2453 AC&W Sqn (Auxiliary)
Three Rivers, PQ

National Archives of Canada


Historical Narrative
2453 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit (Reserve)
Three Rivers, PQ.
1 January 1954 to 31 December 1954

Jan 54

As per DRO Serial 1, dated 15 Jan, F/O JF Lacroix, CAdO, was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and AW1 EC Jenssen, Clk/Admin, was promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer, both effective 1 Jan. Announcements of these promotions were carried in the local newspapers, in the St Maurice Chronicle on 14 Jan, and in Le Novellieste on 18 Jan.

On 1 Jan, the Bishop of Trois-Rivieres, Monsegnieur Georges-Leon Pelletier, received officers of 2453 AC&WS and of the local army regiment at his Palace. Photograph and news account of this affair appeared in Le Nouvelliste on 4 Jan.

Elections to determine the new Officers' Mess Committee were held early in the month. The following officers were appointed: F/O JA Trudel - President; F/O WSE Woods (GObC) - Vice President; P/O R Teasdale - Secretary; F/L Jff Labbe (GObC) - Bar Officer. F/L JPR Bellemare was appointed President of the Combined Mess for three months effective Jan 21.

A clothing parade was held on 14 Jan for all ranks.

As per DRO Serial 1, AC2 C Lafontaine, Clk Typ, was struck off strength; AW2 M Vincent, Clk/typ and AW2 L Pinsonneault, Ftr/Cont, were TOS effective 22 Oct 53.

From 8 Jan to 18 Jan, S/L AO Dumas was on Temporary Duty to 1 Gp HQ, Montreal, for the purpose of liaison with Group Officers. From 18 Jan to 25 Jan, S/L Dumas was on Special Duty at 1 Gp HQ.

As per DRO Serial 2, dated 29 Jan, F/O JEJ Page was SOS effective 11 Nov 52, being released from the Auxiliary due to pressure of civilian work; Sgt JAG Laurendeau was SOS on request eff 18 Jan, having been enrolled as a Comm PC; F/S JDF Hardy, PRTI 2, was SOS effective 1 Feb, having been irregularly enrolled; Sgt JHGM Braun, Ftr/Cont, was similarly SOS effective the same date.

From 1 Feb, LAC W Loranger was granted an extension of Special Duty employment with the Auxiliary for the purpose of aiding moving and gaining supply knowledge.

Effective 21 Jan, F/O PA Richer and AC2 M Poisson were granted leave without pay for an indefinite period of time. Effective 11 Jan, AW1 Guillemette was granted leave without pay until 11 March, and AC2 JG Jacob until 1 July 54.

During this month there was considerable sports activities at 2453 AC&WS. The girls basketball team, under the coaching of Aircraftsman Real Delafontaine and the managership of F/S Fernard Babin, played two games, one with the team "Ancienne" of Quebec City, on Jan 16 at the Three Rivers Exhibition Grounds, and one with the "Sparkettes" of Shawinigan Falls on 23 Jan, also in Three Rivers. On 23 Jan also, the Officers' Mess members played a hockey game with the local Kiwanis, the latter being invited to the Officers' Mess afterwards.

There was also during this month more than the usual amount of publicity for the squadron. On three separate occasions, the girls' basketball games were announced over the local radio station, and on 16 Jan, the local radio station CHLN gave a tape recorded radio interview prior to one of the games; during this interview S/L Dumas, F/O Solly, and AC1 Delafontaine were all heard over the air at 6 PM on Saturday. The Squadron promotions were also announced over the air. Basketball games were given publicity both before and after the games by both of the local newspapers. In addition, recruiting ads for RTTP, airwomen, and fighter controllers appeared in the newspapers a total of four times.

Feb 54

The following personnel travelled to RCAF Station Mont Apica by private motor car over the weekend of 5 - 7 Feb for the purpose of GCI exercises:

F/L GA LavigneAC2 A Dupont
F/O RG HaganAC2 C Dobson
F/O RJH LafreniereAW1 L Duval
F/O JPR BellemareAW2 MEH Paulin
LAC JHGM ChampagneAW2 L Ponsoneault
AC2 R RobergeAW2 D Floreault
AC2 JR Longval 

During the same weekend, F/Os GJ Kerr, GW Evans, and LG Solly travelled to Ancienne Lorette to fly in RCAF aircraft being controlled by the Squadron personnel at Mont Apica.

DROs issued during the month included Serial 3, dated 15 Feb, and Serial 4, dated 26 Feb.

The following promotions were announced during the month: P/O MTHL Bouille, Med/Nur, to F/O effective 2 Oct 53, DRO Serial 3; P/O RG Hagan, Ftr/Cont, to F/O effective 6 Nov 53, DRO Serial 3; P/O RSC Genest, Admin List/Admin Branch, to F/O effective 31 Jul 53, DRO Serial 4.

On 2 Feb and 3 Feb, F/O's WT Reid and JP Trudel were on TD to 1 Gp HQ obtaining qualifying exam instructions and information.

LAC JLPW Loranger, Ftr/COp, was remustered to Sup/Tech effective 1 Feb, and at the same time was given an extension of Special Duty with the Auxiliary from 1 Feb to 26 Feb. LAC MT MacPherson, D Mech, was remustered to Group 1 (O), having passed his Trade examinations 20 Dec 53.

As per DRO Serial 3, AC2 C Brousseau, Ftr/COp, was TOS for a period of three years effective 14 Dec 53, and AC2 C Dobson, also Ftr/COp was TOS for a period of three years effective 22 Oct 53.

As per DRO Serial 4, AC2 B Poliquin, Rdr PC, was SOS effective 27 Apr 53; AC1 F Aubin was granted LWOP for an indefinite period of time effective 22 Feb 54; and AW1 L Duval was granted LWOP for one month effective 25 Feb 54.

Newspaper recruiting ads appeared in the local French paper, Le Nouvelliste, on 4 Feb, for airwomen, and on 8 Feb, for RTTP personnel.

Again during this month the girls' basketball team, known officially as the "Radarettes", were active. Weekly practice sessions were held each wednesday evening in the Three River High School auditorium, and on three separate occasions, 14 Feb, 20 Feb, and 27 Feb, the team met in competition the Shawinigan Falls "Sparkettes". Although all of the meets resulted in losses for the squadron team, nevertheless the scores indicated that the Radarettes put up an extremely able showing against the more professional Sparkettes.

Considerable publicity was accorded the squadron during the month both in the local press and on the radio. All basketball bames were given space in both the French and English newspapers, and twice on radio station CKTR.

In addition to the above, P/O EC Jenssen, on account of her recent promotion, was guest of honor at the Busines and Professional Women's Club during a banquet held at the St Maurice Hotel. S/L Dumas was invited to speak at the dinner, and photographs and news accounts were carried in Le Nouvelliste. The dinner was held on 10 Feb.

In February also, S/L Dumas' picture appeared in the papers, with the announcement that he had been awarded the Coronation Medal by order of her Majesty the Queen.

On 29 Feb, the Officers' Mess played a badminton game with the Army officers, afterwards being invited to the Officers Mess at the Armouries for entertainment. On 27 Feb, the squadron officers again played a hockey game with the Kiwanis.

A combined Mess dance was held on 13 Feb, after a basketball game with the Shawinigan Sparkettes, who were guests of honor. An orchestra was provided and a large crowd was present.

During this month the contract was awarded for the revamping of the Squadron's quarters, work to commence early in May and to extend through September. It would be necessary to find temporary quarters while this work was in progress, and S/L Dumas began to spend considerable time and effort to locate suitable quarters. It was thought for a time that one of the city's buildings in the Exhibition Grounds, the Palestre Trifluvienne, might be available, but a single member of the city council, one Jos Guay, was opposed to the idea and the scheme fell through. Mr Guay chose to adopt a rather narrow view, and was accordingly granted not too favourable publicity in the local press as a result. The damage was done, however, and the search for quarters began anew.

Mar 54

DROs issued this month included Serial 5, dated 15 Mar, Serial 6, dated 22 Mar, and Serial 7, dated 31 Mar.

Dates were set for qualifying examinations for officers' promotion, and for trade examinations for officers and airmen. On 21 Mar with F/O RW Healy-Ogden presiding, Phase 1 exam for Fighter Controllers was to be held, also trade exams for the following airmen: Sgt FX Lapointe, Comm Tech (G), LAC JLPW Loranger, Sup Tech, and AC1 JS Parenteau, Sup Tech. On 28 Mar, with F/L JF Lacroix presiding, General Service Knowledge exams for Flying Officer, and Trade Exams for Flight Lieutenants were to be held. On 4 April, with F/L PE St Arnault presiding, Trade exams for Flying Officers and General Service Knowledge Exams for Flight Lieutenants were to be written.

F/O JM Pinder was granted LWOP for an indefinite period of time effective 1 Mar, and AW1 J Laflamme, Ftr/COp, was granted LWOP for fifteen days commencing 8 Mar.

Effective 1 Feb, AW1 L Duval, Ftr/COp, was remustered to Sup Tech, and effective 8 Mar, AC1 P Germain, Rdr PC, was remustered to Clk Acc.

According to DROs issued during the month, the following personnel were SOS:

AC2 JJ Fourniereff 30 Apr 54irregularly enrolled
Sgt JWW McLellan, Ftr/COpeff 15 Mar 54irregularly enrolled
Sgt JHM Bellerive, Clk Acceff 15 Mar 54not advantageously employed
in present rank
AC2 JDY Duval, Rdr PCeff 16 Dec 53transfer to Regular Force
LAC JLH Morand, R OPeff 22 Mar 54not advantageously employed
in present rank
F/S JAF Babin, Ftr/COpeff 22 Mar 54irregularly enrolled
Sgt FX Lapointe, Comm Techeff 31 Mar 54irregularly enrolled.

In addition to the above, the following Rdr PC (G) personnel were declared supernumerary effective 22 Mar 54, pending release:

LAC JMRM GagneAC2 JC Allard
AC1 E St CyrAC2 BA Patterson
AC1 A BlaisAC2 JL Thibodeau
AC1 P Cantin 

The following personnel were TOS for a period of three years with the Auxiliary:

AC2 P LemayFtr COpeff 15 Feb 54
AC2 C DezielFtr COpeff 18 Feb 54
LAC R BrousseauFtr COpeff 19 Feb 54
AW2 C LemayFtr COpeff 25 Feb 54
AW2 FA RitchieFtr COpeff 25 Feb 54

Air Force Day was announced as June 12/54. Plans were made for a parade.

On 6 Mar a dart tournament was held with the Army Officers, afterwards both teams retiring to the Officers' Mess for entertainment.

From 1 Mar to 31 Mar, LAC W Loranger was on Special Duty with the Auxiliary for the purpose of aiding moving and gaining supply knowledge.

The following reclassifications were announced and appeared in DRO Serial 7:

AC1 GA Garrettto LACeff 16 Nov 53
AC2 Y Gagnonto AC1eff 14 Dec 53
AC2 R Robergeto AC1eff 15 Oct 53
AC2 A Dupontto AC1eff 2 Oct 53
AW2 C Beaudoin to AW1eff 18 Jul 53
AC2 R Lacombeto AC1eff 12 Nov 53
AW2 MEH Paulinto AW1eff 2 Jan 54

The total strength of the squadron was now as follows:

Officers Staff10
Officers Trainee21
Sr NCOs Staff0
Sr NCO Trainee0
Cpls, ACs and AWs Staff7
Cpls, ACs and AWs Trainee64
Total102

A single basketball game was played during the month, at the close of the season, between the Radarettes and the Sparkettes of Shawinigan Falls.

Apr 54

DRO's issued during this month included Serial 8, dated 8 Apr, Serial 9, dated 15 Apr, Serial 10, dated 22 Apr, and Serial 11, dated 30 Apr.

The following Primary Reserve RTTP personnel were officially SOS effective 31 Dec 53, being detached from 2453 AC&WS for training, and from 1 Gp HQ for pay accounting:

AC2 R CarignanAC2 D Deziel
AC2 JM HouleAC2 A Lesage
AC2 F BourassaAC2 JY Rouest
AC2 P NobertAC2 C Mettier

All of the above airmen were enlisted as Rdr PC. In addition to the above, AC2 JJ Martin, also of the Primary Reserve RTTP, Rdr PC, was SOS effective 31 Dec 53 on transfer to the Regular Force.

The following Auxiliary personnel were also SOS from 2453 AC&WS:

AW1 R CadotteClk/Admineff 1 Sep 53
AW1 G ThibeauFtr/COpeff 13 Oct 53
AC2 A BuissieresFtr/COpeff 25 May 53
LAC JP BergeronFtr/COpeff 4 Jul 53
AC1 JJMR DesrosiersFtr/COpeff 8 Oct 53
AW2 MP JulienFtr/COpeff 7 Aug 53
AC1 JM FaucherComm PCeff 7 Aug 53
LAC JOH PoirierFtr/COpeff 19 Jan 54
AC2 Y FarrierFtr/COpeff 30 Nov 53
AC2 LR VilleneuveR Opeff 30 Nov 53
AW1 MD NassifFtr/COpeff 14 Jul 53
AC2 JC AllardRdr/Techeff 11 Sep 53
AC2 M TherienFtr/COpeff 22 Sep 53
AC2 F PannetonFtr/COpeff 12 Feb 54
AC1 JM RivardSep/Techeff 9 Feb 54
AC1 P CantinRdr Techeff 16 Sep 53

AW2 M Martin was TOS for a period of three years with the Aux effective 22 Mar 54 as a Ftr/COp.

Effective 22 Dec 53, AC1 J Ferland, Ftr/COp, was remustered to Com PC (G), and effective 5 Apr 54, AW1 C Beaudoin, Ftr/COp, was remustered to Clk/Typ.

The following reclassifications were announced:

AW1 L RobichaudClk/Adminto LAWeff 1 Mar 54
AW1 KM McDonaldFtr/COpto LAWeff 1 Mar 54
AW1 S JohnstoneFtr/COpto LAWeff 1 Mar 54
AW1 J LaflammeFtr/COpto LAWeff 1 Mar 54
AW1 J GuillemetteFtr/COpto LAWeff 1 Mar 54

In addition to the above, P/O JL Daoust, Ftr/Cont, was promoted to F/O effective 5 Feb 54.

LAC W Loranger, Sup Tech, was employed for an extension of Special Duty with the Aux from 1 Apr to 30 Apr, for the purpose of aiding moving.

Indefinite LWOP was granted to AC2 F Rivard, Ftr/COp, eff 21 Apr.

May 54

DEOs issued during this month included Serial 12, dated 10 May, Serial 13, dated 13 May, Serial 14, dated 17 May, and Serial 15, dated 31 May.

Suitable temporary quarters had been found for the squadron during renovation of existing quarters; the new quarters were at 9 Fusey St, Cap de la Madeleine, and on 4 May the squadron moved, aided by officer and airmen of the Auxiliary. Photographs of the moving appeared in Le Nouvelliste. The new quarters were on the second floor, above an auto dealer, and while not as spacious as would have been liked, were adequate to the needs.

A clothing parade was held on 13 May for all Auxiliary personnel, and for the issuance of summer uniforms to RTTP personnel.

The following personnel were SOS officially:

AC2 g BrousseauFtr/COpeff 1 Apr 54released
AC2 JL ThibodeauRdr Techeff 26 May 53released
LAC JMRM GagneRdr Techeff 5 Jan 53released
F/O FR ThibodeauPers/Admineff 31 Mar 54transfer to Supp Reserve
AC2 CE DumaysRdr PCeff 3 May 54released

In addition to the above, F/O MTHL Bouille, Med/Nur, was SOS on posting to 1 Air Division, Metz, France, for period of Special Duty effective 30 May, returning 28 Jun. Authority for this subsequently appeared in DRO Serial 19, dated 30 July.

The following personnel were TOS for a period of three years:

AC2 R Bergeron, Clk Acc
AC2 JP Robindaine, Ftr COp

P/O JM Pinder was promoted to F/O in the trade of Ftr/Cont eff 18 Dec 53.

An AOCs parade was held at Fletcher's Field in Montreal on 16 May, and the following Squadron personnel attended:

S/L AO DumasLAC GWF Langlois
F/L Ga LavigneLAC TM McPherson
F/L JF Lacroix LAW S Johnstone
F/L PE St ArnaultLAW J Laflamme
F/O JAJP TrudelLAW KM McDonald
F/O RSC GenestLAW L Robichaud
F/O WT ReidAC1 PP Caron
F/O JPR BellemareAC1 JHR Delafontaine
F/O AJ EscaravageAC1 PE Dufresne
F/O RG HaganAC1 A Dupont
F/O AM JohnsonAC1 J Ferland
F/O RJH LafreniereAC1 Y Gagnon
F/O M SevignyAC1 R Lacombe
P/O JMR BriereAW1 C Arsenault
P/O EC JenssenAW1 C Beaudoin
LAC W LorangerAW1 P St Louis
LAC R BrousseauAW1 MEH Paulin
LAC G GarrettAW1 SMA Staynes
AW1 C VeilletteAX2 JJC Laperriere
AW1 B MurrayAC2 JM Longval
AC2 LJ BaribeauAC2 Y Sauvageau
AC2 H BartlettAW2 C Lemay
AC2 G BourassaAW2 L Pinsonneault
AC2 R DupresAW2 M Martin
AC2 Y Dugay 

Authority for the trip, which was made by bus, was given subsequently in DRO Serial 16, dated 10 Jun. Photographs showing the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshall James, interviewing members of the local squadron on parade appeared in Le Nouvelliste, together with a news account.

A Group Commander's parade was held on 27 May at the airport at Cap de la Madeleine. Summer dress was in order and the parade was widely attended. Again photographs and news accounts appeared in the Le Nouvelliste.

Jun 54

DROs issued during the month included Serial 16, dated 16 Jun, Serial 17, dated 17 Jun, and Serial 18, dated 30 Jun.

From 1 Jun to 3 Jun, S/L AO Dumas and F/L GA Lavigne were on Special Duty with the Auxiliary; during this time they travelled to Air Defence Sector HQ at Lac St Denis to attend a conference.

The following personnel were officially SOS:

AC1 JR Pellerineff 21 Novreleased
AC2 JG Heberteff 31 May 53released
AC2 R Charland COM PCeff 30 Apr 53released
AW2 C Douville Ftr COpeff 3 Nov 53released
AC2 F Rivard Ftr COpeff 1 Jul 54transfer to Primary Reserve RTTP,
attached to 2453 C&WS for training,
to 1 Gp HQ for pay accounting.

In addition to the above, F/O RJH Lafreniere was SOS eff 15 Jun on posting to 2453 AC&WS for a period of Special Duty. F/O Lafreniere acted in the capacity of Commanding Officer for RTTP personnel who were in summer training for two months.

The following personnel were reclassified LAC:

AC1 JHR DelafontaineCom PC (G) eff 16 Apr 54
AC1 PE DufresneR Opeff 9 Apr 54

AC2 JC Lebrun and AW2 VM Baker were TOS for a period of three years effective 3 May 54 and 24 May 54 respectively.

AC2 JR Longval, Ftr/COp, and AC2 JC Beaudoin, CH, were granted LWOP for an indefinite period of time effective 3 Jun 54 and 17 May 54 respectively.

At 1000 hours on 20 Jun, trade exams were written by the following personnel, F/L PE St Arnault presiding.

F/O LP HerouxLAW J Laflamme
LAC JHR DelafontaineLAW S Staynes
LAC J FerlandAC1 PP Caron
LAW C VeilletteAC1 A Dupont
LAW KM McDonaldAC1 R Roberge
LAW S Johnstone 

F/L GA Lavigne was officially appointed OC Summer Camp, which was to be held at 12 AC&WS, Mont Apica from 3 Jul to 18 Jul.

As per DRO Serial 18, the following personnel were TOS on enrollment in the Primary Reserve RTTP with the rank of AC2, to be attached to 2453 AC&WS for training, to 1 Gp HQ for pay accounting, in the trade of Ftr/COp, effective 1 Jul 54:

R RichardL Bourassa
J LarochelleC Cossette
M DouvilleY Plourde
JM LafreniereJ Biron
A LizeN Lavesque
A MercierR Vigneault
G LeblancG Drouin
J CantinR Bisson
C BeauchampsJP Fortier
D NadeauF Ferland
J DumontJ Leclerc
PE MassicotteJ Biron
M DugreL Roberge
C LyonnaisJ Duval
A PronovostJ Allard
A VerretteA Baribeau
R FerschkeA Ouellet
G Gauthier 

The following personnel were similarly enrolled but with the trade of Com PC:

JG RaymondJC Dugre
A BeauchesneJC Martin
A FortinA Bourbeau
A LerocheJC Farrier
J GiguereG Hamelin
R PidgeonG Lambert
JS LandryY Racette
L Lemay 

The following personnel were also similarly enrolled but with the trade of Rdr PC:

lD CaronC De Lagrave
L LeborgneG Soulard
J PatriceP Bourdreau
M BellefeuilleL Arcand
JL MaltonF Rivard
JC LanteigneJL Houle

Work progressed during this month on the new quarters, and photographs and news accounts were carried in the local press.

Jul 54

The last parade before summer camp was held on July 1st. Summer Camp was held at Mont Apica 3 July to 18 July, and the following personnel attended on the dates shown:

S/L AO Dumas 8 to 16 JulyAir P
F/L PE St Arnault3 to 11 JulyAcc
F/O WT Reid14 to 16 JulyTech/Tel
F/O RSC Genest3 to 11 JulyPers/Admin
F/L GA Lavigne3 to 19 JulyAS/Ftr Cont (Officer Commanding)
F/O GW Evans3 to 19 JulyAS/Ftr Cont
F/O RG Hagan3 to 12 JulyAS/Ftr Cont
P/O JMR Briere10 to 19 JulyAS/Ftr Cont
LAC MT MacPherson3 to 11 JulyD Mech
AW1 C Arseneault3 to 11 JulyClkTyp/Admin
AC1 A Dupont3 to 18 JulyFtr/COp
AC1 Y Gagnon3 to 18 JulyFtr/COp
LAC JHR Delafontaine3 to 11 JulyCom PC
AW2 C Lemay3 to 11 JulyFtr/COp
AW2 L Pinsonneault3 to 18 JulyFtr/COp
LAW J Laflamme3 to 18 JulyFtr/COp
LAW KM McDonald3 to 11 JulyFtr/COp
AW1 B Murray3 to 9 JulyFtr/COp

In addition to the above, P/O EC Jenssen, Pers/Admin, spent summer camp from 3 July to 17 July at RCAF Station St Hubert; F/O JAJP Trudel spent summer camp from 2 July to 12 July in the Supply Branch at 1 Gp HQ; and LAC JLPW Loranger spent summer camp as a Sup Tech from 18 July to 24 July at 1 Gp HQ.

Personnel from Quebec City and Three Rivers had complete control of air operations during summer camp, and particularly during the large scale air operations conducted over the second weekend. During these exercises, personnel who were unable to attend summer camp aided the local branch of GObC in plotting and relaying information to Air Defence Control Center at Lac St Denis.

From July 19 to Sept 1, the unit was shut down, the first parade of the new season being scheduled for 1 Sept. An officers' mess meeting was called in July, however, and again in August, to discuss decorations for the mess in the new quarters.

A single DRO was issued during the month, Serial 19, dated 30 July.

Effective 15 Dec 53, F/O CA Trottier was SOS on transfer to the Supplementary Reserve. He had been enrolled as AS/Ftr Cont.

Effective 1 July, the following personnel were promoted to the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant:

F/O JPA PicherAS/Ftr Cont
F/O JR LafreniereAS/Ftr Cont
F/O AJ EscaravageAS/Ftr Cont

Effective 25 May 54, P/O LG Solly, AS/Ftr Cont, was promoted to the rank of F/O.

The following officers were TOS on appointment to the Auxiliary for an indefinite period of time with rank of P/O with simultaneous promotion of F/O:

F/O JAC LaurendeauAS/Ftr Conteff 26 July 54
F/O JAF BabinAS/Ftr Conteff 23 Mar 54

Effective 18 Mar 54, P/O ATJ Bolduc, Tech/Tel, was TOS in the Auxiliary for an indefinite period of time.

Effective 22 Jun 54, LAC PE Dufresne, R Op, remustered to Ftr/COp, and AC1 R Lacombe remustered from Ftr/COp to Com PC (G).

S/L AO Dumas was on TD to ADCHQ on 28 Jul and 29 Jul attending a debriefing conference.

Aug 54

The unit being shut down during the whole of this month, there was little activity. The Auxiliary Support personnel, however, were on duty at the quarters.

A single DRO, Serial 20, dated 31 Aug, was issued during the month.

S/L AO Dumas was employed for a period of Special Duty with the Auxiliary from 25 July to 7 Aug, to work T1 DCL & AFHQ Field service during renovation of the new quarters. On 16 Aug and 17 Aug, S/L Dumas was on TD to ADCHQ attending aTelecom Conference, and again on 26 to 29 aug, S/L Dumas was on TD to ADCHQ.

On August 19th and 20th, F/L GA Lavigne was on TD to 1 Gp HQ to discuss Auxiliary training for the 1954-1955 season. Effective 1 July, F/L Lavigne was promote to substantive rank.

The following personnel were TOS with the rank of P/O and simultaneous promotion to F/O:

F/O JDF HardyAS/Ftr Ceff 26 Aug 54
F/O JHGM BraunAS/Ftr Ceff 4 Aug 54

Effective 21 Jun 54, AC1 JNM Bouille, R Op, was SOS on transfer to 2452 AC&WS at Quebec City.

LAW SM Johnstone, Ftr/COp, was remustered Group 1 (O), having successfully passed her trade exams held 20 Jun 54.

An Officers' Mess meeting was called on 30 Aug to discuss new color schemes and decorations for the new Mess.

Sep 54

The first parade of the new season was held on the Thursday following Labour Day at the temporary quarters in Cap de la Madeleine. As per DRO Serial 21, dated 9 Sep, winter dress was optional for wear effective 13 Sep, and compulsory eff 27 Sep.

The following RTTP Primary Reserve personnel, having completed summer training, were struck off strength effective 1 Sep, having been attached to 2453 AC&WS for training and to 1 Gp HQ for pay:

AC2 A BourbeauCommPCAC2 M DouvilleFtrCop
AC2 G LambertCommPCAC2 G DrouinFtrCOp
AC2 JS LandryCommPCAC2 R FerscheFtrCOp
AC2 M BellefeuilleRdrPCAC2 JP FortierFtrCOp
AC2 JC LanteigneRdrPCAC2 J LafreniereFtrCOp
AC2 JL MattonRdrPCAC2 J LarochelleFtrCOp
AC2 P JulienRdrPCAC2 A LizeFtrCOp
AC2 F RivardRdrPCAC2 LyonnaisFtrCOp
AC2 J AllardFtrCOpAC2 A MercierFtrCOp
AC2 J BironFtrCOpAC2 D NadeauFtrCOp
AC2 BissonFtrCOpAC2 P BoudreauRdrPC

The following RTTP Primary Reserve Personnel, were SOS on request, effective 1 Sep:

AC2 A LarocheCommPCAC2 J DuvalFtrCOp
AC2 JC RaymondCommPCAC2 M LevesqueFtrCOp
AC2 L ArcandRdrPCAC2 PronovostFtrCOp
AC2 L LeborgneRdrPCAC2 L RobergeFtrCOp
AC2 J BironFtrCOp  

Trade examinations were held 19 Sep for AW1 C Arsenault, Clk Typ, and AW1 P St Louis, Clk Typ, with F/O RSC Genest presiding.

AW1 MEH Paulin was SOS effective 12 Jun on transfer to the Regular Force. AW1 Paulin had been enrolled as FtrCOp.

AW1 L Duval, Sup Tech, was SOS effective 1 July, retention of this airwoman not being practical nor desirable.

Cpl JJ Laperriere, Comm Tech, was SOS effective 1 Sep, on request.

The following reclassifications became effective on dates shown:

AW1 P St LouisClk Typ to LAWeff 3 Jun
AC1 JS ParenteauSup Techto LACeff 7 Jun
AC1 PP CaronRdrPCto LACeff 2 Sep
AW1 EM MurrayFtrCOpto LAWeff 1 Sep
AW1 C VeilletteFtrCOpto LAWeff 31 May
AW2 L PinsonneaultFtrCOpto AW1eff 22 Apr
AW2 D FloreaultFtrCOpto AW1eff 1 Jun

Effective 23 Oct 52, LAC M Pronovost was TOS for a period of three years in the trade of CommPC, and effective 25 Jul, P/O EJ Smith was TOS on transfer from 2452 AC&WS in the trade of Tech Tel.

Effective 30 Sep 54, AW2 M Vincent, Clk Typ, was SOS on request.

LAC JHGM Champagne was granted LWOP for an indefinite period effective 3 Jun 54.

A clothing parade was held for all ranks on 30 Sep.

As per QR (Air) Art 210.82, notification of which was promulgated in AFRO 433/54, all auxiliary personnel were eligible for a bonus who attended six days camp training, or other authorized training, and who had attended seventy-five percent of parades in the prior six months. The bonus was set at $25 for single personnel, and $40 for married personnel.

DRO's issued during the month included Serial 21, dated 9 Sep, Serial 22, dated 16 Sep, Serial 23, dated 23 Sep, and Serial 24, dated 30 Sep.

Oct 54

Effective 4 Oct 54, the following personnel were TOS in the Auxiliary for a period of three years:

AW2 H CossetteFtrCOp
AW2 B VaillancourtFtrCOp
AW2 M BeaumierFtrCOp

The following RTTP Primary Reserve personnel were SOS effective 29 Sep 54, having been attached to 2453 AC&WS for training, and to 1 Gp HQ for pay:

AC2 C CossetteFtrCOp
AC2 C BeauchampsFtrCOp
AC2 L BourassaFtrCOp
AC2 R VigneaultFtrCOp
AC2 J LeclercFtrCOp
AC2 M DugreFtrCOp
AC2 G GauthierFtrCOp
AC2 PE MassicoteFtrCOp

Effective 7 Oct 54, AC2's P Lemay and C Deziel, both Fighter Control Opertors, were SOS 2453 AC&WS.

LAC PP Caron, Rdr PC, was SOS effective 20 Oct on transfer to the Regular Force, and AW2 M Martin, FtrCOp, was SOS on request effective 23 Mar 54.

From 11 Oct to 30 Oct, F/O JDF Hardy, AS/FtrC was employed for a period of special duty with the Auxiliary.

The following reclassifications became effective on dates shown:

AC1 A DupondFtrCOpto LACeff 4 Oct
AW1 C LemayFtrCOpto LAWeff 2 Sep
AW1 SMA StaynesFtrCOpto LAWeff 3 Sep
AC2 Y SauvageauRdrPCto AC1eff 16 May

AC2 Y Duguay, RdrPC, was granted leave without pay for an indefinite period of time, and effective 28 Oct 54, AW1 C Arsenault, Clk Typ, was granted LWOP for a period of three months.

No parade was held on Monday, 1 Nov, it being All Saint's Day, and a civic holiday.

DRO's issued during the month included Serial 25, dated 7 Oct, Serial 26, dated 18 Oct, Serial 27, dated 21 Oct, and Serial 28, dated 29 Oct.

Plans were made during this month for moving back into the renovated quarters on Hart Street, Trois-Rivieres. It was hoped that the move could be made on or about the middle of November.

Nov 54

The total strength of the Unit at the end of Oct 54 was:

OfficersStaff10
OfficersTrainee25
Sr NCOStaff0
Sr NCOTrainee0
Cpls, ACs and AWsStaff10
Cpls, ACs and AWsTrainee50
Total 95

As per DRO dated 4th Nov 54, F/O Braun was employed on Special Duty eff 1 Nov 54 to 13 Nov 54.

On Nov 14, 54 a tri-service parade took place to commemorate the Armistice Day. The "fall-in" was at 1330 hrs and the parade left the Armoury at 1345 hrs and marched to the Cenotaph where the march pass took place.

As per DrO dated 18 Nov 54, the following personnel were taken on strength, as per the date shown:

F/L JDF Hardy 30 Oct 54
AC2 JM Gosselin 8 Oct 54

There was no training between 19 Nov 54 and 5 Dec 54 as per DRO dated 18 Nov 54. This was due to the transfer of the entire unit, back to Trois-Rivieres, to occupy our renovated building. All personnel helped for the moving of the equipment.

One last special meeting took place, for the officers, in the month of Nov, when all Fighter Controllers were requested to attend a special meeting with Officers from ADC. This occurred on 22 Nov 54.

A special farewell party was held on 29 Nov 54 for F/L Escaravage in the officers mess. F/L Escaravage was presented a Beer Mug to commemorate the occasion.

Dec 54

Due to the transfer of the complete unit to our repaired building at Hart Street, no DROs were published in December until the 16th of the month.

As per these DRO a trade examination board was set up, which comprised:

Presiding OfficerF/O RW Healey-Ogden
Assistant Presiding OfficerF/L RJH Lafreniere
Assistant Presiding OfficerP/O EC Jenssen

The strength of the unit was increased as follow as per DRO 16 Dec 54:

Sgt JHM Bellerive eff 30 Sep 54

F/L GA Lavigne was named A/CO during S/L AO Dumas' absence, which extended through the holidays.

It has been established this month that the officers of the GObC are full members of the Officers" Mess and have the following privileges:

  1. Becoming voting members
  2. Becoming eligible for the Mess Committee
  3. Becoming Orderly Officers

A new Mess Committee in the Airmen's Mess was elected on 13 Dec 54 and it consists of:

Cpl G GarrettPresident
AW2 F Ritchie Secretary
LAC MacPhersonOn the Committee
LAW MacDonaldOn the Committee

A Christmas Party was held on 26 Dec 54 at 2 PM. F/O Filion volunteered to act as Santa Claus. All the children had a very good time and an appropriate present was given to each and every one. After the presentation, a lunch was served and the youngsters did great honored.

A decoration and organization ccommittee for the New Year Eve Party was formed with the following volunteers:

F/O G Kerr
F/O L Solly
F/O J Crossley
F/O R Hagan

A Buffet Supper was held in the Officers' Mess on New Years Eve. This wa followed by a dance and the usual reveries in order to bid goodbye to the Old Year and Best Wishes to the New.

The Airmen's Mess also held a dance on this occasion but it took place on 30 Dec 54.