Historical Narrative
2451 AC&W Sqn (Aux)
Summer Camp began with four officers proceeding to RCAF Station Foymount for the first fifteen days of Jun, other officers of Phase II proceeded in small groups throughout the summer. All officers of Phase I attended as a unit from 1 to 15 Jul. Training for the year was completed in all Phases and final pay parade was held at the end of Jun. On the fifteenth a sports day was held for the officers and their guests. In the evening a dinner and dance was held honouring their guests.
On 2 Jul 57 Mr L Wright of the COE Branch from AFHQ accepted the building from the contractor for the RCAF. Furniture and equipment began to arrive from stores at RCAF Stn Hamilton.
RTTP training commenced on 2 Jul with 64 trainees. S/L Sarty, SOGT, visited the unit to check on training and facilities. There were six officers on the instructional staff, and were augmented by four Regular Force corporals.
Three officers received promotion, effective 1 Jul 57. F/O Redeker was promoted to F/L and, F/O Shaw, F/O Liffiton were promoted to A/F/L.
A very successful RTTP programme ended on 29 Aug 1957. A graduation parade was held with parents and friends as guests, followed by a dance for the trainees and guests. W/C Lawrence, S/L Moir, and F/L Proud visited the unit to discuss present and future training.
September was a very active month with plans for training being finalized, equipment for operations being installed and the building being readied for the Official Opening. A commemorative brochure was also being prepared for the Official Opening.
The Official Opening of the new headquarters was held on the evening of 5 Oct. The CAS was represented by AVM WE Kennedy, the AOC ADC by G/C Hull. Other distinguished visitors attended from RCAF Stations London, Hamilton, North Bay, Aylmer and Foymount. The USAF was represented by Col Duncan CO of Selfridge AFB, and Major Peasley of 661st AC&W Sqn. The civilian guest list included civic leaders and distinguished citizens from the surrounding area.
Training progressed favourably during the month of Nov. S/L LeVesque of ADC visited the unit in regard to the years syllabus. An "Old Time Party" for the Officers and their ladies proved very entertaining.
The first Mess Dinner was held in the Officers Mess 29 Nov. Honoured guests included all local Reserve Unit COs, USAF Officers from Selfridge AFB and former RCAF Officers who have worked hard in promoting the RCAF in this area.