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

National Archives of Canada

During the past six months, 2403 AC&W Sqn has undergone several changes in strength, support personnel, and in command. With the posting of F/L Gray, Support Officer, LAC JP Aucoin ROp(3), and LAC AK Legge PC(G) 2, we were fortunate in getting the following replacements: F/L JH Hilton from #11 AC&W Sqn Lac St Denis, as Support Officer, Cpl DE Card, Ftr COp (2), and LAC Al Stainger, Ftr COp (2), whose ability and attitude in their instructional duties have done much toward the academic success of our reserve personnel.

On August 1st a new Reserve Air Force Wing was formed known as 30 Wing Headquarters (Aux) RCAF. This wing is the headquarters for the four existing auxiliary squadrons - 403 City of Calgary Sqn, 2403 AC&W Sqn, 4010 Medical Unit, and 3053 Technical Training Unit, and is commanded by G/C WA Mostyn-Brown former Commanding Officer of 403 Fighter Squadron. On Nov 15, 1954, 30 Wing joined 12 Group Vancouver which is commanded by A/C GC Orr.

On June 19 - 20, 2403 Sqn played an important frole in "Operation Field Day". Portable power facilities were supplied by our unit for the annual amateur radio Field Day. Two way radio contact was maintained throughout the whole operation. Many of our own personnel are amateur radio opertors, and this exercise demonstrated very well the mobility of our power unit.

Technical Officer F/L Jordan from CanAirDef visited the Commanding Officer and Technical Officers of this unit on June 21st. The purpose of this visit was to represent CTelO Branch of CanAirDef.

On June 27th, F/O WM Sawyer gave last minute instructions regarding summer camp to 2403 Sqn personnel. Arrangements were completed for airlift for the entire Sqn but at the last minute the aircraft had engine trouble and 15 of our personnel were destined to travel by train, arriving at Bonnechere early Sunday morning, where they were met by bus and 30 miles to our home for the next two weeks, RCAF Station Foymount. The other 15 who travelled by airlift arrived the night before. Before the day was out, they were assigned to their billets, issued sheets, pillows, and blankets and given mess cards, and a time table was drawn up for the full two week period. W/C DL Ramsay Commanding Officer of 32 AC&W Sqn, set an excellent example of courtesy and co-operation, which was followed by his entire staff. F/O JAL LaPointe, Accounts Officer was equally as helpful. F/L RT Williams, CAdO and F/O CL Hutcheon, Adjt, were more than willing to help in every way, and were eager to prove that Station Foymount was at the complete disposal of all personnel taking part in exercise "Checkpoint". Above all, our reserve personnel were treated as equals, and looked upon as part of the same team. This, perhaps more than anything else, was largely instrumental in keeping the morale of our personnel at the highest level. In general from the moment our personnel joined 32 AC&W Sqn to date of departure, they had met with an overwhelming attitude of courtesty, co-operation, and assistance, which was vitally important in making Exercise "Checkpoint" the outstanding success it was from an administrative and social, as well as an operational standpoint. Our controllers and operators well represented the Squadron in the manner in which they capitalized on the fine training they received in preparation for this operation. W/C DL Ramsay complimented the officers, airmen and airwomen on their high calibre of conduct and appearance during the exercise. So impressed were our personnel with the summer camp training and exercise at Foymount that seven of our operators applied for transfer to the Reg. On the last night before returning home, Station Foymount held an All Ranks Dance, at which time S/L GE Sargenia presented W/C DL Ramsay with a stetson hat.

On June 13th, 2403 and 403 (Aux) Sqns held a COs Parade with S/L Cruickshank taking the salute. S/L GE Sargenia presented awards to LAW Colby and LAC O'Dell as the two outstanding members of the Sqn based on attendance, appearance, scholastic attainment and general attitude toward the RCAF. It was decided that in subsequent CO's Parades, two awards would be presented on the same basis, as a further incentive for all personnel.

On July 25 and 26 RCAF Station Calgary was honored by a visit from Defence Minister Champney, at which time cocktails were served in the Officers' Mess.

On July 27th F/O Hilton proceeded to 2442 AC&W Sqn Vancouver for the purpose of discussing current training methods for auxiliary Controllers and Fighter Control Operators.

On Aug 10th C Staff O A/C Annis and party including Stn SAO G/C Bray, SPSO G/C Willis and A/C Easton from CanAirDef visited RCAF Station Calgary, and on Aug 11th, S/L Sarty from ADCHQ.

S/L GE Sargenia and F/O Hilton proceeded to Montreal Aug 25th for a conference on the results of the summer training exercise Operation "Checkpoint", at which time a Mess Dinner and formal dance were held in honour of A/V/M and Mrs James.

During the midsummer months 3053 TTU Sqn, under the command of S/L Parkyn conducted the training of RTTP(B) personnel, assisted by LAW Hodgson, LAC O'Dell, LAC Vance and LAC Vang who were granted Special Duty from our unit for the purpose of instructional duties. On Sept 12th a Wing Parade was held for the RTTP(B) graduates at which time S/L Parkym presented awards for scholastic and sports achievements.

On Oct 8th the Officers and wives attended a formal Dining In Night in the Officers Mess for the purpose of introducing the officers and wives of the various Aux units to the new Commanding Officer of RCAF Calgary, S/L CC Cooling and Mrs Cooling.

On Nov 9th the Aux Sqns attended a Burial Service for F/O Scott who lost his life during a routine flying exercise as a member of 403 Sqn. On Nov 14th a Memorial Service was held in the Grace Presbyterian Church for W/C Freeman who was killed one year ago during a routine formation exercise as Commanding Officer of 403 Sqn. The service was conducted by Dr FS Morley and the scripture read by S/L G Kelly.

Recruiting remains a major problem, as 2403 AC&W Sqn is still well below established strength. We were fortunate in taking on strength, six of the RTTP(B) graduates, and through the personal efforts of Commanding Officer S/L GE Sargenia, everyone on the Sqn has been made "Recruiting Conscious" with personal contact as the most likely approach. F/L Long and F/O Bennertt made arrangements for a recruiting meeting in the Canadian Western Natural Gas Co auditorium Dec 1st where the film "Ground Crew" was shown, a very interesting and impressive recruiting talk given by S/L Sargenia, and coffee and donuts served at which time reserve personnel talked with many prospective recruits.

Ths Sqn has had several social functions during the past six months, and excellent training made available by highly competent instructors all of which has aided in keeping the efficiency and morale of our personnel at the highest level.

The strength of the unit at Nov 30th 1954 was as follows:

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