Grostenquin France

1951-1952 - 430 Squadron - Larry Milberry

To W/C JF "Stocky" Edwards, the Sabre was one of the all-time great fighters. Edwards was a leading RCAF wartime ace and was OC of 430 Squadron when it formed with Sabres at North Bay in November 1951. Edwards writes, "The Sabre era gave a terrific boost to the RCAF in the fifties, especially after the post-war let-down. This was a "ging-ho" time, with the induction of so many young pilots and groundcrew who would man our Sabre wings. The Sabre was a beautiful, natural fighter plane, filling a place in the fighter pilot's dreams as had the Spitfire".

No. 430 started Sabra flying in February 1952, and, as was usual in the suadrons training for overseas, these were hectic times. The original roster of pilots included W/C Edwards, S/L Paul Gibbs, F/L Jim Fiander, and F/Os RH Aitken, Arch Debenham, JD "Doug" Fitzgerald, Gerry Gagne, John Greatrix, SR "Stan" Keffer, MR "Roy" (Mac) MacGregor, DK "Red" MacKay, SJE Newson, PV Robinson, HBW "Bruce" Sheasby (deceased), Geroge B Shorey, Art Skidmore, RR "Roy" Smith, Les "Birdie" Sparrow, LJ Walter and A "Andy" Whyte. Ground crew and other support personnel numbered about another 200 people.

During the 430 build-up, one curious event took place. Large crates began arriving and were stacked in a hangar. When W/C Edwards enquired about them, his technical officer explained that they contained spare parts and were all being handled in a new "automated" supply system. Everything 430 would need, and all at the push of a button! As more crates arrived, the OC became more curious, but was always told not to worry - just more spares for overseas. One day, though, he insisted in having a look. There were lots of "But sirs" from supply people; but the boss prevailed. A crate was opened, and just as well. Inside, and in box after box destined for Grostenquin, were all the spares in the world that one would need to keep a squadron of P-51 Mustangs running! Automation had failed its first big test as far as W/C Edwards was concerned. Edwards got right on the blower to Air Defence Command HQ, St. Hubert, and things were soon put right. From then on, ADC called him regularly to make sure 430 had everything it needed.

1. W/C JF "Stocky" Edwards, Commander of 430 Squadron - 1952.
   The rest of the story.
   Courtesy Assorted Sources.

2. 430 Squadron at Bagotville on Operation Signpost. (L-R) Denton, Purcell, Froom, Funk, Krikorian and the pretty one in front, Don Hines - July 1952.
   Carling Brewery donated Red Caps to every member of the Squadron and that is why we are all wearing Red Caps. The CO of Bagotville wasn't too pleased.
   Courtesy Don Hines.