Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

February 1943

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.
February 1943

• 1st – STRENGTH.
  Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	984 (This is likely an error)	872	–
RCAF	6	112	–
CDC	1	2	–
RCASC	1	3	–
CPC	–	3
Civilians	2	–	17
RNZAF	1	–	–
Trainees
RAF	8	207	–
RCAF	–	1	–
RNZAF	1	–	–

• Aircraft.

		Number
Anson I		12 (All awaiting Transfer)
Anson II		107
	Serviceable	51
	Unserviceable	43
	Unavailable	25
Total		119

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 1st – A weather test early this morning revealed there were fog and icing conditions at 500 ft. and flying was delayed until 11.45 hours. Flying training continued all day as the weather improved – – the temperature moving from 23° below zero to 11° above by night. The names of eleven airmen appear in today’s Routine Orders announcing the award of Good Conduct Badges. Night flying was active again, and for those off-duty Basket Ball, Bowling and Skating was the attraction. The Station Debating Society held their weekly session and the House wanted the members to agree that machinery had done more harm than good, but failed to convince them, and the motion was lost.
• 2nd – Day flying commenced in a cloudy-to-overcast sky at 0845 hours after a night flying programme till 0400 hours. T.A.B. inoculation kept the Station Hospital busy with airmen reporting during the morning. The Commanding Officer’s conference covered synthetic training, change-over-Maintenance, granting recommendations for Aircrew, furthering dance and Rip Chords entertainment, ‘pep’ talks on flying for A.T.C., cleaning of snow on Hangar annexes, Fire practice, Re-selection Boards, and furthering visit of the DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL. Hospital patients were entertained with an afternoon film show, while some 21 ladies of the ADASTRAL CLUB met in the town for their weekly knitting under the supervision of Mrs. BRUCE. The Y.M.C.A. showed two free films – ‘ALL THAT IS ENGLAND’ and ‘FIRE GUARDS DURING THE BLITZ’. Badminton and bowling were available for Officers and Airmen while the Officers also made full use of the Squash Court. Six sections played Basket Ball League Games.
• 3rd – The temperature had risen to 16° above zero this morning, but owing to light fog and snow and icing conditions in the clouds, flying was delayed an hour. An aircraft met with a slight accident temporarily cutting off the Electric power for heat and light, but flying training continued actively all day until 18.00 hours. In the evening two Basket Ball matches were played. An important ice hockey match between the STATION and VIRDEN attracted a number of people to the town rink . . the result being 5-3 in favour of VIRDEN . . and the SMALL BORE RIFLE CLUB held a meeting. On account of weather conditions the night flying programme was cancelled.
• 4th – Solo flying training commenced at 0850 hours this morning, and with the temperature much higher.
  A Fire Committee, also an Airmen’s Mess Committee met during the afternoon. A Ceremonial

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 4th. Cont’d – ‘WINGS’ Parade in respect of No. 66 Course was held in the Drill Shed, with the Commanding Officer present, accompanied
   by Wing Commander W.G. WELSTEAD, Officer Commanding No. 12 S.F.T.S., R.C.A.F., BRANDON, who was the visiting Officer chosen to present the Badges on this occasion. Total intake of Course: 61. 42 Cadets (three of whom were officer cadets) graduated; 18 Airmen cadets were commissioned. The Course was disposed of as follows: Two to No. 8 F.I.S. ARNPRIOR; one to No. 2 F.I.S. VULCAN; Ten to No. 31 G.R.S. CHARLOTTETOWN; Five to No. 31 A.N.S. PORT ALBERT; and sixteen to No. 31 P.D. MONCTON. Fifteen cadets ceased training, and four were transferred to later courses. The visitors were entertained to tea afterwards in the Recreation Hall and Officers’ Mess. Squadron Leader G.M. RITCHIE (C.2039) and Squadron Leader C.L. FISHER (C.4314) (Works and Buildings and Works and Buildings Engineer officers) arrived on Temporary Duty (Staff) by Air from 10. S.F.T.S. and proceeded to No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND. League Bowling and Basket Ball matches were played during the evening.
• 5th – The temperature was zero this morning, but with a strong wind it seemed as cold as 20º below. By 16.15 hours it had ceased blowing, and at that late hour flying commenced for the day. A Board of Officers met today for an Audit of non-public funds. Graduates of No. 66 Course left on posting to various Units, and Flight Lieutenant M.H. PINDER (78279) and Pilot Officer W.K. DODGSON (48777) – – a former Army Officer – – both graduates from No. 66 Course – – proceeded by rail to No. 31 P.D. MONCTON. Pilot Officer PARRY (1027568) arrived by air from No. 38 S.F.T.S. on Special Court Martial duty.
• 6th – A heavy ground fog and temperature of 15º below prevented flying training until 09.50 hours, and solo and dual flying alternated most of the day. In the early hours of the morning Squadron Leader W.B. SCARTH (2417) arrived by rail from No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND on temporary duty, and during the afternoon Group Captain K. LEA-COX (29188) and Flight Lieutenant BACON (75681) arrived by rail from No. 38 S.F.T.S. on Court Martial duties. Flying Officer O.B. PLATEL (121051) Engineer Officer, returned from temporary duty from No. 2. I.T.S. REGINA.
• 7th – Dual flying commenced at 0900 hours, but was held up for nearly an hour owing to icing conditions at 200 feet. Flight Lieutenant BURTON left by road on posting to No. 31. G.R.S. Squadron Leader E.H. CRAWFORD (5251), Judicial Officer, and Squadron loader H.F. GYLES, Judge Advocate,

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 7th Cont.d – both from No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND, and Squadron Leader J.G.P. GREENWOOOD, from 41 S.F.T.S. Squadron Leader SLOAN from 35 E.F.T.S. arrived for General Court Martial duty.
  Pilot Officer C.N. LARKIN (13084) and Pilot Officer J. DENNY (1534034) both arrived for Instructor Duties from No. 2 F.I.S. The usual weekly Church Parade was held at 11.30 hours preceded by a Communion Service at 0800 hours. The temperature stood at 5° below zero all day, and in the evening there were slight snow flurries.
• 8th – Solo flying training recommenced at 09.15 hours this morning in a much warmer temperature and brilliant sunshine most of the day. Flying ceased at 16.35 hours. Group Captain LEA-COX, Wing Commander NATHAN, Flight Lieutenant BACON, and Pilot Officer PARRY left by air for ESTEVAN. Air Commodore A.L. PAXT0N, making his way by air to BRANDON with Group Captain BONHAM-CARTER, being in the vicinity soon after 17.00 hours, made a precautionary landing here. In the evening the Air Commodore gave an impromptu talk to Officers in the Mess. There was no night flying. Ice Hockey; a RIP CHORDS CONCERT PARTY rehearsal; Bowling and Basket Ball, and the Cinema, provided the evening’s off-duty activities.
• 9th – The landing ground became unserviceable owing to snow at 11.50 hours. Air Commodore PAXTON and Group Captain BONHAM-CARTER departed by air at 10.55 hours. The Commanding Officer held his weekly conference. An Intelligence Library is to be provided in the Ground Instruction School, and will be open in the evenings for two hours. Pilot Officer J. TYRER (1503946) reported for duty as an Instructor on posting from No. 2 F.I.S.
  Y.M.C.A. Films were shown in the Station Hospital and Large Canteen.
• 10th – Solo flying training was very active all day after a night of no flying. The temperature stood at 17.5° below most of the day, but flying conditions were good. The Commanding Officer made his weekly tour of inspection in the morning – the messes and kitchens particularly. Pilot Officer B.J. BARNES (138376) A & S D, arrived on posting from No. 39 S.F.T.S. Flight Lieutenant E.I.T. JONES (62772) also arrived by rail from No. 31 P.D. on posting as Unit Education Officer. Evening activities consisted of a meeting of the SMALL BORE RIFLE CLUB, and three inter-station Basket Ball Matches. The Airmen’s Dance was also held – – over 300 attending. The Station Debating Society debated ‘READING and TRAVEL’ – – the House’s decision being that travel was of more educational value than reading.

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 11th – A good night flying programme was in progress until 0500 hours this morning. The temperature was 20 below at the commencement of day flying, but went to 8.5° below in the afternoon. Flying ceased at 1545 hours owing to snow and poor risibility. Flying Officer A.F. KERR (12147) Education Officer, arrived by rail from No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND, on temporary duty and Flying Officer H.V. BELL (C.6429) Air Cadets Officer paid a visit from SOURIS on temporary duty. An airmen’s Mess Meeting was held in the afternoon and Bowling and Basket Ball matches were played in the evening. On account of the weather conditions the night flying programme was cancelled.
• 12th – There was a full days flying training today, in much warmer weather, and in brilliant sunshine. The Commanding Officer’s weekly inspection of Barrack Blocks was carried out this morning and found satisfactory. The Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore T.A. LAWRENCE, arrived by air from SASKATOON. The A.O.C. left by air for WINNIPEG at 15.05 hrs. Flying Officer H. READHEAD (104500) left by air for No. 12 S.F.T.S. on an Armament Course, and Squadron Leader A.R. CUMMING (C.2576) arrived by rail on special Provost duty from No.2 TRAINING COMMAND. Night flying ended at 0200 hours.
• 13th – The Commanding Officer inspected the Maintenance Wing and Hospital. The general health of the camp continues to be good. At the end of the day it was learned that the Unit had broken a flying record – – the total number of flying hours achieved being 441 hrs.45 mins.
  14th – Visibility was good as aircraft took off again at 0830 hours this morning, in a temperature of 15º below zero. At 15.15 hours, owing to a further fall of snow, flying had to cease and in consequence the night flying programme was cancelled.
• 15th – Solo flying recommenced at day-break in sub-zero weather again. The half-monthly pay parade was held today – – the Command Accountant Officer (Wing Commander McCANN) also paying a visit to the Accounts Section today. A Link Trainer Officer, Pilot Officer F.T. CUSHING (138258) arrived by rail on posting. The Swimming Club met and made plans for a forthcoming competition at WINNIPEG. Other evening activities were Bowling, Basket Ball, Dance Band Practice, RIP CHORDS rehearsal, Ice Hockey, and the Cinema show.

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 16th – Day flying commenced at the usual hour and it was noticeably warmer. The Commanding Officer’s Conference was held at 10.30. Shortly afterwards, the Station Fire N.C.O. with his assistants gave a lecture and also a practical demonstration in the use of the various types of fire appliances. The Commanding Officer insisted that 50% of all ranks should attend this lecture and the remainder attended a repeat lecture at 14.00 hours. Pilot Officer T.A. WALLER (655009) left on posting to No. 2 F.I.S. VULCAN. Pilot Officer R.H.D. HULME (C.21416) from No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND (P & S S) reported on temporary duty. Flight Lieutenant T.P. HARNETT detailed for Court Martial Duty left by air for NEEPAWA, in the afternoon.
• 17th – After a break of three hours, day flying recommenced and continued all day in brilliant sunshine in warm condition. An Aircrew selection board met in the afternoon, and there was also a re-selection board of officers held today. The Commanding Officer carried out his weekly inspection of the Messes. Maintenance Wing had busy time moving out of their old quarters into the new No. 7 Hangar, and in the later afternoon the Commanding Officer flew over to inspect the Relief Landing Ground at PETREL. Flight Lieutenant T.P. HARNETT returned from Court Martial Duties at NEEPAWA, by air, and Pilot Officer J.W. MASON (Tech.Arm.) arrived for Armament Officer duty from SWIFT CURRENT. Flight Lieutenant E.A. LEMON (Equip.) (C.2219) from No. 7 EQUIPMENT DEPOT, also reported. A concert of ‘classical’ gramophone records was held in the Recreation Hall. The HOSTESS HOUSE held a Whist Drive for airmen and lady friends.
• 18th – Flight Lieutenant W.G. MELLOR (42515) Armament Officer, who had been at the Unit since its inception left on posting to No. 31 P.D. MONCTON. Wing Commander Rev. J. ROSSIE-BROWN (90202) Staff Chaplain, arrived by rail on a few days’ visit to the Unit, and Squadron Leader H. M. ROBERTSON, (39568) returned from C.F.S. TRENTON. Pilot Officer J.K. HALHEAD (1501260) left for No. 12 S.F.T.S. BRANDON, for a short Armament Course. By mid-day the temperature rose to 22º F. In the evening there was a host of Station Sports activities and also a swimming contest at WINNIPEG, at which our team gave a good account of themselves.
• 19th – Squadron Leader W.J. WALKER (Tech.(e)) (44991) and Flight Lieutenant H. HORTON (Tech(e)) (44203) both arrived from D.A.P.S. OTTAWA, on quarterly trade test duties. The Commanding Officer carried out his weekly inspection of Huts. A check-up has been instituted today on all Identification Cards to ensure that they are in possession of all personnel including civilians. A meeting of the SMALL BORE RIFLE CLUB was held.

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CABBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 20th – Solo flying training commenced at 0800 hours on this beautiful sunny morning with unlimited visibility. It was 25º F. and the temperature rose, and it was a welcome sight to see the thaw continuing. The Commanding Officer’s wife was busy in the Officers’ Mess fixing the floral decorations and sprigs of green fir for the Officers’ Dance. It was learned today that no less than 526 hours 20 minutes, was the total hours flown yesterday – – a new record for the Station. Enjoyable dances were held in the Officers’ Mess and the Sergeants’ Mess. Wing Commander BLACK and Squadron Leader GLENNEY were Guests from ESTEVAN. Wing Commander Rev. J. ROSSIE-BROWN (Staff Chaplain) and Officers of the UNITED STATES ARMY (from SHILO) also attended the Officers’ Dance. The Commanding Officer and MRS. BRUCE put in an appearance at the Sergeants’ Mess Dance, which was a more crowded but equally enjoyable affair. Both functions closed down at 01.30 and 02.00 hours.
• 21st – Solo flying training was resumed at 0800 hours. The Staff Chaplain Wing Commander Rev. J. ROSSIE-BROWN spoke at the morning Service, which was taken by Hon. Flight Lieutenant Rev. A.A. BOONE. By 16.00 hours the temperature rose to 38° F. The ‘SHOW BOAT – – an all-ladies Concert Party from WINNIPEG – attracted a full house in the evening, and were entertained in the Sergeants’ Mess.
• 22nd – Records today indicate that 2848.64 hours flying are the result of the efforts of the week ended 20th February, 1943, and the Commanding Officer offered his congratulations and encouragement to all concerned. The Commanding Officer, Group Captain T.B. BRUCE, M.C., with Flight Lieutenant HARDING, left by rail for WEYBURN on Court Martial Duty, and Wing Commander B.G.D. NATHAN took over temporary command of the Station. Flight Lieutenant A.R. POVEY, (78712) G.D. – – newly arrived C.G.I. – – reported on posting from No. 31 E.F.T.S. DE WINTON. Bowling, Basket Ball and the Camp Cinema and a Dance Band practice engaged the attention of a number of personnel in the evening.
• 23rd – A heavy ground fog – – more like a miserable Scottish mist familiar to most of us – – held up flying all day. The Y.M.C.A. provided a film show for the Hospital patients in the afternoon and Wing Commander Rev. J. ROSSIE-BROWN met some 60 ladies of the ADASTRAL CLUB LADIES’ AUXILIARY at a meeting of the Auxiliary at the CARBERRY WAR SERVICES CLUB, addressing them while they continued knitting. His subject was ‘TEAM SPIRIT’. Owing to the Commanding Officer’s absence the Weekly Conference was postponed until his return. Squadron Leader

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CARBERRY
FEBRUARY 1943

• 23rd cont’d – W.H.GOSSIP (72042) (Senior Medical Officer) left by rail on temporary duty at Headquarters, No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND,
  and Flying Officer A.W. MUNROE (C.6889) – P.T. Officer – arrived from No. 2 TRAINING COMMAND on inspection duty. There was again much activity on the sports and entertainment front in the evening. The usual Tuesday night Bible Class was held in the Station Chapel and Wing Commander Rev. ROSSIE-BROWN gave encouragement to this section of the Station’s weekly activities.
• 24th – The wintery conditions still present this morning failed to hold up flying and solo training continued locally all day. It was however still 22.5° below zero this morning. The weekly inspection of the Messes and Canteens was carried out on behalf of the Commanding Officer Group Captain T.B. BRUCE. M.C., who later in the morning returned by air from Court Martial Duty at WEYBURN; Flight Lieutenant HARDING also accompanying him. A number of airmen were reporting to the Station Hospital for inocuation, and several airmen were under the weather with a touch of ‘flu. The RIP CHORDS CONCERT PARTY presented their SIXTH EDITION before a crowded house this evening. Some of their best talent were absent through illness, but it was nevertheless quite a good show and much enjoyed by all. Night flying continued until midnight.
• 25th – A change in temperature to 20° F was very welcome this morning. Dual flying commenced at 0800 hours, but an hour later flying activity closed on account of a slight blizzard. The C.O’s weekly conference was held. An Airmen’s Mess Committee was held and, amongst many sports activities, it has now been decided to form a new Station Bowling League.
• 26th – A bright morning saw the first of aircraft aloft at 0800 hours. The end of the month Pay Parade was held. The Station Magazine “GEN” was published today, and the Barrack Huts of Maintenance Wing were inspected by the Commanding Officer.
• 27th – Fair weather. Normal flying routine.
• 28th – 1130 – Hon. Flight Lieutenant the Rev. A.A. Boone, Minister of Carberry United Church, took morning Service in the absence through illness of the Station Chaplain.
  Gusty winds and blowing snow in the afternoon. Pilot Officers E. MORGAN and J.W. MASON left for No. 12 S.F.T.S., BRANDON, on temporary duty for Armament Course.

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CARBERRY.
FEBRUARY 1943 

• 28th cont’d – 2000 – The “BEAVER CLUB CONCERT PARTY” – employees of HUDSON’S BAY CO., WINNIPEG – came at short notice in place of the “Trumpet Call” Review.” Illness had thinned the cast, but the show was good and well received by a packed hall. The players were entertained by the Sergeants’ Mess before returning to Winnipeg.
  Total aircraft hours for February:- 8024 hours.
  Day flying records made on 18th February:- 526 hours, 20 minutes.
  AIRCRAFT STRENGTH:

		Number
Anson II		109
	– Servicable	64
	– Unservicable	38
	– Not Available	7

• STRENGTH – Personnel.

	Officers	Other Ranks
RAF	85	893
RCAF	4	106
RAAF	–	1
RNZAF	3	1
CDC	1	2
RCACS	1	3
CPC	–	3
Civilians	2	17
Trainees
RAF	8	221
RCAF	–	1
RNZAF	1	–

(T.B.BRUCE) Group Captain,
Commanding No, 33 S.F.T.S.
R.A.F. Carberry, Manitoba,
CANADA.