No. 3 Service Flying Training School Calgary

Contact Information

Copyright - No part of this material (unless credited to another source - Crown Copyright, RCAF, IWM, AWM, Library and Archives Canada, London Gazette, etc.) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author. Some excerpts on this site are from the book, Immigrants of War.

Every reasonable effort has been made to locate copyright owners. Contact me if you identify yourself as the copyright owner of material on this website and object to its continued availability online.

I welcome any photos and information about No. 3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary.

Please contact:

wpf13or14@gmail.com

Flying Instructors

(C/1459) Robert William Rouviere Day - 81/402/412/416/421 Sqns., DFC 67 Sqn., Vancouver, B.C.; +(C/1450) Ian McDonnell Sutherland Brown, Victoria; (C1646) John Thomas Reed - 422/512 Sqns., DFC 437 Sqn., Ottawa; +(J/2934) Lloyd Martin Linnell - KIA, 434 Sqn.; Milton Stober, Montreal; R.G. Gray; (J/3484) Arthur James Lewington - DFC & Bar 420/433 Sqns., Oshawa; (J/8774) J.E. Sherman; (J/7283) E.J.K. Leclaire; (C4328) D.J. Corcoran - PoW; G.J. MacDonald; R.T. Sheard; S. Reynolds; W.L.E. Walker; (J/2936) J.M. Davis; (R/52820) J.H. Simpson; Almond (Bruce) Whiteford; (R/56876) G.F. Ryan; (C1646) J.T. Reed; (R/56855) J.R.C. Bishop; + J.R. Brunnell; (J/10995) H. Somerville; (J/10989) J.F. Hadley; (J/3197) B.W. Power nav; T.W. Reade; (J/13048) J.W. Rothenbush; R.C. Aldworth; E.J. Geddes; G.D. Hewer; H.A.P. Poyntz; +(J/6181) Ronald Hubert Sherback - 428 Sqn.; +(J/9361) Donald Hugh John Chapman (7 SF); +(J/20575) Earl William Carlson; (J/11260 - R/110197) Robert Allardyce Kerr - (Co. 46 11 SF), Courtney, B.C.; L.B. Eberhardt; R.K. Banister; (J/20577) R.O. Hetherington; +(J10958) Robert Oswald Brown - FI 3/11 SF, 414 Sqn., Daysland, AB

Copyright - No part of this material (unless credited to another source - Crown Copyright, RCAF, IWM, AWM, Library and Archives Canada, London Gazette, etc.) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author. Some excerpts on this site are from the book, Immigrants of War.

Every reasonable effort has been made to locate copyright owners. If you identify yourself as the copyright owner of material on this website and object to its continued availability online, please contact: wpf13@hotmail.com

I welcome any photos and information about No. 3 Service Flying Training School, Currie Field, Calgary

(404099) Squadron Leader Charles Arbuthnot Crombie (DSO, DFC)

(Photo: Wing Commander J. A. O'Neill (left) congratulated Pilot Officer Charles Crombie (right) on his success in shooting down two Japanese bombers and damaging a third over Calcutta on the night of 19 January 1943) Squadron Leader Charles Arbuthnot Crombie, DSO, DFC, of Warwick, Queensland, a famous RAAF ace, killed in 1945 when the Bristol Beaufighter he was piloting crashed at Williamstown, N.S.W. Sq-Ldr. Crombie had a brilliant reputation as an RAAF pilot in the United Kingdom, India, and Malta, with a score of 12 enemy aircraft shot down. Near Calcutta, Sq-Ldr. Crombie attacked four Japanese aircraft, destroying two before he and his observer were compelled to abandon their own machine, which was set on fire. He was awarded the DSO. As a Beaufighter pilot, he subsequently won the DFC in Malta for outstanding service in air operations. Distinguished Service Order citation: "As pilot and observer respectively Flying Officer Crombie and Warrant Officer Moss R.A.F. have flown together in many night flying operations in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and in India. They have destroyed eight enemy aircraft and damaged another. One night in January, (19) 1943, they destroyed two of a formation of four Japanese aircraft before being compelled to abandon their own aircraft which was set on fire during the engagement. Flying Officer Crombie and Warrant Officer Moss have displayed great courage, determination and devotion to duty."

Course 10: October 26 - December 24, 1940

Course (2nd RAAF Empire Air Training Scheme draft sent to Canada) embarked at Sydney October 3, 1940 - disembarked at Vancouver October 25, 1940.

First class to graduate from No. 3 SFTS, Currie Barracks. Wing Commander D.A. Ross, officer commanding the station presented wings to the Australian graduates.

(404180) Arthur Leslie Mervyn Spurgin (DFC) 89 Squadron - December 4, 1941 - August 1943. Citation: "In operations in North Africa this officer has destroyed five enemy aircraft. He is a skilful and courageous pilot and sets a fine example which has been an inspiration to others."

Despite their multi-engine training, McCann, Gazzard, Cowan, Costello Hanigan and Stuart, ended up flying fighters with 452 Squadron.

(404099) Charles Arbuthnot Crombie, +(402144) Raymond Edward Thorold-Smith (DFC), (402123) Harold Victor Jenkins, +(402145) Allan Henry Wood, (402146) John Newcome Wright, +(402142) Standish Locksley St. Vincent-Welch, H.A. Roberts, +(404129) William Mervyn Symmons, +(402118) William Henry James Gourley, +(404104) John Franklin James, W.J. Wilson, (402129) Frederick Revis McCann, (402119) Kenneth John Gray (DFC), A.R. Williams, (404117) William Harrington Davy Stewart (DFM), R.A. Norman, (402127) Clive Gordon Lord, (404087) Raife James Cowan, E.J. Woolsey, (402141) Archibald Roger Stuart (POW), A.E. Barton, +(404112) Oliver Wiley McLean, +(402120) James Neate Hanigan, (402143) Frank Thompson (POW), B.T. Jones, W.O. Guthrie, G.M. Freeman, +(404100) Gerald Barrington Haydon, (402116) Adam Forsyth Gillespie, +(402103) Herbert Henry Boler, E.D. Wallace, +(408014) William Morrison McQuitty, D.W. Newborn, +(402115) Richard George Gazzard, (402138) John McKenzie Ross, (404123) Leslie James Webster, (402122) Gordon Frank Hutchinson, +(404086) Andrew Gordon Costello. begin 402157

Course 11: October 28, 1940 - January 16, 1941

+(404112) Oliver Wiley McLean - 78 Sqn.

On September 24, 1940, there was a large assemblage of residents in the Maleny School of Arts to bid farewell to Oliver McLean on the eve of his departure for Canada. Mr. Sallaway of the Maleny Lodge I.O.O.F. presented McLean with a wallet and wished "God speed and safe return," on behalf of members of the lodge.

Mrs. R. King handed to the guest of honour a parcel of gifts from the Comforts Fund. Mr. A. C. K. Cooke, for the Patriotic Fund, presented a wristlet watch. Oliver McLean, in an appropriate response, said he was pleased that he was now getting nearer to having a 'go' at the enemy.

Course 14: November 21, 1940 - February 14, 1941

3rd Draft - Embarked Sydney October 31, 1940. Disembarked Vancouver, Canada November 20, 1940.

(402159) Donald Linden Furphy (POW- 86 Sqn.), (402117) Bert Clark Gillespie (POW), +(400204) Harry Horwood Lawson

RCAF: (J/4101) James Frederick Mitchell - DFC & Bar 9/83 Sqns.; (J/4102) Andre Rene Morrissette (AFC), (J/4103) Frederick Duncan McKechnie; (J/4104) H.J. Galen - (FI 5 SF); +(J/4105) Gordon Ward Mason, Toronto - KIFA 60 OTU (FI 5 SF)

Posted in from

No. 3 EFTS Crumlin: Morrissette, McKechnie

No. 5 EFTS High River: Mitchell

Course 16: Dec. 23, 40 - April 5, 1941

Wings Parade held at 1600 hours for presentation of wings by W/C Ross.

56 graduates

41 RAAF:

RAAF personnel embarked Sydney November 27, 1940. Disembarked Vancouver December 23, 1940.April 9, 1941

RAAF personnel granted pilot officer commissions: H.B. Craig, +(402355) John Read Horn, +(402359) Donald Atherton Irving, (402357) Vernon Harold Hunt (DFC), W.D. Lovel, +(402226) John Lambert Asprey, +(402249) Philip Courtney Mullens (DFC), R.F. Terry, +(402432) Robert Alfred Wines (DFC), (402394) Ronald Rankin (DFC & Bar), D.J. Ritchie, (402257) Mervyn Charles Shipard (DFC & Bar), E.E. Miller, +(400228) Leonard Courtney Laver; +(402387) Alan Maxwell McLean - 215 Sqn.

15 RCAF: +(R/74599) John Graham Morrison - 42 Sqn., Victoria

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS Lethbridge (Co. 11): Morrison

(Aus.402394) Ronald Rankin - 272 Squadron (DFC & Bar) - Course 16

Distinguished Flying Cross - Citation: Flight Lieutenant Rankin, who has taken part in more than 40 operational trips over France and Low Countries as well as the Middle East, has carried out straffing attacks on roads, aerodromes and enemy shipping. In combat he has destroyed three enemy aircraft. Early in November (10, 1942), he led a flight to attack El Aouina Aerodrome in Tunisia. He shot down an H115 and after once being driven from the airfield by enemy fighters, he returned and attacked at low level, despite entense ack and enemy fighters above him. The success of his squadron in many operations, it is stated, has been very often due to this officer's determination. - Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross - Citation: Squadron Leader RANKIN has completed a total of 290 hours of operational flying and participated in 98 operational sorties in the course of his extensive service in active operations against the enemy. Whilst serving in Malta and the Middle East he destroyed five and a half aircraft in the air, two probably destroyed in the air, five damaged in the air, and five destroyed on the ground. During operations in the New Guinea theatre with No. 30 L.R./F. Squadron, he has destroyed or participated in the destruction of twenty two barges and twentynine motor transport. As flight commander Squadron Leader RANKIN has displayed outstanding courage and ability, which together with his courage and skilful leadership have proved an inspiration to the members of the flight.

Course 18: January 16 - May 2, 1941

Wing Commander Ross presented wings to 44 graduates

(J/5064) James David MacDonald; (J/5065) Richard Henry Cull - 133/412 DFC 401 Sqn., Seba Beach, Alberta; +(J/5067) Robert Lane Gately, +(J/5068) Stanley Vincent Garside - 11/440 Sqns.; (J/5071) Herbert Edward Hindle - AFC 11 SF; +(J/5072) Joseph Coates Redmond; (J/5073) Donald William Bourke; +(J/5075) Brian Allan McCallum, Mundare, Alberta

(J/14013) Donald Currie Laubman (DFC & Bar); (J/14019) Robert James 'Jim' Fairfield; +(J/14022) Jesse Gerald Everenden, Bentley, Alberta; Brian A. McCallum, Pete Mundry, Calgary; Robert T. Pentland - 403 Sqn.; T. Templeton, +Dennis James Young, R.R. Stevenson - 10 BR?; E.T. Turner, G.C. Boyer, H.D. Smith, +(J/17585 - R/61007) James William Hermiston - 547 Sqn., Victoria; W.C. Christmas, R.H. Garrett, Quentin Burl Chace (KIFA), +Granville Jackson, Donald Rietz, +(R/67697) John Howard Patterson - 404 Sqn.; Ralph Heard, Hutchinson, J.R. Hathaway; Frank E. W. Smith, Vancouver; E.H. Reid, Halifax; +(R/76063) Clarence William Starrett - 7 Sqn., Halifax; A.M. James, Halifax; (R/76064) Roy Edward Longard - BEM 51 Sqn., Halifax; David Harrison Goodlet, Simcoe; T.M. Howes, Simcoe; R.L. Gately; G.L.V. Gervais

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS Lethbridge (Co. 14): Cull; Laubman; Hermiston

No. 8 EFTS (Co. 14): Patterson

Course 20: February 9 - May 27, 1941

Wing Commander A.D. Ross presented wings at Wings Parade held at 1600 hours. 34 graduates

+(J/5664) Douglas Jackson Jones, +(J/5665) James Gatherum Stronach, +(J/5666) Harry Warren Metzler - 429 Sqn., Ft. William; +(J/5667) John Hodgson, (J/5668) Donald Raphael Snipper; (J/5669) Guy Harding Hackett; +(J/5670) David Herbert Sargeant, +(J/5671) Frederick Holbrook Mahn, +(J/5672) Joseph Roy Herbert, (J/5673) William Douglas McMillan; +(J/5674) George Henry Lawrence

Donald Raphael Snipper, Guy Harding Hackett; +James Arthur Ridley, +John Stephen Lawson, +(R/74713) Clyde Homer Jay Jr. - KIFA 415 Sqn.; George Joseph Green; C. Anderson, N.R. Black, C.E. Briggs - 415 Sqn.; +(J/16916) Richard John Secord Dawson - 39 Sqn., Medicine Hat, Alta.; J.I.J. Kennan, Ross Patterson McLean - OBE; +(R/60452) Bud Douglas Roy McComb - 415 Sqn., Alberta; I.L. Charbonneau; Robert Ernest Empey; R.E. Holder; (J/15547) Robert Frederick McBride - PoW 415 Sqn., Montreal; W.D. McMillan - 415 Sqn.; E.J.P. Sourisseau, Winnipeg; +(J/43174) John Charles Tanner - 145 Sqn., Winnipeg; C.H.G. Wheeler, H.W. Williamson; +(R/54313) Raymond Francis 'Ray' Casey - 35 Sqn., Ottawa; (R/54334) Kenneth William Craig - DFM 58 Sqn., Ottawa; +Frederick Carleton Austin

4 U.S., 1 RAAF (402176) +Frank Watson Weekes

Posted in from

5 EFTS Lethbridge (Co. 20): McBride; Metzler

8 EFTS Sea Island (Co. 16): Jay, Casey

Course 25: March 17 - July 2, 1941

Wings Parade held at 1600 hours. C.O. presented wings to 39 graduates.

(J/5907) Reginald Ross Ingrams (DFC. AFC), (J/5908) William Norval Harris - DFC 544 Sqn.; +(J/5909) James Lloyd Ellam, (J/5910) Edwin Franklin Howe Bent; (J/5911) Thomas Godfried Masters; (J/5912) Melvin Lloyd Foster, +(J/5913) Douglas McIntosh Burgess, Pt. Credit; (J/5914) James Henry Burford; +(J/5915) William Sydney Brown, Hamilton; +(J/5916) David Darling Christie, (J/5917) Stuart Bruce Keith Brackenbury (POW), +(J/5918) William Francis Hull

+(J/15517) Wilmot Reginald Petit - DFC, OBE 199 Sqn., KIA 620 Sqn., Brantford; Donald Francis Bertrand, Hugh D. McCoy; (R/71515) Cyril Joseph Mossington, Orillia; Harry Zumar, Ottawa; +(R/75646) Norman Clifford Doehn - 407 Sqn., Kitchener; +(J/15522) Howard Stephenson Hill - DFC 405 Sqn., KIFA 1659 HCU, Monttreal - his brother (R/79024) Raymond Hepton Hill also killed 419 Sqn.; G.F. Wallace; J.W. Burford, A. Jack Fuhrman, +(R/67720) George Pass Fargher - 227 Sqn. Malta, Windsor; +(R/69166) Edmund Cheney Evans - 3 OTU, Thessalon; R.J. Thompson, G.L. Murphy, E.F.H. Bent - 3 GRS; Alvin Raymond New, Witner Kilpatrick Livingston, D.D. Christie, Lindsay; G.A. Long, Trail. B.C.; +(R/59671) Francis Garfield Peebles - 102 Sqn., Dauphin

Posted in from

EFTS Lethbridge: Fuhrman, Zumar

No. 14 EFTS (Co.18): Peebles

Course 27: April 18 - July 26, 1941

Wings Parade at 1600 hours

41 RAAF: (402996) Stuart Kennedy Scott - 279/32 Sqns.; (404610) Colin Braidwood Walker DSO 461 Sqn.

2 RCAF

1 RAF left to right: back row: 402887 William Sprott; J Anscomb ?(Anscombe); 402764 Francis Leonard Sismey (later died 20 May 1945); 402855 Peter George Faux; M Brill?; 400502 James Maxwell Brady (later 15 OTU RAF, killed 16 January 1942); N? Green; 404786 Noel Messines Toohill (later 207 Squadron RAF, killed 9 January 1942); 402991 James Gordon Werrin; 404702 Hamilton Lewis Maddison (later 217 Squadron RAF, died 30 April 1943); 404700 Noel Percival Hawke; 402848 John Terry Bray; 404623 William Wrixon Boylson (later 643 Squadron RAF, DFC and Bar, killed on 25 June 1944). Second row: 402835 Philip Goodrich Adams; J R? Brown; 404688 Sergeant John Sivyer "Siv" Turnock (later 460 Squadron, killed on operations 13 March 1942); 404701 John Francis Walsh (later 460 Squadron, killed 1 June 1942); ? K A Hearn; 402880 John Milton Pilcher (later DFC and Bar); 404710 Basil James McSharry; 402850 Robert Lachlan London; M Moore (possibly 404111 Molesworth Gerard Moore); D I Fraser; 402945 Arthur William Doubleday (later DSO DFC); 404610 Colin Braidwood Walker; 400715 Vivian Lugton Jackman (later 55 Operational Base Unit, killed 7 May 1943); R C Allcock. Front row: G G Friend; 402894 Robert Lichfield Tresidder (later 460 Squadron, killed 17 February 1942); 402885 Leslie Milton Shephard (later 460 Squadron, killed 29 April 1942); 402511 James J Leahy (later AFC); 402790 Albert George Declerck (later 462 Squadron, killed 23 October 1942); 402857 Benjamin John Gibbons; Sommerville; 402415 Jack Marshall Winchester Stronach; 402897 James Henry Ware (later 460 Squadron, killed 17 February 1942); 402996 Stuart Kennedy Scott (later 32 Squadron RAAF, killed 26 January 1943); 402760 Frederick James Breen (later 460 Squadron, killed on 27 July 1942); 402873 Esmond Mayne McKern; 400742 Arthur Leslie Newton; John? W McKenzie.

Course 29: June 2 - August 20, 1941

Wings Parade held at 1600 hours

46 RCAF
1 RAAF

(J/6988) (J/6989) John Cameron Trull - 403 Sqn.; (J/6991) David John Williams - DSO 406 Sqn., DFC 408 Sqn., Vancouver; +(J/6992) Richard John Weatherhead - 200/59 Sqns., Mission City, B.C., +(J/6993) Donald Hartford Clark - DFC, 210 Sqn.; +(J/6995) Dalton Eastman Vipond - 408 Sqn., Wales, Ontario; +(J/6996 - R81169) David Joseph Jay - DFC 248 Sqn. Beau T.5101; (J/6997) R.C. Jamieson; Paul Tonie Parks - 89 Sqn.; A.E. Tate

(J23013) Joseph Norman Farren - DFC 423 Sqn.;

(R/81066) Harvey Lorne Ruffell - DFC 427 Sqn.; (R/81412) D.F. Poole

Posted in from

No. 8 EFTS Sea Island (Co. 24): Ruffell, Jay

August 14, 1941

Injured Flier Waits 50 Hours For Help After Fatal Crash

Smashed in the rocks and timber 7,000 feet up the I south side of Mount McDougall, 50 miles southwest of Calgary, a missing Royal Canadian Air Force Avro Anson bomber was found wrecked at noon Saturday, with two of Its crew dead and the third badly injured. The dead: Flying Officer Ian McDonnell Sutherland Brown, 21, of Victoria, instructor; (R/87072) LAC Frederick William Greenfield, 22, of Radisson, Sask., student pilot. The injured: LAC. Alex M. R. 'Sandy' McGruther, 26, of Edmonton, (Course 33) suffering from a broken leg, cuts and bruises. The end of the weary two-day hunt in the tangled undergrowth and crags of the foothills country came at noon Saturday when flying officers Howie and Lowery climbed over sun-baked rocks to find the plane smashed on a shoulder of the mountain. Beside the plane sat McGruther, nursing his crippled leg. He greeted the men smiling, then asked for "eats." He was given food and drink and his injuries given first aid. Later, a physician reached the spot to give him ex pert attention. Searchers who for two days had fought the wilderness in an effort to reach the plane,brought McGruther down the mountainside by stretcher. He was carried 13 miles over the axe - hewn trail to a waiting ambulance, which had traveled six miles over a roadway. Wing Commander A. D. Ross, officer commanding No. 3 Service Flying Training School, home base of the plane, said on his return to Calgary Sunday night the plane had clipped a tree top and crashed on the south shoulder of the mountain. The plane left Currie field on a routine instrument test flight Thursday afternoon and was reported missing at 4 p.m. Aerial hunt was organized Friday and at 12.30 p.m. the wreck was sighted on the mountain. Shortly afterward, ground parties went out, led by Forest Ranger William Shankland, of Bragg Creek. Late Friday the parties, heading due west of the ranch of Jake Fullerton, sighted the wreck miles away In the foothills. The parties camped out Friday night, resumed the hunt Saturday and ended the hunt at noon. They camped on the spot Saturday night and early Sunday started the long trek down to civilization. Rain storms through the area delayed the searchers before they reached the plane and hampered the rescue of McGruther. An RC.A.F. investigation was opened at the scene. The plane had apparently been winging south around the mountain, when the tail of the plane struck the top of a tall spruce tree, tearing the tail off. The plane crashed with terrific force 100 yards further on. Both Brown and Greenfield were killed Instantly. Thown clear, McGruther was left practically helpless with a broken leg. Unable to get emergency rations out of the plane, McGruther tied his leg and managed to hobble down to a creek for water several times while waiting for rescue. He knew by the actions of planes flying by that the wreck had been spotted, he told the rescuers, and figured he would be picked up. However, physicians refused to let him talk for very long. FO. I. M. Brown was the son of Brigadier Sutherland Brown, former officer commanding Work Point Barracks, and Mrs. Brown. FO. Brown was horn in Ottawa and received his education there, in England and Victoria - where he attended university school and Victoria College. He was 21 years old. The young flying officer was an instructor at No. 3 Service Flying Training School and Joined the air force in December 1940 after spending three years at Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont.

Course 32: June 24 - September 20, 1941

Wings Parade was held in the Drill Hall on account of rain. 53 graduates.

(J/7528) LAC William Graham was presented with silver bracelet by W/C Ross as senior graduate

(J/7528) William Graham - 11 (BR) Sqn., Vancouver; (J/7529) Donald Neill Weatherill, Vernon, B.C.; +(J/7530) Raymond Marion Krefting - 419 Sqn., Haney, B.C.; (J/7531) Stephen Jacks Heal; +(J/7532) Reginald Albert Shires - 115 Sqn., Vancouver; (J/7533) Lashley Frederick Haggman; +(J/7534) John Fergus Greenan - 57 Sqn., Calgary; (J/7335) Alexander Wosnesensky; (J/7536) Billy McLaren Read; +(J/7537) Stanley Joseph Fulton - 410 Sqn., Ayr, Ont.; (J/7538) Herbert Vaughan McRae; (J/7539) Percy Francis Greenway; +(J/7540) George Frederick 'Jack' Strong - 405 Sqn., Vancouver; +(J/7541) Francis Larry Flynn, Passmore, B.C.; (J/7542) Clarence Mile Cause; (J/7543) Leslie Scofield Anderson - DFC 420 Sqn., Calgary; (J/7544) Walter Franklin Parks - DFC & Bar 408/50 Sqns., Regina

+(R86418) William Ross Campbell Johnston - KIA 23 OTU op Cologne, Drumheller, Alberta

(R/92086) C.E. Dore

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS (Co. 27): Parks, Johnston

No. 8 EFTS: Graham

August 14, 1941: LAC Frederick William Greenfield killed in flying accident. LAC A.M.R. 'Sandy' McGruther still hospitalized.

Course 34: July 27 - October 14, 1941

Air Commodore A.T.M. Cowley, air officer commanding No. 4 Training Command presented wings to the 55 graduating students and took the salute at the march past.

(J/8157) LAC Douglas William Connor (DFC) presented with silver bracelet donated by Officers' Mess to senior graduate of class.

(J/8158) Robert Stanley Leith; (J/8159) Arthur Beverley Polley - KIFA 12 SF Brandon, Calgary; (J/8160) Harold George Hurd; (J/8161) Justin Louis Pape, (J/8162) Edward Ernest McCullough - POW, Kenville, Man.; (J/8163) John Thomas Van Houten, (J/8164) Harold Lewis Rhodes; +(J/8165) Donald Alexander Ross - 424 Sqn., Toronto; (J/8166) Frank Stanley Foyston - DFC - 252 Sqn.; (J/8167) Walter Patrick Scott - POW, Winnipeg; +(J/8168) Jack Edward Piggott; +(J/8169) Henry Carbee McIver - 408 Sqn.; +(J/8170) Charles Edward MacIntosh - DFC 419 Sqn.; (J/8171) Claude Waterton, Scandanavia, MB; (J/8172) Ernest Leonard Byng Warrington - 429 Sqn., Strathclair, Man.; +(J/8173) William Arthur Dakers, Victoria, B.C.; (J/8174) Alastair Fraser McTavish

(R/92072) Robert M. Richmond, (R/92191) Delford Ulysses Boyer, (R/91964) Paul John Hom? - 40 Sqn.; E. Brown, Saskatoon; G.H. Chambers, Moose Jaw; +(R/85421) Clinton Melville Chute; +(R/87390) Lloyd Ernest White - 420 Sqn.; +(R/85428) Russell Tremaine Mitchell; +(R/87403) James Roslyn Young; V.D. Prentice, Abbey, Sask.; (R/87366) Clarence Philip Lundeen - DFC, DFM 420/424 Sqns.; A.F. and C.G. Davidson, Prince Albert; +(J/15920) Robert Clasper - 412 Sqn.; J.G. Campbell, The Pas; H.G. Hurd, C.E. MacIntosh, Winnipeg; A.W. Roberts, Winnipeg; +(R/91945) Leslie Ward - 113 Sqn.; W.H. Fell, Norwood; +(R/95390) Arnold Grant Maxwell; H.C. Spafford, Bannerman, Man.; +(R/95061) William Arthur Wakeman - 419 Sqn.; +(R/86852) James Anderson Mayne - 18 Sqn.; (R95313 - J96709) Vernon James Bastable - Military Cross PoW 106 Sqn., Winnipeg; Phillip Wallace; Richard 'Dick' Wallace, Vancouver; +(R77881) Andrew Fleming - 214 Sqn., Calgary; L.A. Dodds, Calgary; H.G. Hunt' Winnipeg; +(R/95390) Arnold Grant Maxwell - KIFA 16 OTU, Portage la Prairie; A.W. Roberts, Winnipeg

Posted in from

No. 8 EFTS: Connor, Bastable

Course 36: Aug. 20 - November 6, 1941

51 graduates

(J/8770) LAC Peter Vilmont Tremblay presented with silver identification bracelet by W/C A.D. Ross

(J/8771) Malcolm George Brown - DFC 683 Sqn. Bar 400 Sqn., Montreal; (J/8772) Henry Stuckert Miller; (J/8773) Walter Read Moseley-Williams - DFC 427 Sqn.; (J/8774) John Edward Sherman; (J/8775) George Charles William Morrison; (J/8776) Vincent Guy Sanborn; +(J/8777 - R/101171) Edward Carl "Ed" Olsen - KIA 405 Sqn.; (J/8778) John Montague Greer - 113 (RCAF) Sqn.; (J/8779) Gustave Henry Edwin Maloney - DFC 683 Sqn., Calgary; (J/8780) Willett Alsworth; +(J/8781) Harry George Zavadowsky, Hamilton, Ont.; (J/8782) Eugene Joffre Kenneth LeClaire; (J/8783) George Franklin Clement; (J/8784) Bernard Noel Marie de Larminat; (J/8785) Samuel Lorne McBurney

(J/27814) Andrew (Robert) Alan Bews - DFC 432 Sqn., Eatonia, Sask.; (J/9234) Dalton Ritzel; +(R/90502 - J/17243) Frederick Albert Duquette - 272 Sqn., North Bay; +(R/83401) Eugene Garland Robertson - 16 OTU; Bernado Noel De Larminat - 417 Sqn., Argentina; +(R/92676 - J/15660) Richard Paul Frayn - KIFA 3 (P) AFU, B. SD r. Fernie, B.C.; B.C. Dennison, Calgary

Posted in from

No. 6 EFTS (Co. 32): Robertson, Olsen

No. 8 EFTS (Co. 32): Frayn

No. 16 EFTS (Co. 32): Bews, Moseley-Williams, Greer, Maloney, Brown; Duquette

(R/92247) G.A. Waddell completing 28 days detention award for low flying transferred to Course 38.

(R/97939) P.L. Edge - deserted

Course 38: September 13 - December 4, 1941

Wings Parade held in Drill Hall for 44 graduates

+(J/9196 - R/101386) LAC Leonard James Stewart - 218/7 Sqns. presented with gold identification bracelet by G/C Ross as senior graduate.

+(J/9197) William Geoffrey Rannie - KIFA 7 SFTS, Calgary; +(J/9198) Kenneth Earle Cullen - 98 Sqn., Vernon, B.C.; +(J/9199) Acton Farquhar Daunt; (J/9200) Edward Lapage Robinson - DFC, Vancouver; +(J/9201 - R67002) John Gordon McNeill - DFC 415 Sqn., Calgary; (J/9202) Charles Mirren McInnes Harper; (J/9203) Warren Somers Wooster; +(J/9204) Victor Silvio Ruocco - 32 OTU, Vancouver; +(J/9205) Leys Middleton Beuamont - 44 Sqn., Vancouver; (J/9206) Robert Lindsay Taylor; (J/9207) Lloyd Birtch Howard; (J/9208) Douglas McArthur Talling; (J/9209) Charles Richard Dixon, Medicine Hat

+(R/97577) John William Stephen - 272 Sqn.; H.E. Patch, Vegreville; M.J. Iftody, Willingdon; C.A. Milan, Three Hills; M.W. Macdonald, Edmonton; (J22945) Norman MacIver AFC

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS: MacIver, McNeill

No. 8 EFTS (Co. 34): Stewart, Beauamont

EFTS Edmonton: Daunt

Course 40: December 30, 1941

Wings Parade held in Drill Hall at 1500 hours for 49 graduates.

(J/9660 - R/105535) LAC Joseph Pawlowski, Spedden, Alberta (FI 7 SF) was presented with gold identification bracelet as senior graduate by G/C Ross.

(J/9661) Mervyn Arthur Mussell (MiD), Summerside, P.E.I.; (J/9662) Murray Keith Pickard; (J/9663) Alan Redmond Ross; (J/9664) James Wilfred Murphy - PoW 10 Sqn., Ottawa; (J/9665) Ronald Wilfred Chadwick - 86 Sqn., St. James, Man.; (J/9666) John Edwin Glover, Lower Capilano, B.C.; (J/9667) Andrew Allan 'Drew' Lauder, Winnipeg; +(J/9668) Charles Edward Porter - 419 Sqn., Manson Creek, B.C.; (J/9669 - R/106642) John Lynhurst McKean - DNB; +(J/9670) John Donald Heacock, Edmonton; (J/9671) Kenneth Hirst Bloxham, Prongua, SK; (J/9672) John Leslie 'Jack' Mason - 27 Sqn., Kitscoty, Alberta - Anglesey, Eng.; (J/9673) Roy Gordon Bell, Belle Plaine, Sask.

+(J/17450) Kenneth Scott Johnson, Edmonton; +(J/17469) Frederick Winston How - 419 Sqn., Edmonton; F.H. Hastie, Viscount, SK; +(R/102407) William Leonard Hurl - 415 Sqn., Marquis, SK; R.M. Jones, Regina; +(R/107081) Lambert William Lenz - 120 Sqn. - KIFA 1674 HCU, Muenster, SK; A.R. Ross, Winnipeg; +(J/17325) James Corke Donald - KIFA 415 Sqn., Barrhead, AB; (J/92876) J.A.K. Goodfellow - 7 OTU, Calgary; (J/17296) C.K. Cochran, Odgen, AB; T.R. Beattie, Victoria, B.C.; +(R/93796) Connor Phelan Garvey - 272 Sqn. Malta, McMurray, AB; T.C. Dawson, Calgary; Douglas Brehaut Spencer 'Bill' McMurdo, Wetaskiwin, AB; J. Pawlowski, Spedden, AB; +(R/105687) Edward Irvine Johnston - 49 Sqn., Greencourt, AB; D.C. Best, Vancouver; J.D.R. Griffiths, Vancouver; +(R/106599) George Gerhard Sawatzky - 76 Sqn., Tupper Creek, B.C.; R.O. Merilees, Vancouver; V.F. McCallum, Armstrong, B.C.; H.S. Quinn, Prince George, B.C.; (R/106620) Malcolm Francis Gray - DFM 419 Sqn., Vancouver; M.K. Pickard, Vancouver; (J/18719) Alexander Crawford Goble, N. Vancouver; Charles William Doodson, Duncan, B.C.; (R/106667) Grant Oliver Ellergodt - 415 Sqn., Vancouver; James Robert Russell Lawlor, Kenton, Manitoba; D.R. McLeod, Winnipeg; +(J/92177) George Roy Bullion - 273 Sqn., Baldur, Man.; (J/17039) Hugh John Bartley - 128 Sqn., Headingly, Man.; +(J/16991) Jack Montgomery Bissett DFM - 427 Sqn., St. Vital, Man.; +(R/95497) Frederick Colin Duncan - 49 Sqn., Graysville, MB; M.A. Mussell, Winnipeg; H.M. Clarek, Winnipeg; G. More, Pointe du Bois, MB; (R/106039) Harold W. McMann 3/609 Sqns., Carberry

Posted in from

No. 4 EFTS: Ellergodt

No. 8 EFTS: Mussell, Gray, Bissett

Course 43

Portrait of his mother and 411768 Aircraftman John S. Freeth, RAAF, in a city street prior to his leaving for Canada with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). As a Sergeant with No. 455 Squadron, Freeth was killed in action on 1943-05-24 when his Handley Page Hampden torpedo aircraft collided with a Bristol Beaufighter aircraft during an exercise. Shortly before, on 1943-04-30, he and his crew attacked and sank an enemy submarine with eight depth charges. It was considered to be an outstanding achievement as the crew were untrained in the difficult skill of anti-submarine attack. (D. Freeth/AWM)

Course 42: November 7 - February 27, 1942

RAAF draft embarked at Sydney October 16, 1941. Disembarked at Vancouver November 4, 1941.

56 RAAF personnel commenced training at No. 3 SFTS, November 11, 1941.

Wings Parade held at 1600 hours. (411821) LAC Peter McLeod presented by G/C Ross with gold identification bracelet as senior graduate of course. 54 graduates

(411543) Bertram James Stanford - 99/215 Sqns., Sydney; (411832) Flight Lieutenant Noel Fraser Vincent, DFC, USA DFC, +(411768) John Samuel Freeth, +(411763) Vincent Bernard Joseph Finn; +(411732) Claude Wynter Arthur Blick - 36 OTU; +(401577) Reginald Ernest Mitchell - 27 OTU; (411646) Owen Harman Sanders - 99 Sqn.

Course 44: December 1, 1941 - March 27, 1942

Embarked Sydney November 13, 1941. Disembarked Canada December 1, 1941

Flying was washed out at 1410 hours for Wings Parade. The graduating pilots were drawn up in separate flights on the parade square in front of the squadrons.

+(411799) Frederic Delmege Moffitt - 86 Sqn. was presented with a gold identification bracelet by W/C G.P. Dunlop as senior graduate of the class of 58 graduates

+(405878) Robert Quine, +(408896) David Edward White (DFM), (406999) Stanley Donald Meredith, (411856) Albert Clifford Britton, +(411970) Charlie Wilson Trinder, (401813) Frank Graham Cracknell (DFC, AFC), (412168) William Stuart Meads, (411821) Peter McLeod, Bob McDonald, Don Rose, Price, Kenley, Bob Moffit, +(411207) Francis Henry Ward (CT - posted to 1 B&GS) (DFM); +(416322) David Harold Victor Charlick - 460 Sqn., Adelaide

+(408896) David Edward White (DFM)

Distinguished Flying Medal Citation Flight Sergeant WHITE and Sergeant WARD were pilot and bomb aimer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack St. Nazaire one night in March 1943. Shortly after crossing the French coast on the outward flight, a Junkers 88 was encountered. In the ensuing combat the bomber was damaged and temporarily went out of control diving steeply. By strenuous effort Flight Sergeant WHITE pulled out of the dive at 4000 feet and although the aircraft was difficult to control continued to the target and bombed it. On completion of the bombing run, whilst taking photographs, Sergeant WARD discovered one bomb had failed to release and could not be jettisoned. He endeavoured to dislodge the bomb and after half an hour of unrelaxed effort succeeded. Afterwards, he went to the assistance of the pilot who was having great difficulty in controlling the damaged bomber. Displaying fine airmanship, Flight Sergeant WHITE succeeded in flying the aircraft back to base where a safe landing in difficult circumstances was effected. Both members of the aircraft crew displayed great skill, courage and resolution.

Pilot Officer Frank Graham Cracknell (Aus.401813)
Royal Australian Air Force, No. 100 Squadron
This officer has undertaken numerous sorties against targets in the strongly defended Ruhr area. He has displayed outstanding devotion to duty, pressing home his attacks with vigour. One night in May, 1943, on the outward flight to Wuppertal 1 engine of his aircraft failed. Although the bomber lost some height, Pilot Officer Cracknell continued to the target to execute a successful attack. He is a skilful and courageous captain.

March 3, 1942: (412158) LAC Leslie Tate Loton RAAF and (R/106996) LAC John (Lionel) Clarke RCAF both instantly killed when Cessna Crane 8169 crashed approximately 10 miles north of Cochrane, Alberta.

February 10, 1942: (411476) Robert Charles Barwell was washed out on account of poor eyesight.

Posted in from

No. 18 EFTS (Co. 40): Clarke

Course 45: December 22, 1941 - April 21, 1942

Flying washed out from 1400 hours and all station personnel turned out for wings presentation parade. First NZ graduates. Wings were presented to the graduates by Wing Commander G.P. Dunlop who was in turn assisted by Wing Commander T.W. White, Chief New Zealand Liason Officer.

LAC P.M. Boyle top in class

15 commissions

50 RNZAF personnel arrived January 2, 1942

+(NZ414996) Stuart McGowan, +(NZ415221) Kevin Bernard O’Connor, +(NZ415181) Hugh Baird; (41219) Douglas Haig Todd - DFC 101 Sqn.; (NZ415212) Eric Witting - 75 Sqn.

RCAF: (J/11271) Harold Turner Hetherington; (J/11272) Kenneth Royal Jensvold; (J/11299)? D.A. McLeod

Course 50: March 2 - June 19, 1942

Wings Parade held on drill square. Wing Commander Dunlop presented a gold identification bracelet to each of the senior graduates. (R/98845) D.B.F. McLean, Cultus Lake, B.C.; (NZ415292) William Paul Neville Clarke, Cimmerburn, N.Z. and (R/86606) Alexander McMillan Reid 'Sandy' McGruther, former member of Course 32 who survived a crash on Mount McDougall.

28 RCAF

(J/12252) J.H. Black - PoW 426 Sqn., Clair, MB; (J/12253) R.M.J. Roddick, Colonsay, SK; (J/12254) Jack Leonard Power - DFC 144 Sqn.;

(J/12257) Gordon Leslie McAninch; P.G. Christensen, Jenner, AB; J.A. McNeill, Lethbridge; G.R. Norris, Red Deer; H.W. Pettman, Ft. Vermilion; H.C. Smith, Saskatoon; A.V.J. Moffatt, Saskatoon; S.T. Morris, Saskatoon; J.A. Paterson, Kinistino, SK; R.A. Pearce, Plunkett, SK; Harry Wilson Nymoen, Handel, SK; W. Jenkins, Hyas, SK; J.B. Suffern, Senlac, SK; S.I. Cumberlan, Winnipeg; D.E. Skaife, Dauphin; R.H. Maxwell, Assiniboia; (J27859) Lloyd Arnold Friedman - DFC 405 Sqn., Melville, SK

W.J. Bixel, Oakville

13 RNZAF: +NZ415733 Ronald Charles Ostend Beazer

RCAF personnel posted in from

No. 5 EFTS: Friedman

Course 52: March 29 - July 17, 1942

G/C A.L. James assisted the C.O. with the wings presentation to 55 graduates.

(J12832) Ray Van Adel, Calgary; (J/12835) L.S. Richards; (J/12839) G.H. Bremness; (J/12840) S.W. Hatch; (J/12841) Arthur Magnus Larson, Irma, Alberta; +(J/12842) Edward Parker Oakford - 162 Sqn.; (J/12843) W.A. Gorrie; (J/12844) Levrae Alder Cahoon - AFC; (J/12845) John Carl Haakenson - 211 Sqn., Berwyn, Alberta; (J/12846) W.J.W. Robertson (FI 9 SF); (J/12847) R.T. Collett; +(J/12848) Clifton Llewellyn Andrew - KIFA

Posted in from

No. 16 EFTS: Larson; Haakenson

Course 54: April 25 - August 14, 1942

Wings Parade held at 1400 hours. W/C J.L. Berven presented wings in the absence of the station C.O., W/C G.P Dunlop. 50 graduates

(J/29744) D.W.H. McIntosh?

(J/29748) John Robert Byers

(R/132155) J.P. or J.B. or J.R. Brown, Vancouver was presented with the gold bracelet.

(R/126628) William James Slater

T.J. Robb; G.M. Robson; R.H. Spur; R.H. Devine; +(R/133286) James David Dodding - 514 Sqn., Fred H. Foster - 407 Sqn. U-971; D.E. Moffett; F.G. Wolfe; H.A. Morrison; Sgt. MacQueen; Clinton Perry Culbert

Course 56: June 22 - September 11, 1942

W/C Dunlop presented wings to 60 graduates.

+(J/14137) Eugene Herbert Barbet - 487 (NZ) Sqn., Calgary top in class

(J/14138) Robert Charles Pirie, Toronto; (J/14139) E.B. Henderson, Owen Sound; (J/14140 - R/98499) Donald Kenneth Wicke

(J/85374) John Richard Walker; R.J. Hamilton, Lansing; +(R/135749 - J/19814) Robert Stanley Edick - 298 Sqn.; +(R/120125) Raymond Alexander Rember - 582 Sqn.; H.A. Fawcett, Huntington, Quebec; G.L. Titus, Yarmouth, N.S.; O'Neill; Sgt. Barkette

Posted in from

No. 20 EFTS Oshawa (Co. 51): Pirie, Edick, Rember

Course 58: June 20 - October 9, 1942

Wings presentation was held at 1400 hours. Mayor Andrew Davison pinned wings on 50 graduates.

(J/14722) Atholl Sutherland-Brown - DFC 177 Sqn., Victoria; (J/14723) William John Callahan; (J/14724) E.W. Whiting; (J/14725) George Henry Alvin Nolte

+(R/126978) Walter Smith; +(R/107981) Walter Edward 'Wally' Mann - 428 Sqn. Wellington HE656, Vancouver; R.J. Scholfield, Sidney, B.C.; J.S. McLeod, North Vancouver; P.W. King, Moose Jaw; +(R/114570) Alexander James Simpson - 428 Sqn., Oxbow; +(J/18387) David Osborne Olsvik - 427 Sqn., Parkside; Walter Chad, Prince Albert; +(R107981) Walter Edward Mann - 428 Sqn., Regina; C.E. Russell, Calgary; +(J/18692 - R109491) Lloyd Leonard Hans Hansen, - 408 Sqn., Lethbridge; L.F. Hansmon, Cadogan; M.V. Lauwrence, East Conlee; W.G. Allan, Castor, Alberta; +(J85808) John Kenneth Gustafson - 431 Sqn., Lachine; K.A. Currie, Souris; H.C. Eggolfsoon, Langruth, Manitoba

+(NZ415776) Richard Brandon Mander; (NZ42502) Noel Leonard Pittendrigh

Sept. 8, 1942: (R/125412) LAC Wier Smith Lucas, +(R/126603) LAC Gillous Miracle and +(R/123736) Russell John Wicklem killed in flying accident Crane 8142.

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS (Co. 52): Lucas, Miracle, Wicklem, Barbet, Mann

No. 18 EFTS: Sutherland-Brown

Course 66: October 10, 1942 - February 5, 1943:

(J/23389 - R/150763) E.J.M. Crawley - 160 Sqn., presented with the gold bracelet.

(J/23390) Grover Arnold Berry - DFC 61 Sqn.; +(J/23393) Charles Reginald Watts - 524 Sqn., Lloydminster, Sask.; (J/23396) William Kenneth Marshall - 518 Sqn., Powell River, B.C.; +(J/23397) William Nathan Cosman - DFC 248 Sqn., Yarmouth, N.S.; (J/23399) Ward Hargrove Fulton - DFC 236 Sqn., Alcomdale. Alta.

F/O Clifford H. Gerow of No. 3 B&GS presented wings to his son, +(R/121602) Glen Thomas Gerow - 11 (P) AFU.

58 graduates

J.W. Treble, Hamilton; W.J. Wallace, Hamilton; Lester Clinton Coffey, Edmonton

Posted in from

No. 5 EFTS: Fulton

No. 3 Service Flying Training School Calgary

Saturday, July 10, 2010

No comments:

Post a Comment