Grostenquin, France

20 Jun 56

The Baseball Eagles went to 3 Wing and showed that the 2 Wing men are hot in both games by slapping the old pill around the park and generally creating mayhem on the base paths, winding it up with another 9 to 5. The fastball Eagles, not to be outdone by their baseball counterparts, played host to the Air Div Panthers and mopped up the field with them to the tune of 9-2 with stellar infielding and hitting by shortstop Johnny Jordan.

23 Jun 56

Another great contest here with 4 Wing Raiders against the Eagles in real tight baseball game that went into extra innings before big Max Embrett pulled it out of the fire with superb control of the mound and a beautiful double by Syvret which put a run across the plate in the tenth inning and shelve a 7-6 win for the 2 Wing Eagles.

24 Jun 56

The Fastball Eagles and Eaglettes were guests of 4 (F) Wing for a twin bill which ended up with a 5-3 win for the men and 13-12 loss for the girls, two fine games turned in by all concerned.

25 Jun 56

Station Routine.

26 Jun 56

Station Routine. The Training Command Band arrived 2 (F) Wing.

27 Jun 56

G/C Newson returned from Rabat at 1630 hours and re-assumed Command. The Training Command Band, guests of the wing for four days, provided a concert in St. Avold in the park during the evening to a huge crowd. Our baseball Eagles again played host to 3 (F) Wing and, after some pretty tight moments in the later innings, marked up another win for the high flying Eaglemen.

28 Jun 56

A/C CA Cook, Chief Logistics Officer, accompanied by A/V/M Godwin, AOC of Air Div arrived 2 (F) Wing at 1000 hours for a visit of 601 RR Squadron and Air Div Salvage Unit. The party departed 2 (F) Wing at 1600 hours via service aircraft. The Training Command Band provided a concert at the PMQ School for the dependents in afternoon and an evening concert in the theatre for living-in personnel, which was also broadcast by CFGT.

29 Jun 56

Mr. and Mrs. WG Campbell and their daughter Arlene arrived 2 (F) Wing for a visit of the station. F/O Lesslie (430 Squadron) escorted them.

30 Jun 56

Saturday routine.

1 Jul 56

Sunday routine.

2 Jul 56

Celebration of Dominion Day. Sunday routine.

4 Jul 56

Although there were no squadrons at home during the previous month, the elimination’s for the coming Air Div Track & Field Championships were held on the sports field to put together a team to represent the Wing, and prospects look at least promising in some fields of endeavour.

6 Jul 56

G/C Newson left for Trier at 0900 hours via service aircraft and returned at 1800 hours. All aircraftmen attended a dining-in night in the Airmen’s Mess on the occasion of the re-opening of the Airmen’s Club. Cocktails were served at 1800 hours in the Airmen’s club. F/L Kerr was introduced as the new Honorary PMC of the Airmen’s club replacing F/L Sayers.

8 Jul 56

The fastball Eagles took off for Pirmasens this weekend for two days of exhibition games against the Yanks. The Eagles lost the first one 10-9 but roared in true 2 Wing tradition to blast through a 13-0 win just to show all concerned that the fun was over and here’s how to play ball, Canadian style. The Yanks were wonderful hosts and our gang were well treated throughout the whole deal. The baseball Eagles played a double header here with 1 Wing to pick up a couple of cancelled games and the two teams split the day, Eagles winning the first one 9-5 and the Royals winning the second 10-9.

9 Jul 56

Visit of Engineers from Ponts et Chaussees, France.

10 Jul 56

W/C JF Fleming, S/L PO Marknam, S/L FW Evans, F/L DC Webb from AFHQ and F/L NB Flavin and F/O RH Talbot from AMC escorted by F/L AT French arrived at 2 (F) Wing at 0930 hours. The party met the CO, CTechSO, and COpsO. Conferences were held with 2 wing staff concerning move of CF-100 to Europe and Air Weapons Training.

11 Jul 56

W/C Fleming and party departed 2 (F) Wing at 1630 hours via GMT. Operations re-opened this date. 421 Squadron returned from 1 Wing and 416 Squadron returned from 4 Wing. No local flying.

12 Jul 56

A/C WEV Richards (RAF retired) General Manager of the RAF Cinema Corporation accompanied by Mr. Goldsmith, Area Manager, visited the unit. They arrived at 1100 hours via PMC and departed 1330 hours. 430 Squadron returned from 3 Wing today. No local flying.

The Air Div Track and Field Championships were held at 4 Wing and in spite of the lack of sunshine the meet was big success with a number of records being broken. The final results in total points were 3 Wing first, second by Langar, third by 4 Wing and fourth for 2 Wing. Our Club didn’t have the practice and it sure showed up. However, the gang tried hard and were no discredit to the Wing. G/C Newson went to 4 Wing to attend the Air Div Track and Field Championships.

13 Jul 56

Local flying carried out by all Squadrons. No exercises or Operations for today.

14 Jul 56

Saturday – No flying this weekend

15 Jul 56

The Air Div Band Competition was held at 3 Wing this year with bands represented from Langar, 2, 3, 4 Wings in a very close contest of trumpet and drum music. F/L Cliff Hunt, Director of the Training Command band, was chief adjudicator and when all phases of the competition were scored and the results announced, the 2 Wing Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Sgt. Bob Tipple and Drum Major FS Hogue, came out on top. Our fastball Teams, men and women, played host to 1 (F) Wing in a double header for the men and one game for the girls. The outcome was favourable for 2 Wing all across the board with the girls picking up a big one, winning it be a whooping score of 22-5 and the men walking away with two easy ones 12-2 and 8-3. The Royals and Royalettes just didn’t have the spark and the Eagles and Eaglettes were powdering the ball all over the place.

16 Jul 56

Local flying all day. No exercises for today.

17 Jul 56

430 Squadron and 421 Squadron on local flying. 416 Squadron flew 24 sorties on exercise "Sword Slash".

18 Jul 56

CO’s parade this morning. The band was presented by the CO with the Air Div Band Competition trophy won at 3 (F) Wing on 15 Jul 56. 416 Squadron takes over Zulu operations today at noon. Local flying by the other 2 Squadrons.

The Eagles Fastball club took on 3 Wing again at home to clean up a previously rained out game and our gang started to boot the ball around a bit, not showing normal finesse, dropped one to the tune of 8-6 in one of the few losses of the Eagles of the season.

19 Jul 56

Local flying all day. 416 Squadron doing practice intercepts on Zulu Operation.

20 Jul 56

Local flying all day. Five aircraft off for the UK in the afternoon.

21 – 22 Jul 56

Zulu Operation over the weekend by 416 Squadron. A few sorties flown by T-33 flight and some night flying by 416 Squadron.

22 Jul 56

The Fastball Eagles played an exhibition series with the Verdun Fastball team on Saturday and Sunday and virtually drove the visitors into the ground. On Saturday they clobbered the Verdun men to the tune of 14-0 and, as if that wasn’t enough on Sunday Kenny King and his Eaglemen blasted out another 10-0 win to really wrap up the series in style. A fine weekend was had by all, however, in spite of the score differences. The baseball Eagles travelled to 4 Wing to do battle on the diamond and again these two fine teams went to 15 innings before the deadlock was broken and 4 Wing came out on top with a 7-6 win in the fifteenth inning although big Max Embrett put up a fine display of control on the mound.

23 Jul 56

G/C Newson left for Air Div at 1100 hours and returned 1630 hours. G/C JH Fenton Amts/CCE and S/L Durrell arrive 2 (F) Wing to discuss CE maintenance. Good weather and all Squadrons flying. No exercise today other than Zulu.

24 Jul 56

G/C Fenton and S/L Durrell departed 2 (F) Wing for 3 (F) Wing at 1100 hours via service aircraft. 430 Squadron on Exercise "Tuesday Scrimmage" landing at Criel today. 421 Squadron on routine flying. 416 Squadron on Zulu.

25 Jul 56

Mr. GL Ostigny from AFHQ AMTS/DCDC arrives 2 (F) Wing for discussion with CE officer. S/L HM Sutherland, Senior Social Welfare Officer arrived 2 (F) Wing at 1100 hours via PMC, accompanied by F/L Vaness from Air Div for a staff visit. Local flying all day. Zulu Ops were completed at noon today.

26 Jul 56

Local flying all day. No exercises or Operations carried out.

27 Jul 56

Local training flying by 421 and 430 Squadrons. 416 Squadron stood down today after Zulu Operations.

28 Jul 56

G/C Newson departed 2 (F) Wing at 0845 hours for Cagliari via service aircraft. The Air Div Golf tournament was held at the Luxembourg links this year with teams from all the units participating. Twelve men comprised each team with 8 best scores to count. 2 (F) Wing fared rather poorly coming in fourth in the contest, but the whole thing was well run and everyone had a very enjoyable time, especially around the nineteenth hole.

29 Jul 56

G/C Newson returned Grostenquin at 1930 hours from Cagliari. The baseball Eagles, under the fine managership of Sgt. Bud Mercier, played host to 3 Wing and showed their wares to the Leafs by dusting off a big 18-4 victory in a very one-sided contest. Spicer, Embrett and Doucette all got into the game for mound duties and the whole crew were hitting the pill around the park. Our fastball Eagles went down to Karlsruhe for a three game tournament and although there isn’t much information available on this item, it is known that the Eagles won two games (9-7 – 8-5) and lost one (1-0). The Saturday night game under lights was a highlight for the Americans who had heard a lot about the Canadians from the "Aluminum Forest in Happy Valley" and our Eagles lived up to their reputation of good sportsmanship and fine play for a very successful weekend.

30 Jul 56

The August Civic holiday was celebrated today at this Wing vice 6 Aug on account of the runways being closed for repairs. Sunday routine. Long weekend with no flying being carried out on the Wing.

1 Aug 56

Rev Dr. G Dorey, Moderator United Church of Canada, arrived 2 (F) Wing for an informal visit. He was accompanied by W/C Light from Air Div. 421 Squadron commenced Zulu Operations at noon today. 416 and 430 Squadrons on local training flying.

2 Aug 56

G/C Newson went to Metz today to attend the AOC’s Conference. Local flying for a short time in the morning but weather poor and flying washed out at noon.

3 Aug 56

G/C Newson departed 2 (F) Wing this morning for Gibraltar as President of a Board of Inquiry. G/C JC McCulloch Consultant in Ophthalmology to DND arrived 2 (F) Wing at 1000 hours and departed 2130 hours. Purpose of visit: assessing medical requirements; Professional talks to Medical Officers. In conjunction with the Red Cross Water Safety course held at this unit, an examiner was brought in to give examinations in the Royal Life Saving Tests and a number of personnel were passed out with their Bronze Awards. Re-opening of the Snack Bar which has been renovated. Local flying all day. Zulu flying by 421 Squadron. Last sortie down at 2053 hours.

4 Aug 56

All Squadrons flying on Saturday morning with Zulu Exercises by 421 Squadron Saturday PM.

The Baseball Eagles were hosts to the 4 Wing Raiders and although the Eagles put up a terrific battle the game went to 4 Wing by a score of 7 to 6 in the bottom of the 10^th inning.

5 Aug 56

G/C Newson returned 2 Wing from Gibraltar. Zulu Exercises by 421 Squadron today.

6 Aug 56

Local flying by all Squadrons. 421 on Zulu.

A Canadian Clinic Team in Sports arrived to start clinics in Basketball, Volleyball and Touch Football. The instructors were F/Ls McManus (U of Toronto) Kennedy (U of Toronto) and Robillard (U of McGill). The Basketball clinic ran from 6 to 10 Aug with 14 persons attending from various Wings. Approximately the same number of personnel were present for the Volleyball clinic which started 13 Aug and went to 17 Aug 56. The Clinic Team then moved on to 3 Wing to give the Touch Football clinic. From 6 to 17 Aug 56 all RSpecs from the various units were sent to 3 Wing for a Refresher Course with instructions being given by Mr. E McEwan and F/L Farina to review the broad fields of the trade and give up-to-date information to the tradesmen in the Air Division.

7 Aug 56

G/C Newson departed for Langar via service aircraft. W/C Currie assumes duties of Acting CO. Local flying by all Squadrons. No exercises but 421 Squadron still on Zulu.

8 Aug 56

At the CO’s parade this morning, W/C Currie presented the following personnel with Canadian Forces Decorations: FS W Browlie, Sgt. D Law, Sgt. A Barron, Sgt. RLB Norman and Cpl. OWJ Harmer. On the same occasion, Cpl. H Norden of the ME Section was presented with a certificate as winner of "Safe Driving Competition". Flying commenced at 0915Z due to morning parade. Only Zulu exercises carried out before that. 421 Squadron finished Zulu at 1100Z.

9 Aug 56

Mr. Dave Golden, Deputy Minister DDP and Mr. Dr Roe, Director (UK) DDP accompanied by A/V/M HB Godwin and F/L JB Guerin arrived 2 (F) Wing at 0930 hours for a liaison visit. After technical briefings and discussions, a tour of the station and of PMQs, the party departed for 1 (F) Wing at 1400 hours via service aircraft. Flying by 421 Squadron and 416 Squadron only. Two trips by 430 Squadron. 416 Squadron on Exercise Argus.

10 Aug 56

Local flying by 416 and 430 Squadrons only. No exercises today. 421 Squadron stood down after Zulu.

A dance for Cpls. and below was held in the Rec. Centre with music by the Divisionaires. About 175 couples were in attendance to enjoy the music and dancing.

11 – 12 Aug 56

Sunday routine – No flying over week-end.

13 Aug 56

W/C Dunning assumed the position of CTechSO replacing W/C AN Lecheminant who went back to Canada. Local flying by all Squadrons. No exercise today.

14 Aug 56

Local flying by all Squadrons. No exercise today.

15 Aug 56

Flying commenced at 0930Z due to morning parade. Local flying by 421 and 416 Squadrons. No other exercises other than Zulu. 430 Squadron on Zulu starting in afternoon.

16 Aug 56

430 Squadron on Zulu. Local flying by 416 and 421 Squadrons.

The first game of the Air Division Fastball Semi-finals was held at 2 Wing with the Eagles showing their wares in true championship form by taking the Maple Leafs with a score of 5-1, never really in trouble during the whole time.

17 Aug 56

430 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying by 421 and 416 Squadrons. Handcuff 71 flamed out, got a successful relight.

The Eagles travelled to 3 Wing for the second game of the fastball series and Steve Smerchanski got into a bit of trouble in the second inning which team could not pick up and the Eagles dropped the second one 5-3.

18 Aug 56

Only 430 Squadron on Zulu flew over the week end.

19 Aug 56

The third game of the fastball series was at 2 Wing and with a fighting team playing stellar ball behind Rene Belanger, they blasted the Maple Leafs to win the semi-finals with a 4-1. The Air Div Swimming Championships were held in the Station Pool with representative teams entered from 1, 2, 3 & 4 Wings. There were 12 events competed for and at the end of the evening 2 Wing had a total of 79 points followed by 3 Wing with 50, then 1 Wing and 4 Wing in that order. The team was coached by F/O Bill Wilson who also won the 1 Metre diving competition. LAW "Scotty" McGregor won the Women’s High Aggregate trophy for scoring the most points (2 Wing) and LAC Neville (3 Wing) took the High Aggregate for the men.

20 Aug 56

Mr. Victor Koby, representative of Canadian Aviation Magazine accompanied by S/L Lee, paid a visit to the station today. Mr. E McEwan, Recreational Training & Research Advisor for AFHQ paid a visit to this Wing to evaluate the recreation programme presently in use at 1 Air Div units. F/L Wilson SOPA/3 accompanied him. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying all day by 421 and 416 Squadrons.

21 Aug 56

Mr. Stig Bille, Second Secretary at the Norwegian Delegation to NATO arrived 1 (F) Wing at 1600 hours. F/L Kerr escorted him. Purpose of visit: special interest in Organization and Operation of the Wings. Also G/C Olson SPSO Air Div arrived 2 (F) Wing today at 0930 hours and departed 1630 hours. G/C Newson and F/L Fitzgerald departed for Gibraltar at 1000 hours in T-33 to complete Board of Inquiry. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying all day by 416 and 421 Squadrons.

22 Aug 56

Mr. Bille who arrived yesterday made a tour of the Station including 601 RR Squadron. Departed at 1630 hours via service aircraft. 430 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. Local flying between 416 and 421 commenced at 0944Z due to morning parade.

The first game of the Air Division Fastball Finals between 2 and 4 Wings was played at 4 Wing and the Eagles played it real tight over there by grabbing two runs and holding that lead through the whole of the contest to come home for the second game with a 2-0 win under their belts.

23 Aug 56

G/C Newson and F/L Fitzgerald returned from Gibraltar at 1500 hours. A signal from Air Div advising new rates of flying pay made the pilots most happy. All Squadrons flying today. Five aircraft off to UK for weekend.

24 Aug 56

Only 416 and 421 Squadrons flying today. This is the weekend after Zulu for 430 Squadron. Eight aircraft away today for the weekend.

25 – 26 Aug 56

There was no flying over the weekend. The Air Div Tennis Championships were held at 3 Wing and 2 Wing sent over a strong and much under-rated team to make the others look rather red in the face when they took over the men’s singles, won by Sgt. Jerry Messier, the ladies’ Singles won by LAW Martha Bouchard and then Bouchard coupled up with LAW Pat White to take the ladies’ doubles. This group captained by Cpl. Johnny Dutton brought home these three individual trophies plus the team trophy, winning the over-all match by 5 points and are the Air Div Tennis Champs for 1956.

27 Aug 56

Local flying by all Squadrons today. 19 aircraft returned from weekend training trip today. Madcap India forced to land at Cambrai.

28 Aug 56

The Honourable RO Campney, Minister of National Defence and Mrs. Campney accompanied by Mr. FR Miller, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Mrs. Miller, A/V/M Godwin, AOC, Air Div, Brigadier W. Lawson JAG, Mr. JB Ross, EA to Minister, Mr. WA Dumsday, Director of Public Relations, G/C LJ Birchall, Military Secretary to the Minister and S/L ED Herbertson arrived 2 (F) Wing at 1000 hours. They visited the PMQs, Dependents’ School, Rec. Centre, 601 RR Squadron, the radio station CFGT and also the Airmen's Club where they met 40 airmen and airwomen. After luncheon at the Officers’ Mess, the party departed by service aircraft. Mrs. Campney and Mrs. Miller accompanied by Mrs. Newson also visited the airwomen’s quarters. Local flying by all Squadrons.

29 Aug 56

Early morning parade so flying commenced at 0900Z. 416 Squadron commenced Zulu at 1100Z. F/O Closs bailed out today. There was some delay in picking him up, picked up by search and rescue.

In the second and what proved to be the final game of the Air Div Fastball Championships, played here at 2 Wing, and in spite of the threatening skies, the game got under way. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Eagles went to work on the Raiders and clobbered in 4 runs, with the 4 Wingers trying to come back in the top of the fifth but only scoring one. It was the bottom of the fifth that all hell broke loose. Kenny O’Brien plastered one for an inside-the-park homerun, then Schedlar grounded out, Burtt got on with a single. Creighton was at bat and then came the rains. After ½ an hour the umpires called the game and because 4½ innings had been completed, the 2 Wing Eagles were declared champions for the fourth year in a row. The bridge club has its first organization meeting at 2030 hours in the Little Theatre for the election of officers and got off to a good start. The Intersection Touch Football League was reformed and had their first meeting at 1315 hours in the Rec. Centre with six teams represented and they will be getting under way on 2 October.

30 Aug 56

Local flying all day. 416 Squadron still on Zulu. 421 Squadron on "Track Toil".

The Intersection Bowling League had their first organizational meeting at 1315 hours in the Rec. Centre and again had a full forty teams entered in the league. They will start bowling on 10 Sep. A live stage show was imported from Special Services in Kaiserslautern and was a huge success with ten fine acts in the variety show. The theatre was sold out in advance and we well received at the unit. The winding up of the children’s summer program, under the guidance of Miss Charlotte Keens, took the form of a swimming meeting the afternoon, and wiener roast in the evening, with the various swimming awards for the Red Cross Water Safety Course, Royal Life Saving Course and the Swimming Meet being presented to the winners. There were over 400 kids in attendance plus about 75 of the parents, and so it wound up as a very successful summer for all concerned. The first game of the women’s Air Division Fastball finals was played here between Air Div girls and the Eaglettes. It was a close one all the way but the Div Dax had the edge and took it be a score of 13-12.

31 Aug 56

416 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying by the other two Squadrons. Six aircraft away for the weekend.

1 Sep 56

No flying over weekend except by 416 Squadron who are still on Zulu.

2 Sep 56

Sunday routine. Flying time for 416 Squadron on Zulu:

3 Sep 56

416 still on Zulu, only 416 flying today.

4 Sep 56

Local flying today. 416 Squadron still on Zulu.

5 Sep 56

416 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. Flying commenced at 0800Z.

The first meeting of the station basketball teams, both men and women, was held in the Rec. Centre at 1900 hours to layout winter program, introduce coaches, managers and start training program.

6 Sep 56

Local flying by all Squadrons. 421 Squadron on Exercise Argus. Five aircraft off to UK for weekend training trip.

Another $1,000.00 bingo was held in the Rec. Centre starting at 2030 hours and an excellent crowd of over 900 people were in attendance. The jackpot went to LAC Vienot after the tension had mounted to a peak. The Wing soccer team had its first fall meeting at 1330 hours in the Rec. Centre to plan the coming season and outline the training program.

7 Sep 56

Local flying for 421 and 430 Squadrons. For 416 Squadron it is the weekend after Zulu. Four aircraft away for weekend.

The Rifle Association had its first fall meeting to project its plans for the coming season’s activities at 1630 hours in the indoor range at the Rec. Centre. The first game of the Air Division baseball Finals was held at 4 Wing with Eagles coming through in their own inimitable style of knock-down-drag-out ball to win the first one by a margin of 7-5 with big Max Embrett up on the mound doing a superb job of pulling the team out of some tight spots.

8 – 9 Sep 56

No flying over weekend. The second game of the baseball Finals was played here at 2 Wing despite threatening weather, and, as the Eagles proved, the champions of the first game pulled another one out of the hat and really held the 4 Wing Raiders down by trouncing them to an 8-4 victory with Spicer winning his first game against the Raiders all season when it was needed the most. And so the 2 Wing Baseball Eagles are the 1956 Air Division Baseball Champions.

10 Sep 56

Local flying by all Squadrons. There was no exercises today.

The second and last Red Cross Water Safety Instructors Course was started at this unit under the direction of Miss Charlotte Keens, with personnel participating from all the Wings (16 total in the class) and ran through to 14 Sep 56. The Intersection Bowling started this evening with the familiar sound of gutteral oaths, loud shouts and the general racket of pins flying in all directions as the Keglers got off to a fine start for the coming seven month season.

11 Sep 56

Local flying by all Squadrons. No exercises today. Night flying carried out by 430 Squadron.

The Wing Badminton Club had its first meeting of the season to elect a new governing body and outline its plans for the 1956-57 season, with a very large turnout of over 100 members, on the first night. This has all the indications of being one of the biggest badminton seasons ever. The Intersection Touch Football League had their first meeting of the season and planned its Fall schedule with six teams entered and looking forward to a successful season if the old Lady Weather will bless their efforts.

12 Sep 56

Flying commenced at 1230Z due delay cause by early morning parade. A Random exercise came in today. 421 Squadron commenced Zulu at 1100Z.

The Intersection Basketball League had the organizational meeting at 1315 hours in the Rec. Centre to put forth the schedule for the 1956-57 season with eight teams entering to nicely round out a schedule

13 Sep 56

421 Squadron on Zulu. Local flying by the other two Squadrons.

Another bingo was held in the Rec. Centre but the jackpot didn’t go in the required 52 numbers and so will tide over to the next week.

14 Sep 56

Mr. MJ Coldwell, leader of the CCF party, visited the station today. Unfortunately his stay was very short and he departed at 1400. 421 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying by the other two Squadrons. Eight aircraft away for weekend training trips.

15 Sep 56

421 Squadron flew Sat morning. 421 Squadron was on Zulu over the week-end.

16 Sep 56

17 Sep 56

421 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying by the other two Squadrons. Night flying carried out by 430 Squadron.

18 Sep 56

421 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying carried out by the other two Squadrons. 421 Squadron attempted to fly at night but it was scrubbed due to bad weather.

19 Sep 56

Regular Wednesday morning CO’s parade was held this morning with W/C Currie taking the parade in the absence of G/C Newson. The new standard of Wing formation was used and all in all proved quite successful. The weather is very warm and temperatures are high for this time of the year. F/O Belanger took over as W/Adjutant. 421 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. A delay in the morning was due to parade. Flying commenced at 0917Z.

20 Sep 56

Weather continues very warm with excellent flying conditions. Local flying carried out by all Squadrons. Night flying was carried out by 430 Squadron.

The first meeting of the Judo and Self-Defense Club was held in the Rec. Centre to outline rates for instructions and programs for the winter. The instructor is coming from the town of Thionville especially to give classes to those who wish to learn these two fields of sports. Another live Show was brought in by the Entertainment Committee for the enjoyment of the unit personnel and the nine act feature played to a full and very pleased audience. The first game of the Intersection Fastball Finals was played this evening between Wing Maintenance and the ME Section. It was tight all the way with Maint just pulling ahead in the dying minutes of the game to take the first win by a score of 7-6.

21 Sep 56

Only 416 and 430 Squadron flew today. For 421 Squadron it is the week end after Zulu. Four aircraft off on week end training trip. 416 Squadron on Exercise Stronghold.

A Squadron Party and Dance was held in the Rec. Centre by 416 Squadron with lots of good music, good food and good fun had by all.

22 Sep 56

430 Squadron on Stronghold on Saturday. No other flying took place over the week-end.

The Cpls. Club of Air Div and 2 Wing met on the field of battle to vent their fury in the form of a double header series in fastball and the 2 Wingers showed all concerned that 2 Wing is indeed the home of Champions by downing their rivals to the tune of 15-5 and 9-4.

23 Sep 56

The second, and what proved to be the final game of the Intersection Fastball League Finals was played today on No. 2 diamond and another crowd pleaser was in the offing. When it was all over and the dust had settled over the field the Wing Maintenance "Arab Squadron" team had emerged the champions for the 1956 Intersection fastball League.

24 Sep 56

G/C Newson back from England re-assumes command 2 (F) Wing. Weather still very nice. Flying commenced at 0900Z today. Local flying was carried out by all Squadrons.

25 Sep 56

Flying commenced at 0911Z today due to early morning fog. It was carried out by all Squadrons.

26 Sep 56

Station was visited by A/C Whitney and party on CE mattes. Exercise Whipsaw under way. Station under heavy program. All Squadrons took part. 34 sweeps of sections of four aircraft were carried out today. 430 Squadron commenced Zulu at 1100Z.

The second meeting of the Judo and Self-Defense Club was held today in the Rec. Centre to finalize plans for the coming season.

27 Sep 56

First section off today at 1556Z due to bad weather. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. Whipsaw still on. 14 sweeps of section of 4 were carried out. Night flying was carried out in connection with Exercise Whipsaw by all three Squadrons.

A dance was held in the Rec. Centre for Sr. NCOs and below with music by the Saarbrucken Radio Station Orchestra. A good crowd of over 200 couples graced the floor to Miller styled music.

28 Sep 56

430 Squadron still on Zulu. 43 sweeps with sections of four were carried out. Exercise Whipsaw ended today. Everyone relieved and a small party was held.

29 Sep 56

430 Squadron on Zulu was the only Squadron to fly over weekend. Sunday routine.

1 Oct 56

The first two games of the Intersection Basketball League got underway to start the season off. Day very warm. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. Other two Squadrons did local flying. 416 Squadron was on a fly-past. Night flying was carried out by 430 Squadron.

2 Oct 56

Mr. Roche of the "Ensign" visited the Station. The first Intersection Touch Football game was played on the Sports Field behind the Rec. Centre. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. 416 Squadron did a fly-past for some wheels at Metz, other wise only local flying by 416 and 421 Squadrons.

The first meeting of the Model Railroad Club was held in the Rec. Centre to outline plans for the operation of a club and work needed to be done to get the club on the rails.

3 Oct 56

430 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. 416 and 421 Squadron didn’t start flying until 1000Z due to Wednesday morning parade.

The first night of instruction for the Judo Club was held in the Rec. Centre with a total of 26 members turning out. The Club will now be meeting every Monday and Wednesday evenings. The bi-annual 2 Wing Sports Banquet was held in the Airmen’s Mess, sponsored by the Wing Sports Committee, and the evening was high-lighted by the talk given by Dr. Dudley S DeGroot, one of the United States most prominent men in the field of Physical Education and Recreation, and who is now attached to the US Army in Nuremburg in an advisory capacity. After his talk, the season awards were presented and the bi-Annual Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year Awards were presented to Sgt. Jerry Messier and LAW Scotty MacGregor.

4 Oct 56

Only local flying by the three squadrons.

Dr. DeGroot left this PM. Weather cool and drizzly all day. Another $1000.00 bingo was held in the Rec. Centre with a crowd over 600 people in attendance.

5 Oct 56

All station preparing for long weekend, Thanksgiving. Local flying only for Friday for 416, 421 and 430 Squadrons. Six aircraft away on weekend training trips.

6-7-8 Oct 56

No flying on week-end. Thanksgiving weekend.

9 Oct 56

G/C Newson away for a week attending CO’s conference at Berchtesgaden, Germany. W/C Currie acting CO. Only local flying by the three Squadrons.

10 Oct 56

Flying started at 1157Z due to Wednesday morning parade. 430 Squadron again on Zulu. Local flying only by the other two Squadrons. 416 Squadron did some night flying.

11 Oct 56

The Entertainment Committee sponsored a Station Dance with a concert preceding the dance by Ted Heath and his Paladium Orchestra, to which the High School students were admitted. There were over 250 couples gracing the floor to this fine musical group. 430 Squadron on Zulu. Local flying for the other two Squadrons. 421 Squadron was on night flying. 430 Squadron was also on night flying.

12 Oct 56

430 Squadron still on Zulu. There was no flying until 1206Z due to weather.

13 Oct 56

Wing was called on an Alert exercise in the PM. Station alerted and mobility drills carried out. Only Zulu flew over the week end.

The first annual Invitation Exhibition Basketball Tournament was held in the Rec. Centre this weekend and will be a 2 Wing venture each year to get the Inter-Wing Basketball Season under way. All four Wings plus Air Div HQ had teams entered except for 4 Wing men. The tournament was won by 1 Wing both men and women teams, after a very closely contended flurry of games.

15 Oct 56

G/C Newson re-assumes command of 2 (F) Wing vice W/C Currie. Station visited by S/C Pleasance and party, holding discussions and touring station – Ground Defence organization. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. 416 Squadron got a few sorties off at 1300Z. No morning flying due to the weather. 421 Squadron did not fly.

16 Oct 56

Weather very warm. A/C Clements, CStaffO, stopped on station on way through to American base in Germany. 430 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying only by the other two Squadrons.

17 Oct 56

Station visited by Canadian Industrial Preparedness Association in company of the AOC A/V/M Godwin. Party was only on the station for an hour. G/C Newson, CO, left at 1700 hours for 4 (F) Wing with CTSO to attend a Mess Dinner with the CIPA. 430 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. Local flying by the other two Squadrons.

18 Oct 56

Station visited by G/C Doyle and W/C McLaren re: ME utilization. These guests remained overnight. In the PM, the CO received and briefed a group of German, French and US newsmen. 421 Squadron provided a quick turn around and a fly-past for the party. Local flying by all three Squadrons.

Another $1000.00 bingo was held in the Rec. Centre with that jackpot coming ever closer to being won by some lucky person, with a crowd of over 600 people in attendance. There was a meeting of the Little Theatre Players Group to outline plans for the coming season in the Little Theatre.

19 Oct 56

Only 416 and 421 Squadron flew. This was day off for 430 Squadron as they were on Zulu. Four aircraft away on weekend training trip.

The first meeting of the Square Dance Club for this season was held in the Rec. Centre and it was proposed to hold club meetings and dances immediately following the Bingos every Thursday.

20 Oct 56

No flying over the weekend. The first game of the Air Division soccer schedule was played here against 1 Wing and after a very close first half with the score 0-0, the 1 Wing men blasted their way through to a 7-0 win, taking advantage of the rookie goalkeeper.

21 Oct 56

Sunday routine. The Basketball Eagles and Eaglettes travelled to 3 Wing to split the bill in an exhibition tilt, with the girls winning their game by a score of 21-14 and the men dropping theirs to the tune of 57-44.

22 Oct 56

Routine. Two men were sent to a basketball clinic with the USAF at Lansberg AFB near Munich and will give a clinic at this unit on their return to improve the officiating at both Intersection and Interwing Levels.

23 Oct 56

421 Squadron off to Celle for 10 days. RAF DISCARD replaced them here. No flying here until 1300Z due to weather.

24 Oct 56

Local flying started at 1200Z due to weather and Wednesday morning CO’s parade. 416 Squadron on Zulu. 421 Squadron still at Celle. Night flying by 416 Squadron.

25 Oct 56

416 Squadron still on Zulu. 421 Squadron still at Celle. RAF Squadron here taking their place with Vampires. Night flying was carried out by 416 Squadron and what was left behind of 421 Squadron and by the RAF Squadron.

Another $1000.00 bingo was held in the Rec. Centre with a very good crowd of over 600 and an added feature was the Square Dance Club holding their weekly dance immediately following the bingo to make up a complete evening of entertainment.

26 Oct 56

G/C Newson and F/O Belanger flew two Sabres to Celle, Germany. A day’s visit to 421 Squadron deployed at that base. Local flying only by 416 Squadron, 430 and RAF Squadrons. 416 Squadron still on Zulu.

27 Oct 56

Only Zulu flew over the week-end.

The Basketball Eagles and Eaglettes travelled to 1 Wing on Sunday to play a pair of exhibition Basketball games. Two very good clean games were displayed to a capacity crowd and only one disastrous result in the accident in the men’s game when Schedlar, after following a man up to the basket, coming at full tilt, stumbled and put his arm through a window in the end doors, taking 30 stitches to close up the gash.

29 Oct 56

Many parties were held this past weekend celebrating the Halloween. Weather is very bad today permitting only a limited amount of flying. G/C Newson to Air Div for luncheon. 416 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying only by 430 Squadron and RAF Squadron.

30 Oct 56

416 Squadron still on Zulu. Local flying only by 430 Squadron and RAF Squadron. 416 Squadron was on night flying.

There was a meeting held for the formation of the Wing Gym Club in the Rec. Centre at 1830 hours to start off the Winter’s activities. The first game of the Finals in the Intersection Touch Football League was played out tonight under the normal dark clouds that spell out the coming of winter and there was not much doubt as to who was going to take the game after the first ten minutes of play. Wing HQ under the guidance of Captain "Shaky" Schedlar and Quarterback Kenny O’Brien the HQ team swamped ME section by the score of 44-0.

31 Oct 56

G/C Newson left by Dakota for London to attend RMC reunion. Other ex-cadets from station attended meeting. In the PM a practice "Family Alert" was held. 416 Squadron on Zulu until 1100Z. Local flying only by other 2 Squadrons.

1 Nov 56

All Saints Day. Sunday routine was observed. There was a live show in the theatre tonight playing to a capacity crowd of 375 persons who thoroughly enjoyed the efforts of the group.

2 Nov 56

No flying today. The Entertainment Committee sponsored the annual Halloween Dance for WOs and below in the Rec. Centre. The crowd, although small, enjoyed the festivities accompanied by the Radio Saarbrucken orchestra.

3 Nov 56

The Eagles Soccer Team, because of absence of some of the team because of Squadron commitments, lost their soccer game to 1 Wing.

4 Nov 56

The Eagles and Eaglettes Basketball Teams played host to the 1 Wing teams. In the girls’ game, with the score tied at the end of the regular time 24-24, they went into overtime and in the last six seconds of the game, the Royalettes popped one in for the deciding win 28-27 for 1 Wing. In the men’s game, it was almost as tight all the way with the score see-sawing back and forth but there was no need for extra time as Sinker of the Eagles sank a foul shot to break the tie and then hooked in another on the rebound to put the Eagles in front by a score of 63-60.

5 Nov 56

Mr. Baribeau of DCL visited station today. All three Squadrons flew throughout the day.

The Ladies Volleyball started tonight with over thirty women from PMQs, Trailer Site and the Airwomen, to get a four team league under way for the winter season.

6 Nov 56

All three Squadrons carried out local flying during the day, one T-33 returned from Langar, England.

7 Nov 56

CO’s parade this morning. The temperature was low and many red noses were observed after the parade. Local flying by all Squadrons during the day. 421 Squadron commenced Zulu Operations at 1100Z.

The first meeting for the organization of a Curling Club was held at 1330 hours in the Rec. Centre to prepare teams and arrangements for the use of 3 Wing rinks for the coming season. They started out with twenty two rinks.

8 Nov 56

The temperature was low this morning which gave the ground a coating of frost. Winter must be just around the corner. The three Squadrons commenced local flying at 0800Z and had five sections diverted to Marville and Bitburg because of weather. All Sections returned during the afternoon. 421 Squadron on Zulu.

Another $1000.00 bingo was held in the Rec. Centre with the big prize going to Cpl. Doucette. A good crowd of over 600 people were in attendance.

9 Nov 56

416 and 430 Squadrons carried out local flying. 421 Squadron on Zulu. 416 and 421 Squadrons carried out local night flying.

10 Nov 56

421 on Zulu, was the only flying done on Saturday. 421 also carried out night flying.

11 Nov 56

421 Squadron on Zulu was the only Squadron flying today.

Armistice Day Parade was held with RC and Protestant services being held after parade.

12 Nov 56

Local flying done by 416 and 430 Squadrons. 421 Squadron still on Zulu. 421 and 416 Squadrons carried out local night flying.

13 Nov 56

Station visited by Miss Louise Simard, radio commentator from CKCH in Hull. She was escorted on the station by F/O JA Belanger. After many interviews, Miss Simard completed her tour at 2330 hours. 416 and 430 Squadrons on local flying. 421 Squadron on Zulu. No night flying done.

The regular monthly meeting of the Rec. Council was held in the conference room in wing HQ at 1330 hours with all committees represented.

14 Nov 56

Station visited by Mr. Aitken AMTS/DCED (Roads and Grounds) arrived this PM to spend two days visiting and discussing 2 (F) Wing programmes. Mr. Aitken was accompanied by F/L Greenbagh. 416 and 430 Squadrons on local flying all day. 421 Squadron took Zulu scrambles till 1100Z and then were released for local flying. Two CF-100s returned to Marville after being diverted.

15 Nov 56

All three Squadrons carried out local flying throughout the day. 416 Squadron 8 aircraft were on Exercise Argus with take-off at 1030Z and landed at Oldeburg. All aircraft returned to GT by 1530Z. One T-33 flight planned to Biggin Hill.

Fuel oil rationing leaving offices a little chilly during the day. There was another live show held in the station theatre playing to a capacity crowd for one performance. The audience were very pleased with the show as shown by their hearty applause throughout.

16 Nov 56

All Squadrons carried out local flying from 1145Z on. Weather U/S till 1145Z. T-33 returned to GT from Biggin Hill.

17 Nov 56

No flying over weekend.

18 Nov 56

Sunday routine. No flying. The Basketball Eagles and Eaglettes played host to the Air Div teams and walked all over the very weak from HQ. The girls won by a score of 13-3 and tried out all sorts of combinations of defensive and offensive tactics more for team practice than game appeal. The men did much the same using all the bench warmers in the game and still racking up a 46-24 win over the weak men’s team from the Air Div who have lost all their American players because of the new eligibility ruling for the League.

19 Nov 56

Weather continuing colder. CO to Air Div with F/Os Graham and Wilson. Both officers to appear before AOC. Three Squadrons carried out local flying all day. 430 Squadron sent two aircraft to Creil for briefing on the Flypast at SHAPE headquarters.

20 Nov 56

Local flying by all three Squadrons throughout the day. 430 Squadron sent 8 aircraft to Paris to take part in a flypast over the SHAPE Headquarters at Fontainebleau commemorating the handing over of NATO Headquarters from General Greunther to General Nordstadt. 421 Squadron did night flying.

21 Nov 56

Normal day flying done by all three Squadrons. 430 Squadron commenced Zulu operations at 1100Z. 416 Squadron and 430 Squadron carried out local night flying. F/O Gatto of 416 Squadron landed wheels up at Grostenquin at 2040 hours resulting in five aircraft being diverted.

22 Nov 56

Limited flying carried out by 421 Squadron during the morning. 421 Squadron stood down all afternoon preparing for night flying. 430 Squadron on Zulu accepted only "Hot" or "Live" scrambles because of their serviceability. 421 Squadron and 430 Squadron night flew.

There was a $1000.00 bingo in the Rec. Centre with the new jackpot holding out the night and no big winner. There was a healthy crowd of over 500 in attendance.

23 Nov 56

416 and 421 Squadrons carried out local flying throughout the day. 430 Squadron restricted their flying to Zulu scrambles.

24 Nov 56

No flying done on Sat or Sun by 421 or 416 Squadrons. 430 Squadron flew on Zulu operations on Saturday only.

The Annual Mud Bowl Touch Football Challenge game between the Officers and Airmen of the unit was played at 1430 hours on the sports field behind the Rec. Centre. The Commanding Officer booted out the opening ball and hostilities got under way with a full head of steam. In the first quarter the strong airmen’s team pulled ahead with a rouge to make the score 1-0 at the end of the half. The officers’ team, though lacking in substitutes played an all-out third quarter but couldn’t quite make the distance to the goal line. The airmen really proceeded to march down the field during the last quarter and came out with a Touchdown and Convert to put the game on ice with a 7-0 win. Another great Wrestling Show was put on by the Rec. Staff with 3 preliminaries, a Ladies match and exhibition by the Wing Judo club, a heavy-weight bout between the champions of France and Germany, and finally an international Tag Team Match. A crowd of over 500 were screaming and shouting to the tumbles and falls of this card arranged by the Lorraine Wrestling Federation for the Unit. The Station suffered a loss today when our WSecO, F/O JEY Ratelle, died as a result of a heart attack. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday.

25 Nov 56

The Basketball Eagles and Eaglettes played host to the 3 Wing counterparts in the afternoon to a good crowd of over 200. The Eaglettes started off the series by losing a real close one 13-11 to the 3 Wing girls in a wonderful crowd pleasing demonstration of defensive tactics. The Eagles were a little more fortunate displaying very close teamwork and an excellent brand of pressing offensive ball against a strong defensive team to take the tilt by a score of 54-52.

26 Nov 56

Weather unserviceable all day resulting in NIL flying.

27 Nov 56

Weather unserviceable all day with NIL flying. Mr. F Ratelle, father of F/O Ratelle (deceased) arrived on the station for the funeral of his son tomorrow. Weather very damp and cold.

28 Nov 56

No flying done today as the weather was unserviceable. 430 Squadron finished Zulu at 1100Z. Funeral parade held this morning for F/O Ratelle. Station visited by F/L Palmer, CJS London and two Sr. NCOs from AAFCE. They are doing bits for CBC Television and Radio. Being escorted on station by F/O MA MacKinnon of 421 Squadron.

29 Nov 56

There was another Live Show in the Theatre with a stellar cast of variety talent playing to a capacity crowd of 360. The show was well received and enjoyed by all. Local flying done by all three Squadrons all day. All Sabre Mk VI aircraft were grounded today because of fuel pumps.

30 Nov 56

Flying was carried out by 430 Squadron with their Mk Vs. The other two Squadrons unable to fly as all Mk VIs have been grounded.

(WFM Newson) G/C,
CO, 2 (F) Wing, RCAF