Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

May 1942

This Transcription of the Operational Record Book of No. 33 Service Flying Training School that was Located at Carberry, Manitoba, Canada was created by the volunteers at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Brandon, Manitoba. You can visit their website by clicking this heading.

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Carberry.

• 1/5/42. STRENGTH: Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	83	889	–
Service Personnel other Than RAF
RCAF	7	98	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	1	3	–
Civilians	–	–	10
Trainees
RAF	–	199	–

• STRENGTH: Aircraft.

	Serviceable	Unservicable
Ansons	58	33

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Carberry.

• 1/5/42. Although more than a hint of spring was in the air, weather conditions had been deteriorating again, making it almost impossible for the four Courses to correct their deficiencies in flying hours. The Senior Course (No. 48) was most disadvantageously placed in this respect.
  Squadron Leader G.S.M. Warlow, after many months on the Unit as Station Administrative Officer, left the Camp, bound for No. 37 S.F.T.S. Calgary, Alberta. Thus, in the course of five weeks, the Unit had lost three Senior Officers in positions of high authority – the other two being – the Chief Instructor and the Officer Commanding Maintenance Wing. And throughout the Camp there were many postings entailing regretful departures and the infusion of fresh blood. On this day two more Officers were affected – Flying Officer C.J. Ginder (of the First Echelon) set out for No. 31 S.F.T.S. Kingston, Ontario; and Flight- Lieutenant J.A. Brooks arrived from No. 33 A.N.S. Hamilton.
• 2/5/42. On a gusty day, with flying conditions still somewhat unfavourable. Group Captain Bonham- Carter and Wing Commander Wilkinson visited the Station by air. Another wedding took place, with Captain G.H. Merkeley.C.D.C. as bridegroom. And in the evening the Sergeants’ Mess was the scene of a particularly well-organised and successful Dance.
• 3/5/42. A decided improvement in the weather produced great activity in all directions – Flying, Gardening, Sports and road-mending and ditching.
• 4/5/42. Results of the examinations recently held by the L.T.T.B. began to appear in Orders, on this day showing the marks obtained by twenty-five candidates for L.A.C. and four for A.C.I. In the evening the
  ‘Rip-Chords’ visited Sidney and were warmly welcomed; and a new Handicrafts Group began its interesting variety of pursuits under the eye of an expert in such matters. But the outstanding event of the day was the departure (on posting to the R.A.F. Station, Dorval P.Q.) of Squadron Leaders M.T.M. Hyland and A.I. Robinson, presumably to resume duties in operations or ferrying aircraft.

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Carberry.

• 5/5/42. Their Station duties of ‘B’ Squadron Examining Officer, and Flight Commander of ‘G’ Flight, respectively, were taken over by Flight-Lieutenant T.P. Harnett and Flight-Lieutenant R.H. Bunker, D.F.C.
  On this day twenty-four fitters of various ranks arrived on attachment from No. 38 S.F.T.S. Estevan, Saskatchewan.
  Official notice was now received that, with the due approval of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, a speed-limit of thirty miles per hour was imposed on the two mile road approach to the Camp. This road connecting the Camp with the No. 1 Highway, and incidentally the town of Carberry, was steadily deteriorating (despite the efforts of the Works and Buildings Section) owing very largely to the excessive speed of taxi-cabs intent on large profits and quick returns. It was now felt that this important stretch of roadway could be maintained in a reasonably good state of repair.
• 6/5/42. The early morning Station Parade for Colour-Hoisting and March Past was carried out in excellent weather – and a stimulating influence resulted. Throughout the Camp the feeling spread that blizzards and floods were probably at an end and that confident attention would be directed to various summertime arrangements. In the evening a large number of all ranks was enjoying football (Rugger and Soccer) Tennis, Softball, Horse-riding and Golf. A body of Senior N.C.O’s was observed setting out for a four-mile run to get into full training. And, later, the Station Dance Band with members of the Rip Chords made the Canteen very jolly.
  A Pupil-Pilot on returning from a Cross-Country exercise had trouble with his Anson, overshot the landing-ground and fetched up in a hedge. He was unhurt, the engine was only slightly damaged but the main plane was torn off and smashed and had to be removed from the Station for repair.
• 7/5/42. A party of twenty-seven Airman arrived from the United Kingdom via Moncton – eight A.C.H., G.D.’s, eighteen Fitters, and one Instrument Repairer – making good a number of gaps caused by postings. More L.T.T.B. results were published: on this occasion for forty-nine candidates for L.A.C. and three for A.C.I. There was also the beginning of some liveliness in the realm of Air Crew remustering a matter due to be dealt with in early June.
  Further signs of summer appeared with the fitting of fly-screens instead of storm windows. Activity also intensified in the marking out of pitches, the setting up of cricket practice-nets, the repairing of tennis courts and in finding sites for a running-track.
  The outstanding event of the day, however, reducing all else to comparative insignificance, was the achievement of a Station ‘record’ for a day’s flying-hours, – no less

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Carberry.

• 7/5/42. (cont’d.) than three hundred and eighty-three.
• 8/5/42. Members of the Second Echelon, and similarly placed personnel who had been posted to the Station, were now preparing their minds in readiness for the query as to their willingness or disinclination to remain in the Dominion at the end of their eighteen-month tour of duty. It was noticeable how many were embarrassed – in the sense that they would willingly remain in Canada if ordered to do so, but felt an urge to apply for a more active theatre as the choice was left to them.
  The flying-hour ‘record’ of yesterday survived for but a few hours, since, on this day – already graced by a visit from Group Captain Bonham Carter, Group Captain Crabb and Flight Lieutenant Noble – the Unit put up a new ‘record’ or ‘all-time-high’ of three hundred and ninety-one flying hours.
  The weather was excellent, gardening operations were transforming the Camp, healthy tans were fashionable and the first flight of mosquitoes treated the Camp as if it were Pearl Harbour.
• 9/5/42. In the past there had been certain amenities open to Canadian Service but closed to members of the Royal Air Force. For instance, it was announced on the radio that the writers of two winning letters would be presented with 4,000 cigarettes each, unless one, as was suspected, turned out to be in a United Kingdom Unit. Much more to the point, however, was an announcement that the very useful and attractive postal device known as the ‘Airgraph’ was now thrown open for use by Royal Air Force personnel.
  The preservation of type-writers became the subject of insistent regulations.
• 10/5/42. Flight Lieutenant E.F. Tyler was detached to the Royal Air Force Ferry Command at Dorval.
• 11/5/42. The excellent weather now seemed to be firmly established, and it became necessary to issue a general warning against undue exposure to the sun – although it seemed

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Carberry.

• (cont’d.) 11/5/42. but a few weeks since a similar warning had been given about contracting frost burn from exposed door knobs. Naturally, Flying Instruction was proceeding apace, conditions being well-nigh perfect by day and by night. Course 48, which had spent many weeks behind schedule of flying hours, now roared ahead with nearly four hundred hours to the good. In consequence, the greatest good humour prevailed throughout the Camp.
• 12/5/42. Squadron Leader Walker, with Flight Lieutenant Horton, of the Central Trade Test Board visited the Unit once again. In the afternoon a meeting of the P.S.I. Committee considered such matters as Sports, musical instruments, Electric Clocks to be placed in prominent positions in the Camp for the benefit of Airmen who had unreliable watches. Drill Shed decorations for Station Dances, the possibility of extending the stage in the Station Theatre, the revised system of Concert Parties, the re-siting of Camp Notice Boards, and numerous other matters. Transport difficulties seemed to threaten some of the amenities (such as a Summer Camp and nightly swimming excursions) enjoyed so greatly last year. A pleasant report was made by the Corporal in charge of the P.S.I. Shop to the effect that it was doing excellent business in goods the purchase of which would otherwise entail inconvenience to personnel in travel and delay.
  The new Living-Out Airmen’s Association held its second function – a Whist Drive and Film Show – the Carberry Services Club Room and appeared to be serving a very useful purpose.
• 13/5/42. At the Station Commander’s Conference a good deal of attention was devoted to the approaching opening of Petrel as a full-fledged satellite Station. The final adjustments were now being made. Oberon, the emergency landing-ground belonging to this Unit but used by two other Units as well, was also considered. Amongst various other matters, reference was made to the new football-pitch, on the Station itself, which was in use at various hours of the day, and regularly for League and Trial Matches twice nightly. Enthusiasm for all forms of exercise was very strong indeed. A Tennis Meeting arranged a League. And all Airmen had now an opportunity of taking equestrian exercise.
  In the evening the Station Band played in the Canteen.
• 14/5/42. Ascension Day began well with a good number attending the early morning Holy Communion Service.
  Otherwise, the most attractive event of the day was a visit of four British Boy Scouts (all King’s Scouts) accompanied by the Secretary of the Manitoba Scouting Association. The boys, from London, Glasgow, Southampton and Liverpool, respectively, were on an Official Tour of Canada. The Party, after being Introduced to the Commanding Officer,

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Carberry.

• 14/5/42. (cont’d.) investigated the Camp and were a delight to the escorting Officer by reason of their vital interest in everything – including, as an incredibly high climax, chocolate eclairs for tea: a fascinating display of good manners resulted, but the eclairs vanished.
• 15/5/42. Notice was received of the forthcoming visit by the Deputy Inspector General. A similar event, about a year previously, had set the Camp to some specially hard work in the way of improving appearances. This was no longer necessary. The purely voluntary efforts of a large number of personnel had already effaced the effects of winter and the Station was already presenting an admirably tidy aspect.
• 16/5/42. Pilot Officer D.M. Forbes arrived on posting from No. 31 A.N.S. Goderich, and gradually (over a
  period of a month or so) the Officers’ Mess had begun to seem unfamiliar to such ‘old timers’ as were left.
  In the evening the Corporals’ Club succeeded in living up to its record for organising the happiest of Dances.
• 17/5/42. The Sabbath was enlivened by the visit of a Concert Party from Winnipeg, styled the ‘Thumbs Up’ Revue. A thoroughly enjoyable evening began with the early arrival of the Party and ended with its late departure.
  An effort was at this time being made to assist the Funds of the Canadian Red Cross. The appeal, it was felt, was primarily to Canadian members of the Unit – but when a collecting box quietly appeared at the Pay Parade, no less than twenty-eight dollars were equally unostentatiously put into it. There were also schemes abroad for further help, and a Celebrity Concert specially for the people of Carberry was in course of preparation.
• 18/5/42. The Commanding Officer’s regular Friday Morning Inspection of the Barrack Blocks had become more and more pleasant, and considerable rivalry existed – with additional zest given by the knowledge that to be adjudged best on four consecutive occasions meant the award of a prize. This difficult feat was now performed by a Barrack Block and the award duly announced and presented.

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Carberry.

• 18/5/42. (cont’d.) A seemingly queer notice in Daily Routine Orders stated that staves for the
  making of archery bows were still obtainable. Archery was apparently to become just another method of amusement to Airmen and of chagrin to gophers. It seemed to be felt that the element of sport should be allowed to enter into the liquidation of these official pests. In fact, one Squadron Leader, deprived of normal fishing facilities, spent an occasional hour with fly-rod, and running noose, attracting his victims to the surface by whistling classical airs.
• 19/5/42. Some evidence of the courtesy and good-feeling extended by Canadians to the Unit was supplied when a Winnipeg Hotel sent a warning that owing to an expected incursion of about ten thousand delegates of the Canadian Legion during the coming weekend, personnel of the Station would be hard put to it to obtain accommodation – a kindly thought and valuable act. This warning was promptly passed on to personnel, who made plans accordingly.
  The Station Small Bore Rifle Team had distinguished itself in the Dominion Competitions in the Autumn. It now prepared to take part in a Competition for Units in the Command.
• 20/5/42. The Colour-Hoisting Parade was much improved by martial music. Lacking facilities for a Brass Band – a matter now receiving renewed attention – the required marches were played on the ‘public address’ system by gramophone record.
  The Station received a visit from Squadron Leader R.S. Sweetlove of the A.P.M. Department of Command and Flight Lieutenant Lovelace, their purpose being to examine the situation as touching the Security Guard and Station Police. They made no attempt to conceal their high satisfaction with the latter organisation.
  In the evening the Dramatic Society put on a performance of “George and Margaret” – which would have been by way of flying high had the cast not been coached by a Pupil-pilot who had been a professional actor in civil life.
• 21/5/42. The Hostess House was now ready for occupation and the hostess (Mrs. Lee) and her helper spent a busy day moving in.
  In the afternoon there was a Ceremonial Parade at which Group Captain D.W.F. Bonham-Carter (Senior Staff Officer of No. 2 Training Command) for whom the Unit had always entertained feelings of specially affectionate respect, presented Flying Badges to the graduates of No. 48 Course. The Parade was held on the Parade Ground – another sign of summer and was followed by a Dance Tea. Later in the evening the Graduates threw the usual Party. As had been hoped, the visiting Group Captain stayed the night.

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Carberry

• 22/5/42. The Graduates left the Station for various destinations: nineteen to Charlottetown, ten to Hamilton, ten to Port Albert, seven to Picton and one to Claresholm. Sixteen had been appointed to Commissions.
  Flying conditions continued to be very good and due advantage was taken of them. The three remaining courses were well ahead of schedule.
• 23/5/42. Not to be entirely outdone by the extremely successful dances run by the Sergeants’ Mess; Corporals’ Club and Airmen, the Officers organised a Cocktail Party and Dance which ranked high amongst similar efforts of the past. In addition to its happy intent to make some return for much civilian hospitality it was also designed to increase the already very friendly relations between this and neighbouring Units of the Services.
• 24/5/42. The most notable event of this Sunday was the arrival of the new Course of Pupil-Pilots – No. 56 – sixty strong.
• 25/5/42. Dominion Day was not regarded as a Camp Holiday, but a Cricket Team selected from those enjoying 48 hours’ pass in Winnipeg turned out against the St. George’s Team and defeated them in an all-day match. Also, in the evening the Station softball team met and defeated No. 2 Manning Depot. On the Camp and despite mosquitoes, two trial Soccer matches created a great deal of interest, it being abundantly clear that the Station possessed a large number of talented players.
• 26/5/42. It was noted that eight Pilot Officers, who had been detached to No. 31 P.D. Moncton had been posted – three to No. 32 S.F.T.S., Moose Jaw and five to No. 31 S.F.T.S., Kingston.
• 27/5/42. The new Post Office was now opened with a Corporal and Private in charge.
  The initial arrangements were made by a Mr. Hobday and it was now possible for personnel to deposit their surplus money without leaving the Station. Incidentally, it was revealed that

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Carberry.

• 27/5/42. (cont’d) no less than 200 Postal Savings Accounts had been opened by Airmen at the Carberry Post Office.
  At the Colour-Hoisting Parade, the Commanding Officer congratulated Maintenance Wing on its admirable record in enabling the Station to attain, day after day, very high totals of flying hours.
  Flying Officer B.G. Glover left the Unit on posting to No. 36 O.T.U., Greenwood.
• 28/5/42. One of the few remaining desires of the Station appeared very likely to be satisfied when marching music by a brass band practising in the Recreation Hall resounded in the Camp. In the familiar mysterious way, exponents of the various instruments were found in all sorts of unsuspected places, and came forward gladly when invited to volunteer their services.
• 29/5/42. At this time the Commanding Officer was becoming more and more interested in the laws governing rent-restrictions etc., as certain cases of hardship amongst the living-out personnel had come to his notice.
  With Pay-day came another issue of the Station Magazine – a publication which was cheerfully thrown off without any attempt at an elaborate magazine that would impinge on the normal duties of those responsible.
  In the Editorial, mention was made of the various out-of-hours’ activities that were at the disposal of members of the Unit. These included cricket, rugger, soccer, skating, curling, Softball, tennis, golf, boxing, basketball, badminton, volleyball, miniature rifle shooting, skeet shooting, horse-riding, darts and archery. The Squash Court was also on the point of being opened. Also, apart from sport, there were visiting Concert Parties, the Station Concert Party, the Dance orchestra, Celebrity Concerts, ‘Beergarden’ Concerts, Classical musical Evenings, Dramatic Society, regular Cinema-shows of up-to-date films, various Dances, a Model Aeroplane Club, a Handicraft Group, Libraries and a Living-Out Airmen’s Association, Whist Drives etc. Gardening also attracted a good deal of attention.
• 30/5/42. Although the weather had broken up, a very satisfactory standard of Flying Hours was maintained, and all four Courses were comfortably situated.
• 31/5/42. On the thousandth day of the War, celebrated apparently by operations involving a similar number of aircraft, the Station was merely a few days short of eighteen months of effort, and the First Echelon’s Tour of Duty was nearly fulfilled. Many had expressed a wish to remain in Canada. The Station was firmly established. Conditions were reasonably good. The importance of the work was obvious, and a large number of close

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Carberry.

• 31/5/42. (cont’d.) friendships with Canadians had been formed.
  On this day, the Unit supplied a detachment of Senior N.C.O’s who, with the Station Chaplain, unveiled a memorial in St. Pauls Church, MacGregor, to a Canadian (Royal Air Force) Sergeant Pilot who had lost his life in operations overseas.

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Carberry.

• 31.5.42 STRENGTH: Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	82	939	–
Service Personnel other Than RAF
RCAF	7	99	–
CDC	1	2	–
CPC	–	2	–
RCACS	1	3	–
Civilians	–	–	11
Trainees
RAF	–	209	–

• STRENGTH: Aircraft.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	61	30

• (C.H. Brill)
  Group Captain, Commanding,
  No.33 SFTS. RAF, Carberry.