Historical Narrative
2416 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit (Reserve) Ottawa, Ont.
1 June 1951 to 31 December 1952.
Following is a narrative historical record of 2416 Aircraft Control and Warning Unit (Auxiliary) activities from June 1951 to 31 December 1952.
Due to the length of the period covered by the present return (18 months) only an abridged account of the squadron's activities is submitted.
However, in order to give a fairly complete picture of the unit's position as of 31 December 1952, additional information is given in the appendix attached hereto.
1951
4 Jun 51
We were informed today that four officers had been promoted to the rnak of F/L - F/O AM Christie, F/O JA Barrett, F/O FO Bernier, F/O JL McMahon.
14 Jun 51
The Officers' Mess was opened tonight. A good number of officers were present for the inauguration of the social activities of the squadron.
15 Jun 51
Today the airmen had their first social evening. The lounge was officially opened by S/L MacNamara, Officer Commanding. Everything was efficiently organized by the Airmen's Mess Committee.
18 Jun 51
A conference was held tonight in the OC's office, with all flight commanders in attendance. This conference was called to discuss the numerous problems that had to be ironed out before the summer camp. The OC gave his instructions as to what shoud be done during his absence.
20 Jun 51
F/L AA Kenniger took over the command of the Unit in the absence of S/L MacNamara. A drill parade was held tonight. The attendance was very poor.
25 Jun 51
A drill parade was held tonight, with officers and airmen in attendance. It was pointed out by one of the bus drivers (Army) that there were not enough men using the transport provided for them, and that if it continued we would have trouble in the future to obtain transportation. Consequently the Adjutant decided that, effective immediately, all personnel would use the buses provided by the Army.
26 Jun 51
W/C Forester, of ADC visited the Unit HQ tonight and was well satisfied with everything.
27 Jun 51
A drill parade was held tonight with officers and men in attendance. For the officers, it was their first contact with the airmen in giving them drill. All were very cooperative and pleased. A clothing parade was held during the drill parade, but unfortunately there were still quite a few who did not get the clothing they needed. The clothing situation at the present time seems hopeless.
29 Jun 51
The conference which was to be held at Grp tomorrow was postponed until 4 July 1951.
30 Jun 51
S/L MacNamara was in from Toronto. He had a conference with F/L Kenniger on different administrative matters and called for a conference with F/L Barrett and F/L Bernier for Monday morning.
2 Jul 51
A conference was held this morning to discuss many points to be brought up at the next Grp conference scheduled for Wednesday, 4 July 1951. It was decided that it might be advisable to have F/L Bernier in attendance at that conference in case S/L MacNamara should not be able to attend.
4 Jul 51
F/L Shore and F/L Bernier went to Montreal today to attend the conference called by Grp. F/L Bernier was representing the OC, S/L MacNamara, who was unable to attend.
The conference was held at Grp HQ with G/C Archimbault presiding. Those present were informed that a few changes had taken place, such as the inauguration of Tech Training Wing. G/C Patrick has been appointed OC of this new Wing. A reception was held for the officers attending the conference at the United Service Club.
6 Jul 51
In view of F/L Bernier's departure for RCAF Stn Uplands matters pertaining to the unit OR and Adjt work were discussed with F/O Gauthier in order to prepare this officer for Asst/Adjt duties during F/L Bernier's absence.
9 Jul 51
F/O Gauthier took over as Asst/Adjt for the month of July, replacing F/L Bernier in this capacity. F/L Barrett has been appointed acting OC during S/L MacNamara's absence. A list was forwarded to Nr 1 Group in connection with Summer Training and giving the exact requirements for airlift operations, rations and quarters at Chatham.
11 Jul 51
The monthly report for June was completed and is to be prepared for issue tomorrow. Attendance decreased considerably during June. A clothing parade will be held on July 18 at Uplands. Some of the absentees are being attended to individually and the fact is being brought to them that it is absolutely necessary that attendance be of the highest possible standard.
16 Jul 51
A number of airmen were interviewed and others were reprimanded by F/L Bernier concerning repeated absences in the past. Discharge action was carried out by this unit against six of these men, their attitude and conduct showed them to be of little, if any, benefit to the Squadron. The summer training schedule has been amended, and the unit will be divided into two groups. One will go to Summerside, PEI, and the other to Chatham, NB.
18 Jul 51
A clothing parade was held at Uplands for a number of airmen. Clothing is not very satisfactory, especially from the point of view of summer TWS. However, most of the men were outfitted.
23 Jul 51
F/L Bernier proceeded to Montreal to make final arrangements for transportation by air of all personnel, unit as well as High School students, to Summerside and Chatham.
25 Jul 51
G/C Patrick, a number of officers and the press paid a visit to the Unit.
30 Jul 51
F/L Kenniger returned to the unit today. Pay lists were prepared for pay-parade to be held 1 August. DRO No 9 was signed for promulgation July 31, 1951.
4 Aug 51
Today all personnel going to summer camp left the Unit HQ for Rockcliffe airport at 0705. F/L Kenniger and F/L Bernier were interviewed by a CKOY representative. Both said a few words about the training that was to take place, the interview being recorded for Radio News.
N.B. The two weeks from August 4 to August 18 were spent at summer camp. A short report on the various activities is submitted in the appendix attached to the present record.
18 Aug 51
The personnel who went to summer camp at Chatham returned today by S/A.
19 Aug 51
The personnel who went to summer camp at Summerside returned by S/A.
4 Sep 51
A drill parade was held tonight at the Ottawa University, in preparation for the Battle of Britain Parade.
8 Sep 51
A staff meeting was held to discuss the numerous problems pertaining to administration, training and discipline.
11 Sep 51
A meeting was held at Beaver Barracks in connection with the rehearsal of the Battle of Britain Parade. F/L Bernier, F/L Shore and F/L MacMahon attended the meeting. The parade was called off as far as our squadron was concerned due to the small number of men that could be provided.
18 Sep 51
G/C Patrick visited the Unit. He inspected the flight of High School Students and gave them a pep talk. What he saw impressed him very much.
24 Sep 51
The Unit was requested to take part in the lining of the streets on the arrival of Princess Elizabeth on October 3, 1951. S/L MacNamara and F/L Bernier attended a meeting at AFHQ in preparation for this occasion.
27 Sep 51
Miss Stokes, who is to be our WD Officer started her duties tonight even though she has not yet been enlisted.
28 Sep 51
A meeting was held in the OC's office, with F/L McDowall, of Uplands, F/L Bernier, F/O Naylon, and F/O Panagapho in attendance. This meeting was held to iron out the supply problems.
10 Oct 51
Today the squadron had its first parade of the month. Their Highness the Princess Eliizabeth and the Duke arrived at 1000 hrs. The squadron was on duty near the arrival point, on Island Park Drive, and the visitors passed our section around 1015. The men were then dismissed and we proceeded to the mess which was made available to officers and men for about one hour.
18 Oct 51
G/C Archambault, OC No 1 Group, visited our unit tonight. He had a long conference with S/L MacNamara, OC of the unit, and went to Uplands to see the officers and airmen at work.
26 Oct 51
W/C Pilon and Mrs Pilon, from Montreal, visited the Unit. Mrs Pilon addressed the Officers' wives and explained to them how to organize the Ladies Auxiliary. A party was held in the mess afterward.
30 Oct 51
S/L Hatton and F/O Patterson, of No 1 Group Aux, Montreal, visited the unit. A staff meeting was held to discuss different administrative problems.
1 Nov 51
S/L MacNamara, F/L Shore, and F/L Kenniger proceeded to Montreal to attend a conference of all the AC&WU's.
4 Nov 51
Anniversary broadcast by CKOY to celebrate first anniversary of the Unit. S/L MacNamara, F/L Kenniger, F/L McMahon, F/O Stokes (WD) and LAC Hogan took part.
9 Nov 51
A meeting of all u/t controllers was held tonight to discuss the different problems. There was a good attendance and it turned out to be a very successful meeting.
13 Nov 51
A group of officers from 2400 AC&WU (Aux), Toronto, arrived at the Unit for a three-day visit. They are here to study our training organization.
29 Nov 51
S/L MacNamara, F/L Shore, F/L MacMahon, and F/O Panagapho went to Toronto to visit 2400 AC&WU (Aux).
1 Dec 51
F/L Bernier and F/O JK Allison proceeded to Nr 1 Group HQ on a visit. They discussed administrative problems.
6 Dec 51
F/L Bernier began a month of continuous employment with the unit. The purpose of his employment will be the reorganizatio of the OR and accumulation of information for the unit's Standing Orders.
21 Dec 51
The Ladies Auxiliary had a Christmas party in the afternoon for the children of the auxiliary and regular personnel. F/O Walker played the part of Santa. The affairs was a great success. At night, a squadron dance was held at Beaver Barracks. There was a good representation of officers but the airmen's attendance was poor.
31 Dec 51
A New Year's Eve dance was held at 7 Delaware Avenue for the officers. It was a great success.
1952
6 Jan 52
A staff meeting was held at 7 Delaware to discuss training and admin matters. It was decided that adminstration would be moved to Uplands and that training would be on two nights only: Monday and Wednesday. Admin nights will be the same as training nights. Recruiting will be on Monday and Friday. Arrangements have been made whereby the Ottawa RU will handle the recruiting, effective January 7, 1952.
10 Jan 52
Administration was moved from 7 Delaware to No 2 Bldg Uplands. F/Ls Shore and Bernier supervised the move.
14 Jan 52
To keep a closer check on the attendance it has been decided to have a roll-call parade every Monday and Wednesday night, beginning tonight.
27 Feb 52
A lecture was given to the officers and airmen by F/L Bernier and F/O Allison on administration, organization and discipline.
N.B. March, April, May - Due to very heavy work and limited time available, it has not been possible to keep a record of the activities during these three months.
1 Jun 52
The second list of promotions was received today. The following were promoted to the rank of F/L: F/O JK Allison, F/O D Graham, F/O F Wyght.
18 Jun 52
The first rehearsal in preparation for the Group Commander's visit was held tonight. F/L TA Shore OC(S) was Squadron Commander. F/L Bernier was Sqn Adjt. WO2 Morgan, Uplands Station Warrant Officer supervised the proceedings.
20 Jun 52
F/Ls TA Shore, FO Bernier, McMahon, F Wyght, and F/O Vincent proceeded on TD to Petawawa Army Camp to make final arrangements for the summer camp. They were received by Major CD Campbell, and were introduced to the Camp Commandant, Lt Col Douglas, who took them on a tour of the camp in his jeep. They had dinner with the Camp Commandant after which a meeting was held with Major Campbell, Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Goss to discuss the various problems of administration and supply. The meeting was a success. All the officers on this trip were impressed by the discipline and effeciency at Camp Petawawa.
Another event, which took place in June, also should be reported: On Air Force Day, 14 June, a booth was operated by this unit at RCAF Station Rockcliffe which had been opened to the public. It was a great success, thanks to the efforts of F/O J May and P/O P Martin, who had volunteered for the job.
4 Jul 52
The first mess dinner was held tonight at 7 Delaware Avenue. The guest speaker was Col G Drew, leader of the Opposition. The other guests were: AVMs Smith and Wait; G/Cs Roy, of No 1 Grp HQ and Wray of ADC; W/C Malloy, OC RCAF Station Uplands; and S/L Heghtveit, of Uplands. The evening was a great success.
9 Jul 52
A muster parade was held at 7 Delaware for all the members of the squadron who will attend summer camp. F/L FO Bernier informed all members present as to the content of the Admin Order relating to administration, discipline, supply and training. F/O F Stokes held a similar meeting for the WDs.
12 Jul 52
The squadron proceeded to summer camp this morning at 0615. The first group left by PMC.
N.B. The two weeks from July 12 to July 27 were spent at summer camp. A short report on the various activities is submitted in the appendix attached hereto.
28 Jul 52
The squadron returned to Ottawa today.
1 Aug 52
F/L VC MacDonald was appointed acting CO, replacing S/L FJ MacNamara who will be residing in Montreal.
Very little activity for the rest of the month due to vacation.
8 Sep 52
F/L MacDonald and F/L Bernier attended conference at AFHQ to make arrangements for Unit to take part in the Battle of Britain parade.
16 Sep 52
F/L DB Graham was appointed CO of this Unit, to replace S/L MacNamara who has been appointed CO of No 1 RMC Montreal. F/L Graham was one of the firts officers to enlist in this Unit.
18 Sep 52
F/L Graham, CO 2416 AC&WU, held his first CO's parade. The CO was very satisfied with the turn-out, and with the general deportment of officers and airmen. He announced that the film "Hawks in the Sun" was to be shown at the Elgin Theatre. Approximately 60 officers, airmen and airwomen attended the showing which had been arranged and paid for by F/L Graham. The film, which was very interesting, was enjoyed by all. (This took place in December).
25 Sep 52
F/O P Gauthier was appointed Asst Adjt to replace F/L Bernier who was on sick leave. F/O Collinge was appointed Senior Controller.
8 Oct 52
The Officers' Mess was the scene of the annual reunion of the Alouette Squadron, which was the occasion for members and ex-members of the squadron to get together.
21 Oct 52
The Airwomen's Mess was officially opened today.
Nov 52
Usual activities. A large number of new members were accepted in the squadron.
18 Dec 52
See above
19 Dec 52
In an effort to remain true to Air Force tradition that officers serve airmen and airwomen at Xmas, a party was held in the Airmen's Canteen where officers donned aprons, rolled up their sleeves and served refreshments and food to the airmen and airwomen. After the party it seemed that the airmen and airwomen really enjoyed themselves. It was a good experience and it is felt that it should be carried out on a bigger scale next year.
20 Dec 52
The airmen and airwomen held a Xmas dance, at 7 Delaware, which turned out to be very successful. In the afternoon, the Ladies Auxiliary had held a Xmas party for the children at which F/O Walker played the part of Santa.
22 Dec 52
A Xmas party was held at 7 Delaware for the officers of the unit. A very enjoyable evening for all present.
31 Dec 52
The officers and their wives attended the New Year's Eve party held at RCAF Station Uplands. The party was well organized and it turned out to be a most enjoyable affair.
In December, F/O D Kemptson was appointed Sports Officer and F/O G Morgan PRO.
And so we end 1952! During the past 18 months much has been accomplished in all phases of our work in spite of many difficulties which are usually encountered by a reserve unit. The Staff has great plans for the coming year, and as we welcome 1953 we can look forward with confidence to still greater progress.