2403 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Auxiliary)
Calgary, Alta.

National Archives of Canada

On June 2nd, 1953, a Coronation Parade was held with S/L Parker taking the salute. Flight Commanders were F/L Freebairn, F/L McKay, and F/L Parkyn. On June 4th, Commanding Officer S/L Sargenia left by TCA for ADCHQ to make final plans for the 1953 Summer Camp.

To retain the high level of morale on the squadron and to acquaint families with squadron personnel a picnic was held at Banff on June 28th, at which Permanent Force and Auxiliary Personnel from RCAF Station Calgary, 403 (FB) Squadron and 2403 Squadron were represented. The outing was a tremendous success.

On July 2nd, F/L Parkyn addressed the squadron giving all personnel last minute instructions regarding Summer Camp. 38 members of 2403 Squadron left via CPR in two private coaches on July 4th at 2030 hours for Summer Camp at Edgar. The squadron arrived at RCAF Stn Edgar at approximately 0700 hours and were requested to draw up a working schedule for 8 hour shifts covering a 24 hour day for the two week training period. Within 3 hours after arriving at the station, the squadron personnel were divided into teams, the schedule required was completed and the first team reported for duty. Personnel worked 2 days on and 1 day off during the two weeks interval. At the conclusion of the two weeks a very successful and enjoyable station dance was held. All personnel of 2403 Squadron were congratulated by the Commanding Officer and Officers of RCAF Station Edgar on the deportment, dress, and interest shown while attending camp.

The Squadron returned to Calgary by way of the CPR and the unit had a stand down until September 11, 1953.

It is the opinion of this squadron that Summer Camps held on Permanent Force Stations are essential, as it gives the Auxiliary Personnel a feeling of being part of the Permanent force and it also tends to bring the Permanent Force and Auxiliary Personnel closer together. The Squadron looks forward with anticipation to the Summer Camp of 1954.

September 11th was the first parade after the summer stand down. On October 18th, RCAF Station Calgary held a press and radio interview to announce the formation of a new Technical Training Unit to be known as 3053 TTU. F/L Parkyn was named as the new Commanding Officer with simultaneous promotion to the rank of Squadron Leader.

On November 6th, S/L Sargenia, S/L Parkyn, F/L Gray, and F/L Long travelled to Edmonton to attend a 3 days Auxiliary and Senior Support Officers' Conference. In the absence of the Commanding Officer, F/L Simpson was acting Commanding Officer for the November 8th parade.

The Remembrance Day Parade was well attended and 2403 Squadron Personnel put on a good show, F/L Long was in charge of the Women's Division of the RCAF in Calgary.

On November 14th, 402 (FB) Squadron (Aux) Winnipeg, 403 (FB) Squadron (Aux) Calgary and 2403 AC&W Squadron (Aux) Calgary took part in a joint mock raid called "Operation Kangaroo". The purpose of this exercise was the practice of long range navigation, bomber escort, locating and bombing distant targets, mobility practice, practice in the defence of a target, and practice in conducting interception of enemy aircraft. Out of this exercise came many recommendations for a more successful future operations of a similar nature.

It was suggested at the de-briefing the following day that when enemy aircraft approach the target and are intercepted or are successful in the raid, that they again approach the target area, for further practice in bombing and interception. It was also suggested that the defence personnel cut down on intercom chatter during interception operations. It was felt that the interception would have been more successful had we used only two patrol lines covering a sector from 35º to 130º. One of the seven enemy aircraft was successful in evading the defence patrols and reached the target without interception. On the whole "Operation Kangaroo" was highly successful from the standpoint of interception and defence of the target. All participating personnel were keenly interested throughout the entire operation. The high morale and co-operation of all concerned was very much in evidence, and it was the popular opinion that similar exercises should be more frequently laid on.

On November 22nd a Commanding Officers' Parade was held in the Drill Hall for the purpose of presenting the Coronation Medal to the following squadron personnel:

S/L Sargenia
FS Ferguson
Sgt Thompson

Also awarded the Coronation medal were personnel from RCAF Station Calgary, 403 (FB) Squadron and Mrs James, civilian telephone operator at RCAF Station Calgary. S/L Sargenia was officer commanding the parade and the awards were presented by G/C JH Fenton, MBE, CD, Commanding Officer of 25 AMB, RCAF Calgary.

W/C Freeman, Commanding Officer of 403 (FB) Squadron (Aux) Calgary was killed during a routine formation exercise on November 29th, and was buried with full military honors on December 2nd. S/L Parkyn was the officer in charge of the funeral parade and it was one of the largest military funerals ever witnessed in the City of Calgary, as hundreds of service personnel and civilian friends and relatives attended to pay their last respects to the popular commander of 403 Squadron.

2403 AC&W Squadron (Aux) has been very active during the past six months in their recruiting programme, and it is felt that the high morale of the squadron and the excellent training available by capable instructors has been largely instrumental in the recruiting of new personnel (Refer Appendix "A").

The strength of the unit at November 30th, 1953 was as follows:

(GE Sargenia) S/L,
CO 2403 AC&WU (Aux) RCAF,
Calgary, Alta.