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

National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report of
2403 AC&WU Squadron (Aux)
1 June 1956 to 30 November 1956

17 Jun 56

Preparations were being laid for Summer Camp Training at 51 AC&W Squadron Comox, British Columbia.

2 Jul 56

AC1 RH Caswell, Radar PC (G) left for Comox for a six week period of Special Duty for benefit of continuous duty.

3 Jul 56

P/O AE Hodgson was authorized Special Duty at RCAF Station Comox, BC, from 3 Jul 56 to 27 Aug 56 incl, for the purpose of gaining Adminstrative experience.

13 Jul 56

A total of 46 personnel from 2403 Squadron (Aux) travelled by rail and PMC to 51 AC&W Squadron Comox for the purpose of two weeks continual operational training. This total includes 18 Officers and 15 other ranks from 2403 Squadron, as well as 4 Officers and two other ranks from 30 Wing Headquarters and 5 Officers from 403 (F) Squadron attached to this unit for camp training.

1 Aug 56

F/O D MacKenzie, on completion of two weeks summer training remained at 51 AC&W Squadron Comox for a period of two months on attached duty as a Fighter Controller. Here he was successful in obtaining his Phase III as a Fighter Controller. This proved a very valuable asset when he assumed the position of Support Officer to relieve F/O JE Fenwick to enable him to attend a Junior Administrative Course.

13 Sep 56

First Parade after Summer Camp Training

10 Oct 56

A Mess Dinner was held in the Officers' Mess at 1930 hours. A/C Ross gave a very interesting address on the present role of Auxiliary Transport Squadrons and the importance of intensified training for future role in the event of hostilities.

11 Oct 56

A Wing Parade was held for the visit of A/C AD Ross GC, CBE, CD, AOC, 5 Air Division Headquarters on his visit to RCAF Station Calgary. A/C Ross gave a very favorable comment on the performance and appearance of all personnel on parade.

16 Oct 56

Two Support Personnel, LAC BA Davis and LAC TT Kostopoulos wrote their Trade Board Examination and were successful in obtaining their Group 3.

21 Oct 56

Auxiliary Personnel attempted Trade Board Examination. Results not yet known.

11 Nov 56

Standdown.

15 Nov 56

The members of 2403 AC&W Sqn (Aux) held a Squadron party, at which time S/L FE Clarke, Commanding Officer, presented mugs to three members who found it necessary to request their release. The entertainment committee did an outstanding job organizing the refreshments and programme including skits. It was generally felt that this was the most successful social activity the Squadron has had, from a viewpoint of introducing and acquainting the newer members to the Squadron.

25 Nov 56

The following staff personnel visited 30 Wing HQ (Aux) for the purpose of discussing training programmes and facilities, airmen's career policy and Officer's Promotion Policy:

S/L AR Bellis DFCAFHQ
S/L NA Keene DFC, DFMAFHQ
S/L PetersAFHQ
S/L KR Wark5 Air Div
S/L GJ Moir5 Air Div

The above mentioned policy matters were thoroughly discussed with a promise of further investigation at 5 Air Division Headquarters and Air Force Headquarters.

The possibility of re-activating 4010 MU was also discussed, with the request of S/L Wark that recommendations for activation of 4010 MU be forwarded as soon as possible.

30 Nov 56

We were informed by the Commander, 5 Air Division HQ that 2403 AC&W Squadron (Aux) is no longer under the command of 30 Wing HQ (Aux) but that we will be under direct command of 5 Air Div HQ eff 1 Nov 56.

5 Dec 56

The Squadron is now concentrating on the enrollment of more personnel in the Fighter Controller Operator Branch. The recruiting branch of 30 Wing HQ has been most co-operative and with personal interviews and press advertising, we have already begun to enrol some of the 25 Ftr COps we hope to enlist in time for the Indoctrination Course in early January 1957.

The strength of 2403 AC&W Sqn (Aux) as at 30 November 1956 was as follows:

REGULAR OFFICERS1
REGULAR AIRMEN3
AUXILIARY OFFICERS 28
AUXILIARY AIRMEN55
AUXILIARY AIRWOMEN33
TOTAL120

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