The following extracts from 2 Wing Historical Reports pertain to Exercise Coronet.
15 Jul 53
Preparations are being made for Exercise "Coronet".
16 Jul 53
A/V/M HL Campbell, AOC, Air Division, G/C ME Pollard, SASO, Air Division, W/C Davidson, W/C Flying, 3 (F) Wing, met with G/C Weiser for a special conference regarding Exercise "Coronet". CO held a conference in the afternoon with W/C JS Jordan, W/C EHM Walsh, S/L PL Gibbs, regarding Exercise "Coronet".
22 Jul 53
Tight security measures are being rigidly enforced now that Operation "Coronet" is scheduled to commence on 23 Jul 53. All aspects of this gigantic NATO Operation involving all NATO members are being rapidly and efficiently put into operation.
23 Jul 53
Operation "Coronet" went into force. Internal security is very strict and the arrival and departure of personnel on and off the unit is rigidly controlled. The Exercise having commenced, little or nothing was evidenced except that a Meteor presumably of the enemy support, made a successful reconnaissance over the aerodrome and took photographs. Unfortunately, he appeared just as our aircraft were taking off and thus could not be apprehended. Captain de Malglaive, unit FLO, proceeded on TD to Toul on liaison matters. G/C E Sharpe, SOAF, Air Division and S/L J Paylor, SOCE Air Division, visited the unit on TD and discussed working matters concerning the employment of French civilians. With Exercise "Coronet" on, the working hours are from 0800 – 1200 hours, 1300 – 1700 hours, and 1830 – 2100 hours.
24 Jul 53
Exercise "Coronet" now considerable activity amongst the squadrons who were airborne after 0645 hours. Although available and alert at 0400 hours, flying was impeded due to heavy concentrations of ground fog in the area. Two Meteors Mk VII of the enemy forces made sneak reconnaissance attacks and photographed the unit. They crept in close to the ground and local topography prevented them from showing on the GCA radar scope. However, once they were seen, they were pursued very fast by members of 430 Squadron. The mock war is creating considerable interest and all personnel actively engaged in the maneuver are pursuing their duties with keen interest. It is anticipated that a number of NATO officials will eventually visit the unit and review the progress of the exercise. Security remains good during the exercise and personnel are being checked at all vantage points. 416 Squadron recorded 26 kills and two probable damaged.
25 Jul 53
Station again attacked by enemy.
26 Jul 53
As early as 0600 hours, enemy aircraft involved in Operation "Coronet" visited the unit. It is possible, if not intercepted by anti-aircraft fire they were eliminated by aircraft this unit. However, the aircraft on the offensive and defensive put on an excellent demonstration of airmanship and aerobatics. However, final assessment will not be known until the two umpires from AAFCE HQ make their report. The unit observed a full working day; security was strict and probing.
27 Jul 53
Aircraft engaged in Operation "Coronet" took off around 0530 hours but inclement weather caused by rain with the resultant hazardous runway. The enemy aircraft failed to make an appearance today; however, reports have it that a "gaggle" was enroute, totalling possibly 20, and due to navigation became lost. Operation "Coronet" concludes this week. F/O EFF Potvin was Operations Officer for the Wing during the "Coronet" Exercise. F/L DJ Enman proceeded to Fontainbleau to participate as Umpire for Exercise "Coronet".
28 Jul 53
Operation "Coronet" still in effect but due to inclement weather, no sorties by the enemy carried out. Only local reconnaissance action by squadrons.
29 Jul 53
The deployment of the squadrons and Wing Maintenance under code "Great Trek", occupy secondary importance to Operation "Coronet". A "gaggle" of 10 RAF Sabres attempted to "bomb" the unit. They were preceded by a decoy of four F-84's but aircraft this unit quickly rallied to the ambush and a lively and interesting dog fight ensued. The RAF Sabres "ran the gauntlet" were outflown and suffered heavy losses.
30 Jul 53
Operation "Coronet" in full progress but only local sorties. No attacks from enemy opposition. Operation "Coronet" although scheduled to cease at 1100 hours on 1 Aug, partially ceased at 1900 hours. The Operation officially concludes at 0001 hours 1 Aug. The signal signifying victory on our part is reproduced as follows: "Exercise "Coronet". This afternoon reliable intelligence indicated that Wessex and Fantasian air successes. In particular that of numbers 2 and 3 (F) Wings, Royal Canadian Air Force have convinced most civilian and military leaders in Westonia that their country should sue for peace. Para II. This intelligence proved to be correct and to this end the Westonian government held a meeting this afternoon and decided that they must sue for peace. Para III. Peace negotiations have taken place resulting in an armistice being signed. Para IV. Exercise "Coronet" will end and all exercise flying operations will ceases at zero one zero zero Zulu." Len Norris, Vancouver Sun cartoonist reported in this morning.
31 Jul 53
Exercise "Coronet" ceased and station ordered to stand down from after duty this date until 0800 hours 4 Aug.
4 Aug 53
During the period after duty 31 Jul to 3 Aug inclusive, the unit was on a stand down which was authorized by 1 Air Division as a result of this unit's participation in Exercise "Coronet".
10 Aug 53
Critique on Operation "Coronet" completed and dispatched.
