Grostenquin France

Extracts from 2 Wing Historical Reports Pertaining to PMQs

22 Jul 53

G/C Weiser and W/C EHM Walsh visited the proposed site for the erection of married personnel quarters in St. Avold. They inspected the area on the Van Heck farm as to feasibility and acceptability of the area for such construction.

27 Sep 53

MG Destrimo and Lt. Col. J Duchausois, of the French Liaison Mission in Paris, visited the unit and conferred with the CO on the construction of housing for RCAF personnel on the VanHeck farm, outside of St. Avold.

22 Jun 54

Mr. A Deschamps of DCL (Paris), together with W/C J Griffiths and W/C FP Baker, visited the unit and discussed progress on married quarters being constructed in St. Avold. Lt. Col. PA O'Connor, Canadian Army HQ, Soest, Germany, was also in attendance.

21 Jul 54

S/L JE McClure visited unit on TD from Air Division and discussed ME matters relative to married quarters in St. Avold with CTechO.

22 Jul 54

Visitors from Air Division on duty were S/L J McLure on ME requirements for married quarters in St. Avold.

26 Jul 54

Visitors to the station were F/L R Cressman, Air Division HQ, who accompanied Mr. A Deschamps, DCL in Paris, on a tour of the married quarters in St. Avold. F/O LG Boyle has been appointed Wing Housing Officer and is organizing the operation prior to the dependents mving in which will be some time in late 1954.

12 Oct 54

Visitors to the station were Mr. W Soutar, Canada, Mr. R Havard, Paris, W/C WM Smith and F/L AK Kennedy from Air Division HQ who reported on furniture allotment for PMQs. Reports indicate that furniture received from the French contractor has been found to be very acceptable and of good quality.

27 Oct 54

Visitors to the unit from AFHQ were G/C M Doyle, W/C J Knight, Mr. W Loynes, Mr. NJ Smith, and W/C C Baker from Air Division HQ. This group is a follow up visit paid recently by A/C D Blaine. They visited PMQs at St. Avold and conferred with the CO on accommodation, buildings, messes and institutes.

1 Nov 54

Mr. A Deschamp, DCL head in Paris and F/L R Cressman arrived and conferred with the CTechO and CO on the St. Avold housing project.

3 Nov 54

CO, accompanied by F/L L Pond Air Division HQ SOCE Branch, paid a visit to the PMQ project at St. Avold.

4 Jan 56

Mr. Aubert had a conference with CO about PMQ deficiencies.

2 Feb 56

Cold spell continuing, more and more greatcoats appearing. Many frozen radiators. PMQ residents now living entirely in kitchens with gas on trying to keep warm. Many of the apartments are without water.

7 Oct 57

Very little flying due to Evacuation practice in the morning. Dependents from PMQs, trailers and French economy partook in practice evacuation. approximately 25% turned out.