Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

January 1943

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.

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CARBERRY.

• 1. Jan. 43.
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	98	972	–
RCAF	13	113	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	1	3	–
CPC	–	3
Civilians	–	–	18
Trainees
RAF	8	198	–
RCAF	–	2	–
RNZAF	1	–	–
(2 RAF Officers, 49 RAF other Ranks, and 1 RCAF other rank completed training but awaiting posting – Course No, 64)

• STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	53	58
(Not Available: – 8)

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• 1st Jan. 1943. Snow, to the extent of 2″ fell during the night, and continued to fall during the whole of this New Year’s Day. There was a cessation of flying accordingly. The Airmen’s Mess still exhibited their gay decorations, and a chicken and Christmas pudding dinner was much enjoyed by all. The Commanding Officer was observed carrying a parcel into the Airmen’s Kitchen – no doubt something for the kitchen staff, now somewhat depleted and hard worked as they had been, but it turned out that the parcel was for the airmen on duty at Petrel, to which sub-station the Commanding Officer also made a visit.
  Generally, in the evening, a quiet time was spent in the Messes, Canteens and Recreation Room, as no cinema show was provided; the Camp ice rinks were u/s and choc-a-bloc with snow; skating, bowling and cinema enthusiasts made their way to support home industries in Carberry town.
• 2nd Jan. In spite of general remarks of it being 30°, 33° and 25° below this morning, the official barometer reading was only minus 22°, but, nevertheless, it was cold and we were thankful there was no wind. In a fairly clear sky the first aircraft commenced on solo flying and flying continued all day, as the sun shone brilliantly later on.
  The Officers, have been subjected to some discomfort with alterations and additions to their Mess and painting operations, but this is now all nearing completion.
• 3rd Jan. In order to catch up with arrears of maintenance repairs, etc., the Sabbath was not observed so strictly this morning, and few attended the Anglican Service at which the O.D. Chaplain, Flight Lieutenant the Reverend A.A. BOONE officiated.
  Solo flying training continued all day from 0910 hours. After considerable time spent on rolling the snow until 0300 hours this early morning at PETREL, the relief landing ground at this sub-station was serviceable again. On account of the low temperature, few ventured out of Camp this evening, but a film show in the Recreation Hall attracted 300.
• 4th Jan. There was no night flying last evening but in a low sub-zero temperature of over 26° below, solo flying for the day commenced at 0910 hours. It turned out a brilliantly clear sunny day, the wind velocity increased in the afternoon and aircraft taking off from the aerodrome were very readily in the air.
  39929 Squadron Leader H.F.R. BRADBURY proceeded by air on temporary duty to No. 38 S.F.T.S., for duty as President of District Court Martial.
  There was a practice shoot meeting of the small bore Rifle Club in the Drill Shed in anticipation of a visit from No. 12 S.F.T.S., BRANDON.
  Miss J. HARRISON, a YWCA Hostess House Supervisor, arrived for duty at the Unit from CAMP SHILO.

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• 5th Jan/43. Although day flying commenced on time again this morning, ground fog held up flying for a short while.
  The Commanding Officer held his weekly conference at which many Works & Buildings matters were raised, including the concreting of’ the airmen’s mess and the outside, painting of Sergeant’s Mess Kitchen, annual musketry training, visit of Air Chief Marshal Sir ARTHUR LONGMORE, reorganisation of Armament Air Exercises, and issues of P.T. equipment. It was also decided that the Station Administrative Officer will lecture on deportment and general behaviour to all Junior Officers commissioned in Canada, including commissioned
  u/t Pilots.
  S/Ldr. W.H. CORKILL (A&SD Officer) from No. 2 T.C. paid a visit to the Station today, the Ladies of the Adastral Club met again for continuation of their knitting meetings, 30 ladies being present, and S/Ldr. IRWIN and F/Lt. HENSON (two visiting Officers from YORKTOWN) paid a call by air, seeking information re Anson II aircraft, a few of which they expect at that Unit.
  The 12 SFTS. Small Bore Rifle Club visited us in the evening, accompanied by S/Ldr. LAING their Captain, but in the match against our own Club, we won by 25 points. The Captain and members of the Club were entertained in the Sergeants’ Mess after the meeting.
  A full night flying programme was carried out during the night.
• 6th Jan. Clear visibility early on and a temperature of 18° below, suddenly changed to smoke, and ground fog held up flying, the smoke being caused generally by the heating furnaces.
  A general picturesque hoar frost was prominently noticeable this morning, and the icicles hanging from the hangar annexes, gathering length each day, are in some places actually touching the ground. At 1115 hours, Group Captain D.W.F. BONHAM-CARTER, together with Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, landed his Lockheed, and were welcomed and met by the Commanding Officer and others.
  Assembled in anticipation of his visit were some 500 – 600 Officers and airmen, representative of all sections of the Station, to hear an address in which the Air Chief Marshal covered conditions at home as compared with 2 years previously and touching on all Air Force activities in the various theatres of operations. Convincing us all that here we are doing a real good job of work of such a nature as is now practically non-existent in the Homeland, and enumerating items of interest and news about types and accomplishments of aircraft and conditions faced everywhere, as he waved his hand in farewell we were all happy in the thought that all is indeed well, and his comprehensive address was much applauded. Prior to his departure by air at 1425 hours with G/Capt. BONHAM-CARTER, he lunched at the Officers’ Mess and met several Officers. It is interesting to record that our C.O. served with Sir Arthur LONGMORE and G/Capt. BONHAM-CARTER in Mosul, IRAQ, some 20 years ago.

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• 6th Jan./43. After a long period as Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Training Command, Air Vice Marshal A.B. SHEARER, A.D.C., today relinquished his Command to Air Commodore T.A. LAWRENCE. The Air Vice-Marshal was frequently paying a visit to this Unit – often with an encouraging remark for all and sundry personnel – and a photograph of his last visit is recorded on this eventful day for him. We all wish him success in his new and important sphere of activity.
  Miss SCOTT, for some time Supervisor of the YWCA Hostess House, left on posting to another Unit today, and is relieved by Miss HARRISON, who arrived two days ago.
  39929 S/Ldr. H.F.R. BRADBURY returned by air from No. 38 S.F.T.S. In the evening Boxing Training, in anticipation of a match against Camp SHILO, commenced in earnest and a full night flying programme was in progress.
• 7th Jan. The weather was considerably warmer as day flying commenced at 0900 hours in an overcast sky. Later in the afternoon with much flying activity, the temperature became considerably warmer. The two new Hangars, Nos. 6 & 7 are now practically ready for occupation, and Maintenance Squadron has already commenced moving in.
  The Officers’ Mess is at last ship-shape, and the bar alterations are a much admired improvement. A full night flying programme was carried out, under excellent weather conditions.
• 8th Jan. Twenty-one degrees Fahrenheit was the barometric recording this morning, the noticeable change in temperature being almost equivalent to getting back to summer heat.
  Solo flying training commenced in night darkness at 0900 hours this morning. A Minor Voluntary Patriotic Salvage Collection around the Camp produced a useful amount of bottle caps, razor blades, toothpaste and shaving cream tubes for disposal to salvage depots. A local Trade Test Board was held for the purpose of examining airmen as telephonists, the quarterly reading of extracts from King’s Regulations and the Air Force Act was held for Maintenance Wing and there was a night flying programme carried out.
• 9th Jan. The temperature, still as high as 25° F., and clear sky admitted of solo flying commencing promptly at 0900 hours this morning but, owing to a strong wind was cancelled until 1030. Visibility was, however, unlimited and flying training continued all afternoon.
  Thirty five airmen, comprising part of Course No. 72. arrived from No. 35 E.F.T.S. by rail in the afternoon. Course No. 68 has now commenced night flying.
• 10th Jan. Before reveille this morning fourteen airmen u/t pilots, being part of No. 72 Course, arrived at the Station on posting from No. 34 E.F.T.S.
  The weather continues clear today with brilliant sunshine all day. Solo flying went on as from 0900 hrs. Early morning Service was held in the Station Chapel, a more formal Church Parade being held in the Recreation Hall, preceded by a Roman Catholic Service. The Station Chaplain officiated at the evening service in Carberry Anglican Church, at which a number of airmen sing in the Choir. Wind, increasing to 35-40 m.p.h. by midnight was the reason for the cessation of night flying at that hour.

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• 11th Jan./43 Still well above zero, and somewhat cloudy, the new week commenced with solo flying at 0910 hours, and a clothing parade was held during the morning for certain sections of the Camp. Thirteen RCAF. personnel who had been on security guard duties left today on posting to No. 1 “Y” Depot, Halifax, and on embarkation leave. There are as yet no reliefs in respect of this decreased strength in Security Guard. Meetings of the Rip Chords Concert Party, which has elected to produce another show, and the Debating Society, and an Ice Hockey match – the Station Team v. 19 EFTS, at VIRDEN; bowling, basket ball and skating instruction are amongst the many activities to be recorded for this evening’s events. Night flying actively continued until 0600 hours the following morning.
• 12th Jan. The quarterly kit inspection was held at 0730 hours this morning and was completed within an hour. Visibility is again unlimited, and flying conditions excellent on a resumption of sub-zero weather.
  37360 W/Cdr. B.D.G. NATHAN, on posting to the Unit as Chief Instructor from ESTEVAN, arrived early today by road, and was at the Commanding Officer’s conference held in the Recreation Hall soon afterwards. The rear end of the Hall looked a bit of a shambles at first sight, but it turned out that the Works and Buildings people had only been interfering with the balcony to increase its seating capacity. It was revealed that some airmen artists were prepared to improve the stage end of the building, the C.O. was willing to take a risk on their willingness to add beauty to its interior. The P.T. Officer wanted to press forward and enquire why he couldn’t have parallel bars and horses, but the C.O. either didn’t hear or passed the matter by and proceeded to other matters covering welfare, delays in checking inventories and the building of pig sties, announcements of the receiving of further AMO’s, a forthcoming boxing match, delay in installation of loudspeakers for Hangars, etc.
  No less than 33 ladies of the Adastral Club Knitting Party turned up at a meeting this afternoon in the Carberry War Services Club, a P.S.I. meeting was postponed, a Sergeants’ Mess meeting was held with decisions on forthcoming social events, and the Corporals’ Club also held a meeting, and the Bowling League became active again tonight.
• 13th Jan. Flying commenced at 0850 hours this morning, but it was stopped for nearly an hour through icy
  conditions.
  A clothing parade for other sections of the Station was continued today, and the kit inspection concluded. CAMP SHILO were unable to produce a team for the announced boxing match tonight, but on short notice No. 2 M.D., BRANDON came to the rescue and excellent bouts were witnessed by a larger crowd, including a number of Officers and airmen supporters from BRANDON. We just managed to win by 5 bouts to 4. During the interval there was an exhibition “All-in” Wrestling match. At the termination of what was undoubtedly a most enjoyable and exciting evening’s entertainment the Commanding Officer presented the prizes.

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• 13th Jan./43 An excellent Ice Hockey match was played at the town rink against 12 SFTS, BRANDON, who also won by 6 goals to 4.
  C.1044 S/LDR. P. MALCOLM, from No. 2 T.C., arrived on temporary equipment duty, and the Rev. S/Ldr. McFARLANE, Command Chaplain (Protestant) arrived at 1130 by air today on a temporary visit and later left for NEEPAWA. 73058 F/Lt. C. McC. HENDERSON (E), on discharge from hospital, also reported by rail today.
  Flying ceased at midnight owing to snow and intermittent rain.
• 14th Jan. Solo flying recommenced at 0900 hours today with unlimited visibility, and still a comparatively mild temperature. A Fire Committee meeting was held in the afternoon, when it was announced that there were several amendments to fire orders ready for circulation. A further alarm practise is to be carried out as soon as these amendments are circulated.
  The repeated orders calling attention to the conservation of fuel and electric light is noticeably having the desired result in every part of the Camp, much to the delight of the Works and Buildings Engineer.
  Night flying continued ’till 2300 hours only this evening owing to sleet and snow. A change-over occurred in the supply Depot today when LT. E. LYNCH, R.C.A.S.C., left by air on posting to No. 10 M.D. and was relieved by LT. R.C. JONES, who reported earlier in the day. The Commanding Officer, G/Cpt. T.B. BRUCE, M.C., left by air today also for No. 2 Training Command, Winnipeg, on temporary duty.
• 15th Jan. Further snow seemed to have fallen since the cessation of night flying and there was no flying today at 0900 hours owing to icing conditions and light snow. Miss HARRISON, YWCA Hostess House Supervisor, who had been settling in as relief, had to unsettle herself today when she was unexpectedly posted back to CAMP SHILO. MISS McKENZIE is however carrying on the good work at the Hostess House – a very popular rendezvous for pupil pilots, especially in the evenings.
  Flying recommenced at 1410 hours after the bi-monthly pay parade held this morning, and the C.O.’s weekly inspection of huts by his S/Ldr. “A” – the C.O. himself preferring, at the moment, to devote himself to a blitz on the various messes and canteens. There was ample activity available for all hands this evening, with the Small Bore Rifle Shoot, Ice Hockey Team practice, two basket ball league games, and a repeat film “Eagle Squadron”. Night flying picked up at 1030 owing to weather conditions.
• 16th Jan. After several days of complete absence of real sub-zero temperatures, we had a return of it this early morning. At 0900 hours day flying commenced but the restricted visibility made it obvious that local flying or dual would have to be resorted to. S/Ldr. P. MALCOLM , on completion of temporary duty here, left by air for No. 2 T.C., and in the afternoon the Commanding Officer returned by rail from No. 2 T.C. As flying ceased in the afternoon, and there are no entertainments or sports, there is nothing else of interest to record in today’s diary.
• 17th Jan. At 0835 hours, on this much lighter morning, solo flying commenced in sunny brilliance, but it was sure cold, and aircraft took some time to start up. Very cold and -36° F. is the official barometer recording at
  0730 hours. Church Services were held at 0800, 1000 and 1130 hrs, the latter preceded by a formal Church Parade.

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• 17th Jan./43 No further flying was announced at 1145 hrs. owing to the inability to start aircraft in the cold weather which had no mercy and wasn’t inclined to give way.
  Miss GLADYS FORRESTER’S (“Winnipeg) Concert Party arrived in the late afternoon and gave themselves the “once-over” at a rehearsal prior to the excellent and enjoyable show she gave us in the evening, and for which the C.O. paid appropriate tribute. The Sergeants’ Mess entertained them and also after the show when, again, several of her party did their stuff a second time before they made their return journey at midnight.
• 18th Jan. What a lot of lying thermometers there are around the Camp!! There seems to be a vast difference in temperature somewhere, when one alcoholic thermometer records 53° below zero and the Met. people say 34º below, and others denote 48° below. Anyway, for the purpose of this record it’s 34° below, and continues to be so as we venture out into the open air this morning. Nevertheless, although it is Monday morning, the tradesmen in their hangars are chirping and whistling at their work.
  In the early hours of the morning 35109 Wing Commander M.W. MOORE t(e) and 74617 F/Lt. J.F. SEXTON left by rail for temporary duty at No. 11 E.D., CALGARY. Solo flying commenced at 0900 hours but owing to the severity of the temperature only a limited number of aircraft was available for the day’s flying.
  The Officers’ Mess library, with 230 of the latest books, is probably the only RA.F. library to be adopted by an American author, Ellen Proctor, who has interested herself and presented books for the benefit of the Mess.
  The Station Hockey team engaged A3 ATC SHILO at the local rink this evening and won by 6 to 2. Weather conditions did not admit of night flying. A club for the use of Corporals only was opened this evening, after internal decorations which are a great improvement on their previous club. The Station Commander, Padre and Administrative Officer attended the opening.
• 19th Jan. Solo flying commenced at 0835 hours in a bitter cold temperature, but only about 5 aircraft could be started, three of which went off on a cross-country flight until noon. Day flying was officially called off at 0930 for the rest of the day. The Commanding Officer’s conference met for nearly an hour in the morning, actioning many internal matters, and it was learned that the balcony extension of the Recreation Hall was almost complete. This led to the consideration of the necessity for a fire escape, precautionary measures against fire being frequently in the minds of the Conference members for the safety of all concerned. The Adastral Club Ladies auxiliary held their weekly meeting which was well attended, and the Hospital patients much appreciated a film show to break the monotony of their enforced confinement to sick

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• 19th Jan./43 quarters, and – it may here be mentioned – some of the Officers’ wives and Mrs. Bruce religiously visit the hospital and continue to distribute chocolates and cigarettes to the patients. The Senior Medical Officer disclosed that the state of health of the troops is very good, there are a few cases of frost-bite and he seemed to be thankful for that, meaning, presumably, that he was glad there were not more cases. In spite of the weather, which invariably puts “paid” to most sports in the homeland, there was a veritable programme of evening events, ranging from bowling to badminton and basketball, all of which keeps the troops fit – at least that aspect of the Station’s activities seems to be well catered for.
• 20th Jan. The temperature slips down to over 40° below this morning, and it is considered useless to attempt flying. An opportunity was taken to assemble the hangar groups for a 20-minute talk on fire precautions and fire
  fighting, and a practice demonstration of the use of various extinguishers was given.
  The afternoon became overcast as to sky conditions, a couple of Tiger Moths landed and cheekily flew off at once again without reporting to the Duty Pilot, as though they had landed on enemy territory.
  The Airmen’s Dance had to be cancelled, as it was too much to ask their lady partners to turn out this bitter cold evening, but there was plenty of other activity available just the same.
• 21st Jan. Owing to the continual low temperature there was no flying this morning. 39299 S/Ldr. H.H. BURNELL (Chief Ground Instructor) who had long been serving at this Unit, left by rail on posting to 31 P.D., also 39568 S/Ldr. H.M. ROBERTSON, D.F.C, left by rail for RCAF. Station, Trenton on a refresher Course.
  44250 S/Ldr. R.J. MILLINGTON from AFHQ arrived on staff duty for a few days.
  In the evening the Station Bowling League was active, four basket ball teams turned out to play in the Drill Shed, and a good number of personnel supported the cinema, where the film “Ghost of Frankenstien”was shown. The film was preceded by the showing of the Oxygen Film, which is to be repeated tomorrow.
• 22nd Jan. Again we must record “nil” returns on the flying front, and this sub-zero weather is having no mercy, not even for a S/Ldr. who has caught a nasty packet in the way of frost-bite today.
  Training Wing huts came in for the attention of the C.O’s weekly hut inspection today, and were found satisfactory. The temperature lay around 21° below all day and as we read in the press that the Yukon district could boast 70º below, it was time to “keep mum” and be satisfied.
  W/C. M.W. Moore and F/L. J. SEETON returned by rail from Temporary Duty at Calgary, and Air Commodore H.J. COLLINS, D.A.M.P., A.F.H.Q., W/Cdr. A.G. GOULDING and S/Ldr. W.H. CORKILL from No. 2 T.C., also S/Ldr. WEAVER from AFHQ, were all here on Temporary Staff Duty, the two first named arriving by air from WINNIPEG.
  Basketball, skating and the Station cinema were all well patronised in the evening.
• 23rd Jan. A few aircraft were started up and solo flying was resumed at 0900 hrs. this morning, but in the early afternoon a fall of light snow held up flying again, accompanied by the welcome higher temperature.
  A/Cdr. COLLINS left by air for NEEPAWA, and F/L. B.J. O’DAY (Link Trainer Officer) left by rail on posting to AFHQ.

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• 23rd Jan./43 In the afternoon some of the Officers were busy helping to prepare the Officer’s Mess for a Dance, whilst the snow storm increased in intensity, and looked like putting “paid” to this eagerly awaited function. An hour after the scheduled time of commencement a few ladies put in an appearance and we thought what a brave lot they were to turn out, but still more came. The three local taxis – the sole means of transportation – produced the latest arrivals about 11 o’clock and, after all the concern, it turned out to be a very enjoyable affair.
  Air Commodore COLLINS and S/Ldr. CORKILL, who intended to be present, were snow bound at NEEPAWA, but W/CDR. GOULDING and S/Ldr. MILLINGTON were amongst the visiting Officers.
• 24th Jan. Well over 4 inches of snow fell since yesterday afternoon, and the landing ground was declared u/s – it being impossible to effectively compact the fine snow. Determined to return. Air Commodore COLLINS flew over in a Tiger Moth on skids from NEEPAWA – a special runway having been prepared for his aircraft.
  The Padre had a morning off, Church Service having been cancelled owing to the bitter cold weather outside and the inadequacy of heating in the Recreation Hall.
  The visiting Concert Party announced for this evening had of necessity to cancel their arrangements. In order that there should be some form of entertainment, however, last minute arrangements were made for an impromptu concert, varying from a film show, an amusing quiz contest and the production of hidden talent.
  Trains from both east and west were several hours late and between 2000 hours and 2100 hours Air Commodore COLINS, W/Cdr. GOULDING, and S/Ldr’s CORKILL, WEAVER and MILLINGTON left for their further respective destinations. 34 u/t airmen (I.T.S.) arrived from No. 2 M.D., Brandon, for security guard duties and settled in late in the evening.
• 25th Jan. A return to low sub-zero temperature of nearly 35° below held up flying again today, and not a few of us will be glad to see the back of January. The living-out Officers and airmen, consequent upon the visit of A/Cdr. Collins, were addressed by the Commanding Officer on the advisability of conservation of funds in the event of forthcoming posting to the U.K.
  Sports, including basket ball, bowling and ice hockey, and a cinema show constituted the activities of the evening whilst the more serious minded personnel entertained some visiting Officers and airmen from No. 2 Manning Depot, BRANDON, at a Debating Society Meeting.
• 26th Jan. Solo flying was resumed at 11.40 hrs. today, the weather conditions being once again favourable, the Station Hospital was busy with vaccinations and inoculations, a Board of Officers met and took over two

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CARBERRY.

• 26th Jan./43 50,000 gal. water storage tanks.
  The Commanding Officer’s conference was unusually brief, internal matters being rapidly disposed of this morning. The usual Tuesday afternoon Adastral Club (Ladies Auxiliary) meeting was held with still a remarkable good attendance of over 30, and the film show to hospital patients was given and much appreciated by them, as is always the case.
  On Provost duties S/Ldr. M.A. McNEAL, from AFHQ, arrived in the late afternoon and addressed a parade of Security Guard on probable forthcoming changes. He was accompanied by S/Ldr. A.H. McCULLUM (AFHQ) and F/Lt. A.R. CUMMING (2TC). Many matters were discussed and a visit paid to the Guardroom prior to their departure to WINNIPEG and BRANDON respectively.
• 27th Jan. Three hours flying was accomplished this morning and a further two hours in the afternoon, when light snow grounded all aircraft once again. In the morning the Commanding Officer paid his weekly visit of inspection to the Canteens and Messes, etc., and found everything satisfactory.
  The Camp Salvage Committee held a short meeting in the afternoon, and later on after duty the Rip Chords concert party were busily rehearsing for yet another show.
  121051 F/O. G.B. PLATEL (T) e. left on posting for a short engineer course at No. 2 I.T.S., REGINA, and a number of promotions for officers are reported today.
  There was no cinema show held, but basketball and ice hockey and a meeting of the Small Bore Rifle Club was available to all supporters of these events.
• 28th Jan. Solo flying training recommenced in welcome warmer conditions at 0925 this morning. It was cloudy and occasional light snow, and so only local flying was authorised. At the Airmen’s Mess meeting today it was disclosed that everybody is perfectly satisfied. Flying activity continued all day, a boxing match was an evening attraction at BRANDON M.D. The two teams engaged in 10 bouts, Carberry winning 5 bouts and BRANDON winning 5, though we managed to effect two knock-outs. The basket ball team was also active.
• 29th Jan. Local solo flying began at 0840 today in an overcast sky with intermittent light snow showers. The C.O.s usual weekly inspection of huts was carried out, and the end of the month Pay Parade was held, with the sale of the monthly magazine “GEN”.
  Weather conditions became unsatisfactory for flying at 1630 and it was washed out for the remainder of the day, and there was no night flying.
  The Small Bore Rifle Club held a meeting in the Drill Hall in the evening and there was also a special skating session for beginners.
• 30th Jan. Local dual flying was commenced at 0840 hrs. this morning but, owing to the varying weather conditions during the day, it changed to solo flying and reverted to dual later on.
  There is little else of interest to record today, other than that a party of Officers and men made their way at the invitation of, and to support a Red Cross function at BRANDON. Night flying was in progress but ceased at 0200 hrs. owing to weather conditions.

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CARBERRY.

• 30th Jan./43 The C.O. took part in the match between WINNIPEG Squash Club and the Station Squash Team at WINNIPEG this afternoon, the Winnipeg Club winning by 5 matches to one.
• 31st Jan. Unlimited visibility enabled solo flying training to be resumed at 0855 this morning, but there was a return to sub-zero weather of 16° below.
  136026 P/O. W.T. HOWELL-JONES (Equipment) arrived by rail on posting from NO. 36 O.T.U., flying proceeded steadily throughout the day under ideal conditions and the WINNIPEG YMCA provided an excellent Concert Party at the Recreation Hall in the evening.
  MONTHLY SUMMARY.
  STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT.
  ANSON I 12 (All awaiting transfer).
  ANSON II 107
  TOTAL : 119
  FLYING TRAINING WING.
  Due to extremely bad weather and very low sub-zero temperatures, during which period the Anson II aircraft was useless for carrying on a regular training programme, the hours have been unusually low for this month.
  However, on the 30th January, a record of 440.45 flying hours was set up for the school. The total flying hours for the month were 5988 hrs.
  MAINTENANCE WING.
  The utmost difficulty has been experienced in maintaining serviceability of Anson II aircraft during this month’s sub-zero weather.
  The number of aircraft which went unserviceable, when attempting to start a flying programme, was greater than the number of aircraft which eventually got into the air.
  Aircraft which were perfectly serviceable were taken from the hangars and, within a very short time in the cold air, developed such trouble as failure to start, oil pressure guages becoming unserviceable, oleo legs collapsing, hydraulic systems failing, slow running faults (motors stopping), carburration and brakes freezing on.

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CARBERRY.

• 31st. Jan. 1943
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	84	872	–
RCAF	6	112	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCACS	1	3	–
CPC	–	3	–
Civilians	2	–	17
Trainees
RAF	8	207	–
RCAF	–	1	–
RNZAF	1	–	–

• STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	51	43
(Not Available: -25)

• (T.B. Bruce) Group Captain,
  Commanding No. 33 S.F.T.S.,
  R.A.F., CARBERRY, MANITOBA.