Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

December 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.

IMAGE 246

Carberry.

• 1.12.42
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	86	930	–
RCAF	8	95	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	1	3	–
CPC	–	3
Civilians	2	–	19
Trainees
RAF	10	196	–
RCAF	–	4	–
RAAF	–	1	–
RNZAF	1	–	–

• STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	37	50

IMAGE 247

CARBERRY.

• 1.12.42. An overcast sky and a temperature of 5° below zero greeted us as the new month opened today, solo flying commencing at 0830 hrs. At the Commanding Officers Conference held this morning, Conservation of fuel and electric light as well as cautionary methods against the freezing of radiators were the subject of much discussion. Christmas festivity arrangements were also further considered, and there is also to be a more formal Church Parade on Sundays.
  A clothing parade was held for maintenance wing personnel today, dual flying was resorted to at 1400 hrs. and flying ceased at 1600 hrs., owing to weather conditions.
  No. 39929 S/Ldr. H.F.R. BRADBURY, who arrived yesterday on posting from No. 38 S.F.T.S., ESTEVAN, was busy settling down to taking over “B” Squadron.
  A number of airmen were keeping the Station Hospital busy on inoculations and vaccinations today, and, weather conditions improving, a night flying programme was carried out.
• 2.12.42. Clothing parade for maintenance wing personnel was proceeded with today, solo flying training went on all day.
  The Officers comprising the Visiting Flight from C.F.S., TRENTON, who expect to be here for about a week’s duration, are busy categorizing Instructor Pilots and generally checking their flying standard and giving suitable talks.
  Everything indicates that the welfare of all personnel over both Christmas and New Year has been well planned for those visiting WINNIPEG, and this information is being well circulated. Further winter recreational activities now include the formation of a skating club. The usual Bi-monthly Airmen’s Dance was held this ‘evening with the usual number of 325 attending – all thoroughly enjoying themselves until the close of the proceedings at 1145 hrs. A full night flying programme was carried out.
• 3.12.42. Solo flying commenced again at 0815 hrs. in an overcast sky and proceeded steadily all day. A lengthier fire meeting than usual was held in the early afternoon at which was discussed in detail the desirability of tightening up all fire precautions. It was disclosed that the new President would be the Station Works Officer, and a Fire Officer was also agreed upon by the Commanding Officer. The Ceremonial Wings Parade in respect of No. 62 Course was held, and the presentation of Flying Badges was made by the Station Chaplain, in the absence of the Commanding Officer, GCpt. T.B. BRUCE, M.C., who was indisposed. The Chaplain, Squadron Leader the Reverend L. Owen Williams gave a short, interesting talk at the end of the proceedings. He expressed pleasure on the fact that these graduates were extremely well and fit for the duties that lay ahead of them. A number of visitors were present and were entertained for tea, as usual, in the Officers’ Mess and Recreation Hall.
• 4.12.42. Day solo flying commenced in almost night darkness at 0830 this rooming, when light snow fell all morning, later holding up flying for a short period. Dual flying was ordered at 12.00 hrs. and continued for the rest of the day.

IMAGE 248

CARBERRY.

• 4.12.42. A total of 52 personnel, being members of No. 62 Course of which 16 were promoted to Commissioned rank, left the Unit by rail today on posting to other stations. A Board of Officers assembled to day for the purpose of inspecting and taking over the Steam Heating System Construction of the new hangars.
  For the purpose of holding a forthcoming Boxing Tournament with Shilo Camp, boxing training began in earnest in the evening. The first practice for the Station Hockey Team was also held, and there is ever evidence of the creation of interest in all forms of winter sports.
• 5.12.42. After a night of no night flying occasioned by the weather conditions, a day’s full flying training was carried out from 0830 hrs. onwards. Three more Anson aircraft were flown from the Unit today to SOURIS.
  A Station Basketball League has been formed today adding further interest in sports activities. An enjoyable Celebrity concert was given in the Camp Recreation Hall – being a more classical type of show – and though not so crammed as usual the concert was enjoyed.
  Some 57 u/t pilots, comprising part of No. 70 Course, arrived from Neepawa and Assiniboia and elsewhere by rail today, and were addressed by the Commanding Officer.
• 6.12.42. The weather, being still kind to us, with still hardly any snow, admits of a full flying programme, again all day, in sunny conditions.
  A more formal Church Parade was held this Sunday morning, the parade assembling in the Drill Hall and marching to Church, held in the Recreation Hall. Some Christmas hymns, introduced at the instance of the padre, were appreciated by a larger audience than usual. The Rip Chords Concert party made a journey to No. 2 Manning Depot, Brandon, and gave an enjoyable entertainment to a delighted crowd.
  72042 S/Ldr. W.H. GOSSIP (Senior Medical Officer) proceeded on Temporary Duty to No. 2 T.C. today for a course on Distics.

IMAGE 249

CARBERRY

• 7.12.42. Solo flying, commencing slightly later each morning as it grows darker, became active
  at 0845 hrs.; the temperature being 6° below zero. Some of the tougher types seem to move about without ear protection or greatcoats – whether by way of bravado or ignorance is not yet known-until they learn their lesson of experience of the rapidity of the fall of temperature, when of course it will be then just too bad!
  A large number of reclassification results became known today, the average percentage of marks gained being quite good.
  Eight Officers’ wives made their way to the Camp Badminton Courts and displayed good headway and plenty of energy in their practises and contesting games.
  The station Debating Society attracted more members than usual at their evening debate – the House expecting all the Debaters to agree that heredity had a greater influence on the individual than environment, and the resolution was accordingly, carried, but only by a small majority. A total of 60 u/t pilots commenced their training this morning at the G.I.S. and their respective Flights.
• 8.12.42. Intermittent and light snow held up flying until 1445 hours, when dual flying was authorised for the remainder of the day.
  The Commanding Officer presided over his Weekly conference this morning and matters were fully discussed affecting the conservation of electricity and heat, improvements in Church Parade, re-arrangements for sleeping night-flying personnel to avoid disturbance of sleep in the day time, Christmas and New Year leave grants, fire alarm practices, hangar obstruction lights, cross-country flying organisation, and a host of minor matters.
  The Commanding Officer paid an inspection visit to various parts of the Camp, including all the Mess Kitchens, and was overheard to remark that they were now all certainly in tip-top condition.
  Mr. BRIGHT – a representative of the Ford Motor Co., WINNIPEG – paid a call to the M.T. Section in an advisory capacity.
  A further collection of old razor blades, toothpaste and shaving-cream tubes, bottle caps and other minor voluntary salvage items was made around the Camp today.
  The Officers comprising the Visiting Flight from C.F.S. Trenton left by air this afternoon for Brandon on completion of their temporary duties at this Unit.
• 9.12.42. Solo flying commenced at ‘0845 hours’ in a temperature of about 8° below zero. It was a cold day, and the temperature decreased to 10.5° by 1130 hours.
  News same to hand that a number of airmen, on completion of their period of duty, were due to return to the U.K.. and the Rip Chords’ famous song “Roll on the Ruddy Boat” was on the lips of those who had not elected to remain in Canada.

IMAGE 250

CARBERRY.

• 9.12.42. (Cont). A party of swimming enthusiasts this evening made off to Brandon Swimming Baths to participate in a swimming and water polo practice; while nearly 400, including Officers and airmen and their wives and lady friends foregathered at the Adastral Club’s Dance, held for the first time in the Camp Recreation Hall – an undoubted success judging by the requests for another similar function. It is hoped that the proceeds, which are in aid of Milk- for Britain, will prove to be a very useful sum.
  Owing to weather conditions, night flying was cancelled, and snow fell again during the evening and most of the night, with a none too pleasant wind accompanying it.
• 10.12.42. A temperature of 2.5° above zero was very welcome after the cold of yesterday, and flying conditions admitted of the resumption of training at 0945 hrs. A total of ½ an inch of snow was recorded as having fallen since yesterday.
  72042 S/Ldr. W.H. GOSSIP (Senior Medical Officer) reported back to duty today from No. 2 T.C.
  At the Airmen’s Mess Meeting today it was decided to ration each airman’s butter individually, and it was noted that there were no other complaints.
• 11.12.42. Solo flying commenced again at 0845 hrs. after a full night flying programme.
  The Commanding Officer’s weekly inspection of the Airman’s Billets was carried out and found satisfactory.
  The Commanding Officer also attended the Sergeants’ Mess Meeting and squashed their previous proposal for converting the Ladies’ Room into a Games Room, and a further plan of alterations has been agreed upon which will better serve the requirements of their Mess.
  Business on the Sports front is becoming very brisk, the proposed formation of a Station Badminton Club, and the ice rinks are now becoming well patronised after duty hours. Night flying went on as usual this evening.

IMAGE 251

CARBERRY.

• 12.12.42. Today we were greeted with a brilliant sunny day – sunglasses being worn-and flying training proceeded all day. It was the coldest day experienced so far, at 1030 the temperature registering 19.2° below zero, though peculiarly enough, those who were already sampling their second winter here had no idea that it was so low – no doubt because there was an absence of wind. Night flying went on until 2200 hrs. only, and was cancelled for an unusual, reason, – no wind to blow away the snow clouds when taking off.
  74837 W/Cdr. C.J. CLARK and 45017 F/Lt. J. WRIGHT (Engineer Officers) arrived from No. 38 S.F.T.S. by air on temporary duty, inspecting this Unit’s maintenance services.
• 13.12.42. The sky presented a spectacular colourful appearance in the east this morning with varying colours of dark reds to light pinks. A “red sky in the morning is the shepherds’ warning” was no doubt in the minds of all those who witnessed this beautiful sight, and the inevitable overcast sky soon changed the conditions on this dull Sabbath morn. The Church Parade assembled in the Drill Hall, marching to Church in a temperature of 12° below – the Padre cut his sermon shorter than usual, and the parade dismissed without returning to their original rendezvous. At the R.C. Service the visiting Padre from Brandon preached on “Moderation at Christmas Festivities”.
  72113 F/Lt. R.J. SHIER (Medical Officer) left by road today on posting to No. 37 S.F.T.S., CALGARY.
  In the evening it turned much warmer, the Sergeants’ Mess held their Christmas Draw, and a social evening was happily spent with the Commanding Officer and Mrs. Bruce, and a number of other married Officers and their wives present. Night flying went on as usual.
• 14.12.42. In contrast to yesterday morning, the temperature registered 17º above zero as solo flying commenced at 0845 hrs. Owing to icing conditions and low cloud, however, flying was cancelled and resumed twice during the day.
  The local trade test board met today in connection with several examinations for L.A.C. in Signals.
  74837 S/Cdr. C.J. CLARK and 43017 F/Lt. J. WRIGHT returned by air to No. 38 S.F.T.S. on completion of temporary duties at this Unit.
  Badminton – encouraged as an indoor game – was attracting a good number this evening in a Knockout Tournament in which both Officers and airmen took part. A night flying programme was again carried out.
  A visit to Petrel Sub-station reveals a gradual cleaning-up process with a view to an early temporary closure of that Station, except as a relief landing ground.

IMAGE 252

CARBERRY.

• 15.12.42. Promptly at 0645 hrs. although still comparatively dark, solo flying proceeded and continued all day long.
  The Commanding Officer’s weekly inspection of Mess Kitchens and other buildings was carried out this morning.
  No. 78237 F/Lt. G. MacNAUGHTON (Medical Officer) arrived from No. 37 S.F.T.S. today on posting.
  At the Commanding Office’s Weekly Conference today various internal matters were discussed, and the Conference applauded the C.O.’s suggestion of a Christmas Party for Officers’ and Airmen’s children, augmented by the Carberry children, by way of reciprocation for much hospitality extended to personnel on the Camp.
  Pay Parade held today, also a P.S.I, meeting, and the usual Adastral Club Ladles’ Meeting were among the other of the day’s activities, whilst in the evening the Small Bore Rifle Club holding a meeting at No. 12 S.F.T.S., Brandon, and the Camp Basketball League commenced its winter programme.
  Night flying was discontinued at 2200 hrs. on account of weather conditions.
• 16.12.42. Noticeably warmer weather continues, and at 0845 hrs. this morning, when solo flying commenced, the temperature was 24º. Snow however downed aircraft less than an hour later for the rest of the day, and snow further prevented night flying.
  Evening entertainments, which help so much to keep the airman happy, were preceded by the Rip Chords Concert Party busily re-hearsing for a pantomime – their Services being ever available for the airmen’s enjoyment. The enthusiastic swimming and water polo “wallers” made a journey to practice at Brandon swimming pool. The airmen held their bi-monthly dance, which had a Christmas atmosphere this time, and 325 in all attended this enjoyable occasion, the Commanding Officer and Mrs. Bruce also joining in with them.
• 17.12.42. Today, the third Anniversary of the signing of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan by the partners in this enterprise – reminded us, too, that the Station was also celebrating its second anniversary – almost to a day, although there are but few now who have served at the Station all those two years. The local press support of this anniversary does, however, give an idea of what the Station has done as a very small share of this Plan, and serves as a reminder to all what we are exactly here for, especially the new arrivals. (See Appendix “B” at IMAGE 269 & 270, for a copy of G/Cpt. T.B. Bruce’s message).
  Equally appropriate and mindful of this Anniversary is the Commanding Officer’s message to our
  adjoining Canadian confreres at No. 12 S.F.T.S., BRANDON.

IMAGE 253

CARBERRY.

• 17.12.42. It makes us think also today that few are the days, even in winter, when flying is held up on account of climatic conditions being against us as they are today. There was no night flying, the airmen did their odds and ends and Christmas correspondence to their many newly acquired Canadian friends – the Officers were also thinking of Christmas and a large Christmas Tree was installed in their Mess in readiness for a forthcoming party.
• 18.12.42. A bitter cold morning, made all the worse by a low sub-zero temperature and a wind, shook even some of the hardier types, but in the clear sunny atmosphere which greeted us, solo flying went on all day long. The weekly inspection was cancelled and the C.O. held a Conference during the morning. Air Vice Marshal A.B. SHEARER popped in for nearly an hour just after lunch, the announcement of the holding of an extraordinary Sergeants’ Mess Meeting lasting a whole two minutes, snow still falling, and the Rip Chords making their way to entertain the citizens of Brandon in aid of the well-famed Milk for Britain Fund, are the recordings of today’s events, at the end of which there was no night flying.
• 19.12.42. During the past week the Station has had civilian visitors, including Mr. LOVESYTH. Eclipse and Scintilla Field Engineer, and Mr. Bagley, Deputy Chief Inspector of Federal Aircraft, to the Maintenance Section, and were accorded all facilities for the purpose of their visits.
  Dual flying only was authorized as day flying, in 10° below, commenced at 0845 hours this morning but, later on, and for the rest of the day solo flying proceeded steadily, as well as formation flights for the more advanced Course.
  A team of five from the Winnipeg Squash Club paid us a visit and an enjoyable match was played against five Officers. The match resulted in a win for Carberry by 4 to 1. The visitors, who brought their wives, afterwards attended the Officers’ Mess Dance and returned the following day. It is hoped that, when transportation will permit, further matches can be played from time to time.
  There was no night flying and accordingly both the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes were crowded on the occasions of their respective Christmas Parties and Dances this evening. The Officers’ Mess was tastefully decorated with foliage, flowers and Christmas trees, and, for once in a while, there were as many ladies present as there were men, including visitors from Brandon, Carberry and Winnipeg.
  The Sergeants’ Mess was more gaily decorated and they had the services of a military band from Camp Shilo for their Dance, to which the Commanding Officer and Mrs. Bruce and a few other Officers paid short visits during the evening. Both Dances were most enjoyable and closed at 0230 and 0130 hrs. respectively.
• 20.12.42. Dual flying commenced at 0900 today. The Church Parade and Church Service was well attended – the Padre preaching an appropriate address for Christmas and Christmas Carols were sung more lustily than on the usual Sundays. It was the second coldest day experienced so far this winter, the thermometer registering 18º below zero in the morning.
  The evening’s entertainment was a concert party provided by the Canadian Legion – “The Thumbs Up Review”, and was enjoyed by a crowded house as usual.

IMAGE 254

CARBERRY.

• 21.12.42. Solo flying training commenced at 0900 hrs. and, later on it turned out a bright day. Pay Parade was held in the morning, with a special issue of the Christmas number of “Gen” – devoid of advertisements.
  A much milder temperature – in contrast to the low sub-zero weather of yesterday – enabled a considerable ease up in taking precautions.
  Christmas preparations seem well under way – the Airmen’s Mess indicating a splash of colour – but a noticeable absence of holly and mistletoe. Various Christmas events, planned ahead, and encouraged by the C.O., will keep the lads happy throughout the festive season, whilst others who will be away for Christmas will no doubt spend the New Year in Camp in a more subdued manner.
  The Rip Chords Concert party put on a burlesque pantomime “Jack in the Beanstalk” this evening at the cinema show, at which the film “Mrs. Miniver” attracted a large crowd.
• 22.12.42. As late as 0915 hrs. this morning it was still completely dark. A weather test – an innovation – revealed at 0900 hrs., as the pilot landed, that flying was cancelled. Snow was trying hard to fall and the weather comparatively mild.
  The Commanding Officer’s Conference produced a great number of items on the agenda for discussion, covering fire precautions, closing of Petrel sub-station, Christmas sports and festivities, forthcoming childrens’ Christmas Party, sleeping accommodation for night flying personnel, etc.
  The Donation of $50 each from P.S.I, funds to the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association and the Women’s Auxiliary, Winnipeg, by way of reciprocity for all that those Associations have done for newly arrived personnel, produced a letter of much appreciation from the first named organisation.
  The Commanding Officer called a special meeting of the Fire Committee at his Office in the afternoon and as a precautionary measure a further fire alarm practise is to be carried out.
  Tuition in figure skating and hockey practice was held in the evening whilst the Pantomime was repeated at the Cinema Show.
• 23.12.42. In an overcast sky, dual flying training commenced at 0845 hrs. today and reverted to solo and dual again on and off as weather conditions varied. The great day had come for those who had been selected for Christmas leave after their five and six weeks enforced stay in Camp, and in the afternoon the local ‘bus and taxis did a roaring trade as some 500 Officers and airmen were transported from the Camp to the local Railway Station.

IMAGE 255

CARBERRY.

• 23.12.42. (Cont). The Chief of the Air Staff and Air Members of the Air Council sent a Christmas message of considerable encouragement and briefly recording the achievements of the past year. This helpful message, together with the greetings of the Commanding Officer, were given due publicity in the orders for the day as we now approach the festive season.
  In the evening the usual swimming enthusiasts made their way to Brandon, the Small Bore Rifle Club held their weekly meeting in the Drill Hall, finding it increasingly difficult to obtain ammunition, and a night flying programme was carried out.
• 24.12.42. Good visibility but coldish weather of 16° below zero enabled a full day’s flying training programme to be carried out for the day only.
  It was Christmas Eve, work ceasing for 24 hrs., and a welcome temporary rest and change for all those remaining in Camp over the holiday season. There was no night flying, a fine cinema show was given in the Recreation Hall, whilst others took to Bowling and Skating.
• 25.12.42. With a comparitively high temperature, cloudy sky, early snow flurries and later a good deal of snow, it was truly a White Christmas. For those of more earnest religious inclinations, C. of E. Communion Services were held at 0715 and 0830 hrs. and an R.C. Mass at 1100 hrs. and a Voluntary Christmas Service with carols was also held.
  The special morning attraction – a Comedy Broomball Tournament – was of necessity cancelled on account of snow. According to custom, the Commanding Officer, Officers and Senior N.C.O’s attended the Airmen’s Christmas Dinner and assisted in serving their meals. The Mess was gaily decorated, ample varieties of eats were in evidence, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves – the Dance Orchestra entertained with music – and a blind eye was turned for the benefit of those who were in gay and festive mood. Prior to this the Officers and Senior N.C.O’s fraternised in the Officers’ Mess, and a film show and presentation of Christmas gifts was held in the Station Hospital; great kindness and interest was shown in the Hospital patients by a number of Officers’ wives, who provided Christmas stockings for them.
  The Officers entertained their lady friends at an Open House in the Officers’ Mess, thus winding up a very merry Christmas, made all the more pleasant by the convivialities anent this festive day.
• 26.12.42. Boxing Day, but work carried on as usual. Solo flying training as to the first flight commenced at 0915 hrs. and proceeded steadily throughout the day.
  The Officers, who through lack of Mess staff yesterday, held their own Christmas dinner today; and in the evening not a few of them attended a special Beer Garden Concert in the Recreation Hall when facilities were available for sporting new talent. A full night flying programme was in progress.
• 27.12.42. Fifteen degrees below was the barometer recording at 0730 hrs. this morning – a vast difference from the previous day’s high temperature. The weather is remarkably changeable.
  The Commanding Officer addressed some 88 airmen assembled at the Drill Hall prior to their departure for

IMAGE 256

CARBERRY.

• 27.12.42. (Cont.) the homeland today, whilst a number of others rushed down to bid them adieu at the C.P.R. Station.
  A voluntary Church parade was held in the morning, and the Commanding Officer departed by Air to No. 2 Training Command, WINNIPEG.
  In the evening a concert, provided by the Canadian Legion, was well received by a crowded house. On account of weather conditions only half a night’s flying programme was carried out.
• 28.12.42. Though a windy morning, there was good visibility again and a higher temperature, and solo flying went on throughout the day.
  The Christmas Leave celebrants trickled back on their return from long distances, whilst the late arrivals from Winnipeg availed themselves of the last midnight special, the general marks were, more often than otherwise, brief enough – “a wizard time”. The citizens of Winnipeg especially had risen to the occasion and had done a good job of work in the organisation and provision of exceptional hospitality, and not a single individual from this Unit could have been overlooked during his stay in that City. One might well have said “Many thanks. Ye Citizens of Winnipeg”, for so many of them must have been responsible, and it was appropriate that the C.O. or No. 2 T.C, or both, had paved the way, through the press, to voice the thanks of this Unit.
  20530 Nursing Sister J.C.C. McFarlane (Med) arrived here this evening from No. 1 C.N.S., Rivers, on temporary relief duty.
• 29.12.42. An overcast sky this morning held up flying for a while as weather conditions failed to improve and only an hour’s flying was recorded. A few minutes after the Commanding Officer returned by air from No. 2 T.C. with Commander E.T. ORDE, Royal Canadian Navy, flying was discontinued until the afternoon. A Christmas Party for the benefit of Officers’ and airmen’s children, as well as the children of Carberry, was a winding up of the Christmas festivities this afternoon. Some 115 children, accompanied by 8 school teachers and Officers’ and airmen’s wives with their children foregathered at the Recreation Hall to witness and enjoy four films, the Rip Chords Pantomime, an excellent tea and the appearance of Father Christmas, who acted his part to the amusement of the older visitors as well as the C.O. and other Officers who supported this event. It must have been a memorable occasion for the youngsters, many of whom by reason of their geographical isolation are denied the pleasures of anything beyond a cinema show. A cold wind developed in the late afternoon, and the children were shepherded homewards, each with a present and a box of candy, happy and contented. Commander E.T.C. ORDE, R.C.N., of H.M.S. CHIPPEWA was chosen to present the flying badges on the occasion of the graduation of No. 64 Course today.

IMAGE 257

CARBERRY.

• 29.12.42. Owing to the clashing with the Children’s Party, the Ceremonial Parade was held in the evening, with the Commanding Officer in attendance. In the course of his address to the graduates, several of whom had already had operational experience; he referred to their enthusiasm and emphasised the importance of coupling efficiency with this enthusiasm. Flying continued from 1445 hours in the afternoon and there was night flying until midnight.
• 30.12.42. In an overcast sky and a temperature of 13° below, day flying commenced at 0910 hours this morning. At 1005 hrs. the visiting Naval Commander, Commander ORDE, returned to WINNIPEG by air, having expressed much pleasure at his first visit to our Unit.
  The Commanding Officer held the last Conference of the Year this morning, and many matters of internal administration were discussed and actioned. On account of snow, flying ceased at 1600 hours, but it later cleared, and there was night flying until midnight.
  The New Year grantees left in the afternoon, mostly by special train for Winnipeg, and it seemed there was a goodly proportion of Scottish folk amongst them, judging by their plans to see the “Oulde Year OOt” in
  Winnipeg.
• 31.12.42. Weather conditions, after a fall of 2.7″ of snow, did not admit of flying this morning, but local solo flying commenced at 1345 hrs. and proceeded steadily all afternoon.
  The Chaplain officiated today at the wedding of LAC. Garry Death in the Carberry Anglican Church, which, owing to his popularity as director of music in the Rip Chords Concert Party, attracted large crowds of local residents as well as R.A.F. Officers and airmen. The Chaplain also officiated at the burial of the infant child of Cpl. Adams.
  Thus, as the year ends today, the Station can be extremely proud that a good number of the Officers and airmen have taken unto themselves Canadian wives – resident locally and in Brandon and Winnipeg during the past year – the source of such introductions being mainly through the media of much hospitality on the part of the public, and reciprocal Station events.
  The Commanding Officer, a few ladies, and other Officers were in the Officers’ Mess to see the old Year out and to welcome in the New Year, and a pleasant evening was much enjoyed with impromptu dancing, and an equally enjoyable but quieter evening was spent in a similar manner by the Senior N.C.O’s as the year ended.

IMAGE 258

CARBERRY.

• 31.12.42.
  STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT
  Anson I – 16 (including 4 awaiting transfer).
  Anson II – 107
  TOTAL 123
  Total flying hours for December, 1942:- 7263.30 hrs.
  Total flying hours for the year 1942:- 89686.05 hrs. from a statistical record, represents approximately 9,000,000 miles per annum, or sending one of our aircraft for a trip around the world every day in the past year.
  FLYING TRAINING WING.
  No. 64 course graduated 52 pupils on December 30th, with an average flying time of 135 hrs. per pupil. This is a very creditable effort as the course has been seriously handicapped by bad weather.
  The low monthly flying tine of 7263 hrs. was mainly due to very bad weather throughout the last three weeks of this month, together with the usual difficulty in obtaining Anson spares. Instructors and pupil pilots had 6 days leave over Christmas or New Year and a very enjoyable time was had by all.
  MAINTENANCE WING.
  During the course of the month now ended, bulk of Anson I’s, which have been withdrawn from Service, were transferred to other Unit’s for storage, repair and for further service thereat.
  The increasingly cold weather is making the starting of aircraft very much more difficult, and has produced a secondary difficulty in causing a larger number of aircraft accumulators to require charging in the battery room. It has not been able to adequately cope with the increasing demand for batteries.

IMAGE 259

CARBERRY.

• 31.12.42. The average daily state of serviceability of aircraft during the month was 54.4%
  Over 80 airmen from Maintenance Section have departed recently for the homeland, and this has reduced the strength of the Section to approximately the new establishment figures.
  STRENGTH – PERSONNEL.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	98	972	–
RCAF	13	113	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCACS	1	3	–
Civilians	2	–	18
Trainees
RAF	8	198	–
RCAF	–	2	–
RNZAF	1	–	–
(2 RAF Officers, 49 RAF Other Rank, and 1 RCAF Other Rank completed training but awaiting posting – Course 64.)

• STRENGTH – AIRCRAFT.

	Servicable	Unservicable
Ansons	53	58
(Not Available: 8)

• (T.B. Bruce) Group Captain
  Commanding No. 33 S.F.T.S.
  R.A.F., CARBERRY, Manitoba.

IMAGE 269

APPENDIX “B”
COPY OF GROUP CAPTAIN T.B. BRUCE’S MESSAGE
TO OUR CONFRERES AT R.C.A.F., No. 12 S.F.T.S.,
BRANDON, ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE
B.C.A.T.P.
“THE BEGINNINGS OF FINAL VICTORY – “
A message from Group Captain T.B. Bruce, Officer Commanding
No. 33 S.F.T.S., R.A.F.,. Carberry, Man:-
I am indeed grateful to be allowed, through the medium of your excellent magazine, to write a few words in commemoration of the third anniversary of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan agreement.
As a newly arrived Commanding Officer of one of the well-established R.A.F. Schools I am now able to see for myself the workings of one small part of this vast Training Plan, about which so much has been heard and so much written.
I hope that I may be forgiven for writing a little about the Plan as it affects those of us who have come from Britain.
For the pioneers it was a great adventure, coming as some did to parts of the prairie to find their new camps no more than half completed and the rigours of a bitter Canadian winter upon them. There was much hard work to be done before the trainees could be accepted, and a routine life, with a minimum waste of time and a maximum efficiency, could be expected. At first our new life, with so much to be done, kept us busy from morning until late at night, and no real thought was given to relaxation and what was to be done in our off-duty hours. Then, as life became more settled, a new problem arose – a problem by no means easily soluble – that of keeping the men happy. For most of us the psychological effect of the change from a country of many towns, all comparatively close to each other, to this vast expanse of flat land with the nearest town of any size too far away to conveniently visit in the evenings, was very marked. We had few friends outside the Camp, we had nowhere to go even if we went off the Camp and, in turn, most of us suffered from fits of depression known in the Service as “being browned off”. But, as time went on, invitations from cities, towns and nearby farms were received, and gradually that reserve, so common to the British character, was mellowed by the kindly Canadian people whose great hospitality has undoubtedly been the prime factor in making our lives in this country so happy.
Many of these kind new friends had been born in the “Old Country”, most of them came from British stock, and all were anxious to do everything in their power to help us in every possible manner.
As the months passed many of the initial difficulties of training were overcome, the plan widened to embrace other schools erected in various parts of the Dominion, and pupils arrived from the United Kingdom and other parts of the Empire with clock like precision as the scheme came fully into its stride. Pupils became pilots, navigators or gunners, and many returned for further training at home before being posted to their first operational units. The constant steady flow of pupils was maintained, and there could be no doubt of the great success of the Plan. Not only had it relieved Britain of the problem of finding sufficient aerodromes both for training and for operational purposes, but it had ensured that our future aircrew were trained unmolested be the ever present possibilities of enemy air attacks existing at home, and overcame the difficulties of night flying instruction in a Country of “black-outs” and constant hazards of the elements, such as poor visibility and fog. In short, Canada with its vast expanse of flat terrain and its normally clear weather conditions, had proved to be an ideal country for flying training purposes.
Looking ahead to the days of peace, one cannot help wondering how many of the thousands who will have seen at least a little of Canada will wish to come back to stay in this land of opportunity. Some have already married Canadian girls, and when the war is over it seems probable that many will return to make their homes in Canada. With so much of Canada as yet virtually unscratched s regards her known mineral wealth, important development projects can be foreseen, and with them will be many opportunities for men of every trade and profession.

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It may have been expected that I should have gone into the detailed workings of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, but at Christmastime, and with the approach of the New Year, I prefer to dwell on the thoughts of 1943, with all the hope that it holds for the beginnings of final victory, and the years to come when those of us who have been amongst you, grown to know you and learned to appreciate all you have done for us, will say from the depths of our hearts – “Thank you, Canada”.