Grostenquin France

1956 - Deployment at Rabat - Don Norrie


Two Armourers - LAC "Don" Dempsey, and LAC "Bill" Johnson - outside the barracks in Rabat (416 Sqn) May 1956. Note the corrugated steel used as a foot rest which was part of the original runway material used during WW2. Also a painted spinner from a WW2 aircraft can be seen through Bill's legs. These were dormitory type barracks, and the worst of my military career. Additionally, I should mention that the mess hall food was prepared by Moroccans under the supervision of RCAF cooks. I don't know if the ration entitlement was lacking, or if it was just the food preparation, but once again the very worst military grub I ever ate. If it was not for the USAF, Site 10 base across the airfield that had a snack bar, we all would have been under-nourished. In retrospect, to me and many of my compatriots, it showed the lack of concern for the well being of the airmen by the RCAF brass. All of us lost weight while in Rabat, yet no one would pass up a chance to go there. Why? Because it was a nice break away from our home bases carrying out "live gunnery" the closest you could get to the "real thing". Not to mention new scenery, a lovely beach, "Suzannes" and the "Vine Covered Shack". Only those that were there will know the meaning of the last two references.