Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

February 1944

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, Man.
1 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  The Station Bowling league played off its weekly league games.
  The Padre reported a good attendance at the weekly Fellowship held in the Station Chapel.

2 February 1944

• Squadron Leader K.F. MORIE (Med) No. 75838, proceeded on posting to No. 31 P.D., on completion of tour of duty in this Command.
  Flying Officer W.A. COWEE (G.D) No. 146726, proceeded on posting to No. 32. O.T.U.
  A concert of recorded classical music was given in the G.I.S. Block: the recital was arranged by the Station Music Club and was well attended.

3 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Flight Lieutenant J.H. Mc RITCHIE (A&SD) NO. 46806, reported on posting from No. 33 E.F.T.S.
  The Station Ice Hockey team played Neepawa R.C.A.F. at Neepawa. A large crowd witnessed a game that was outstandingly keen. The result was in doubt until the last period when Neepawa scored two goals, becoming the winners of a game that ended 8-6.

4 February 1944

• A heavy fall of snow was experienced today; no flying was possible.
  The Station Badminton Clubs met in the Drill Hall.

5 February 1944

• Improved weather conditions resulted in the maximum number of hours being fit for flying.
  A lightning snooker tournament was held in the Airmen’s Lounge.

6 February 1944

• Aircraft serviceability 71.17%.
  The Station was visited by the ‘FREEDOMAIRES’ Concert party of Winnipeg. A varied programme was provided for the entertainment of an appreciative audience.

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CARBERRY Man.
7 February 1944

• Adverse weather restricted the hours fit for flying to sixteen.
  A category ‘D’ accident occurred. Aircraft FP.775 was involved; the port undercarriage of aircraft collapsed whilst taxying.
  A recorded version of popular jazz tunes was given in the Airmen’s Lounge.
  The Station was inspected by Air Vice Marshall T.A. LAWRENCE, Air Officer Commanding, No. 2 Training Command.

8 February 1944

• The Station was visited by Group Captain G.E. SCOTT, S.A.S.O. No. 2 Training Command.
  Adverse weather still restricted the hours fit for flying.
  The Station Fellowship held their weekly meeting, presided over by the padre.
  The station Badminton Clubs met in the Drill Hall.

9 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  An accident involving two aircraft (Nos. FP.987 and FP.768) occurred today. The wing tip of Aircraft FP.768 whilst being towed into position in front of Hangar struck nose of Aircraft JP.987. An investigation into the accident was ordered by the Commanding Officer.
  The Station was visited by the ‘ENSA’ Concert party ‘C FOR YOURSELVES’. The party provided sparkling entertainment before a duly appreciative audience.

10 February 1944

• Adverse weather restricted the hours fit for flying to eight.
  Thirty-nine Graduates of No. 90 Course today received their Wings from Group Captain J.S.T. FALL, DSC. AFC.
  A graduation dinner was given for the successful graduates; the Guest of Honour being the Commanding Officer.

11 February 1944

• Course No. 90 Graduated effective today. There was an original intake of 67.
  The disposition was as follows :-
  Graduated:- To:
  • No. 2 F.I.S. 4
  • No. 1 G.R.S. 2
  • No. 32 O.T.U. 2
  • No. 1 ‘Y’ Depot 3
  • No. 31 P.D. 28
  • Total 39

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CARBERRY. Man.
11 February 1944
(continued)

• Five Graduates received commissions. The disposition of the remainder was:-
  • Course Transfers. 13
  • Training discontinued. 12
  • Deceased 3
  • Total. 28.

12 February 1944

• Improved weather conditions resulted in the maximum number of hours being fit for flying.
  Squadron Leader J.E. TOWLSON (Accts) No. 4448 and Flight Lieutenant A.S. WILLIES (Accts) No. 109586 reported on posting from No. 38 S.F.T.S.

13 February 1944

• Adverse weather resulted in the cancellation of the day’s flying programme.
  Aircraft serviceability 71.9 %.

14 February 1944

• Adverse weather again restricted the hours fit for flying.
  Fourteen Junior Officers (Q.F.I.) reported on posting from No. 38 S.F.T.S.
  The Station Concert Party – ‘THE RIPCHORDS’ – presented the first showing of their ninth (and farewell) edition to a capacity-filled recreational hall. Group Captain and Mrs. J.S.T. FALL attended the performance.
  It was generally acclaimed that the show was well up to standard.

15 February 1944

• Improved weather conditions resulted in the maximum number of hours being fit for flying.
  The ‘RIPCHORDS’ gave their second and final performance for the benefit of Service personnel on the station.
  The Station Badminton Clubs met in the Drill Hall.

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CARBERRY. Man
16 February 1944

• Squadron Leader E.F. HARVIE and Flight Lieutenant M.B. STEVENS, R.N.Z.A.F., Liaison Officers, visited the station.
  The Station Ice-hockey team played No. 26 E.F.T.S. at Carberry: despite a spirited performance by the Station Team, Neepawa emerged the visitors, the score being 14 – 6.
  A concert of recorded classical music was given by the Station Music Clubs in the G.I.S. Block.

17 February 1944

• The death occurred in the Station Hospital at 14.45 hours today of GB. 1605291 Leading Aircraftman POTT. R.A.F., the cause of death being pneumonia.
  The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.

18 February 1944

• A category ‘C’ accident occurred today. Aircraft No. 8446, piloted by pupil overshot on landing and came to rest in ditch.

19 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A category ‘D’ accident occurred, aircraft No. FP.764 piloted by pupil tipped on nose whilst taxying.
  The Station was visited by Wing Commander Rev. GROVES, R.A.F., Staff Chaplain.
  A lightening snooker tournament was held in the Airmens’ Lounge.

20 February 1944

• Aircraft serviceability 66.5 %.
  Flight Lieutenant D.G. LAWRENCE, No. 65583 (GD) proceeded on posting to No. 36 O.T.U
  The ‘RIPCHORDS’ concert party returned to the Unit after a highly successful visit to Winnipeg where they gave three performances in the Orpheum Theatre, including a free Sunday show for Service personnel.

21 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  The Station was visited by Squadron Leader J.P. PIERCE, R.A.A.F., Staff Chaplain.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes was held in the Airmens’ Lounge.

22 February 1944

• Adverse weather conditions restricted the hours fit for flying to fourteen.
  Flight Lieutenant A.M. COOK (GD/NAV) No. 129575, reported on posting from No. 37 S.F.T.S.
  Flying Officer W. DOUGHTY (GD) No. 135636 proceeded on posting to C.F.S. Trenton.

23 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Squadron Leader Rev. W. GODDARD proceeded to A.F.H.Q., Ottawa, prior to reporting on posting to No. 31 O.T.U.
  A concert of recorded classical music was given in the G.I.S. Block.

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CARBERRY. Man.
24 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  An exhibition snooker match was played in the Airmens’ Lounge between Corporals and Airmen.

25 February 1944

• The Station Badminton Clubs met in the Drill Hall.
  The popularity of the Station outdoor skating rinks was emphasised by the number of personnel using the rinks.

26 February 1944

• Flying Officer A.K.E. IBBETT (GD) No. 152114, Pilot Officer K.K. CHALMERS (GD) No. 153153, reported on posting from No. 36 S.F.T.S.
  A lightening snooker tournament was held in the Airmens’ Lounge.

27 February 1944

• Aircraft Serviceability 81.4 %.
  The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  The ‘FIRESIDE HOUR’ held in the Large Canteen, attracted a large gathering, the success of the new venture appears assured.

28 February 1944

• Adverse weather restricted the hours fit for flying.
  The first matches of the new station Bowling League were played to-night.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes were held in the Airmens’ Lounge.

29 February 1944

• The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  In the ‘Inter-Section’ Ice Hockey League, Maintenance A defeated Maintenance B by 6 goals to 2.
  The Padre presided over the weekly Fellowship meeting.
  – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

29 February 1944
(continued)

• Total Flying hours for the month of February 1944 – 6083.50 hours.
  STRENGTH
  (a) AIRCRAFT 

		Number
Anson II		118
	– Servicable	76
	– Unservicable	38
	– Not Available	4

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CARBERRY. Man.
29 February 1944
(continued)

PERSONNEL

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	125	869	–
RCAF	6	69	–
RNZAF	–	–	–
RAAF	–	–	–
RCADC (CDC)	1	2	–
RCASC	1	2	–
CPC	–	3
Civilians	3	–	64
Trainees
RAF	6	282	–
RCAF	–	2	–
RNZAF	–	3	–
RAAF	–	10	–

(J.S.T. Fall) G/C.,
O.C., No. 33 S.F.T.S.