Grostenquin France

Extracts from 2 Wing Historical Reports Pertaining to the Officer's Mess

26 Jun 53

The Officer's Mess has shown a marked improvement in construction and appearance. The dining hall, ante-rooms and games rooms have been completely repainted and furniture and window drapes installed. Dining facilities have also been completed which has added to the pleasure of all as well as to their comfort.

23 Jan 54

A dining in night was held in the Officers Mess which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially since a strenuous week was completed by a majority of the F/O's in completing their qualifying examinations.

19 Feb 54

Dining-in night for unit officers.

6 Mar 54

An informal birthday party was tendered the CO on the occasion of his birthday in the Officers' Mess.

26 Mar 54

Mess Dinner in the Officers' Mess tonight.

21 Apr 54

Mess Dinner Officers Mess 1830 hours.

10 May 54

W/C Foster has also assumed the assignment of PMC of the Officers Mess.

25 Jun 54

Informal farewell receptions held in Officers Mess for F/L R Osborne and F/O D Prentice who are being repatriated to Canada.

1 Jul 54

The Officers Mess had a reception at which local French civilians from the immediate area were invited to attend. It proved to be very successful. The attendance was good and all present commented on the success of the occasion. The Officers Mess was very appropriately decorated for the occasion.

3 Jul 54

An informal reception was held in the Officers Mess.

5 Jul 54

An informal "Welcome In" night was held in the Officers' Mess for the American officers who will be with the unit for a week.

13 Aug 54

A farewell party was held in the Officers Mess for W/C JC McCarthy, CAdO who is being repatriated to Canada and is being replaced by W/C AWC Tustin.

2 Sep 54

A farewell party was held in the Officers Mess for F/O HE Brown of 109 Comm Flight and F/O LN Marshall of 416 Squadron who are being repatriated to Canada on posting.

10 Sep 54

A farewell party was held in the Officers Mess for F/O J Kupkee of 109 Comm Flight.

20 Sep 54

Officers Mess meeting held in the Officers Mess.

5 Oct 54

F/L J Jackson and F/O L Boyle departed by air for Munich, Germany, to purchase equipment for the Officers' Mess.

12 Oct 54

New tile floors also being completed in Officer's Mess.

19 Oct 54

A general meeting was held in the Officers Mess.

22 Oct 54

A formal Mess Dinner was held in the Officers Mess.

25 Oct 54

A farewell party was held in the Officers Mess for F/L CA Debenham, 430 (F) Squadron who is repatriated to RCAF Station MacDonald.

18 Nov 54

A formal mess dinner was held at which the AOC, A/V/M HL Campbell and S/L M Doyle attended as guests of honour.

22 Nov 54

Regular monthly meeting of Officers Mess was held.

1 Dec 54

A Formal Mess Dinner was held in the Officers Mess, this was followed by a "Television Programme" put on by 421 (F) Squadron.

6 Dec 54

A going away party was held in the Officers Mess for F/L CM Campbell, Wing Adjutant and F/O R Norton, 421 (F) Squadron.

16 Dec 54

The monthly meeting of the Officers Mess was held this evening with the new PMC, W/C AN Lecheminant in the chair.

23 Dec 54

A cocktail party was held in the Officers' Mess at 1800 hours.

26 Dec 54

A cocktail party in the Officers Mess from 1600 hours to 1800 hours.

31 Dec 54

A dance was held in the Officers Mess in the evening.

1 Jan 55

The Sgts. were received in the Officers mess in the morning.

4 Feb 55

Mess dinner to be held this evening.

25 Feb 55

Farewell party held tonight for departing officers, F/L E Cox, F/O HE McCaffrey and F/O LF O'Donnell.

25 May 55

Mess dinner held. W/V Gads was guest of honour.

25 Dec 55

The Officers gathered at the Sgts. Mess at 1100 hours for refreshments, then led by CO and PMC Sgts. Mess, complete with garbage can drums, proceeded at 1200 hours to the Airmen's Mess to serve turkey dinner. The dinner was excellent. Christmas menus graced the table, free cigarettes were put out for all, and all the airmen and airwomen were a credit to the service in their behaviour. A chorus of Officers and NCOs sang carols at the conclusion of the meal to the delight of everyone. This Christmas was enjoyed by everyone even though there was no snow.

3 Feb 56

Officers' Mess having a mess dinner this evening.

9 Mar 56

Mess Dinner in the Officers Mess tonight.

14 Mar 56

Archbishop Roy, Archbishop Berry and Father Brochu arrived 2 (F) Wing at 1700 hours. Remained overnight, gave mass for the personnel and attended a small dinner in the Officers' Mess.

23 Mar 56

Farewell party in the Officer's Mess tonight for S/L Lett and F/L Patterson of 416 Squadron and F/O Wagner of 421 Squadron.

13 Apr 56

Mr. HV Tucker of DOT visited the Station accompanied by W/C Pincock to inspect Met facilities. Mr. Tucker was a guest at the dining-in night held in the Officers' Mess.

1 May 56

An informal dinner was held in the Mess in the evening.

7 Dec 56

. Dining-in tonight in honour of Squadron personnel leaving for Canada on 5 Jan 57.

14 Dec 56

A mess dinner was held in the Officers' Mess for the disbandment of 416 (F) Squadron. A/V/M HB Godwin was the guest speaker. A very enjoyable skit was put on by the departing members of the three Squadrons.

11 Jan 57

Dining-in night held at Officers' Mess.

31 May 57

Visitors again today. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Honourable President of the Air Cadet League, Mr. Ross, General Manager Air Cadet League, A/M Leckie and W/C Scovill arrived on this unit at 1500 hours. Toured base and in the evening the visiting male personnel attended dining-night at the Officers' Mess.

28 Jun 57

Merry party in the mess this evening for CO, S/L Fulford, S/L Sansovey, F/L Beal and F/O Rose.

29 Jun 57

Cocktail party in honour of G/C and Mrs Newson held in the Officers' Mess in the evening. S/L Rousell presented a painting from the Mess to the departing CO.

1 Jul 57

Reception for local church dignitaries in the Officers' Mess from 1600-1800 hours in celebration of Canada Day.

7 Jul 57

G/C Newson gave a cocktail party in the Officers' Mess at 1530 hours on Sunday for all members of the mess.