Narrative Report of
2403 AC&WU Squadron (Aux)
1 December 1955 to 31 May 1956
18 Dec 55
Last parade for the Calendar Year 1955.
5 Jan 56
First parade in the new year.
6 Jan 56
S/L Clarke attended Auxiliary CO's Conference at Ottawa for the purpose of discussing views of present and future roles of Auxiliary Squadrons.
15 Jan 56
Mr C Palmer and Mr N York from the Calgary Herald visited this Unit for a press release on the history of the Squadron.
22 Jan 56
Representatives of the Calgary Herald, Mssrs Bruce Phillips and Wilf Blair visited the Commanding Officer and various sections of the Unit with the purpose of compiling a picture story on Squadron activities.
19 Feb 56
A three phase operational exercise was arranged by 30 Wing HQ under the supervision and direction of the WOpsO, S/L GM Kelly. The site selected was RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alta, and the operations were carried briefly as follows:
15 Officers and 17 Airmen proceeded to RCAF Stn Cold Lake on Operation "Ready" for familiarization phase of Operation.
25 Feb 56
14 Officers and 20 Airmen proceeded via Service Aircraft in conjunction with 403 (F) Squadron to Cold Lake for joint operation "Get Set".
24 Mar 56
The two previous operations were performed in preparaton for the combined operation "GO" which took place at Cold Lake on Mar 24th involving 14 officers and 26 Airmen from 2403 AC&W Squadron and personnel from several other units. On Saturday morning Cold Lake were carrying on local flying training, including gunnery practice, with the result that VHF was overtaxed, and our controllers found it extremely difficult to carry on efficient communication. As a result the Saturday operation proved not too successful.
On Sunday, the VHF was left clear for operation "GO". Our crews, both FCO's and controllers, were thoroughly briefed prior to operations and the familiarization gained by all concerned proved invaluable when the operation got under way. The entire communication system operated most efficiently and the entire operation was completely successful.
All participating members of 2403 AC&W Sqn carried out their duties efficiently and effectively.
12 Apr 56
Colonel CO Bell OBE, director of Civil Defence in Calgary, addressed 3053 TTU and 2403 AC&W Sqn on the importance of Civil Defence and the role it plays in times of war.
6 May 56
There was a joint parade with 3053 TTU and 2403 AC&W Sqn for the purpose of awarding the CD Medal to FS Orritt and Sgt Scott, two members of 3053 TTU. The medals were presented by the Wing CO, G/C WA Mostyn-Brown.
25 May 56
Operation "Sausage Roll #1" was undertaken jointly by 403 (F) Squadron and 2403 AC&W Sqn from Calgary. Six Controllers under the direction of F/O RG Ings proceeded to #681 AC&W Sqn at Cutbanks, Montana. Two interceptions were attempted with the first section on Saturday, neither of which was successful due entirely to RT receiver and transmission troubles and misunderstood messages.
Radar contact was excellent from the time the aircraft were picked up initially about 30 miles from base and did not fade away from the "Sausage" screens until they were on their descent returning to base. In the second section a total of five interceptions were attempted, none of which was successfully carried through for the following reasons:
27 May 56
On Sunday a total of nine interceptions were attemmpted by our controllers, seven of which were successful, due largely to better climatic conditions, and excellent VHF communications.
The publicity gained by the press releases resulting from press visits previously referred to, proved invaluable in the enrolment of much needed fighter controllers.The strength of 2403 AC&W Sqn (Aux) as at 31 May 1956 was as follows:
| REGULAR OFFICERS | 1 |
| REGULAR AIRMEN | 3 |
| AUXILIARY OFFICERS | 27 |
| AUXILIARY AIRMEN | 45 |
| AUXILIARY AIRWOMEN | 24 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
(FE Clarke) S/L,
CO 2403 AC&WU (Aux) RCAF,
Calgary, Alta.