Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

July 1942

This Transcription of the Operational Record Book of No. 33 Service Flying Training School that was Located at Carberry, Manitoba, 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 1671

Carberry.

• 1/7/42. STRENGTH: Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	90	980	–
Service Personnel other Than RAF
RCAF	10	110	–
CDC	1	4	–
RCASC	1	3	–
Civilians	–	–	11
Trainees
RAF	–	181	–
RAAF	–	34	–

• STRENGTH: Aircraft.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	62	27

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Carberry.

• 1.7.42 The Unit faced July in good spirits. During June there had been fewer patients in the Station Hospital than at any time since the Station really got into its stride in January of 1941. Only one case of venereal disease was treated in June – the best record since the Station opened, and the incidence of infectious disease was practically nil. The average number reporting sick per diem was approximately one per cent.
  Moreover, despite the adverse weather conditions during June, a total of seven thousand one hundred and ninety-four flying hours – of which seven hundred and sixty-five were nocturnal – had been achieved. The Commanding Officer congratulated all personnel on this performance.
  Eight more graduates of Course 50 received their postings and the Maintenance and Armament Sections were busy with Local Trade Test Boards.
  In the evening the Station Soccer Team inflicted a severe defeat on the Royal Air Force Unit at Neepawa, and the ‘Rip Chords’ presented in the Recreation Hall their Fourth Edition. Any doubts as to whether this Station Concert Party could maintain its high standard were dissipated. The Party played to a packed house and received rounds of applause and a tribute from the Commanding Officer.
• 2.7.42 Three more Pilot Officers were posted off the Station, two to No. 36 S.F.T.S., Penhold and one to No. 31 B.&.G.S. Picton. Two others arrived from Moncton.
  It was learned with satisfaction that the airgraph method of sending communications was now extended so that personnel could use this means of sending facsimiles of letters not only to members of the Services at Home but also to civilians.
  A new venture on the Camp was the Voluntary Patriotic Salvage Committee, organised by a Flying Officer, and intent on collecting such articles as paper, used razor blades, tin foil, bottle caps, twine and toothpaste tubes.
• 3.7.42 The Unit was braced to further efforts by the news that on the preceding day it had set up a ‘School Record’ of three hundred and ninety-three flying hours in conditions that were favourable but not outstandingly good. This notable performance made some sort of celebration very desirable. Fortunately an opportunity was already at hand, for arrangements had been made to help Carberry’s Street-Dancing festivity by lending the Station musicians. There was a good deal of fun at this unusual function.
• 4.7.42 Sixteen Airmen, full of joie-de-vivre, left the Station on posting to No. 2 I.T.S. Regina, Saskatchewan. They were speeded by many Airmen whose eyes were bright green with jealousy.
  The comparatively new Navigation Flight – under Flight Lieutenant H.M. Robertson, D.F.C.- was functioning admirably and greatly helping with training. Another fine performance for flying hours was now achieved but was just short of the ‘record’.
  The Unit felt fairly virtuous and was in good trim to play a Cricket Match against a Winnipeg team, a Soccer Match against a Camp Shilo military team, and a Rugger Match against a New Zealand team from No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg.

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Carberry.

• 5.7.42 The Air Cadets, who were sharing ‘the’ life of the Station without any fuss whatsoever, had
  already appeared on the Colour Hoisting Parade on Wednesday, 1st. July. Today, they joined in the Morning Service and subsequently paraded on the Parade Ground for a full inspection by the Station Commander. The Squadron performed all the evolutions of Marching Past with high efficiency and was then drawn up in a hollow square formation in the Drill Shed where the Station Commander addressed it from the Boxing Ring. A little later, he took his place in the centre of two groups of the Cadets (Copies NOT attached). In the afternoon the Flight Lieutenant in charge of Navigation Flight lectured to the Cadets on operations and they were given a free performance of the film ”Sun Valley” at 17.00 hours. The remainder of the Sunday was devoted to eating, watching circuits and bumps and organized games.
• 6.7.42 Flying Training was proceeding energetically by day and the Courses (with the exception of the Junior, No. 58) were well ahead of schedule. Night Flying, however, had suffered a set back through weather conditions and there had been no exercises during four out of the seven nights of the past week.
• 7.7.42 Notice was given to seventy-six Airmen to parade in the Recreation Hall where they learned that they were due to return to the United Kingdom. No exact date of posting was revealed, but it was understood that they would probably be taking a fond farewell of the Unit within about three weeks.
  Early in the afternoon the Cadets packed up their kit and marched, with band playing, off the Station and to the Carberry Railway Station where they entrained for home. The Commanding Officer, with the Padre and two other officers, was there to see them off and received a great parting cheer of thanks from the boys.
  In the evening there was a soccer fixture on the home ground with Shilo Army Training Camp – a match which brought over six hundred of the Unit to the touch lines. Two Colonels and fifteen other officers visited the Unit to see the game and to stay on for Guest Night in the Officers’ Mess. There were also special arrangements for a jolly evening for the Teams. The evening constituted an excellent “get-together” of Canadian Army and Royal Air Force and was a complete success.
• 8.7.42 Daily Routine Orders devoted considerable space to the new arrangements for sugar rationing, a notice which caused the seventy-six departing Airmen to grin mischievously. Another notice referred to the posting of a Flight Lieutenant to No. 31 O.T.U. Debert.

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Carberry.

• 8.7.42 (cont’d.) In the evening the Officers challenged the Australian Pupil-pilots to a Cricket Match on the one-hour-per-innings system that had brightened up the Station Cricket to a point which impressed the local Canadians. The Australians won by one run and were not too late to join in the Airmen’s Dance which, as usual, was going great guns.
• 9.7.42 It was announced that Squadron Leader M.W. Moore (in charge of Maintenance) had been promoted to Acting Wing Commander. Flight Lieutenant Rowe having been summoned to Command, a new Works Officer (Flying Officer D. Whittaker) came to the Station on attachment.
  It was now becoming increasingly clear that the Unit was passing completely over to R.C.A.F. regulations and practices. The “Responsible Accounting Officer” was summoned to a conference in Calgary, Alberta, and returned to insert a notice in D.R.O’s warning officers that in certain circumstances their pay would be handed to them over the counter, as it were. It was also made known that all airmen on receipt of pay would in future sign a receipt then and there. Moreover, the laundry arrangements were revolutionised, and each individual airman had in future to collect his washing from a sort of clearing-house and pay ‘on the nail.
• 10.7.42 More cheerful news, however, was revealed in connection with visits to the United States of America. Many personnel were looking forward to spending their period of annual leave in that Country and it was obvious that every effort was being made by the authorities to facilitate such visits. Airmen returning from such visits spoke of the right royal time given to them in the great Republic.
  In Winnipeg, the ‘Rip Chords’ presented their Fourth Edition in the Walker Theatre, and were given a fine reception. Newspaper comments were particularly pleasing and there was no doubt whatsoever that the people of this friendly City found the type of entertainment very attractive indeed.
• 11.7.42 The Concert Party gave a free matinee to all service personnel on this Saturday and a very large number took advantage of it. In the evening, at their last performance to a House filled except for a few seats in a not very alluring gallery, they surpassed themselves. The enthusiastic attitude of the audience was sufficient inspiration. The net proceeds of the two evening shows went to the Red Cross Society.
  Meanwhile, on the Station, the Y.M.C.A. had arranged a visit by Captain F. Armitage, M.C. an impersonator in the Bransby-Williams tradition.
  The night was rendered remarkable by reason of a prodigious and savage storm, with an eighty-mile an hour wind, horizontal cloud bursts and lightning effects equally hard to exaggerate.
• 12.7.42 The calm Sabbath after the storm was interrupted by the arrival of sixty-two airmen (68 from England) who were clearly to be regarded as replacements for those expecting to depart.
• 13.7.42 Forty Airmen received postings for aircrew training and there was no longer excuse for personnel to feel that they were in a position from which they were unable to extricate themselves.

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Carberry.

• 13.7.42 (cont’d.) A few similar postings had already occurred, but it required this renewed evidence to persuade many Airmen that, after a long period of waiting, their chance was indeed coming. Thirty-seven airmen arrived from England.
  The personnel of the Station had changed very considerably during the last few months and the changes seemed
  to have greatly accelerated in the last few weeks. To whichever Mess one belonged, it was certain that even after a very brief absence from the Station, one encountered on return a number of complete strangers. Whereas, the posting of one Junior Officer was once a matter fit for recording in the Daily Diary, the posting of three or four was now scarcely worth attention.
• 14.7.42 At the Station Commander’s Conference a variety of matters included the extermination of vermin, garbage disinfecting, kit inspections, the situation at Petrel, the Station’s roads, fire hazards, etc. There was also, a difficulty about dogs, which seemed to appear from nowhere in a completely ownerless manner and attempt to establish themselves, as regular service personnel on the messing strength. The expulsion of one batch was always followed by the arrival of replacements, and the situation was the more embarrassing as each dog appeared to take a special fancy to the Commanding Officer.
  In the evening there was a General Meeting and Social and Entertainment for the Living-Out Airmens Club which was in a flourishing condition.
• 15.7.42 The voluntary salvage was proving to be most successful. As a result of general co-operation the first collection produced no less, than thirty-four pounds of bottle caps, fifty-eight pounds of silver paper and large quantities of razor blades, toothpaste tubes and newspapers.
• 16.7.42 The outstanding event of the day was the ceremonial parade for the presentation of Flying Badges to No. 52 Course. The presentation was made by Group Captain T.A. Lawrence of No. 2 Training Command. In the evening there was the usual party given by the Graduates to their instructors with music by the Station Dance Band.
  Carberry Fair was attracting a good deal of attention and there was much fun during the evening. The Station helped the organizers by putting on an exhibition soccer match which created much interest.

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Carberry.

• 17.7.42. Flying Officer D. C. Ellis (83115) who had been at this Unit since its inception, left for Moncton on completion of his tour of duty in Canada. His successor, Flying Officer C.B. Thomas (88581) arrived this Unit by rail from De Winton for duty as Sports Officer.
• 18.7.42 The week ended in a sultry day with low ceiling. Flying was entirely suspended .from 0745 hours until 1450 hours. 115653 Pilot Officer F. J. L. Morgan arrived this Unit by rail from Moncton for duty as Sports Officer; also Pilot Officer G.F. Winbury from Port Albert for General Duties. 28 Airmen left today for No. 4 I.T.S. Edmonton for Air Crew Training. A slight Taxying accident occurred at Petrel sub-station today, when 1500234 LAC. Harris, R. damaged a mainplane and airscrew but there were no injures.
• 19.7.42 On account of bad weather at Rivers, some 22 Anson Aircraft engaged in Cross Country Flying availed themselves of facilities for landing at this Unit during this early morning. A real unexpected invasion of 60 extra personnel including 10 officers, were satisfactorily accommodated and catered for at short notice, and departed quite happily some few hours later. The Church Service was varied this morning by the rendering of appropriate violin solos by a visiting officer. Despite previous warnings that no more Sunday evening concerts could be expected, there was a surprise visit by the Priorities 1942 Concert Party, from Winnipeg. It was undoubtedly voted as one of the best visiting shows to the Camp.
  Earlier in the day 16 Airmen left the Unit for No. 3. B. & G.S. for Air Crew Training.
• 20.7.42. There did not appear to be a single sign of that ‘Monday morning feeling’ as the new week began today. In fact, the whole camp was on it’s toes in advanced organization and preparation for the forthcoming Kit Inspection for Wednesday. Maintenance Wing — invariably suffering from headaches when flying hours are up and unserviceability down — conceived their own scheme of action to get their personnel back to work with the minimum of delay. In contravention of K.R.s not a few bets were made that this interruption in daily routine would mean a cessation of work for some hours. Maintenance Wing however had no headache. The Kit Inspection is occasioned by the change over from R.A.F. Schools to C.T.E. 124619. P/O. J. Walker arrived this Unit by rail from Weyburn for General Duties.
  The ‘Rip Chords’ Concert Party had a Meeting of regrets and farewells during the evening. Some concern was felt as to whether they could continue, with the news that six of their talented artists were soon due to leave for their home land.
• 21.7.42. A variety of matters were discussed at the Commanding Officers Conference this morning. Including the painting of all Buildings and Huts; stray dogs; action regarding instances of excessive rent cases of living out personnel, etc. It was anticipated that the Bulk Petrol installation at Petrol sub-station would be ready for operating test that same afternoon, and one visualized greater activity at that sub-Station within a few days. Voluntary Salvage was also discussed and some reference to a congratulatory

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Carberry.

• 21.7.42. (Cont’d) letter on the subject of the Unit’s Canteen gave a fillip to those concerned.
  In the evening, attended by some 300 local citizens, including airmen and living out airmen and their wives, there was an open-air Sign-Song in the Town. Even if it did not compare with similar functions in Winnipeg it was, nevertheless, enjoyable in spite of a few mosquitos. The local Mayor, Dr. Waugh and his wife, were there as well as the Commanding Officer, and the event was sponsored jointly by the Station Entertainments Committee, the Living Out Airmen’s Club, and the Carberry War Services Club.
• 22.7.42. There was no Commanding Officer’s weekly Parade this morning. Astir at 0600 hours all Sections were on the job soon afterwards with the Kit Inspection. That the whole business was over by 0930 hours dispelled any idea that it would be a whole day’s job, and if nothing else, it will ease up considerably the number of Clothing Parades. Some 175 Airmen and as many lady friends found their way to the Recreation Hall for the Airmen’s Dance, which is always a really well conducted affair. That the Canadian Ladies have been well educated into an easy English Style of Dancing and have new readily adopted it” was an appropriate remark made by the Commanding Officer who usually witnesses these occasions from the Balcony.
  At the Sergeants’ Mess Meeting the same evening a farewell party and social evening was decided to be held for Senior N.C.Os. prior to return to United Kingdom next month. With their thoughts of the Homeland, during the meeting, a generous donation of $25.00 to the Kinsmen Club, Brandon, to increase that Association’s Fund for providing Milk for Britain was unanimously agreed upon.
• 23.7.42. Some 56 Airmen of ACl. Tradesman Rank were pleased to hear of the results of their reclassification examinations for LAC. Rank today. Their average percentage of marks were exceptionally above the average. Thunderstorms, much too prevalent of late upset flying again today. One such storm ceased Flying activity at 1600 hours today for 2½ hours.

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Carberry,

• 23.7.42. The Airmen’s Mess held it’s Meeting today and it is pleasing to record a happy state exists, and has been so for a long time. It is revealed that no complaints regarding food have been made for many months, and for which all concerned are truly thankful. 1386734. LAC. Brazier, F.E., (u/t Pilot) made a successful forced landing at 1800 hour through port engine failure in a Wheat Field at Clan William, Manitoba.
• 24.7.42. Group Captain H.J. Collins, accompanied by Flight Lieutenant J.C. Carruthers, from Ottawa and No. 2. Training Command respectively, arrived at the unit by air from Winnipeg, on temporary Staff duties today. Carberry Railway Station was the scene of smiles, kisses, and not a few tears this afternoon, as some 65 Airmen had their last glimpse of the town bound for Moncton and the Homeland. They were escorted by 105282. Pilot Officer A. Bullen.
  It is always more pleasing to read a publication of the award of good conduct badges than of punishments. Some nine tradesmen and an ACH were included in such records today; a pleasurable offset to their disappointment in having to remain in Canada yet a while longer. It is noticeable of late that there have been few records of punishments and – here it may be mentioned – the general discipline on the Camp is of a very high standard.
• 25.7.42. Group Captain Bonham-Carter from No. 2. Training Command arrived by air and left by air with Group Captain H.J. Collins and Flight Lieutenant J.C. Carruthers for Virden at 1055 hours.
  Another short thunderstorm occured just after mid-day. The weather improved later admitting a resumption of Flying Training but there was no night flying owing to bad visibility and smoke haze. At Petrel sub-station 1390858 LAC. Gallagham, P.H.M. struck a fence in landing and damaged the main plane but suffered no personal injuries.
• 26.7.42. The usual weekly Church Parade was held this morning and conducted by Flight Lieutenant Rev. A.A. Boone. R92A. F/Sgt. Crawford H.F. with a crew of three – LAC Good, LAC Harvey, and LAC. Kennedy engaged on a navigation exercise made a successful forced 1anding one mile South of Austin, Man. occasioned by starboard engine failure.
  The Ben Frederick’s Victory Group made their second visit to entertain us in the Recreation Hall and were well received.
  On the Main Aerodrome No. 656746. LAC. Bandy, A.G. met with an accident whilst making a heavy landing but was uninjured.
• 27.7.4.2. The new week commenced with a very warm day. A major move of two flights and servicing

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Carberry.

• 27.7.42. (Cont’d) personnel was carried out today to Petrel Sub-Station. A visit to that Station later in the day indicated they were already well settled in and talking about Rival Rip Chord Concert Parties and even a rival Magazine.
  A trial Association Football match was held in the evening to ascertain the prowess of recent new arrivals, before large crowds of interested spectators. The Station Football team also played No. 12 S.F.T.S. and lost.
• 28.7.42. A number of matters were expeditiously dealt with at the Commanding Officers Conference this morning. Including minor items of voluntary salvage brought in from petrel sub-Station by returning Service Vehicles the day previously, results of todays’ collections was very creditable; Newspapers 177 lbs. Bottle Caps 87 lbs. Cigarette Cartons 78 lbs. other cartons 7 lbs. – Tin foil and silver paper 23 lbs. Old toothpaste and shaving cream tubes, 4 lbs. constituted the assemblage and delivery to Carberry local salvage store.
  48 Airmen being reliefs from the United Kingdom arrived at the unit today from Moncton.
  The further announcement of promotions today was welcome news to the following officers. 37294. S/Ldr. W.J. McGlinn to Temporary Wing Commander. 35109 S/Ldr. M.W. Moore, to Temporary Wing Commander, 72042 A.S/Ldr. W.H. Gossip to Tempoary Squadron Leader, and 39568. F/Lt. H. M. Robertson, D.F.C. to Tempoary Squadron Leader.
  29.7.42. Although weather conditions have been most variable, the state of health of all ranks is probably at its best at this time of year. The number of patients are few – some of a minor nature and 2 or three major. They find the Station Hospital life very congenial and time does not drag. Sun-bathing is encouraged and out-patients play light games, make good use of the radio and reading matter and above all they eat well.
  An interesting Soft Ball Match (Officers v Senior N.C.Os) in the evening, consisting entirely of players new to this Canadian game, resulted in a walk-over for the Officers. More experienced players were coaching the players on both sides, and a good deal of

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Carberry.

• 29.7.42. (Cont’d) barracking was inevitable.
  Flight Lieutenant Rev. C. Clarke left for No.2. Training Command today on temporary
  duty.
• 30.7.42. It was a fine day today but turned bitterly cold in the afternoon and evening, during which a football match 33 SFTS. v NEEPAWA was played and abandoned. Flight Lieutenant W.A.R. Harris on posting to Penhold left by road today.
• 31.7.42. During the Commanding Officers’ Inspection of the Camp today the well planted gardens around the various buildings and Huts were at their best in a blaze of colour. In their spare time it was obvious that the fruits of labour of the Airmen ‘horticulturists’ had been worth while.
  41719. Flight Lieutenant I.F. McDermott on posting to 36 S.F.T.S. Penhold left the Unit by rail today.
  The month closed with an excellent day for flying; The July issue of the RAF Magazine (copy NOT enclosed) and the bi-monthly pay-parade for Airmen.
  SUMMARY.
  During the month a complete stock-taking of all Equipment held by the Equipment Section of the Unit was carried out. This was occassioned by the transferring over from R.A.F. to R.C.A.F. Accounting.
  The grand total of 8892.30 flying hours constitute the Unit’s record month since the School opened, despite more minor accidents than usual, and many less machines available.
  A particularly high percentage of major inspecting has again been turned out by No. 5 Hangar, a grand total of 24. In addition to this an abnormal number of repair jobs were undertaken during the month – some of them of major proportions.

IMAGE 1681

Carberry.

• 31.7.42. STRENGTH: Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	91	993 (23 Attached)	–
Service Personnel other Than RAF
RCAF	8	98	–
CDC	1	3	–
RCACS	1	3	–
Civilians	–	–	11
Trainees
RAF	–	181	–
RAAF	–	34	–

• STRENGTH: Aircraft.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	42	36

• (C.H. Brill) Group Captain,
  Commanding, No.33 SFTS.
  CARBERRY, – MANITOBA.