Historical Narrative
2402 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit (Aux) Winnipeg, Manitoba
1 June 1960 to 30 November 1960
Jun 60
During the month, training continued as usual. Lectures and synthetic exercises were carried on at the unit's premises and trips were made to 916th AC&W Sqn, USAF at Beausejour on alternate weekends for live intercept practice, using T-33 aircraft from Stns Portage La Prairie and Gimli; and STP synthetic exercise training. Word was received during the month, that, due to changing defence requirements, the controller establishment of the unit was reduced to half of what it formerly was, necessitating the discharge of several of the units officers.
5 Jun 60
The squadron joined 17 Wing personnel & other units for the annual Decoration Day parade and service at the Cenotaph in downtown Winnipeg.
7 - 9 Jun 60
F/O WH Eckley, Stn Foymount visited the unit to discuss summer training.
13 Jun 60
F/O SC Baker, Sgt JEG Bell, Sgt HB Loughead and Sgt HR Wood were awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration.
23 Jun 60
The squadron was visited by W/C Hill of ADCHQ.
27 Jun 60
S/L CH Haverstock, SRCO, & S/L GJ Sweaver, SORP ADC arrived at the unit for a staff visit.
Jul - Aug 60
The Squadron summer stand down was from June 27 to September 6 and summer camp this year was at Stn Foymount for two weeks beginning July 8. A number of the unit's officers, F/O JA Benoit, AS/FtrC & F/O DA Schmidt, Pers/Ed were transferred to Special Duty with the Regular Force and were attached to 3052 TTU Regular Support Unit as instructors during the summer RTTP program.
22 Jul 60
F/L RS Turner, AS/FtrC, was awarded the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration.
13 Aug 60
F/O LJ Smyth, Air/Obs, was taken on strength as the unit's new Regular Support Officer. He was posted from 432 AW Sqn, Bagotville, PQ.
22 Aug 60
F/L TE Butt, AS/FtrC, was struck off strength on transfer to Stn Mont Apica. Our support officer for the past two years, he was relieved by F/O Smyth.
Sep 60
Regular parade nights began again as the summer standdown ended. Lectures and synthetic exercise were laid on as before, and on the weekend of Sept 23-24, live intercept & STP training was commenced again at the 916th Sqn, USAF Beausejour. It was during Sept that the decision was made known to disband all Auxiliary AC&W Sqns over the next two years commencing Jan 1,1961. The disbandment date for 2402 Sqn was set at Mar 31, 1961. In view of the changes in the nation's air defence situation, this event was not unanticipated, but considerable disappointment was expressed, as for most members, it meant a stop to active participation in Air Force activities.
16 - 18 Sep 60
The Squadron Commanding Officer, S/L JD MacGillivray, attended the AOC's conference at ADCHQ.
Oct -Nov 60
In spite of the above announcement concerning the units disbandment, it was decided that regular training would be carried on until that event occurred. Accordingly lectures and synthetic exercises were carried on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as exercises in the units operational rooms on Sunday afternoon, live and STP training on alternate weekends at the 916th Sqn as outlined above. Morale continued high and attendance was maintained at a high level.
16 Oct 60
Trade exams were held at Stn Winnipeg for Auxiliary force tradesmen, with a number of the units personnel being eligible.
5 - 6 Nov 60
S/L JD MacGillivray, the units Commanding Officer, travelled to Saskatoon for an Auxiliary conference.
(JD MacGillivray) S/L
CO 2402 AC&WS (Aux) Winnipeg, Man