Historical Record
RCAF Support Unit, Metz, France
The following officers held key positions during the period 1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61:
CO |
W/C CS Yarnell |
AS/FtrC |
CAdO |
S/L JS Cooper |
Pers/Adm |
CTSO |
S/L GC Perry |
Tech/Tel |
SAO |
S/L JW Coutts |
Acc |
SMO |
S/L R Brown |
Med/MO |
Narrative Report
Support Unit – Metz France
3 Jun 61
At a Special Service in the Chapel on Sunday, 3 Jun, 14 people were received into the United Church of Canada. F/L Yates of 1 Wing officiated.
16 Jun 61
S/L GC Perry assumed command of RCAF Support Unit, Metz, vice W/C AP Blackburn, DFC, CD.
30 Jun 61
Brigadier Baird, Director General of Dental Services from Ottawa visited the Dental Unit.
30 Jun 61
F/L HE Bennett won the Men’s Singles Championship for Air Division at the Air Division Tennis Tournament at 1 Wing. The Ladies Doubles were won by Mrs. R Zinck and Miss Minette also of this unit.
1 Jul 61
F/O RG Gribling, MSEO, and F/O AJ Howes, Med/Pharm, were promoted to Flight Lieutenant.
4 Jul 61
The first vehicle of French manufacture to be used by Air Division, a 20 passenger bus, was received from Citroen Company. Prior to this date all vehicles used were German made.
6 Jul 61
A Handing-over parade was held 5 Jul 61 when W/C CS Yarnell CD assumed command.
21 Jul 61
Bishop Ivor Norris of the Anglican Church, came from Canada to officiate at the Confirmation of 15 people. A reception was held after the service and refreshments were served by the Ladies Guild.
3 Aug 61
G/C DB Wurtele, STSO, 1 Air Division HQ, made a staff visit to the Unit. A dining-in was held in his honour in the Officers Mess in the evening.
15 Aug 61
A Guard of Honour was mounted for General Truman H Landon, Commander 4 ATAF.
31 Aug 61
The Ladies Inter-Wing Fastball League was won by Air Division, although play-offs were won by 2 Wing. This Unit also hosted the Inter-Section Fastball Tournament.
11 – 14 Sep 61
The Support Unit took part in Operation "Checkmate".
15 Sep 61
S/L WR Teschke relinquished the position of SAO on transfer to SOAF, 1 Air Division HQ. S/L JW Coutts assumed the position of SAO on transfer from SOAF, TCHQ.
17 Sep 61
The Battle of Britain Parade and services were held on the Unit. The reviewing officer was A/C DAR Bradshaw, CofS, 1 Air Division HQ.
23 – 26 Oct 61
Mr. P Carey, Arts and Crafts Specialist at AFHQ, conducted classes in different aspects of the Arts and Crafts on the Unit.
24 Oct – 3 Nov 61
An AFHQ visiting team consisting of F/L N Fletcher and WO1 W Julien visited the Unit to evaluate the progress being made in the new forms and management procedures.
26 Oct 61
A Guard of Honour was mounted for Lt. General RVB Marias, Deputy Commander, 4 ATAF.
1 Nov 61
The 61 AC&W Squadron AFP were amalgamated with the AFP of SU.
11 Nov 61
A Remembrance Day Parade was held on the Unit. G/C G Sutherland was the reviewing officer. The Honour Guard presented the RCAF in a combined parade in the City of Metz.
18 Nov 61
The Annual Grey Cup (Europe) game was held in Amos Stadium. The East defeated the West by a score of 28-13. LAW C Bell of Support Unit (a Westerner) was elected Miss Grey Cup and "kicked-off" along with A/C DAR Bradshaw. A gala parade with floats from all Wings wound through Metz to the Stadium prior to the game.
21 – 28 Nov 61
Extensive alterations were made to the Dental Clinic, resulting in the conversion from a one-chair clinic to two completely equipped operating bays and an X-Ray room and office combined.
(CS Yarnell) W/C
CO, RCAF Support Unit