2451 AC&W Sqn (Aux) Windsor Ont

Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada

1. Formation

2451 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was formed effective 4 Jan 1954 under organization order 37/53.

2. Command

Effective 4 Jan 1954, 131571 S/L JS Mencel assumed command of 2451 by authority of AFHQ PC 634 dated 28 Jan 1954. S/L Mencel was on transfer from Primary Reserve (MATP).

3. Location

The first temporary headquarters of this unit was at the Windsor RCAF Recruiting Unit on Ouellette Avenue. This was established in May 54 and consisted of office space for the support staff. In the following year, several buildings were assessed for suitability to Squadron needs. One building was decided upon by AFHQ but the finalization of purchase was held up pending the decision by higher authority of the advisability of continuing the unit. In May 55, negotiation began with the owners of Peerless Dairy for the purchase of their building at 437 Erie Street East. This building was deemed extremely suitable in regard to size, construction, location and adapability for rennovation. Upon invitation of the owner, the support staff moved from the Recruiting Unit to this building in Jun 55. It was agreed that an administrative unit could be set up there with the RCAF being under no obligation and lights, rent, water being free of charge pending finalization of purchase. 2451 are still utilizing this accomodation for orderly room and training activities. It is expected that purchase action will be completed in a few days.

4. Establishment

At present the unit has a temporary establishment showing a total of 269 personnel. This establishment to the best of our knowledge is under review at ADC.

5. Diary of Events

Effective 31 Mar 54, 85172 F/L RJ Lavigne was transferred from 424 Sqn (Aux) to this unit as SSO.

On the 31 May 54, 28633 F/O KM Freebairn was transferred from 31 AC&W to this unit as Reserve Support Officer.

14 Feb 55, S/L Baynton, SORP ADC, S/L Wilkins and F/L Bobbin from AFHQ visited our unit. Their discussions pretained mostly to our requirement of personnel and accommodation. They visited a building known as Coral Gables Ballroom as a likely temporary quarters for the Squadron. As you will see later because of change in permanent headquarters, the offer to use Coral Gables Ballroom was refused.

Mar 55, S/L Sarty visited to discuss with the Commanding Officer our position with regard to RTTP training for the summer of 1955. Because of our indefinite facilities it was decided to forego any RTTP training that summer.

Apr 55, the decision was reached by AFHQ not to meet the asking price of Standard Tool Co., for their premises. We have heard of another suitable building, known as Peerless Dairy Building. The offer of the owners to use the upper floor as temporary quarters was accepted as there was a definite agreement by the owners and Commanding Officer that in case of the Air Force not buying the building, there would be no rental nor any charge of any kind levied against the Air Force.

Through a decision based at ADC, the accounting and supply unit for the Squadron was moved from RCAF Stn London to RCAF Stn Hamilton.

The summer of 1955 was spent in recruiting for the fall, Fighter Controller course. Reception to our advertising was more than what we expected and it is anticipated that we shall be able to recruit a fine number of Officer Staff.

4 Jul, the Commanding Officer, S/L Mencel and Senior Supply Officer, F/L Lavigne attended summer camp at RCAF Stn Falconbridge. S/L Mencel proceeded to ADC and RCAF Stn Hamilton.

15 Sep 55, 40789 F/O DH Washington was transferred from 32 AC&W to this unit as Support Officer.

21 Sep 55, 28633 F/L Freebaird was posted to RCAF Stn Hamilton for release action and transfer to the Supplementary Reserve.

26 Sep 55, the first initial parade for trainee and staff Officers was held. Personnel were measured for uniforms by F/L Lavigne and staff.

3 Oct 55, F/L Malone, SORP 1, of ADC and F/L Trewin DPC, F/L H Lady DAPC of AFHQ visited this unit to discuss Reserve Personnel Matters.

17 Oct 55, Fighter Controller training course started this date. S/L Mencel, F/O Raven and F/O Washington in turn outlined the training syllabus for the following year. The following personnel were present:

24 Oct 55, F/O Norwood was appointed unit Public Relations Officer.

26 Oct 55, Mr Debie and Peskivicious of DCED, AFHQ visited this unit to obtain preliminary data for the design of the proposed renovation to the Peerless Dairy Building.

28 Oct 55, WO1 Harkin from ADC DCE visited this unit to discuss and assess temporary heating arrangements for the office space of the building. Two 550 volt 10 Kw space heaters were installed.

6. Conclusion

In the first eighteen months of operation this unit had been held back by the review of the Defence situation. To date the problem of accommodation suitable for training is still the major handicap. In spite of this, enthusiasm is very high in Windsor and in particular by members of this Squadron. In the following six months it is expected that our headquarters will be permanently established and renovations to the building will be underway. It is felt that when squadron accommodation is suitable there will be little or no trouble recruiting up to squadron establishment strength.