Historical Narrative
2451 AC&W Sqn (Aux)
Jul 59
During the first four days of July the squadron participated in several parades with other militia units of the cities of Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. This period of July 1st to July 4th was declared by both cities as the first annual Freedom Festival. The festival was highlighted by the Royal Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, on July 3rd.
During the Royal Visit, airmen of this squadron lined the route of the Royal Party in two separate sections of the city, while another group of airmen moved all the Royal baggage from the Royal Train to the Royal Yacht Brittannia moored in the Detroit River at Dieppe Gardens. The Commanding Officer and his wife were officially presented to Her Majesty during civic ceremonies prior to departure on the yacht Britannia.
The phase 2 part of the RTTP program got under way on July 6th when 66 airmen and airwomen reported for duty. This group comprised 58 FtrCOps, five of whom were air cadets, and eight ClkTyps.
Summer Camp was held during the first two weeks of July at RCAF Station Foymount and the squadron held its first Wray Day on July 10th. Eight Controllers and 30 FtrCOps participated in the test. Other Officers who attended included the CO, SMO, CTSO, CTrainO, PAdO, PRO, two Nursing Sisters and the Accounts Officer with his staff. One Officer was suddenly taken ill in Ottawa with a kidney stone while awaiting train changes and was admitted to Ottawa General Hospital. He was later transferred to RCAF Hospital Rockcliffe, and discharged from hospital two weeks later. This officer was F/L George Bain, a controller.
Aug 59
The graduation parade of RTTP personnel was held on Aug 28th. The Commanding Officer presented several trophies to outstanding airmen and airwomen, and the parade was inspected by the Mayor of the City of Windsor, His Worshpip Michael J Patrick. During phase 2 of the course six FtrCOps and one ClkTyp were CT'd, and 59 passed successfully. After the parade and presentation ceremonies, the parents were invited on a tour of the squadron building and a dance was held in the evening.
Further participation for the 50th Anniversary of Flight was continued during the month of August. An Air Show committee was set up comprised of Officers from this Unit and members of the Air Force Club of Windsor.
Many meetings of the committee were held at this unit. W/C Avant and S/L Murray from RCAF Station Trenton were among many staff officers who visited here to co-ordinate the Air Show which was held Sep 18-19.
Sep 59
The first Parade of the Unit was held, and preparations made for the fall training period.
The Air Show was officially opened by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hugh Campbell. Other high ranking officers and dignitaries who attended with the CAS were, Air Commodore JG Stephenson, Group Captain LJ Birchall, Squadron Leader Robert Norwood, Hon Paul Martin, Mr Len Baldock, Vice-Pres of the RCAFA, and Ken Courtenay, Chairman of the Air Show committee. The show was highlighted by the performance of the Golden Hawks and their RCAF colleagues. Additional particpants were obtained from the USAF base at Selfridge Field with flights of F102's and F86's. Search and rescue helicopters of the USAF also gave demonstrations.
On the evening of Sep 19th, the Commanding Officer and Officers of 2451 Squadron held a reception and cocktail party for the Chief of the Air Staff. On this occasion he met all the visiting dignitaries, the aircrew who participated in the show including many of the USAF aircrew and representatives from the Warbirds Association of Windsor and Detroit. Also present were local Military Commanders and civic leaders. This was followed by the Air Show Ball which was held on the drill deck of HMCS Hunter, RCNR.
On September 20th, the Battle of Britain parade was held in downtown Windsor with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hugh Campbell, taking the salute and laying a wreath. The parade was comprised of this squadron and two air cadet squadrons accompanied by a colour party of RCAF veterans from Leamington Ontario. The ceremonies were held at the Peace Monument in Dieppe Gardens. During the two minutes of silence there was a fly past of CF-100's and the Red Knight in his T-33.
F/L CN Raven retired from the Squadron. He had been CTrainO of the unit since its inception in 1955 and he was honoured by the Officers and their wives at a dance when a presentation was made. F/L Albert Shaw was appointed CTrainO.
Oct 59
Two Officers, F/O Jack McWade, Accounts and F/O Tom Meloche, Controller, were promoted to F/L.
The first of twice-monthly airlifts to RCAF Station Falconbridge was begun in the middle of this month. The crews leave Windsor Airport on Fridays at 1800 hours and return on Sundays at 1600 hours.
Nov 59
The Armistice Day Parade was held on Sunday November 8th. The RCAF Training Command Band from Toronto led the Air Force section of the parade, and four CF-100's from North Bay did a fly past during the ceremonies at the Cenotaph. On the evening prior to this day, the officers of the squadron attended an Armistice dinner at the Air Force Club of Windsor when Group Captain LJ Birchall was guest speaker.
Seven new Officers were enlisted as Fighter Controllers.
The third annual Mess Dinner was held on Nov 27th, and Guest Speaker for the evening was Air Commodore JG Stephenson OBE, AFC, CD. Other guests included W/C Garton from Falconbridge, the Commanding Officer of the US Naval base at Grosse Ile, Mich, the Commanding Officers of the Windsor Garrison with Honourary and Associate members of the Mess.
Dec 59
A Commanding Officers Parade was held on Dec 17th and the squadron was stood down for the Christmas Holiday. This inspection was followed by a pay parade for all ranks, with a turkey roll held in the Mess later.
On Dec 20th Children's Christmas Parties were held by the NCO's and the Officers. Gifts were presented to every child up to 13 years of age, with movies, a magician, soft drinks, candies and ice cream for the kiddies.
An airmen's Mess Dinner was held on the evening of Dec 26th, Boxing Day. On this occasion the dinner was served to the airmen by the officers. The NCO's were entertained in the Officers' Mess, and vice versa, and the evening was completed with a dance for all ranks.
(R Norwood) S/L,
CO
2451 AC&W Sqn (Aux)