 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• This Station is building a “Float” to take part in the parade at MacLeod on June 30th on the occasion of their Stampede. Airmen & W.D. Dance at 2100 hours, well attended. F/O M.M. Swanston (4 C.M.U.) visited the Station today.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…21:00

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

• Canadian Corps “Capers”, Concert Party from Calgary entertained Station personnel in the Recreation Hall at 1945 hours. Our Golf Course is now complete and attracting an ever increasing number of players with the result that nine more sets of golf clubs were purchased bringing the total up to twenty.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Routine normal. F/L T.E. Knight (86651). and F/L S.J. Arnfield (46253) received posting notices of repatriation to the “Old Sod”. These instructors will be sadly missed.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• F/L. A.M. Paull (C6934) (CWO – 4 TC) visited the Station today.
• Airmen get notice that there will be more time allotted to drinking beer now, instead of having three nights a week to participate in this sport, they now have six nights to drink (the same quantity – perhaps).
• Board of Officers appointed, to take over contract for the construction of additional accommodation at 2 FIS from contractor – Shoquist Construction Company, as follows: S/L J.A. Head (C.2118) (Equip), F/L. R.S. Harris (C.6346) (Med) and F/L A.M. Paull (C.6934) (W&B).
• Officers’ Mess Meeting at 1400 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

• Our men’s Softball team won two games from the Taber Softball Club today, Scores 14 – 12 and 6 – 0.
• Local Stocktaking Board go into action to ascertain the existence of goods and chattels in connection with Non-Public Funds.
• This Station’s representation in the Float competition at MacLeod won first money. One Flight of Airwomen and two Flights of airmen and trainees(Off. & Airmen) took part in the parade which was a great success even if the weather man picked this day to dampen things.
• A great many of our personnel from the East saw our original landlords complete with regalia and without a postcard for a background.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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

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Page with 2 photographs

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Page with 2 photographs