Daily Diary
2400 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit, Toronto, Ont.
2 December 1953 to 30 May 1954
Commanding Officer - A/S/L RA Illingworth
2 Dec 53
Regular Squadron Training Parade. Training parade is comprised of a squadron roll call, inspection, ensign raisinig and march past. Personnel are dismissed to their classes for training and trade advancement.
5 - 6 Dec 53
The CO, three controllers and nine Fighter Control Operators proceeded to 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar to participate in Exercise Dust Devil (Ref 14 Op Wg Operation Order 26/53). Due to limited activity, because of weather conditions and numbers of available aircraft, Auxiliary controllers were unable to take an active part in the exercise.
12 - 13 Dec 53
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercises at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar (Ref 2400 Sqn Operation Order 6/53). Eight officers and eighteen other ranks participated in this exercise. 412 (T) Sqn provided the Comet aircraft as a target and 400 (F) Sqn provided Vampire aircraft as interceptors. A total of 17 intercepts were attempted of which 14 were successful.
16 Dec 53
A traditional Christmas dinner was held in the Airmen's Mess, Stn Toronto and the airmen and airwomen were served by Squadron Officers. G/C Patriarche, Group Commander attended the dinner. The dinner was followed by the quarterly pay parade and an all rank party and dance in the Airwomen's Lounge.
19 Dec 53
Squadron Xmas Party for the children. This party took place in "B" Mess of Stn Toronto and was very well attended. A special feature was a preview showing of the film of the Santa Claus parade through the courtesy of the Kodak Co. Santa Claus was played by F/L SH Roberts.
20 Dec 53
Eligible squadron personnel participated in quarterly trade examination.
21 Dec 53
Squadron on stand down until 5 Jan 54.
6 Jan 54
Regular Squadron Training program resumed.
17 Jan 54
A special exercise was carried out in which the AMES 11 Convoy was manned as a mobile unit. (Ref 2400 AC&W Sqn Op Order 1/54). Although handicapped by sub-zero weather, the exercise was successfully carried out.
23 - 24 Jan 54
Regular bi-monthly exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar. (Ref 2400 Operation Order 1 FL 2 GCI/C). Exercise carried out with 400 (F) Sqn but due to poor weather conditions, the exercise was curtailed and only two intercepts completed.
30 - 31 Jan 54
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar. (Ref 2400 Op Order 2 FL GCI/C). Exercise was carried out with 411 (F) Sqn. The exercise was very successful and 20 intercepts completed.
10 Feb 54
WO1 EA Graham, the last of the original support members of this unit, is on posting to a heavy radar unit and a special parade and presentation of a "mug" was made to him.
17 Feb 54
Squadron Sports Parade. Very well attended and great interest and enthusiasm shown by all personnel. The competition was won by the Technical Flight.
20 - 21 Feb 54
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar (Ref 2400 Operation Order 3 FL 4 GCI/AF). Exercise carried out with 400 (F) Sqn. Unfavourable weather conditions curtailed the exercise and only six intercepts were completed. S/L RA Illingworth, CO 2400 AC&W Sqn completed the required number of intercepts for Phase III training.
27 - 28 Feb 54
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar (Ref 2400 Operation Order 1 FL 5 GCI/AF). Exercise carried out with 411 (F) Sqn. Unfavourable weather conditions curtailed the exercise but 14 intercepts were successfully completed.
17 Mar 54
Regular Wednesday parade cancelled and all personnel paraded on 18 Mar 54 for 14 Op Wg Parade. Inspection carried out by G/C Patriarche, Group Commander 2 Gp HQ (Aux).
20 - 21 Mar 54
Exercise "Dust Devil Two". Squadron personnel detailed for duty at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar and 33 AC&W Sqn Falconbridge (Ref 2400 Operation Order 2 FL 6 GCI/00). Auxiliary participation in the exercise was limited due to shortage of serviceable aircraft, but three intercepts were made on fakin aircraft.
27 - 28 Mar 54
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar (Ref 2400 Operation Order SPX7 GCI/AF). Due ot unfavourable weather conditions, no intercepts could be carried out.
28 Mar - 4 Apr 54
Officer promotion examinations written at Stn Toronto. Twenty-five officers of this unit participated.
31 Mar 54
Flight Competition completed for this quarter with #4 Flight (Technical) the winner on attendance and general proficiency.
1 Apr 54
Squadron re-organized into 7 operational crews instead of three training flights.
14 Apr 54
Quarterly pay parade.
24 - 25 Apr 54
Regular bi-monthly GCI exercise at 31 AC&W Sqn, Edgar (Ref 2400 Operation Order C131 8 GCI/C). Exercise carried out with 400 (F) Sqn. Due to unfavourable weather conditions and a break down in equipment, the exercise was drastically curtailed and only 5 intercepts were completed.
28 Apr 54
Squadron Sports Parade. Very well attended with great interest and enthusiasm shown in all events.
1 - 2 May 54
First synthetic exercise at RCAF Stn Clinton. A total of 41 synthetic intercepts successfully completed.
2 May 54
Special flight by 104 K Flight for detailed personnel to St Hubert and return. Personnel were selected for good attendance and general proficiency.
8 - 9 May 54
Second synthetic exercise at RCAF Stn Clinton. A total of 41 synthetic intercepts successfully completed.
9 May 54
Last regular training exercise carried out with AMES 11 Convoy at Downsview. As this convoy is urgently required by AMC for an operational committment, the equipment was shut down at 1700 Z for the last time and the inventory check started.
14 - 16 May 54
Special GCI exercise arranged by 14 Op Wg including 411 (F) Sqn, 2400 AC&W Sqn and American Forces. While the exercise was very successful, generally, only four intercepts were assigned to auxiliary control. These intercepts were successfully completed. The American Forces were entertained by personnel of 14 OpWg during the weekend.
26 May 54
Special Wing Parade. Parade taken by W/C H Boulter, CO 14 Op Wg (Aux).
29 - 30 May 54
Third synthetic exercise at RCAF Stn Clinton. 56 successful synthetic interceptions were completed in this exercise.
30 May 54
A very large contingent from 2400 AC&W Sqn participated in the Toronto Garrison Parade.
(RA Illingworth)A/S/L,
CO.
2400 AC&W Sqn (Aux).