Daily Diary

No. 33 Service Flying Training School,
Carberry, Manitoba

May 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, Manitoba. 1944

• 1st MAY – There were NIL hours fit for flying due to continued bad weather.
  F/Lt. R. KORER (119790) GD, F/O. T.A. EVANS (148171) GD, F/O. L. SNOWCROFT (195030) GD and F/O. A. EDWARDS (122071) GD reported on posting from No. 31 ANS to finish SBA syllabus at SFTS.
  A number of airmen took advantage of the YMCA trip to Brandon Swimming Pool at 1830 hours.
  Officers’ Mess played the Sergeants’ Mess in the Inter-Hut Soccer League at 1900 hours.
  There was a large attendance at the Recorded Session of Popular Jazz tunes in the Airmen’s Lounge.
• 2nd MAY – A total of 20 hours were fit for flying.
  P/O. E.E. Taylor (163659) GD reported on posting from No. 1 I.F.S. F/L. E. ROCKS (133271)
  Equip. reported on posting from No. 32 OTU.
  Two Inter-Hut Soccer League games were played at 1900 hours.
  The Weekly Fellowship met in the Padre’s Office at 1930 Hours.
• 3rd MAY – There were NIL hours fit for flying.
  The Music Club met in the G.I.S. Block for their weekly programme of Classical Music.
• 4th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  An Exhibition Snooker Match – Airmen versus Corporals – was played in the Large Canteen at
  1930 hours.
• 5th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.

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CARBERRY, 1944

• 5th MAY (Cont) – COURSE NO. 96 GRADUATED
  • Original Intake 61
  • Transfers (on Unit) 13
  • ” (from other Units) 2 15
  • 76
  • Ceased Training 8
  • Transfers 9 17
  • GRADUATES:- 59
  • COMMISSIONED:- 9
  • This Course graduated without any failures on Ground School, and were disposed of as follows:-
  • No. 2 F.I.S. 7
  • No. 1 G.R.S. 11
  • No. 32 O.T.U. 4
  • No. 5 O.T.U. 13
  • No. 1 C.N.S. 1
  • No. 1 “Y” Depot 3
  • No. 31 P.D. 20
  • TOTAL:- 59
• 6th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A Lightning Snooker Tournament was held in the Airman’s Lounge at 1900 hours.
• 7th MAY – Twenty-two hours were fit for flying.
  P/O. D.J.S. NICHOLSON (A&SD) 125787 reported on posting from No. 31 P.D.
  The “Gloomchasers” Concert Party entertained the Station in the Recreation Hall at 2000 hours.
  The weekly Fireside Hour was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 2045 hours. Despite a Concert Party on the Unit, there was a good attendance. Films of Canadian Scenery were shown.
• 8th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Two matches in the Inter-Hut Soccer League were played off at 1900 hours.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 1900 hours.

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CARBERRY, 1944

• 9th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  S/O. M.M. WEISS (V.30133) Admin. – No. 2 T.C. – visited the Station to discuss the manning position of aircrafthands and maintenance assistants.
  Lt. C.H. REID, RCASC, reported on attachment as relief for Lt. J.G. DUNCAN, Supply Officer.
  Two matches in the Inter-Hut Soccer League were played off at 1900 hours. No. 3 Group met No. 4 Group in a Rugby Match at 1900 hours. The Weekly Fellowship Meeting was held in the Padres Office at 1930 hours.
• 10th MAY – The maximum number of hours was fit for flying.
  P/O. J. DOWSETT (164154) GD reported to Posting from No. 2 F.I.S. Lt. J.G. DUNCAN proceeded to No. 26 EFTS as Supply Officer.
  A party of airmen proceeded to BRANDON Swimming Pool at 1845 hours, under YMCA arrangements.
  A Station Soccer trial was held at 19.00 hours.
• 11th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  F/O. R.C. CHURCH (20768) No. 2 TC, reported on Temporary Duty – Canteen Inspection – and departed same day.
  The Pupils played the Rest of the Station in a Rugby trial at 1900 hours. Two matches were played off in the Inter-Hut Soccer League at 1900 hours. An Exhibition Snooker Match – Officers v. Airmen – was played at 1900 hours.
• 12th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  FO. J.M. AYRE (51882) GD – proceeded to No. 31 P.D. on repatriation.
• 13th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A Lightning Snooker Tournament was held in the Airmen’s Recreation Hall at 2000 hours.

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CARBERRY. 1944

• 14th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  The usual Church Services were held on the Station. The “Fireside” met in the Canteen at 2045 hours. A film on the North West Frontier was shown.
• 15th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Capt. O. BREWER, Dental Officer, reported from No. 2 T.C. on temporary duty.
  A hurricane alarm was sounded at approximately 1730 hours. All ranks responded immediately and all aircraft were safely housed. The hurricane did not touch the Unit.
  The Bible Study Class met in the Station Chapel at 1800 hours.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 1900 hours.
  Two games in the Inter-Hut Soccer League were played off at 1900 hours.
• 16th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  No. 3 Group met No. 4 Group in an Inter-section Rugby match at 1900 hours.
  The “Fellowship” met in the Padre’s Office at 1930 hours.
  Two games in the Inter-hut Soccer League were played at 1900 hours.
• 17th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A large number of airmen proceeded to the Indoor Pool, YMCA, BRANDON, at 1845 hours.
  The Music Club held their weekly programme of Classical Music in GIS Block.
  An Airmen’s Dance was held in the Recreation Hall at 2030 hours. There was a large attendance and music was supplied by the Station Dance Orchestra.
• 18th MAY – Sixteen hours were fit for flying.
  W/Cdr. C.J. WHITTLE (73477) Educ. AFHQ, and S/Ldr. G.H. WARREN (C.2582) Educ. 2 TC., reported on Temporary Duty.
  A taxying accident occurred at PETREL: 1584388 LAC WILLIAMS, while taxying, port mainplane struck the A.C.P. Hut – Cat. E.
  Two Inter-hut Soccer League matches were played off at 1900 hours.
  No. 1 Group played “The Rest” in a Rugby match at 1900 hours. An Exhibition Snooker Match – Corporals v. Airmen – was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 1930 hours.
• 19th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.

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CARBERRY. 1944

• 19th MAY (CONT) – P/O. G.I. CHAPMAN (174421) GD reported on posting from No. 32 SFTS.
• 20th MAY – Twelve hours were fit for flying.
  A category “A” crash occurred at approximately 0320 hours today, l½ miles north-east of the aerodrome. Pupil pilot 1687863 LAC KING, A.E., while on night solo cross-country turned right at approx. 1,000 feet and seemed to lose control. The a/c dived into the ground and burnt out. LAC KING was killed instantly. The accident is being investigated by Command Investigation Officer – F/L. W.S. MARTIN (C14589) – AIB. 2TC.
  A lightning snooker tournament was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 2000 hours.
  The Sergeants’ Mess dance was held in the Mess at 2000 hours. There was a large attendance. The music was provided by the Station Dance Orchestra.
• 21st MAY – Twelve hours were fit for flying.
  Group Captain W.R. MARSH, Principal Chaplain, Air Ministry, and W/C. J. Rossie-Brown, reported on Temporary Duty.
  The usual Church Services were held during the day.
  The “Fireside” hour met in the Canteen at 2045 hours.
• 22nd MAY – Twelve hours were fit for flying.
  F/Lt. J.G. MOULDER (119807) GD., F/Lt. H. WROE (119828) GD., F/Lt. R.A.H. WHITE (122101) GD. and F/Lt. G.S. MOSS (120966) GD., reported on posting for completion of SFTS Syllabus in S.B.A.
  An Instructors Conference was held at 1100 hours. The C.O. gave a short talk on the new scheme for inculcating character and leadership in pupils. Flying faults frequently noted in pupils were discussed, and also the following points:-
  (i) What is meant by a “Safe height” for vital action after take-off.
  (ii) Use of radio and electrical intercommunication.
  (iii) Value of “Spot landing” practice.
  (iv) Value of solo practice in forced, precautionary and flapless approaches.
  (v) Importance of appreciation of “overshoot”, and its early correction.
  (vi) Instructors1 Log book entries. (CAP.100)
  (vii) Why engines are “run up”, and the correct method of doing so.
  (viii) The new internal “Accident Report Form”, and its correct use.

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CARBERRY, 1944

• 22nd MAY (CONT) –
  (ix) Importance of discussion and the pooling of knowledge.
  (x) “Character” and “Leadership”.
  The funeral of the late LAC KING, ‘killed in flying accident on 20th MAY’, was held in BRANDON, Cemetery at 1430 hours. A Service was held in St. Matthew’s Pro-Cathedral, BRANDON, conducted by S/L. the Rev. D.A. FOSTER, Station Padre, assisted by Archdeacon P. HEYWOOD, followed by interment in the Military Section of the Cemetery.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 1900 hours.
  An Inter-hut soccer match was held at 1930 Hours.
• 23rd MAY – Nil Hours were fit for flying.
  F/L. S.H. SCOTT (114051) A&SD (Admin) reported on posting from No. 34 O.T.U. – relief for F/L. J.H. McRITCHIE – warned for repatriation.
  Outdoor sports fixtures were cancelled due to heavy rain.
• 24th MAY – Nine hours were fit for flying.
  The Music Club played their usual programme of Classical Music at 1945 hours.
  The RCAF Concert Party – “Swingtime” – played to a full house in the Recreation Hall at 2000 hours. The return visit of this Concert Party was much appreciated by the large audience.
  A demonstration of all fire-fighting appliances was given to all Training Wing personnel.
• 25th MAY – Twenty-two hours were fit for flying.
  An Inter-hut Soccer Match was played off at 1830 hours. An Exhibition Snooker Match – Officers v. Airmen – was held in the Airmen’s Recreation Room at 1930 hours.
• 26th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  S/Ldr. R.G. CADHAM (C.3950) Med., HQ2TC, visited the Unit on temporary duty – Hygiene.
  G/Capt. D.H. McCAUL – HQ2TC – visited the unit on Temporary Duty – Technical duties.
• 27th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A Dance was held in the Officers’ Mess at 2100 hours.
• 28th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  The usual Church Services were held on the Unit.

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CARBERRY, 1944

• 28th MAY (CONT) – The Canadian Legion War Services Concert Party from Winnipeg played before a large audience in the Recreation Hall at 2000 hours.
  The usual “Fireside Hour” was held at 2045 hours.
• 29th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  A fatal flying accident took place at approximately 1350 hours. F/O. P.H.G. SPRAY (153157), Instructor, and pupil 1584229 LAC WEIGHTMAN, G.N., took off on a navigation exercise. The aircraft did not gain height, and crashed approximately one mile S.E. of the aerodrome. The Instructor was thrown clear and only received lacerations to the head. The aircraft caught fire on crashing – Category “A. LAC WEIGHTMAN was killed instantly. Command Investigation Officer, F/Lt. W.S. MARTIN (C. 14589), together with S/l. L. DAWSON (C2139), A.I.B., are investigating the accident.
  A recorded session of popular jazz tunes was held in the Airmen’s Lounge at 1900 hours.
  Two Inter-hut Soccer League games were played off at 1830 and 1930 hours.
  – 30th MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Two Inter-hut Soccer Matches were played off at 1830 and 1930 hours.
  No. 3 Group played “The Rest” in a Rugby Match at 1900 hours.
  – 31st MAY – The maximum number of hours were fit for flying.
  Group Captain J.S.T. FALL, DSC., AFC., and S/L. G. HOWARD, AFC (74736) proceeded to HQ.2TC by air on Temporary Duty.
  S/L. R.L. AMOR, AFC., (43615) assumed command of Unit in absence of Commanding Officer.
  The funeral of LAC WEIGHTMAN, G.N. (1584229) was held at BRANDON at 1430 hours. A Service was held in the Knox United Church, Brandon, conducted by S/L. the Rev. D.A. FOSTER, Station Chaplain, and Rev. Nelson Mercer of the Knox United Church. Rev. Nelson Mercer conducted the Service at the graveside. F/O. ALEXANDRA was Officer i/c Funeral Party, and W/C J. McLENNAN represented the Commanding Officer.
  A number of airmen proceeded to BRANDON by ‘bus to the YMCA Swimming Pool at 1845 hours.
  The Music Club held their usual weekly programme of classical music in GIS Block at 1945
  hours. A “Bingo” Party was held in the Recreation Hall at 2100 hours.

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CARBERRY 1944

• 31st MAY
  TOTAL FLYING HOURS FOR MAY, 1944:- 7, 282.25 hours
  STRENGTH:
  (a) Aircraft:

		Number
Anson II		118
	– Servicable	66
	– Unservicable	52
	– Not Available	–

• (b ) Personnel:

	Officers	Other Ranks	Civilians
RAF	135	860	–
RCAF	5	59	–
RNZAF	–	–	–
RAAF	–	–	–
RCADC (CDC)	1	2	–
RCASC	1	2	–
CPC	–	3
Civilians	3	–	56
Trainees
RAF	7	248 (Plus 23 RAF grads, still on strength, ex. 96 Crse)	–
RCAF	–	6	–
RNZAF	–	2	–
RAAF	2 Grads ex 96 Crse	5	–

• (J.S.T. Fall) Group Captain,
  Officer Commanding No. 33 SFTS.,
  RAF., CARBERRY, Manitoba.