Histrical Summary
2 Wing Grostenquin
1 Jun 63 to 31 Dec 63
INTRODUCTION
The Wing was in a state of flux for the whole period of the Summary. Firstly there were the preparations for the de-activation of the F-86 Squadrons. This phase ended with the 421 (F) Squadron “Stand Down Parade” on the 31 Jul 63 and Operation “Sal Siesta” on the 12 Aug 63, when 421 (F) Squadron F-86s were flown to Prestwick Scotland.
The next phase, that of preparation and converting to a new role, began with the departure of the F-86s, and the arrival of the first CF-104 by C-130 Transport on 17 Aug 63 and continuing with the assembly of CF-104s and the arrival of the Squadrons. 430 STR/R Squadron arrived as a unit on 4 Sep 63 and 421 STR/R Squadron on 6 Nov 63.
An occurrence which had a serious affect on the base was the unexpected illness and untimely death of G/C RE MacBride with the resulting changes of Commanding Officers until the arrival of G/C ER Johnston.
MAJOR FUNCTION OF 2 WING
Until the 31 Jul 63 the major role of 2 Wing was that of Air Defence. Subsequently the role was Strike/Recce with the squadrons and the major units of 2 Wing training toward the goal of Operational Readiness.
OPERATIONS
The only Operations or Exercises which were held during the period were “Sal Siesta: for 430 (F) Squadron on 4 Jun 63 and 421 (F) Squadron on 12 Aug 63. These exercises were uneventful.
Exercise “Swift Travel”, an escape and evasion exercise was held from 19 Nov 63 to 25 Nov 63. Four aircrew from the Unit participated . Except for tired troops and blisters this exercise was successful and uneventful.
TRAINING
Aside from normal squadron training, only Nuclear Defence and Security Training was carried out for Unit personnel on an “as required” basis.
TECHNICAL
Major Technical activity consisted of the re-assembly and acceptance of CF-104s.
OFFICIAL VISITS
A/V/M LE Wray, the retiring Air Officer Commanding of 1 Air Division made a farewell visit to 2 Wing on 11 Jun 63. A Ceremonial Parade was held. The new Chief of Staff A/C RC Stovel visited 2 Wing on two occasions. His first visit, on the 21 Aug 63 was a familiarizing visit and the second on 8 Oct 63 was to make investitures as Acting Air Officer Commanding. LAC RG Cole received the British Empire Medal and LAC RW McLaughlin, the Queen’s Commendation for brave conduct. Both airmen were instrumental in saving the lives of three children during a fire in a RCAF PMQ at St. Avold France.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Public relation activity consisted of the introduction of our new aircraft to the public in the area and routine activity.
(ER Johnston) G/C
CO 2 Wing RCAF
Major Activities
1 Jun 63 to 31 Dec 63
4 Jun 63
430 (F) Squadron flew their Sabres to Prestwick.
11 Jun 63
A Farewell Parade and Reception was held at 2 Wing for the retiring Air Officer Commanding of 1 Air Division A/V/M LE Wray.
29 Jul 63
The Commanding Officer of 2 Wing, G/C RE MacBride died in the US Army Hospital in Landstuhl Germany.
31 Jul 63
421 (F) Squadron stand down parade was held at 2 Wing.
1 Aug 63
The Curling Rink which was under construction at 2 Wing collapsed this morning - three French civilians were injured.
2 Aug 63
Funeral service for G/C MacBride was held in the 2 Wing Protestant Chapel. Interment Service was held at the Canadian Military Cemetery at Choloy. Many French dignitaries attended along with Senior RCAF Officers.
13 Aug 63
421 (F) Squadron Sabres were flown to Prestwick Scotland.
4 Sep 63
It was announced today that 832 G/C ER Johnston had been appointed the new Commanding Officer for 2 Wing. W/C HR Knight, OC 430 STR/R Squadron arrived at 2 Wing.
15 Sep 63
Approximately 85 French Civilians, mostly Mayors and dignitaries from the local area were guests of the Wing. A briefing on 2 Wing’s new role was given. Also, the guests viewed the CF-104 in the air and on the ground. Guests were entertained in the Officers Mess following the briefing and display.
8 Oct 63
A Ceremonial Parade was held at Grostenquin for LAC RC Cole, who was invested with the BEM Medal and LAC RW McLaughlin, who was presented with the Queen’s Commendation for brave conduct, and 28 recipients of the clasp to the CD or the CD. A/C RC Stovel Chief of Staff, 1 Air Division, Acting Air Officer Commanding presented the decorations.
6 Nov 63
The OC 421 STR/R Squadron, S/L Theriault and five squadron pilots arrived at 2 Wing.
16 Nov 63
Hon Mr. Cardin, Assistant Deputy Minister of National Defence made a brief visit to 2 Wing. He departed from the Wing, by air, the same morning.
26 Nov 63
G/C ER Johnston and family arrived at 2 Wing by Air from Marville. The Acting Commanding Officer W/C Knight and the Branch Heads met the Group Captain.
19 Dec 63
The new Sous-Prefet of Forbach, M Heckenroth, made a protocol visit to the Station. He was met by G/C Johnston, shown a CF-104 and various Wing establishment. A luncheon was held in his honour in the Officers Mess.
30 Dec 63
A 2 Wing Bristol aircraft, attached to 109 KU, returning from Gatwick England crashed while executing a GCA approach at 1 Wing Marville. Out of eleven passengers and crew aboard, eight were killed and three were seriously injured in the crash.
(ER Johnston) G/C
CO 2 Wing RCAF
NARRATIVE REPORT
2 (F) WING RCAF
1 Jun 63 to 31 Dec 63
4 Jun 63
430 (F) Squadron flew their Sabres to Prestwick today.
9 - 16 Jun 63
The Band of the RCAF gave concerts in local town and villages.
11 Jun 63
A farewell visit from the Air Officer Commanding, 1 Air Division, A/V/M LE Wray took place today. During a parade many CDs were presented by A/V/M Wray along with the Fire Prevention Award. A reception in the Officers Mess followed.
17 Jun 63
One of the many visits by children to the station took place today. Some 100 children from a local institution toured the station.
27 Jun 63
Mr. Mazoil, French Minister of Construction was in-transit at 2 Wing.
A Mess Dinner was held in honour of S/L Racine who is retiring shortly from the RCAF.
7 Jul 63
The Annual Franco-Canadian Friendship Day took place today. Many of the mayors from the surrounding towns and villages were on the station. A reception was held in the Officer Mess.
8 Jul 63
Mr. Bokanowsky, French Minister of Industry was in transit at 2 Wing.
14 Jul 63
Bastille Day Parades were held at Morhange and St. Avold. RCAF representatives laid wreaths at each place.
The Commanding Officer G/C ER MacBride was moved from the 3 Wing Hospital to the US Army Hospital in Landstuhl.
29 Jul 63
The Commanding Officer G/C MacBride died today at the US Army Hospital in Landstuhl Germany.
31 Jul 63
A stand down parade for 421 (F) Squadron was held today.
1 Aug 63
The Curling Rink which was under construction at this Unit collapsed. Three French workers were injured (two seriously).
2 Aug 63
The funeral for the late G/C RE MacBride, Commanding Officer, 2 Wing was held this morning. The funeral service took place in the Protestant Chapel and was attended by a large number of French Civilian and Military officials from the local area. A/V/M and Mrs. Bradshaw and many senior RCAF Officers were present.
News Media representatives from Luxembourg TV and the local newspapers including "Le Replicain Lorrain" were in attendance.
Renovations in the Officers Mess commenced. An extension to the Lorraine Lounge is being constructed.
13 Aug 63
The F-86 Sabres of 421 Squadron were flown to Prestwick.
14 Aug 63
The new SASO, G/C RL Denison visited the Wing. He was briefed on the wing operations and toured various establishments.
17 Aug 63
The first C-130 transporting a CF-104 arrived at 2 Wing.
21 Aug 63
The new Chief of Staff, A/C Stovel, visited 2 Wing. He was briefed on the various aspects of the Wing and also toured the Wing.
The first of the 2 Wing CF-104 aircraft (assembled in 4 Wing) was flown in to the base.
4 Sep 63
W/C HR Knight, OC 430 STR/R Squadron arrived on the Unit. W/C Bauer, COpsO received W/C Knight and assisted him in the task of getting settled in.
832 G/C ER Johnston was appointed the new Commanding Officer of 2 Wing effective date 1 Dec 63 or sooner.
11 Sep 63
Dr. McKerracher, Professor Psychiatry, from the University of Saskatchewan, paid a visit to the 2 Wing Infirmary. The Acting CO (W/C Phillips) and a small group of officers had lunch with the professor.
11 - 12 Sep 63
A group of seven News Media Representatives of various cities and regions of Canada were guests of the Wing. They were given a briefing, taken on a tour of the CF-104 assembly operations and establishment and also various Wing institutes. Several airmen were interviewed by them. The representatives were entertained and were served dinner in the Officers Mess accompanied by the Acting CO (W/C Phillips) and several officers.
15 Sep 63
The Mayors and their representatives from the surrounding areas were invited on the Wing for an exposé on our new role and aircraft. Approximately 85 persons were present. They were welcomed by the Acting CO and the PRO who delivered a short speech on the new role of the Wing, our new aircraft and how it would affect the local citizens. They were treated to both a static display and an aerial demonstration of the CF-104. The display “Sound of Security” was also available for the occasion. After the program the guests were served refreshments and hors-d’oeuvres on the patio of the Officers Mess. Photographs of the guests as a group with a CF-104 in the background were mass produced and each guest was given a copy before he left, along with other information pamphlets. It is felt that the whole program was very successful.
The DND Teachers who had recently arrived on the Wing were also taken on a tour of some of the operational areas of the Wing after having attended a briefing. They viewed various static display aircraft and saw the CF-104 in flight.
19 Sep 63
M. Ronciere, Sous-Prefet de Boulay, the Mayor of Faulquemont and several French military officers were guests of the Wing for a brief period. They attended a briefing, were shown a static CF-104 display and taken on a tour of the RAPCON installation.
14 - 22 Sep 63
The Wing organized a personal Safety Equipment Display for a stand reserved for the RCAF at the “Foire Exposition du Bassin Houiller” which was held in St. Avold from the 14 - 22 Sep. In addition the CO attended the inauguration ceremonies on the 14 Sep and a reception on 21 Sep. The 21 Sep at the Fair was Franco-Canadian Day and the 2 Wing Band paraded in the City and gave a short concert on the Fair Grounds.
26 - 27 Sep 63
Mr. Bob Lockhart, Manager, Fundy Broadcasting Corp., St. John NB, accompanied by the SOPR visited the Wing. Mr. Lockhart interviewed personnel from the St. John NB area and took various photographs of F/L Lorne Tapp, CEPE who was about to test fly a CF-104.
29 Sep 63
Mr. Jack Marshall from the Star Weekly arrived in the early morning aboard a C-130 Hercules delivering a CF-104 from Canada. Mr. Marshall covered the unloading operations later in the morning and also acquired material for a story on a Flight Lieutenant and his family attending church services.
Mr. Stafford, Boy Scouts of Canada Executive visited 2 Wing. At a meeting in the evening Mr. Stafford addressed all Scouters and Group Committee Members.
1 Oct 63
A/C Hull, Chief of Staff ADCHQ visited the Wing. He attended a briefing given by the Branch Heads and toured the OFTT installation, 430 ST/R Squadron and the CF-104 Maintenance Hangar.
8 Oct 63
The A/AOC, A/C Stovel presented the British Empire Medal to LAC RG Cole and the Queens Commendation for brave conduct to LAC RW McLaughlin at a ceremonial parade held for that purpose. A/C Stovel also presented 27 CDs to airmen of 2 Wing.
After the parade A/C and Mrs. Stovel, the Commanding Officer W/C HR Knight and Mrs. Knight attended a reception held in the Airmens Mess in honour of LAC Cole and LAC McLaughlin.
19 Oct 63
A choir from Emmersweiler (Saar) of approximately 40 members were guests of the Wing and Sergeants Mess, they toured various Wing establishments - visited a Dakota and T-33 aircraft static display.
After the tour, the group were guest of the Sgts Mess for refreshments. In the evening the choir gave an excellent performance of music and singing for the enjoyment of the NCOs and their wives.
6 Nov 63
S/L G Theriault OC 421 STR/R Squadron and a number of the squadron pilots arrived on the unit.
16 Nov 63
Honourable Mr. Cardin, Associate Minister of National Defence visited the Wing briefly and left by service aircraft. He was accompanied by A/V/M Bradshaw, AOC 1 Air Division.
21 Nov 63
The A/CO W/C HR Knight presented four CD clasps and seven CDs to eligible personnel of 2 Wing at a special ceremony.
26 Nov 63
The new Commanding Officer for 2 Wing, G/C ER Johnston and his family arrived at 2 Wing by service aircraft about noon. The Acting Commanding Officer W/C HR Knight, and most senior officers of this Wing were on hand to greet him.
3 Dec 63
Two News Media representatives visited the Unit. Mr. Cribvins from the Victoria Times, Victoria BC and Mr. Mathieu from CJLR Radio, Quebec City. They interviewed personnel from their respective areas and were shown around the station.
6 Dec 63
The Air Force Police of 2 Wing held an annual Christmas reception for Members of the Gendarmerie and French Customs Officials in the area with whom they work very closely throughout the year. Among the guests; Commandant Werner from Dijon, Chief of the Gendarmerie de l’air for the 1st Aerial Region, Capitaine Clemenceaux from Forbach and Lieutenant Flamand from Boulay.
11 Dec 63
French Mayors and Military Commanders (Numbering 16) from the area of Grostenquin, and their wives were guests of the Commanding Officer for the evening. They attended a hockey game and a reception in the Officers Mess.
19 Dec 63
M. Heckenroth, Sous-Prefet of Forbach paid a brief visit to the station. He was greeted by the Commanding Officer, G/C ER Johnston and shown a CF-104 by S/L Theriault, OC 421 Squadron. M Heckenroth was entertained at a luncheon in the Officers Mess attended by the Commanding Officer, Cmdt Fauroux, the French Liaison Officer and a group of officers.
30 Dec 63
A 2 Wing Bristol aircraft, attached to 109 KU, returning from Gatwick England crashed while executing a GCA approach at 1 Wing Marville. Out of eleven passengers and crew aboard, eight were killed and three were seriously injured in the crash.