It's Air Force Day in Trois Rivieres on 1st April 1959
2453 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Auxiliary) joins with the local committee organizing the celebration of the 35yh Birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the 50th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada to pay tribute to the pioneers of flight who have laid the foundations for the development of civil and military aviation in Canada.
Formation of 2453 AC&WS (Aux)
2453 AC&WS (Aux) was formed in Three Rivers in May 1952. The function of the unit is to train reserve personnel in the operation of the aircraft control and warning system. The ultimate aim, of course, is to provide a force of trained personnel who will be available in an emergency to augment the operations of regular radar squadrons.
TRAINING
To carry out this task, auxiliary personnel are trained in the complex knowledge of Canada's aircraft controlling and warning system, as well as the integration of the RCAF in the North American Air Defence organization. They also study meteorlology, navigation, radar theory, administration, drill, history, and organization of the RCAF while living under RCAF discipline. The local radar unit numbers 125 officers, airmen and airwomen commanded by S/L AO Dumas who was responsible for the formation of the unit in 1952. The training takes place at the RCAF building on Hart St, on Monday and Thursday evenings and is complemented by practical training on a regular air force station on weekends and for a period of two weeks or more each summer. The members of the auxiliary receive an interesting salary while training. Since its formation in 1952, members of 2453 AC&WS (Aux) have worked diligently to attain a high degree of proficiency thereby contributing an important part in the Air Defence of Canada.
RESERVE TRADESMAN TRAINING PLAN (RTTP)
The RTTP is an eight months' training plan, commencing 1 Jan and ending 31 Aug each year. It is sponsored by the RCAF and the training is carried out at 2453 AC&WS (Aux) by auxiliary and regular force officers and men. The purpose of the RTTP is two-fold: to motivate the interest of trainees towards maintaining contract with the RCAF by service with the regular Force or Reserves, and to assist trainees with their education.
RTTP trainees receive a training parallel to the training given to the auxiliary personnel while receiving a salary of $165 a month and uniforms provided by the RCAF.
The RTTP training has been performed at 2453 AC&WS (Aux) Three Rivers for the past five years. Several trainees have joined either the auxiliary or the Regular Force and their acheivements have been rewarding to the RCAF.