Metz, France
Support Unit (SU) Metz


1961 – Narrative Report– National Archives of Canada


Historical Record
RCAF Support Unit, Metz, France
Period From 1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61

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
1 Jun 61 to 30 Nov 61

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