Daily Diary

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

July 1943

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No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
1 July 1943

• DOMINION DAY has its usual heat wave and part of our Station personnel find shade at MacLeod Stampede which is in its final stage today. Flight Lieutenant WG. Dodd (J4877) T.0.S. from Yorkton to help our Flying Instructor Staff.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
2 July 1943

• The Commanding Officer explains mechanism of the Station Fund to airmen below the rank of Sergeant at a meeting held at 1330 hours. Airmen vote on Issue of extra messing and the majority favoured a few extra trimmings, regardless if they may not be rich in Vitamin Bl. Our men’s and W.D. Softball teams entered in the Blairmore, Alta., tournament and walked away with the highest honours. Commanding: Officer’s Parade held at 1430 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
3 July 1943

• Station Golf tournament planned for the week June 11th to 18th and should draw a good many contestants. Airmen’s dance held in recreation Hall at 2100 hours – well attended. Headquarters Squadron have P.T. & Drill at 1345 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
4 July 1943

• Sunday routine with church parades. R.C.A.F. fisherman pulls 4 couple of goldeyes out of Old Man River which runs by “Our Door” — no doubt this incident will gain momentum at fireside chats sometime in the future.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
5 July 1943

• Crane 8156 was involved in minor accident at 1130 hours, no investigation deemed necessary. Our men’s Softball team won the first round in the provincial playoffs at Taber, Alberta. Remuster classes to aircrew held daily by F/O A.J. Reeves (E.O.) who seems to have no difficulty in getting a large audience.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
6 July 1943

• W.D’s raise Ensign at 0730 hours.
• F/L W.E. Jamison (C.E.O.) and S/L J.A. Head (S.E.O.) departed on temporary duty to Mossbank, Swift Current and Moose Jaw to inspect maintenance facilities for the servicing of Oxford Aircraft of which this Unit has a small family of six.
• S/L A.C. Hull, F/L F.D. McKechnie, F/L J.G. Showler, F/L J.H. Young, W/C Stephenson and W/C Lipton arrived from C.F.S., Trenton by air today.
• Drill & sports period carried out for the Training Wing this afternoon. Musical evening held at Legion Hut.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
7 July 1943

• Routine Normal.
• Personnel given warning that Old Man River is to be treated with respect, personnel are to swim in pairs and deep holes are to be avoided — all timid souls and lone-wolves must confine themselves to showers or bathtubs.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
8 July 1943

• Commanding Officer’s Graduation parade held for Course 79 today.
• A/Cdre Carnegie who arrived at the Station at noon presented the Diplomas and officiated at “March Past”, G/C Flynn (SASO-4 TC) was also a welcome visitor.
• The Weiner Roast scheduled for tonight rained out but the weiner will keep in good condition for a future date.
• The rare showers received today upset softball schedule and neither W.D.’s nor men were able to complete their games with No. 7 S.F.T.S. In order that the visitors could not consider their visit worthless, a dance for the teams was held in the W.D. Recreational Centre. Sergeants’ Mess Committee met in the evening.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…16:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
9 July 1943

• Headquarters Squadron raised Ensign this morning.
• Maintenance Wing held P.T. & Drill this afternoon.
• Flight Lieutenant W.A. Roberts (J.4566) of our Flying Instructor Staff posted overseas. Weather unusually dull and chilly.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…8:30

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
10 July 1943

• Weather improved and normal flying resumed.
• Personnel reminded that “Economy is a good policy” as far as electrical consumption is concerned.
• Well attended airmen’s dance held at 2100 hours.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
11 July 1943

• The Commanding Officer departed today for Trenton accompanied by W/C Stephenson and W/C Lipton. W/C F.R. Sharp (C.I.) assumes temporary command in his absence.
• Golf Tournament underway with 35 entries competing in five flights.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…13:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
12 July 1943

• Small bore Rifle Club select personnel to undergo intensive training to qualify to compete in Command League.
• The first Hole-in-one scored on local Golf Course today by LAC English who was nominated to our Hall of Fame.
• Our Victory Garden gave forth spinach and radishes today.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
13 July 1943

• Control Tower Staff hold a very successful weiner roast.
• Our men’s softball team defeated Claresholm representatives 8 – 1 in the finals for the Southern Alberta Championship.
• The film “Training Table” shown to Station personnel today.
• S.M.O. points out vegetable Vitamins equivalent to an algebraic equation.(What our Victory Garden contains — ??)
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
14 July 1943

• F/O N. Bersudsky(C.1145C) arrived from Labrador to swell the number of our Nursing Sisters.
• Airmen’s dance held in the Recreation Hall tonight.
• Our Cricket team defeated No.7 S.F.T.S. on the pitch this afternoon.
• Usual routine brightened by Pay Parade.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…21:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
15 July 1943

• Adverse weather conditions eliminates all sports except the Sports Dance at which our new Station Orchestra made its debut and made quite a hit with station personnel.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…12:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
16 July 1943

• Golf tournament progressing favourably and some hard fought games promised in the finals.
• The S.M.O. gives personnel a warning that the sun can play havoc with those portions of the body that are generally under cover and a moderate consumption of violet rays thereon is a wise practice.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
17 July 1943

• With the return of excellent weather, Flying & Maintenance Wings are working at top speed.
• Airmen’s dance thoroughly enjoyed at 2100 hours.
• The increased beer quota provides the necessary humidity to Station personnel during extreme heat wave.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
18 July 1943

• Sunday routine with church Parades.
• W/C F.R. Sharp officially opens our Golf Course at 1400 hours today and to say the least, this sport is proving very popular these days.
• Old Man River is providing a welcome haven in this extreme heat.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
19 July 1943

• Construction commenced today on our tennis courts.
• Instrument and Electrical shops in No. 4 Hangar almost complete and receiving the finishing touches with a coat of paint. New offices are also being constructed for the Training Wing.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
20 July 1943

• Extreme heat curtails all sports events.
• Meeting of Entertainment Committee held.
• F/L R.D. Watt (J.5104) posted to O.T.U.
• Musical evening in Legion Hut.
• A large owl finds sanctuary on top of radio in one of the rooms in Officers’ quarters (It is to be hope’ that this was not a Barn Owl who made a mistake). However, rumor has it that the owl was very interested in the turn of events in Europe and was awaiting the news broadcast.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
21 July 1943

• W.D’s raised Ensign at 0730 hours.
• Our new Station Orchestra played for Airmen’s and Airwomen’s dance in the Recreation Hall.
• It is reported that our mythical owl is now stationed in the Station Works Shop (probably a “Hoot” Owl).
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
22 July 1943

• In an exceptionally hard fought game our men’s softball team defeated Claresholm on the local diamond. The spirit of play between RCAF Schools in this locality is very keen.
• Graduation parade for Course 80 held today. W/C F.R. Sharp presented the diplomas.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
23 July 1943

• Training Wing carried out Crash Drill practice this morning.
• Our Station Cricket Team (mostly RAF) defeated No. 7 S.F.T.S. today.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
24 July 1943

• O.R. Dance held in the evening.
• “Bank Night” started at these dances every Saturday night with $2.00 being awarded to lucky winner who has to be on the floor to collect, in the event that the owner of the number called is not in the hall, the amount is carried forward to the next dance – this has possibilities of being quite a sum sometime.
• Boxing is again on the sports menu and our team promises to be bigger and better than ever.
• The Commanding Officer returned from Trenton today and took up the lead again.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
25 July 1943

• Sunday Routine with church parades.
• A number of our personnel were shaken up and some slightly injured in a bus accident this afternoon – F/O W.H. Barlow (C.10920) appointed Investigating Officer.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
26 July 1943

• Crane 7980 transferred to Prairie Airways, Moose Jaw and Cornel FH667 transferred to Prince Albert, both for repair and overhaul.
• Our Cricket Team took a pasting from Claresholm today. The old swimming hole is getting the most attention these hot days.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00
  

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
27 July 1943

• The long awaited weiner roast held for all personnel tonight on the river bank. The natural open air amphitheater chosen was adequate for the huge bonfire and the weather and hot dogs behaved perfectly.
• A piano was transferred to the site and an enjoyable evening with the usual sing-song under the direction of our auxiliary supervisor, Mr. R.K. Simmons, was appreciated by all who could attend.
• The new Station Orchestra under the direction of F/O. R.V. Morton also took part.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
28 July 1943

• Our invincible W.D. Softball team won ‘the Southern Alberta Championship and will give the Calgary Chinooks a tough time in the Provincial Championship.
• No. 8 B.&G Soccer Team take the long end of a 4- 0 score in a game with our team.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
29 July 1943

• Commanding Officer’s Parade and inspection carried out at 1450 hours.
• This Station is really taking a beating from the sun these days.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
30 July 1943

• Two of our airmen proceeded to Edmonton to participate for swim titles.
• Pay parade enjoys usual popularity.
• W.302861 Sgt. Richmond, A.M., our Senior W.D. N.C.O. received instructions today that she has been selected for the Officers’ Cadet Course.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

No 2 F.I.S., Pearce, Alberta
31 July 1943

• The month of July having produced excellent weather for flying also extreme heat waves comes to a close and this Unit is looking forward to August when the most of our buildings will be completed and this station will know, for the first time in months, what it is to operate from correct accommodation.
• The day concluded with an airmen’s and W.D.’s dance in the Recreation Hall.
• MAXIMUM FLYING HOURS AVAILABLE…24:00

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