1 Jan 56
Squadron stood down (Naturally)
2 - 3 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
4 Jan 56
Flying was resumed today following the New Year's holiday, but was limited to navigation and high level formation exercises. F/O Myles left for Scottish Aviation at Renfrew, Scotland where he will be the RCAF Acceptance Pilot for the next six months.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 29:35 hrs
5 Jan 56
F/L Stamison, (from Air Div HQ), is flying with us for the next two days. Flying today was restricted to high level formation.
Sorties: 40
Daily total: 42:55 hrs
6 Jan 56
Squadron stood down. (poor weather).
7 Jan 56
Limited flying again today, due to poor weather. Three air tests flown.
Sorties: 9
Daily total: 8:45 hrs
8 - 10 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
11 Jan 56
Weather marginal today. The bulk of flying consisted of instrument practice. F/O Westphal left for Air Div HQ on TD.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 31:05 hrs
12 Jan 56
Today the squadron participated in Exercise "Argus" acting as interceptors. F/O Clayton ferried an aircraft to Renfrew, Scotland for overhaul.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 33:30 hrs
13 Jan 56
Practice interceptions under GCI control, (Yellowjack), were our prime activity today. G/C Somerville flew one trip with the squadron.
Sorties:25
Daily total: 34:10 hrs
14 Jan 56
Due to very poor weather, eight aircraft diverted to Baden Soellingen in the morning. After lunch, however, they were able to return, and normal flying was carried out.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 22:20 hrs.
15 Jan 56
All flying today was under GCI control with sections acting as both target and interceptor. Weather just passable.
Sorties: 16
Daily total: 21:10 hrs.
16 Jan 56
Once again flying consisted mainly of interceptions. Four air tests were flown and F/O Lambert began his phase training.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 30:35 hrs.
17 Jan 56
Squadon on last day of "Zulu" (HAPPY DAY!). The usual intercepts were flown.
Sorties: 22
Daily total: 29:15 hrs.
18 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
19 Jan 56
Numerous air tests were flown today as we get our aircraft back in shape. F/O Bergie flew to Grostenquin, while F/L Burns and F/O Bigg journeyed to Zweibrucken.
Sorties: 14
Daily total: 16:55 hrs.
20 Jan 56
Only two aircraft airborne today, and they were diverted to Grostenquin due to weather. The twelve aircraft which were ferried to Renfrew during the week arrived there safely. F/O Davidson left for Garmisch, Austria, to do a bit of schussing, (and sitzmarking).
Sorties: 4
Daily total: 4:30 hrs.
21 Jan 56
Weather unserviceable in the morning, squadron stood down in the afternoon.
22 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
23 Jan 56
F/O Bigg returned from Zweibrucken today. All flying consisted of high formation and intercepts.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 31:25 hrs.
24 Jan 56
Very poor weather restricted flying to instrument practice. F/L Milne and F/O Lambert continued phase training.
Sorties: 14
Daily total: 18:20 hrs.
25 Jan 56
The squadron began employing a fluid six formation in the high altitude work today. F/O Lambert continued phase training.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 35:00 hrs.
26 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
27 Jan 56
F/O Bradley returned from Baden Soellingen this afternoon. Eight cine exercises were carried out in addition to some instrument practice.
Sorties: 25
Daily total: 32:45 hrs.
28 - 29 Jan 56
Squadron stood down.
30 Jan 56
Today we once again journeyed to Zweibrucken to perform the onerous duty known as ZULU - Enough said.
Sorties: 11
Daily total: 13:10 hrs.
31 Jan 56
Practice intercepts were once again the prime activity, with many "kills" recorded on film. Numerous air tests flown.
Sorties: 18
Daily total: 24:50 hrs.
Monthly sorties: 384 Monthly total: 459:45 hours.
1 Feb 56
The usual GCI exercises were carried out today, with moderate success.
Sorties: 18
Daily total: 18:30 hrs.
2 Feb 56
S/L Cuthbertson flew in from Marville today, as did S/L Roussell, F/O Davidson, F/O Lockhart and F/O Johnson. Eight ZULU sorties flown.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 17:15 hrs.
3 Feb 56
Flying washed out due to inconsistent weather.
4 Feb 56
Limited flying today, as the weather is still very poor.
Sorties: 13
Daily total: 14:20 hrs.
5 Feb 56
Only four aircraft airborne, as the weather continues to be poor.
Sorties: 4
Daily total: 6:00 hrs.
6 Feb 56
Our new engineering officer, F/L Casley joined the squadron today. We note that he wears wings and hope to have him "Swept back" shortly after normal ZULU flying.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 21:15 hrs.
7 Feb 56
F/O Lockhart and F/O Johnson took two aircraft back to Marville this morning. The weather has improved somewhat and one of the fellows claimed he saw the sun once.
Sorties: 27
Daily total: 36:00 hrs.
8 Feb 56
Our alert stint ended at 1230 hrs today, and we immediately folded our tents like Arabs and rather noisily blasted off for Marville. Everyone in excellent spirits.
Sorties: 15
Daily total: 12:20 hrs.
9 Feb 56
The squadron took part in Exercise Sentry Post today. F/O Clayton left for the Riviera to see the Winter Olympics and finally to the ski course (he couldn't fit a south sea cruise in).
Sorties: 21
Daily total: 28:00 hrs.
10 Feb 56
An extensive cine program was carried out today, with very reasonable results. F/O Bergie flew to Grostenquin.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 23:40 hrs.
11 - 12 Feb 56
Squadron stood down.
13 Feb 56
Poor weather restricted flying to five sorties. F/L Burns and F/Os Bigg, Johnson and Westphal diverted to Zweibrucken.
Sorties: 5
Daily total: 5:50 hrs.
14 Feb 56
F/L Burns, F/O's Bigg and Johnson returned from Zweibrucken. Other flying was cancelled due to snow.
Sorties: 4
Daily total: 2:05 hrs.
15 Feb 56
Squadron stood down due to bad weather.
16 Feb 56
High altitude formation was carried out today, with numerous targets of opportunity in evidence. F-86Hs (American) are now seen quite often, and are a bit more difficult to handle than the "F's".
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 20:30 hrs.
17 Feb 56
Numerous cine gun sorties flown today, in addition to practice intercepts employing GCI (Yellowjack).
Sorties: 22
Daily total: 22:45 hrs.
18 Feb 56
Poor weather restricted flying to nine sorties all under GCI control.
Sorties: 9
Daily total: 11:40 hrs.
19 - 23 Feb 56
Weather unserviceable. Lectures, Dinghy drills, training films and volleyball games too numerous to mention.
24 Feb 56
A very welcome change in the weather had everyone out in force today. The azure blue was fairly black with aircraft of every description. The flying consisted entirely of high altitude battle formation seeking targets of opportunity.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 38:40 hrs.
25 Feb 56
Saturday morning flying as usual as the weather continued to hold good. Mostly high altitude battle formation.
Sorties: 16
Daily total: 17:50 hrs.
26 Feb 56
Sunday, squadron stood down.
27 Feb 56
The squadron was engaged in exercise Trolley Trot today. G/C Somerville flew in the section which was led by S/L Cuthbertson. The remainder of the flying was high level battle formation and five sorties were flown at night.
Sorties: 40
Daily total: 45:45 hrs.
28 Feb 56
Duff weather restricted flying to two sorties and these were forced to divert to Etain. Sports, (volleyball, swimming) were laid on for the rest of the day.
Sorties: 2
Daily total: 1:20 hrs.
29 Feb 56
Squadron stood down.
1 Mar 56
A new pilot, F/O Roy Barnes joined the squadron today. Roy is well known to several of the fellows, having been on course with them. Exercise Argus was in progress, with numerous successful intercepts being carried out.
Sorties: 30
Daily total: 31:35 hrs.
2 - 4 Mar 56
Squadron stood down.
5 Mar 56
Weather reasonable good today. The high altitude work was supplemented by cine exercises and low level navigation.
Sorties: 26
Daily total: 30:20 hrs.
6 Mar 56
Today the squadron journeyed to Zweibrucken for another bash at ZULU. As the days bcome longer, this becomes tiresome.
7 Mar 56
Our ZULU duties began in earnest at 1230 hrs. F/L MacMillan took an aircraft to Marville and returned with a spare.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 20:30 hrs.
8 Mar 56
F/Os Bergie and Barnes arrived from Marville with two more aircraft. S/L Cuthbertson returned to Marville. Usual alert carried out.
Sorties: 26
Daily total: 31:25 hrs.
9 Mar 56
F/O Lambert seems to be headed for an all time high in monthly flying time. He is well ahead of the crowd. Usual alert and interceptions carried out.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 32:20 hrs.
10 Mar 56
Normal alert and flying. One section intercepted a USAF T-33 which had violated the Austrian Border.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 30:25 hrs.
11 Mar 56
F/O Abbott had rather a hairy encounter with some seized controls today, and put up a good show. Some night flying was done by the late section.
Sorties: 27
Daily total: 34:40 hrs.
12 Mar 56
One section was diverted to Baden Soellingen today due to poor weather. F/O Moreash arrived from Marville with a spare aircraft. Normal ZULU duties carried out.
Sorties: 18
Daily total: 21:05 hrs.
13 Mar 56
F/Os Eburn, Bigg and White returned to Marville today as our ZULU tour draws to an end.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 35:50 hrs.
14 Mar 56
The only sortie today was diverted to Marville. The remainder of the squadon returned home after lunch.
Sorties: 13
Daily total: 17:05 hrs.
15 Mar 56
S/L Cuthbertson returned to Zweibrucken today, and F/O Moreash went to Baden Soellingen. F/O Westphal returned from Air Div and left for Renfrew. Normal flying was carried out.
Sorties: 37
Daily total: 46:25 hrs.
16 Mar 56
We again have a guest from Air Div, F/L Mark Sauder. He will be flying with us for the next two days. F/O Barnes is continuing his phase training. Normal flying throughout the day.
Sorties: 42
Daily total: 51:35 hrs.
17 Mar 56
"Tis the Seventeenth of Ireland", and everyone is sporting a bit of green. Some extremists displayed a rather green complexion (apparently people of mid-European extract celebrate the 16 of March). Flying included cine gun exercises and practice intercepts.
Sorties: 11
Daily total: 13:20 hrs.
18 Mar 56
Squadron stood down due to poor weather. Dinghy drill was held at the swimming pool.
19 Mar 56
F/O Johnson left for Meribel les Allues for the ski course. We understand he intends to remain afterwards for three weeks leave. Track. Normal flying in progress.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 35:55 hrs.
20 Mar 56
The weather continues to hold very poor. Several unfortunates were "Joed" for instrument flying at "T" Bird Flight. Anyone for tennis? F/L Lafrance flew to Zweibrucken and returned in the afternoon.
Sorties: 20
Daily total: 29:25 hrs.
21 Mar 56
Still no sunshine. Some high altitude stuff was done, the remainder of the flying being "buddy" instrument practice.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 26:15 hrs.
22 Mar 56
The routine was varied today with intercepts of RAF Canberra overflights. S/L Cuthbertson and F/L Lafrance practiced for the NATO flypast at Versailles which S/L Cuthbertson will lead. One section went on a low level tour to Vimy Ridge. Tourists! We learned today that F/O Eburn, who, on leave in England, had gotten married. This is a severe blow to the remaining single men.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 44:40 hrs.
23 Mar 56
S/L Cuthbertson and F/L Lafrance again practiced for the Versailles flypast. Numerous navigation exercises were flown in Western France. F/Os Clayton and Westphal went to Edinburgh for the weekend.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 42:30 hrs.
24 Mar 56
The flypast practice continues with W/C Knowles participating today. Several low level navigation exercises were completed to such points as Blankenberg, Vimy, Antwerp and Cologne.
Sorties: 18
Daily total: 19:10 hrs.
25 Mar 56
Squadron stood down.
26 Mar 56
The emphasis was again on navigation today with many pilots taking part in the See-Europe-By-Air plan. As the weather was not so good in the local area, several took advantage of the clag for logging instrument practice.
Sorties: 38
Daily total: 46:40 hrs.
27 Mar 56
Today's intercepts were on RAF Valiants, something new on the local scene. S/L Cutherbertson and F/L Lafrance went to Reims and Paris.
Sorties: 36
Daily total: 44:00 hrs.
28 Mar 56
Exercise Trolley Trot in progress. Navigation exercises to Souest, Lehavre and Nantes.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 36:35 hrs.
29 Mar 56
F/L Burns left for Meribel les Allues (with F/O Goodwin of 427 (F) Sqn) for the ski course. Doucement, kiddies, Doucement.
30 - 31 Mar, 1 - 2 Apr 56
Squadron stood down for Easter. Squadron members journeyed to such points as Amsterdam, Cologne, Munich, London, etc, etc, par voiture.
3 Apr 56
Everyone back and accounted for from the long week-end. The move to Zweibrucken for ZULU began once again.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 20:40 hrs.
4 Apr 56
The remainder of the squadron moved to Zweibrucken this morning and ZULU commenced at 1230 hrs. Flying in the afternoon was of the usual sort.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 20:30 hrs.
5 Apr 56
Very poor weather forced F/O's Clayton and Bradley to divert to Hahn. Flying was somewhat limited.
Sorties: 10
Daily total: 12:20 hrs.
6 Apr 56
Weather continues to be poor. The people in the alert tent were occupied mostly with bridge, cribbage and this thing called scrabble.
Sorties: 7
Daily total: 8:30 hrs.
7 Apr 56
A slight improvement in the weather allowed a bit more flying today. Although 4 (F) Wing have slightly better aircraft, we are having moderate success in intercepting them.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 14:30 hrs.
8 Apr 56
The weather is steadily improving. Normal intercepts were flown today.
Sorties: 32
Daily total: 40:45 hrs.
9 Apr 56
Normal alert carried out. As the days become longer some people are feeling the lack of sleep.
Sorties: 26
Daily total: 33:35 hrs.
10 Apr 56
F/L Miller and F/O Webber returned to Marville today. Weather is still below average.
Sorties: 16
Daily total: 22:35 hrs.
11 Apr 56
The exodus began this morning and as ZULU was completed at noon, the remainder of the squadron returned to Marville after lunch. Sigh!
Sorties: 21
Daily total: 26:20 hrs.
12 Apr 56
S/L Dean Kelly is over from CFS on a tour and flew with the squadron today. Flying consisted largely of navigation trips. However, bowser trouble caused a slowdown in the afternoon.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 35:35 hrs.
13 Apr 56
A new pilot reported in today, F/L Dale Stephens. He bought his round of drinks, (old squadron custom) and will begin flying tomorrow. Practice intercepts occupied most of the flying.
Sorties: 27
Daily total: 25:55 hrs.
14 - 15 Apr 56
Squadron stood down.
16 Apr 56
Adverse weather held flying to two sorties. Sports and swimming were held in the afternoon. (441 (F) Sqn still undefeated at volleyball).
Sorties: 2
Daily total: 2:10 hrs.
17 Apr 56
Normal flying carried out. Some cine gun exercises flown.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 31:55 hrs.
18 Apr 56
F/O Syms flew to Zweibrucken today via T-33. Normal flying exercises were flown today.
Sorties: 33
Daily total: 33:25 hrs.
19 Apr 56
Several practice intercepts were carried out employing GCI control. Four low level navigation exercises were completed.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 36:00 hrs.
20 Apr 56
Several pilots today went on low level navigation exercises along the invasion beaches. Mulberry Two is still reasonably intact as are several other installations. F/Ls Crane and MacMillan went to Langar for the week-end. Other flying included navigation trips to such points as Cologne, Frankfurt, Coxyde and Le Mans. Night flying was carried out and everyone got at least one trip in the black.
Sorties: 50
Daily total: 53:35 hrs.
21 - 22 Apr 56
Squadron stood down.
23 Apr 56
F/Ls Crane and MacMillan returned today from Langar after an exhaustive weekend touring British Museums, the Tate Gallery and the Tower of London. Oh! Yeah! An air to air cine program, (on the drogue), was started, in preparation for the coming trip to Rabat, French Morocco.
Sorties: 43
Daily total: 39:30 hrs.
24 Apr 56
S/L Cuthbertson and G/C Somerville flew to Zweibrucken this morning returning in the afternoon. Exercise Tuesday Scrimage was held with a section of four flying to the French base at Creuil. In the late afternoon, ten pilots led by S/L Cuthbertson flew to Grostenquin for the Air Division Volleyball finals. (416 vs 441)
Sorties: 48
Daily total: 44:00 hrs.
25 Apr 56
S/L Cuthbertson and crew returned from Grostenquin victorious and are the Air Division Champions.
Sorties: 23
Daily total: 19:00 hrs.
26 Apr 56
F/L Stephens continued his phase training today. F/O Cockburn flew to Zweibrucken. Cine gun xercises are occupying most of the flying time.
Sorties: 36
Daily total: 38:00 hrs.
27 Apr 56
F/O McGregor flew to Baden Soellingen today. The emphasis is still on air to air cine, with some practice intercepts being done.
Sorties: 40
Daily total: 38:40 hrs.
28 Apr 56
Flying today was limited to two air tests. Squadron stood down in the afternoon.
Sorties: 2
Daily total: 1:20 hrs.
29 Apr 56
Squadron stood down.
30 Apr 56
The cine gum program was continued today and the film is showing improvement.
Sorties: 37
Daily total: 35:05 hrs.
1 May 56
Limited flying today as we prepare for ZULU. We are no longer required to do our alerts in Germany which eases the burden considerably.
Sorties: 15
Daily total: 16:15 hrs.
2 May 56
Normal ZULU flying.
Sorties: 26
Daily total: 31:20 hrs.
3 May 56
Normal ZULU flying. F/L Burns and F/O Sanche did local flying and instrument practice.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 33:15 hrs.
4 May 56
Normal ZULU flying. Several air tests were done and one navigation exercise (Cherbourg peninsula) was completed.
Sorties: 38
Daily total: 47:10 hrs.
5 May 56
Normal ZULU flying. The weather is at present unseasonable warm and several deep suntans are in evidence.
Sorties: 38
Daily total: 45:30 hrs.
6 May 56
Normal ZULU flying.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 40:35 hrs.
7 May 56
The weather continues to hold very fine and several of the pilots have acquired lobster-like complexions. Normal Zulu flying.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 40:35 hrs.
8 May 56
S/L Cuthbertson today flew to Grostenquin returning in the afternoon. Normal ZULU flying.
Sorties: 36
Daily total: 42:50 hrs.
9 May 56
ZULU ended at 1230 hrs and things returned to normal. F/O Cockburn flew to Manston and returned after lunch.
Sorties: 47
Daily total: 44:45 hrs.
10 May 56
The air to air cine program was resumed today. F/O Moreash flew to Grostenquin.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 23:40 hrs.
11 May 56
F/L Stamison (Air Division) is again with us for two days. The cine program is ahead of schedule and we shall have had adquate practice by the time we reach Rabat.
Sorties: 53
Daily total: 43:40 hrs.
12 May 56
One cine sortie was flown but the weather restricted flying to other exercises. One aircraft was diverted to Etain.
Sorties: 18
Daily total: 14:45 hrs.
13 May 56
Squadron stood down.
14 May 56
F/O McGregor flew to Etain today to do an aerobatic display. F/O Syms went to Baden Soellingen and F/O Webber to Zweibrucken. The cine work continues.
Sorties: 34
Daily total: 27:10 hrs.
15 May 56
The annual escape and evasion exercise, this year known as "SABOT SLOG" is being held in the Marville area. Several squadron members including S/L Cuthbertson and F/L Burns have been named as participants. Things are tough all over, they say. Normal flying in progress.
Sorties: 33
Daily total: 26:25 hrs.
16 May 56
Flying was almost exclusively cine today and some of the film looks very good.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 24:15 hrs.
17 May 56
F/L Lafrance flew to Zweibrucken today. The "SABOT SLOGGERS" are still out wandering around in the woods.
Sorties: 31
Daily total: 29:20 hrs.
18 May 56
The escape and evasion ended today and the unshaven, unwashed, undaunted troops were coming in all day. Others were driven back from the prisons at Verdun and St. Jean. F/Os Cockburn, Johnson and Hough (421 Sqn) left for Langar.
Sorties: 23
Daily total: 20:50 hrs.
19 May 56
Only two sorties today and they were diverted to Etain.
Sorties: 2
Daily total: 00:55 hrs.
20 - 21 May 56
Squadron stood down.
22 May 56
F/L Casley, the squadron engineering officer, did his first trip in the Sabre today and is now swept back and shaken.
Sorties: 44
Daily total: 35:30 hrs.
23 May 56
Today, F/L MacMillan was transferred to 439 (F) Sqn and F/L Murray Lepard was transferred from 410 (F) Sqn. One section of four diverted to Spangdahlen when number four's engine went "haywire". Weather restricted flying somewhat.
Sorties: 17
Daily total: 17:10 hrs.
24 May 56
The cine program was resumed today and some long range navigation exercises were completed.
Sorties: 26
Daily total: 24:30 hrs.
25 May 56
Squadron stood down.
26 May 56
F/O Clayton went to Baden Soellingen today. Squadron stood down in the afternoon.
Sorties: 15
Daily total: 2:35 hrs.
27 May 56
Squadron stood down.
28 May 56
F/O Davidson went to Spangdahlem to pick up an aircraft left there on 23 May 56. The cine program continues ahead of schedule.
Sorties: 36
Daily total: 28:05 hrs.
29 May 56
Practice intercepts were carried out for most of the day. Weather only fair.
Sorties: 37
Daily total: 37:25 hrs.
30 May 56
Cine exercises occupied most of the day. Many squadron members are travelling to Holland to see the tulips which are nearing the end of their season. The endless fields of vari-colored blooms are a very pretty sight.
Sorties: 28
Daily total: 22:45 hrs.
31 May 56
Generally poor weather again limited flying to a few high altitude exercises.
Sorties: 14
Daily total: 15:10 hrs.
1 Jun 56
F/O Cockburn is presently checking out several of the single fellows on the C-45. Normal flying during the day.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 25:00 hrs.
2 - 3 Jun 56
Squadron stood down.
4 Jun 56
F/Os Bergie, McGregor and Davidson flew to Zweibrucken today. Normal flying during the day.
Sorties: 46
Daily total: 39:05 hrs.
5 Jun 56
Flying restricted by weather again today to high altitude work.
Sorties: 8
Daily total: 12:00 hrs.
6 Jun 56
As today was the D-Day anniversary, several people went on low level tours of the invasion beaches.
Sorties: 20
Daily total: 24:30 hrs.
7 Jun 56
Practice intercepts were again the order of the day. F-100s (USAF) are seen more and more often and are very rapid machines. Oh well!
Sorties: 40
Daily total: 46:40 hrs.
8 Jun 56
F/Os Sanche and Mullin flew to Zweibrucken today. Normal flying carried out.
Sorties: 30
Daily total: 35:05 hrs.
9 - 10 Jun 56
Squadron stood down.
11 Jun 56
F/L Miller took an aircraft to Langar today and F/O Bergie flew to Zweibrucken.
Sorties: 30
Daily total: 34:05 hrs.
12 Jun 56
Squadron stood down in preparation for ZULU.
13 Jun 56
Normal ZULU flying. F/O Mullin is continuing his phase training.
Sorties: 24
Daily total: 30:55 hrs.