Historical Narrative
2402 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit (Aux) Winnipeg, Manitoba
1 December 1955 to 31 May 1956
Dec 55
Routine training carried out to Christmas standdown. Classes carried on for basic and advanced ComTechs, RdrTechs, Fighter Control Operators, and lectures continued for Phase One Controllers in preparation for trade tests to be written in April. 15-JID giving valuable intercept training to Phase Two Controllers and giving a greater degree of realism to sythetic exercises carried out on Sundays. The switchboard from the Halifax Ames-11 Convoy was moved in to the synthetic room to provide terminal communications facilities. Routine and maintenance and repair work carried on with technical equipment. Contact training was obtained on weekends by crews at 916th AC&WS, USAF at Beausejour, Man, and also during the week by such personnel who were available from civilian occupations.
11 Dec 55
F/O J Brown AS/FtrC taken on strength. Trade Tests written in which 3 FtrCOps obtained Group 2 and 1 obtained Group 3. Also one airwoman obtained Group 1 Clerk Typist.
Jan 56
Training recommenced Jan 3 after Christmas standdown. Lectures, practical training and contact training at 916th Sqn continued.
1 Jan 56
F/O RS Turner AS/FtrC promoted to the substantive rank of F/L.
5 Jan 56
F/O EJ Bass, AS/FtrC, taken on strength, AC1 RH Morton struck off strength on transfer to the Permanent Force.
7 - 9 Jan 56
S/L VP Grant, Commanding Officer, travelled to Ottawa for CO's conference regarding the future of Auxiliary Squadrons.
24 Jan 56
Taken on strength were F/O DKG MacMillan, F/O F Menzies, F/O WG Corbett, all AS/FtrC's and Sgt D Norquary, Rdr Tech.
Feb 56
Routine training continued.
1 Feb 56
F/L CE Sowerby struck off strength on transfer to 2442 AC&WS Vancouver.
13 Feb 56
F/L Galpin, Tech/Tel, struck off strength on transfer to 2 R&CU (Aux) Toronto.
Mar 56
Routine training being carried out and intensive studying being done for trade tests to be written in April. Phase One Controllers taken on strength this season had been taking lectures with the view of writing trade tests next fall, but as it was decided to take the opportunity of writing in April their theoretical work was intensified at the temporary expense of practical work. This was also true of Phase Two Controllers with qualifying and trade tests slated for early April.
4 Mar 56
The Squadron was visted by S/L Sarty, SOGT, ADC.
5 Mar 56
F/L Taylor, security officer from ADC arrived for security inspection of squadron premises. Liaison visit paid to the squadron by S/L Barrie, Wing Administrative Officer.
Apr 56
Practical training and contact training continued after writing of trade tests. With the threat of a flood in Winnipeg area all squadrons fixed mobile communications equipment was placed on a readiness basis in the event that their services would be required.
1 Apr 56
Cpl LL Burke, FtrCOp 3, Support, promoted to Sgt and LAC HW Thompson, RdrTech (G) 3, Support, promoted to Cpl.
8 Apr 56
Officers trade exams written.
15 Apr 56
Officers qualifying exams written.
22 Apr 56
Phase One exams written and airmens' trade board held.
5 - 26 Apr 56
Taken on strength during this period were 4 FtrCOps, 1 ClkTyp, and 1 RdrTech.
May 56
Preparations now being made for summer camp to be held at RCAF Station Senneterre during the first two weeks of July. Enthusiasm for summer camp is running quite high and indications are that the Squadron will be well represented, although several of its members may be able to attend only for the second week.
1 May 56
Taken on strength were 1 FtrCOp and 1 ClkTyp.
6 May 56
On this weekend S/L Grant, Commanding Officer, F/L Macfie, CTechO, F/L Riddle, Senior Controller, and F/O John, Regular Support, flew to Senneterre as an advanced party for Summer Camp planning.
8 May 56
Promotion Board assembled consisting of S/L Grant, F/L Macfie and F/L Riddle.
15 May 56
F/O DH Clifford, AS/FtcC taken on strength.
18 May 56
S/L Grant retired as Commanding Officer after having served three years in the post. The handing over ceremony was held 31 May, in which temporary command of the unit was taken over by F/L Macfie, formerly SOTel, 17 Wg, HQ.
24 May 56
The Squadron received a liaison visit from 5002 Intelligence Unit (Aux), 17 Wing HQ Winnipeg.
29 May 56
Sgt WJ McKenzie promoted to the rank of F/O. Preparations are under way for Air Force Day, Jun 9, at which the unit will have a display of Ames-11 equipment, similar to the display held last year. During the month, F/L Turner and F/L Brown spent two weeks at RCAF Stn Falconbridge where they completed their Phase Two Training and were so accredited. Both officers received valuable training and returned with many ideas and suggestions for improving the training on the Squadron.
(BTG Macfie) F/L
CO 2402 AC&WS (Aux) Winnipeg, Man