Grostenquin, France

1 Dec 54

Good weather today accompanied by normal flying. The 6^th CO’s Conference started this morning in the Little Theatre. The following officers were in attendance: From Air Division – A/V/M HL Campbell, A/C WI Clements, G/C ME Pollard, G/C TA Spruston, W/C VHC Stuart, W/C WA Gamble, W/C HM Smith, S/L JE McLure, S/L WM Lee, S/L MF Doyle, W/C JHC Lewis, and F/L BL Ray; 1 (F) Wing – G/C JD Somerville and S/L D Warren; 2 (F) Wing – G/C W Weiser and W/C AWC Tuston; 3 (F) Wing – G/C AC Hull, and W/C CW McNab; 4 (F) Wing – G/C BS Turnbull and W/C JF Allan; 30 AMB, Langar – G/C GE McCormick and F/L RL Fullerton; SHAPE – Lt. Col. Berthiaume. The conference was very successful and finished at 1645 hours. A Formal Mess Dinner was held in the Officers Mess, this was followed by a "Television Programme" put on by 421 (F) Squadron. Headquarters staff produced a very well accepted play called "Ten Years in a Salt Mine or Any Morning in GT". This was followed by an exhibition in the art of judo by 421 (F) Squadron.

Fog all day, nil flying. G/C Somerville unable to return to 1 (F) Wing so paid a visit to Marville, the new site of 1 (F) Wing. G/C McCormack, CO of 30 AMB, Langar, left for Paris in the afternoon. W/C Levesque arrived in from Air Division to confer with the CO and F/L LA Perusse. W/C Atherton and Mr. Nolan from the Department of External Affairs also visited the unit as did Mr. Cody from the National Film Board. Exercise "Lion rouge", a paper war, started today.

Overcast with light fog. Normal flying routine. S/L R Lee and Mr. Cody of the National Film Board visited the unit.

Cloudy with light drizzle. Normal flying routine in the morning with 430 (F) Squadron on standby in the afternoon.

Slightly cloudy with showers. Alert section 430 (F) Squadron on duty. A ceremony commemorating the liberation of Merlebach by American Forces was held. The Guard of Honour was in attendance under the command of F/O JE Ratelle, who placed a wreath on the War Memorial.

Overcast all day. Little flying due to low ceiling and showers. A/V/M HL Campbell, AOC, 1 Air Division, accompanied by F/L Smiley visited the unit to go skeet shooting. F/L JD Campbell of Accounts Branch, 1 (F) Wing reported on TD for several days. Four new pilots reported in from Chatham, F/O Gregg, F/O JP Hranyk for 430 (F) Squadron, F/O JA Pennycook for 421 (F) Squadron and F/O LB Marion for 416 (F) Squadron. A going away party was held in the Officers Mess for F/L CM Campbell, Wing Adjutant and F/O R Norton, 421 (F) Squadron.

Overcast all day with snow most of the day. No flying due to inclement weather. The CO held his weekly staff conference. G/C Spruston accompanied by W/C Griffiths arrived at 1130 hours to visit Operations. S/L Laubman and F/O James gave the pilots a lecture on the F100. Dress rehearsals of the station show, "Traveling Light", were reviewed by F/L E Herbertson of Air Division. Two small fires occurred on the station. The heating system in one of the trailers on the airmen’s button acted up resulting in a scare for those concerned but no damage. The second occurred late at night when one of the tents at 421 dispersal ignited from a Herman Nelson resulting in about $50.00 damage.

Overcast all day, flying restricted because of inclement weather. Normal Wednesday morning programmes. Two lectures were given, one on air power by F/L FM Murphy, the other by F/L CR Coveney. "Travelling Light", a local talent show had its premier tonight. Well received by all who saw it and it was considered to be very successful.

No flying today because of inclement weather. The long awaited bellcranks arrived today, the airmen are working overtime to get aircraft serviceable.

Normal flying today in good weather. Capt. G. Turner of the Legal Branch at Air Division visited the station to discuss a case in which he is representing the defendant. Night flying.

Normal flying today in cloudy but good weather. G/C Randall of Air Division visited the station this morning. 416 Squadron on standby this week end, one alert Sunday afternoon.

Overcast all day but normal flying routine. F/L Kerslake of Air Division visited the Wing to discuss accommodation plans with the CO, F/O Boyle, F/L Woods and F/O Tuplin.

Overcast all day but normal flying. The weekly CO’s staff conference was held in the morning. A/C Wray and A/C Ross of CJS, London, visited the unit on a familiarization tour. F/L DO Evjen of 416 Squadron and F/O A Young of 416 Squadron departed to Wiesbaden on the Decompression Course.

The weather fair today with flying after our usual Wednesday morning programme. S/L DO Pettit who has been the Camp Commandant at Air Division arrived today to temporarily take over the duties of CAdO.

The weather was clamped with fog until noon when we started limited flying. The AOC, A/V/M and Mrs. HL Campbell landed here because of a low ceiling at Frescaty. F/L DL Pope and F/O SC Strang arrived from Air Division for discussions with CAdO and the airwomen. A very successful party, organized by F/O Belliveau, was held in the Station theatre for the orphans of the local area. Presents were distributed to all the children by "St. Nicholas". The monthly meeting of the Officers Mess was held this evening with the new PMC, W/C AN Lecheminant in the chair. Four 416 Squadron aircraft ready for Operation "Barrage".

No flying today because of fog. Mr. Lachance, a roving reporter from the CBC visited the station to collect material for a Yuletide programme. The CO visited Air Division to discuss accident prevention with the AOC. Three SP Cpls. were involved in a rather serious accident when their PMC was struck by a train. One of the victims was taken to Landstuhl hospital in a serious condition. The younger children were seen to leave the Station Theatre this afternoon with many dolls, trains, etc. The Annual Children’s’ Christmas Party, this year in two parts, was started under the direction of F/O Belliveau, 430 (F) Squadron.

The weather fogged in for most of the week end. 421 (F) Squadron on standby with no alerts. Mr. Lachance, of the CBC, returned to Paris with some tape recordings for a Christmas broadcast series. The second half of the children’s’ party, the older children, was held this afternoon. The Cpls. Mess held a very successful dance-party in the Airmen’s Mess.

Winter weather seems to have settled in, much colder and lots of fog. No flying except an Expeditor trip to North Luffenham by the CO. F/O Boyle at 3 (F) Wing to complete arrangements for the Station show to play there.

Overcast with normal flying. The hospital staff had a rather busy day. A baby was flown to Landstuhl for an emergency operation this morning. A second call came when a 3 (F) Wing aircraft crashed near Bitche. The pilot was picked up without injuries and delivered to 3 (F) Wing. W/C Baker, SOCE at Air Division arrived this morning to confer with the CO and CEO. F/O Winchester dropped in to make some tape recordings for Christmas broadcast in Canada. Another first for GT tonight when we had our first Cinemascope movie. The patrons seem very impressed with the quality of Cinemascope although the picture left much to be desired.

Overcast today after a very windy night. The Bristol arrived in on a normal run after a two hour trip from Langar, with the assistance of a 70 MPH tail-wind.

The weather was poor all day with high winds and rain. Normal station routine until late afternoon when many of the sections had Christmas parties. A cocktail party was held in the Officers’ Mess at 1800 hours. An American live show played in the Astra Theatre tonight.

A clear, crisp day, somewhat on the cold side. Half of the station are on Christmas leave. A number of volunteers spent a good part of the day preparing the gymnasium for its first function, midnight mass. This function was attended by over 350 personnel. In addition, a service was held in the Protestant Chapel which was also very well attended.

Very much unlike our Canadian Christmas. Today is overcast with a drizzle. The Sgts. mess received the officers at 1100 hours for cocktails and good cheer. From there 50 officers and senior NCOs proceeded to the Airmen’s Mess for the traditional Christmas dinner. About seven hundred airmen and airwomen were served in one sitting. A gift of beer and cigarettes from home was given out to the boys and girls. In the evening the trailer camp bore the brunt of the festivities as most of the single men were invited out for Christmas dinner.

Station standdown today. There has been little activity about the station. A cocktail party in the Officers Mess from 1600 hours to 1800 hours.

Half of the station is working today. Flying was carried out most of the day in cloudy weather.

Weather below minima before noon. Flying in the afternoon.

Normal station routine.

Normal flying today in good weather. An explosion occurred in the deep well pump house while the pump engine was being refuelled. Two French workmen were taken to hospital having been very badly burned. The pump house was damaged inside. The pumps were not back in operation before late tonight. The aircraft tents arrived today and erection commenced immediately.

One half station strength today with normal flying until noon. A first went to 430 Squadron when they flew a 16 plane flypast. In the evening dances were held in the Officers and Sgts. Messes and in the Drill Hall for Cpls. and below. Extra security guards were placed on duty when it was discovered that ammunition had been tampered with. A canopy was found open and the aircraft was quarantined. Micro Wave was placed on the air and guards were sent out to the relay points.

Station standdown. A reception was held in the Officers mess for local officials and officers of neighbouring bases. A number of officers from Chaumont dropped in to pay their respects as well as many of the local authorities. The Sgts. were received in the Officers mess in the morning. The increased security measures which had been called off were reinstated tonight.

Standdown – no flying.

Overcast and very cold. The CO is on New Years leave and flew an Expeditor to England for the day. The Bristol arrived in on a routine run. S/L Lee of Air Division arrived at the unit to meet a Canadian reporter. Normal flying today but low serviceability. W/C Foster replaced the CO on his weekly teleconference which going to be held every Monday morning at 0930 hours. The extra security measures instituted on 1 Jan 55 were called off today.

Cold today with freezing rain. All aircraft grounded because of icy runways. The CO’s weekly conference was held at 0900 hours. The roads are in very icy condition and most ME is confined to the station.

The runways are still unserviceable with glaze ice.

Cold and clear with no chance for the runways to clear. Sand was tried but to no avail. "Travelling Light" had a very successful third run at 4 (F) Wing.

Runways still unserviceable with more freezing rain. A special meeting of the NPF Board of Directors was called to discuss setting the gymnasium snack bar.

No flying because of runways. 416 (F) Squadron on standby.

The weather is fair today with low clouds. There was no flying because of no alternatives. W/C CD Barnett arrived to take over the position of OC of 430 (F) Squadron from S/L Gibbs who is going to Air Division.

The weather is bad in rain and low cloud. Four aircraft from 416 (F) Squadron were forced to land at 4 Wing. Four C-119s arrived with considerable freight for Marville where the weather was below minima.

No flying today because of continuous rain and snow. W/C Baker, SOCE arrived from Air Division to confer with the CO and CEO. Lt Cdr. Oliver of the Legal Branch at Air Division visited the unit and interviewed personnel requesting legal aid.

The rain and snow of yesterday has now turned to ice leaving things in a pretty grim state. The runway however is serviceable. The CO held a conference with the COpsO and Squadron Commanders. He then departed for Metz at 1300 hours to discuss flying matters. A snow squall started at about 1700 hours and caught seven aircraft from 416 Squadron in the air. Six of then landed but F/L GW Patterson was forced to bail out. He was picked up at 1900 hours in the village of Petit-Tenquin.

Limited flying today because of bad weather. Normal station routine.

Restricted flying over week end due to bad weather. The CO left for a weeks leave in London, England. W/C WM Foster, COpsO, assumed temporary command. A heavy windstorm over the week end did considerable damage to some of the hangar tents and blew some of the personnel tents from their moorings. The runway was flooded in parts and some equipment had to be moved from the field. The station may almost be called "HMCS Grostenquin" as many of the roads have been washed out and we are practically surrounded by water.

Runways still flooded so no flying. The water has abated somewhat but is still quite heavy. The F/Os commenced writing qualifying examinations this morning with General Service Knowledge. A three-man board composed of S/Ls Fiander, Rabnett and F/L Laycock commenced investigating F/L Patterson’s bail out.

Restricted flying today due to lack of aircrew. Approximately 50 pilots wrote GSK QR(Air) this morning. 430 (F) Squadron held a handing-over-ceremony this afternoon. S/L PL Gibbs, OC for the past three years is leaving on posting to Air Division HQ. W/C CD Barnett took over as the new OC.

Weather good today. The F/Os wrote their trade paper this morning. Most of the pilots found it difficult. F/O LeCompte of PRO staff at Air Division visited the unit. 416 (F) Squadron delivered four aircraft to England for camouflage.

We are still not doing much flying. The F/Os wrote History this morning and were not too happy about it. Tanks are being installed on the aircraft for the present.

The F/Os wrote their last paper, Current Affairs this morning. Quite a number of aircraft got off in the afternoon. Mr. Ritter, the Superintendent of Education, visited us to inspect the school. The new Wing Adjutant, F/L EE Osler reported in from AFHQ.

Weather bad over the week end so no flying. The CO returned from leave in England.

No flying today, weather was bad. F/L Osler started a period of double banking into the Adjutant’s job. CO back to work this morning to a desk full of paper.

Weather still bad, no flying. Fire Marshal from Air Division, F/O Graham, commenced a fire inspection. Lt Cdr. Oliver in from Air Division to give legal interviews. Mr. Winter and Mr. Archibald gave a lecture on current affairs in the Little Theatre at 1600 hours.

Still bad weather, no flying. Normal station routine with Barrack Block inspection and trade advancement this morning. W/C Lindsay and F/L Glover arrived to get an aircraft for Canada.

Weather as in the past few days was still foggy during the morning. Started clearing by mid morning and flying by T33 aircraft took place. A slight ground haze persisted during the rest of the day but Sabre aircraft commenced flying after lunch. G/C Weiser visited the Air Division at Metz to visit Lt. Colonel i/c Quartermasters Stores of the US Army. G/C Spruston of Air Division visited this unit.

Weather foggy, nil flying this morning. Local area closed to flying due to excess fog which has closed in.

Weather clear and sunny. Expeditor and AOC’s Dakota to Northholt and return on the 30^th.

Rain, however, aircraft flying. North Star arrived and departed on schedule. Bristol arrived at 1700 hours with DOE team on board, these were W/C Stewart, S/L Barry, W/C Ross, S/L Pennells and F/O Porter.

Normal station routine. CO’s weekly conference held and items discussed CO’s Conference to be held at 3 (F) Wing on 2 Feb 55. Travelling Establishment and Organization Board survey met with CO and started survey.

S/L LG Pond, SOCE, F/O JH LeCompte, PRI photo, S/L W Grayson, Supply, S/L JE McClure and F/O Patwin of Air Division visited the station this date. Weather generally poor and windy.

Normal day at start but work mounted considerably during day. F/L JH Everson for 30 AMB and Mr. RC Hamond of Ottawa arrived on unit for a two day narcotic check. Weather fair with small amount of flying.

Weather variable but flying was carried out. At 1330 hours CO notified F/O K Dea has abandoned aircraft. No further word received on whether pilot safe or not. Mess dinner to be held this evening.

Word received at 1830 hours last evening that F/O Dea located and uninjured. Vehicle sent to bring him to station. CO wants an immediate interview on arrival.

Normal Sunday routine observed.

F/L JE Reeves arrived from Air Division to interview S/L Sansoucy re modifications on vehicles. S/L DK Burke and F/O AG Morden arrived from 3 (F) Wing to investigate recent Sabre accidents. Weather again variable.

Weather giving all indications of clearing. A/C WM Smith, Air Division HQ, arrived for a two day Supply inspection.

Normal routine day. Little activity. Storm warning for late evening.

Routine normal. F/L MM Seymore, Nursing Sister, from # 1 wing inspecting hospital facilities and expecting to return in approximately two days.

Weather poor with high winds. Station routine normal. Rain this afternoon. G/C Weiser addressed airmen personnel at 1630 hours outlining their responsibilities in a foreign country.

Normal Saturday morning routine. Weather fair but brisk.

Sunday routine followed today. Fairly heavy downfall of snow and very cold for this part of France.

Weather remained cool and windy. Very little flying activity. Normal. Bristol and North Star skids arrived with Bristol departing as usual.

All off-Station vehicle traffic cancelled due to road conditions. Miss M. Van Steensel of CBC arrived today to commence a four day visit of the unit. Purpose of the visit is to interview personnel who have journeyed to the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, etc, as well as find out what French-Canadian relations are like. The unit also played host to the following visitors. F/O Van Sickle, F/O Axcell, W/C Gordon, F/O Winchester, Lt. Matheson, S/L Murphy, W/C Lord, F/L Pudney, F/L Hull and W/C Gamble all of Air Division and G/C Sharp, G/C MacDonald, G/C Gray, W/C Young, W/C Lee, F/L Snowden of AFHQ. The premier of Stereophonic Sound at Station Theatre took place at 2030 hours.

W/C Lee of DAPC gave a career talk to all airmen this morning and held a question period. The weather was foggy and delayed departure by air of the AFHQ party until 1600 hours. No further visitors arrived and Station routine was normal.

Poor weather still prevails in the area hampering jet flying. However, Bristols and North Stars are arriving regularly. F/O Hilton of Air Division and S/L Hilton of AFHQ visited the unit today.

Weather breaking up but fairly brisk. The first of 25 American Sabres expected; landed at 1300 hours and the last at 1840 hours. A further party of 25 expected by road.

Normal station routine. Weather again clamped and roads blocked by snow by 2100 hours 20 Feb.

Weather still down and snowing with occasional rain. CO held Station Fund meeting this evening. Following visitors arrived this evening: S/L Carmichael, Air Division, F/L Whitfield, AFHQ, S/L Williamson, AFHQ.

Weather has turned extremely mild. 416 (F) Squadron making last minute preparations for departure to Rabat. S/L Ewan of AFHQ and F/L EL Dalton of Air Division were visiting today.

Weather mild, overcast. One North Star, AOC Dakota and Sabre aircraft ready for departure to Rabat. 16 Sabres, 1 North Star and AOC Dakota departed approximately 1000 hours for Rabat. Weather warm and snow disappearing.

Weather cloudy and brisk. Miss Van Steensel , CBC, returned to the unit for her last three days of this tour. North Star arrived from Luffenham and returned.

Sky overcast, but temperature was mild. Snow melting underfoot. Squadron aircraft and T-33 airborne for several hours. CO went flying in C-45. Farewell party held tonight for departing officers, F/L E Cox, F/O HE McCaffrey and F/O LF O’Donnell.

Sky clear, temperatures low with brisk wind. Station routine normal.

Sky clear, temperature low. S/L Brickman, Met O, reported in to replace S/L Hamilton. Normal station routine.

Weather clear and cold. Two Bristols arrived and one North Star which was accompanying Exercise "Random". Sabres expected tomorrow. Normal station routine.

Weather clear and warming. Sabres arrived from Prestwick, one aircraft had nose wheel trouble and was extensively damaged on landing. No injury to the pilot. Normal station routine.

Weather is again clear and warming rapidly. Mr. Fitch of Carborundum of Niagara Fall, USA, arrived for a several week stay. A mid-air collision marred the day with the bail out of F/L J Harnham and death of F/O J Liggett near Saarguemines. Aircraft guards assigned, two flown to scene by Helicopter.

Weather again clear and mild. All details regarding the late F/O Liggett now finalized. Funeral to be held Monday, 7 Mar at 0900 hours.

Weather considerably cooler. Normal station routine. Board of Inquiry assembled with S/L J Buzza as president.

Sunday routine. Fire reported in nearby village. Fire engines from the Station proceeded to scene and gave assistance to the villagers.

Weather cool and snowy. Funeral service held at 0900 hours for the late F/O J. Liggett. Party moved off to cemetery at Choloy on completion of chapel service. Normal station routine.

Weather again clear. W/C Currie, new CAdO, F/O Bell, new Messing Officer, and F/O Allen, Personnel Officer, reported in today. W/C Hillgartner from Air Division reported in on TD to see the CO and S/L Brickman. Normal station routine.

Weather again clear and warmer. Normal station routine.

Weather clear, windy and cool. Normal station routine. AOC arrived 1930 hours from Rabat. A/C Clements arrived 0200 hours from Mannheim.

Weather clear, windy and cool.

Weather fair and warm. Normal station routine. Wing Adjutant proceeded on leave, F/L LG Boyle assumed duties as Acting Adjutant.

Weather fair and warm. S/L W Lee, Air Division and four civilians from CBC reported in to take television shots.

Weather fair and warm. CO’s conference at 0900 hours. S/L WS Harvey, new OC 430 (F) Squadron, reported in. CBC team still here. Lt. JB Donnelly, USAF and F/O Bogle reported in to give a lecture to pilots on intelligence work. Officers Promotion Board convened. Four aircraft of 416 (F) Squadron returned from Rabat.

Weather fair. Lt. JB Donnelly and F/O Bogle departed at 1200 hours. Barrack inspection carried out at 0830 hours. CO departed on leave at 1200 hours. W/C WM Foster assumed duties of Acting CO. Remainder of 416 (F) Squadron returned from Rabat with the exception of two aircraft.

Weather dull and wet, clearing in afternoon. 42326 F/O RA Robertson, 430 (F) Squadron, killed in aircraft accident at 1310 hours. Last of 416 (F) Squadron aircraft returned from Rabat.

Weather fair. 12806 LAC GW Bell, dropped dead in the Accounts Section at 1010 hours. Arrangements completed for funeral of late F/O RA Robertson for Saturday. Station store broken into tonight.

Funeral at 0900 hours for F/O RA Robertson. Weather poor, snowing. Officers detailed for carrying out stocktaking in Station store as a result of the Break-in last night.

Sunday routine.

Weather dull and very wet. G/C W Weiser returned from leave 1200 hours 20 Mar 55. W/C WM Foster relinquishes command. Funeral arrangements for the late LAC GW Bell completed for Tuesday at 0900 hours.

Weather warm, but overcast. Flying carried out by a few aircraft. Station routine normal.

Weather still overcast. A/C Coleman arrived at 1030 via GMT. Luncheon was had in Officers Mess and departure for 4 (F) Wing via Service aircraft at 1400 hours. A/C Hitchins, Air Historian, arrived at 1700 hours for a one day lecture tour.

Weather improved, clear and very warm. W/C Hitchins spent day with F/O Lowes touring Station and giving lectures. PRO pictures taken for submission to Roundel.

Clear warm weather still prevailing. CO went flying. An airman from 430 (F) Squadron was sucked into a Sabre. However, he was saved by quick thinking on the part of another airman and came out with only superficial burns. No further information available.

Weather overcast and raining. Station routine normal.

Sunday routine.

Weather clear and very cool. Bristol and North Star on Sked. G/C Christmas on North Star. W/C Lindsay had slight difficulty with aircraft on landing, however, was able to get in okay.

Weather clear and cool. Station routine normal. Aircraft flying normal.

Weather clear and cool. Members of the two Courts arrived and assembled at 0900 and 0945 respectively. Courts finished and airmen sentenced at 1600 hours.

Weather has finally turned warm and prospects for a good weekend are in store. Final arrangements for flypast at Trier are now complete. Guard of Honour has departed to take part in the March Past.

Bright warm, sunny day. Aircraft departed and formed up for flypast. G/C Weiser flew to Trier to take part in the official ceremonies. Station routine normal.

Sunday routine.

Weather still warm and clear. Station routine normal. CO inspected 421 (F) Squadron airmen departing for Rabat.

Weather clear and warm. 421 (F) Squadron making final preparations for departure to Rabat. Station routine normal.

Weather clear and warm. 421 (F) Squadron departed for Rabat on schedule. Mr. Fitch of Carborundum finished the anti-skid surface on the runway this date and reports that it has aired and stuck fairly well. No results of application possible until wet weather is experienced.

Weather clear during morning but deteriorated during afternoon. F/O RL MacDonald, 416 (F) Squadron, was forced to bail out this date, however, he was uninjured and returned to the unit during the afternoon.

Sunday routine. Good Friday.

Station routine normal.

Sunday routine.

Weather clear and warm. Station routine normal.

Weather overcast and cool. CO’s parade held at 0830 hours.

CO made departure for Rabat but was recalled by the AOC. New departure time was set for 1330 hours, however, aircraft was unserviceable. New tentative departure set for 0830 tomorrow. Weather clear and cool.

Weather overcast and cool. G/C Weiser departed for Rabat at 0840 hours via T33. W/C Currie was appointed Acting CO.

Weather overcast, cool with snowflurries. Station routine normal. G/C Weiser expected to return 17 Apr via T33 from Rabat.

Sunday routine.

Weather clear and warmer. G/C Weiser delayed due to aircraft unserviceability. CO arrived back at 1550 hours from Rabat. Station routine normal.

Weather clear and warmer. Officers of the RN, RAF, USAF and French Gendarmerie started arriving for the E&E exercise, with everyone expected here by 1600 hours tomorrow. French Gendarmes moved a helicopter in by road in late afternoon for use during the exercise.

Weather clear and warm. All personnel for the E&E exercise arrived, were assigned rooms and sent to briefing. Exercise was under way at 1800 hours. Personnel to be dropped commencing later during the evening.

Weather still clear and warm. Several men captured during the night. Reports filtering in during the day, concerning the exercise, but most are rumor or conjecture and therefore unreliable. General Fairboeuf of the French Gendarmarie arrived to oversee the exercise.

Weather still holding clear and warm. Personnel on the exercise very fortunate that the weather has been so good. Reported that approximately 50 personnel captured. However nothing concrete on actual numbers. General Navereaux of French Army arrived at 1650 hours and A/V/M Campbell arrived at 1730 hours for inspections and general information on the exercise.

Station routine normal.

Sunday routine.

Weather clear and cool. LAC Keymer was killed in an Auto accident last night and two others injured. Board of Inquiry and Committee of Adjustment formed this date. Aerobatic team practicing daily. Exercise E&E ended successfully with many evaders reaching their goal.

Weather clear and warm. Flying underway by all units and the aerobatic team. Orders received authorizing 430 (F) Squadron to exchange with a USAF Squadron for two weeks – date of departure scheduled for 2 May.

Weather warm and clear. Aerobatic team practicing full time. CO’s parade ran according to schedule and most bugs are now cleared up. 430 now preparing for move to Chaumont. Routine normal. Funeral held for LAC Keymer at 1015 hours.

Weather clear and warm. Station routine normal.

Exercise "Alert Mobility". Adjutant flying in AM – weather warm and clear. Station routine normal.

Weather warm and clear. Station visited by representatives of Orenda.

Sunny and warm. Usual Sunday routine.

Weather cooler and wet. Routine normal.

Weather cooler and wet. Routine normal.

Air Division cocktail party for CAS. Weather clear and warm.

CO flew to Marville cocktail party for CAS. School children from Sarreguemines visited Wing.

Routine normal. Weather holding clear and cooler.

Normal Saturday routine.

Normal Sunday routine.

Weather cooler and wet. Routine normal.

Brig Wansbrough, A/C Murray, and A/C Corbett visited Wing this date.

Weather cool and raining. Regular weekly CO’s parade held. Station routine normal.

Sunny and warm. Preparation for visit of Mr. Pearson.

Mr. Pearson’s visit. Cooler and damp. CO flying after departure to 3 Wing.

Cloudy and raining. Test for blackout lights in afternoon.

Sunday routine.

Rainy and cold. CFS team arrived for a conference on training. Routine normal.

Weather cool and rainy. CO accompanied AOC and staff officers to Paris – Party returned approximately 2200 hours. Aerobatic team continue to practice for any commitments which may arise.

Weather very cool. CO’s weekly parade carried out in AM. Commanding Officer represented AOC at Verdun this date and returned 1530 hours. Gale winds lasting approximately 20 minutes started blowing approximately 1645 hours accompanied by very heavy rain.

Weather still cool but clearing somewhat. CF-100 planning team with G/C Hodgson, W/Cs Norris, Ellis, Williams, Braham, Gordon, and Holmes, S/L Markham, arrived at 0930 hours via GMT and departed at 1430 hours via service aircraft. S/L Magee arrived for period of contact training.

Station routine normal. Weather clear and warm. Summer employment ROTP/URTP now arriving, training programme has been arranged by CAdO.

Sunday and Holiday routine observed. Weather clear and warm.

Clear warm weather, weekly CO’s conference held. CO and 20 personnel proceeded to Chaumont this evening as guests of the USAF. Station routine normal.

Weekly CO’s parade held in clear warm weather. Station routine normal. Mess dinner held. W/V Gads was guest of honour.

Weather cool, overcast with rain. S/L Baylor, F/L Greenlau, S/L Deyell, and Mr. Salsky visited this date. S/L Deyell and Mr. Salsky gave a very interesting lecture to all officers.

Weather cool and raining. Station routine normal.

CO departed for Ypenburg this AM to represent the AOC at the Netherlands Air Force fly past Monday. Weather overcast but with some signs of breaking.

Sunday routine.

Weather clear and hot. Station routine normal. Weekly CO’s conference held.

(W. Weiser) G/C
CO, 2 (F) Wing, RCAF