2416 AC&W Squadron (Auxiliary) Ottawa, Ontario

National Archives of Canada

SUMMER CAMP TRAINING

1951

As mentioned before, summer camp training session was held during a period of two weeks, from August 4 to August 18.

The unit was separated into two detachments, one going to Chatham, NB, and the other to Summerside, PEI.

The Chatham detachment was placed under the command of F/L Kenniger, while the Summerside detachment was commanded by F/L Bernier.

The OC, S/L MacNamara, alternated between both stations to check on training and accommodations.

The squadron was flown by 412 TS (Rockcliffe).

Starting the day at 8 am, lectures were given until noon. The afternoon was given over to the practical application of the knowledge acquired, using regular RCAF equipment.

Flying training was laid on as part of the syllabus, and the members of the squadron took special interest in this aspect of their courses.

Some time was spent on the rifle, small arms and skeet ranges. The officers made a visit to the GCA and Homer Site, and films were shown. Various members of the unit were given drivers test on AMES-11 and examinations were given to all trades.

Recreational and social activities at camp:

The Chatham detachment was given the opportunity to enjoy salmon fishing on the famous Miramichi River. Trout fishing was also enjoyed as well as other sports.

The Summerside detachment visited Cavendish Beach, well known resort on the north shore of the Island and engaged in various sports. During their stay, they attended a wings party marking the graduation of navigators at Air Navigation School. While attending this party, Lieutenant Governor of PEI, the Honorable T William Prowse, made an offer to present this squadron with one of the cannons from the grounds of the legislative building in Charlottetown as permanent momento of the visit to Air Navigation School. The offer was made to F/L FO Bernier and F/O Bert Hanlon. However, transportation problems involved made it impossible to have the cannon brought to Ottawa. (pity!)

1952

The summer training session was held from July 12 to July 27, at Camp Petawawa.

An advance party arrived at camp early in the afternoon in order to pick up all the equipment that was needed to set up camp in the bush. This party, headed by F/Ls AA Kenniger and FO Bernier had the task of setting up camp, a job which, for beginners, is far from being a simple procedure. However, the operation was carried out efficiently. Major General Graham, Area Officer Commanding, and Lt Col Douglas, Camp Commandant, visited the camp two days later and were very much impressed by the lay out. The squadron CO arrived the same day, and at night a party was held in the Officers' Mess, the Army Officers being our guests.

The training consisted in lectures, practical exercises, tests, examinations, and demonstrations. The members of this unit were very impressed by a fire power demonstration organized by the Army.

G/C Archambault and F/L Buxton visited the unit at sumer camp and were highly satisfied with what they saw.

During our stay at camp, some Air Force and Army officers carried out a combined operation and relieved the Hasting & Prince Edward Infantry Regiment of their priceless possession, their wooden indian. However, it was returned later by the successful raiders.

STRENGTH

The strength at the end of December 1952 was 211.

Officers:55 (Staff - 13, U/T Controllers - 42)
Senior NCOs: 5
Airmen: 108 (including junior NCOs)
Airwomen: 43.

The staff:

The following officers hold the respective positions shown after their names -

S/L DB Graham, OC
F/L FO Bernier, Adjt
F/L PH Gauthier, Asst Adjt
F/L E Larocque, SAO
F/O GE Radbourne, Asst AO
F/O GW Aldridge, SSO
F/O GA Wilkinson, RO
P/O PG Martin, OC WD
F/O JS Vincent, CTO
F/O WT Partridge, Asst TO
F/L AA Kenniger, CI
F/O ED Collinge, Senior Controller
F/O H King, OC (ASU)

The following are Regular Force Support:

F/O H King, OC
Cpl Stade
Cpl Myers
LAC Leadbeater
LAC Brunet
LAC Mantha
LAC Mastellar
LAC Pratt
AC1 Grossett
AC1 Henderson
AC1 Williams

The postions of Sports Officer and PRO are held by F/O D Kempton and F/O G Morchain, respectively.

MESSES

1. Officers' Mess During the period covered by the present return meetings were held monthly, at which matters and problems affecting the mess were discussed. Committees were elected also at regular intervals. The present position, which is excellent, indicates that the various officials and committees did an efficient job.
   Mess Committee as of 31 December 1952

   President: F/L Graham
   Vice President: F/O Hanlon
   Secretary: P/O Martin
   Bar Officer: P/O McCallum
   Ass't Bar Officer: F/O May
   Messing Officer: F/O Stokes
   Entertainment Officer: F/O Aldridge

2. Airmen's Canteen Here again we find a job well done. Much interest was shown by the members in general. The officials, committees and members of the Airmen's Canteen deserve praise for what has been accomplished since the opening of the canteen on 15 June 1951.

   Committee as of 31 December 1952

   President: F/O Walker
   Secretary: LAC Brunet
   Members: Cpl Gauthier
       AC1 Latimer
       AC1 Jackson
       AC1 Wells
       AC1 Armstron
       AC2 Holly

3. Airwomen's Mess: Opened on the 21st of October 1952, the Airwomen's Mess has been in operation for a short period of time only. Nevertheless, it can be said that the ladies did a good job, considering the difficulties with which they were faced.

   Committee as of 31 December 1952

   President: P/O Martin
   Secretary: AW2 Pritchard
   Members: AW2 Laidlaw
       AW1 Burgess
       AW2 Hughes
       AW1 Dexter

(AA Kenniger) F/L
Acting CO,
2416 AC&WU (Aux).