Vol. 1  No. 15  June 2005

PRESIDENT - Al Dunphy
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (902) 621 0880

NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
I would like to thank everyone who attended our June meeting at the Corbett Lounge, Slemon Park. It was nice to see some of our members back who have been absent due to various reasons. Thanks to Syd Clay, who provided the Spitfire video for the members’ viewing pleasure. I think that having an aviation related video to show to our members at our meetings is a good idea when a speaker is not available. On behalf of all members, I would like to thank Past President Roy Ramsay for all his hard work over the years. Roy will go into the history books as having the distinction of being the first President of the Carl Burke, MBE, Chapter of the CAHS in this Province. If any of our members can come up with ideas that might be of interest to our organization within the scope of CAHS, please feel free to bring them forward. I would also emphasize, what Roy said in the past, that we invite a potential new member along to a meeting.

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (RAF) AND THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHARLOTTETOWN AIRPORT. (Serial five; final article.)
By May 1, 1943, courses #89 (Pilots) and #33 (Observers) each containing 48 aircrew graduates were posted to operational training stations throughout the Commonwealth, but most to Debert, Nova Scotia. The training continued at a pace with courses arriving and departing weekly. On average, 100 Anson training sorties were flown daily in the Gulf. These sorties were enlivened by frequent reports of submarine sightings which were, at times, thought to be confused with whales or other marine life, nevertheless, these had to be assumed to be submarine and prosecuted accordingly. In the month of May alone approximately ten submarine sightings were reported. This had the effect to diverting training sorties to conduct submarine datum searches and to conduct attacks as appropriate. These sightings presented a two-fold problem for the Commanding Officer (CO) of the General Reconnaissance School. Firstly, the sightings, whether submarine or whale, caused disruptions for the regular training routine, thereby, requiring addition sorties to complete or redo the training task. Secondly, with the increased opportunity to attack and destroy submarines, Eastern Command ordered training aircraft to be loaded with depth bombs. This created an overloading problem for the Anson during take-off with three 250 pound bombs and a four-man crew. Consequently, when depth bombs were carried the crew was reduced to one Navigator from the normal two. This had the effect of virtually doubling the number of required training sorties. The CO could do very little to deal with the problem of false submarine sighting reports, but on the other hand, he directed that each Anson would be up-loaded with two depth bomb rather than the normal load of three. This allowed two navigators to be trained on each sortie. On May 17, Anson AX245 piloted by P/O H.N. Potts and crew; 1st Nav. Sgt. Burke, 2nd Nav. Sgt. Bolton, and W/Ops LAC Fairfield forced landed on the Iles-de-la Madeleine with carburetor icing problems in bad weather and experienced problems getting airborne later. This is an example of the routine problems the aircrew had to face.

On May 18, the CO #31 GNS, G/C E.A. Burke, reviewed the Charlottetown #60 Air Cadet Squadron with the Station Pipe Band supplying the parade music. During May, Anson maintenance had decreased noticeably and was attributed to a recent change-over of 260 maintenance personnel from the UK. As a result, flying operations were curtailed for a number of days until the new arrivals became proficient in their duties. On May 23, the first Cricket Match of the season was held and the following day Air Vice Marshal D.D. Mc Kean, Chief of Liaison Missions, and Group Captain Seward Air Officer Commanding #12 Group from the UK visited the Station.

Throughout June, submarine sightings continued to be reported and crews with armed Ansons continued to patrol in conjunction with their training operations. Between 70 and 100 sorties were being launched during any one day throughout June. The unfortunate death of AC2 N. Yaffe, W/Op, occurred on
June 30. He alighted from Anson AX218 prior to take-off to check the aircraft Antenna and walked into a propeller. He was buried in the Jewish Cemetery in Moncton on July 1, 1943. At this date, there were a total of 1905 personnel at the Station. This included 1661 RAF, 33 other Commonwealth, 111 RCAF and 100 civilians. This also included 510 Commonwealth trainees, mostly from the UK. There were 75 Ansons of the Mark I type and 5 Ansons of the Mark V type that provided 5937 flying hours for the month of June.

On July 9, 1943, a Hudson aircraft of 145 Squadron, RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland, landed at Station Charlottetown with engine problems at 1528 hours GMT. At 1700 hours, it took-off and did a circuit and tried to land, overshot the runway, and opened up to go around again. It hit the tops of some trees, crashed and burned. Killed was Pilot F/L J.R. Hastie but with only slight injuries to the rest of the crew.

In mid July, courses GRS #90 (Pilots) and #35 (Observers) finished training and were posted out, and routinely two new courses, courses GRS #99 and # 38 arrived for training. Of 70 Anson aircraft which patrolled daily, only 10% were armed. The Station functioned normally with messes providing sports and entertainment activities for the airmen. The Concert Party presented the “Tin Hat” play which was greatly enjoyed by the1200 people who attended. On July 21, the CO of #31 GNS, G/C E.A. Burke, inspected Air Cadet Squadrons #101 Moncton, NB, and Air Cadet Squadron #53 Summerside, PEI, as they finished their summer camps at the Station.

On Aug. 13, 1943, after two and one-half years as Commander at the Station, Group Captain E.A. Burke handed over to Wing Commander P.B. Wood and was flown to Moncton by F/O Urquhart on repatriation to the UK.

On Aug 28, a submarine sighted by an Anson crew dived in position 4651N and 6207W and after circling the position for an hour and 40 minutes the crew was relieved by an operational VENTURA aircraft from Pennfield Ridge, NB. On the same day, it was determined that the attack on the Station barracks Bed Bugs was not successful so arrangements were made to have the barracks fumigated.

By Sep 1, the Anson aircraft inventory Mark type had been virtually reversed in numbers with 81 Anson Mark V’s and 15 Anson Mark I’s, coincidentally, the GNS achieved a monthly flying record total of 6476 hours for August. Also this date, the Station Meteorological Section assumed responsibility of weather forecasting from Maritime Central Airways. Ground instruction and flying training continued at a pace with flying sorties averaging 90 per day. The GNS courses #98 (Pilots) and #39 (Observers) graduated and were posted to Operational Training Stations.

On Sep. 6, 1943, an Anson aircraft collided with a duck, in flight, breaking the windscreen and seriously injuring the Pilot’s right eye. Consequently, one of the crew’s students flew the Anson back to the Station. Two airmen went AWOL by sea on a rickety boat and weren’t seen for two days. A search for them was well underway when the two airmen showed up the two days later, tired and hungry. On Sep. 17, 1943, the last Station Anson Mk I aircraft was flown to RCAF Station Summerside completing the change over to Anson Mk V aircraft.

On Sep. 25, Squadron Leader Russell preceded to the Iles-de-la-Madeleine on the High
Speed Launch to receive a body found washed ashore. The body was identified to be that of Sergeant C.B Crummery, Wing Air Gunner, who was stationed at Debert, NS. He was buried at the Sherwood Cemetery on Sep. 28. The month ended with good flying weather allowing over 100 sorties per day. In early October, G/C H. N. Hampton arrived to assume command of the Station and W/C B.B. Jupp arrived to take over as Chief Instructor. Then on Oct. 13, Air Vice Marshal G.M. Croil, RAF Inspector General, visited and inspected 1476 officers and men on parade. Sport events, including boxing, soccer and rugby provided a diversion from the intensive work for all members of the Station. In rugby, the RAF largely dominated with victories against St. Dunstan's University, and also, Prince of Wales College. These successes compensated for their invariable defeats at ice hockey during winter months. On Oct. 25, the Station provided an Honour Guard of sixty men to welcome the Canadian Minister of Defence, Colonel J. L. Ralston, who attended the fifth Victory Loan Campaign launch at the Empire Theatre in Charlottetown. This concluded a large number of very senior officers’ Station visits throughout September and October 1943.

A funeral for AC1 F.G. Shore who died at the PEI Hospital from acute appendicitis was held at the Station recreation centre and laid to rest at the Sherwood Cemetery on Nov. 13. On Nov. 14, a Douglas
C 47 aircraft # 652 of 164 Air Transport Squadron, Moncton, NB, landed downwind and overshot the runway causing slight damage and some embarrassment. A draft of 65 RAF airmen left the Station for #31 Personnel Depot, Moncton, for repatriation to the UK.

Activities were held regularly during the month of November including: cinema shows, debates, gramophone musicals, and symphony hours. Bowling was in full swing with matches played at the Charlottetown Bowling Club. At the end of November, the 85 Ansons Mark V aircraft accumulated 5389 flying hours for the month.

December began with no flying as the runways were blocked with snow. On Dec. 12, courses GNS #112 (Pilots) and #46(Observers) graduated and were posted out. On Dec. 14, W/C K.N. Corbould and F/L G. R. Grimshaw, Navigation Officers from # 3 Training Command (#3 TC) Montreal, visited the Station in connection with the proposed formation of RCAF #2 Air Navigation School (#2 ANS). The following day G/C F.H. Myrani, Chief Works Officer, and W/C N.B. Wood both from #3 TC, visited the Station in matters related to the proposed change over from the RAF to the RCAF.

 Prior to Xmas, course 114 (Pilots) and 47 (Observers) graduated and were posted out. There was no flying on Xmas day which was celebrated with the usual inter-mess festive activities and visits to local families. And then, on Dec. 30, F/L M.N. Balsillie, Eastern Air Command RAF Liaison Officer, arrived to arrange the posting out of staff officers as #31 GRS began its departure and RCAF #2 ANS began its conversion and take over. For December, the 85 Ansons flew a total of 3732 hours.

No flying occurred on New Years Day, 1944. On Jan. 3, a draft of 99 RAF airmen left the Station on posting to various units in Canada. This was the first movement of RAF personnel under the forthcoming disbandment of #31 GNS. On Jan. 9, Anson 11654 piloted by P/O T. J. Waddell did a forced landing on the ice at Keppoch Beach, near Charlottetown, due to an engine failure while returning from a Navigation training exercise. None of the crew was injured and the Anson received only slight damage. On Jan. 15, courses 116 (Pilots) and 48 (Observers) completed training and were posted out. Air Commodore W. J. Seward(RAF), Air Officer Commanding No. 12 Operational Training Group and F/O M. Brown (RAF) Headquarters Administration visited the Station on Jan 18 to discuss the repatriation of RAF personnel to the UK.

On Jan. 18, the Station Concert Party presented the show “RAF Round Up” in the Recreation Hall. This was the last Station show involving personnel of #31 GNS. The next day, the Station Male Chorus assisted by the Charlottetown Girls presented the “Gondoliers” at the Prince of Wales College Hall in Charlottetown. This event was attended by Air Commodore Seward, Mayor B.B. Holman who thanked the performers and G/C Hampton who paid tribute to all present.

On Jan. 21, a draft of 105 RAF airmen left the Station on posting to various locations in Canada. Also this date, F/L H. Goodenough, #3 Training Command Headquarters, visited the Station in connection with the RCAF assuming command of the Tracadie Bay bombing range. Throughout the next thirty days a series of personnel visited the Station to effect the change over to the RCAF. S/L M.H. Doyle and F/L N. R. Mc Ewan arrived to discuss the disposition of RAF families whose spouses were being posted out. Also, Air Commodore A. Raymond, #3 Training Command, arrived with a large number of staff to discuss the Station change over to RCAF authority.

On Jan. 27, F/L J. Wilson and Nursing Sister P. E. Levett married at St. Paul's Church, Charlottetown. G/C Hampton gave the bride away. A reception was held at the Officers’ Mess.

At the end of January, courses 118 (Pilots) and 49 (Observers) completed training and were posted out. This is the last recorded Observer Course to graduate from #31 GNS. Also, a draft of 76 RCAF airmen arrived as part of the new RCAF #2 Air Navigation School. During the month, a total of 62 staff officers and 400 airmen left on posting in Canada or were repatriated to the UK. Also, at this point in time, the Station strength totalled 1944 personnel. The total monthly flying for January was 3185 hours.

On Feb. 3, a souvenir copy of the Station magazine “Gray” was issued to all Station personnel and to others who were recently posted. The concert “Massey Harris Combines of 1944” was presented at the Station Recreation Centre. On Feb. 7, 16 RCAF NCO’s and airmen arrived on posting to RCAF #2 ANS.

On Feb. 8, the last RAF flying training detail was flown at #31 GNS. Thereafter, there was a daily arrival of RCAF officers and men. The worst blizzard of the winter occurred which caused all traffic to cease and all personnel were confined to the Station. The following day a memorandum was circulated to the families of RAF personnel advising them that on the disbandment of #31 GRS they will be left in Charlottetown awaiting passage to the UK. Then, on Jan. 17, another draft of 250 RAF airmen left the Station on posting to units throughout Canada. Course 121 (Pilots), the last course to train at #31 GNS, graduated on Feb 19 and was posted. The three years of aircrew reconnaissance training by #31 GNS, including Pilots and Observers, totalled 170 courses comprised 8,160 Commonwealth airmen.

On Feb. 21, 1944, #31 GNS RAF Charlottetown, PEI, was disbanded and under the authority of Organization Order Number 320 RCAF #2 ANS came into being. A short time later, G/C D.G. Price (RCAF) took command of the newly formed #2 ANS from G/C Hampton (RAF). There were 84 Anson aircraft and 1478 personnel at the Station at the time. The RCAF Advance Party had taken over the operations of the School aided by a few RAF personnel who still remained. Air Navigation training continued until Jan. 1945 when the RCAF advised Charlottetown officials that plans were being make to move #2 ANS to Summerside in February of that year. However, local officials argued that the City would lose the airport if the RCAF moved to Summerside; consequently, the RCAF deferred the plan. It was not until Jul. 7, 1945, that #2 ANS RCAF was re-located to Station Summerside. On Feb.1, 1946, the responsibility for Charlottetown airport was transferred from the RCAF to the Federal Department of Transport.

Acknowledgements:

chestermn@pei.eastlink.ca

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