1
25
10945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Sparkes, Ned
William Sparkes
W Sparkes
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Sparkes, W
Description
An account of the resource
56 items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant William "Ned" Sparkes (1601722 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book and an album with photographs, newspaper cuttings and documents including descriptions of his operations. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 431 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Clive Sparkes and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] Extract from 'BUT NOT IN ANGER' [/underlined]
Fate Deals a Blow 18
Shortly before 2000 hours on 20 December, 1950, Hastings TG574 of No 53 Squadron, Transport Command, prepared to take-off from El Adem, near Tobruk. The captain was Flight Lieutenant Graham Tunnadine and co-pilot, Flight Lieutenant S.L. Bennett. There were four other crew members and 27 passengers.
TG574 was returning from Singapore nearing the end of an experimental slip crew schedule. Since 1945 Transport Command's Far East route had been operated in rather leisurely fashion, the same crew flying the aircraft throughout and night-stopping at selected points. As postwar commitments increased, the Command felt obliged to abandon this uneconomic use of aircraft and revert to the wartime slip crew system, whereby the aircraft flew day and night, making only the essential refuelling and servicing halts, with fresh crews taking over at appropriate staging posts.
Early in December four crews were accordingly pre-positioned along the route, and TG574 was flown to Singapore trying out the new, fast schedule. She was now homeward bound, carrying the four experienced Hastings crews who had completed their legs of the flight – plus Squadron Leader Thomas Colin Lyall Brown, a Transport Command medical officer who was studying any aircrew fatigue problems emerging from the new timetable. Three other passengers had joined at Karachi.
After staging through Colombo, Karachi, Habbaniya and Fayid, the Hastings had made an unscheduled stop at El Adem to top up with fuel before pressing on to Castel Benito, Tripoli. At 1958 she was airborne and the passengers were mentally blessing the operations staff for having planned to complete their experiment in comfortable time before Christmas. The aircraft plodded up to 8,500ft, and they listened with experienced ears to the changing engine note as she settled down to the 185-knot cruising speed. All was well. Fully conditioned to the monotonous roar of four Hercules engines, some promptly fell asleep, a few played cards or read, while one or two watched the black and silver desert sliding past, lit by the three-quarter moon.
On the flight deck, Tunnadine, aged 28, with some 2,300 flying hours in his log book, told Bennett to get his head down for a while in the rest compartment rigged up just forward of the passenger cabin, as it would be his task fly the aircraft on from Castel Benito after refuelling. His place up front was taken by Squadron Leader William G. James, another qualified Hastings pilot.
162
There was a fleeting hint of trouble 42 minutes after take-off. One of the back-seat drivers thought he noticed a vibration, possibly caused by an engine becoming unsynchronised. Moments later, while he was considering whether to pass some gently chiding note up to the flight deck, there came a sharp bang from the front of the aircraft. This was followed by a violent juddering which suggested something badly amiss. Awakened instantly, the passengers remained seated, confident that whatever the problem, the pilots would ask if they wanted any assistance. After another minute or two, which dragged by like hours, the air quartermaster appeared and requested Squadron Leader Brown to go forward, then asked one of the most experienced pilots to talk to the captain on the intercom.
On the flight deck nobody yet knew exactly what had happened. Tunnadine reported that he had lost all power from the port inner engine (No 2), and had no elevator or rudder control. Only the ailerons were working. With nothing but lateral control, the aircraft was descending and there seemed to be little he could do about it.
Meanwhile, Brown, having negotiated a sizeable gash in the floor, found Bennett still on the rest bunk, pinned to the floor beneath a pile of wreckage, barely conscious, with his right arm severed and other grievous injuries.
It did not take the crew long to establish the cause of their perilous situation. What had happened was that the propeller of No 2 engine had shed one of its blades. In flying off it had scythed through the fuselage – where part of it was still embedded in the opposite wall – cut the tail control rods as well as critically injuring Bennett. The three remaining blades, out of equilibrium, had wrenched the engine – plus part of the wing leading edge and the port undercarriage – free from its mounting to fall away to the desert a mile and a half below. The disturbed airflow over the great gash in the wing was seriously aggravating the handling difficulties.
A rapid check by Flight Sergeant Idwal Johns, the engineer, showed that there was no hope of locating and repairing the severed tail control rods. RAF Benina, near Benghazi, had acknowledged 574's May Day call, and was only 19 minutes normal flying time away, but at the present rate of descent the aircraft would hit the ground long before that. After further discussions over the intercom it was decided that the only possible way of maintaining fore and aft control was quickly adjusting the position of the load. First the baggage and small freight items were shifted
[page break]
to the rear, but this made insufficient difference, so while one of them remained in contact with the captain, the passengers themselves moved aft. Gradually the nose began to rise, though there were several over-corrections and some hasty to-ing and fro-ing before Tunnadine was able to acquire reasonably positive control of the flight attitude by adjusting the position of one or two passengers. Having established the Hastings in level flight, he was then able to begin a gradual descent, headed towards Benina, which in normal circumstances would have been overflown. Next he tried gentle turns to port and starboard, using the throttles to boost or reduce engine power as necessary to swing the aircraft in the required direction. At the first attempt the nose went up and the aircraft began to shudder, indicating that a stall was imminent, but an urgent order to move some passengers forward brought the nose down again just in time.
Rarely can any transport pilot have faced such an appalling dilemma. The easiest of the decisions – whether to make a belly landing – had already been made for him since half the undercarriage lay on the desert surface some miles behind. The only way of achieving a reasonable crash landing would be to lose height as gradually as possible, then try to raise the aircraft's nose with a burst of engines just before she touched the ground. But he had only three engines and was already fighting the asymmetric effect caused by the unbalanced power on each wing. And how long those three engines would continue to operate was debatable; they had already exceeded maximum temperature in fighting the drag caused by the damaged wing.
As the Hastings neared Benghazi the beach to the north-east, with its mile upon mile of sand gleaming whitely in the moonlight, looked particularly inviting – but Benina's station commander advised against its use because of obstructions. Tunnadine was now able to talk on his VHF radio direct to the control tower at Benina, and he told them that he had decided to use their runway. A flarepath was laid out, the military hospital at Benghazi alerted and an army fire tender despatched to help on the airfield.
TG574 arrived overhead near Benina with about 6,000ft still in hand. The flickering flames of the gooseneck flares marking the runway, and the lights of Benghazi offered some comfort, though the most difficult part was still to come. Tunnadine made several wide circuits of the airfield, gingerly descending to 1,000ft, with the passengers still acting as a human counterweight to trim the aircraft. The six escape hatches were removed, but the large parachute doors were left in position lest any sudden inrush of air should affect the flying characteristics in any way.
Brown, still tending the terribly injured co-pilot, was no novice in flying matters, having made 80 jumps while on the staff of the Parachute Training School. He fully understood the perils of the landing which lay ahead, and knew that those in the front would be poorly placed if the Hastings crashed. Nevertheless he insisted that his duty was to remain with his patient. He had injected morphia and treated the injuries as best he could, and was lying down with Bennett in his arms, providing warmth from his own body and holding together the worst wounds with his hands.
At 2149 hours the medical officers and ambulances from Benghazi reached Benina. The flarepath was complete and the crash crews, ambulances and fire tenders positioned at a point on the perimeter track near the downwind end of the runway. Benina control informed Tunnadine:
'We are all ready for you to come in to land'.
'Going out to sea to make final approach', replied Tunnadine.
'Good luck. Hope you make it'.
'I'll need a bit of luck'.
It was now 69 minutes since Hastings TG574 had been damaged. As Tunnadine brought the aircraft down from 1,000ft by throttling back his engines he began to turn through 180 degrees to line up on the flarepath. The lights of Benghazi were on his port wing-tip. His airspeed indicator showed 140 knots, the lowest speed at which he could maintain any control. Ten miles away the flares showed up against the blackness of the desert. He dare not risk using the flaps, which might produce a nose-down attitude which he would not be able to correct.
For the passengers, knowing only too well the critical nature of the next few minutes, the ordeal was one of agonising suspense. 'Any one of us would cheerfully have jumped out on the end of an umbrella had one been available' said one of them afterwards. They waited in silence, each man alone with his private thoughts. Some were still standing, ready to move as required for instant trim changes and the nightmare atmosphere was heightened by the intermittent bellowing of the engines, since violent throttle movement was necessary to adjust the aircraft's attitude during final stages of the descent. When the aircraft was within feet of the ground, the passengers still standing slid rapidly into adjacent seats and strapped themselves in. Tunnadine was desperately trying to keep the Hastings level. The ground came nearer.
'I can't see the end of the runway'.
These were his last words to the control tower. After their exhibition of such superb airmanship, it was tragic that luck should desert the crew in the final seconds.
The aircraft struck the ground about a quarter of a mile short of the runway. In front of a gently sloping hillock which had obscured the lights. The initial impact was very gentle, though inevitably the propellers ploughed into the ground and the engine nacelles began to break up. Had it not been for the slope all would have been well. This caused the Hastings to become airborne again for about 100 yards, then the starboard wing hit the ground and broke off. The aircraft rolled on to its back, slewed round in the reverse direction and slid along the rough ground for 360 yards before coming to a halt. The time was 2155.
Crash crews were on the scene within 90 seconds, though fortunately there was no fire. To their surprise they found that most of the passengers had scrambled out, having suffered little more than relatively minor cuts and abrasions. Those still inside the fuselage, dazed and shaken, were quickly helped out. The wreckage of the hideously crumpled nose section held little promise of any survivors, and the four crew members on the flight deck were killed. Despite Brown's valiant efforts, Bennett also died before he could be rushed to hospital.
Apart from its unusual features this accident has a place
163
[page break]
in history for another reason. There is little doubt that most of the passengers owed their survival to the fact that the Hastings were fitted with suitably stressed rearward facing seats. This was the first major crash of a large passenger aircraft equipped in this fashion.
As the network of RAF scheduled transport services expanded during the later stages of the war it became apparent that there was a percentage of accidents where, despite relatively minor damage to the fuselage, passengers were killed or badly injured when the force of the impact wrenched the seats from their fittings and hurled them forwards. In 1945 the Royal Aircraft Establishment and No 46 Group made studies which led to the decision that future RAF transport aircraft should have rearward facing seats to protect passengers in these circumstances. The Hastings and the twin engined Valetta, which both entered service in 1948 were the first types so equipped. Rather more was involved than simply turning round existing seats, since to do the job properly they had to be specially designed. Those in the Hastings were stressed to withstand forces of 20g, and also featured a high back to protect passengers' heads. Two months after the Benina accident an RAF Valetta crashed in Sweden and provided more evidence of the seats' protective value. Although developments in aircraft design and performance have altered some of the parameters which led to the adoption of rearward facing seats in 1948, the RAF has continued to fit them on the basis that in any sudden deceleration it is better for the seat to take the first stress rather than the human body.
The subsequent inquiry into the Benina accident established that metal fatique had caused the propellor blade to break. It was pure bad luck that in flying off it should have caused such a crash. The blade had an arc of 360 degrees in which to leaves [sic] its consorts. In only about 40 degrees of this arc would it have hit the aircraft, and in still fewer could it damage the controls. It was additional bad luck that after Tunnadine's brilliant performance in coaxing the crippled Hastings to the brink of safety it should have struck the small ridge which launched it back into the air for that fatal somersault.
In the [italics] London Gazette [/italics] of 18 May 1951 it was announced that Squadron Leader Brown had been awarded the George Medal. The citation briefly described the sequence of events and ended: '... There is no doubt that he (Brown) consciously risked his life in order to save that of the injured officer. He carried out his duties in accordance with the traditions of his profession without regard for his own personal safety.'
Tunnadine and his crew were awarded the King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. But for the rigid rules restricting posthumous awards they would undoubtedly have been recommended for some higher recognition.
[page break]
[photograph]
T. G. 574 comes to rest at Benina
[page break]
CASSANDRA
JONAHS OF THE SKY
FOR about twenty-four hours sixteen gentlemen have been floating about in the blue (I hope), briny (not very) tideless (nearly), warm (I trust) Mediterranean.
They were on air-inflated rubber rafts, and some of them were quite important people.
They all belonged to the Royal Air Force and were in a Hastings aircraft that crashed in the Gulf of Sirte between Tripoli and Benghazi.
Among them was Air Commodore Morshead, who is the Chief Staff Technical Officer of Transport Command.
I suggest that if Air Commodore Morshead is not getting a little tired of being personally ditched and narrowly escaping with his life, together with those of other members of the RAF in this particular type of aircraft, he is a more patient man than he might be.
The Hastings is one of the most hapless aeroplane ever to climb into the hostile sky. Its record of peril is approached only by the Hermes – which is the civil version of the same machine.
Why these earth-attracted brutes are not grounded, I do not know.
Since 1949 the Hastings has crashed at Salisbury, Benghazi, Sicily, Ismailia,Greenland and Abingdon. It has also had many narrow squeaks that have fortunately ended in safe but breathless and blood-chilling landings. It has killed thirteen and injured many others.
The Hermes has been involved in at least nine accidents in the past two years, some of which have been fatal.
These machines, both the Hastings and the Hermes, share many odd and lethal vices among which shedding propellers – which most pilots find a handicap – has been noticeable.
How much longer do these four-[text missing]
[boxed with picture] CASSANDRA SAYS:
[italics] "Why this earth-attracted brute is not grounded, I do not know." [/boxed]
[page break]
[columns] a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h. [/columns]
[a] 8.12.50 [b] 09.05 [c] TG530 [d] F/LT Hanson [e] Passenger [f] Lyneham – Castel Benito [g] 6.50
[a] 9.12.50 [b] 04.00 [c] TG530 [d] F/Lt Hanson [e] Passenger [f] Castel Benito – Fayid [g] 5.00
[a] 9.12.50 [b] 11.55 [c] TG530 [d] F/LT Hanson [e] Passenger [f] Fayid – Habbaniya [g] 2.50 [h] 1.00
[a] 10.12.50 [b] 04.15 [c] TG530 [d] F/LT Hanson [e] Passenger [f] Habbaniya - Mauripur [g] 7.10
[a] 11.12.50 [b] 01.55 [c] TG530 [d] F/LT Hanson [e] Passenger [f] Mauripor – Megombo [g] 7.10
[a] 15.12.50 [b] 04.50 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Foster [e] Engineer [f] Megombo – Changi [g] 6.20 [h] 2.00
[a] 18.12.50 [b] 02.40 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Foster [e] Engineer [f] Changi – Megombo [g] 8.00
[a] 18.12.50 [b] 13.10 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Stafford [e] Passenger [f] Mecombo - Mauripor [h] 6.40
[a] 18.12.50 [b] 22.35 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Davenport [e] Passenger [f] Mauripor – Habbaniya [g] 2.00 [h] 5.35
[a] 19.12.50 [b] 12.15 [c] TG574 [d] F/LT Tunnadine [e] Passenger [f] Habbaniya – El Adem No 2 Eng U/S. [g] .45
[a] 20.12.50 [b] 08.45 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Tunnadine [e] Passenger [f] Habbaniya - El Adem [g] 5.50
[a] 20.12.50 [b] 18.00 [c] TG.574 [d] F/LT Tunnadine [e] Passenger [f] El Adem – Bennina CRASH LANDED [h] 1.50
[a] 24.12.50 [b] 08.15 [c] TG [deleted] 514 [/deleted][inserted] 526 [/inserted] [d] F/O Perrin [e] Passenger [f] Bennina - Castel Benito [g] 215
TOTAL TIME ... [g] 967.40 [h]348.35
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Fate Deals a Blow
Description
An account of the resource
Extract from "But Not in Anger". Story of a Hastings of 53 Squadron on route from El Adam to Castel Benito Tripoli which shed a propeller blade which struck the fuselage injuring the co-pilot and cutting the tail control rods. Relates story of crew flying the aircraft using passengers moving up and down fuselage to raise and lower the nose. The aircraft landed short of runway at Benghazi and the crew were killed in crushed cockpit but most of the passengers survived. George Medal and King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air were awarded as result to an officer who tended the wounded co-pilot and the rest of the crew.
Top left - remainder of the extract.
Top right - photograph of the crashed Hastings upside down at Benina.
Bottom left - newspaper cutting - Jonahs of the sky. Story of a Hasting that crashed in the Gulf of Sirte leaving passengers and crew in life rafts. Comments on poor reputation of Hastings aircraft for crashes.
Bottom right - extract from Ned Sparkes's log book from 8 December 1950 to 24 December 1950 listing 13 sorties.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Cole Christopher & Grant Roderick:
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1950-12
1950-12-20
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Libya
Libya--Banghāzī
Libya--Tripoli
North Africa
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Transport Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Photograph
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One printed document, one newspaper cutting, one log book extract and one b/w photograph mounted on two album pages
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PSparkesW17010028, PSparkesW17010029
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Sparkes, Ned. Album
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Sue Smith
aircrew
crash
George Medal
pilot
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2251/40652/PBirdJH18010038.2.jpg
1587e4b417b41ae3469ffab41e8a7736
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2251/40652/PBirdJH18010039.1.jpg
89c376648c4ba387051c305e51c963ce
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bird, JH. Photo Album
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-02-15
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Bird, JH
Description
An account of the resource
The album contains images taken during his service in Italy and includes target photographs and descriptions of bombing operations.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Award for the Best Photographs for August
Description
An account of the resource
Sergeant Bird's crew award for the best photographs for August 1944. The artwork comprises a drawing of a Wellington with Bird and his crew, Boulton, Bentley, Dean and Beckett named below, set against a circular ribbon with the words: 'THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST WERE RETURNED BY THE CREW' Some laurel leaves surround the ribbon and below is written: '104 SQUADRON'. On the reverse is handwritten 'also for June & July'.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
104 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-08
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-08
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Artwork
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One printed sheet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PBirdJH18010038, PBirdJH18010039
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Andy Fitter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
104 Squadron
aircrew
arts and crafts
rivalry
Wellington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1246/16864/MNealeETH1395951-150731-109.2.jpg
865ac6909e88c766b01ce190ba055fb6
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Neale, Ted
E T H Neale
Description
An account of the resource
123 items. The collection concerns Edward Thomas Henry Neale (b. 1922, 1395951 Royal Air Force) who served as a navigator with 37 Squadron in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy. The collection contains his training notebooks from South Africa as well as propaganda leaflets dropped by the allies in the Mediterranean theatre.
The collection also contains a photograph album, navigation logs and target photographs.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Alison Neale and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-31
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Neale, ETH
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ted Neale Travel Pass
Description
An account of the resource
A pass issued to Ted Neale authorising him to travel from CMF to UK.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
144 Maintenance Unit
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-11-02
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typewritten sheet with handwritten annotations
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MNealeETH1395951-150731-109
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-11
aircrew
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1401/27270/SMooreD1603117v10020.1.jpg
de494494519f927f0b665b17e692e2ba
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1401/27270/SMooreD1603117v10019.1.jpg
a15f9ba675769af90f015e8280016c68
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Moore, Dennis
D Moore
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-05-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Moore, D
Description
An account of the resource
37 items and two albums.
The collection concerns (1923 - 2010, 1603117, 153623 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, documents, photographs and two albums. He flew operations as a navigator with 218 and 15 Squadrons.
Album one contains photographs of his family and his training in Canada.
Album Two contains photographs of his service in the Far East.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Terrence D Moore and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[inserted] TAKEN FROM THE SERGEANT'S MESS KITCHEN COPY WHICH WAS USED TO MARK OFF THE "EGG & BACON" MEALS.
THE ORIGINAL STILL HAS 1945 BACON FAT ON IT!
Les Brown [/inserted]
[inserted][signature][calculations][/inserted]
[underlined] S E C R E T. [/underlined] [underlined] No 15 SQUADRON. [/underlined]
Serial No 1126. [underlined] 1st Battle Order for the 9th April 1945. [/underlined]
[a] A/C No. [b] Letter. [c] Capn & 2nd Pilot. [d[ Nav & W/Op. [e] A/B & M/U Gnr. [f] R/G & F/Eng. [g] M/Under.
[a] HK.699. [b] B. [c] [deleted] W/O. Woodman. [symbol] [/deleted] [d] Sgt. Relf. [symbol] Sgt. Gennoy. [symbol] [e] F/O. Moffat. Sgt. Hammond. [symbol] [f] Sgt. Dickinson. [symbol] [deleted] F/S. Freementle. [/deleted] [symbol] [g] F/O. Houston
[a] ME.849. [b] C. [c] F/L. Lacey. [symbol] [d] F/O. Blakney. F/S. [deleted] McKee. [symbol] [/deleted] [e] F/O. Underbakke. [deleted] Sgt.Coles. [/deleted] [symbol] [f] [deleted] Sgt. [indecipherable name] [/deleted] [symbol] Sgt. [deleted] [indecipherable name] [/deleted] [symbol]
[a] HK.799. [b] D. [c] F/L. Ayres. [symbol] [d] [deleted] F/S. Risley. [/deleted] [symbol] P/O. Greene. [e] F/O. Forsyth. F/O. Chambers. [f] F/O. Girardot. [symbol] P/O. Anderson.
[a] PA.235. [b] E. [c] F/O. Burns. [symbol] [d] F/S. Dukes. [symbol] F/S. Nicholson. [symbol] [e] [deleted] F/O. [indecipherable name] [/deleted] [symbol] [deleted] F/S. Deakins. [/deleted] [symbol] [f] Sgt. Giddings. [symbol] [deleted] Sgt. Franks. [/deleted] [symbol] [inserted] F.L. [indecipherable name] [/inserted]
[a] HK.648. [b] F. [c] F/S. McLennan. [symbol] [d] F/S. Fudge. [symbol] F/S. Noble. [symbol] [e] F/S. Ellis. [symbol] Sgt. Linsell. [symbol] [f] Sgt. Willacy. [symbol] Sgt. [deleted] Clear. [/deleted] [symbol] [g] P.O. Flack.
[a] LL.806. [b] J. [c] F/S. Sievers. [symbol] [d] [deleted] F/S. Clarkstone. [/deleted] [symbol] Sgt. King. [Symbol] [e] F/O. Hunter. J.D. Sgt. Williamson(396). [symbol] [f] Sgt. Wells. [symbol] Sgt. Blankharn. [symbol]
[a] NX.561. [b] L. [c] F/L. Gray. [symbol] [d] F/L. Berry. [symbol] F/S. Metcalf. [symbol] [e] F/S. Dykstra. [symbol] Sgt. Cooper(427). [symbol] [f] Sgt. Ferguson. [symbol] Sgt. Rawson. [symbol]
[a] NG.338. [b] M. [c] F/L. Rosenhain. [symbol] [d] F/O. Overbury. P/O. Edgecombe. [e] F/O. Lane. W/O. Drought. [symbol] [f] F/O. Foster. F/O. Taylor. [symbol]
[a] PP.672. [b] N. [c] F/O. Watts. [symbol] [d] F/O. Cox. [symbol] F/S. Taylor(520) [symbol] [e] Sgt. Chapman. [symbol] Sgt. Kenny. [symbol] [f] Sgt. Doherty. [symbol] F/S. Lewis. [symbol]
[a] HK.789. [b] R. [c] F/L. Bithell. [symbol] [d] F/O. Harris. F/S. Reece. [symbol] [e] F/O. Wallace. F/O. Schanschieff. [f] Sgt. Price. [symbol] Sgt. Draper. [symbol]
[a] PP.664. [b] U. [c] [ deleted] W/O. McGrath. [symbol] [/deleted] [d] F/O. Gilbertson. F/S. Cooper(356). [symbol] [e] F/S. Howard. [symbol] Sgt. Cheyney. [symbol] [f] Sgt. Watson. [symbol] Sgt. Sharpless. [symbol]
[a] HK.619. [b] V. [c] F/O. Darlow. [symbol] [d] Sgt. Porter. [symbol] Sgt. Gabb. [symbol] [e] Sgt. Cooper(900). [symbol] Sgt. Bathgate. [symbol] [f] F/O. Cork. W/O. Lane. [symbols] [g] F/S. Palmer. [symbol]
[a] ME.844. [b] W. [c] F/L. Clayton. [symbol] [d] P/O. Graham. F/S. Brown(297) [symbol] [e] F/O. Robertson. [symbol] P/O. Hardy. [f] Sgt. Fletcher. [symbol] P/O. Raine.
[a] NF.957. [b] X. [c] F/L. Jolly. [symbol] [d] F/O. Cope. F/O. Crowther. [e] F/O. Gourley. W/O. Hall. [symbol] [f] F/S. Wyatt. [symbol] F/S. Parsons. [symbol]
[a] NO.444. [b] Y. [c] [deleted] F/L. Lewis. [/deleted] [d] [deleted] F/S. Bellis. [/deleted] [deleted] F/S. McDonald. [/deleted] [e] [deleted] F/S. Cowie. [/deleted] [symbol] [deleted] Sgt. [indecipherable letter]atts. [symbol] [/deleted] [f] [deleted] F/S. Langan. [/deleted] [symbol] [deleted] Sgt. Parry(021). [/deleted] [symbol]
[a] HK.765. [b] Z. [c] F/S. Bruce. [symbol] [d] F/S. Rolfe. [symbol] F/S. Ardley. [symbol] [e] F/S. Knott. [symbols] [deleted] F/S. [indecipherable name] [/deleted] [symbol] [f] Sgt. Chettoe. [symbol] [deleted] Sgt. [indecipherable name] (994) [/deleted] [symbol]
[a] NG.358. [b] H. [c] S/L. Percy. [symbol] [d] F/O. Moore. F/S. Evans. [symbols] [e] F/O. Butler. F/S. Bourke. [symbols] [f] F/S. Clarke(655). [symbol] P/O. Forster. [symbols]
[a] NG.364. [b] P. [c] F/L. Ostler. [symbol] [d] F/O. McCulloch. [symbol] W/O. Spratt. [symbol] [e] P/O. Bartholomew. Sgt. Hands. [symbol] [f] Sgt. Hamilton. [symbol] Sgt. O'Keefe. [symbol]
OFFICER I/C FLYING RATIONS – F/O. HUNT.
F/O. HUNT'S CREW TO REPORT TO RADAR OFFICER.
F/L. BAGENAL & CREW – DUTY CREW.
[underlined] BRIEFING TO BE NOTIFIED LATER. [/underlined] [symbols] [inserted] Williams [/inserted]
[inserted] 79 [symbol] [/inserted]
(signed) N. G. MACFARLANE.
Wing Commander,
Commanding,
No 15 Squadron.
[page break]
SEE ENTRY 9/10th April 1945
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
15 Squadron Battle Order 9th April 1945
Description
An account of the resource
A document with the battle order for the squadron. It lists each aircraft and each crew member for operations that night. Annotated on it is 'Taken from the Sergeant's Mess kitchen copy which was used to mark off the "Egg and Bacon" meals. The original still has 1945 bacon fat on it' and is signed 'Les Brown'.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
15 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-09
Format
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One typed sheet
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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SMooreD1603117v10019, SMooreD1603117v10020
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
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1945-04-09
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Babs Nichols
15 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bomb aimer
flight engineer
mess
navigator
pilot
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1547/28296/PStoneGB16010018.1.jpg
b99dbd6c55ee3545df1c0382799c4338
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Stone, George Bernard
G B Stone
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-10-06
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
IBCC Digital Archive
Description
An account of the resource
14 items. The collection concerns Pilot Officer George Bernard Stone and contains an album, photographs and documents. He flew operations as an air gunner with 156 Squadron and was killed 13 August 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Nigel Stone and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW27189654 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27189654 BCX0">Additional information on George Bernard Stone</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27189654 BCX0"> is available via the</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27189654 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/227051/">IBCC Losses Database.</a></span>
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
POST OFFICE TELEGRAM
OFFICE STAMP EXETER DEVON 13 AUG 44
109 11.10 PE/T OHMS 64
PRIORITY CC MRS G B STONE NANCY VILLE PLANTATION TOE DAWLISH
REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR HUSBAND P/O GEORGE
BERNARD STONE IS MISSING AS RESULT OF AIR OPERATIONS
STOP LETTER FOLLOWS PENDING RECEIPT OF WRITTEN
NOTIFICATION FROM THE AIR MINISTRY NO INFORMATION SHOULD
BE GIVEN TO THE PRESS STOP ANY FURTHER INFORMATION
RECEIVED WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO YOU IMMEDIATELY
156 SQD RAF + 156 PE/T
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Telegram to Ivy Stone from 156 Squadron
Description
An account of the resource
The telegram advises Ivy that her husband, George is missing. There is also a newspaper cutting stating an unidentified body was found beside seven identified airmen.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
156 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-08-13
Format
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One typewritten sheet and one newspaper cutting
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PStoneGB16010018
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
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Great Britain
England--Dawlish
England--Devon
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-08-13
156 Squadron
aircrew
killed in action
missing in action
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1362/23328/MTurnerCF1042292-160822-010001.2.jpg
622ee91a3d81c691b78f6fe2c06280e1
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1362/23328/MTurnerCF1042292-160822-010002.2.jpg
660cc6dacfc1a6dcdb0a4728f41faefa
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Turner, Charlie
C F Turner
Description
An account of the resource
26 items. The collection concerns Warrant Officer Charles Turner DFM (1042292 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, correspondence, newspaper cuttings and photographs. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 186 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Barbara Turner and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-08-22
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Turner, CF
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Commissioning of Air Crew Personnel
Description
An account of the resource
A form filled in for P A Upson, Navigator. It details 26 operations by date, day or night, location and duration.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
186 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945
Format
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Two typed sheets with handwritten annotations
Language
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eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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MTurnerCF1042292-160822-010001,
MTurnerCF1042292-160822-010002
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany--Essen
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Homberg (Kassel)
Germany--Solingen
Germany--Bottrop
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Siegen
Germany--Trier
Germany--Rheydt
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Neuss
Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Germany--Saarbrücken
Germany--Osterfeld
Germany--Mönchengladbach
Germany
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Germany--Heinsberg (Heinsberg)
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945
186 Squadron
aircrew
navigator
promotion
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1362/23341/MTurnerCF1042292-160822-08.1.jpg
9cc4b5e0b212740ea7ae595e70b78fab
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Turner, Charlie
C F Turner
Description
An account of the resource
26 items. The collection concerns Warrant Officer Charles Turner DFM (1042292 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, correspondence, newspaper cuttings and photographs. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 186 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Barbara Turner and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-08-22
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Turner, CF
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
OPS. GELSENKIRCHEN 5.35 DAYLIGHT
[underlined] NO. 186 SQUADRON BATTLE ORDER – 5TH MARCH1945. Serial No. 25 [/underlined]
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘C’ HK. 694
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
W/O S.F. Cooke
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/O C.D. Wale
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/O A.E. Dent
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/O A. Crispin
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt A. Graham
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt F.G. Victor
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt E.W. McGaw
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘E’ NG 146
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L G.M. Templeton
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S J. McKey
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
P/O A.J. Beaven
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S W.V. Barker
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
F/S F.A. Mahoney
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt Hargreaves
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt J. Coulton
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘F’ NG. 140
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/O A.P. Gillespie
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
Sgt P. Feasy
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S F.I. Dow
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
W/O D.C. Strickland
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt R. Whitehouse
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt S.A. Bedwell
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt E.J. Roberts
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘G’ NG. 149
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L A.N. Marshall
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/O L.E. Jordon
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/O G. Arrand
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
W/O S.J. Spay
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
W/O L.H. Wilson
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
F/O A. Aspin
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt E.J. Roberts
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘J’ HK. 682
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L E.L. Field DFC
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S P.A. Upson
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/O G. Littleboy
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S C.J. Morris
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt W. O’Connell
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
F/S C.F. Turner
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt Enright
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘L’ HK. 802
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/O H.S. Young
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S D. Bone
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S S.J. Reilly
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S F. Holroyd
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
F/S R. Lambert
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt J. Green
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt N. Simpson
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘Q’ HK. 659
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L R.A. Hanson
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S L. Collins
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S S.F. Mullett
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
W/O Robertson
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt S. Roger
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt R. Thomas
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt D. Say
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘S’
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L F.H. Mason
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S H. Coleman
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
P/O W.G. Williams
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S W.S. [?]
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt D.J. [?]
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
F/S W.F. Upton
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt A. Heaslet
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘T’ HK. 794
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/O L. Idle
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/O A.A. Purkiss
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S J.K. Snell
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
W/O M. Honor
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
[?] MacDonald
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt A.G. Philbey
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt J. Hamilton
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘U’ NG. 293
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/S P. Gray
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S G. Merrick
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/O E. Marner
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
Sgt W. Jenkinson
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt I.W. Foster
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt E.C. Booth
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt F. Parkhouse
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘V’ RF. 126
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/L L.A. Green
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S J. Baggott
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
W/O K.E. Pryor
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S N. Robson
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt D. Furguson
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt W. Deards
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt L. Beamish
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘W’ HK. 796
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/O R. Goglier
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
F/S McKendrick
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S R. Hawkins
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
F/S A. Scragg
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
F/S F. Boyle
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
F/S M. Gilmartin
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
W/O F.W. Lemon
[underlined] Aircraft [/underlined]
(XY) ‘Z’ HK. 606
[underlined]Pilot [/underlined]
F/O J.M. Forand
[underlined] Navigator [/underlined]
P/O E.C. Audell
[underlined] Air Bomber [/underlined]
F/S A. Cecotti
[underlined] W/O/Air[/underlined]
Sgt D. Harris
[underlined] Mid Gunner [/underlined]
Sgt J. Degay
[underlined] Rear Gunner [/underlined]
F/S W.F. Trivett
[underlined] F/Engineer [/underlined]
Sgt J.L. Butters
(XY) ‘D’ NG. 137 TO BE PREPARED AS A SPARE AIRCRAFT.
OFFICER i/c FLYING: W/C J.H. Giles DFC BRIEFING TIMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
LEADERS: F/O RICHARDSON, F/L HOLMAN DFC, F/L BAXTER, F/L BUCKLAND DFC, SGT WALLWORK, F/L MACDONALD, W/O CASEY AND S/L DODWELL.
F/O VERRY, F/O DAVEY, F/S CORKAN, SGT BARWA, SAGT WARD, SGT HASSELL, SGT BROWN are to report to the Station Radar Officer at the time of the Navigators Briefing.
N.B. Alterations to this Order may only be made with the sanction of the Squadron Commander and notification to the Squadron Adjutant.
[signature] F/L
(J. S. Walker)
Flight Lieutenant, for,
Wing Commander, Commanding,
[underlined]No. 186 Squadron[/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Battle Order 5th March 1945
Description
An account of the resource
A battle order for 186 Squadron for an operation to Gelsenkirchen. It details each aircraft and all seven crew members for each aircraft.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
186 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-03-05
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typed sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MTurnerCF1042292-160822-08
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-03-05
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
186 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bomb aimer
bombing
flight engineer
Lancaster
navigator
pilot
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1507/28603/SEllisRHG918424v10021-0001.2.jpg
62f93f4c7d84e7827a97953cd208f3de
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1507/28603/SEllisRHG918424v10021-0002.2.jpg
ad7670b9bf1d1220ff6bedb347258708
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ellis, Roy
Royston Hazeldine George Ellis
R H G Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-05-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Ellis, RHG
Description
An account of the resource
62 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Roy Ellis (1916 - 1943, <span>918424 Royal Air Force</span>) and contains correspondence, his decorations and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 199 Squadron and was killed 31 August 1943.<br /> <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Norman Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br />Additional information on Roy Ellis is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/208468/">IBCC Losses Database</a>.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
No. 199 Squadron,
Royal Air Force,
Lakenheath,
Suffolk.
23rd September 1943.
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
I thank you for your letter of the 20th September 1943, and in response to your request I am pleased to forward you the names and addresses of the members of your husband’s crew, which are as set out below.
The necessary instructions have been given here, for your husband’s sycle [sic] to be forwarded to you on which Air Ministry’s sanction is being obtained.
With regard to your husband’s uniform jacket and trousers, please forward same to this Unit.
Pilot – Aus. 408833 F/Sgt. Harlem A.A.
Next of kin – Father, Mr. Bertram Julius Harlem, 34 Salisbury Rd, Ross Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
Navigator – 3079475 F/Sgt. Julian W.B.
Next of kin – Wife, Mrs. Marjorie Julian, 14 Newby Terrace, Ripon, Yorkshire.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner – Aus. 412129 F/Sgt. Gee F.E.
Next of kin – Father, Mr. Rupert Stephen Gee, Regent St, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner – 1206613 Sgt. Elphick H.
Next of kin – Wife, Mrs. Vera Maud, Margaret Elphick, 22 Daison Cres. Torquay, Devon.
Air Bomber – 988491 F/Sgt. McLaren I.N.
Next of kin – Father, Mr. William McLaren, 86 Moss Street, Keith, Banffshire, Scotland.
Rea Gunner – 408569 Warrant Officer Finlayson A.D.
Next of kin - Father, Mr. Alexander Duncan Finlayson, “Mutcharinga” Yeoong Creek, New South Wales, Australia.
[page break]
Flight Engineer – 1603576 Sgt. Smith J.T.
Next of kin – Wife, Mrs. Ellen Louise May Smith, Hill Cottage, Virley, Nr. Maldon, Essex.
Yours sincerely,
[signature] F/Lt.
for Wing Commander,
[underlined]Commanding No. 199 Squadron[/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Mrs Roy Ellis from 199 Squadron
Description
An account of the resource
The letter supplies names and addresses of Roy's crew members.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
199 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-09-23
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One double sided typewritten sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SEllisRHG918424v10021-0001, SEllisRHG918424v10021-0002
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Australian Air Force
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-09-23
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Suffolk
199 Squadron
aircrew
bomb aimer
flight engineer
killed in action
navigator
pilot
RAF Lakenheath
wireless operator / air gunner
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1507/28635/SEllisRHG918424v10014.2.jpg
25d7fc2ce0b9b8504c2e03f1f46b4133
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ellis, Roy
Royston Hazeldine George Ellis
R H G Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-05-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Ellis, RHG
Description
An account of the resource
62 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Roy Ellis (1916 - 1943, <span>918424 Royal Air Force</span>) and contains correspondence, his decorations and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 199 Squadron and was killed 31 August 1943.<br /> <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Norman Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br />Additional information on Roy Ellis is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/208468/">IBCC Losses Database</a>.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
No. 199 Squadron,
Royal Air Force,
Lakenheath,
Suffolk.
7th September, 1943.
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
In reply to your letter dated 5th inst., it is confirmed that your husband was missing on the operation against München, Gladbach, on the night of 30/31st August 1943.
It is hoped that better news will be received concerning him in the near future.
Trusting the above is all the information you require.
Yours sincerely,
[signature] F/Lt,
For Wing Commander,
[underlined]Commanding, 199 Squadron. [/underlined]
Mrs. Ellis,
253 Balham High Road,
London S.W. 17.
[page break]
[underlined] CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE [/underlined]
The names of all who lose their lives or are wounded or reported missing while serving with the Royal Air Force will appear in the official casualty lists publish from time to time in the Press.
Any publication of the date, place or circumstances of a casualty, and particularly any reference to the unit concerned, might give valuable information to the enemy, and for this reason, only the name, rank and Service number are included in the official lists.
Relatives are particularly requested, in the national interest, to ensure that any notices published privately do not disclose the date, place or circumstances of the casualty, or the unit.
The press have been asked to co-operate in ensuring that no information of value to the enemy is published.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Mrs Doreen Ellis from 199 Squadron
Description
An account of the resource
The letter reports that Doreen's husband is missing on an operation against Munchen. Included is a sheet with advice regarding publication of details of the circumstances of a casualty.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
199 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-09-07
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typewritten and one printed sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SEllisRHG918424v10014
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Civilian
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Great Britain
England--London
England--Suffolk
Germany--Munich
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-09-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
199 Squadron
aircrew
missing in action
RAF Lakenheath
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1507/28636/SEllisRHG918424v10017.2.jpg
802a69df431901feffb357c0b7c9d862
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ellis, Roy
Royston Hazeldine George Ellis
R H G Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-05-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Ellis, RHG
Description
An account of the resource
62 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Roy Ellis (1916 - 1943, <span>918424 Royal Air Force</span>) and contains correspondence, his decorations and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 199 Squadron and was killed 31 August 1943.<br /> <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Norman Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br />Additional information on Roy Ellis is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/208468/">IBCC Losses Database</a>.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
No. 199 Squadron,
Royal Air Force,
Lakenheath,
Suffolk.
31st August, 1943.
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
By the time you receive this letter you will have been informed that your husband, 918424 SGT Ellis, R. H. G., was reported missing as a result of air operations on the night of 30/31st August, 1943, and I am writing to extend to you my most profound sympathy in your anxiety for him.
He was the air gunner of an aircraft which took off that night on a mission against the enemy, but which failed to return, and I have heard nothing further of this aircraft or its crew since it left its base. Although I do not wish to raise your hopes unduly, there is always the chance that your husband may have escaped with his life and been taken prisoner of war, and I am hoping that some such news will come to hand in the near future. You will of course be informed if I should receive any further news.
The Royal Air Force Central Depository at Colnbrook, Slough, Bucks, to whom your husband’s personal effects are being sent will be writing to you about them in due course.
All officers and men of this Squadron with whom your husband was most popular, wish me to extend to you their most sincere sympathies, and should I be able to help you in any way, please do not hesitate to write.
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
[underlined]Wing Commander. [/underlined]
Mrs. D.C.M. Ellis,
253 Balham High Road,
[underlined]London, S.W. 17. [/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Mrs Doreen Ellis from 199 Squadron
Description
An account of the resource
The letter advises Doreen that he husband is missing in action. The possibility that he husband may have escaped or taken prisoner is mentioned.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
199 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-08-31
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typewritten sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SEllisRHG918424v10017
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Civilian
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
England--Suffolk
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-08-31
199 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
missing in action
prisoner of war
RAF Lakenheath
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1507/28640/SEllisRHG918424v10025.1.jpg
c92b96c0c2e5a7b4a5d8cd1b443df5b2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ellis, Roy
Royston Hazeldine George Ellis
R H G Ellis
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-05-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Ellis, RHG
Description
An account of the resource
62 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Roy Ellis (1916 - 1943, <span>918424 Royal Air Force</span>) and contains correspondence, his decorations and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 199 Squadron and was killed 31 August 1943.<br /> <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Norman Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br />Additional information on Roy Ellis is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/208468/">IBCC Losses Database</a>.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
AIR MINISTRY
(Casualty Branch)
77 Oxford street, London W.1.
25th October, 1943.
FF. 306271/43/P.4.Kits.
[underlined] 918424 Sergeant Ellis, R. H. G. [/underlined]
Madam,
I am directed to refer to your request to forward your husband’s bicycle to your address and to enclose an indemnity form which I am to ask you kindly to complete and return.
On receipt, instructions will be given to despatch the cycle.
I am, Madam,
Your obedient Servant,
[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.
Mrs. R. H. G. Ellis,
253 Balham High Road,
London, S.W.17.
[page break]
No. 199 Squadron,
Royal Air Force,
Lakenheath.
15th October, 1943.
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
In replying to your letter of the 6th inst. I beg to inform you that I have no knowledge of your husband leaving a letter for you. There is no compulsion for aircrew to leave such correspondence for next of kin.
Any letters received by your husband prior to his being reported missing would be forwarded to Colnbrook together with his effects and with regard to any will which you mention, I regret no trace of any can be found.
I regret that up to the time of writing no information has been received of any members of your husband’s crew.
I remain,
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
[underlined] Flight Lieutenant [/underlined]
Mrs D. C. H. Ellis,
253, Balham High Road,
[underlined] London S.W.17.[/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Two Letters to Mrs Doreen Ellis
Description
An account of the resource
The first letter is from the Air Ministry and is in response to a request to return her husband's bicycle.
The second letter is a reply to a request to send a last letter from her husband.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
199 Squadron
Great Britain. Air Ministry
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-10-15
1943-10-25
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two typewritten sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SEllisRHG918424v10025
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
England--Suffolk
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-10-15
1945-10-25
199 Squadron
aircrew
missing in action
RAF Lakenheath
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1376/24268/E[Author]FordTA520501.jpg
7181d1624a165d4d17be534e225f9ef4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ford, Terry
Ford, T
Description
An account of the resource
135 items. The collection concerns Terry Ford. He flew operations as a pilot with 75 Squadron. It contains photographs, his log book, operational maps, letters home during training, and documents including emergency drills. There are two albums of photographs, one of navigation logs, and another of target photographs.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Julia Burke and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-03-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Ford, T
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Terry Ford from No 22 Reserve Centre
Description
An account of the resource
The letter advises Terry that he is being promoted to Flight Lieutenant
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
22 Reserve Centre
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1952-05-01
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typed letter with handwritten annotations
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
E[Author]FordTA520501
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Bristol
England--Gloucestershire
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1952-05-01
aircrew
promotion
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22360/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-0790001.2.jpg
ab2be739977721093e38002815e1191c
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22360/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-0790002.2.jpg
83650fef9ad90a77a6071a5ea27b28c1
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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Curnock, RM
Date
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2016-04-18
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
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Title
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Identification Card for Mechanical Transport Drivers
Description
An account of the resource
RAF Form 1629 issued to Dick Curnock authorising him to drive vehicles on Government duty. On the reverse the vehicle types have been identified.
Creator
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239 Headquarters
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1947-01-07
Format
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One printed card with handwritten annotations
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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MCurnockRM1815605-171114-0790001,
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-0790002
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
aircrew
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/627/19795/PPettyD1607.1.jpg
38745e3553906b1757c4f99fb3318f25
Dublin Core
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Title
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Petty, Doug
Douglas Petty
D Petty
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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Petty, D
Description
An account of the resource
11 items. An oral history interview with Flying Officer Douglas Petty ( 1923 - 2023, 189456 Royal Air Force) documents and photographs. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 429 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Douglas Petty and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Date
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2016-08-31
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
B Flight, No 3. Squadron, [RAF crest] No 21 I.T.W., August 1943.
[Photograph]
K. P. FITZPATRICK T. JOHNSON H. E. ROYAL W. ANDREWS R. A. HAWKINS E. G. STUBBINGS A. L. TOLLINGTON D. J. TEBBIT A. L. SUTTON D. A. SCOTT-BLAIR W. E. HIGGINS
P. A. WEST L. FRISBY J.C. KENRICK F. W. NEWBY S. WALSH D. B. NEAVE A. J. MACPHERSON R. ROBINSON W. A. JOHNSTON L. BOSTOCK E. J. FAIRCHILD P. C. WALL D. PETTY
V. M. JONES F. A. TINDALL G. R. BRIERS J. HENDERSON J. T. BROWN E. N. DALLISON F. A. ENGLAND W. H. BROWN G. A. RITCHIE G. H. WILLIAMS C. T. PATTERSON S. J. TURNHAM R. F. RECABARREN
H. K. PARSON C. MOSS R. W. MYERS R. G. MELLOR CPL. H. WILD F/O R. G. SPENCER S/Ldr P. J. BETT F/S G. S. HOLDSWORTH W. D. LIBBY R. C. HAILL H. DEWHIRST G. TOOMBS W. T. COATES
L. R. HANNA W. WARD J. RIDLEY J. LAYCOCK H. T. CALDER F. HELLIWELL
Dublin Core
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Title
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B Flight, 3 Squadron, No 21 ITW August 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Group of trainees arranged in five rows. Each individual is named in the caption underneath
Creator
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3 Squadron, RAF
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-08
Format
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One b/w photograph
Language
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eng
Type
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Photograph
Identifier
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PPettyD1607
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
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Great Britain
England--Devon
England--Torquay
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
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1943-08
Contributor
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Anne-Marie Watson
aircrew
Initial Training Wing
RAF Torquay
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1313/19080/PStachiewiczM17010045.2.jpg
516461309972479b0b38e5500c0d8d96
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1313/19080/PStachiewiczM17010046.2.jpg
d9a1440490bd0c41da67a61af79a4b32
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Stachiewicz, Mieczysław. Album
Description
An account of the resource
58 items. An album of photographs, newspaper clippings and papers relating to Mieczysław Stachiewicz's escape from Poland through Romania, Greece, and France to Great Britain, and his tour of operations as a pilot with 301 Squadron from RAF Hemswell. The album also contains photographs of his friends and family.
These items were digitised by a third-party using technical specifications and operational protocols that may differ from those used by the IBCC Digital Archive.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-01-19
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Stachiewicz, M
Dublin Core
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Title
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Wyciag z ksiegi strat Dywizjonu 301 w okresie maj – listopad 1942
Excerpt from 301 Squadron's loss book for the period May - November 1942
Description
An account of the resource
A list of 16 aircraft and crew lost between May and November 1942 from 301 Squadron.
Business card for P/O Harry William Bock, Polish Air Force.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
301 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-11
Format
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Three handwritten sheets and a printed card from a scrapbook
Language
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eng
pol
Type
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Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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PStachiewiczM17010045
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Polskie Siły Powietrzne
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-05
1942-06
1942-07
1942-08
1942-09
1942-10
1942-11
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Other languages than English
301 Squadron
aircrew
killed in action
pilot
RAF Hemswell
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1497/28871/MLeadbetterJ163970-160421-20.2.pdf
f0b377b2862f0bff0115f428e2842404
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Leadbetter, John
J Leadbetter
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-21
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Leadbetter, J
Description
An account of the resource
166 items. The collection concerns John Leadbetter (1549105, 163970 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs and documents. <br /><br />There are four sub-collections:<br /><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/1725">Leadbetter, John. Aerial Photographs</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/1721">Leadbetter, John. Aircraft Recognition</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/1723">Leadbetter, John. Canada</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/1718">Leadbetter, John. Maps and Charts</a> <br /><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Keith Henry Leadbetter and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Hill Topics
Vol. 1, No. 2 PICTON, ONTARIO, CANADA December, 1943
[Crest]
[page break]
Page Two Hill Topics December, 1943
EDITORIAL
On behalf of the magazine committee, I would like to thank you for the support that you gave to the first edition of Hill Topics. We did sell all of the copies that we had printed and could have sold more if we had had them, which is extremely encouraging. The fact that this was probably, due to curiosity as to what the new magazine would be like has not escaped us, so we are going all out in an endeavour to make each issue an improvement on the last. Men in the sections rallied round even better than we expected with their contributions and so as not to lose the force of any remarks, which we ourselves could not appreciate due to lack of knowledge, we reproduced them in the original without any editing or alteration. In this connection I would like to apologize to those sections which sent material in that was not published. We underestimated the amount that we should receive and consequently arranged to have the magazine consisting of only twelve pages, with the result that we had to leave out some good articles in our endeavour to cater to all tastes. This time we have increased the size by four pages, which is the most that we can manage owing to the expense. If your contribution does not appear in this month, it will probably do so next.
The main criticism that I have heard of the last issue was lack of pictures and cartoons. The reason for this was, and still is for that matter, that we are strictly limited by the cost of producing same. Those few which we included in the last edition cost $40.00 approximately and as we cannot seem to sell more than 800 copies ($80.00 income) you can see what we are up against. However we are atempting [sic] to remedy this defect in this number. For a start we intend to include each months representative photographs of one particular section. If you are surprised that this month’s selection is the S.P.’s I will explain that the group to be pictorialized is determined by putting all the names in a hat and drawing one out. So every section will get its turn. If we find that the demand for the magazine increases we will have more copies printed and the additional income will be used to improve future numbers of Hill Topics. Anyway you can rely on us to do the best that we can to produce the most interesting magazine possible, under the existing circumstances. Incidentally, do not forget to drop us a line if you have any suggestions or criticisms, we will be only too glad to learn what type of thing you would like to see in your magazine.
In conclusion I would like to thank you for your support this time and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. (Don’t get too drunk.)
-ED.
Contents
Rambling Rudolph - Editorial . . . Page 2
Personalities . . . 3
His Doctor Was Right (Short Story), Christmas 1 and 1,943 – Picton High Spots . . . 4
Cartoon – Kicking Against the Pricks . . . 5
Sorrow An-son – The C.B.C. Entertains – Picton Menus – Believe It or Not . . . 6
In Town Tonight – Hangar Types – A Welcome Retreat – A Devilish Trick . . . 7
Pantomine . . . 8 and 9
Round and About . . . 10, 11 and 12
Postings – Day in the Life of (series) – The Ladies . . . 13
Sports and Entertainment . . . 14 and 15
Falls of Niagara – Love’s Reflections – Crossword – Torch (ure) – Babs . . . 16
“HILL TOPICS”
STAFF
Editors: F/O. Hunt-Duke and LAC. Stevens.
Secretary: F/L. Freeman.
Treasurer: P/O. Beard.
Publicity: F/O. Lowe.
Assistant Editors: Sgt. Smale, LAC. Connolly, LAC. Godolphin, LAC. Senn, Mr. A. Morris.
Rambling Rudolph
WELL, hullo fellas, this is your rambling reporter Rudolph again, I just had to drop in to Picton to see you all after seeing that book that Churchill has written about No. 31, called “Blood, Sweat and Tears”. I got into town last night and dropped into the old beer parlor for a quick one, I’ll be up to see you poisonally as soon as the chief lets me out of the jail, I was talking a little thickly when he walked in and he insisted that I was talking in German, I showed him my identity card and after he had looked at it for 5 minutes he said that it was just as he suspected. I tried to point out that he was looking at it upside down but he wouldn’t listen. Yes sir, this old America is a grand country, it was discovered by Columbus in 1485 you know, he tried to lose it again but it had already been announced over the radio so now the Yanks are stuck with it. They tried giving it back to the Indians too but they didn’t want it either. That reminds me, I was down in Brooklyn a month or so ago, I went into a bar for a drink. The barman was leaning on the counter with his chin in his hand looking morose so whilst I was sucking my bourbon and milk I attempted to engage him in conversation, it went something like this:
Me: “War’s going well isn’t it?”
Him: “We’ll moider da bums.”
Me: “Pacific’s going a bit slow though.”
Him: “Dem doity Japs.”
Me: “What do you think of the World Series so far?”
Him: “We’ll moider da bums.”
Me: “Who do you think will win?”
Him: “Dem doity Japs.”
I was silent for a while then I tried again;
Me: “I hear they banned women wearing sweaters in factories.”
Him: “We’ll moider da bums.”
Me: “You seem to have something on your mind. What’s the trouble?”
Him: “Dem doity Japs.”
Me: “What about them?”
He turned a withering eye upon me and snapped:
“Ain’t you ‘eard bud da blank, blanks have bombed Poil ‘arbour wivout provikashun.”
All of which only goes to show that the Yanks are really war-minded and determined. Well it’s a long worm which has no turning.
That reminds me of a joke? Don’t kick the lad when he’s down he’s trying hard, where was I? Oh yes, it seems that Hitler had a batman whose duty it was to waken der fuerher [sic] each morning at 09.00 hrs. and say “Nine o’clock and all’s well my Feurher, [sic] it’s a lovely day.” To which Hitler would reply, “I know it fool, my intuition tells me so.” Well this went on for a long time until the 500th time. This morning the batman came in as usual and said, “Nine o’clock and all’s well my feurher, [sic] it’s a lovely day out.” And Hitler replied as usual, “I know it fool, my intuition tells me so.” Then the batman, whose self control had finally broken, answered, “Well your intuition is all to cock because it’s 11.30 and raining like hell.”
All right, all right, there’s insanity in the best of families but as I’ve always maintained “Have a go Joe. Your mother won’t know” . . . how did we get on to that . . . oh yes, I was just going to tell you about the time that I was down in Mexico writing a book on their customs. During the course of my researches I met up with a very charming little Mexican girl, quite accidentally of course, I’m a woman hater by trade, well as I was saying here was I walking slowly along the sidewalk looking at the local talent . . . I mean architetechture [sic] when I see this . . . what is the word I want . . . senorita drop something on the ground. So I, being a gentleman (quiet!) dashed up and picked them . . . er her . . . ah it up and said, “pardon me senorita, but did you lose something?” and she replied “Why yes senor but that was the long times ago.” I said, “But you don’t understand, I mean this.” So I handed her back her . . . um . . . gloves and she said, “Oh a thousand thanks senor, the winds are sometimes veery cheel in these part and I might have felt very cold without them.” Well one thing led to another and sometime later that evening we were sitting in the beautiful San Lorenzo Park admiring the scenery and talking about the weather, when she remarked, “Rudolph my dove, although my heard she is for you with love, I am very tired, I want to go home.” We got to her hacienda and I asked her if I could come in for a night-cap and she answered, “Well, yes my sweet but we must stay in the parlor because my father he say if he find a man in my room he will throw heem through the window.” Very strict these Latin parents. Well I got out of hospital in about a week, it was only on the second floor anyway. Nice girl though, entertained me quite well whilst I was down there. I was sorry to leave but I left her a little present to remember me by.
Speaking of the weaker (?) sex reminds me about the time that I was travelling through the Rockies, I had to stop at a little town up there to get some photographs for an article. Well the biggest rancher around the parts offered to put me up for a while. It turned out that he had an exceedingly beautiful daughter and one day when things were pretty quiet, I said to her, “What shall we do this afternoon?” and she said, “Well let’s go and hunt bear.” After I was run out of town it occurred to me that I must have misunderstood but still as I always say “we learn by our mistakes” and a thing like that can happen to anyone.
Well as Cleopatra said to Anthony, “Enough is too much, I have had, it’s time to push off”. So fellow sufferers I will bid you fond adieu until next time, that is if I’m not caught up with in the meantime. Down the hatch.
-RUDOLPH
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Three
INTRODUCING
[Photograph]
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Wing Commander J.S. Kennedy, D.F.C. and Bar, an Ulster man by birth, has enjoyed the distinction of being “the Lowest Flier in the R.A.F.” Joining the R.A.F.V.R. in 1938 he was called for service two days before the outbreak of war, since which time he has had a thrill packed career in the service.
He has been described as a “fiery little Irishman” and evidence of his fighting nature and indomitable spirit was proved early in his flying career when, as a P/O, he dived and destroyed a gun emplacement which had been responsible for exploding in mid air the leader of his formation.
W/Cmdr. Kennedy has from time to time received considerable publicity in the British national newspapers, and has been twice received by H.M. the King at Buckingham Palace. One paragraph which appeared in an article printed after the magnificent air action over Dieppe is of particular interest and is given here:-“The formation was met with considerable A.A. fire and S/Ldr. Kennedy’s aircraft was repeatedly hit, one engine being put out of action. In spite of this S/Ldr. Kennedy resolutely supported by the skillful navigation of F/O. H.A. Asker led his formation over the town at low level and released smoke bombs with accuracy on the target”. For the part he played at Dieppe the W/Cmdr. received a bar to the D.F.C. and his navigator F/O. Asker already holder of the D.F.M., was awarded the D.F.C. F/O. Asker is now at Picton, as will be noted elsewhere in this issue.
W/Cmdr. Kennedy was singularly honored when selected by the Air Ministry to lead the first formation of American fliers over occupied Europe. He has been the subject of many articles published in American magazines and the following is an exerpt [sic] from the July issue of the Cosmopolitan – (The author, Lt. Randall Dorton, was a member of his 1st formation.) “Later, returning home alone in the belief that both his wing planes had been shot down, Kennedy, flaming with anger dumped his last remaining bomb on one of the ‘fishing’ boats and blasted it to hell, he then strafed the other with machine gun fire.” And evidence of his low flying in another paragraph:-“A couple of black puffs of smoke appeared ahead, as Kennedy let three of his bombs go. Then he closed his bomb doors and skidded around to the right, dragging his wing on the ground, we were flying so close to the ground that a machine gun, swinging on his ship hit a German soldier riding a bicycle. He shot straight up into the air his bicycle riding on riderless.”
In a raid over German occupied France W/Cmdr. Kennedy was piloting his Boston bomber away from his target at tree top height when he was caught in cross fire between two German batteries. He fired his forward gun at one of them and the gunners scattered. A shell burst tore off more than three feet of the leading edge of his port wing, leaving a large hole where the wing joined the fuselage, and there were many holes in the port oil tank. So low was he operating that he had to fly under a high tension cable. In spite of the damage and hazard he brought the Boston safely back home. When he landed back in Britain part of the cable was found tangled round the aircraft. Part of that cable was used to make a napkin ring for his blue-eyed, golden haired daughter Jane, who has accompanied him together with Mrs. Kennedy to Buckingham Palace. The W/Cmdr. carried out his attacks on enemy shipping at a height of only 50 feet, and included in his shipping “bag” is an 8000-ton merchant vessel.
The ”New Yorker” American counterpart of “Punch” described him as “-a Belfast man with flaming red hair and mustache, and an appropriate reputation for aggressiveness.” W/Cmdr. Kennedy has a great admiration for the American fliers, he has lived with them, flown with them, and fought with them, so he should know. The “New Yorker” in a most interesting article continues in the following strain:-“The British S/Ldr. in charge of the Boston outfit took me to the centre of the lounge and pointed upward to a big scrawl of names pencilled on the ceiling, at least ten feet beyond my reach. Among them were the names of the American officers who had come back from the July the 4th raid. There were also those of at least two who didn’t. The other fellows put those up,” the S/Ldr. said. After each man’s name was the name of his state. When a man comes back from his first “op” said the S/Ldr. we always have a beano, we make the new hand write his name on the ceiling. We drag over that long table, pile magazines on top, put a chair on top of the magazines, then make him get up and sign. The night after the American’s came back from their first “op” was the biggest and most violent beano I’ve ever seen in my life.
Credited with the sinking of six ships, more than 70 destruction packed daylight raids on enemy targets, and a participant in the famous Battle of Dieppe, it is small wonder that a man with such an intensive and practical knowledge of operational flying, it’s hazards and the important necessity of being superior to the enemy, should take such a keen interest in the training of future crews of the air. Since his inception at Picton many improvements have been introduced. He is tireless in his efforts to procure the best equipment possible. One innovation particularly appreciated by the students is the conference which every course attends, and at which, in the presence of their instructors, flight commanders, and the O/C.’s of various sections they are invited to air their views with regard to the training program, and to offer any suggestions which would be adopted and put into practice if considered to be progressive and advantageous to future students.
N.C.O. OF THE MONTH
[Sketch]
F/SGT. MILFORD
Our N.C.O. personality for this month is genial Flight-Sergeant Milford. Attached to Maintenance Wing Orderly room, he is, as we all know, to our joy, and alas, our sorrow, a popular pillar of justice. His Air Force career started in 1930, when with joyful heart, he passed through the forbidding portals at Uxbridge. After four years in England, he set sail in 1934 for Singapore. Spending two years in this delightful spot, he left in 1936 with many happy memories bound for Egypt. Soon we find him bronzed and happy, with his feet under the table in Abu-Suier. However, roll on the boat, and in 1938 it was rain, rain and all that home service means. Three happy years, embarkation leave, and Canada was his next abode. Out west, then finally Picton on the Lake. So before leaving this terror of gymnasium and parade ground, we thank him one and all, for his efforts to make this station a happier place to work, play and work.
AIRMAN OF THE MONTH
[Sketch]
TUBBY FIELDS
Aye’ lad He’ He’. Yes, it’s Tubby Fields we have to write about this month, that ball of fun, the station’s No. 1 Comedian, who, with the help of W.O. Reick, is responsible for the Station Concert Party. His experience of stage craft is a great help to us all.
He is a man of wide experience and diverse interests. At one time he concentrated on the development of his physique (you might say he has succeeded) and practised under Saldo Max Aldine, the old King of Muscular [missing letter]evelopment, and under Yulei Tani, the jui jitsu champion.
He won the Ingleton Gold Medal for having the biggest chest expansion, 4 3/4 inches, and was a Junior Champion swimmer. He aspired at one time to sing in opera and had a very fine voice as a young man. It is pretty obvious that his true bent was towards comedy work.
He started his career on the stage with concert party work during the last war while in the R.F.C., and has been at it ever since, playing on the stage and on the air with his partner, with whom as Fields and Mitchell, he has been for eighteen years, doing everything from pantomime to busking on the sands at seaside resorts. He has played with many famous people, and was principal tenor for several years at Winter Gardens at Blackpool.
From what we gather he hasn’t always been as fat as he is now, for he has played Rugby for Halifax, little though you may think it to look at him now.
He has also won the Yorkshire Swimming championship. Tubby is a very fine Billiards and Snooker player and has played exhibition matches with Lindrum, Davis and Newman.
So you can see what an asset Tubby is to the station, a man we can rely on to keep us happy, for his tomfoolery is just what the Doctor ordered.
PRIZE WINNERS
CPL. HOLE - “His Doctor was Right”.
ANON - “Kicking Against the Pricks”.
[page break]
Page Four HILL TOPICS December, 1943
His Doctor Was Right
WALLISE shuffled the sheets of his newspaper, irritably, and scowled at the pages. He did not like talking to strangers – their conversation usually bored him to death – but he could see, that unless he could find some way of avoiding it, it would not be long before the stranger seated opposite him in the first-class smoker would be making an insensate remark or two about the weather or asking him for a match or something. He forced his attention rigidly to the newspaper which he held uncompromisingly before his face.
In the opposite seat of the railway carriage, of which he was the only other occupant, his fellow-passenger was making an apparently fruitless search of his pockets. An unlighted, short, stubby pipe was clenched between his teeth. The bowl was empty so it was quite evident that he was looking for his tobacco pouch. Eventually, he gave up the search and blew noisily down the stem, gazing aggrievedly across at the unrelenting newspaper as he did so. Wallise, wondering why his fellow-passenger was breathing so hard, peered cautiously over the top of it and was caught off-guard.
“No tobacco,” ventured the other, taking his pipe from his mouth and waving it about in front of his face, as evidence of the fact.
Wallise put down his newspaper, with a barely audible sigh, and reached into his pocket.
The other’s face brightened.
“Here, have some of mine,” said Wallise.
“No, really, I didn’t mean-”, but at the same time the stranger took the proffered pouch.
“Miserable day,” he went on, nodding his head towards the windows at the grey, November countryside. Wallise grunted an indistinct affirmative.
“Travel down by this train often?” asked the other, trying again.
“No. I’ve never been down in this part of the country before.”
“Hmm. We had a murder on this train, once. I bet that surprises you.”
Wallise reflected that it would surprise him if history did not repeat itself, but, aloud, he said, “Is that so? When did that happen?”
The other did not reply immediately, but, striking a match, applied it to the two pipes in turn. Then, drawing heavily upon his pipe, answered, “It’s rather interesting. I’ll tell you about it if you wish.”
Wallise shrugged his shoulders, imperceptibly. “By all means, do.”
The man in the opposite seat settled himself back, more comfortably, in his corner.
“All this happened about ten years ago. About nineteen-twenty-four, I think it was. The 1.5 from Paddington, it’s been running for more years than I care to remember, carried, among it’s other passengers, two men who were known to each other – but that doesn’t mean they liked each other. Far from it. For that reason, only one got off the train when it finished its run at Oxford. It was this way.
“Some years before a man named Pearson had come back from the war to find that the girl who had promised to wait for hm until the war ended, had played rather a dirty trick on him. She’d got tired of waiting. Instead, she had married a chap called Valentine.
“Now, probably, in the ordinary course of events, Pearson would have got over it, but the trouble was, although one could not exactly call him crazy, the war had left its mark upon him. He went away and brooded over it.
“He never set eyes on this fellow Valentine again, until this day, in nineteen-twenty-four, that I’m talking about.” The stranger broke off here and looked across at Wallise. “I hope I’m not boring you with all this, old chap.”
Wallise shook his head. He seemed by now, to be genuinely interested. “No. Please go on.”
“Good. Well, to continue. Pearson was on the platform at Paddington, getting aboard the Oxford train, when he happened to spot Valentine also getting aboard – further down the platform. An impulse struck him.
“He had only half an idea of what he intended to do, but that was sufficient. He manoeuvred himself to a seat adjacent to the corridor, from which he had a view of the entrance to the compartment which he had seen Valentine enter, and sat, waiting, watching.
“His opportunity did not arise until after the train left Reading. He saw Valentine leave his compartment and walk down the corridor towards the toilet at the end of the coach.
“He waited a few seconds, and then followed. Luck was with him, there was not a soul hanging about the corridors. Valentine barely had time to slip the bolt behind him, when Pearson knocked sharply upon the door. Puzzled, Valentine re-opened it and was roughly pushed back inside again. Had he been about to make any protest, it died a stillborn death in his throat. Pearsons fingers were about his throat, squeezing to a stand still the life that pulsated beneath them.
“A few minutes, and it was all over. His rage spent, Pearson felt himself chilled by the beads of sweat which stood out from his body. Shakily, he turned to the door, and listened. All was quiet. He let himself out. The corridors were still deserted as he started to walk away. Then, recalling some little detail, he turned back again. Taking from his pocket one of those pencils with a small eraser fitted in the top, he held the door firmly closed with one hand, while he pressed the rubber against the enamel plate attached to the bolt, with the other. Gently, he eased the plate around, until the word “ENGAGED” was visible. It was quite easily done. The railway companies keep those locks well oiled.
“Pearson did not return to his own compartment, but went on down the train, until he found one which was empty, and there he sat, shivering, until the train pulled into Oxford. Once there, he soon made himself scarce. I don’t suppose anyone who saw him leave the station looked at him twice. His name was never coupled with the murder, anyway.
“At the inquest, which inevitably followed, a few days afterward, the coroner passed a verdict of “wilful murder by person or persons, unknown.”
The stranger finished speaking and looked up to find the other’s eyes fixed curiously upon him, while he sucked at his empty pipe, which, long ago, had burnt itself out.
“That’s a very interesting story, but there’s one thing that puzzles me. What is your name? Is it-?”
“Pearson? No, that poor devil committed suicide a few months afterwards.”
“But you said, only a few moments ago, that Pearson was never traced and that no one saw him commit the murder. I don’t-”
The stranger interrupted Wallise again. “Perhaps you will understand better if I tell you who I am. I am not pulling your leg, as you appear to think; you see, my name is – was – Valentine.”
But for the low rumbling of the wheels of the train, there was silence in the carriage when he finished speaking. For a few moments, the stranger sat, looking at Wallise thoughtfully, then, slowly, quietly, he commenced tapping his teeth with his pipe. He sat thus, a few seconds, then, rising from his seat, he commenced, deliberately, to gather up his belongings. There was no sound in the compartment save the rattle of the train as it rushed through the damp, grey countryside to Oxford.
As he finished, the man turned his head over his shoulder, to speak to Wallise once more. “Well, we’ve got to be going, now. Your doctor was right, after all, wasn’t he? He said your heart wouldn’t stand a sudden shock. Sorry I frightened you to death, old chap. I’m ready when you are.”
-CPL. HOLE
Songs Heard in the Blackout
[sketch]
CHRISTMAS 1 AND 1,943 COMPARISON AND CONTRAST WITHOUT COMMENT
Christmas 1 – There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Christmas 1943 – Berlin was bombed again last night for the fifth night in a row by the Empire’s heavy bombers.
Christmas 1 - . . . The angel said unto them . . . behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Christmas 1943 – Scene like Dante’s Inferno, as skies rained destruction. R.A.F. aims to wipe Reich capital systematically off map.
Christmas 1 - . . . Unto you is born this day . . . a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Christmas 1943 – Gestapo kill off the hopelessly wounded and those who have been driven insane by shock, including children.
Christmas 1 - . . . Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying – Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
Christmas 1943 – Nazis threaten terrible vengeance for every man, woman and child killed and every
cultural monument destroyed.
- “MARNOCK”
PICTON HIGH SPOTS
Have you visited the following:
1 The SHQ Red Light District . . . where the S.A.D.O. presides. See him counting his takings daily. Don’t dilly-dally on the way.
2 The Morgue (N.E. corner of building No. 4). Cadavres not accepted before 21.00 hours. Must show no signs of life. Definitely not admitted if seen chewing apples.
3 The Creche . . . the kiddies spend their happiest hours with THOMAS and SULLIVAN, the amusement kings. Book your carriers in advance. Pyrotechnic displays to order. Hot dogs are out for the duration.
4 The Feline Refuge . . . (first on right inside main gate). No destitute cat ever refused admission. P.S. We also have some spare accommodation for wayward erks.
5 The Arena (station drill hall). Christians scientifically dismembered by Smale and Scott (singing Cockles and Muscles, alive, alive-o). Padre in attendance if required.
6 Hut number (supressed by censor) home for fallen women. (Or for any other kind that show up.)
7 Treasure Island . . . Where STEVENSON (stroking his long beard) may be seen in the flesh among that legendary wealth that his fertile brain created.
8 The Herb Garden (W. corner of hut 9R) where the SAGE who knows his ONIONS cuts CAPERS when the THYME comes round for the MINT to send his CELERY.
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Five
[cartoon]
KICKING AGAINST THE PRICKS
On the arrival of a certain medical officer at this unit recently on posting, an examination of his document envelope revealed a neatly typewritten manuscript, obviously in code, and signed by one “L.A.W. Carroll” as being a certified true copy.
Headquarters staff were vastly intrigued by the discovery of this manuscript, and arousing themselves from their usual placid lethargy, set to work with the greatest energy to decypher it. FLYING OFFICER FLITTE-GUNNE took a leading part in this brave endeavour, ably assisted by FLIGHT SERGEANT MOTH-BALLS and LEADING AIRCRAFTSMAN D.R.O. FRAGRANT.
As a result of their joint endeavours the greater part of the manuscript was eventually decoded. Verse five however proved recalcitrant. It is thought that this verse contains, enshrined in mystic jargon, the result of a series of successful experiments carried out by the M.O. in question who, being filled with the milk of human kindness, and observing with sorrow the dire and dismal anguishes occasioned by the numerous innoculations that fall to the lot of the unhappy erk, had set out to render these innoculations superfluous by eradicating for ever the dread diseases of scarlet fever, tetanus, typhoid and diptheria.
This view is supported by the curious fact that none of the rest of the manuscript contains matter of a secret nature. There would therefore have been no useful purpose served by encoding its contents had not the paragraph in question contained matter of the very highest degree of secrecy and of the greatest value to the enemy.
Unfortunately the M.O. himself is unable to assist in decoding the cryptic lines, for, as his medical documents show, shortly after the conclusion of his experiments and before the publication of his thesis, he was admitted to the station hospital, Hilltop Panorama, suffering from mild concussion and acute amnesia, having fallen down the back stairs of a block of service flats while leaving hurriedly in the small hours of a summer’s morning. All the efforts of the unit’s brilliant intelligence officer, Wing Commander C.N.R. Birt, to extract the truth by a series of cunning questions, have so far proved abortive.
It has been argued that the repetition of verse one at the end of the manuscript would indicate that his efforts to find a means of eradicating the dread diseases had failed. This however cannot be accepted. It is considered that this was his delicate way of indicating the well-known reluctance of the medical profession to accept new ideas or methods until they have been exhaustively tried and proved beyond all possible doubt.
The document is therefore reproduced below in the hope that some airman skilled in de-caballistics may succeed in solving the puzzle. It is emphasised that the solution should be treated as MOST SECRET and forwarded to S.H.Q. in sextuplicate (or in a sealed envelope).
JABBERWOCKY
“Twas brillig and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogroves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that snatch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxsome foe he sought,-
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood
And burbled as it came!”
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with his head
He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my BEAMISH boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in this joy.
“Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogroves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
LEGEND
Verse One – Obviously a scene in station hospital, at the M.O.’s last unit.
Brillig – 10.00 hours.
Slithey – Unfortunate.
Toves – Erks.
Gyre – Take off their jackets.
Gimble – Shake like a leaf.
Wabe – Treatment room, station hospital.
Mimsy – Scrubbed-up.
Borogroves – Nursing sisters.
Mome – Hypodermic.
Raths – Syringes.
Outgrabe – Were working overtime.
Verse two – Advise to the newly arrived M.O. from the old and experienced Senior Medical Officer.
Jabberwock – The germs of scarlet fever, diptheria, typhoid and tetanus.
More technically “bacteria horrenda variosa”.
Jaws – Rigors.
Bite – Grip
Claws – Constrictions of the throat.
Snatch – Suffocate.
Jubjub bird – (Unsolved).
Frumious – Insidious.
Bandersnatch – Spirochete.
Verse three – The M.O. embarks on research aimed at removing the threat and even the very existence of these dreaded diseases. Most of this verse is in plain language. Lines three and four clearly indicate that, wearied of his arduous and at first unfruitful research, he returned for a period to the gentle recreational pastime of ABDOMINAL SURGERY, a common resort of the overworked medico.
Vorpal – Super-polarising.
Sword – Microscope.
Manxsome – Bacterial, (as opposed to amoebic).
Verse four – An epidemic breaks His chance for real research has come at last. No more playing around with mere abdominal surgery for him.
TO THE BATTLE.
Uffish – Peculiar to the medical fraternity.
Eyes – Temperature.
Flame – 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whiffling – Infecting all the erks.
Tulgey – Steam-heated.
Wood – Hangars.
Burbled – Laid them low with fever.
Verse five – See the introductory remarks.
Verse six – The Senior M.O. welcomes and congratulates the Junior.
Slain – Eradicated.
Beamish boy – The junior M.O.
Frabjous day – Day off, with seven days’ passionate leave attached.
Callooh – B – good show.
Callay – Another way of saying the same thing.
Chortled – Shot a line.
Joy – A feeling often experienced by the R.A.F. in the U.K.
Verse seven – See verse one and also the introductory remarks.
A chap with very bad eyesight was examined by the draft M.O. – and placed in 1A. “But my eyes are terrible,” he pointed out, “I can hardly see anything.” “Look,” said the doctor, “we don’t examine eyes any more, we just count them.
A beautiful young lady lay on a bed in the receiving ward of a Washington hospital, her only covering a large white sheet. Two upstanding young gentlemen in white passed by and were struck by the young lady’s lovely features. One of the young men drew back the sheet and carefully examined the patient from head to foot. “Do you think you will have to operate?” the girl asked anxiously after a few moments. “Oh, you will have to ask the doctors,” said one of the young men, cheerily, “we’re only ensigns.”
[page break]
Page Six HILL TOPICS December, 1943
SORROW AN-SON
A Pistol-Packing Drama – In Complete Form
Once upon a Bulova watch time there was an old woman who lived in a discarded old “Anson” fuselage. Now this old woman was a spinster and had twelve children. Eleven were boys, excepting five – (these were girls). The twelfth is too young yet to be distinguished. This small family lived in the vicinity of Hellville, (a rural village just outside Little-Picton-in-the-Mire), and was supported entirely by a devastating young air bomber named Flash Lampus, who used to fly overhead and drop 11 1/2 pounders in the old lady’s back yard. The latter’s name was Sarah Bagshot, (the old lady, not the back yard). Her father was the famous Sir Harry Bagshot, heir to the Inlet Valve.
One day when the air bomber was toasted (I mean posted), he went round to Sarah to see how the flying was going. (Sarah was a W.D. in the Canned Air Force). After blowing up the front doorway, by exploding an 11 1/2 pounder, which he usually carried around with him whenever he went on ops), the stumbled boldly, yet a trifle blasted, (as u/t air bombers can be), into a back room where Sarah was cooking her goose for his supper.
“A-ha!” he spluttered, picking up his top set from the ash can, “so you really waited for me I see!” After complimenting him on his powers of observation and shrewdness, Sarah threw over a settee, (airman for the use of). “Harry,” she slopped, her bottom tooth tripping up her enormous white tongue, “you didn’t think I would run out on yer – did yer?” Now Sarah was a well educated old woman, and ‘Harry’ was another boy friend. “You fair shook me rigid,” Flash re-spluttered, “Sarah, my nocturnal narcotic, I am posted, as all air males usually are.” “Corny,” she yelled softly into his starboard ear, “they can’t do this to us! I will see your Wing Commander tomorrow at eleven, when he starts work, and complain on passionate grounds.”
“It’s no use,” he whimpered hopefully, (he had made too many runs already with this one woman). “I have to go to the air observers’ school tomorrow to learn all about ground defence”. (His papers read “G.D.”, but we allow for these discrepancies with air crew). “But what about my family?” Sarah pleaded, her right hand around his throat, tenderly depressing same in a state of dire ecstasy. “Confound your family!” he replied politely, (he’d only been in the service six months). “I have carried the banner too long already.” “So!” she hissed, like a Lizzie’s tyre on a bad landing, “I thought as much!” You English bombardiers are atrociously abominable, and utterly erratic.” Now this was a good thing on her part, as that mouthful really shook Flash.
“O.K.”, he retorted, knowing darn well he was washed up, and using a megaphone to make himself heard, “I know my misses when I miss ‘em;” (he was constantly air-minded). “Tonight I will run out on you with my final run.” So saying, he left the house in a shambles, and rushed down the street. After pausing for a few hours at the drug store, he found his wind and ran back to his beloved billet at the R.I.F.R.A.F. station at Little-Picton-in-the-Mire. Pay A/C’s ceased playing out to the old woman, who soon starved to death anyway, and the airman was posted.
Which all goes to show, that you can’t play ball with a Waaf batman. N.B. – Any similarity between this immortal epic and the R.A.F. is purely bad show on the part of the writer.
LAC. F. LUDLAM
THE C.B.C. ENTERTAINS-
“This is the Canned Broadcasting Corporation.”
“XYZ – Hellville.”
“Tonight we bring to you, a programme of delightful entertainment . . . “
“Madam! Do you suffer from toothache, headache, eyeache, faceache, earache, dropped feet, chronic asthma, or even rigor mortis? You DO? Well, isn’t that just too bad?”
“Ladies! Prevent B.O., buy ‘NEW Rinsit’ TODAY! NOT tomorrow or even tonight – but RIGHT AWAY!”
(Fanfare of trumpets without – enter asthmatic announcer).
“You will be sorry if you don’t use NEW Rinsit’ in the near future. One day, when your limbs start falling off, and your flesh starts flaking, - you will wish that you had taken to using ‘NEW Rinsit’ earlier!”
“LISTEN TO THIS DRAMATIC TRUE-LIFE EPISODE . . .” (Strains of William Tell”).
“Sob, sob, splutter, sniff . . .”
“What’s the matter, Jennifer?”
“I had an ab-so-lute-ly AWFUL time at the party tonight, mother dear.”
“Oh? How was that, Jennifer?”
“The R.A.F. boys wouldn’t dance with me at all tonight, mother dear.”
“But Jennifer, my darling, you aren’t going to worry over a little thing like that, are you?”
“No, mother dear, but one corporal S.P. came up to me, and admitted quite frankly that I ab-so-lute-ly reeked of B.O.”
“Ah, Jennifer. You should use some of that marvellous ‘NEW Rinsit!”
“May I try some, mother dear?”
“Why, mother! I can feel it doing me a world of good already!” (etc., blah).
“YOU DON’T WANT TO BE IN SUCH A PREDICAMENT THAT OUR JENNIFER WAS IN, DO YOU?”
“Sold at all drug stores and gas stations – buy your ‘NEW Rinsit’ NOW!”
“Thank you for listening, Ladies and Gentlemen. The broadcast you just heard was transcribed. And now for an advertisement . . .” (etc., etc., blah-blah).
-L.A.C. LUDLAM
HOT SPOTS OF PICTON OR AIRMAN’S GUIDE TO PICTON CAFES
CAFE GUILT
Menu-
Egg and Bacon
Potatoes, mash or French Fry
Toast
Tea and Coffee
Specialty-
Entertaining M.T. Drivers
Points –
For-
One blonde
Tea cups read for small extra charge.
Palms read free of charge for regular customers.
Against-
Plates cracked. Duff gen. known to originate here in large quantities. Water has earthen taste – may be due to condition of glasses. S.P.’s noted to appear frequently.
POP’S SODA BAR
Menu-
Light Lunches
Sundaes
Milk Shakes
Coca-cola
Speciality-
Sundaes
Points-
For-
Clean. Good radio.
Senior N.C.O.’s, aircrew and girlfriends most frequent customers.
Water fair. Good place to collect local gen.
Against-
Little encouragement given to those on the binge
Waitresses mostly too young
Hastening methods taken against those prone to linger, when busy.
Menu: HOTEL SPHERE
Choice of-
Soups,
Fish, Steaks, Chops, etc.
Veg. Potatoes
Pie, etc.
Milk, tea, coffee.
Speciality-
Small helpings.
Points-
For-
Excellent service. Very clean.
Salt and pepper at all tables.
Cups with saucers (and handles)
Knives cut
Dehydrated potatoes never used.
Against-
Too quiet. Very ‘so so’ atmosphere.
Wing Commanders and ranks above receive special attention. Prices beyond reach of average erk’s pocket book.
THE SILVER STAR
Menu-
Clear Rice Soup
Chop Suey
T-Bone Steak
Cold Potatoes
Pie a la Mode
Speciality: Swedes
Points-
For-
Waitresses ‘dateable’
Waiters, quiet spoken – English fair.
Frequented by officers and lady friends.
Serviettes at all tables (useful Kleenex sub.)
Taxies at door for camp.
Against-
Over chlorinated water.
Phone constantly in use, takes away appetite.
Demand instant payment.
Also frequented by ‘Jackson Boy’
TOMMY’S TUCKER
Menu-
Fried Fish
French Fry
Tomato Ketchup (thinned)
Oatmeal Cookies
Specialty:
Fried Fish
Points-
For-
Service good. Three tables usually free.
No shortage of salt and pepper.
Proprietor friendly.
Against-
Little breathing space.
Strong smell of cooking fat and thick cloud of tobacco smoke always present.
Frequented mostly by S.P.’s and lower ranking erks.
Menu- JUMBO’S JOINT
French Fry
Eggs and Bacon, (except Tuesdays, just eggs).
Cocoa, coffee, Coca-cola.
Specialty-
Eggs.
Points-
For-
No shortage of eggs
Two redheads
Handles on most cups. Handy to camp.
Against-
Pepper and salt for one table only.
Three cats, (plus five more at any time now).
Avoid back corner table on left, rain comes in.
Cold
BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
(With Apologies to Ripley)
This actually happened during a recent trip to New York – to relations! We had left Watertown on the way back, and were hitching from there. Everyone says it’s more interesting. Money doesn’t seem to enter into it. As I was saying, we stopped outside Watertown, and things didn’t look too promising. There were mostly vans on the road and these were in a great hurry. Two kids came up and regarded us curiously, you know, in that impersonal sort of way in which children look at animals in the zoo.
“Waitin’ for a ride?” enquired one. “Yes,” said I civilly enough. Is there much doing on this road?” “Nope”, answers he laconically. “Say what ARE you? Marines? Coastguards? Navy? Army? I can’t GET you”. “Oh, us?” I piped up (it was the night after the second heavy raid on Berlin, you know two inch headlines in the “New York Sun”).
“Why, we’re Royal Air Force!” As the expressions on the two boys’ faces didn’t change, I added hastily, “R.A.F. you know, Raf!” Number one looked at number two, shook his head and said in tones of utter finality, “Never heard of ‘em”.
I collapsed, while my companion murmured, “Wish I hadn’t either!”
-A.C.1 TANNER
[page break]
December 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Seven
HANGAR TYPES
By “Wraplock”
Well blokes, this little matter is to put on record some of the habits and peculiarities of the individuals who go to make our little circles. They never vary much in any flight, and possibly you will recognize yourself in one or more of the groups. First let us take that comparatively rare phenomenon:
THE FLAT-OUT TYPE
Generally speaking, they are confined to junior N.C.O’s, and Senior LAC.’s, who spend their time dashing into jobs amidst a terrific flurry of tools, comparable in intensity with the flak over Berlin. Their greatest pride is to announce they have just finished an engine change, or something, in less time than ever before, but strangely enough, instead of admiring glances, they are favoured with dark murmers, which indicate that Chiefy will expect similar results from less inspired quarters.
If you should ever happen to come upon one of these creatures in full production, be warned and keep well clear, or you will find yourself being cursed in a very nasty manner for being in the way, or distracting the attention of the unfortunate underlings who make up the zealous one’s gang. This type has another habit – that of diving into a huddle and pulling to pieces the methods of other toilers, who take no notice of them anyway, but just think, - if we had a hangar full of “Flat Outs”. They would be so busy trying to out-produce each other, the rest of us would be able to pack up and catch the next boat back to mother and the local.
(Original ideas committee please note.)
However, their ranks are so thin at present, that we are in need of a few volunteers before this suggestion can be forwarded to the illustrious body mentioned above, and by the time they had adopted it, if ever, we should all be long past caring anyway, so maybe we had best let things rest as they are.
Next we come to the:
MARRIED MEN
That is to say, the ones who have their wives within week-end reach. These poor lads are really to be pitied by us all, for although it does the heart good to see them depart on 48, all clean and spritely, happy as terriers seeing nice juicy bones before them. Oh my, oh my, just get a dekko at them on Monday morning! Can these be the fine, upright young airmen who left us not three days since? These grouchy, anaemic wretches, who stagger so pitifully to work as if Tarzans or Harry Pye had given them a going over.
Yes, they are one and the same, and for the next fortnight or so, we shall have to watch them, toiling so manfully, with their thoughts far away in Montreal or Toronto. They never leave camp between week-ends, but I am sure they must spend a fortune on postage stamps. We don’t count paper, etc., of course, because they wouldn’t dream of letting all that crested paper from the “Y” go to waste.
It is awful to see them in the crew room at break time, hanging on to every word the Scrubber Boys have to say. Haven’t you noticed them before? Well you know them alright, and next time you meet one on a Monday, just step brightly up and ask “How goes it Jasper?” and then wait for that soulful expressive “Cheesed off mate”.
So all you single blokes take heed, and for Pete’s sake avoid becoming one of this type, or you too will have something extra to moan about, and most of you have more than enough already.
Cheerio until next month, fellers, when we will have a look at The Crew Room Crowd and the Senior N.C.O. type.
[Photograph] “IN TOWN TONIGHT!”
(Number One)
THIS month we interview a distinguished dock labourer from the east end of London. Here he is – Mr. Harry Hodges of Stepney, now being interviewed by Alf Norris, our roaming reporter.
“Good evening, Mr. Hodges! And what exactly do you do for a living?”
“I work at them London docks, and I am the bloke what ‘as ter do the ‘andlin’ of them crates of stuff what comes orf of them boats what’s
“I works at them London docks, and I ‘ave ter-“
“Yes, yes, quite. And have you a family to support Harry?”
“YUS! -I ‘ave a missus and seven kids. I also keeps chickens in a chicken ‘ouse what I made aht of them crates what they lands at them London docks, and –“
“Yes, yes, quite! And where do you live? -or rather, from what part of Stepney do you come from?”
“I live in an ‘ouse what used ter belong to a bloke what used to ‘elp us aht dahn at them London docks on them crates, and –“
“Yes, really, but which street?”
“Look ‘ere mate, I was tellin’ yer, ain’t I?”
“Yes, -go on please.”
“O.K. -nah don’t butt in mate.”
“Go ahead old chap.”
“Okey-doke, then. I lives in an ‘ouse what ain’t very far from that pub what is dahn Noo road, Step-a-ney! My missus works at them London docks too.”
“Is she on them crates too?”
“NAH! She ain’t on them crates mate. My missus, she ‘andles the blokes’ pay durin’ the day, and the kids durin’ the night, and-”
“Yes, of course. And what do you think of the war, Harry?”
“I am in the ‘ome guard, when I ain’t workin’, and-”
“Really?”
“Well I can’t do me job on them crates at them London docks, AND do me ruddy ‘Ome guard at the same time, can I mate?”
“No of course not.”
“Well then.”
“Er, Harry-”
“Yus, cock?”
“Would you be so kind as to tell the listeners something about the Home Guard?”
“YUS! I am a bloke what’s known as a sergeant. ‘E’ as got six stripes yer know and-”
“SIX stripes, Harry?”
“YUS, -three on each arm, see?”
“Oh, of course.”
“Well, let me go on wiv it then.”
“I’m afraid our time is up now Harry, so say ‘Goodnight’ please, to our millions of listeners, will you?”
“YUS! Of course mates, it would ‘ave bin better to ‘ave ‘ad more time, but I suppose old Alf ‘ere, ain’t got it, so-”
“Thanks very much, Harry, er- this way out.”
“O.K. chum – Ta-ta, old cock. Goodnight Bert, Sid and Charlie. I ‘ope yer’ve got me supper on at ‘ome, Liz.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Hodges.”
“So long, old cock. Where do I get paid?”
“Er – the Cashier’s office is across the hall.”
“TA-TA MATES!”
“THAT, was Mr. Harry Hodges. Phew!”
-LAC. LUDLAM
A WELCOME RETREAT
We welcome as an addition to the station facilities, the new reading room recently installed in the Library Building. Here at long last, for the first time in Picton’s history, is a place for a man to find quiet and seclusion for acquiring information on the turbulent events of today.
From the smoke-saturated and jive burdened air of the canteen one can now escape to fresh fields and pastures new, to silence and meditation.
Here, one may add to ones knowledge and get the necessary quiet wherein to collect ones thoughts. Here too, is it possible to get down in peace to that very essential but somewhat trying task of writing home. From the peaceful atmosphere of the reading room we hope our epistolary efforts will grow in regularity and coherence. We hope, too, that now indeed we shall be able to keep ourselves conversant with all the gen that is worth acquiring.
We understand that the curtains and table cloths with their welcome relief to the prevailing verdant hues were the work of the ladies of the Hostess House, in which case we offer them our sincere thanks, and regard it as a further addition to our indebtedness to them.
Note from the Education Officer: Suggestions for increasing the facilities of the reading room and other ideas for its improvement will be welcomed.
A DEVILISH TRICK
Old Tam’s was known from Ben to Ben,
The meanest man in all the glen,
His wife as fly as Murphy’s goat,
Wi’ a heart as cold as Winter’s coat.
Their house was nestled by the burn,
A cosy spot in snow or sun;
Wi’ walls as white as shorned sheep,
And roof aw thatched wi’ bracken sweet.
The garden tidy, just a treat,
A thorny hedge, the trap’s defeat;
Two apple trees stan’ roun’ the back,
Sheltering turnips in a stack.
On Christmas Eve the house was still,
Except for cries from doon the hill;
Where in the pub a merry throng,
Besiege dull care wi’ glass and song.
McGregor’s wife sat in her chair,
The fire was roaring fierce and rare;
Click, click! her needles roun’ the room,
Where dancing shadows chased her broom.
All Tam himsel’ was snoring loud,
Christmas night was but a shroud;
On he dreamt o’ shining lucre,
When all the world was in a stupor.
The grandfather clock struck twelve o’clock,
When strange enough there came a knock;
Old Tam shouted, “Weel wha’s there?”
But no’ a sound disturbed the pair.
“Say your prayers Maggie lass,
Old Nick’s out there, it’s come to pass”;
When sure enough the latch went click,
And in the doorway stood old Nick.
His horns were shining in the moon,
His long black hair was hanging doon;
Wi’ eyes as red as burning coal,
Which seemed to creep and steal your soul.
He spoke, his voice was hoarse and deep,
McGregors at last your fate you meet;
“For long you’ve tried your souls to sell,
And now it’s time to go to Hell”.
Wi’ that he turned and slammed the door,
Left them shaking more and more;
And all that night they stood in dread,
In case the morn would find them dead.
By morn they hadn’t slept a wink,
The quickly they began to think;
“We haven’t long, if we don’t tarry,
The devil’s threat with good we’ll parry.”
So to the grocer’s at fearful pace,
Bought all the sweeties in the place;
The roun’ the village from door to door,
They gave out toys and sweets galore.
Weel, since that dawn you would hardly know,
The McGregors when they come and go;
Old Tam’s known since that great day,
As a man who’d gie his shirt away.
But in the pub they’ll laugh till Dotage,
At the trick they played at Tam’s wee cottage.
-M. STEVENS
[page break]
Page Eight HILL TOPICS December, 1943
GOLDILOCKS AND THE TWO WOLVES
OR
DICK WHITTINGTON RIDES AGAIN
A Pantomine in Two Acts
CURTAIN
Scene depicts a deserted plotting office about two hours before night flying has been officially cancelled. Enter a fairy queen.
[sketch]
Fairy Queen:
“Now hullo all you A.C.2’s,
You L.A.C.’s, W.O’s, flight Lieus,
If you wonder why the hell I’m here,
Just think, wouldn’t it be rather queer?
To have a Christmas pantomine
Without a Fairy Queen divine?
Although I am not in this play
I really had to have my say,
So here I am with my small kit,
To introduce this thing a bit.
The scene is laid on any station,
Any place or situation;
Where such characters as these
Usually relax and take their ease.
There, that’s the introducing stuff,
I really think I’ve said enough.
So now I’ll leave you to the worst,
And just pop off to quench my thirst.
I hope you all enjoy the show;
(excuse me if my contours show,
I know it’s chilly to wear gauze,
But that’s the way I get applause).”
Bungho!
ACT 1
Scene 1
Any office in the control tower where any type can wander in and a Waaf can be seated at a desk. As the curtain goes up LAW. Goldilocks is in the foreground messing about. The chorus, comprised of both sexes and all ranks up to F/O., is strewn about in the background, doing everything in general and nothing in particular (loafing mostly as usual).
Goldilocks:
“I am the heroine of this story,
I’m sorry that it won’t be gory
But I am quite a demure miss,
Who never goes out on the beer.
All that you need know of me
Is that I’m built like G. Rose Lee
And to make the story go,
I’m bothered with a brace of beaux.”
“One is Sergeant Pilot Dick,
A rather useless sort of chap,
But whom I love for all of that.
The other is a Flight Lieut. Bligh,
The wolfish type, with roving eye;
Who pesters me both day and night.
(But I never yield without a fight)
They say virtue is its own reward,
But all I get is frightfully bored.
Heroines though must be true blue
So what! I ask, is a girl to do?”
[sketch]
Chorus:
“Yes! Goldi is the heroine,
It is a shame she must be clean.
If not, we know you’d like it more
But the censor’d toss this out the door.”
Chorus dances around waving plotting charts.
Enter Sgt. Pilot Dick, in battle dress with a pink sweater and a green scarf.
[sketch]
Dick:
“Relax now folks, the hero’s here,
I’m bound to win, so have no fear,
Like Goldi I am good to all
And never go to Montreal (much).”
Turns to Goldilocks:
“Oh! Darling it really is a shame,
But I am night flying again.
It’s all the work of that bloke Bligh,
Who’s trying to muscle in on I. (poet’s licence).
And so to-night I am sad to say,
We can’t go to the Y.M.C.A.
Tho’ my day will come, do not fear that
And I’ll give him an awful swat.
I cannot now ‘cause as you know,
I’m just a blinking N.C.O.
So if Bligh comes round to pester you,
Do as I, my love, would do.
A well used knee will ease his tension
And save you from, what I may not mention.”
Chorus:
“Yes! Do as Sgt. Dick would do,
If Bligh tries his games on you.
Knee work will surely do the trick,
And damp his ardour awfully quick.”
Exit Dick, enter Fl/Lt/ Bligh.
Bligh:
“I am the villain of this piece,
Who’s learn’t that she’s an M.P.’s niece
And must inherit, as you’ll agree,
Simply loads of L.S.D.
So if I can win her for my own
I’ll buy a little pub back home:
And with blonde barmaids, Watneys’ beer,
Shall face my old age without fear.
But apart from that I’ve other ideas,
Which Sgt. Dick, curse him, always queers.”
[sketch]
Turns to Goldilocks
“Goldi, you give my eyes a treat,
How about a date tonight, my sweet?
I’ve managed to borrow a wizard car,
(I promise not to go too far)
I’ve lots of gas and a case of beer,
And there’s a dance at the Arena, too, I hear.
We could have such a lot of fun.
So say you’ll come my lovely one.”
Goldi:
“Car, beer . . . hmm . . . NO! away Lt. Bligh,
That line of yours is all my eye.
You’re trying to get me in a situation,
That would involve an intruder operation.
But I am up to all your games,
Go find yourself some other dames.”
Chorus:
“Oh yes! She’s up to all your wiles,
Go seek some other charmer’s smiles.
There’s a red-head who will like your tricks,
Scrounging down in Works and Bricks.”
Bligh:
“What wench! You dare say no to me?
You’ll regret it someday, just you see.”
Aside.
“Ha, ha, heh, heh, I’ve an idea,
To fix friend Dick, leave my way clear.”
Exit Bligh, and Goldi, just after. Enter a Group Captain, puts two men on a charge for non-issue hair cuts and addresses the crowd at large.
Group Cap.:
“I’m the C.O., you all know that,
I’ve scrambled eggs upon my hat.
My office is a sacred place,
All airmen quail before my face.
(although I know it as a fact,
They call me names behind my back).
So if you men would be like me,
Here’s good advice I give you free.”
[sketch]
Sings:
“Now back in 1891,
An AC2 was I by gum!
But by the sweat of back and brow,
I’ve worked up to where I am now.
By never, never, shirking chores,
And scrubbing countless latrine floors,
I rose to rank of LAC,
By early on in ’33.
And then in war-torn ’39,
I joined the swelling aircrew line,
Defending Britain’s gallant shores
In a Spit Mk II, I shot down scores
Of 109’s and 215’s.
(I really seemed to have nine lives).
So it’s diligence I have to thank,
I now hold this exulted rank.”
Speaks:
“This inducement on to you I pass,
To shine your boots and clean your brass.”
Exit C.O. Chorus is speechless for once, then an airman steps forward.
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Nine
Airman:
“I’m the only one in captivity,
The only living AC3,
For thirty years I’ve worn the blue.
(I started as an AC2).
And although I’ve tried and tried and tried,
I’ve just been taken for a ride.
Of scrubbing floors he talks to you,
I’ve scrubbed the blooming runways too.
So when aircrew sent out for the best,
I took their ruddy intelligence test.
And look at me now an A.C.3!
Ah woe! Ah woe! Ah woe Is me!
Sniffles, then braces his shoulders.
No! I care for nobody, no not I!”
Chorus:
“He does not weep, he does not cry,
Look at his fearless, flashing eye!”
[drawing]
[drawing]
A W.O. dashes on, dances a few steps, sings:
W.O.
“You speak too soon, I’d like to point,
I’m S.W.O. of this damn joint,
So I’m the guy that weilds [sic] the whip,
The rudder of this flaming ship.
Which is only as it ought to me,
As of the hobbies that I choose
My favourite’s signing 252’s.
So have a care, don’t care to cough,
For fear that I should knock you off.”
Chorus:
“Of all the hobbies that he’d choose,
His favourite’s signing 252’s.
So now we’ll use a little tact,
And finish off scene one, first act.”
CURTAIN
Scene II
A few days later, same location, chorus strewn about as before.
Enter Dick, wearing a maroon and mauve windbreaker and a red plaid muffler.
Dick:
“Well here I am, I’m back again,
Flying’s scrubbed it’s going to rain.
I’ve just come down, alone I flew,
Away up there in the blue, blue, blue.
And do I curse when these g-dd-mn showers,
Stop me from knocking up solo hours.”
Two S.P’s wander in, stand to attention and sing:
S.P’s:
“Oh! We are the R.A.F. S.P.’s,
And we arrest anyone we please,
If you dare to blink or even think,
We’re here to throw you in the klink.
That no one loves us we know,
With this burden through life we go,
But our backs are broad and our shoulders strong,
So to hell with you, we get along.”
Enter Fl/Lt. Bligh, strides up and points an accusing finger at Dick.
Bligh:
“Come S.P.’s now arrest this man,
Take and lock him in the can.
Whilst on a weather check, now I
Definitely saw the cad low-fly.”
Enter O.C. flying.
O.C. flying:
“Oh Dick! Oh Dick! For shame! For shame
That you should smear your father’s name!
There is no choice you leave me then,
But put you down for a C.M.”
Chorus:
“For shame, For shame! You are a rat,
That you should do a thing like that.”
Dick:
“It is not true, it’s all a lie,
I never, never, would low-fly.
The very soul of honour – ME?
My Bible is the C.A.P.”
Enter Goldilocks, looking very distraught, cries:
Goldi:
“Oh Dick! Oh Dick! What have you done?
How could you? How could you? Beloved one?
Why did you do this to me?
They’ll knock you down to an L.A.C.
And apart from that you’re sure to get,
A hundred days or so of Det.”
Dick:
“It is not true! I’m not to blame,
The whole thing is a dirty frame.
I bet the real culprit is Bligh,
He’s just the type that would Low-fly.”
Bligh:
“Ha ha! We’ve heard those yarns before,
You’re trying to avoid the issue sore.
You’re wasting your time, it is no use.
Take him away to the calaboose.”
Exit Dick, under close arrest, Goldilocks falls weeping over a plotting table. Bligh laughs up his sleeve. Rest shake their heads sadly.
Chorus:
“Oh! What a sorry state of things,
They might even take away his wings.”
CURTAIN
Scene III
As before Goldilocks is working at her desk. She is looking pale and worn. Has she been worrying over Dick? Is she anaemic? Then music is heard, (it goes something like that). Dick dashes on, trips over the wastepaper basket, calls it by name, falls on Goldi’s neck and kisses her. Picks himself up, dances round and sings happily:
Dick:
“I beat the rap! I beat the rap!
And all thanks to some farmer chap,
Who with the most amazing sight
Observed the number on the kite.
It really was that blighter Bligh,
Who caused the old man’s pigs to die.
Now he has had a severe rep.
And from now on must watch his step.”
Chorus:
“He beat the rap! He beat the rap!
So three cheers for this farmer chap.
Who with most uncanny sight,
Observed the aircraft number right.”
Enter Bligh, scowling, cursing, coughing, etc.
Bligh:
“Though I was foiled, you rejoice too too soon,
Your posting’s through this afternoon.
Now you’re bound for oversea,
Which leaves the field quite clear for me.”
Dick looks stupefied, (stupid anyway), Goldi looks miserable, Bligh exits laughing harshly. (Must be he smokes too much).
Goldi:
“Oh Dick! Although away you go,
That I’ll be true you’ll always know.
So hurry win yourself some fame,
And then come back to me again.”
Dick:
“I will come back, that never fear,
Though it will be about a year.
I’ll earn some rings around my wrist,
Then I can give Bligh’s nose a twist.”
Exit Dick and Goldi to apply for some leave.
Chorus:
“Oh weep! Oh wail! Oh gnash the teeth!
Dick’s going home to Hampstead Heath.
Oh now what will poor Goldi do?
When she feels like a spot of woo?”
CURTAIN
Act II
Scene I
Goldie has got a commission and has her own office in H.Q. (we had to change the scene somehow).
Goldi:
“Oh where! Oh where! Has Richard gone?
Oh where! Oh where! Is he?
Has he been shot up? Has he been shot down?
Oh where! Oh where! Can he be?”
Enter Bligh
Bligh:
“Now listen, Dick is surely dead,
They must have filled him full of lead.
So why not listen to my plea,
And come on a 48 with me?”
Goldi:
“NO! A thousand times and more,
I’m a girl that knows the score.
If Dick has died a hero’s death,
A spinster me till my last breath.”
Aside:
“To talk you know is very well,
But I am weakening sad to tell.”
Chorus appears at various windows and doors.
Chorus:
“No! Don’t give in, they’ll never kill
Our Dick, he’s got a head like steel,
And bullets from each Messerschmitt,
Will only blunt themselves on it.”
Band off strikes up “There’ll Always be an England”. Dick enters, he is a Squadron Leader, with more ribbons than that.
Dick:
“At last I’m back from overseas,
With loads and loads of D.F.C.’s,
And for good measure, I have too,
Collected an odd bar or two.
It really was quite simply done,
I just shot down a hundred Hun.
But now’s the time for my revenge,
Bligh’s dirty tricks I will avenge.”
Goldi:
“Oh joy! Oh rapture most sublime!
He has returned, this lover mine.
Now we can wed as sure as sure,
And I’ll have babies by the score.”
Dick advances on Bligh, who is standing dumfounded, a short struggle ensues and finally Dick throws him through a window, much to the disgust of chorus members gathered there. He and Goldilocks embrace. Enter the whole company, carrying the S.W.O. who has just come back from 7 days in Toronto. (N.B. it is a big office, see).
Dick:
“This is the end, I’m doing fine,
Now Goldilocks is really mine.
As a babe she is a solid whiz,
So the moral of this story is;
That if you always toe the line,
You’ll come out on top-you hope-some time.”
Chorus:
“He says that if you toe the line,
You will come out on top sometime.
But don’t you listen to his stuff,
It really is most awful guff.
But anyway it made a yarn,
So we don’t really give a darn.
This is the end we say adieu,
And Merry Christmas, Friends, to you.”
CURTAIN
Page Ten HILL TOPICS December, 1943
MONTHLY REPORTS FROM THE FOLK WHO LIVE ON THE HILL
[Photographs x 5]
GESTAPO GOSSIP
Well, folks, here we are again with the gossip for another month! We welcome our new arrivals from the Old Country and hope they will enjoy their ‘holiday’ in the Land of the Maple Leaf. Cheer up, lads, only two more years to go! Queer happenings – six policemen arrived i[indecipherable letter] ration strength increased by twelve! Don’t ‘Howlett’, but these lads can sure eat! What a pity meal cards aren’t transferable!
Much rejoicing at the Guard room when the latest boat list was published. By the way, there is no truth in the rumour that all four are trying to get ‘off the boat’.
Our basketball team is going great guns now that we have signed on the two Chinamen. “Wew un Wunce” and “How Long Since”. “Greaves’ Follies” have now moved from the foot of the league, and are increasing their threat to the team third from the bottom.
Our sergeant, (with the encouragement of a certain Flight-Sergeant), seems to us to be spending too much of his time across the border. No names, no pack drill, but “Wilson” puts him on the spot on the slightest provocation. We have the address of his girl friend out west.
Watch for a few surprises in our section in the next few weeks. A few of the boys are adding a bit of camouflage by the growth of some hair on their upper lips. Two faced, eh? Watch to your laurels, “Diamond Gin”, “Antonio Beltup” is on the war path!
In closing, we would like to remind a few officers and Senior N.C.O.’s that the box at the Main Gate is not “Bob’s Lunch”. We don’t mind lashing up a cup of brew now and then, but how about a nickel once in a while, to help swell the Police Holiday Fund?
And so, until next time, we remain, your binding brother.
-THE SUPER SNOOPER
SIX HANGAR
The good work started by the Maintenance soccer team is being carried on by the basketball and billiards teams. Like the football team, the basketball team was off to a shaky start, but have now settled down to play really effectively. If our present team is allowed to stay together, we should be somewhere near the top when the season finishes. The billiards team started off in fine style, but slipped up somewhat in their last game. We are confident that this was only a temporary lapse. One of our chaps, Peter Forbes, has won the station table tennis championship, for which we extend our heartiest congratulations. Peter has represented the station at cricket and tennis, is a more than useful basketball player, and also plays a crafty game of billiards and snooker, so that on the whole, he is a useful member of our sporting community. We have not been able to possess his technical ability as yet.
Quite a few of our boys have joined the ranks of the LAC.’s with one G.C., while Ginger Western’s tapes came through in time to save him from the honour of being an LAC with two G.C.’s. Congratulations Ginger.
One of our new G.C.’s, Johnny Moore, is acquiring a reputation as a Jack of all trades. His trade is F.II.A., officially, but his best work is done before he comes down to the hangar, when he fills the role of a human alarm clock. Just recently he has divided his attention between doing engine changes (under expert technical supervision), and hermetically sealing the flight-sergeant’s office with great sheets of asbestos and masking tape. In his spare time, he likes to go farming, but his chief hobbies, are:
(a) Going to bed early.
(b) Getting up early.
(c) Getting everybody else up early.
He works with, and sometimes in spite of, another G.C., who spends most of his spare time in a state of semi-coma on his bed. The rest of his time is spent in a state of semi-coma in the hangar, relieved by an odd burst of feverish activity in such places as Montreal.
He is fond of good music, good food and corporal CWAC’s, (not necessarily good), although this last does not mean that he has any prejudice against corporals in any of the other services.
N.B. – The R.A.F. always expected, of course.
That is all the gossip for this month, I think, so we will close down for another month.
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Eleven
“MINOR GEN”
We open this column with a happy note by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New, and we hope the next will see you celebrating this joyful occasion in “The Local”.
We wish to extend our congratulations to F/Sgt. and Mrs. Biggs on the safe arrival of a baby daughter. Keep up the good work, “Chiefy”.
Recently we have said farewell to our very popular test pilot F/O Hughes, who is leaving us for Blighty. Goodbye sir, and good luck. In his place we welcome F/O. Bond whom we know will be very happy with us in “test flight”. We promise you sir, to find the “lost revs” from previous air tests, and keep them in a well sealed container.
Another new face has appeared in this hangar, namely F/O. Johnson, who succeeds F/Lt. Littlejohn, as flight commander. F/Lt. Littlejohn crosses over the apron to the “Sanctum of Gen”, where he now assumes command of this wing as C.E.O.
Our heartiest congratulations are extended to the pioneers who trekked from 5 to 6 hangar, a short while ago. What a huge success it must have been ! ! ! Evidently, 6 hangar blokes must have lapped up the “technical gen” from our former colleagues, for now the remainder of 5 hangar staff are to join them and make it an incorporated company known as “The Sooper Dooper Gen Shop Inc.” (Flights, please note).
Cupid is also working very hard. “The Bells are Ringing” will soon be the theme song of LAC. Sheepwash who is being married in Toronto in the very near future. Congrats Ron and the future Mrs. Sheepwash, and may you both be very happy.
What we want to know is –
Why a certain corporal booked out a nice new tool roll, complete with tools? Was it voluntary, or M.W. R.O.’s? Is it true he has promised never to use it?
How to gain admittance to the ever increasing ranks of the “Three Years Sentence Served Club”? This is indicated by a beautiful inverted chevron and is now being worn by many “old lags”. Our “sympathies” are extended to the latest members – LAC. Buckley, LAC. Dormer, and AC. Mitchell.
Did a certain unpleasant occurence [sic] to an airman’s hat in the “Regent” Theatre, one evening, have anything to do with a new hair tonic being patented? Are you going to buy a comb now, Fred?
What the two crafty hounds of wine, women and song will do on the New Year’s leave? Will Ted take Jim to Buffalo, or will Jim manage to persuade Ted to go to New York? There is sure to be a large size piece of femininity lined up, anyhow.
Is a certain corporal suffering nervous tension in case “the boat” pulls in before the big freeze up – in which case, he’ll be deprived of his one source of lineshooting, - ice hockey?
That’s all for this month, chaps, your reporter signing off.
- “GRIPPER”
Officers’ Mess Chatter
The stork has been busy recently – congratulations to F/Lt. McEvoy, F/O. Wagstaffe and F/O. Ratcliffe.
A lot of changes in the mess recently. We are all very sorry to say goodbye to S/L. Boles, whose dashing personality we shall all miss. To F/Lt. ‘Sam’ Calland, a great guy and a real friend; and to Doc Franklin, to whom we offer our good wishes on his new appointment.
A hearty welcome to our new members. Amazing how quickly these op types get in the groove.
F/Lt. – seems to enjoy his supper in the airmen’s mess. A certain nursing sister is looking rather blue these days. Is it true that F/O. – is studying dramatics with a well-known actress? There is not much privacy in the Card Room Hall, is there F/O.-? What qualifications are needed to join the Senior Officers’ Mutual Admiration Society? Those town gossips are quick on the uptake S/L.- . Our handsome, dark-eyed F/O. is very quiet these days. Losing touch, old man? Air gunners seem to have varied interests, Beauty Salons, Kindergarten schools, etc.
So a certain S/L. goes to Montreal just to sleep. Strange! That hotel in Picton is a friendly place, F/Lt.- or do you think so? Why so worried these days Mac? Any truth in the rumours that our great lover has at last got caught?
But Christmas is coming – we should be charitable and so to one and all we extend our heartiest wishes for the Yuletide season. “NICHEVO”.
The Sergeants’ Messings
The Sergeants’ Mess has had a recent influx of new members so that with perhaps one exception their behaviour has been without blemish (and interest), or well hidden . . . and since the exception has been published in DRO’s, no further comment is necessary except to remind this lad that N.C.O’s are supposed to be able to carry their liquor or stick to Coke . . .
One Sergeant-pilot, (no, he hasn’t got his crown yet . . .) managed to make a perfect landing without any assistance from his undercart and was congratulated by his goons but NOT by the authorities . . . No esprit de muck-in . . .
Another is wearing a beautiful “shiner” together with half-a-dozen stitches and claims that he was not under the influence, but was merely playing his part of the Big Dog . . . (no one seems to know the exact meaning of the expression). Mess meetings still have their familiar Burlesque or Old-Time Music Hall atmosphere, and our scantily haired concert comedian oft times seems to think he is in the Y.M. and not the S.M. . . .
Some of our older members are leaving us or have left, either for the Land of the Free (!) or to the Officers Mess . . . and in this latter respect Laddie Shedden (better known to some as the Duty Gremlin) and Digger Lowett, our Colonial friend from the land of sheep, are to be congratulated or something. Well, lets hope that there will be more of interest next month as the newer members settle down to their salub-
CORPORALS’ CLUB
The club itself is situated opposite the Drill Hall, and is open all day for use by members to spend their leisure hours in comfort. It is hoped that more and more use of the club with the facilities it has to offer, will be made by all junior N.C.O.’s, to keep alive the interest that is necessary to continue to make the club a success, so that it may be regarded as their “home from home”.
Flying Officer Dawson as President, Corporal Spencer as Chairman, Corporal Blake as Treasurer, and Corporal Hinds as Secretary, (newly elected), are the club officers.
The bar, which opens at 18.30 hours each evening, is under the very capable management of Corporal Bragg-Smith, and every endeavour is made to meet the requirements of all members. Any corporals willing to help behind the bar any evening, are asked to contact Corporal Bragg-Smith, who is only too anxious to receive help, no matter how small.
A complaint was received from the Treasurer, that he is bein[sic] “run off his feet” collecting “subs”, and the committee hope this will continue?
Sunday night is Guest Night, and all corporals are asked to take full advantage of the facilities offered.
Social evenings are arranged and it is noticed that a more active interest is being taken by the members on these occasions, and every effort is being made to make these evenings more successful every time one comes along so that our guests will go away full of the praises of the Corporals’ Club, as they have done in the past.
The club congratulates Corporals Robertson, Hamilton, Brown, Boardman and Ward, on their recent promotion and trust they will make themselves “at home” in the Corporals’ Club.
Who is the corporal who goes to bed with stripes on his pyjamas?
CPL. A.G. HIND
Control Calling
We hope you are receiving us loud and clear – rather a needless question, of course, because your set will probably be switched off – but nevertheless, we take this opportunity to remind all concerned that :
(a) The wash-out flag does NOT indicate a right-hand circuit.
(b) The Rumble Club is still in existence, despite the absence of the Black Dog.
(c) The best place to build a fire is in the fireplace – (it does not do the tarmac any good).
After much practice, we observe that some Lizzie pilots are becoming quite dexterous at knocking down the Christmas trees on the runways, and we are wondering who will be the first to achieve a 100 per cent score when touching down. We regret to announce that Works and Bricks are NOT offering a prize.
We wish our ex-O/C Flying, S/Ldr. Boles, the best of luck and happy landings – (the Verey pistols have been greased and stored away), and we welcome his successor, F/Lt. Ritcher to our midst.
That’s all for the moment gentlemen. Until next time we shall be listening out, listening out.
Song titles illustrated No. 1 “Pistol Packing Mama”.
- S/L Geo. Boles Standing at Control Tower Firing Signal Cartridges.
N Flight – Do Not Disturb
By the time this is published, the season of goodwill will be upon us once more; so we will start by wishing one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The month of November has been an eventful one for the children of “Tong”. A month that they could have been justly proud of, but for the two unfortunate incidents, which the whole camp no doubt knows about, by now. To those who were injured, we tender our sympathies, and wish them a speedy recovery.
Apart from accidents, the flight has done very well, setting up a new record for bombs dropped at night, and also maintaining a high percentage of serviceability. Keep it up, lads.
The “Wooden Spoon”, this month, goes to a certain F/O., whose record for two details was; one burst tyre and one belly landing. Truly a good record. Maybe that certain Sgt. pilot was trying to equal this record, when he came in with his undercart up. What about it, Jock? Then there’s another F/O., who is haunted by brake trouble. Why don’t you try having a mag-drop sometime, sir or is that too technical?
AC. Malt came back from leave with some tall stories about his capacity for alcoholic beverages; and it seems he has devised a new time system, whereby he gets thirty-six hours out of twenty-four. Good going Malt. “Boston” Harry has left for the “States”, where he will spend his hard-earned leave; shooting? The rest of us are waiting for Christmas; when the Moonshine Boys will scatter to the four winds to spend their leisure time whoofing, guzzling, and spreading good-will throughout the land. Nothing like it.
The entertainment side of “N” is taken care of by the “Choristers”, led by one AC. Adlam, who does a good job of murder. Anyone caring to hear them, should submit their applications on the appropriate forms (triplicate), and then wait the usual six months for an answer; or they can take a bomb aimer’s course.
Unable to participate in any station sports, we have devised our own program, consisting of hockey (played in crew room), rugby (played in crew room), football (played in crew room) and baseball (played in crew room). If anyone has a spare crew room, we would be glad of it, as we wish to have two games going at once.
If anyone wishes to see a “Zombie”, just come along to 8L around six a.m. He walks then.
Here’s an incident worth recording. The scene is Chiefy’s office.
Pilot – “Why is the flame from the exhaust blue?”
Voice – “That’s because we’re using blue coloured gas.”
Pilot – “Well, if you used pink gas, what would you get”
Voice – “Pinking.”
A note to “B” and “C” Flights – When entering the billet, please leave your soap boxes outside.
[page break]
Page Twelve HILL TOPICS December, 1943
“A” Flight No. 4 Hangar
Here we are with just a few lines for our Christmas number. The festive season will be close upon us when this issue is en route, and we would like to say a “Merry Christmas” to all members of the Flight ground crew and flying personnel. May it be as near to as real Christmas as you would have it, and may the next one be spent with those in “the old country”.
Last month we achieved our ambition and saw all our serviceability tabs white on the serviceability board. During the past week we have reversed the order – and they were not the only things that were red either. The languages was of an equally outstanding hue.
Still, the panic is almost over and although somewhat exhausted, we find our heads keeping just above water again. No doubt someone will shove them under again by informing us that after all, if we want our New Year’s grant, we must forego our days off and 48’s for about six weeks – Jonah’s nightmare. Surprising how much can be demanded of so few as those who work with them, and yet know so little of them!
We are given to understand that F/O. Spencer is following in the footsteps of Mr. Pulleyn. Perhaps they both want real live Christmas presents and not paper dolls – or do they want someone to nurse them?
F/O. Hall appears to be next on the list. After all, Winnipeg on five days’ leave usually means something. He is in such a hurry he’s going by T.C.A. How is he getting back? Who is the officer who “shoots the line” that he takes his lady friend up to No. 4 range at night to see the bombs burst?
We welcome our new pilots on drivers airframe and hope they will be as (un)happy as their colleagues. F/O. Dawson and Davis have been transferred to “D” Flight. Perhaps their new Flight Commander may have more success with them with regard to P.T. than we had.
Congratulations to F/O. Dennis and F/O. Hall on their promotion. We observe that F/Lt. Davies is not looking quite the picture of health of late. We understand he complains that the early morning weather tests are killing him by inches.
P/O. Smith returning from leave in New York is just an empty shell. We believe he left his heart there and also something in Toronto. One current suggestion interests us, and also fills us with a certain amount of dismay. We understand it is intended to transfer to our hangar the night flying flight, plus one or two Bolingbrokes in addition, to a certain area also required by the training wing. Signals section – where do we put the other half of our complement of aircraft? No. 5 hangar crew room? The idea seems to be to spread the different sections over as many hangars as possible with a view to making the N.C.O’s in charge of flights hold their heads in dismay and wonder which hangar they are operating from.
And so “for the present we leave you” with, once again, Hearty Christmas Greetings.
Station Sick Quarters
Once again we take yet another plunge into the realms of journalism. This time, our staff having depleted somewhat, we have very little material from which to glean sarcasm, scandal and smut, or items of interest.
A short time ago a very substantial piece of medicine mixing machinery found its way to the sickery, in the person of Sgt. Ben Berebaum, alias, Whispering Smith. He soon became a very popular member of the staff and took the lead in the basketball team, helping us to lose our first game with a fair margin! !
The classification test for R.C.A.F. airmen caused quite a stir amongst the Canadian members of the staff. One clk. gen. med. was heard to say; “I think it was most unfair, I had just started when they said time was up!” However, they may decide he is below average and discharge him from the service, then he will be sorry; but why worry there’s always the R.A.F.!
The pressure of work in this section is too much for some of the staff. One worthy LAC. G.C., who has suffered from ponophobia for some time, had a very disturbing dream recently. After dreaming that he had been beheaded, he awoke with a start, and raising his hand was amazed to find his head still there!
In conclusion we wish our new Station Mag. every success.
SMELLS OF THE AIRMEN’S MESS
Camphor, turpentine, and tea.
The smell of coffee freshly ground,
Of these, we love three,
When ma is not around.
After a short summer we see the departure of F/Sgt. Harrison, LAC. Chadwick and with knashing of teeth, the boy Kernigan. Bon voyage to them. Count Horribin has left us, accompanied by the fast-fading LAC. Thompson, whose death we will report, when he has kicked the bucket.
Dan Cupid has been working overtime lately, with the weddings of AC. and Mrs. Brom Jones, AC. and Mrs. Harry Jones and AC. and Mrs. Stanley Leversidge. Our best wishes to all ten of them.
That dashing young dark-head late of Wellington, misled in the past, has changed his route to Waupoos. We are now suffering from a milk shortage. Last week, amid the horrors of the English language, Pop Beasley and Mrs. Maggs were promoted. Bags of binding now.
Who is that Corporal we see standing outside school every day? Is some one moving into the fourth form soon? Old toothless is sure getting some in. We have never found out whether those missing teeth were the result of too much bobbing, or acting co-pilot on a flying stock pot.
The S/O. office floor looks clean these days. Our corporal who lives out should keep off his knees. He may go up with the blind some morning.
That Gen. man of the concrete mixers is again on the grave yard shift along with the old firm of Steads and Davey Incorporated. Those Blue Circle Blue-prints sure make a good win of the pastry with the many slabbering spittle-throwers that the dentist sends us.
The day will come when we will meet you binders on the Burma Road and we shall shovel you the bean ration for breakfast, dinner and tea.
“Duff Gen.” From H.Q.
Corporal “Gabby” Whiteley, our departed (on posting) and much lamented “D.R.O. King” and basketball enthusiast, has, as a result of his leaving us, caused the question to be raised as to the necessity for the installation of a Tanoid System at 31 B. & G.S.
The other “loud speaker” in S.H.Q. (no names mentioned) has, for some unknown reason, been less audible of late. This may assist “the powers that be” to reach a decision regarding the above mentioned proposed installation.
LAC. Jimmy Foster, Corporal Whiteley’s successor, has been advised not to “dally” with D.R.O’s.
It has been recently observed that a certain Senior N.C.O. in S.H.Q. Orderly Room (not F.F.) has displayed a considerable amount of keenness in obtaining an ‘early chit’ on top of his “48’s”. We wonder whether the reason is compassionate or just passionate.
Extract from an article on Fish Farming from the November issue of Hill Topics:- “The local fishermen also co-operate in the work of obtaining the eggs, and they also are packed in boxes and taken to the hatchery in the usual way” – In the ensuing paragraph the writer explains how the boxes are unpacked and the eggs removed, but we are at a loss to know what happens to the fishermen. Perhaps “E.D.B.” could solve the mystery.
“G.I.S. Gen”
The G.I.S. is settling down after its “shakedown” cruise, and the staff and pupils are beginning to understand the hieroglyphics issued by the Central Control. Despite gossip, Central Control is organized. Look how it organized itself the man who could fix lino on the floor; (would-be central controllers might do well to study easy chairs in the local dealers).
We offer our congratulations to F/Lt. McEvoy on his promotion to fatherhood and F/Lt.’ancy and our best wishes for a safe trip home. Also “on the boat”, F/Sgts. James Brookfield and Woodman. All our best to them.
Welcome to F/Lt. Rigg, the new school Adj., and to F/O. Olver, who descends from AMBT to the mad-house. Hockey should commence soon, so roll up fans and players; we want to blow up W. & B. this season.
Footnote
What is the attraction at Niagara Falls? No prizes offered, but it’s not watching the water. Two instructors used to slip away furtively, leaving much speculation behind them.
The secret is now out; they were caught building their own boat.
PLOTTING OFFICE
(H.Q. of the Wrong Bomb Society)
Who is the Sgt. Pilot who is getting a reputation for binding the analysis. No NOT binder Stevenson. And he is not to be confused with the pilot who claimed two spinners during a night exercise. To substantiate these claims efforts are being made to give the bombs a covering of phosphorescent paint. Is it possible to get lost over Prince Edward County, (in reasonably good weather of course). We know of at least one pilot who had reason to be grateful to a bomb aimer map reader. It is only fair to state that he had been engaged on our longest “hop” – to number 3 target – of course there is always the possibility of flak over Waupoos, or would it be arrows? Then there is the pilot who shouted “Tally ho, bandits ahead” as he observed two strange Ansons tack on to his detail over number one target (bags of squadron bombing) plenty of fourth of July stuff and all that, for the range staff who were frantically firing red signals to such an extent that Flight Sergeant Perfect had to replenish his stock.
Mention of the range staff and pyrotechnics brings to mind the ghastly attempt to flatten one of the quadrant huts recently, or should I say ghastly, strange as it may seem the student had found a very good wind, his line of sight was good, and even the pilot must have been on the “bit”, for the bomb fell close enough for even the range staff to realize that they were under fire, resulting in a frantic race to the table, the unlucky one emulated the example of “Pistol Packing Mama” dared the dangers hurtling from above, and fired more of FLIGHT Sgt. Perfect’s pyros. The student’s excuse was that on certain headings he mistook the quadrant hut for the target. Likely story eh? Let me hazard an opinion of what really went on in his mind. During the run up:- Targets are getting too dull and uninteresting. After all that same triangle does get a trifle boring, the bloody bombs usually steer clear of it anyway. Ah: and he chortles craftily what better target could one select than the quadrant hut, - kill two birds with one stone – ruin the quadrants and the B-ers inside it. Ha ha, as he thinks of his 300 yard error yesterday, I’ll teach ‘em to make such a “balls, picnics and parties” of our bombs. Unheralded unsung and frequently cursed, these heroes of the ranges defy death daily, not even a bloomin’ Picton long service medal. Some more hopeful faces appearing in view. AC. Bennett is pushing the charts ungracefully through the wicker so until next month good plotting.
P.S. – Who are the MOODY individuals always COOKING something together?
P.P.S. – Who is the “lowe” type who solves coefficient “C” when swinging a compass by using quadratic equations, and who is his sergeant fellow criminal who insists on using simultaneous equations.
-R.M.L.
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Thirteen
AU REVOIR
We have suffered quite a few losses during the past month and many well known figures have left us, others we welcome to Picton, perhaps especially those fresh from the “Old Country”, the lads from whom we wrest the latest gen.
W/C/ Anderson has departed, his dog still roams the camp in search of him. Medical officers have come and gone, but it seemed that “Frankie” went on for ever. Now the popular F/Lt. Franklin has left us, having said “cheerio” for Saskatchewan. S/L. Geo. Boles who has been the stations O/C. flying for the past eleven months, is leaving, this probably means goodbye too, to R.A.F. The Scotch terrier to whom he is so closely attached. Wing Commander Kennedy thus loses his staunch and able snooker partner, and the officers’ mess it’s most perlific [sic] commentator. His constant advice to his opponent, and his ready assistance in giving them “the angle” was always a source of amusement.
A soccer personality well known to officers and men alike has the “boat gleam” in his eye. He is F/O. Jock Campbell who has been a real stalwart in the station team for so many months. Jock has won many admirers by his grand sportsmanship, his coolness, and clean play, never unruffled he was an inspiration to the team and will certainly be missed. Before joining the ranks of the R.A.F. F/O. Campbell played professional football in Scottish league football with Partick Thistle. Another Scotsman, one of the quiet types will be with him – F/O. McKellar. We make mention elsewhere re the departure of F/Lt. Calland, popular junior accountant officer. P/O. Simpson who has waited a long time for the boat was well known as a W/O. Quite a few whose bombs he had plotted in the early days, returned to the station after graduating as instructors.
One of the strangest sights to be seen on the station, was a rather eccentric (peculiar type) fellow, who invariably wore his hat from ear to ear, and whose weird grin matched the slant of the hat. He ambled along and his stock phrase was “I’m only a – Corporal” if you know the description you know the man. The last word of the phrase changed recently to sergeant. A peculiar sight perhaps, but one that will be missed. Sgt. C. Douglas Deane, the station’s eminent photographer returns to England with a few of America’s choicest photographic competition prizes. An expert with birds we wish him good hunting on his return. The station dance band has felt the loss of its drummer and string bass, and “A” Flight it’s comedian, by the posting of F/S. Norman Richardson.
The well represented clan of Scotland has lost another of its number by the departure to Charlottetown of F/Sgt. Robertson, the genial “Robbie” was quite an old timer at Picton.
We are happy to welcome yet another “gonged” flier to Picton, coming to us from the west F/O. Asker, D.F.C., D.F.M., is not among strangers. He has flown on operational sorties with our chief instructor W/Cdr. J. Kennedy, D.F.C.
We extend a cordial welcome to F/Lt. Fenn, medical officder, and F/O. Johnson, engineering officer. A welcome return is given to F/L. Rigg and P/O. Beatson, two ex-operational types from New Zealand. As F/O. Rigg and F/Sgt. Beatson they left Picton a few weeks ago and have returned to us from Pennfield Ridge. Congratulations to them both on their promotion and on being posted back to Picton.
F/Lt. Rither comes to us from 31 S.F.T.S. which is “just up the lake a piece” at Kingston, and from 32 S.F.T.S. (which is not next door as the number might suggest) we welcome Sgt. Ritchie and Sgt. Lewis added to the recent influx of pilots are Sgts. Spikins, Hammel, and Halfacre from 34 S.F.T.S.
Two new faces have appeared in the photographic section, Sgt. Matthews has arrived from Medicine Hat, and Corporal Reynolds said farewell to England recently, and has brought some of the latest gen for his section. Photography is playing a most important part in this war and his up to date knowledge should be of value to those whose duty deals with this subject.
“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF” SERIES
No. 1
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A C.O.
Overture: “Colonel Bogey”.
Curtain
The C.O. of No. 594 B. & G. School is seated at his desk carefully scraping egg off of his tie with an old razor blade. Time 14.30 hours. Year 1975.
Enter the Adjutant, spurs jingling, salutes smartly.
Adj. – “Good morning sir.”
C.O. – “Good morning, put yourself on a charge, you have your hair parted in the middle again.”
Adj. – “Very good sir.”
C.O. – “Well how many charges have we to deal with today?”
Adj. – “1,863, sir.”
C.O. – “Practically the whole station eh! Oh well, send the first one in.”
Adj. – “Sorry sir I can’t, it’s a mutiny and they are barricaded in the cookhouse with all the available arms and ammunition.”
C.O. – “Mutiny eh! What’s the matter with them this time?”
Adj. – “It’s about that airman that you had flogged to death yesterday for having dirty boots, sir. They think that you should have let him off with the rack sir.”
C.O. – “Oh! Is that all? I thought that they were beefing about the food again. Take the S.W.O. on the square and shoot him, that should appease them.”
Adj. – “Can’t sir, no ammunition.”
C.O. – “That’s the trouble with you, always finding difficulties. Alright, throw him to the mob then.”
Adj. – “Very good sir.”
Exit Adjutant.
C.O. goes back to scraping his tie. Five minutes alapse [sic] then a loud roar of voices is heard followed by a horrible scream cut short suddenly.
Enter Adjutant.
Adj. – “Everything is alright now sir they’ve gone back to work.”
C.O. – “Good, what happened?”
Adj. – “They tore him limb from limb sir.”
C.O. – “Too bad, still we all have to make sacrifices in wartime. Give the remains a military funeral.”
Adj. – “I’ll attend to it personally sir.”
C.O. – “Creeping again, eh? Alright you can have a 48 next year. What’s next?”
Adj. – “A.C.2 Plunk interview for a commission sir. He applied 5 years ago, everyone else has interviewed him and he has had the ordeal by fire, it’s your turn now.”
C.O. – “Alright send him in, have to do it somewhen I suppose.”
Exit Adjutant, enter AC.2 Plunk in best blue, prostrates himself before the desk.
C.O. – “AC.2 Plunk, so you want a commission eh?” Laughs fiendishly.
“Alright I’ll give you an intelligence and general knowledge test. Now, who is the most popular man on the station?”
Plunk – “You are sir.”
C.O. – “Good, and who is the most intelligent man on the station?”
Plunk – “You are sir.”
C.O. – “Good, and who is the best looking man on the station?”
Plunk – “You are sir.”
C.O. – “Very good, and are you going to lend me $5?”
Plunk – “Yes sir.”
C.O. – “Excellent, 100 per cent, go and buy a uniform.”
Plunk prostrates himself again and goes to leave the room.
C.O. – “Just a minute, make it a Flight Lieut.’s, you’re promoted. I shall need a new Adjutant, have to get rid of the present one, I can’t stick a yes-man.”
Plunk – “Yes sir.”
Salaams and exits. Enter Adjutant.
C.O. – “What’s next?”
Adj. – “A number of documents for your signature sir.”
C.O. looks at his watch.
C.O. – “Too late now, time for tea. Give them to the Senior Admin., he’s always signing my name on checks, can do it better than I can.”
Adj. – “Very good sir.”
Exit Adjutant. C.O. gazes thoughtfully after him, mutters to himself.
C.O. – “Haven’t thrown anyone to the crocodiles for a long time.”
Puts on hat and exits to strain of “Nearer My God to Thee.”
Curtain
THE LADIES
I’ve taken my fun where I’ve found it;
I’ve rouged an’ I’ve ranged in my time;
I’ve ‘ad my pickin’ o’ sweethearts,
An’ four o’ the lot was prime.
One was an ‘arf-caste widow,
One was a woman at Prome,
One was the wife of a jemadar-sais, (head groom)
An’ one is a girl at ‘ome.
“Now I aren’t no ‘and with the ladies,
For taken them all along,
You never can say till you’ve tried ‘em,
An’ then you are like to be wrong.
There’s times when you think that you mightn’t,
There’s times when you think that you might;
But the things you will learn from the yellow an’ brown
They’ll help you a lot with the white!”
I was a young un at ‘oogli,
Shy as a girl to begin;
Aggie de Castrer she made me,
An’ Aggie was clever as sin;
Older than me, but my first un –
More like a mother she were –
Showed me the way to promotion an’ pay,
An’ I learned about women from her!
Then I was ordered to Burma,
Acting charge o’ Bazaar,
An’ I got me a tiddy live ‘eathen
Through buyin’ supplies of her pa.
Funny and yellow an’ faithful –
Doll in a teacup she were –
But we lived on the square, like a true married pair.
An’ I learned about women from her!
Then we shifted to Neemuch
(or I might ha’ been keeping ‘er now),
An’ I took with a shiny she-devil,
The wife of a nigger at Mhow;
“Taught me the gipsy-folks ‘bolee’; (slang)
Kind o’ a volcano she were,
For she knifed me one night ‘cause I wished she was white,
An’ I learned about women from ‘er.
Then I come ‘ome in a trooper,
‘Long of a kid of sixteen –
Girl from a convent at Meerut,
The straightest I ever ‘ave seen.
Love at first sight was ‘er trouble,
She didn’t know what it were;
An’ I wouldn’t do such, cause I liked ‘er too much,
But – I learned about women from ‘er!
I’ve taken my fun where I’ve found it,
An’ now I must pay for my fun,
For the more you ‘ave known o’ the others
The less will you settle to one;
An’ the end of it’s sittin and thinkin’,
So be warned by my lot (which I know you will not),
An’ learn about women from me!
- Rudyard Kipling
Corporal so-and-so was in S.S.Q. with a badly festered hand which had necessitated two incisions. On one of the daily rounds made by the M.O. the corporal enquired, “Do you think I shall be able to play the piano alright when it’s healed up Sir?” “Why of course Corporal”, replied the M.O. “That’s good,” replied the corporal, “I couldn’t before I came in hospital!”
[page break]
Page Fourteen HILL TOPICS December, 1943
Sport and Entertainment
THE Christmas festivities will soon be upon us and plans are being feverishly put into operation to bring you lots of the old Christmas Spirit, (not the kind that comes out of bottles). A Christmas dance has been fixed for the 22nd of December, in the Armories, and a children’s party which will give you the opportunity to return some of the hospitality that you have enjoyed in the locality, on the 21st of December. This is also being held in the Armories. There are plans going ahead to make some very amusing novelties for the kiddies, so a good time should be had by all.
We hope to make the Christmas dance the best ever, a pretty tall order say those who were at the other Christmas dances in the past, the people who are organizing it think that they can at least try. Well I think we can say that we have had a pretty lively month in the Recreation hall, with such grand shows as the Lifebouy Follies, Hitting the Jackpot, and the Massey-Harris show “Combines”.
The Lifebouy Follies were superb; they seem to improve with every visit. The slick way they put their show over stamps them as first class performers. Those two live wires Pat Rafferty and Jimmy add just the right amount of fun and games without lowering the class. Hitting the Jackpot was also a good show with a lot of smart girls ably led by Mrs. Kenny, that versatile lady with lots of pep. The Massey-Harris “Combines” had something different with the Adagio dancers Meta and St. John, assisted by a very fine chorus of lovelies. This party all work in the Massey-Harris plant during the week and do this entertaining of troops in their spare time.
The Station Concert Party presented a show on Wednesday, 24th November in the Recreation Hall, I think everyone will agree that it was super and anyone who didn’t have aching sides when they left the hall must be a hard man to please, for there were comedians galore, and it was difficult to walk about backstage without treading on one.
W.O. Rieck and Tubby Fields were, of course, the leading lights with their fun and games which knitted the show together. The Orderly Room sketch was good too with Mr. Reick as the “Brains Trust” Chiefie who forgot his pants.
A very good turn was the Western Bro.’s act typical topical songs put over by LAC. Abercrombie and Cpl. Spencer in a manner that brought memories of the pre-war Music Halls and a couple of everybodies’ favourites.
LAC. Abercrombie also did his parson sketch with some variations from last time, and again brought many laughs.
The unusual item in this show was Mr. Green and Sgt. Sleeper with guitar and fiddle, playing square dance music in the rustic manner, which was well received by the audience.
LAC. Cartlidge was wizard on the piano, his three interpretations of “Stormy Weather” were grand, as were his other numbers.
The singers were good; LAC. Hughes’ “Holy City” was particularly fine. By the way I Boobed in the last issue of the Mag by misnaming this man Smith (no it wasn’t the first name I thought of). LAC. Jones sang “Trees” and Richard Tauber’s latest hit “My Heart and I” in splendid manner.
Thanks Mr. Reick and Tubby for a grand show. More! More! is the cry. The airmen’s dances have been still running successfully if somewhat spasmodically and good attendances are reported.
The Whist Drives are like the parson’s egg, good in parts. Why are the attendances so bad? Reasons for it dropped in the right quarter would be appreciated.
We have had some good films lately, and now that we have that second projector, a good picture is not spoiled by those irritating breaks. There are some good pictures due here in the near future.
Well all that remains for me to say is a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ICE HOCKEY
With the cooler weather approaching, there is the possibility we shall soon be exposed to that all-Canadian game “ice-hockey”. It is suggested that before the season opens all hockey enthusiasts reserve their box seats on the rink adjacent to Headquarters. The rink for “skating only” has been made by Works & Buildings between G.I.S. and the Gaiety Theatre. No hockey sticks will be permitted on this rink so as to leave all possible scope for the headlong tactics of stunning beginners. New lights have been installed on the hockey cushion, and all is in readiness for that first sheet of ice. A meeting of all sections in an inter-section league has been called which resulted in representatives appearing for Works & Buildings, last year’s champions; G.I.S. Instructors, runners-up of last year; the Hospital; the Ranges; Repair Squadron; and the G.I.S. Pupils. The representatives from “down under” (Australians) are planning to “have a go” at this game. From all reports it appears as though there will be six sections interested in an inter-section league. Up to the time of writing the “Cooks and Butchers” of last year have not signified their intentions of icing a team. Possibly they are cooking up something so they can butcher or hack away as they did last year? There will, of course, be an inter-mess league, composed of officers’, sergeants’, corporals’, and airmen’s teams. There will be ample scope for exhibition games between such sections as the “Wingless Wonders”, the “Spitfires”, the “Australians”, the “English”, the “Scotch”, and the “Welsh” players.
Just as soon as the weather permits an ice surface will be produced to all and sundry to experience the “ups and downs” of ice hockey and skating in general. It is not likely we shall be able to commence the inter-section games until the middle of January. Any section interested in a team in the league should prepare a list of players and attend league meetings when they are called. When the season commences make full use of skating facilities, because the season is all too short.
FLOOR HOCKEY
Since the last issue of ‘Hill Topics’ this activity has made some headway, also the odd casuality [sic]. Some hopefuls have turned up for practice games, and have gone away with the thought that the game is a little rough. But as was expected the hardy rugged individuals that like to use their avoir-dupois in a sport stuck it, and are proving very inept in taking up this new sport.
We have tackled R.C.A.F. Trenton, which proved to be a very tame affair, even though we lost it to the tune of 13-2. The outstanding players for Picton were LAC. “Frenchy” Moore, Cpl. Vaukins in goal, and Cpl. Knight as forward. Being the first encounter, the Picton players were content mainly to feel their way around, and pick up the points as they went along.
In our second station game we played on our floor against the experienced team from I.T.S. Belleville, which proved to be a bruising affair. Although Picton lost 15-0, the Canadians were shaken up in more ways than one to realize that the R.A.F. were quite able to take them on at a game that is a half-brother of Canada’s main winter sport. The checking of our team was all that could be expected, but the scoring was fruitless, mainly because until now the R.A.F. players have not developed the technique of lifting the puck off from the floor. Improvement in playing was observed in LAC. Livingstone, Cpl. McKnight, and LAC. Waitson. Without the smart net-minding of Cpl. Vaukins in goal and Cpl. Hawley (who upsets the opponents) the score might have been considerably higher.
Since the above game more potential material has shown up to practices, in the shape and form of the “Anzacs” on the station. They have taken to floor hockey as “dice does to a black man” and will prove a liability to all whom they meet. It is hoped that in future games against other stations we shall render a better account of ourselves, anyway when games are played in the drill hall come along for this sport, and be prepared to turn out for pending practices.
BOXING
Those who like a live show had better make a date for Wednesday, 15th December – there will be a display of boxing in the Drill Hall. It’s going to be an interesting evening, with a team from Mountain View, “squaring up” to a number of our boys, as the main attraction. Trenton have promised to put on several exhibition bouts, and a couple of our own Corporals have promised to give a display.
Boxing has an appeal of it’s own, arising, not just from the satisfaction of being able to use your fists, but mainly from the feeling of well being that only perfect physical fitness can give. The team now in training is showing great enthusiasm, and with the increased facilities available in the Drill Hall, will be able to vary their routine considerably.
If you are interested in learning something about this game, come around to the Drill Hall any Monday or Wednesday evening, and see for yourself what is going on. Get in touch with the officer or N.C.O. in charge, who will tell you how to get into condition, and learn how to use your fists and your feet, and your weight.
Finally, there is one point you must always remember, service boxing is NOT prize fighting. The winner is the man who scores points for quick, clean hitting, smooth foot work, and ability to defend himself, the courage to take a little punishment, and the “guts” to work as hard in the third round as he did in the first.
BADMINTON
At the moment those interested in the art of knocking shuttlecocks around have the use of the courts on Tuesday evenings commencing at 19.15 hours. On Tuesdays all interested may meet in the Drill Hall and arrange games as they desire. It is hoped with a larger area now available in the Drill Hall to locate two or three courts away from the basketball courts, so that players may use the badminton courts on any evening of the week. There is still a shortage of shuttlecocks however, and the amount of playing done will be in proportion to the number of shuttlecocks available.
We have had one inter-station tournament to date, in which Picton did not fare too well, in fact of stations participating Picton was on the bottom rung. However with the next one which is being held on Thursday, Dec. 9th at No. 5 I.T.S., Belleville, we might produce some upsets in the district.
Some badminton enthusiasts and beginners are finding ample scope for playing and social experience by playing with the local Picton club where girls abound. For further details ask F/O. “Jock” Campbell why he is taking up this racquet (racket) game?
[page break]
December, 1943 HILL TOPICS Page Fifteen
RUGBY
Our first game was against the pupils at Mountain View when the team comprised of the players left from last season assisted by pupils. The station won by a large margin of 33-3, thanks to the help of LAC. Hughes. Sad to relate Flight Sgt. Robinson was injured in this game – an injury which kept him out of station rugby for the remainder of the season.
After a practice match the station XV visited Kingston and were badly defeated despite sterling work by F/O. Ellis. This game however served as a very useful lesson to all in that their defence must be more vigilant. Flight Sgt. Wilson sustained a wrist injury in this game which kept him out of active rugby for the rest of the season.
On the following day the station second XV entertained Kingston II and although Kingston again won by a small margin a good hard game was played until bad light drew the game to a premature end.
The outside activity of the game was then marred by the quarantine ban and during this time many very enjoyable games were played between the Officers and Sergeant Messes and the G.I.S. The latter team were most successful thanks to the good work of LAC.’s Wardell, Fellows, Small, Hughes and Lemon and also managed to bring to light some very useful players. What the Officers team lost due to fitness they made up in the experience of W/C. Kennedy, F/L. Sleep and others. During one of these games Sgt. Hayes received a knees injury which kept him out of the game for several weeks, the captaincy of the team being taken over by F/O. Ellis. It was also during this stage of inertia that our players from “down under” arrived and added zest to the games.
On the ban being raised the station XV again visited Kingston in the Command Championship Play-off on 19th October were defeated by 3-11 our score being a splendid kick by LAC. Fellows who unfortunately received a head injury in the last few minutes of the game. LAC. Jenkins also suffered a back injury in this game which rendered him for the rest of the season.
On the 30th October, we visited Mount Hope and after a hard game were defeated 8-6. We were unlucky to loose [sic] LAC. Lemon early in the first half especially as he was playing his best game of the season.
The G.I.S. in the meantime had two games with Mountain View G.I.S. both of which we managed to win mainly due to the good work of LAC. Hughes and some good kicking by LAC. Fellows.
Our last game of the season was against Port Albert at Toronto, on 13th November when we were without the valuable assistance of F/O. Birt, who unfortunately broke his collar bone in a practice game, and LAC. Wardell who had been posted. The game was lost by 4-11 our only score being an excellent drop kick by Sgt. Dix. The whole team played a hard clean game making a fitting close to a successful season and were glad to have such a good body of supporters for an away game.
INTER-SECTION BASKETBALL LEAGUE STANDING TO
NOV. 25/43 INCLUSIVE
[Table]
BASKETBALL
Since the last issue of “Hill Topics” the inter-section league has had many games, and the standard of their sport has been greatly enhanced. Although we commenced the season with 22 teams and now have 19 teams, the competition is keen in each section of the league. Synthetic training, “D” flight air, and the station armoury teams have dropped out of the league. However if any players from these former teams desire to play, they can affiliate themselves to other sections.
To date there has been no attempt made to develop a “station team”, mainly because the scouts or touts have had no opportunity to see all potential hoopsters in action. Anyway those players that merit a try-out for the team will have the opportunity after the Christmas season.
At present, Headquarters rule the roost in the league by defeating Workshops in their last game. With only two reverses which were Maintenance Armoury and G.I.S. Pool the S.H.Q. team have a well balanced passing team, and will prove a threat to any section team. If Sgt. Verney could be on hand more frequently, his team would have a debating member on hand at all times. However, Cpl. “Timber” Wood as coach and scorer is seeing that all of AC. Elsey’s baskets are recorded.
Workshops as runners-up in the league, have proved a surprise team. With LAC. Gill on defence, and
LAC. Lord as a forward, this team proves a menace to teams that cannot keep their pace.
Maintenance Armoury have to date scored more baskets than any other team, mainly through the uncanny shots of our P.T. corporal, Cpl. McKnight. A tip to the other teams – “Why let this player score so many baskets without marking him?” This team has a good side and bags of enthusiasm, but the loquaciousness and perspicacity of some players will in the long run prove a liability to the team as a whole.
The G.I.S. Pool or “Anzac team” have proved themselves to be a winning side, with only one loss to date. With LAC. Hann sick the Aussies lost to Maintenance, 13-20. They have beaten Headquarters 12-14, and Workshops 30-11. With three games in hand over the leaders the “Kangis” will be leading contenders for the top rung.
The dark horse of the league has proven to be 92 Course led by LAC. Jenkinson. Although to date they have not met the league’s leading teams, 92 Course have played with much success against other touted teams. This team have the least number of goals scored against them which speaks well for their defence.
Maintenance with the experience of last season are plodding on up the ladder. Although having very few players they are experienced. With Cpl. Critchley their most persistent scorer off the team, Maintenance will be under some handicap.
Plotting Office with their forceful interceptions and plays have proven to be a robust team led by P/O. Spencer. However, with the fine nearly-unobserved movement of F/Lieut. Moody and P/O. Cook the team are somewhat handicapped by free shots. Cpls. Cooper and Wilson show up best for this team.
“A” Flight coached by AC. Smith, have developed into a fast-moving team, what they lack in size they possess in speed and stamina. The most recent surprise was when AC. Smith scored a winning basket to defeat G.I.S. Instructors 18-16 in the last few minutes of play.
The G.I.S. Instructors’ team have let all and sundry prognosticators down in their standard of play. Although made up of over 90 per cent Canadian personnel their results have proved disastrous and “Lloyds” would have been the losers. From all observations the R.A.F. team have checked them to a standstill, anyway the Instructors should be able to produce more than five players per game. F/O. Ellis shapes up very well and really forgets his rugger tactics.
“D” flight ground team coached by LAC. Paton, have recently suffered some telling reverses. However, the season is young and the experience of the early season should prove fruitful.
94 Course had a good position bequeathed to them by 89 Course but have been gradually slipping. Anyway they are the babies of the league and will progress as time goes on.
Messes are always in there battling, however, with two exceptions (AC. Padgett and AC. Palmer) the team still give a wonderful demonstration that one could expect to see in rugger. Especially the wonderful tackling plays and plunges of LAC. Davey, who still believes he is playing defence on the soccer team. Anyway, Messes, do not be discouraged for your results have been encouraging.
90 Course really should be in a better position than the one they now show. Possibly LAC. Kehoe has been marked too frequently?
Servicing have shown up considerably better than last year led by AC. Gillard, LAC. Dormer, and AC. Julian. They are moulding into a fine team. With their superior height over the average team in the league this section with more passing and shooting practice should go places.
93 Course to date have not accomplished much to date. It is hopeful by the next issue of Hill Topics we shall be able to report better results.
“B” & “C” Flights, mainly because they lack recruits, are not doing as well as was expected, having such players as LAC. Quinn, AC. Reeves, and AC. Brooks from last season. Why not use some of the players from Station Armoury section and have more substitutes?
Police team have proved to be the gamest group of the players, even with their consistent losses. Even when Cpl. Greaves, the tallest player in the loop is around the basket the police cannot find the elusive loop. With a little less charging and more passing to “Lofty” Greaves, police should do better. “Lofty” wants all and sundry players to know that he is not a ladder, and therefore asks all to refrain from crawling up his back.
91 Course and Hospital teams are doing badly now, however if the sections players rally around the team, better results will automatically occur.
TABLE TENNIS
The table tennis tournament that commenced on Monday, Nov. 8th, had a total of fifty-two entrants. The opening games eliminated the budding hopefuls such as F/L. Wallace, P/O. Rootes, F/O. “Jock” Campbell, F/L. Chester, F/O. Spencer. By the time the first round was finished, the more polished player came into his own, but not before some had tussles, LAC. Green lost to LAC. Forbes, Cpl. Whitely lost to Sgt. Johnstone, and for those others that were eliminated they found the pace increasing. LAC. Forbes won through to one of the top brackets of semi-finals by defeating LAC. Chapman. F/O. Thomas showed brilliant form in defeating LAC. Devey to ultimate victory to win a semi-final berth. In the other semi-final position, LAC. Jessop lost to LAC. Philips, and LAC. Burns placed in the other semi-final bracket. After a hard fought match LAC. Forbes beat F/O. Thomas to win a place in the finals, and LAC. Burns defeated LAC. Philips. In the final game, the best three of five sets, LAC. Forbes won in three straight sets to be declared the winner of the first single tournament of the season.
A second tournament was held on November 25th. This time there were only 20 entries, however it included practically all the top-line racquet wielders. One very dark horse showed up in the person of AC. Rogers from W/T. section who defeated the winner of previous tournament, LAC. Forbes in two straight games.
[page break]
Page Sixteen HILL TOPICS December, 1943
THE FALLS OF NIAGARA
Above the falls the wide stream’s path is made
Of striving cataract and steep cascade,
Which hurtling toward the awesome verge brook no delay-
And then the vast amazing sight
Of waters rushing o’er the height
And raising by their foaming might
A steaming crown of spray.
Far, far below upon the rocky floor
From dizzy heights the surging waters roar;
The sight of ages, but forever new-
And from below one can behold
A scene to awe the very bold,
The shaking crash of waters cold
And bows of rainbow hue.
What mighty strength and what colossal power!
About one hundred million tons an hour
Of blue-green water dashes o’er the falls,
Six million horsepower thunders down
The might of nature’s power to crown
Splitting the rocks of deepest brown,
A vision that enthrals.
Our Cousin’s falls a thousand feet are wide,
Three thousand feet is the Canadian side;-
And grandeur, beauty, power go hand in hand,
One-sixty feet they tower in height
Mantled by waters snowy white,
Like crystal in the sunshine bright
Glistening with rainbows in the light
And whether it be day or night
All the deep colours make a quite
Never-to-be-forgotten sight-
The pride of all the land!
- L.M. LEWIS
An A.C.H.G. beseeched his section commander for three days’ leave. Asked for a reason, he explained that his wife had just been made a sergeant in the W.A.A.F.’s. “That’s very nice,” said the Flt.Lt., “but why should you get three days’ leave for you?” “Sir, said the airman earnestly, “I want to do something that every airman has dreamed of doing for the past twenty-five years.”
[Crossword Sketch)
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
CLUES ACROSS
1. He arranges dances, but not the one’s named after him. (3,6).
6. Is this the order to end the war? (5,4).
9. If looked at backwards they show a great deal.
10. To avoid, this, or the drill sergeant’s command backwards.
11. Observed.
12. Darwin’s ancestor?
14. They handle loads of trouble.
17. A shelter for the cockney, and his means of travel.
18. This is often shot backwards.
CLUES DOWN
1. The pilot is on his way up.
2. Tells where the bomb drops.
3. Opened by the poet.
4. Frequently visited by the R.A.F.
5. Well-known kites going up.
7. Not a mirage, but the real thing seen looking up.
8. Is he one of the 14 across?
13. Should the maker of this be punished?
15. Large Crowd.
16. A very long time.
SOLUTION TO LAST MONTH’S PUZZLE
ACROSS
(1) Blonde job. (6) Mundi. (7) R.S.M. (9) Rub. (10) A.M.O.S. (11) Byes. (14) I.T.W. (16) M.O.I. (17) ‘Oping. (19) Right, left.
DOWN
(1) Bomb aimer. (2) Own. (3) Drip. (4) Jerry. (5) Bomb sight. 8) Sue. (11) M.T.O. (12) Owing. (15) Boat. 18) Ice.
LOVE’S REFLECTIONS
Low-hung the branches spread,
Embracing us in silver shadows,
Where
We stood,
And loved,
In a moonlit dream,
In a mantle wrapped
In the misty air –
In Central Park not ten yards from the road
And the black, burnt bulk
Of Victoria there,
Gaunt and grim and broken and bare,
Sentinel hailing our world –
A world that’s dead
As the million sons
That she bore and hurled
To a useless death,
For a few . . .
Look not to the stars for answer;
Sigh not for the inaccessible skies.
Gaze down blind youth to your lover;
Look down
To the stars in her eyes . . .
New love, new life.
Oh hail, new world!
And slowly, slowly came the dawn;
But surely spread the rosy hue
Of sunrise, ‘till Victoria stood
Imbued
With a fantastic grace,
Like some forgotten ruin
Of the timeless past,
When men hated and fought.
And from it rose in the misty sky,
Reaching high
And ever higher,
The eternal promise
Of a new day.
- ALLAN BOWDEN
Young Yank officers, now stationed in England, have captivated the hearts of many comely English lasses, so they say. There is the story of one stalwart young American who met a beautiful lady at Blackpool one weekend and had quite a good time. As he bade her a tender farewell, the young lady’s eyes narrowed and she tentatively remarked, “How about a bit of change as a going away present?”
The Yank drew himself up to his full six-foot two. “Young woman,” he remarked sternly, “American officers never accept money from ladies.”
TORCH(URE)
By the Education Officer
A word about the Canadian Committee
This body, initiated by the gift of money from an anonymous donor in England, has as its object the promotion of cultural relations between Canada and the United Kingdom and the spreading of a wider knowledge and better understanding of Canada, both at home and abroad.
With this object in view and seeing that the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan had brought men from Britain and all parts of the Empire to Canada, it made the R.A.F. stations in Canada its primary care and the chief recipients of its benefactions.
Week by week, and month by month regular supplies of periodicals and magazines are sent to messes and reading rooms. “Saturday Night”, “Maclean’s Magazine”, “Canadian Geographical Journal”, “Review of Music and Art”, “Canadian Nature”, “New World”, “National Home Monthly”, “The Listener”, and “London Calling” are among those that reach the messes and reading room at this station.
In addition about sixty new books including novels, poetry, travel and general information about Canada have been sent. These are to be found in the Station Library and are available to all personnel.
Each month a program of films arrives presenting Canadian scenes, Canadian ways of life, Canadian industry and Canada at play. A film dealing with Britain is always included.
The Canadian Committee have also presented the station with a set of reproductions of pictures by Canadian Artists and photographs of Canadian scenes. These now grace the recreation and reading rooms.
It is hoped that full use will be made of these provisions which should make possible for those, whose lot it is to linger here, to gain a very wide knowledge of Canada and her people.
Remarks have been passed on the heights of the paper-stands in the Reading Room.
The aim, of course, as readers of this magazine will appreciate, is to keep the reading of this station on a high level.
[Sketch Cartoon]
Dublin Core
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Title
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Hill Topics Vol. 1 No. 2 December 1943
Description
An account of the resource
A newsletter produced by the No 31 Bombing and Gunnery School, Picton, Ontario. It contains stories, mini-biographies of station personnel, poems, reviews of Picton cafes, a pantomime, news and views, sport and entertainment and cartoons.
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31 Bombing and Gunnery School
Date
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1943-12
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16 printed sheets
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eng
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Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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MLeadbetterJ163970-160421-20
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
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Canada
Ontario--Picton
Ontario
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IBCC Digital Archive
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
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1943-12
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
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Angela Gaffney
air gunner
aircrew
Anson
arts and crafts
bomb aimer
bombing
Boston
Distinguished Flying Cross
entertainment
sport
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1953/36984/MHitchcockJS740899-170926-10.2.pdf
4d9c44defb4a1ad7706e7855eff9c156
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Title
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Hitchcock, John Samuel
J S Hitchcock
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2017-09-26
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
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Hitchcock, JS
Description
An account of the resource
87 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant John Samuel Hitchcock (740899, 106813 Royal Air Force) and contains his decorations, log books, uniform jacket, sunglasses, parachute logbook, documents and photographs. He flew operations as a pilot with 37, 57 and 78 Squadrons. <br /><br />The collection also contains <a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2142">an album</a><span> from his training in North Africa.<br /></span><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by P J Hitchcock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
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Transcription
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[underlined] INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE HANDLING OF WELLINGTON AIRCRAFT.
GENERAL. [/underlined]
These instructions are issued in amplification [three indecipherable words] in No. 3 Group Crew Order Book, Part 1, and are to be adhered to by pilots.
[underlined] PREPARATION FOR FLIGHT. [/underlined]
1. See that the main petrol cocks are in the "ON" position.
2. Turn on petrol cocks in pilots cockpit.
3. Prime petrol system with [deleted letter] Wicky.
4. Plug in starting trolley.
5. Engines doped at Nacell, 15 – 30 strokes.
6. Switch on Hand Magneto.
7. Set air screw control in coarse pitch.
8. Set 2 speed blower in "DOWN" position.
9. Set gills at position "10" on dial.
10. Put air intake in "cold" position.
11. Put mixture control in "NORMAL" position.
12. Set throttle 1/3rd open in slow steady motion.
13. Contact Starboard.
14.Press Starboard Starter Button.
15. Contact Port.
16. Press Port Starter Button.
17. Observe oil pressure 150 lbs.
18. Put air intake lever in "WARN".
19. On increase of oil temparature [sic], put aircrews in fine pitch.
20. Run up 200 r.p.m. stages to 1000 r.p.m.; allow oil pressure to drop to 100 lbs.
21. Put air intake in "COLD" and throttle back.
22. Open throttle till r.p.m. are 2500: draw back airscrew control to give 2250 r.p.m. open throttle, give plus 2 1/2 lbs boost, and check oil pressure at 80 lbs.
23. Throttle back to 1800 r.p.m. and check magnetos, check blower by snapping from M to S (oil pressure should drop to 50 lbs and regain normal in about 3 secs. r.p.m. should drop in S blower.
24. Return blower to M gear and airscrew control to fully fine.
25. Open throttle fully to obtain plus 5 1/2 lbs boost, and adjust airscrew control to give 2475 r.p.m.
26. Check cylinder head temperature at not more than 190° C.
27. Check fuel contents gauges.
/Cont. . . Page 2.
[page break]
. . . Page 2.
28. Check brake pressure.
29. Turn hydraulic power valve on.
30. Check functioning of flaps and return to "UP" position.
31. Check Oil Temperature gauges.
32. Check oil pressure gauges.
33. Check fuel pressure.
34. Check undercarriage warning device by pressing (KLAXON) button.
35. Checking warning lights on dashboard.
36. Set gills at position 10 for taxying.
37. Set actuating lever 2/3rds forward.
38. Open equalising cock. (UP).
39. Tighten throttle clutch if necessary.
40. Check cock on pipeline to instruments is in "PUMP" position.
41. Ensure that crew are in position and hatch closed.
42. Check controls for excessive stiffness or slackness.
[underlined] BEFORE TAKE-OFF. [/underlined]
1. Aircraft are to be taxied around the perimeter of the aerodrome to the position for take-off. On arrival at this position the aircraft is to be stopped in a position at right angles to the direction of the wind and facing the direction of circuit.
2. Check equalising cock for "ON" (UP).
3. Check friction clamp on throttles.
4. Check airscrew control for fine pitch, i.e. position for 2475 r.p.m.
5. Check flaps for fully UP position.
6. Check hydraulic power valve for "ON". (Mark 1A only).
7. Switch pressure head heater "ON".
8. Set gills to position 2. (light load).
9. Check blower in "H" [?] blower.
[underlined] TAKE-OFF. [/underlined]
Having ascertained that no aircraft are approaching to land, turn the aircraft into wind and run the engines up to about 1800 revs at approximately [indecipherable numbers] boost. When engines are running smoothly release the brakes and allow aircraft to roll gently forward for a few yards, and then open to full throttle for final take-off. When throttle is full open glance to see that plus 5 1/2 boost is being obtained.
For the take-off get the tail right up until the aircraft is approx. 2 to 3 degrees above the horizontal. Allow to run for 500 or 600 yards and then gently ease it off the ground, taking care not to depress the tail.
/Cont . . . Page 3.
[page break]
. . . Page 3.
[underlined] IN THE AIR. [/underlined]
1. As soon as airborne raise undercarriage (UP).
2. The nose of the aircraft is to be kept down until a minimum speed of 110 m.p.h. has been attained, after which a climb can be commenced.
3. On attaining a speed of 110 m.p.h. throttle back the engines to [symbol] 2 boost, and immediately adjust V.P. air screw controls to give 2200 r.p.m.
4. Climb to 500 feet, at the same time synchronising the engines and closing balance cock.
5. On attaining 500 feet throttle back the engines to - 1 boost, and adjust mixture control to "weak mixture" and climb at 130 m.p.h.
6. Particular attention is to be taken to ensure that the aircraft is flown in the "weak mixture" position with all boost pressures of less than zero.
7. Switch off hydraulic power valve. (Mark 1A only).
8. Adjust gills according to temperature.
[underlined] LANDING. [/underlined]
1. Circle aerodrome at 800 to 1000 feet.
2. Open equalising cock (UP) and CAGE directional GYRO.
3. Turn hydraulic power valve to "ON". (Mark 1a only).
4. Throttle back to -4 boost, and when speed falls below 150 m.p.h. lower undercarriage.
5. Lose height in such a manner that the aircraft will be approx. 500 feet in a position 1,000 yards down wind of the aerodrome.
6. Turn into wind.
7. On completion of the turn lower the flaps full. In a wind over 30 m.p.h. or with a full load the flaps should only be lowered to 500. The actuating gear to be operated as required. Flaps are not to be lowered at speed in excess of 110 m.p.h.
8. Put airscrews in fully fine pitch.
10. If night flying when the speed is reduced to 100 m.p.h. the landing light should be wound out and switched on.
[underlined] AFTER LANDING. [/underlined]
1. Raise flaps before taxying in UP.
2. Turn hydraulic power valve to "OFF", (Mark 1A only).
3. Taxi to boundary of aerodrome and move round perimeter. Check brakes before approaching hangars or other aircraft.
/Cont . . . Page 4
[page break]
[underlined] STOPPING ENGINES. [/underlined]
1. Move airscrew controls to coarse pitch. (Note that airscrews have gone into coarse pitch prior to switching off).
2. Switch off engines and pull up "cut-out" and hold it up until engine ceases firing.
3. Turn off petrol.
4. Switch off pitot head heater.
5. Switch off all electrical instruments.
[underlined] 13/7/40. [/underlined]
[signature]
Wing Commander Commanding [underlined] No. 37 Squadron. R.A.F. [/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Instructions for the Handling of Wellington Aircraft
Description
An account of the resource
Step by step instructions for handling a Wellington.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
37 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1940-07-13
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Four typewritten sheets
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MHitchcockJS740899-170926-10
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
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Sue Smith
3 Group
37 Squadron
aircrew
pilot
Wellington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1409/44319/STaplinJA1268696v10024-0001.1.jpg
bfade88db88948d24ba1a58c51b0fa21
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1409/44319/STaplinJA1268696v10024-0002.1.jpg
471c6ced4b8d118535f4ba27c8111476
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Taplin, J A
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-01-05
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Taplin, JA
Description
An account of the resource
128 items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant John Albert Taplin (b.1919, 1268696 Royal Air Force) and contains correspondence, documents photographs and two audio interviews. He flew operations as an air gunner with 408 Squadron before he was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Kevan Taplin and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from 408 Squadron to John Taplin's Parents
Description
An account of the resource
The letter confirms that John is missing during an operation over Hamburg. The circumstances are not known.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
408 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-02-04
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-02-03
1943-02-04
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Hamburg
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One double sided typewritten sheet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
STaplinJA1268696v10024-0001, STaplinJA1268696v10024-0002
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
408 Squadron
aircrew
bombing
mess
missing in action
prisoner of war
RAF Leeming
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1409/44342/STaplinJA1268696v10031.1.jpg
a2d3065181bb18a8c81dee9f2a962f30
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Taplin, J A
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-01-05
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Taplin, JA
Description
An account of the resource
128 items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant John Albert Taplin (b.1919, 1268696 Royal Air Force) and contains correspondence, documents photographs and two audio interviews. He flew operations as an air gunner with 408 Squadron before he was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Kevan Taplin and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to John Taplin's Parents from 408 Squadron
Description
An account of the resource
The letter advises that John's effects have been forwarded to the Central Depsoitory.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
408 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-02-14
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Civilian
Royal Canadian Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One typewritten sheet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
STaplinJA1268696v10031
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-02-10
408 Squadron
aircrew
missing in action
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1409/44350/EAshfordHEPTaplinWJ-[Mo]430215.jpg
0a05006112dceb8c5988d7f041c1bf17
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Taplin, J A
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-01-05
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Taplin, JA
Description
An account of the resource
128 items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant John Albert Taplin (b.1919, 1268696 Royal Air Force) and contains correspondence, documents photographs and two audio interviews. He flew operations as an air gunner with 408 Squadron before he was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Kevan Taplin and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
OVERSEAS HEADQUARTERS 408 Squadron
15.2.43
Dear Mr Taplin
Just a few lines to express to you my sympathy in the word you have received regarding your son. I do hope that ere long you will receive more assuring word.
I knew John very well and saw him take-off on all his flights. Was with him in the plane just before that flight. He was in such good spirits and bubbling over with such high courage. He was so proud of his home and so ready to go there.
How you sit and wait and wonder. So many questions come to your head but there seems to be no answer. May God be very near to you at this time and may the prayers that are being offered bring back your boy and may the peace which passes all understanding be your position.
Ever yours in sympathy.
H.E.P. Ashford
Chaplain
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to John Taplin's Father from 408 Squadron Chaplain
Description
An account of the resource
He expresses sympathy that John is missing.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
408 Squadron Chaplain
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-02-15
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One handwritten sheet
Identifier
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EAshfordHEPTaplinWJ-[Mo]430215
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-02-15
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Cara Walmsley
408 Squadron
aircrew
missing in action
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1376/24329/MFordTA1585520-170411-14.2.pdf
0acf2c189aab6d3d793b1066ff56da7a
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Ford, Terry
Ford, T
Description
An account of the resource
135 items. The collection concerns Terry Ford. He flew operations as a pilot with 75 Squadron. It contains photographs, his log book, operational maps, letters home during training, and documents including emergency drills. There are two albums of photographs, one of navigation logs, and another of target photographs.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Julia Burke and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-03-13
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Ford, T
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[Drawing of an aircraft flying over a single gravestone]
The Flying Gopher
SEPTEMBER 1942
[Page break]
[Advert for the Dickson Hotel and Café]
[Advert for Rialto Billiards]
[Page break]
Officers’ Mess
Gossip
CENSORED
Space donated by …
WARREN’S DRUG STORE
1
[Page break]
[Advert for Commercial Café]
[Advert for Walker Fruit]
[Page break]
[Drawing of an aircraft flying over a single gravestone]
The Flying Gopher
The Journal of The Royal Air Force, No,41, Service Flying Training School,
Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Published by the Kind Permission of Group Captain E.C. Emmett, M.C., D.F.C.
VOL. 1. SEPTEMBER, 1942 No. 4
Editorial
[Drawing of a thoughtful gopher with writing quill at a desk]
There are some changes this month – as doubtless you have noticed. Changes both apparent and inward have affected the production of the fourth edition of your Flying Gopher. Note the cover, for instance, which we hope will have more appeal to the casual eye. It’s a plain cover, we admit, but it has caused almost as much headache as all the inside pages put together. We were loath to part with the vastness, and yet our title required more punch. There you have it, and if anyone has any further ideas, bring them along.
Turning to the first page, the reader will notice that the seed catalogue which graced that prominent place is conspicuous by its absence. Names are boring at the best of times and we are sure that the contents page was merely a waste of space – you don’t pick your articles, you read the lot, don’t you, dear readers?
Further along it is to be noticed that more variety is embodied in the make-up of the pages. Like the idea? We do wish you would let us know. There must be a good deal of improvement which can be made if everyone’s minds were turned to it instead of just the few who edit the magazine.
Finally it was suggested that while we were making sweeping changes we might as well cut out the editorial. But no, a place to let off a little steam is a good thing to have here, and anyway, by omitting the editorial we would be forced to throw away the cut of our Editor-in-Chief, the Gopher and we think it’s such a lervely picture…!
THE EDITORS.
3
[Page break]
[Advert for Duncan & Russell]
[Page break]
Doc Vyse Forgets
[Drawing of a doctor with stethoscope and syringe]
The title may seem a strange departure from the reminiscences which have appeared opposite the rather compromising cartoons firmly incorporated in recent issues of The Flying Gopher, but don’t let the title mislead you.
Any man who sits at a service office desk knows that a small oversight may start a long chain of complaints descending upon his head by telephone and expedite signal until nearly every section at the station is involved. So forgetfulness doesn’t pay. My experience has been an exception. I recall with chagrin the occasion some two years ago when S.M.O. Group visited the Sick Quarters I was nursing. In the excitement of night calls to the Tarmac and ministering to an exceptionally sick padre, I forgot the approaching S.M.O’s. visit, and with the result that lamp shades, overhead office shelves and doorway ledges didn’t get the extra polish they had the right to expect. After what I thought was a pretty satisfactorily conducted inspection, the S.M.O. planted himself in front of the office fire and summarized, “Well, Vyse, I can’t congratulate you… ,” an anticipatory smile must have crept over my face as he continued, “Yes, I must congratulate you on having the Filthiest Sick Quarters I have ever seen.” Incidentally I did not forget this incident when I visited this S.M.O. twelve months later when he was a patient in hospital.
However it is generally accepted that one forgets unpleasant incidents in one’s life, which probably explains the delusion under which certain people labour when they assert that their school days were the happiest in their lives. My opinion is that the honest man who is interested in his job will admit that there is no time like the present. Maybe it is difficult to count our blessings until afterwards, but I have a shrewd idea that in years to come many of us will be talking as warmly of our visit to Canada, our stay in Weyburn and our weekend visits to Regina or the Lake and certainly our friend, the Gopher, as we now fondly recall the rain of Manchester, or the rumble of London. And I don’t think the apparent change of heart will be entirely due to the pint of “old and mild” that may accompany the reminiscing.
[Signature]
5
[Page break]
The R.A.F. Comes to the Wild West
Let us consider Weyburn as it was before the blue of R.A.F. uniforms began dotting the streets of our illustrious city. The burg is bereft of its young men, its old men, its middle aged men,- in fact of almost anything given to wearing long trousers, excluding masculine-minded females. Our life is a mere existence, and a drab one at that – rising in the morning to do our small and dolorous daily tasks – wandering down to the Inevitable Club for a Coke – trying to lend an appreciative ear to some slapstick comedian on the radio or a jitterbug jive – listening with longing ears to a broadcast from our boys in the services.
Then came rumours, floating here and there through the district, carried on “I-don’t-know-whether-it’s-true, -but-that’s-what-I-heard” wings, and soon spreading thick and fast in the female-filled city, to the effect that the R.A.F. were soon to fill with their charm the inconspicuous city of Weyburn. Some disbelieved, some elaborated, others patiently waited, until one day all these surmisings were resolved with the arrival of --- (number censored) “blokes” to our then under-construction airport.
Weyburn took on a new appearance, and a very distinguished R.A.F. blue one at that.
At first the Old Country brogue was like a Babylonian jargon to us, but as acquaintances grew this obstacle was overcome in the face of their charming manner, their story-telling ability, and – a characteristic common to many of them – their wavy, sleekly oiled hair.
At dances, these boys’ popularity never wanes. The uniform perhaps, so scarce during the summer months, was a call to arms – the arms of girls, ladies, women, dames, hags, sacks, and what would you. Where such vast numbers of the fairer or not-so-fair sex came from will always remain for us a sixty-four dollar question still unanswered.
However, these jives and jitterbugs, or nervous wrecks set to music, began their task of dancing with gentlemen so cultured, so well taught in the art of ballroom dancing. We found ourselves two beats ahead of our partners in a slow fox-trot, two feet lagging in their slightly quicker style of waltzing, and generally falling over ourselves when our well-meaning assailants tried their feather steps and palais glides. As time wears on, our compromise in styles is markedly successful.
To us, too, the eagle-crested chaps have brought a station band, held in very high esteem, and appreciated especially by those who know that a waltz does have a definite tempo, while a quickened step has another.
A Hostess Club has come into existence to entertain the boys, and it is unnecessary to tell of the pleasure which we derive from providing this home-away-from-home. We have enjoyed many a quiet get-together in these home-like surroundings, helped on by the smiles of the hostesses.
The bowling alleys, the theatre (or cinema), the swimming pool, the football field, each has donned a new atmosphere of bustle, excitement, and a good-time-was-had-by-all air.
For this we can thank our winged service men. They have brought home to us something of how the other half of the world lives, they have given us their companionship, they have brought with them memories of their forefathers, and for all this we salute them.
And without them too, I know that I, as well as many others in category Female No. 1 Single would now be sitting at home, knitting sweaters for Cecil.
FEMALE CITIZEN.
[Page break]
Prairie Vista
[Photograph of a serviceman sitting on a block in a field, looking pensive]
We offered prizes for pictures illustrating Weyburn, and here you see what happened. We point out that Weyburn really is a quiet place at times and that those we have chosen for this issue merely tell one all about the undulations of the scenery round about.
If those fellows laying claim to these photographs will call on the editors, they will hear something to their advantage.
[Photograph of a railway line heading to the distance]
[Photograph of Weyburn Fire Station]
7
[Page break]
Gremlinology
After a variety of reports from a highly skilled assortment of u/ts now flying with “D” Flight, we record this warning to all pilots and pupes on this station. We have long suspected this, and now it has been definitely established. We can wait no longer. We must give you the terrible news.
The Gremlins are operating here on the Prairie ! ! !
Wait, reader! Don’t dispose of this with an airy shrug and turn over the page. This is pukka gen. Both the long-experienced pilots on this station will already be familiar with the Gremlin, but for the benefit of the uninitiated we may explain that gremlins are the little folks of the air who are responsible for all those minor mishaps which occur while you are airborne. They sit quietly on the mainplane for a while, and then, when you are beginning to feel that you really can fly, they open up. What do you think it is makes for a heavy landing? Your flying? Never! It is the gremlins jumping on the deck, lifting the runway up about ten feet, and then dropping it back while you are holding-off. Decent types, in fact.
We believe this is the first appearance of gremlins in this country, and at first we thought we had discovered a new species, the Prairie Gremlin, but after careful investigation, we can state with certainty that they are of the British variety, Gremlin Mk II, a very unpleasant species, stowaways on the U.S.S… It may be that the gremlins are only operating on “D” Flight kites, but we give this warning in case they should migrate to lower forms of station life.
Our first experience of the Gremlins came soon after our course had started, when we were smitten with a plague of ground-looping. This was obviously no fault of the pupes, and we realize now that the Gremlins jumped from our kites on to the runway just as we were landing, and pulled down a wing on to the tarmac, then clambering back on to the kite and chuckling with glee at the efforts of the pilot to extricate himself. It is on record that one of our instructors, particularly popular with the Gremlins, booked himself out for “Exercises 8 and 9 ground-looping”.
Only yesterday a certain sergeant from the Nav Flight, distinguished for his frequent reversion to his habits of recent Tiger days in switching off Harvards in fine pitch, was emitting a sigh of relief and surprise at making a reasonable landing when a group of gremlins planted a large area of mud dead in the path of his aircraft …
Take heed to our warning, then you fliers, and profit by our experience.
A word to our instructors. If you have noticed some slight errors on our part, landings with the undercart up, or taking off full flap, don’t blame us. It’s those Gremlins at work again. And a last word to fellow pupes. Next time you write off an aircraft, don’t let it bother you, just tell your Flight Commander it was the Gremlins, and he will give you another kite straight away. After all, what’s a few aircraft at a time like this? Think of all the Gremlins you may have written off too.
H.W.F.
[Boxed] Wanted
In this edition appear several items of interest from people outside the camp. These missives were received by the staff at various times during the last month and, since they show a remarkable insight into the life and living of No. 41 S.F.T.S., the less libellous paragraphs are littered about our pages.
The Editorial staff makes this public appeal to the writers to come out into the open and reveal their identities. We should like to express our appreciation of these witticisms and establish a closer liaison …
The anonymous contributors were all ladies of Weyburn and its surrounds … [/boxed]
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[Advert for Gold Seal beer]
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[Advert for Kempton’s Book Store]
[Advert for Lee Sing Laundry
[Advert for Bill’s Café]
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Romance in Regina
(A tale of the wide open spaces)
By “Prairie Oyster”
[Drawing of an airman with his arm around a pretty girl] “She thrilled as she felt a hand on her shoulder.”
WHAT’S HAPPENED UP TILL NOW:
Mary Anne Svenson is still a slip of a girl; sweet sixteen and never been kissed. Her faithful chum is Penelope Picklove – a dusky young beauty. In spite of the vivacious zest for life, and all that goes with it, shared by the two girls, they are closeted in Saint Agatha’s Convent for Good Girls Only, in Regina, Queen-of-the-Prairies. This, of course, is the biggest, smartest and best Finishing School north of the American line.
Already Dan Cupid has struck deep at Mary Anne. She is going steady with a handsome Old Country aviator called Patrick Alexander. But, alas, the girls of the Convent are only allowed one late pass each month, and then only till 22.30 – so courtships are slow. But not with our heroine, Mary Anne Svenson.
However, nothing daunting, the dashing lovers keep secret trysts. Where there’s love there’s a way. But now both are in trouble – serious trouble. Patrick is about to be court-martialled for roaring low over the terrified convent-girls, and blowing kisses to his own true-love. And now, horror of horrors, Mary Anne has been summoned by the cruel matron, Sister Immaculata, who caught her behind a bush with her dearest Patrick.
“Tomorrow,” roared the dread matron, “you will be publicly expelled. They are in need of a practitioner at the Weyburn Mental.”
NOW READ ON IMMEDIATELY, DON’T WAIT A MOMENT:
Mary Anne, looking more than ever like a scented rose at dewy dawn, felt cold all over. Creeping from the presence of the terrifying ogre-matron, she sought the faithful Penelope. Finding her peeking thru the keyhole as she left the room, she staggered sobbing on her shoulder. “Worse than death,” she whispered hoarsely.
The faithful Penelope soon soothed our crestfallen heroine with a bag of liquorice all-sorts and a story from True Confessions. As there was no school that day owing to all the instructors being on a 48, she persuaded the damp-eyed Mary Anne to take a stroll towards Regina’s famed lake. There the pair sat on the grassy sward, gazing thoughtfully into the deep watery stillness.
Meanwhile Patrick had returned to camp, his hopes of being able to be an ace with the Canadian and British airmen overseas being dashed to the ground. One thought only saved him from immediate suicide – the thought that soon he might see his beloved prairie flower once more. As he fell to pondering over the blissful tryst of the previous nite, he became less browned off and the light shone in his steel-gray eyes once again. That night he was to play center-forward for his team in the Semi-Final of the South Sask. Soccer League. As he thought of the evening soccer game (Old Country fashion), he resolved that he would leave his mark as an ace footballer, even if he was not to be an ace-aviator.
Mary Anne stared wistfully into the lake; her impending public expulsion
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From Saint Agatha’s, and the consequent wrath of her stern Puritanical parents, steady farmers at Expanse, Saskatchewan, cast a somber cloud over her usually sunny disposition. Like a flash the one and only solution to her troubles crossed her turbulent mind. She must escape from the toils of the dreaded Immaculata. Escape she must; and escape at once.
By the time faithful class-chums had returned to the convent at near-dusk, Mary Anne had decided on a plan of action.
At the same time, Patrick had played his last game for his station. It was a ding-dong struggle, and the pent-up spectators held their breath as his station struggled with Medicine Jaw for the lead in the S. Sask. League. The score was 1-1 when the ball came to our hero. (Square 4.) Like a second Babe Ruth he dribbled it up to the field (Old Country style) and scored a magnificent goal a second before the whistle shrilled for the end of the thrilling match. In what had been the greatest game ever seen in the three Prairie Provinces, Patrick had lead [sic] his station team to victory; repeat, victory. Everyone was happy. Even the S.W.O. smiled. The C.O. personally congratulated Patrick, as he (Patrick) was held shoulder-high by his more-than-delighted team-mates.
That night as the team was celebrating in the Y with milk-shakes and bubble-gum supplied free by the Imperial Daughters of the Empire, a lone figure made its way through the shadows surrounding St. Agathas.
Patrick, as we already well know, was a man of action. It was only the work of a trice to corner the young sport-loving C.O. after the Celebration Dinner. With the aid of many “Big Chiefs” and the thought of his timid blondie, Mary Anne, he poured out his sorrows to the understanding Group Captain. At first he, the Group Captain, was unimpressed and dwelt at some length on the importance of discipline and Section 7, Para 3, of C.A.P. 100 and the Stockbrokers Gazette. But as the merrie evening wore on he loosened up and at dawn he left Patrick promising to make him acting Pilot Officer unpaid, and furthermore promising that he would instruct his lawyer in Watrous (Prairie Regional) to buy up all the evidence against Patrick.
Meanwhile Mary Anne tramped the streets of Regina, wondering what might befall her. She stopped in at the Dominion Hotel to spend her last nickel on a cup of ersatz coffee. Staring into her coffee cup in a deep reverie, she suddenly noticed out of the corner of her eye a small placard, “Good-looking assistant wanted.” Immediately applying to the manager, she was given the job at the same pay as an ACH G/D. (K.R. & A.C.I. para. 2295).
By this time the whole convent was in an uproar. Even the calm Immaculata was in a flat-spin. Even Penelope Picklove had no idea of the whereabouts of beauteous Mary Anne. All feared the worst.
All the following day Mary Anne toiled in the Drug Store, frying eggs and cutting sandwiches. Late that evening just as she was serving a David Harum to a Lance Corporal in the S.S.R. she felt a hand on her shoulder. Her heart leapt with girlish excitement. Could it be Patrick. She was scared to look round for fear it might be some forward stranger. But it was Patrick; as handsome as ever in sky-blue with glittering brass buttons. Soon he had persuaded her to slip away from her drudgery, and to go dancing with him in the Silver Dell.
The nite, as usual, sped by blissfully for both. Finally, as dawn broke over the golden wheat fields outside of the city, Patrick took her home to the Dominion Hotel. As the couple entered thru the swing doors, Mary Anne Swooned into her lover’s arms; for who should be standing in the foyer waiting for her, but her wrathful parents, Mr. and Mrs. Svenson.
* * * *
That’s all this issue. Buy the next issue to find out where on earth the faithful Penelope has gotten herself to, and what Mr. and Mrs. Svenson have to say about their daughter’s capers.
FILLUP
You’ve heard of the airmen’s canteen,
Where they say the language’s obscene,
You’ve heard of the Corporal’s place
Their dances they say, are “Disgrace”
You’ve heard of the Sergeant’s bar,
Where they drink too much by far.
…BUT! Have you heard of the Officers Ball
When it ended up in a “free for all.”
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[Photograph of a man in uniform on the telephone]
Key Men No.1
The Adj.
No, this is not the Mental Hospital. You must have the wrong number. … What is it? The Royal Air Force, of course … No, not the R.C.A.F. That’s something different. This is the English one. We’re all English here … Yes, that’s why I talk with a frog in my throat … What do we do? Oh, teach people to fly … No, we can’t give you a joy ride. Certainly not … No, it’s the first I’ve heard of it. I must ask the Flight Sergeant … Dammit, what else do you want to know/ I’m a worried man … Do we wear spotted ties? Most certainly not.
Weyburn Newsfront
So many of our readers have written in asking us how The Flying Gopher manages to score its numerous newsbeats over its competitors that a word of explanation might be interesting.
Events move so quickly on the camp these days that every available means of communication must be utilized in order to give our readers “stop-press” news. Not trusting the telephone (the enemy has many ears), Flying Officer Rogers, in shorts, may frequently be seen rushing up the road with the latest watch tower reports, followed by a gust of censored weather.
Formerly, news from the remote reaches of the station require several weeks to reach the editors, coming by means of camel train (now discontinued since Flight Sergeant Tillman is unable to supply the beasts with retreads, sampan (requisitioned to ford the floods of last spring), dog team, and finally, pogo stick (to keep the carrier’s head above the mud on the main roads).
It is now suspected that Flying Officer Colchester will be using a carrier service to forward his news, since, whenever sports are mentioned, he invariably replies, “That’s my pigeon.”
Red-hot news is conveyed by AC. Rowing-Parker on the station fire-tender.
Corporal Rae, our postman, brings highly secretive news, but unfortunately we are unable to use any of it since all his letters are invariably addressed to someone other than the editors. He is apologetic about this, but when the hell is he going to bring something, even if it’s just a letter from the girl friend?
Finally, there is one method of transmission which is faster than Flying Officer Rogers in his shorts, Rowing-Parker on his fire-engine, AC. Harrison with his signals, faster than Aldis lamp. radio or television. The method has been perfected beyond any other system for getting news spread farthest to the mostest, and only one little kink needs to be ironed out – the method is utterly unreliable. We refer, gentlemen, to Rumour.
No, the Flying Gopher does not have to use Rumour to scoop the news-beats of the world!
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Society Page
Night Life on a Prairie Airport Can Be Fun
The well-sleeked hair of RAF airmen glistened brightly in the light of the photographer’s flash bulb as he took these pictures of dancers enjoying a quiet evening in the Airport “Nightclub.” Accounts Section as always appears to be well to the fore – notice “Stinker” Simmons and “Flash” Morgan – while closer scrutiny reveals that the Flights, Maintenance and Equipment Sections have all sent their representatives along.
[Photographs of a dance]
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More Archaeology
In our last issue we deserted our serious research into the life and existence of the Men of Raf to enquire into their sports and pastimes. We now return to our examination of their Social Order, and perhaps it is time we paid a little attention to their monetary system.
It seems the Men of Raf had risen, if only a little, above the system of Barter, and each member of the community received reward for his labours. Again the characteristics of tribal life are evident and we find that the task of organizing and carrying through this complicated system of remuneration was the responsibility of the Klan of Akkownt, verily a learned Tribe.
That this was appreciated by the other Men of Raf is borne out by documents recently recovered, in particular a letter from a member of the Klan of Kwip to a brother Kwippite situate [sic] in the distant land of Ukay in which he states “verily, the Klan of Akkownt are wonderful men; strange and mystic are their ways. According to the High Chief of the House of Rek I did stand in favour with the God Kred to an amount of Fifteen Bob, but lo, and behold, now I am arrived at the Land of Wey, the High Chief Jaycee doth tell me that the God of Deb does frown on me to the extent of Two Bucks Two Bits!” Reference of this matter to the disciples of Einstein has confirmed that the problem, though abstruse, can be solved by the application of sufficient Relativity; hence the motto of the Klan of Akkownt, “relatively speaking – “.
Here is should be mentioned that the Klan of Akkownt was a divided tribe. Years and years ago the Klan of Akkownt did arrive at the strange Land which they found already in the possession of the Tribe of Kwip. Now both being learned Tribes and having great respect for each other’s qualities it was natural they should arrive at the conclusion that the life then lived by the Men of Raf was too, too simple to be continued. Hence the Heads of the two Tribes did sit in conclave for many moons, formulating mystic rites and customs to improve the social organization of the Men of Raf.
And that is where the trouble started. The Klan of Kwip were convinced that the system of Barter would prove the best. The greater part of the Klan of Akkownt were in favour of making use of a new element they had just found and which they had christened Munny. Munny’s the time they were to regret that decision.
Apparently the idea of the Klan of Kwip was to issue each man with the necessities of life in regular quantities on prescribed dates, thus: “Notice to the Men of Raf – Be it known that on the sixteenth day of the month of February, the amount of labour performed by the members of the community having at last reached that determined by the High Priest of the Klan of Kwip, there shall be issued to each man the following –
Quantity, one: Article, Paste, White, Dental, Effervescing, Airmen for the use of.
Quantity, enough: Article, Liquid Blue, Copper, Sulphate, Bath, Foot for the filling of, Airmen for the use of … - and so on.
Here the Munnyites in the Klan of Akkownt did object that the wants of each and every man did differ, and hence the system of barter would give much encouragement to the underground worshippers of the evil God Aakket, in whose honour Men would perform the rites of Swop and Swipe. But there were several of the Klan of Akkownt who were in favour and to their fellow tribesmen they became known as Kwip Akkownts, or, in times of stress, Twip Akkownts. This section it is which also imbibes vast quantities of the Dish of Vowcher. A nasty habit, and one apparently which stimulates queer dreams and ambitions.
Some members of the Klan have been known to aspire to membership of the Klan of Ayr, in the tribe of Wop, trade of Gunner, and have roamed through the mighty places of the Klan singing “Oh for the wings of … “ before being brought to account. Yet others of the Klan were taken with a strange sickness and did wander around in a dazed condition continually chanting in the manner of Kroon, which was indeed a bad thing for the men of Raf, but when these
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[Advert for Burge’s Meat Market]
[Advert for Weyburn Hardwar Ltd.]
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afflicted creatures did encounter the totem pole of the Men of Raf, known as Myke, in the presence of which their voices did acquire greater strength if not sweetness, then was it night unbearable!
May we ask our readers to avoid confusing the insignia Myke with the mystic drink Mikky. Both seem to have had an evil influence on certain sections of the Men of Raf, but I think it can be safely concluded, from the evidence we have, that Mikky had a far wider and much more general effect. (In this connection I refer you to Chapter XXXIXXVII, para 12345 in the “History and General Treatise on the Habits of the Klan of Sarj,” which informative volume I regret will not be found in the Station Library).
The crucial point in the history of this Section of the Men of Raf arises as a result of their migration from the Land of Ukay to the province of Wey in the Land of Kan. It was quite natural that they should bring with them their own Gods and Deities, one or two of whom we have mentioned above, and for quite a time they lived a peaceful and undisturbed life. Tribute was regularly paid to the Gods Kred and Deb, and many members of the various Klans had occasion to be honoured with the Noble Order of Ritoff. It was therefore a great shock to them to find that the Land of Klan was ruled by High Authority known as Cas, with its partners Afhq and Rcaf, often called the Terrible Three.
One never-to-be-forgotten day these Three did smite the Klan of Akkownt and shake them from head to foot, abolishing all their old Deities, in particular the Gods of Kred and Deb, and making it a law that all the Men of Raf, on each Festival of Pay should bow their heads to Sine; as a result of which many members of the Klans of Erk, Lak and Korp did discover with amazement that they still had knowledge of the Art of Riting, even if, in many cases, they were not fully conversant with the Art of Spelling. It is noted that rumour indicates that, consequent to the initiation of the tribute to Sine, many of the Klans had to unearth the old tribal records to discover hereby a true knowledge of the Names accorded to each member, in order that he might not commit offence in the eyes of the new Deity.
In closing it should be mentioned that the Klan of Akkownt was one of the few Klans to devote its whole energies to the task allotted to it in the social order of the Men of Raf. Each year they were allowed a period of absence wherein to recuperate from the strain of their labours, but if reports are to be believed they joyfully spurned this chance to rest, and did travel many hours to the West, to the East, to the North and to the South, only to continue the fascinating study of Figgers. There can be np doubt that Figgers are and will continue to be, the beginning and, in many cases, the end of the Klan of Akkownt.
Medical Meanderings
A man goes sick on M two five,
And feels he’s only just alive.
The M.O. looks, and hums, and he
Places the man on M. & D.
But some are not so fortunate,
Or so they think, at any rate.
Their troubles here have just begun,
They are put on forty-one.
They saunter through the office door,
And answer questions, one or more.
The twerp presiding gives a look,
And puts partics in a little book.
And then the fun begins, they say,
If M.O. looks the other way.
The orderly, with eyes agleam,
Makes him happy it may seem.
The patient, he is sore depressed,
His work on others now will rest.
They bring him coffee in a cup,
And send old Bliss to cheer him up.
So Bliss comes in with hook in hand,
When patient is in sleepy land.
He wakes him up, says “Hello mate,
What is your enlistment date?”
He then is placed on two four o,
And written in for a day or so.
But office twerp, he wants some gen,
So wakes the patient up again.
Once more he tries to go to sleep,
But office gen, it will not keep.
The office twerp comes in with mirth,
And wakes him for his date of birth.
And so he asks for his discharge,
He’d rather be with the boys at large.
He walks out of the dock with zest,
And goes to billet for a rest.
F.C.B.
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Weyburn Has A Library
Certain very puzzling questions keep coming into the mind of the Librarian – questions which she can never answer. She will be most grateful for any assistance in the matter of solving these highly perplexing problems.
It might be only fair to state here that any resemblance to you or anyone else in any of the following remarks is highly coincidental.
Now, as to the questions.
Why do you airmen, or at least some of you, persist in thinking that the library is financed solely by the takings from the R.A.F.? There seems to be a common misapprehension that the librarian lurks behind the bookshelves waiting to pounce upon innocent airmen victims. If any of you, as yet uninitiated into the solemn rites of membership of the W.P.L., have heard that ugly rumour, please ignore it. It is true that certain of the fellows have been most generous in the extent of their contributions, but this is due only to the fact that they will insist on ignoring the Librarian’s grim warning that horrible penalties will be exacted from him who fails to return his books on the prescribed date.
Why, again, do some of you insist on making unpleasant insinuations as to the integrity of the staff? “Did you have a good time at the Fair with my fine money?” That sort of remark is calculated to make a more sensitive person quail.
Then why do you so consistently ignore the polite little reminder cards which are sent out? They should, of course, be regarded as a friendly gesture, for their sole purpose is to prevent the fines from mounting higher and higher. Still, there is always the fear lurking at the back of our minds that someone may try to abscond with a book, which of course would lead to serious repercussions, the extent of which is unpredictable. Certainly it would bring down the wrath of the Librarian on the heads of the offenders, and that wrath is indeed a great wrath.
And this brings us to the ultimate Why, the crux of all our Whying. Why don’t you bring your books back on the due date? Life would be so simple if only you would look at the date stamped on your card in the back of the book.
Last of all, why don’t more of you use the Weyburn Public Library? If anything you have read in the above tends to frighten you away, please ignore it. We really do like to do business with the R.A.F.
G.N.G.
Archimedes
look forsooth
see a youth
writing a letter to his love
can’t find a rime
spent lots of time
can’t find a rime
for amelia
goes to bed
with aching head
inspiration
light
see the officer of the law
rat-a-tat at the door
see the judge
we must stop these violations
of the blackout regulations
ten pounds
says the judge
pays the fine
pleasure’s mine
because i’ve found the rime
i wanted all the time
listen
or fair and beautiful amelia
i like you better than celia
eureka
eureka
wedding bells
F.R.S.
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[Drawing of a beautiful girl on the telephone] “But mother, the Airman here says it’s not true about those gooseberry bushes.”
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The Padre Ponders
[Photograph of a padre and two women sitting]
“Padre – you’re posted to Weyburn”
Weyburn! For was not Weyburn in the district in which I had ministered as a civilian priest of the Church of England some few years ago; a district with headquarters at Milestone?
I remember arriving in that town, which has shown some excellent hospitality to the men of this Station, and wondering how anyone could exist, let alone live, in such a desolate and flat district. But, as the months passed by, I realized that “man does not live by bread alone.” For the prairie, so drought stricken, taught me that common hardship and suffering can bring out the finest qualities in man. The people found great joy in that which is so necessary to-day, e.g., co-operation. Co-operation with God; and co-operation with our fellow-men.
I am once again the district and I am pleased to be here at such an interesting stage in the development of 41 S.F.T.S. Just as in civilian life, so in Service life there must be that oblation of self to God and to the welfare of our fellow-man if we are to possess a truly happy Station. Ways and means are daily discussed and are being put into operation to attain this end. The prairie will not look half so grim, especially in the winter, if we each give whatever talents we possess to the Station, both spiritual and social.
I leave you with a thought – “The people who make no roads are ruled out from intelligent participation on the world’s brotherhood.”
Sincerely,
THE PADRE.
The Padre Acts
A play which has enjoyed a long run at the Old Drury Theatre in London, must possess outstanding qualities of entertainment. Such a play is “French Leave,” to be produced in the near future by F/Lt. Clarke (Chaplain).
Casting is not yet completed for this hilarious three-act comedy, but we have a spot of news for you:
Inside information: The female parts will NOT Be taken by hairy-legged Airmen, but by members of the fairer sex from Weyburn. The cast will be announced later. It’s anyone’s guess.
“French Leave” is a good story, well written in the dramatic sense. Our director has had considerable experience, with the added advantage of having already produced this play at Carberry and Winnipeg.
Here is an opportunity to co-operate in a worth-while venture. The padre is looking for volunteers, for acting parts and to assist in the stage production. Let’s make a go of this!
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[Advert for Fred Barber’s Man Shop]
[Advert for Anderson’s Café]
21
Bus Ride
I had just received my ticket from the conductor as the bus stopped at Marble Arch. The usual mixed crowd of London bus passengers jostled each other on. It was then I noticed her … she sat directly opposite, just inside the bus where the seats face each other. I couldn’t believe it – a glance told me she also recognised, but could no more understand than I. She was exactly the same, tall, fair, with that expression of determination which camouflaged a certain nervousness; the very same expression that had caused me to look twice on the night of March 8th, 1941, when I first met her in a little café in Old Compton Street. I had gone to the café to rest and regain control of my distressed mind for I had been dragging people out of the Café de Paris, … the aftermath of a direct hit.
It all came back to me, as clearly as if it had been yesterday. I had sat smoking in that little café, endeavouring to compose myself, for I was badly shaken; blood and dead bodies had no part in my life previously. It was then I saw her for the first time. She was just the same, tall and fair with that same expression which was so attractive and yet pathetic. She brought me a coffee and withdrew quickly behind the counter. I was fascinated, not so much by her beauty, for indeed she was beautiful, but by this unique expression; I was unable to take my eyes off her until forced by the counter which rose some six feet in the air, and I lost sight of her, the counter, and everything, as I sailed through a plywood window, which would have been glass but for a previous raid.
Slowly human life took shape again, and I realised someone was speaking to me in a strained, pathetic voice …no! it wasn’t to me for my name is not David. Then full realisation came to me, as at the same time a gas main ignited and the whole scene was made visibly clear. There she was, lying on a stretcher not two feet away from me, and as I saw her I was mentally aware that I was only shaken, but she was obviously badly injured. Almost inaudibly she commenced to speak, and then the words became clearer: “David, David, forgive me, kiss me and say you forgive.” Some kind of impulse made me, forced me to comply with her wishes …
As I drew my face away from her, I was touched on the shoulder by someone standing at my side, and a masculine voice said, “Your wife? I’m sorry.” “No,” I replied. “Fiancee?” “Yes,” I lied, for then I felt guilty of my actions. “Too bad,” he said, and then added, as if in consolation, “There’s no pain.” During this short conversation my eyes had not left her face, which was now beautiful in the full sense of the word; for her smile was one of supreme happiness. I took her hand in mine to comfort her and as I did so I knew she was no longer with me …
…And yet here she was in the seat opposite, reading the advertisements above my head.
P.D.C.
The New Arrival
Squadron Leader “A” was browned off. He had waited twenty minutes for a taxi, and he was particularly keen to get back to the mess … someone had had a baby or something, and he was licking his lips in anticipation. Eventually the taxi came, and, seated beneath three or four erks, he travelled back to camp. “Never again,” he muttered as he extricated himself from the taxi at the camp gates, and fumbled for his share of the dollar. “Never again,” he muttered when he hurried into the Mess to find the celebrations at an end. It might be a long time till someone else had a baby, and his throat was very dry. What with the R.C.A.F. accounting procedure, and the S.A.O. a bit peeved about the tire shortage, you had to go a bit carefully these days.
“And you really do recommend this one?” “Yes, sir, I am sure this specimen will give you every satisfaction.” “Right, I’ll take it. Wrap it up, will you?”
And lo and behold a beautiful yellow bus at the camp gates, straight from the Army and Navy Store at Regina, wherein we travel to and from the city at regular hours and in considerable comfort!
Thank you Squadron Leader “A”!
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[Advert for McKinnons]
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Legal Laugh
Maintains Our Resident Attorney
Everyone loves a legal story. The judge who innocently asks “What is nagging?” never fails to stimulate us. The smart-tongued witness, standing up to counsel, always gives us joy. The obstinate client, the advice of whose solicitor was taken much too late for it to have been any value, for ever brags about the futility of consulting lawyers on commercial matters. Yet lawyers flourish.
The layman, primed by his daily paper with full details of the latest murder, would feel disillusioned if he knew how little most solicitors know, or even care, about such matters. But the layman listens attentively to all that falls from any lawyer’s mouth concerning it, for all men love to see behind the scenes. The trappings of the law can thrill, and they who put them on command respect. So much for lawyers in real life. And when we turn to fiction we still find that, on the whole, a lawyer’s ways are stern.
Gray hairs, ill-fitting for a fool, all lawyers long for. Proudly, at thirty, bowler-hatted, I had mine. Man thought me forty-five; at least I hoped so. For the lawyer, forty-five seemed to me to be a very desirable age, for one is then old enough to have experienced everything, but not too old to like to do new things.
Law in the Services usually concerns punishment. But a solicitor in general practice spends his time dealing with problems and people, arising out of every conceivable combination of curious circumstances, and living in almost every class of society. It was only comparatively lately that I began to appreciate the never-ending interest which can, at any moment of the day, be found in simply carrying out one’s work as a solicitor.
I took up Law as a sedative, after War Flying. In the whole of my peace-time career, I never handled any case concerned with aviation. The nearest approach was when a lady consulted me about the arrangement for her approaching marriage. She believed that her intended husband had an ample fortune. Ought she to insist that substantial trust funds be settled upon her, prior to surrendering herself?
I promised to look into the matter. It was the Wednesday before Easter.
Late next afternoon I wired to her as follows: “Your fiancée ex-R.A.F. Officer. Exercise extreme caution.”
P.R.
Ich Dien
This is the tale of AC. Sprog, who sailed the mighty seas.
He slept in ancient blankets which scratched furrows in his knees;
His collar was as black as ink, he smelt like ancient cheese –
He was serving his country and his King.
Early in the morning you would find him at the rail,
A-feeding if the fishes, and at evening without fail
You would find him at the rail again, in sunshine, wind or hail,
Nobly serving his country and his King.
They set him peeling onions, they sent him up to guard
The upper deck, though the wind was blowing very hard,
And Sprog obeyed them gladly, and his chest stuck out a yard,
For he knew he was serving his country and his King.
Sometime Sprog would peep inside the Sergeant’s Mess, and there
He would contemplate the scene of ease, and sigh and tear his hair,
To think how distant was the date when he would take his share
In such noble, glorious service of his country and his King.
- SIGMA.
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True Yarn
As everyone knows, when the Royal Air Force began to expand in 1938 hundreds of ex-officers were given commissions and posted to ground jobs.
And so, in a burst of zeal, and confident that a large-sized war was in the offing, Peter Robinson, who had served in the 1914-1918 mess as a commissioned officer in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and later in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, offered his services, in September, 1938, to the Air Ministry.
In due course, our “hero” was summoned to Adastral House to appear before a Selection Board and about three weeks later he received a short note to the effect that he had “been found fit for employment.”
And so, Robinson, who was running quite a tidy business, handed over to his wife and prepared to get back into uniform.
After a lapse of some weeks, he was ordered to report to Cardington for a Balloon Course and so for ten very weary weeks, poor Robinson pulled balloons about, drove lorries and winches, climbed all over balloons, inside and out, and finally passed the examinations with flying colours. In his innocence, Robinson thought he would then be posted as a Balloon Officer, but oh no! He was sent to a brand new Station, not nearly completed, as Adjutant! At least, he did all the work of and Adjutant but was only graded and paid as an Assistant Adjutant, since in those far-off piping times of peace, on a Station which had a Squadron Leader Admin, the establishment allowed an Assistant Adjutant only.
His first office was a contractor’s hut and as the buildings were completed, the Station Headquarters successively occupied an N.C.O.’s bunk in a barrack hut, a portion of the Seregant’s [sic] Mess, the Station Sick Quarters and on a never-to-be-forgotten day in July 1939, moved into the Station Headquarters building with all his staff, i.e., three clerks, G.D., two civilians and a runner.
During his trekking period, Robinson had been sent to Rollestone to attend the Anti-Gas Course and duly completed a very pleasant three weeks. On his return to his Unit he became Station Anti-Gas Officer, and by the outbreak of war, he was Adjutant, Assistant Adjutant, Anti-Gas Officer, Officer i/c M.T., Officer i/c Sergeants’ Mess, Messing Officer, Fire Officer, and Code and Cypher Officer. Oh yes, he had done half an hour’s course on Codes and Cyphers. On the 3rd September, 1939, he shed most of his jobs and for months he did nothing but test respirators and bob in and out of a gas chamber.
Then, the practical joke department got busy, and he was posted to a Group Headquarters in Scotland as Armament Officer, his sole qualifications being the fact that he knew the difference between a Vickers and a Lewis gun. And so he spent many months in Bonnie Scotland, very happy since he was out of doors most of the time, but scared stiff that his A.O.C. would find out his total lack of knowledge of all the thousand and one gadgets which constitute “Armament”.
Our Robinson was then bold enough to apply for an Armament Course – after ten months in Scotland – and the practical joke department at the Air Ministry stirred themselves again and sent him on the Junior Administrative Course at Loughborough! Another happy three weeks followed with lots of golf and visits to that very nice hostelry at Quoon, and then another branch of the practical joke department woke up and made him a Squadron Leader in Command of a Training Wing not a hundred miles from Warrington.
And so we leave him. By this time I expect he is either an Accountant Officer, or perhaps an Equipment Wallah.
E.T.
MORE FILLUPS
A Squadron Leader we’ve christened chips,
Spends hours in workshops making bits,
He built himself a bedside table,
Then found he was so very able,
He started on a set of chairs,
When thro’ the window C.O. stares.
He quickly donned an airman’s tunic,
And looked just like the Station Eunuch.
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[Advert for Forteath Cabins]
[Advert for Four Star Taxi]
[Advert for Weyburn Bottling Works]
[Advert for Lee Lang Laundry]
[Page break]
Wakee Wakee
The gentle click of a switch, then a scream of WAKEE! WAKEE! from an enraged Sergeant. Some of us fall out of bed in surprise, others with lower numbers hardly stir. GETOUTAVIT! and with a bellow of rage the Sergeant hurls someone out of bed, a top bunk. Then with a crash of the door which knocks off half of the clothes off their pegs and breaks two lamp bulbs, he is gone. Muttering curses of “He ought to be shot!” everyone scrambles back to bed, and within five minutes if soring peacefully …Another day is dawning.
Time sweeps by, and five minutes before the end of breakfast some early worm yells “EGGS.” With a mighty shout and a “Why didn’t some fool wake us?” we are up and charging at the door. The last but one slams it. It is anticipated that, on his discharge some months hence, the last one will be repatriated. With mugs flying, we dive into the Cookhouse and race up to the counter. Some little squirt a foot in front of us moves off to a table with the last egg. There is a muttered rumble of “Who said ‘EGGS’?” from the corporal i.c., and we followed him back to our stye, hungry, dirty and discontented, … ready for sleep.
[Drawing of a sign with Corporal Stripes on]
Corporals’ Club Comments
This month we cannot report the appropriation of animals by club members. The billiard table has not yet arrived and there is really a pronounced lull on the twin striped front. The “last on the right” is a very staid and stolid residence these days. Of course it is summer and apart from fellows going up there to visit the canteen section they appear to be preferring the great open spaces to the confines of a club room. But, in the words of George Formby “winter drawers on” and it is expected that great things will come of our club in the winter months.
There is one lecture which is outstanding in its popularity – the fortnightly dance. That is by now quite an institution both on the camp and down town – even though we do say it ourselves – and far from the cautious preparations which preceded initial functions they now more or less “run themselves.” – We have quite good numbers up there.
It is not the intention of the writer to name the comings and goings of members of the Corporals’ Club during the last month, suffice it that we wish departing members luck in their new abodes and extend a welcome to the several who have either been made up” [sic] or arrived on the Unit since the last publication.
Of Much Interest
The competition for a station motto has been won by the Padre for the following:
“Gopheres magnopere gopherimus.” (“We gopher the gophers in a big way”).
Who was the U-T pilot who thought that the so much talked about second front was something out of a Met. report?
Flight Sergeant Snooks, a member of the R.A.F. No. 41 Service Training School at Weyburn has been transferred to Ottawa. He was a most popular member of the station, and he will be missed by both his friends, who will also have missed their promotion. In anticipation of his posting he has recently been passing babies.
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[Drawing of a sign with Sergeant stripes on]
Sergeants’ Mess Gen.
Farewell to W.O. (Columbus) Grundy and W.O. (Sebastian) Earp who having been posted left Navigation Flight after a short spell on “binding” Cross Countries. We shall miss these corpulent and genial pilots.
Surprise item of the month is the excellent piano playing of W.O. Campbell who distinguished himself by joining Sgt. Ryckman in Duets after the Officers v. Sergeants Soccer Match. As regards the latter, the least said the soonest mended. We are still wondering how the Officers managed to beat us the first time …
Sgt. Johnny Love has now settled down in Dauphin, and elsewhere in the “Gopher” you will read of the romance between ex-Sgt. “Jock” Leeming and Sgt. Love’s sister. Sort of Love is the sweetest thing.
Back from a hectic leave is Sgt. Hal Jones, who managed to take in New York and Chicago, whilst Sgt. Norman has also returned from a spell in Detroit.
They both say that it is swell to get back to the peaceful life on the prairies. I know that Sgt. Tom Riby definitely boobed in Toronto; opinion is, he thought that the parade was in honour of the select company present.
How are the queer people in Port Hope? We ask of W.O. Kavanagh.
Sgt. “Torchy” McCartney has resigned his post as frog trainer, and he is still looking for the infant that strayed in the Quarters the other day.
Will someone tell us why Sgt. “Johnnie” Johnson didn’t send last month’s issue of the “Gopher” home, and who was that Squadron Leader who wrote from Ontario asking awkward questions?
Sgt. Tom Collinson, a stalwart of the Soccer Team, has now passed his course and we lose yet another fine player. We wish Tom good luck.
F/Sgt. Ayres made a fine job of the drumming in the Station Orchestra recently when he walked into the show at the last moment and took over in his usual competent manner.
Surprise for lots of airmen when they saw the S.W.O., W.O. Mallinson, playing soccer. He played a straight-forward game and shook the troops with his speed.
Lost … Sgt. Richardson.
We would like to see Sgt. Mays dancing the Tango, and Sgt. Collick leading a Male Voice Choir …
That’s all…
Correspondence
Sir,
I have never been wont to complain, but more silence would drive me insane. I received my last wash looking all clean and posh, but I found to my sorrow when I came on the morrow to undo the package to dig from the wreckage, some odourless footwear, the good lady had put there some thick strands of cotton, which I thought was rotten.
Now, dear Mrs. Este, please do not get testy when I thus decry the way that you tie my gent’s natty half hose (with holes in the toes) with knottings divine in pieces of twine. I know all socks shrink when given a drink (a thing which your daughter blames on Weyburn water), and its quite comme il faut for only one toe to find room to arrive where there used to be five.
But although cogitation makes this explanation seem fairly near truth, I still hold, forsooth, that to spend hours just sitting and merely unknitting isn’t really much fun, and, in fact, Isn’t done.
That’s all there is to it. Mrs. E, please don’t do it.
In deepest distress,
Yours, etc.,
P.
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Who’s Who?
WHO IS:
The fair corporal who “gives out” in a deep bass voice an accompaniment to a certain group of singers scheduled to meet at regular intervals on the corner of main street? He must have thought they needed some moral support to be so willing to join their throng.
WHO IS:
The party of four that awakened the neighbourhood from a very peaceful snore at the unoriginal hour of 1.30 a.m. by kicking cans down one of the main streets of the town. Of course, we don’t mind them having their fun but we hope that next time they pick a more respectable hour.
WHO IS:
The P.O. now becoming very interested in milking machines. Couldn’t be he’s taking up farming as a sideline. Oh, no!
WHO IS:
The airmen besides Stinky Miller who believe in sprinkling all the fair roses of the town with Ben Hur or Sweet Pea perfume.
WHO IS:
The airman who refused to pay the charges on the hair restorer that came C.O.D. Better try “Neet,” it works much better.
WHO IS:
The Corporal who instead of exiting a taxi via the door, tried “going out” the windshield? Thinks it’s not such a good idea after all.
WHO IS:
The LAC. “Bobbie” who for the love of – well not the camp, - goes on Jankers, not once but twice in the past three weeks.
WHO IS:
The R.A.F. chap who might like to submit an ad similar to the one below:
FOR SALE: Lines: - fish and otherwise, complete with tackle of pukka gen. Reason: Complications. Explanation given below.
After telling my friend of my prospective marriage to an out of town girl, date, Wed., Spet.2 this friend promptly sent a telegram of congratulations to the address and on date given, much to the surprise of the addressee who was still to be told of the event.
Moral: No more lines complete with gen to be sold, lent or given.
WHO IS:
The airman who asked a young lady at the dance if she had any spare tires. The fair femme now wonders if he had a car or if he just had a flat tire.
WHO IS:
The fellow who, at the corner of main street, tried to ride a borrowed bike but was unsuccessful. Reason: Only one pedal. We know!
THE EYES AND EARS OF WEYBURN
The above from a Weyburn Wag. – Ed.
Works and Bricks
If you want a gadget fixed
Just telephone to Works and Bricks.
You’ll hear a voice, so gentle fair,
But don’t forget what needs repair.
Just exercise your vocal organ,
And ask the girl for FO. Morgan.
Then if you’re lucky and he’s out,
To her your soul you may pour out.
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[Drawing of a chequered flag] Flight Notes
B
Until now, “B” Flight has been inarticulate. The outstanding qualities associated with us have been strength and silence, coupled with an efficiency which has been reflected only in our football, the success of which, we hope, has produced apprehension in “H” Flight. Admittedly we share the personnel of the team with “A” Flight, but they can safely be left to shoot their own lines.
However, we have now swallowed our dislike of the effete practice of literature, and have decided that a certain amount of self-advertisement is necessary, as we have imported at no cost whatever a tame scribe from “C” Flight, who had endured him just as long as was humanly possible. So that until we too get tired of him, the evil chuckles of Sgt. James will echo through the pages of the “Gopher,” as well as striking terror into the instructors’ hearts, and Cpl. Westwood’s pipe will smell foully to a larger audience.
The activities of the permanent members of the flight have included latterly the absorption in a competitive spirit of a certain about of liquid in connection with the passing of No. 54 Course; a detailed account of proceedings would be revealing, if not edifying. We are, however, not prepared to go into the matter in detail, but we will add that the occasion was one of celebration too, for the promotion of “the Boss” to the exalted rank of Flight Lieutenant, and the rapid slide through the ranks of the warrant officers made by P.O. Dixon, and we pause for a moment to wonder if Tubby Dyson’s inactivity on the football field was occasioned by his saving himself for the “do.”
Life has been made more interesting by the pleasantly cosmopolitan character of No. 62 course, and by the vagaries of the new inter-com. We are looking forward to forced landings, too, for by the time we start teaching them, we should be able to tell the direction of the wind by means of the rippling of the grass in the garden. Unfortunately, Sgt. Dakeynes’ hair will not serve to usual purpose in that connection, as it was cut, according to schedule, at the end of the last course.
P.S. We train only Flight Commanders for the U.S. Army Air Corps.
D
Yes, shamefacedly we admit it, we were too lazy before to write in the “Flying Gopher.” But now pangs of remorse smite us in the breast, and we borrow a pen and set to work.
Suggestions are pouring in from all sides, but above all the tumultuous shouting, the voice of AC “Taffy” Tomlins bursts upon the ear drums, “Tell ‘em about our Soccer team.”
At this point a general argument starts, led as usual by “Taffy” and involving “Will” Harris, “Ted” Horrocks and “Sniffy,” Eventually we arrive at the conclusion that, up to the time of writing, we have a good and promising team, bolstered up by members of 58 Course (loud cheers from the end bed), and we are expecting some good results. To aid us in our fight we now go about our daily tasks wearing furious scowls and practicing blood curling oaths. We notice that, since his kick on the shin whilst playing against the cookhouse team, Ted Horrocks has acquired strong views on Soccer, and for the next few minutes we are treat-
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ed to a general discourse on players, referees, football fields and spectators. The Greeks had no word for it, but Ted has, and we listen admiringly.
We take this opportunity of congratulating Cpl. Ward on his promotion and his wife on her safe crossing. We hope Mrs. Ward’s crossing was better than ours.
Since the arrival of the SE.s life has been fairly easy compared to the days of the old Annie and we have even had a bang at gardening. We planned a garden comprising a border of flowers surrounding a swimming pool, to be used as a safe retreat from the “skeeters” in the summer and converted to an ice rink in the winter. After reviewing the amount of ground to be dug to a depth of six feet we hastily amended the plans and substituted a goldfish pond. But when the first three spadefulls had been dug up, all ideas of pools were promptly forgotten.
So now we have just a plain garden with plenty of grass seed on it, and we hope, some flowers. The flowers have yet to make their debut and the lawn rather resembles Smiffy’s chin … but we live in hopes.
F
We welcome Flying Officer Whiteside who succeeds Ft.Lt. Henley as Flight Commander, and Flight Sergt Hudson who takes over from Flight Sergt. Brockington, who is sweating (and how!). We wonder whether Brock also handed over his address book together with “all relevant publications.”
We are now in the market for a large lawn mower as the lawn is becoming positively jungle-like. For a small fee we may even consider allowing personnel from other Sections to come and sunbathe.
We would like to ask Cpl. Lothario of the Other Flight on this side of the hangar to tell his lady friends his working hours. Of course, we are always willing to lend a helping hand in such a deserving cause, but it becomes rather difficult at times to explain that the Corporal isn’t in the hangar and really we don’t know WHERE he is.
We have discovered a new type of Gremlin. To the uninitiated we might explain that a Gremlin is a being which haunts the upper reached of the atmosphere and causes all the little troubles for which pilots are not responsible.
The new branch of the family amuses itself by breaking Harvard windows, and we never can nail the blighters for a report.
- F.T.R.
H
We must apologise for our failure to write any notes last month, but must plead pressure of work in trying to attain the elusive line and get 52 course out on time. The high pressure work necessary is best illustrated by a pupil’s remark to the Flight Commander when asked if he was on the night flying programme. “I am never on the ground long enough to read the notices.”
Another amusing episode occurred at dawn one morning when the kites were sent for just one more circuit, and the A.C.P. noticed one rush down to the Christmas tree, do a circuit of 800 ft. and come into land before anyone else had taken off. Deciding to teach him a lesson, he was given a red, which was followed by a circuit at 500 ft. so another red. Afterwards the conversation went something like this: “What was the big idea?” “I only had 10 gallons left.” “Well why didn’t you blind your rear lights?” “The battery was flat and the nav. lights weren’t on.” “Anything else wrong?” “The flaps would only come down 20 degrees and there was a mag. drop,” Wonderful crates the old Annies.
Having got them away to time, our instructors had to learn all the vices of the new “buzz- boxes” that were to replace our trusted (?) twins, during which time “G” flight undertook to get our pupils solo. Many thanks to you, as you probably saved us a few ground loops.
Don’t our pupils appreciate the sterling qualities of our Flight Commander? They make frequent efforts to blow him out of his office in a shower of dirt, and though the voluntary contribution is stepped up each week they still find it worthwhile.
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[Advert for Club Café]
[Advert for Weyburn Motors]
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One day when the “coke” flag was put up, a questionnaire elucidated the statements that extra speed was used on the approach on a windy day so that you got to the aerodrome more quickly, and in a glide approach so that the plane descended at a reasonable angle and didn’t just float around.
I wonder if “F” flight are still complacent on the success of their soccer team. They certainly are a lucky side, fancy getting three goals against us.
X
What a busy month it has been. Airmen, pupils – even instructors have de-digitised. “We MUST finish before the snow comes” … “The Flight will be a credit to the Station” … “Do you think HE will notice it?” are among the many remarks overheard in the crew room. The identity of “HE” can only be surmised from the hushed tones in which the word is uttered. The product of the proverbial bull has been widely sought after to hasten results. F-Lt. Goon gazed from his window between cups of tea and looks for people running up in front of “My Office,” his little-tin-box in his hand jiggling reminiscently. A certain “Middleton” has been discussed with great reverence, but perusal of nominal rolls has failed to reveal the Section honoured by his presence. You may be under the impression that we are striving to get the course out ahead of time – but have I mentioned flying? A mere detail. We MUST finish the garden first!
- L.W.
G.I.S. Jottings
Amongst one of the periodic showers of paper delivered to the G.I.S. the other day was a memo which commenced with those all too familiar words “Your contribution is now due.” This was duly passed to those who sit in judgement and authority and finally found its way back to me endorsed “Pass to Stooge for action.” Same old story – voluntary compulsion!
There is, of course, little to report. There never is. Pupils come and P-Os and Sergeants go. I may even make an odious comparison by saying that the G.I.S. may be likened to a sausage machine. True it is that mysterious ingredients are put in! The output in our case consists of a very fine line of Pilots duly burnished by Flying Wing! To a small cog in the machine it is all very inspiring.
Highlight of the month must be the sudden removal of our N.C.O. Discip. Unlike his Irish predecessor he did not return to the Emerald Isle although he is much nearer to it than he was. We regret that we are a little extravagant on Discips and will, in future try to make them last a little longer at least.
No. 56 Course are in the process of “Passing Out.” Many of them passed out quite early on and the remainder are wondering how “So few can repay so many.” The passing out celebration is to be held in the privacy of the telephone pay station in the Y.M.C.A. Our heartiest congratulations go to this course who may consider themselves the most select course we have yet had.
The phrase “What’s Cooking” really does mean something to us. One of our busy Navigators now does a little plotting on the Diet Sheet. It is extremely interesting to be right in the “gen” and to know what one HAD for dinner.
One of the Armament Instructors recently returned from an aircraft recognition course. He has since spent hours pinning up posters on the walls of the entire building, missing not even the most unusual places. We hope that these posters will be of great INSTRUCTIONAL value.
The Airframes and Engines instructor recently returned from Detroit. He said that he had had little sleep during his stay. Asked why this was so he replied in his broad Scots accent that he was afraid of missing something.
At the time of writing, Sgt. “Hal” Jones id still on his official visit over the border. Someone said that his visit was in connection with lion shooting. We THINK they said “lion.”
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[Advert for Charnell Studio]
[Advert for Expert Dry Cleaners]
[Advert for The Sun Café]
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Lease-Lend Dept.
Accts. Forwarded - - - Transition Period
One fine summer morning, as is not his wont, the writer awoke when the sun’s rays were at a slant, and finding the desire for slumber had mysteriously disappeared, he sought to occupy his mind usefully, with what success the read [sic] may judge thereafter.
In the August issue, brief reference was made to the far-reaching and paper-consuming changes recently made in Accounts procedure. For example, if AC. 1 Plonk’s wife in the far-off Motherland presents his father with a grandson, or LAC. Budd blossoms forth as P/O. Prairie Flower, extra shipping space is needed to convey the required forms so diligently prepared by our now so-bumff-hating stooges.
Prior to and during the transition stages the contents of Big Chief Two-and-a -half-ringer Culbertson’s in-tray assumed abnormal proportions. Thereafter it became at times almost the hourly channel of communication of fresh “gen” and amendments are still coming in. How familiar became the words, “Coming over! More Bumff! No Bumff!” accompanied by some expletives suited to the occasion. Little Chief Where’s-it-laid-down’s desk shuddered at the impact, ink splashing right and left as the tomes landed with a thud – a dull, resounding thud, somehow suggestive of impending overtime. The thud usually caused the lighting system to fail, heralded by weird and wonderful noises from the Telephone Exchange opposite.
While the Big Chief consumed these bulky products – perhaps indigestion resulted and might explain certain remarks on messing – the dupe and tripe copies were passed by the most direct manner as described above, to Little-Chief-Stooge. Then, unless they had already swiped a copy, to either Chiefie A.M.Os., who, like the mosquitoes, gets results. Uncrowned-Three-Striper Pass-the-Buckman, or Sergeant Acquaintance Roll(ey) for information, consumption, necessary action, and onward transmission to the Lesser Stooges who do the donkey-work.
The “New Order” requires that the Stooge A.O., now keeper of the moneybags, shall be referred to as the “Responsible A.O.” Any reflection on the character of previous holders of the money-bags in hereby refuted. The possibility of more time being available for Bridge at first appeared, but such fond hopes have long since been dismissed.
Odd Points
Little-Chief-Stooge Where’s-it-Laid-Down’s secret desire is to let all personnel on the station help themselves to the money-bags on pay-day. What’s his size in bowler hats? They never did suit him, anyway, and it is thought that he would lose his “responsibility,” so perhaps he must curb his altruistic desires after all.
After the loss of the Accounts Sections’ laundry, the idea of having a washing line of our own was mooted. It had, however, to be abandoned, because the AC1. Sergeant-Air-Gunner shot a line which was unsuitable for the purpose.
We hear of a certain Corporal who will insist on bursting forth with “Deep in the Heart of Texas” at the slightest provocation. Why don’t the Corporals, with their wealth of musical talent, teach him at least one other song? – or perhaps they would prefer him to forget the one he HAS learned? At the time of writing, we await the return of another Corporal from his trek down south. Gosh! Supposing HE returns with a “Deep in the Heart of” complex! ‘Orrid thought!
-v-
LOST – Ronson Lighter. Engraved. “Bill from Laura, 22-9-41.” Valued as a keepsake. Finder please return to Mrs. V.M. Tomlinson, Weyburn. Reward.
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Minor Bottlenecks
Having a few spare moments from the onerous task of keeping A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and Navigation flight aircraft serviceable, (Why the ‘ell can’t they do it themselves or are they just too busy gardening?) we have decided to contribute a few notes to the Station Magazine.
We welcome Sergeant Haskell to our Section; he is being initiated into the skilful art of “Where can I get one” by our inimitable “Sandy.”
We have noticed that a certain Senior N.C.O. has been very busy the last few days – they say e has changed his name to “One Splice.”
Is it true that a certain red headed Fitter is going to move his kit into Weyburn?
A few of our personnel spend their weekends on farms in the district – are they getting the harvest in or do they just Mou-land?
Our F-Sgt. Has joined the happy band of the Pensioner brigade and, although he despises crutches, he is pretty good on stilts.
Upon reading the August issue of the Flying Gopher, it was noticed that the Minors football team had been omitted from the League table. Why, Ed? We are not as bad as that – or are we? Congratulations to LAC. Williams in making the Station Soccer team – nice work “Ginger.”
Ed. – Error regretted.
Maintenance Changes
In the Orderly Room, Sergt. Jack Lloyd has taken over the duties of F-Sgt. “Ginger” Ayres, the latter as Chief Clerk now occupying that worthy seat in the Holiest of Holies – Station Headquarters.
Providing there is an ample supply of “FLYded,” the new Sergeant is determined to see that no flies are observed in his Orderly Room.
He wants to know if it is true F-Sgt. Ayres shouted “Come in”, to a knocking on the door last winter, and a bear nosed its way into the office.
The roster for Duty Crash N.C.O. now includes the names of three new arrivals. Also one additional Flight Sergeant who will no longer chuckle gleefully when the list next appears in D.R.O’s. Allowing for leave and other contingencies, this duty should permit the lady friend to take a night off once in every three weeks.
More Accts. Sec.
Squadron Leader name of Cox
Keeps all our money in a box.
Credits he is loath to pay,
Even on our “Eagle” day.
What’s he do with all our dough?
That’s what we all want to know.
Says our credits go to blighty,
His girl’s got another new Nightie.
Postal Rates
The Flying Gopher can be sent to people in England under present postal rates for 2 cents if unsealed, or 7 cents if sealed.
Join!!
We know all these jolly little committees which have been springing up right and left during the past few weeks? Well, someone came down from the S.W.O’s. office the other day binding something awful because he had been told to warn someone he was on the Sewage committee or the Cat Welfare Committee or something, and he couldn’t find him anywhere. And he showed us a list, at the bottom of which was “LAC Artetta” …
[Page break]
[Advert for Wilson Pharmacy]
[Advert for Service Hardware]
37
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[Drawing of two men dressed for gold and fishing]
Fort Qu’Appelle
Fort Qu’Appelle offers many attractions for week-ends or longer leaves. It is 75 miles north of Weyburn on a chain of lakes in which good fishing may be had. Boats may be hired at 25c per hour. There is an excellent swimming beach and a nine hole Golf Course with grass greens on the outskirts of the town.
The hotel is comfortable and cheap. Fort Qu’Appelle may be reached quite conveniently by train or ‘bus.
Small Ads
WANTED – By Service Police. One pair of thick rubber soled boots; one deer stalker’s cap, and a dog called Tinker.
WANTED – Retired Donkey to eat super-abundance of carrots. Box WEY. 5.
WANTED – By Cookhouse. Mincing Machine, to replace one written off by VERY fair wear.
WANTED – Secondhand lift. For use of tired airman occupying top bunk.
WANTED – By P.T.I. Officer. Two fitter Britains (or Rigor Mortis) to undergo short course.
EXCHANGE – Two permanent early dinner chits required. Would exchange for anything useful. Box WEY. 2.
LOST – Between Padgate and Weyburn, 7 days pay, a lot of kit, and ring (gold).
PERSONAL – S.M.O. “What price the stork?” C.N.I.
PERSONAL – S.A.I’s. “Are you Grand Arch-Cardinals yet?” L.T.I.
FINALLY WANTED – One seaworthy vessel. By one thousand airmen, must have room for at least one hundred. With stationary decks. Price to include delivery to Weyburn.
[Page break]
[Advert for The Leader Store]
[Advert for National Musical Supply]
39
[Page break]
[Advert for McDonald’s Show Store]
[Advert for Arnett Electric]
[Page break]
Etter Plugs the Jive
The two already run off were surely great successes, weren’t they? The committee in charge of the dances is anxious to have you have a good time., fellows, so let’s have constructive ideas on the subject. These efforts are carried on each second Wednesday evening in the Recreation Hall. Tickets are on sale the Saturday previous in the Y.M.C.A. Because the capacity of the Recreation Hall is limited, the number of tickets available is now limited to 150. Come along early and get your tickets. Good prizes are given each time to the winners of novelty dances, the Swing Commanders play for dancing which starts at 9.00 and ends at 12.30. With the bus running regularly there is no reason why Airmen here can’t make these one of the outstanding events of life on 41 S.F.T.S.
Recreation Reviewed
With the Fall, outdoor activities will be curtailed for the personnel of No. 41 S.F.T.S. After an enthusiastic season, soccer is coming to a close, with only a few plaster casts around to remind us of many strongly contested matches. Cricket and swimming have not long to live, and already skating and hockey are waiting for the freeze-up.
Our Flying Gopher has been examining his burrow to see if he will be comfortable for the winter. Unlike his hibernating brothers of the prairie, he refuses to lie dormant – therefore he wants to know “What’s cooking?” So, sticking his nose into the lair of the Central Committee, he has unearthed a program of activities on the station which will keep him happy digging until spring.
The editors have sifted the mound of information piled up outside their den and here present an analysis of its contents.
Of interest to every man on the station, this program is designed to provide as much variety as possible. There will be no need for any man to be bored and this winter will be a very different affair from the last.
Certainly no town of similar size could have shown more hospitality than has Weyburn to the men of No.41. Weyburnites have taken many men into their homes and entertained them with typical western conviviality, and as for the home cooking, well – we know where we can get apple pie just like mother used to make. The Canadian Legion and the attractive Hostess Club along with other organizations, have made us feel right at home in Weyburn. We are very grateful for all this and wish we could repay some of the hospitality.
But where the number of men on a large military station almost equals half the population of the nearest town, as it does in this case, there will be many men who feel as Tootles when he goes to town, bored and a little disillusioned, unless the men themselves have an organization on the station for providing their own recreation.
We have the organization now, a complete program arranged by the Central Committee for the Fall and Winter. There are activities to satisfy the most varied interests. Through the P.S.I. funds all the necessary sports equipment ahs been provided and more will be forthcoming as the demand grows. Art Etter’s “Y” plays a valuable part in this program.
Romantic Spree
The latest news from the Officers’ jigs,
Where they stuff lemons in little pigs,
Is Flight Lieutenant D.F.C
Embarked upon a romantic spree,
He talked to a maiden fair and twenty,
Of loving cup he had drunk plenty.
He thrilled her with his hectic life,
Then found she was the Padre’s wife.
41
[Page break]
Grand Impending Sports Meet at Weyburn
No. 41 S.F.T.S., August 30th. – Alarm is expressed in Service Police quarters here at the violent partizanship which is developing between different factions which will participate in the Giant Sports Day to be held in the Weyburn Stadium on Wednesday, September 23rd. Corporal Neathway, S.P., usually unmoved by anything short of invasions warns that delicate women and children should be chaperoned by husky airmen, since it is rumored on good authority that two factions intend to rub each other out with cream puffs at ten paces! The spectacle of members of the fairer sex cheering for their favourite airmen competitors is likewise not calculated to make this a dull affair. A promising feature is the hair-pulling contest between two girls each with an airman in the 440.
In spite of this, or perhaps because of this, we expect that hundreds of the people of Weyburn will attend. By permission of the Commanding Officer, the station will be shut down for the afternoon in order that the R.A.F. may be out en masse.
All Invited
This is an open invitation to the people of Weyburn and the surrounding district to attend.
Proceeds from the small admission charge will be devoted to the purchase of sports equipment for the men of this station.
Teams from other R.A.F. stations and from R.C.A.F. stations have been invited to compete in a program which will last about two hours. All preliminary heats will have been run off previously and only final events will be contested.
Dance At Night
To round out the Sports Day entertainment, a Station Dance will be held in the Drill Hall on the same evening. The hall has been specially decorated and the Station Dance Band will be augmented for the occasion. The Y.M.C.A. is catering for the evening, and this dance should be the highlight in a very full day.
Sports Officer Lets Cat Out of Bag
Browsing through sports equipment the other day, our reporter was startled to discover, framed between a festoon of boxing gloves and tennis racquets, George, The Moustache. Behind whom resided the genial features of Flying Officer Colchester, our Sports Officer.
“Ah, ha,” he exclaimed, “just the man I’m looking for. Take a look at that?”
“That” was the sports program for September 23rd, at the Weyburn Stadium. Here, at last, was the long awaited news. We give it to you now – the main events for Sports Day –
SPRINTS: 100 yards, 220 yards and 440 yards.
DISTANCE: 880 yards and one mile run.
FILED EVENTS: High jump, long jump, pole vault, discus, javelin and shotput, and hurdles (if priority can be obtained for lumber to build them).
OBSTACLE RACE.
LADIES RACE and comic events.
Well, there it is. The halt, the maimed, and even the binders are expected to turn out and practice for these events on order to turn back the invasion from outside stations. Let it never be said that No. 41 could not put up a good effort when its very reputation was at stake.
42
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At Your Service
Sports Department
[Photograph of a man with a magnificent moustache] ED COLCH. Now in Weyburn.
Hello, Fellows! Maybe that’s the snappiest way to greet youse all. It certainly is the dandiest thing to be allowed to write you a piece in the “Gopher” and to be able to tell you all what a swell bunch of chaps you are, and why I am here at all. Now, don’t forget to say “hello” to me on the streets of 41 when you see that browser mustache [sic] and line-shooting tea-cosy with a football badge on the front. As the great bard said, I guess “A kiss without a mustache [sic] is like a hamburger without dills.” You see I sure do wanna get together with all you great Old Country boys.
The sports department is for sports, don’t please ever forget that fact. Those of you who have been here some time will have some idea of where my office is. Just drop in for a coke with me any time you have some little personal sporting problem you want to thrash out. I’m usually there blowing up footballs in the morning – and always at your service. However tricky your problem don’t hesitate to step right in and have a talk with the Sports Supervisor. The name is right there on the door.
It is my aim to give you all a body like mine, and make the square the gathering-place for all you lads, on Wednesday mornings in particular. We are flat out to make the square a reely [sic] attractive spot; and I certainly am going to make sure that a first rate decorating job is done there. I guess I’m not speaking out of turn if I tell youse fellows the “Y” is going to lay down some really snappy carpets, and put flags up all around the joint.
Say, bo; let me be your father. I am here to jazz up cricket and drill you for you all. Just buy a tiger skin and drop in.
Your one and only,
ED. COLCH.
Tail Piece
From the Diary of an R.A.F. Hurricane Pilot in Malta, Aprl 6, 1942.
“There was a short service for readiness pilots outside the dispersal hut. The hymn was “Fight the Good Fight.” This struck a chord in my memory. When I was confirmed, the Bishop of Kingston gave as his text, “Fight the good fight of faith,” and that same evening when I opened a book sent to me by my aunt, the first words I read were identical with the text. And now they recurred again. I mentioned this to the Padre afterwards. The coincidence comforted.”
43
[Page break]
[Advert for Standard Garage and Machine Shop]
[Advert for Co-op. Dairy Products]
[Advert for The Hi-Art Theatre]
44
[Page break]
Ice
If a good many RAF chaps at this station are eating off the mantlepiece this winter it will not be from riding horseback but probably from taking the bumps at ice hockey. The enthusiasm with which fellows who had never skated took to the narrow blades last winter augers well for the sport this season.
A new rink is being built behind the recreation hall, largely for hockey, but another rink will also be constructed for straight and figure skating. Sonja Henie, look out! By the end of the winter No. 41 S.F.T.S. may be touring the country with the Weyburn Ice Follies. At any rate, a public address system will be installed to provide music for the skaters. There will no doubt be Visitors’ Nights when AC Tootles will be able to show his colourfully dressed girl friend how well he can waltz with only a few spills for punctuation marks.
As for organized hockey, we are fortunate to have a good coach in Lieut. Bigelow of the Dental Corps. It is hoped to organize a Service League but that depends on how well the players develop. We may not have any Wally Stanowski’s from the Maple Leafs, but it should be a good effort.
Basketball
We are sorry, but you are wrong. Neither soccer nor horse-racing draw the biggest total number of spectators in sports, but basketball. Started over thirty years ago by a Dr. Niran, who used peach baskets for the first hoops, the game now has the largest fan following of any game in the world. Hundreds of teams compete in national competitions in the States and many thousands of spectators attend games from the high school tournaments to the national finals.
Yes, the game has something. It is very fast – requiring the peak of physical condition in the players in order that they might stand the pace. But, it is a game which can be learned in easy stages. Already at No. 41 S.F.T.S. we have quite a few enthusiasts – it is expected that organized games will take place nearly every night in the Drill Hall. Want a new sport thrill? We can recommend basketball.
Boxing
“Come on now, keep them up, keep them up! That’s better. Don’t signal your punches.”
Sound of leather on hard chests, the shuffling of feet, quick gasps from straining lungs. It might be Cpl. Wheel or Cpl. Farley or AC Rowing-Parker coaching a lad in the art of self defense, but whoever is the coach or whoever the pupil, they are having a cracking good time, literally.
The boxing ring is completed in the Drill Hall, with mat and ropes. There are plenty of gloves available. Practises already reveal promise of future Dempseys to uphold the honor of No. 41 S.F.T.S.
Maybe you are a dark horse, already experienced in the ring, or maybe you have had no experience but would like to cuff AC. Tootle’s head up a peak (probably he feels the same about you). In any case, come out for boxing and have a good work-out.
Badminton
This sort of thing has got to stop. This chap Burkeman (F/Sgt. Burkeman, know him?) is getting to be too much of a good thing. The guy is getting too chesty. What I want to know, is there any game the bloke can’t play and play well? The other night we thought we had him – we would be able to smear him at badminton, anyway, but no, this Joe Burkeman wore us down to a grease spot and he was still smiling at the end as unruffled as you please.
For heaven’s sake, won’t someone come out and pin Joe’s ears back? He tells us he will take on all and sundry. (Joe’s a right nice guy really, but we have to make him the villain of this piece in order to have a story).
Anyway, Flying-Officer Colchester will be only too pleased to supply you with badminton rackets and “birds” whenever you want a go at this fast game. There are four courts in the Drill Hall – you can easily arrange a game, with any type of player.
A Wing Commander very fly,
Is sometimes called the C.F.I.
His Flight Commanders hover round,
With useless pupils they have found
He interviews them one by one,
A second glance he gives to some,
But see him at a graduation,
This really is a revelation.
45
[Page break]
“A and B” Flights Win Armit Trophy
In Hard Fought Final
When the soccer team from “A and B” Flights met “H” Flight on Wednesday evening, it appeared that half the Station had turned out to watch the game – the other half learned of the score before the evening was out. The occasion was a momentous one in Station Soccer for it was the final of the League Championship, the winners being the first to hold the Armit trophy. Both teams have been hot contenders for the title and truly the game was a battle royal. It had all the ingredients of an English cup-tie game – the highly partisan crowd, grand football, with first class tackling and heading, an eventual penalty, a last minute goal, and, finally, the players being carried from the field shoulder high.
Excitement ran at high pitch throughout the whole game. It was clean and openly played. “A and B” truly deserving their victory of 2-0 by reason of a fine show put up by their forwards. Thompson at centre was a constant menace with his clever rushes down the centre of the field and his accurate distribution of the ball.
After a very even first half, in which neither side scored. “A and B” forwards, aided by their half-backs, dominated the play from the restart and it appeared obvious that a goal was soon forthcoming. “H” Flight made a quick reverse, however, and for a while it seemed that they would be the first to open the scoring. Charles, however, was unfortunate in shooting over an open goal.
First blood was drawn when, during pressure by “A and B” forwards, Corporal Wallace, “H”, handled the ball in the penalty area and gave Molloy a chance to score the opening goal of the match from the kick. This unexpected point caused excitement to rise to high pitch and fast and furious play ensued as “H” tried hard to wipe off the setback with an equalizer, but their forward line could not get going against the close play of their opponents and in the last quarter minute of play, LAC. Lord, a pupil, clinched the issue with a smashing goal from the inside right position.
The team was fully deserving of the applause it gained for a brilliant game. As for the losers, they were a plucky side, hindered by the injury, early in the game of LAC. Cook and this loss undoubtedly was responsible in some measure for their lack of smoothness. Their forwards were too often off side and it was unfortunate for them that they could not find the smooth team work which enthused their opponents from start to finish of the match.
Last Month’s Crossword
[Answers to the crossword clues]
The first correct solution opened was sent by Miss D. Bakstad, 405 Government Road, Weyburn, to whom a cheque for $5.00 will be forwarded as soon as the Editor returns from leave … or it may have to be deferred until the following pay day. Anyway, Mis Bakstad, you shall have your $5.00.
The Flying Gopher is published on the 15th of each month by and for the entertainment of the personnel of No. 41 S.F.T.S. (R.A.F.) at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. Printed for the Publishers by the Weyburn Review.
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[Advert for Pilsner beer]
47
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[Advert for Stinson-Powers Lts.]
[Advert for the Royal Hotel]
[Page break]
[Advert for R.H. Williams & Sons]
[Advert for Snelgrove’s Sundaes]
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[Advert for The Lounge]
[Advert for Victory Cab]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Flying Gopher September 1942
Description
An account of the resource
This edition has adverts, an Editorial, reminisces by Dr Vyse, an appreciation of the arrival of the RAF at Weyburn, photographs of Weyburn, stories about Gremlins, a fictitious love story, photos of dances, Weyburn library, poems, love stories, a story about one man's postings, odd goings on around Weyburn, Notes by the different Flights on the base, light hearted station news and sporting news,
Creator
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41 SFTS Weyburn
Date
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1942-09
Format
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52 printed sheets
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Identifier
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MFordTA1585520-170411-14
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
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Anne-Marie Watson
Spatial Coverage
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Canada
Saskatchewan--Weyburn
Saskatchewan
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-09
aircrew
entertainment
gremlin
Harvard
love and romance
sport
station headquarters
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1376/24330/MFordTA1585520-170411-15.1.pdf
8a624186f68dac2e4128dd6e39edf7e9
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Ford, Terry
Ford, T
Description
An account of the resource
135 items. The collection concerns Terry Ford. He flew operations as a pilot with 75 Squadron. It contains photographs, his log book, operational maps, letters home during training, and documents including emergency drills. There are two albums of photographs, one of navigation logs, and another of target photographs.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Julia Burke and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2017-03-13
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Ford, T
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Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[Deleted] Garden Show [/deleted]
Grass Dance [deleted] Pubs [/deleted]
[Drawing of an aircraft flying over a single gravestone]
The Flying Gopher
JANUARY 1943
[Page break]
[Drawing of an aircraft flying over a single gravestone]
The Flying Gopher
The Journal of The Royal Air Force, No,41, Service Flying Training School,
Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Published by the Kind Permission of Group Captain E.C. Emmett, M.C., D.F.C.
VOL.11. JANUARY, 1943 No. 2
Editorial
[Drawing of a thoughtful gopher with writing quill at a desk]
THE ad-less “Gopher” makes its bow. It is a thin creature, but you will find that appearances are deceptive. And that it contains almost the same amount of reading matter as its advertisement-padded predecessors. We hope you will find it no less interesting reading.
This is a memorable issue if only because every flight has rallied round and supplied us with the inside gen on its goings-on during the past month. This we think is a very good sign: we have been trying for some time to get a greater measure of contributions representative of you Maintenance and Flying Wing people, for it is you who really constitute the Unit; the rest of us are lesser, presumably necessary adjuncts.
We want your suggestions for improvement in your magazine. Tell us what you like and what you don’t like; if you know a chap who is a good cartoonist, or who has anything interesting to write about, persuade him to come out of his shell, and if he won’t come, let us know his name. We have our methods …
Deadline for copy will in future be the last day of the month. This means that everything topical will be at least two weeks old by the time it appears in print. We should, of course, prefer to serve it up warmer, but this is the best we can do with the production arrangements at our disposal. And by the way, when we fix that deadline, we shall be very glad to have as much copy as you can give us before that date, to save us any last-minute panic and excessive overtime.
1
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[Drawing of a Padre with wings, playing a harp]
BOMBS GONE
We’re sorry Flight Lieutenant Clarke
Prefers to leave you in the dark
Regarding his activities,
His likes, dislikes, proclivities,
His views regarding prohibition,
His most insistent inhibition …
We begged for something for the “Gopher,”
But this is all he’s written so far –
No Comments
[Signature]
We can but guess what his excuse
Can be for hiding thus the truth.
2
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SOLOSPROGGY
(With apologies to Lewis Carroll)
‘Twas flying, and the flaptious lac
Did tweek and puckle in his clogs.
The Gremlins lured, all ticipant,
And callous lurked instructor dogs.
Beware the Undercart my son,
The horn that blows, the lights that gleam.
Beware the Earlycheck, and shun
All aircraft on the starboard beam.
He took the gripple stick in hand,
He gave her boost, the waspie roared.
Fine was the pitch, the mixture rich.
He squeaked “I’m airborne! Praise the Lord!”
And so he reached the down-wind leg,
His throttle back, his wheels came down.
The cross-wind tension, pilot grim,
And crying “Gumptf,” came whiffling in.
“The circuit’s done, I haven’t spun”.
The gripple stick no longer slack,
He slipped it in, and with a grin
He came taxiffing back.
“And hast thou flown the Harvard bird?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Soloo! Solay!”
He chortled in his joy.
“MOONSHINE.”
THE PADRE PONDERS
The subject upon which to ponder is not difficult at this time of the year. For, by the time these words are read we shall have passed into another year with all its hopes.
The question which will come to the lips of many is “What has the new year in store for us?”
I think that one of the best mottoes to carry with us into and through the coming year is “Wise to resolve, and patient to perform.” Surely our past mistakes, our unwise choices, our impatience with places or people should convince us (if we are to transform obstacles into stepping stones) of the fruitfulness of both wisdom and patience.
What, then, of the future? Please God we shall experience times of happiness and joy, of peace and contentment, of encouragement and success. For. With these two weapons, wisdom and patience, in our hands, sorrow and loss, sickness and suffering, disappointment and disillusionment cannot destroy the inward peace.
When we look back on the failures of the past, let us remember that the present is ours, out of which a brighter future may be forged.
If any lesson has been learned from this little “pondering” let us practice it in our daily life; so that our own lives, the lives of others, and the welfare of our Station may be made sweeter by our presence. The will it be that which I wish you – “A Happy and Blessed New Year.”
Sincerely,
THE PADRE.
3
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[Underlined] OUR GRIPPING NEW SERIAL. [/underlined]
PRAIRIE PASSION
[Drawing of a girl sitting in a rocking chair, reading a book]
OUR red-head heroine, Gardenia Godlieb, intent in the pages of her book, was lounging in a rocking-chair in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus K. Godlieb, Fifty-seventh and Tortoise, Pemmican, Sask., famed co-organisers of the Pemmican Parents’ Guild.
Slim, saucy, cherry-lipped Gardenia, her gorgeous green eyes sparkling with excitement, chewed her pointed blood-red fingernails feverishly as she read the gripping tale of life in the Active Air Force, a book lent her by her latest beau, D’Arcy Dwindleberry, a real live LAC. who ran the flying side of the nearby R.A.F. No. 48 S.F.T.S.
The telephone rang. With a snort of disgust at the interruption and a muttered “Blast!” Gardenia laid aside her book, obligingly laying it with the cover uppermost so that we could see the title. Ah! Small wonder that she was so absorbed in her reading, for the book was none other than a copy of C.A.P. 100.
“Hul-lo,” she said languidly, casting as admiring glance at her dainty pointed shoes. “Oh, hi-ya, Moytle … Yeah, fine … Yeah, they’re both out … Aw, jest reading … My romance? Oh, jest fine. I had to tell him last nite I wasn’t That Sort of Goyl … What, he kissed you? … An officer? … A Pilot Officer? Not a real Pilot Officer? … What, me jealous? … Say, lookit here, Moytle, if you think I’d ever be jealous of a skinny little squoit like you … Aw shucks! And say, lookit, I’ll tell you sump’n. How many rings does a Pilot Officer have? … What, only one? Well, lookit here, I’ll get to grips with an officer with two rings on his arm, so there! … Yes, I betcha … Why, you skinny alley-cat, you tailless gopher you …” But Myrtle had evidently rung off.
Returned to her rocking-chair, our heroine again took up the Pilot’s Primer. But she could not concentrate, and even the visions conjured up by that gripping story could not hold her attention long. You, gentle reader, our astute observer concealed behind the chiffonier, could see her gorgeous green eyes gallivanting around, gazing unseeing at the cuspidor, tastefully inscribed “A Present from the Prairie,” which sat conveniently on top of the piano.
At last, with a determined snort she jumped to her feet, flinging the Book into a corner. (Mark this well, Reader! This is sacrilege, the first sign of the decadence of our Gardenia. There will be other signs, for sure, but do not despair – goodness will triumph over sinful impetuous youth. And don’t forget, folks, next time you pop in at the groceteria, buy a packet of Gobbo Gingers-up the Glottis. Sixty-five cents a large packet.)
If we could have but entered into the mind of Gardenia at this moment, settling behind those gorgeous glittering green eyes, we should have witnessed the successive conception and rejection
4
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of a score of plans. Gardenia is a girl of her word, and find that Flight Lieutenant she will, or perish in the attempt.
Cat-like she paced the floor, and every time she passed the window it was a full-time job for us to restrain you gentle Reader from jumping up and spoiling the whole effect by falling on your knees and declaring your love for the gorgeous Gardenia. For the rays of the setting sun limned her glorious coiffure, which seemed to leap into flaming life at its touch. (Is your hair becoming to you? If not, you had better be coming to Brer Rabbit’s Drug Store for a bottle of Hippo – Hippo Helps the Hair Grow Gorgeous.)
At long last our heroine hit upon a plan which seemed to satisfy her; she stopped, and with a self-satisfied smirk which suffused her satin cheek she cried “A-ha!” and hurried from the room. This exclamation was fortunate, coming when it did, for our Gardenia’s smirk revealed to us watchers behind the chiffonier so perfect a set of pearly molars that we whistled loudly in unison (Dentyne chewing gum, Dentyne chewing gum. If you want to keep fit, chew a bit of it. Chew Dentyne chewing gum.) But all is well. Gardenia was too preoccupied with her own plans to hear us.
Upstairs, propriety forbade us to follow the lovely Miss Godlieb, but we had not long to wait. A moment later she came racing down again, and we turned aside to conceal our blushes as, in the speed of her descent, an unduly great proportion of her exquisitely formed lower limbs was revealed to our innocent gaze. She made for the telephone, and asked for – the Legion Hall!
“Is there a dance on? … Are many Air Force Officers there? …” She slammed back the receiver and was out of the house like a flash of glamourous greased lightning.
Quickly, Reader, let us follow her, and pray that we may save her from the consequences of her rash act, as she enters the Den of Iniquity.
(To be continued.)
PRAIRIE MADNESS
There’s a majesty in space
That rivals mountain’s weight …
There’s a frankness to a place
That has no bars nor gate –
The prairie stretches out and yields
Full length and breadth of soil
Bearing swaying wheat in fields
Through which the giant combines toil.
But man must seek for priceless gems
And so must leave the highway,
Following a trail between the stems
Of wheat – past the stack of hay,
On to open prairie wild,
Where tumble-weeds bloom and die,
And crocuses are beguiled
To nestle the turf where they lie.
Past the farm, down to the slough,
Where wilds ducks cry and trouble
The rush-fringed water, through
Each small pool and sodden stubble.
Nor does the charm pass with the day
As sunset reeks across the sky,
With warrior reds and stormy grey
To paint a majesty of fury –
A storm of dust, a thunder clap,
A sudden flash, a fork of flame –
Then part the clouds, and through the gap
Shines down the moon as if in shame.
H.G.V.
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STOP! POLICE!
This is the result of being caught yarning one night by the Ed. He asked for it, and here it is.
I remember those early days well – I’m going back nine or ten years now, mind you – but I still remember them well. I have good reason to do so. The first few days in uniform on the streets of London you never forget. The particular yarn I‘m going to spin you is of something which happened in my first few weeks of beat duty. I was on late turn (i.e. 2 to 10 p.m.). The time was about 7.30 p.m., and it was dark.
Having not been long out of Peel House, I was pretty full of everything, and my craze at that particular time was for remembering the list of stolen cars. Things were quiet, and I was doing no more than watch the flow of traffic, catching as many numbers as possible. After a few minutes of this, it happened. I repeated a number to myself and suddenly leaped about three feet into the air, and had my car list out before touching ground again. Yes, it was there – a Stolen Car!
I saw a glorious future ahead - my Great Chance – capture the car and the thief – commendations – promotion – and without delay I jumped into the roadway and stopped the nearest car. Standing on the running board, I yelled to the driver ”There’s a car ahead I want to catch – go like hell!”
The driver looked at me astonished – a gleam came into his eye.
“You mean it?” he said. “Flat out? No lights to stop me – no limits?”
I had time to nod, and then the fun started. The driver shot up the street like a bat out of Hades. His car was a V8 and it certainly could move.
After thirty seconds I realized that I was for it. I had one foot on the running board, and one hand on the door handle – the rest of me was swinging in the wind. The rush of air had me speechless. I couldn’t signal the driver to stop before he had to. I think he had dreamed of such a chance as this all his driving life, and he certainly saw to it that all his dreams came true. He passed everything there was to pass on the road, ignored traffic signals, drove on either side of the road or the pavement when there wasn’t room, kept his horn going steadily, and just kept flat out.
I had just about reached the limit of my endurance – my fingers were beginning to lose their grip on the door handle – when he leaned over to ask for further instructions. I think from the look on my face he saw I rather wanted to stop, and he started slowing down. When we were still doing a good 20-30 m.p.h. I couldn’t hold on any longer, and I went flat in the road, rolling over and over, and finishing up in a not too clean gutter.
I was sitting on the kerb when he came up to me – apologising for not having been able to catch the car for me – and all I could do was mumble some thanks and get rid of him. He left me there, and I was a sorry sight – greatcoat torn, bruised, skinned and filthy.
It took me ten minutes to find my helmet again. It cost me 2/6 for a taxi back to my beat, and when I got there I found I had missed a “ring in.” It took me another half hour to provide an excuse for that, and I spent the rest of the time till 10 p.m. getting myself clean.
That night after booking-in I retired to bed, a wiser and sadder man, realizing that in future when I saw a stolen car it would be much easier and couldn’t be less successful to carry out the official instructions, simply telephone to the proper quarter at Scotland Yard, and leave the rest to the squad cars.
EX-COPPER.
An airman in distant Ontario
Applied for a shift to the prairio.
But oh! When at last he got thario
And found all the prairie barrio
He had a most horrible scario,
And ran all the way back to Ontario.
The moral, we think, should be clario:
Ontario’s better than prairio.
[Drawings of two single flowers]
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[Photograph of a mountain valley] BOW VALLEY]
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TAIL-END CHARLIE
The warm clad flyer shifts uneasily in his narrow perch – these turrets are not built for comfort; their’s is a stern purpose and the lives of others rest on this man’s shoulders. The restless, searching eyes are never still and the trained hand is never far from the compact but deadly little gun.
He knows his responsibilities and bears them with the confidence of a man who has been in tight corners before and has won through by his skill and coolness.
The keen eyes pause and narrow in their questing sweep as a small dark speck resolves in the haze of distance and grows. The speck becomes a shape and the shape – an aircraft, but still the eyes maintain their vigil, scanning the seemingly innocent blue of space; long and costly experience has endowed an extra sense that now warns quietly but insistently that danger threatens from another quarter. Away to the right a second winged shape confirms this inner warning.
An impatient hand slides to the gun trigger with the ease borne of practice while the cold eyes choose the nearer of the two slim silhouettes as the first target. The plane is nearer now, and the pilot’s head is dimly visible in the streamlined cockpit, peering ahead, with deadly concentration gauging the distance. Nearer yet, and the longing finger tenses around the tiny steel projection speeding on its grim mission.
A convulsive jerk and the gun has fired – the explosion is drowned in the crescendo of the engine’s roar, an angry red glare illuminates the startled features of the young pilot in the approaching plane. He opens his throttle and breaks away, his previous intentions forgotten – he now has troubles of his own. The figure in the turret shivers …
“It’s a bit of a bind being Aerodrome Control Pilot in this weather!” mutters the pupil, thrusting a fresh signal cartridge into his Very pistol in the turret on the yellow van …
J.S.R.H.
PRAIRIE LAMENT
The friendly flag at Weyburn is waving in the breeze,
The hard-worked Duty Pilots are all down on their knees;
We love to see it waving, its message glad to tell, -
For do we want to fly, Sir? I’ll say we do – Like H - !
And when they haul it down, Sir, our tears we cannot hide;
We push the kites around, Sir, and it’s ten below outside;
We start the censored engines, and they make a censored roar,
But if we had our way, Sir, we wouldn’t fly no more.
We wave the chocks away, Sir, and we leave the drome behind.
The censored hood comes over (another censored bind!)
The gyro spins like fun, Sir, I’m feeling cold and sick,
And P/O Prune up forward keeps yanking on the stick.
At last we’re back to earth, Sir, another hour to book,
And all the P/O gives us is a should-be-censored look;
But now we’re past all caring, as anyone can see,
And the only thing worth living for is Ops in ’43.
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Key Men – No. 5
O.C. “SPARKS”
[Photograph of a man sitting talking on the telephone]
The C.O.? No, I’m sorry. The Adjutant? No, not today. Squadron Leader Johnson is decorating the Recreation Hall … Will I do? Yes, the Adjutant’s adjutant …
What’s this, Corporal? A signal to sign? Oh, it’s alright by me if it’s alright with you …
Oh, Taylor, ask Greer if he’s seen the shorts we had on last week … He can’t find them? I mean the celluloid ones – no, not cellophane, fathead!
You like my overshoes, Harrison? What’s that? Remind you of boats? Don’t mention that word to me!
What was that, Williams? You don’t know the meaning of the word. Why, when I was in Jericho …
&@lb @H GZ@lb @lb&& J… Oh, so sorry, I was speaking in cypher. Here’s an easy one for you, anyway:
LLOR NO EHT TOAB.
YOUR MONEY
Very often we hear people saying “What happens to the P.S.I. funds? I don’t see what good we get from them?”
Last month we told you a little of some of the things which have been done for you from the Service Institute Funds. We give below the chief expenditures made from the Funds during the first year of the Station. The figures are accurate to within a dollar or two either way.
Billiard Tables (4) and Equipment … $2,388.00
Dance Band Instruments … 1,241,00
Military Band Instruments … 1,316.00
Library books … 150.00
Pianos and Radios … 465.00
Gramophone Records … 317.00
P.A. Unit … 300.00
Stage Props and Scenery, etc. … 200.00
Skates … 1,000.00
Sports Gear … 2,500.00
Washing Machines and Electric Irons … 239.00
Extra Messing during year ended December, 1942 … 3,410.00
In addition to the above many lesser grants and expenditures appear in the P.S.I. accounts, which are open for inspection by anyone at any time at S.H.Q.
Figures cannot lie. We hope you ae satisfied now that your money is well spent.
If you have any constructive suggestions regarding the administration of the Institute funds, we look to you to hand them on to any member of the P.S.I. Committee.
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LOOKING BACK
Capt. Charles A. Greene
(Late Flight Lieut. R.F.C., R.A.F.)
“Maurice Farmans, B.E. 2 c’s, R.E 8’s, D.H. 4’s, D.H. 9’s, 10’s and 11’s, Avros, Snipes and Bristol Fighters – what the devil is this man talking about?” asks P.O. Prune.
Perhaps I had better explain. These were some of our training and fighter machines of the last war. If I had space to draw them, then Prune would indeed think he had a hectic night in the Mess the night before.
Pictures of the Wright Brothers’ early machines will convey the lines of most of them and such dazzling speeds as 40 to 100 miles an hour cover their propulsion through space. Three ply, doped linen and lots of wires endeavoured to keep body and soul together, and although surprising, did so in about 80 per cent of our fighting craft.
How were they to manipulate? Well, I can best describe them by a simile. Have you ever driven, say, a Morris Cowley?
To seat me in a modern kite reminds me of the Rolls Royce, and as explained by quite a number of instructors, providing one still retains a good memory, then flying is easier today.
To sit on one of the old buses – well, it was like the Cowley – one definitely had to drive it, and even at its best it called for 100 per cent effort of concentration and real physical exertion in order to get the best out of it.
Do not think for a moment that I am old fashioned to the extent of being prejudiced, as I realize only too fully that what was to us a long flight is now only a testing flip, but from my simile what I would convey to the modern pilot is that in the old buses one did not get any automatic assistance wither from the machine or its instruments, and that they were solely an engine that had the habit of developing all kinds of mannerisms unwanted in the air, combined with a fuselage usually of thin wooden slats, doped canvas and, as we called them, bits of string to hold everything together.
Open cockpits, of course, were the order of the day, and no flying helmet unless the weather was really atrocious.
Parachutes were then in their infancy and although we were equipped with them, one never really wanted to join “The Caterpillar Club,” as a good average for opening safely was about seven out of ten, and one always feared that he would be one of the three which proved the rule.
Training? – well, I think it would appeal to you guys. Usually, if you were lucky it took three months. One month was occupied in getting absolutely perfectly physically fit, both in body and mind – to realize that for the first time in your life you were alive. Don’t misunderstand or underestimate the time of training. It was called “intensive” in official circles and by many another name in other circles.
You were either made or broken and always faced with R.T.U. (Returned to Unit). It was a 5.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. day, during which you were equipped as an Infantryman, including rifle, and underwent square training and plenty of slow marching, whilst the C.S.M. fired general knowledge questions at you, such as: “Where are you facing?” and “What was the chief item of war news this morning?” Failure to register usually brought the retort: “Fancy, you are going to be an officer and a gentleman and yet your mind does not work above the drill you are at present performing>” You are supposed to be drilling automatically, leaving your mind clear for any emergency that may arise.
Interlaced with squad drill was a form of compass bearings on foot, which combined compass readings with a route march, inasmuch as, given a number of bearings, one tramped the countryside to the given intersection and reported. Failure to report on several occasions would bring the inevitable R.T.U.
Rigging, engines (theoretical and practical), cameras, bombs and general aeronautics all found their allotted place in the syllabus.
From there on to your Flying School, where from the first few flips on a Maurice Farman (a pusher type) one progressed to a dual control on Avros. What a sensation when, unknown to yourself, the plane was landed and your
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instructor told you that you had done it “all by your little self.” I believe it was from that proud moment that one developed a “wing” chest and strode forward with an exaggerated thrust of the left shoulder. Fifteen hours of dual, and then your first solo. The sensations of this, your first solo, need no description from me. You have all experienced them and Anno Domini has not changed.
From then onwards, fear of R.T.U. became more distant, especially as the call for more pilots at that period strained the R.A.F. to its utmost.
Fifteen hours of fairly good solo flights, comprising bombing, aerobatics, etc. and you were booked for “the other side” or perhaps more specialized training for “lighter than air” craft. Often when one had finished and had that urge for a first encounter, one had to be content and have another three to four weeks’ training to fit one for a “Blimp” or a semi-rigid ship which was used very often in the last show for convoy work.
However, looking back, this had its brighter side, as one was pretty sure of surviving if on the “lighter than air” side of flying, whereas flying a heavier than air machine during this period was always a risk, even in the Mother Country, owing to the lack of knowledge and exercise by our designers and also rushed and short training. Do not think I am belittling our designers as this would be an unforgivable crime, but only years of development and wars can bring to almost finality the type of craft which we use today.
Good machines and lengthy instruction can bring only one result, and that is air supremacy; so, when the training seems long and you are itching to take your place among our front line men, remember this and try to realize that when your training is complete, you are 100 per cent pilot and have every chance of coming out on top.
GROUND SCHOOL GOSSIP
I’d much rather write “X“ Flight Notes than set down the doings of those who pass their days in this academic pile. Why? Well, in the first place there is so little difference between one month and another and secondly, while the school still possesses many “good types” there is a tendency with every change in our staff, for the School’s personnel to become less colourful! However, full of remorse and Canadian hospitality (in the reverse order) I, faithful stooge that I am, bring you the highlights of the school’s new news as furnished by D.R.O’s., Pupils Standing Orders, etc.
Prior to the Christmas holiday, the C.G.I. gathered the staff together to wish them “All the Best.” A pupil peeking through the door of the lecture room during the proceedings was heard to remark “Oh Boy, if the Devil would only cast his net now”!
Returned from the festivities I decided that it might be of interest if I could find out how our GEN MEN passed their leisure during their five days break. Possibly I started a little too early in the day for, on interviewing the Chief Gun Man, I was greeted with a nasty scowl. “How did you enjoy Christmas?” I asked. “xx - // !! Oh my head – Get Out!” The Nav. instructors were next. “Bed at three in the morning and up again at twelve” was all I could get from this section. “That’s not news” I thought recalling that they had all been to Regina (Q. of the P.). Sgt. F.E. Carr was abrupt but civil. “I did nothing wrong,” was all he would say. WOPerational Sgt. Blacklock had little to say and the only statement he would make was “What with one thing and another, not to mention Command, I hardly noticed anything.” There was nothing being given away by Sgt. Jock. He said “They do the same in Moose Jaw as they do in most places.”
So now perhaps you see what I mean. These people are NOT NEWS and yet “The Gopher” cries for more.
ANSWERS TO PUPILS’ QUERIES
Q. I was playing cards with three sergeants and at one time there were five aces on the table at the same time. I did not say anything. But is this rare? – PUZZLED.
A. Yes and No. The ordinary civilian pack, except in race trains, etc., contains four aces only. But these things occur. You were quite right to make no comment.
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[Drawing of a Christmas Tree] CANADIAN CHRISTMAS
Canadian Christmas, 1942, now belongs to memory.
For a few days many of us escaped in some measure from the clutches of Service thought and routine, became warmly flesh and blood again, satiated the inner man, purged the spirit, and return invigorated to camp to work and grouse harder than before. How we behaved or misbehaved, what we did am what we should not have done, belongs not to these pages but to the pages of memory.
Those of us who stayed in Weyburn will not easily forget this Christmas. In the homes of our friends most of us spent at least a part of the Day, and we found there that cheerful friendship which has endeared you Canadians to us, only it now appeared in ever increased force. We became members of your families, and the Christmas we enjoyed with you proved a very good second best to those we remember in previous years on the other side of the Atlantic.
On the following Sunday our very good friends of the Hostess Club gave us a most enjoyable evening, and to them too, we are grateful.
Many of us left the camp, and in New York, Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, Chicago, Saskatoon, Calgary, Minneapolis, Toronto, Milestone, Lang, Ceylon, Minot, and many other places we found ourselves again. To all who helped in any measure, by a cheery greeting, a card, a gift, a smile, we say “Thank You!”
CHRISTMAS IN CAMP
Christmas or not, the war goes on, and many of us had to spend our Christmas in and around the camp. Our Christmas was none the less a festive season, however, and on later pages we reproduce some of the photographs taken by out photographer as he wandered around the camp.
The Christmas Spirit came really into evidence on December 22nd. True, for some time past we had been denied access to No. 2 Dining Hall, and coloured lights showing through its windows conspired with Christmas trees placed strategically around the camp to prove that the calendar wasn’t lying, and that it really was the eve of Christmas. But the Pantomime really brought this home to us, for to us from the Old Country the very word Pantomime has a Christmas ring.
If you saw the Panto, we think our photographs will remind you of it better than any write-up on these pages; if you missed it, the loss is yours, and nothing we can write will atone for it. But a word of thanks would not be out of place to Flight Lieutenant Whiteside, the producer, LAC. Wedd, writer of the lyrics, Len Churton, who attended to the musical side, and to all members of the cast and stage staff on a really splendid show.
Christmas Day brought the traditional Christmas Dinner, its production a triumph for the cookhouse staff, headed by F/Sgt. Towns, and its serving undertaken without major disaster by the Officers and Senior NC.Os. True, the Padre’s fingers looked milky, and we saw F/Lt. Whiteside with his hands literally full of pudding, but these were minor mishaps. We have it on reliable authority that Sister Johnson was issuing I.O.Us., there being a deplorable absence of mistletoe … A general issue of the latest of late passes brought a memorable day to a close.
On December 19th a special show had been organised in Weyburn for the local children, and a week later on Boxing Day a large number of children were entertained to a party in the camp, where fun and games were the order of the day.
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[Photograph of a man in uniform on a slide holding a child] Our younger visitors enjoy themselves on Boxing Day.
The handful of unfortunates who were compelled to spend their Christmas in Sick Quarters were not forgotten. On Christmas Eve, members of the concert party put on a show for their benefit, and Christmas Day itself was fully planned, from a visit by Father Christmas, suitably loaded, and a program of carols in the morning to a quiz and entertainment in the afternoon, and a film show in the evening.
We would rather have been at home, of course, but we think that our Christmas on the prairies could not easily be improved upon, and we offer our thanks to all those from C.O. and S/L. “A” to AC2 C and B who contributed in any way to our enjoyment.
[Photograph of men listening to music in the Sick Quarters] A Merry Christmas in the Sickery.
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OFFCIERS’ MESS (!)
Proposed New Club – Members to date: (in order of seniority): F/O Colchester, F/O Rutledge, F/Lt. Meyer, Lt. Brechin, P/O Jones (E.L.), F/Lt. Everett, P/O Hearn (Old Country member), P/O Butt.
Who are the Rats?
Which three girls were recently chosen “Miss Weyburn – 1943”?
Too good for words – F/O. Large
S-Kate-ing on thin ice – Fickle F/O. Frank.
Once upon a short time it was all BUTT – now we hear it is all but over.
We understand that F/O Wheeler retired early at the Mess Formal. Luckily F/O “Snake” St. John was standing by – and standing IN at the Pantomime a few evenings later.
We think F/O Hirsch gets wirsch and wirsch.
F/O Rutledge is seeing things from the ground – and singly for a few days.
Delightlful, d’lovely Delaney reappeared recently and was seen “flashing” at the Panto after a terrific reception.
After the last formal dance, F/O “Jonah” walked straight to his quarters. Surprising.
Heard at the “formal” – “No, the real one wears a moustache.”
S/Ldr. “Uppards” Greenwood was a recent winner at the Sergeants Draw.
They closed the Draw before P/O Coney could win the Bar Stools.
“Wingy” Johnson recently held a super-exclusive promotion party.
S/Ldr. Cox recently declared, quote: Everything matters now – including Victory.
Importers at the Formal Dance, P/O Gable-Pearce, F/O Dick Clancey and P/O (Brownjob) Bowering. P/O Jones contented himself with “Local Fare.”
The “formal” was a great success – many officers brought their ladies and pranced around to “Swinger” Churton and Company.
S/Ldr. Thomas was fortunately in town for the event. He departed for an unknown destination (by air, of course) at dawn the next morning.
Doc. Halson (Did you recognise him?) almost neglected F/Lt. Stealey’s and F/O Miller’s partners.
K.H. “Line-Shoot” Ledbrook left to entertain a new audience in New York.
Searchers for post-Formal entertainment rendezvoused at stately down-town McKinnon block. There seemed to be a shortage of taxis from Weyburn city that morning.
New Mess Motto: “Careless Talk Costs Wives.”
After a wet evening at the Sergeants’ Mess, P/O Riby is writing a new book – “Mein Dampf.”
P/O Carruthers’ recent stay in Station Hospital was brightened by a frequent charming visitor. Interviewed, F/Os. Wheeler and Reade and P/Os Webster and Parkin each said “What can I do about it?” Hart-less, we think.
Laidler-Whiteside scored a great success with his Station Panto. We understand he is working on a special Officers’ Panto, entitled “Doc and the Mess Talk.”
F/Lt. Morris wishes to thank all officers who recently presented him with a new best blue barathea.
1943 Saying – “Where there’s Hope, there’s Life.”
“Uncle Tom” Isaac is due back any day from a trip to “lil ol” New York. He just could not believe all those stories Dick Clancy, Doc Halson and Lionel Wheeler told him.
Heard at the Formal – “No, No, that one’s her husband.”
Decorating Dixon helped to make the Mess bright for the festivities.
He himself was well lit at the dance.
Which Medical Officer did NOT receive a greeting card from the local undertaker?
Which Officer – uninvited to Hawaiian party in McKinnon block – attempted to force-land on the doorstep during night flying? Sarong thing to do.
F/O Wheeler was found asleep in the Mess at midnight recently, (contrary to O.M. Regs. And C.O. No. 14). Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Incidentally C.O. No. 14 was to our surprise introduced the very day “Flash” Henley departed on Christmas leave for a date with the stork.
An Officer BELIEVED to be F/Lt. Collingwood was recently seen in the Mess.
(Continued at foot of page 15.)
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CORRESPNDENCE
To: O.C. Works and Bricks
From: L.A.C. F---.
Sir,
I beg to submit this report on a collision with one of your vehicles, together with my suggestions as to the way in which repetition of this accident may best be avoided, which latter are submitted in accordance with D.R.O. No. 310, dated 30th December, 1942.
2. At 4.49 p.m. B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova Watch Time on December 30th, whilst proceeding on my lawful way about the camo I was made the recipient of a large quantity of snow, blown into the air by a large moving object, yellow in color (colour), which was engaged in clearing the road running between the Drill Hall and Airmen’s Mess. This machine is, I gather, known as a Snow Blower, and in operation it attempts to remove hard caked snow from the camp roads by picking it up by means of a form of scoop and blowing it backward through a bent chimney.
3. But I do not wish, Sir, to question the efficacy of this device at the present time, so I will continue with my account of the collision. As I turned into the road on which the collision occurred, I walked into the cloud of snow blown back from the blower. I was, of course, totally unaware that it originated from a machine, and, believing myself caught in a blizzard, took appropriate action, lowering my head, placing my hands in the pockets of my greatcoat, and proceeding in small stumbling paces, cursing vehemently between clenched teeth.
4. As I proceeded in this manner, head well down, flaps down too (20 cents), my groundspeed evidently was greater than that of the blower, with the result that I came into collision with the rear of the said machine. Fortunately neither your machine nor myself sustained serious injury, and apart from the inconvenience of having a large quantity of snow deposited upon my person, I was to all intents and purposes able to continue on my way to my biller.
5. In order that further incidents of this sort, from which the airman concerned will not always of necessity escape unscathed, may be prevented, I beg to suggest that a signal hooter be affixed to the machine to indicate its presence to anyone traversing the same road as the machine. Failing this, I suggest that a suitably colored or coloured dye be injected into the snow before it is expelled from the machine, in order that personnel may be able readily to distinguish between a blizzard and the handiwork of the snow blower. (It is observed that even in Canada a maroon blizzard is something of a rarity).
6. I submit Sir, that until some precautionary measures are taken this aforesaid Snow Blower constitutes a serious hazard to the life and limb of many an innocent airman, and should be withdrawn from service.
I am, etc.,
R.W.F.,
We are pleased to record that S/Ldr. Cox has had no further Safe trouble.
Even P/O Ellis put up a new decoration for Christmas.
Does P/O Germain really like Station Orderly Officer Duties?
F/O Thomas’s car and a tractor recently made Weyburn city.
At the Formal, when someone asked F/Lt. Stealey for the loan of his partner for a dance, Stealey looked quite Stealey – if you know what we mean.
Showers – even when greatcoats are worn – are to be taken only in accordance with D.R.O. No. 303 dated 21/12/42.
Is P/O Whitfield Prim and Proper?
Heard after the Formal – Doc. Halson’s remark: “I feel like a million dollars – overdraft.”
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A SHORT HISTORY OF B FLIGHT
ON the occasion of our impending first anniversary as a flight, we are, without any apology, about to reminisce.
It is not generally remembered that “B” Flight was in existence even before the first course started flying, for the purpose of getting our five kites into the air, equipped with two parachutes, held together thanks to Mrs Hancocks’ foresight in providing the C.I. with equipment to overcome all eventualities, and also to “convert” our T.E. instructors. We boasted at that time three experiences S.E. pilots, F/O (now F/Lt.) Stealey, F/O Jones, and P/O Greenhalgh, all of whom had the glorious total of 30 hours on type, and three who were in need of conversion, having nil hours, to wit F/O Provenzano, ex Eagle Squadron, and our first graduate to the U.S. Army Air Corps, Sgt. De Roeck, now a P/O at Kingston, and Sgt. Easterman, now Flight Sergeant, and of course F/Sgt. Rowlands (now W.O.), who managed miracles of maintenance with approximately one screwdriver.
During the first three weeks of flying, which were probably the finest three weeks of flying weather we have yet experienced at Weyburn, some of us were duly converted, and others departed to commence instruction of the never-to-be-forgotten 36 Course. F/O (“When I was on ‘ops’”) Provenzano was still Flight Commander, F/O (now F/Lt. and the Boss) Bennett had joined us, and the remainder were F/O Steadley, P/O Greenhalgh, P/O Large (alias P/O Prune), and F/Sgt. “Tubby Sebastian” Earp (“I’m tired of flying”).
And with the beginning of No. 36 Course began also our efforts to find heat, and our curiously coincident movement from hangar to hangar to hangar. Thus every few days we were bundled into a new hangar, there to huddle together in the Flight Commander’s office, wearing greatcoats, flying clothing, and newly acquired winter hats, with flaps down, into, and across, and down wind.
In spite of it all, though, and in spite also of the fact that the chequered flag became more and more familiar, No. 36 Course began to go solo, and everyone started learning about our flying machine. “Chiefy” Rowlands began to acquire more tools, and in their spare time the ground crew – Molloy, Parker, Hardstaffe, Thompson and Allin, supervised by Corporals Tomes and Westwood, constructed chocks or just used blocks of wood. Bradford even went to sleep over his charts.
Then came the thaw - and Buttress. On the F. 17s appeared the magic words “From Buttress – to Buttress,” and Ansons took off with staggering loads of potential pilots. The most remarkable things were done at Weyburn and at Buttress to keep the aircraft serviceable, and words cannot describe the extraordinary way in which “Chiefy” Rowlands and “Robby” did their splendid jobs of work. The telephone worked overtime, the ground crew worked overtime, and the aircrew sometimes got stuck. But of Buttress more in the next issue. The whole episode deserves a magazine to itself.
EVERY DEBIT
Once more the festive season is past, together with its usual complement of full stomachs and hangovers, and regretfully the Accounts Wallahs realize that they must put their noses to the grindstone once more and keep their pencils well sharpened. It is with feelings of great trepidation that we look forward to the New Year, with Pay Accounts wondering how many more procedures are to be thrust upon them, and equipment living in dread of the Auditors’ forthcoming descent to disturb their somnolent calm.
At the time of writing, most of the staff have not returned from their Xmas leave and it occurs to us who are left to wonder what sort of a line our “Rush – this is for a soldier” A/G. has been shooting to his tootsie from Brooklyn, whether our resident of Berkley Square has really got himself married in Lethbridge, how many girls in Minneapolis now have broken hearts over those two gallant heroes of the skies Cpls. Luffman and Warren; whether Cpl. Longstaffe really did tell the folks in Chicago that his “A” only means Auxiliary, and whether Cp. Drewery has been “nipping around smartly” in spite of his “Blighty” feet. However all our questions and many more will be answered in a few days and so we sink back into our lethargy with the inevitable cry “Roll on the Boat.”
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SERGEANTS’ MESS NOTES
Many farewells this month. At last “Chiefy” Brockington is on the boat and he has taken with him Sgt. “Blondie” Evans. Brock had a great send off from the gang and no doubt he will remember the Mess-on-the-prairies for many years to come.
* * *
We shall miss Tom Riby. Tom has now received his commission and his departure from our Mess to the Officers’ coincided with our losing Ryck Ryckman on posting to Winnipeg and W.O. Doug Campbell who has been whisked across Canada to somewhere in New Brunswick. Thus most of the Sergeants’ Mess Concert Party left us in one day. It only eaves Hal Jones and Frank Hartnell, and rumour has it that Hal Jones in sweating on the boat and may be away shortly.
* * *
The Quiz programme on Saturday nights has “caught on” and the “Oscar” (now worth $6) has not yet been won.
* * *
Members who stayed in camp over Xmas were treated to a very unusual sight for someone shaved off half of Flight Sergeant Harrison’s moustache off. He was very proud of his half moustache until he woke up on Boxing Day morning and looked in the mirror.
Visitor to the Mess was W.O. Sowerby who paid us a call from Penhold; at the request of Lofty Rainey he did he celebrated settee act. A table of four sat up till the early hours binding about the past.
* * *
The Xmas Draw was a wow.
Over $200 in prizes were distributed during the evening and Mrs. Hancocks and Mrs. Ayres presided over the draw. Amongst the winners were the Group Captain, S/L. “A”, Wing Commander Hancocks, and the two gem prizes went to P/O. Coney who won a Bottle and a Cocktail Set.
A packet of ExLax was won by F/Lt. Ross.
* * *
And, in conclusion, we enquire whether “Tubby” Earp has built that road from Estevan to Froude? … If Flight Sergeant Holland ever reads D.R.O.’s …? If Bob Betts can do A.C.P. by remote control from Regina? … Who smacked the geranium at Ron Gee’s house? … Is Dick Richardson really posted to Servicing? … Was Sgt. Blacklock playing in an orchestra at Command …?
STORES GOSSIP
Amidst masses of inventories, vouchers, C.A.Ps., and all the other paraphernalia connected with our job, and faced with the pleasant prospect of five days absence from it all ahead of us, we are attempting to contribute our monthly effort to this month’s “Gopher.”
Our building has recently been caged in and put outside the camp gates. There have been several rumors floating around as to why this has been done, but we can assure you that it wasn’t done to keep you out – we can never hope to do that it seems! We are pleased to observe, however, that with the aid of Station Standing Orders, D.R.Os., our prominent notice board, and umpteen verbal instruction, people are generally getting to know our hours of business.
A year or so ago we were housed temporarily in No. 5 Hangar, trying to post vouchers with one gloved hand and tend a smoking stove with the other – and thinking of home. Today we are permanently settled within our cage, working in comparative comfort (if no one leaves the door open!) – and still thinking of home. Who knows, tomorrow may see our dreams coming true – and pigs might fly!
At the moment we are looking forward, like everyone else, to a well-earned rest, and – curse it! there goes that bell. “Yes, Sir, the Padre’s inventory is ready … No, Sir, there are no clothing parades today … Yes, Sir, the paper work’s almost up to date. … Er, can I have an early chit, Sir?”
Look out, Winnipeg, here I come!
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SPORTS
[Drawing of a man playing basketball]
BOXING
The major sporting event of the month was the first Station Boxing Tournament, held in the Drill Hall on December 15th. A very good evening’s entertainment was enjoyed by a large crowd. Several of the contestants seemed rather short of training, but the standard of boxing was generally high.
The results were as follows:
LAC. Thompson beat LAC. Jones (k.o.).
LAC. Walters beat Cpl. Tate on points.
LAC. Marshall beat AC. Howard on points.
Cpl. Farley beat LAC. Harris in the second round.
LAC. Willis beat AC. Annear on points.
Cpl. Roberts beat LAC. Adams on points.
LAC. Recile beat LAC. Taylor on points.
LAC. Stokes beat AC. Scott on points.
During the interval a mock “pro” bout was fought to a bitter and surprising end. It took the form of a challenge match between “Delayed Action” Hartnell and “Tornado” Robinson. The former, in spite of a flagrant disregard of the training rules regarding smoking (he entered the ring behind an outsize cigar) administered the k.o. with such paralyzing effect that it was not until the arrival of the stretcher that his opponent fell to the floor.
Another boxing tournament is planned for 17th February. There is plenty of time between now and that date for training. There must be many people on the camp who have sufficient knowledge of boxing at least to make a showing. We hope that they will come along, and thereby encourage others to take part. Pilot Officer Ryley, who organized the first tournament, has several assistants, all of whom are eager and willing to instruct and help you in any way they can. Take advantage of their knowledge, and turn up to the practices in the Drill Hall.
BASKETBALL
Most of us are very much beginners at this game, and in order to help us the Weyburn Collegiate team have offered to come up to the camp and show us how. We have already met them once in Weyburn, when the Station was beaten during extra time by 32 points to 26. This is a pretty good effort for our first game, but the result is not the important point. What mattered most was that those who played saw their mistakes, learned something about tactics, particularly the zone defence, which presents a very formidable barrier. The Collegiate team will be visiting the camp shortly to give us another game, and we hope that as many of you as possible will come along to take advantage of this opportunity of seeing the game.
[Drawings]
A drunk in Manitoba
Thought he sang like Tauba
His neighbors talked it oba,
And shot him dead – and soba.
The moral then, is woba
Tide him, drunk or soba,
Who sings like Richard Tauba
And lives in Manitoba.
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THAT CHRISTMAS DINNER
AT YOUR SERVICE
[Photograph of a group of people behind dining tables]
…BUT YOU SHOULD SEE IT AT CHRISTMAS!
[Photograph of rows of dining tables in a decorated canteen]
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[Drawing of a chequered flag] Around the Hangars
H
We wrote the most brilliant notes ever for the December issue, but like so many of our ace pupes on cross-countries, they got lost for no apparent reason. This month, however, we are rather at a loss, as there has been so little flying that the pupes have had little chance to do anything very Prune-like; no ground loops, no prangs, no nothing … Or can it be because we are so efficient?
First let us congratulate Flight Lieutenant Walker on his elevation to the Temple as Examining Officer. However, we also sympathise, as owing to the size of courses he will have to insinuate himself into the back seats of the despised buzz-boxes rather more often than he would wish.
We also extend a welcome to our new Skipper, F/O. Griffiths, who has already made his presence felt by subletting all the awkward jobs to each and every one of his stooges. We haven’t seen F/O. Miller out in the garden with his pick and spade.
Have any flights evolved new formulae for the “hours flown” charts? If so, please give us the gen, as the ever-increasing red sector is demoralising us, and the coffee flag is flying so regularly that our timekeeper hasn’t a chance to use his abundant supply of sharp pencils.
We cannot be accused of lack of keenness, as our skipper is always off to Lang before daylight to examine the weather from all angles – has the two hours I.F. per month anything to do with this? And what else but our enthusiasm can have caused the flare path party to ask for danger money?
G
Since we last wrote, some changes have taken place in the Flight, notably:
P/O. Stevenson’s carrying the whip around for Chief Ledbrook, who is visiting happier hunting grounds.
P/O. Nairn is growing a moustache to confuse his pupils.
P/O. Jones became of age!
And P/O. Gerdes has become a total abstainer since becoming a victim of a savage attack by hordes of pink elephants.
Sergeant Evans was suddenly snatched from us and posted far away, together with Taff Bevan and Snag Allen. Although he Backbone of the Flight has gone, we hide our tears as best we can and carry on. At least we have now two vacant chairs, and can sleep in comparative peace. We take this opportunity of welcoming Sgt. Patton and AC.s Meara and Bellamy, and would like them to know that if things ever become complicated poison can be obtained from Watts at a cost of two cents.
On behalf of the ground crew we wish to thank Mr. Stevenson and the other instructors for kindly remembering them at Christmas, and can assure them that from now on their engines will fire on all cylinders.
LAC. Staines was so good in the Pantomime that we have asked him to put on a floor show in the instructors’ room. Corporal Bryan, with the kind permission of the boys, is doing his part; he has promised to swallow broken glass, followed by two pints of liquid cement.
Doctor Watkinson, having enjoyed a White Christmas, is now ready to resume his advice to those contemplating marriage. All such advice is free, and satisfaction cannot be guaranteed.
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A
Christmas fills the mind of everyone, and those not in the process of being blackmailed are busy blackmailing.
Here are some gems we have picked up whilst passing through Pete’s hangar:
“In only five days I spent $1.50. Expensive places, these farms!”
“I’ll send you a mink coat, several diamond rings, and a box of Kleenex.” (The Kleenex has arrived.)
“Remember the wizard blonde and that brunette, like Lamarr, and that redhead – gosh, that redhead!” Heard three carriages away on the train: “I don’t worry, I’ll be home by April!”
Enough of that! Let’s switch on the microphone concealed in the pupils’ room …
One of our pupils seems very fortunate in his allocation of instructors: it seems he struck a prima donna. When asked what his first experience of a Harvard was like, he replied: “Well, I wouldn’t say they were quiet, but what shook me was their vocal ability. I looked up to ask my instructor where the music came from over the inter-comm. but I decided against it when all I could see in the rear vision mirror was a set of gleaming teeth and a quivering moustache.”
We seem to be blessed with a brilliant pair of financiers amongst the “A” Flight ground crew; rumour has it that Birch and Love can turn a five dollar bill into a hundred quarters. We envy them.
They say our Ledbury is flying high these days. Perhaps those pyjamas have gone to his head.
Our ex-boy, Blondie, seems to have the real Service spirit, always opens his eyes at Reveille, picks up a paper, lights a cigarette, and lies back to reap the benefits of his early morning work. He must enjoy listening to the Australian vernacular, or perhaps he’s only young and wants to learn to swear.
Heard a Certain Sergeant talking about a Kiwi from Aotearoa. Seems this Kiwi took an unholy delight in demonstrating advanced aerobatics to a certain pupil of his who had been partaking of the holiday spirit. But why the blazes turn around and ask with a cynical smile “Did you like that last one?” You have to be polite in war time, more’s the pity.
They tell me the Calgary air is very bracing these days, and is an ideal place for war-weary tourists to regain their lost vitality. But the tourists we saw there the other day, the vitality they discovered didn’t leave them with that Vitamin A look. But is might have been Vitamin E …
It seems a certain Squad Commander was once a Navy man. But we don’t think it’s quite the thing to whistle “Anchors Aweigh” when he calls at 6 a.m. These “wallabies” certainly have queer habits.
We, the “boys,” and the Boss himself would like to take this opportunity of wishing one and all the very best of New Years.
Back to the old grind now? Let’s do that, eh?
F
Amid a fanfare of gosports in harmony, “F” Flight, No. 64 Course, passes from grim reality to colourful memory. When jet-propelled stratocraft are landing at Weyburn airport, senile greasemonkeys will foregather to relate how, back in ’42, they helped to pull the chocks away for the Flight that set up the all-time flying record. U/t riggers of future autogyro limousines will listen in awe to an octogenarian propswinger telling of how they set the night flying record at 41 S.F.T.S. Nor will the tale of E. and F Flights’ joint night-flying figures lose anything in the telling.
Hark ye, pupes of 1943, the times set up by the last of the 1942 courses …. (Deleted by censor).
Such an achievement can only be celebrated in one manner. To the accompaniment of the whirling drone of props in fully fine, a virgin aircraft, unsullied by pupes, was wheeled forth from the immediate reserve. Threefold D.I.s were scrupulously and ceremoniously performed by airmen with not less than two G.C. stripes each. A brave and selfless pilot stood forth to perform the ceremony. Amid much wailing and lamentation he took the p lane forth to Lang and dashed it headlong into the ground. A fitting dedication. The pieces were gathered and used as gremlin charms. (N.B. Courses to follow please note that this ceremony can only be performed by a ginger-headed airman.)
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But though the letters of loved ones flowed into the officers’ mess some days before the Wings Parade, members of the Flight feel they have failed lamentably. Despite all their efforts, P/O. Hopeful still tries to land his kite as though it were fitted with skis. Sergeant Netherlands’ acquaintance with accommodating duty pilots has Improved faster than his flying. P/O. Sedge still insists upon practising aerobatics long after the chequered flag goes up.
Stoogepilots Twister and Deadly were of course beyond hope when they came here, and it would take more than a hurricane to drag W/O. Blessemall from his bed before noon.
We have done our best, but there was too much for one course to do. Training the C.I. to lower the undercart and not the flaps is a job for future courses. To them we hand over the controls, in the earnest hope that they in their turn will leave their instructors a little better than they find them.
And so, with a flourish of chequered flags, the last of the 1942 courses passes on.
X
Its me agane, Joe. They avnt found im yet (Willy Prangit I mene.) The F.C. (see larst munth for wot that menes) cuddent tell yew ware e wos (Willy) on akownt of no wun to releave Im (the F.C.) on the Arty. He opes to ave is tail reddy by nex munths gofer.
December was wot they call Instrukters Paradice they rushed into the krew room shouting Bagzerclamp and Werzertee evry day and after droring lots to se hoo ad to bind the pupes spent the mornin playing poker. Of corse we ad to clene the kites long after every wun ad gorn. It’s the same the ole world over as they say. Cor thares that sarjint agane he binds us rigid orl day. “Yor kite as bin down 2 minits … The egzaminin officer wonts is nashin in arfanour” … “Wossermrrer wiv 72” … “Pushumin pushumout pushumin. “26 mister Ross sez …”
Why didn’t I join the army?
Appy noo yer.
Joe.
C
It is now two months since “C” Flight last contributed to these columns, but in a general glow of benevolence engendered by the prospect of five days buckshee leave, we are prompted to ask a few questions:
Which u/t always takes an unopened packet of English Players with his to Link?
Which instructors will become of age next month? And will they then really be allowed to go up without a pupe as a safety pilot?
If a u/t drops his pencil on a Cross Country, Willie slow roll to recover it?
Who caught the clock on Christmas Eve?
Does No. – always fly with a side panel off?
Is there a future in O.O. or is it just for old times sake?
There are a lot more things we want to know, but the train is due in any time now, so here we go.
Happy New Year, fellows!
E
We must apologise for missing out on last month’s Flight Notes. We hope the “Gopher” sales didn’t drop too badly.
Once more another course of dashing aviators has come and gone. The best of luck and Happy Landings to all of No. 64 Course!
Calling Cpl. Cooper, “D” Flight! Please send over your chief gremlin catcher. Two of your pets are tying knots in our aileron control cables.
Welcome to Cpl. Cocks, who has joined us from Majors. They say he went away at Christmas and came back with a cute bride. Congratulations, Cpl. And Mrs. Cocks, and Best Wishes from the Flight.
Congratulations to P/O. Riby on obtaining his commission.
Before we leave our crew room and go off on our New Yea’s grant, we cast an eye on the Serviceability Board. We are most surprised to see that all our aircraft are serviceable! This would call for investigation at any other time, but we’ve got to run like mad for that train, although it’s bound to be late.
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B
After having disposed of No. 62 Course in the usual manner, we turned, not without a twinge of uneasiness (or was it remorse?) to the purveying of gen to No. 70 Course, who eventually took to the air after waiting nearly a week for the notorious Canadian winter to demonstrate to what lengths it would go in order to keep them on the ground. (“Oh, yes, in Canada there are 360 flying days each year.”)
Meanwhile Sgt. Dakeyne went into retirement, recovering from the mumps, going on sick leave, filling up clearance certificates, pushing out the boat, buying a uniform, and eventually emerged a Pilot Officer, complete with a lofty winter cap. He is now hovering uncertainly between Minneapolis, Weyburn, and Calgary, and is the recipient of our most sincere congratulations for having at last vacated the position of “Joe,” the occupation of which is now undisputed.
“The Boss’s” time is now taken up with trying to think of things to tell Cpl. Lambeth to invent, and with murmuring “What a beautiful chart; not a mark on it!” whereas P/O. Dixon is always as busy as anything, drawing, writing peremptory instructions, and contributing greatly to the growth of grey hair on Sgt. Tomes’ head by putting unserviceable any aeroplane he lays eyes on. Flight Sergeant Plummer gets so disturbed about it that he sometimes puts the other leg up on the table.
We have lost two of the ground crew, LAC. Mark and AC. Huck, due to sudden activity on board the Boat. While we are sorry to see them go, we cannot commiserate with them. We are more than envious.
Hitler has no advantages over Flying Wing Headquarters when it comes to New Orders. They are so prolific that P/O. Knowles takes them up and down the tow-line with him. He says they take his mind off things.
D
Great news! LAC. Birkhead has at last caught The Boat, after sweating on the top line for several months past. When the news was broken to him he sighed and said he didn’t want to go, and they had to escort him round the camp to make sure he got his clearance certificate signed.
We welcome to the Flight Cpl. Thompson. He takes the place of Cpl. Fearon, now thoroughly organised at Moose Jaw, to judge from recent reports.
Since one of our pupes, LAC. Marshall, won his boxing bout in the recent Boxing Tournament LAC. Steele has been fancying his chances as a professional. Thanks to the excellent advice of LAC. Morley, he can now beat up his own shadow.
F/O. Rutledge is getting rather worried over one of his pupes, tall, dark and handsome Romeo Marriott, who is now wandering around with a far-away look in those “come-hither” eyes of his. We wonder who it can be this time …?
The whole Flight Was amazed the other day at the sight of “Flash” Harris, told to deliver a message to F/O. Stephen. As the weather was cold, “Flash” quickened his step almost to running pace. Amid great applause from the lads he charged down the tarmac, past F/Lt. Martin, who was so surprised that he dropped his parachute, and at last reached the brave Sir Galahad of the skies. “Dual only, Sir!” he panted, and then turned around and thundered back into the hangar.
LAC. Horrocks claims the entire credit for this amazing occurrence. And we must agree that his cocoa is a most dangerous brew.
B.J.C.
You know, getting out this magazine is no picnic. If we print light stuff, people say we are silly.
If we don’t, they say we are too serious.
If we clip things from other magazines, we are too lazy to write ourselves.
If we don’t, we are too fond of our own stuff.
If we don’t print contributions, we don’t appreciate real genius.
If we do print them, the magazine is full of junk.
What would you do, chum?
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WOPPORTUNISM
I have discovered a secret weapon. No, not that sort of Secret Weapon the Ground School instructors tell you is a deadly secret, and no telling tales out of School, yet which every magazine you read makes a point of revealing I full detail. No, my Secret Weapon is the fully aerobatic gopher.
In this game of Commish. Last week my Flight Commander taxied into the kite I was trying to start up. He didn’t noticeably damage it. There I was. And there was he. I knew he couldn’t make it, but he wasn’t going to call out a joe to yank his tail wheel round with a pupe as an audience. I felt a sudden push, and he swung gaily into position. That, he thought, was that.
And it very nearly was. But, my dear Sir, not quite. For there comes a day when the editor of any station magazine goes into a flat spin. That day is known to the initiated as the day of going to press. Pat him on the back and hand him a manuscript right then, and he’ll grab the vilest piece of blackmail as “copy.”
Now, then … Is it Commish? Or do I … ?
So much for the preamble. Did it ever occur to you to apply the gen that drops from the lips of that clan of paragons, the Wireless Ops, to wider spheres of experience? For instance, that preamble text-ending business …? Can’t you just heat those ex-brats beginning “Now, when you’ve been in the Service as long as I have …” Preamble. Just plain preamble. Ultimately you find they’ve about as much service (and a fellow who can find nothing more to boast about than the length of time he has been in the R.A.F. is nearer the lunatic asylum than those fellows who put on skates and “crack the whip” there) – about a much service, I say, as the fellow I met at Grove Court. He had just learned to say “brassed” with the correct slant, and was complaining bitterly of life in the R.A.F. I asked him how long he had been in. “All day!” he replied.
The Walrus and the Carpenter were walking to and fro’;
They binded rigidly to see such quantities of snow.
“If seven erks with seven brooms should sweep for half a year,
Do you suppose,” the Walrus said,
“They’d then please Sergeant Cur?”
“How the heck would I know …
And anyway, who cares,” said Chips, who always was a cantankerous old codger.
THERE [underlined] IS [/underlined] A “FUTURE” IN IT
At the Christmas dinner the Commanding Officer congratulated the Unit on the way in which everyone on the Station had worked together to make the Unit a happy one.
Here at Weyburn we have probably as full a program of recreational, social and entertainment events as any R.A.F. Station, but in most cases all the work is done by a handful of enthusiasts, who give up much more of their time and energy than we should reasonably expect of them.
It is very easy to criticise destructively, but destructive criticism is generally valueless. The only person qualified to engage in constructive criticism is the fellow who is good at that very job himself, or who at least has ideas which would be much more valuable if they were presented before the show or whatever it is which is being put on. There is no place at this Unit for the back seat driver.
Shall we see to it that during this second year of No. 41 each of us finds a job to do in which he really can play his part in promoting the happiness of his fellows. The Bands, the Concert Party, the Dramatic Society, the Male Chorus, and – yes, you guessed it! – this magazine, will be especially glad of your assistance.
The Flying Gopher is published on the 15th of each month by and for the entertainment of the personnel of No. 41 S.F.T.S. (R.A.F.) at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. Printed for the Publishers by the Weyburn Review.
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state it reflects the sky-waves of H/F & M/F
[Underlined] SKIP distance [/underlined]
[Diagram]
No reception between attenuation of ground wave & return to earth of sky wave.
[Deleted Night [/deleted] wave for D/F is ground. Reflection no good. [Diagram]
347. P/O WATSON SELF 1 hr
1 AB 2 3 3m 4567 10 20 22
[Page break]
[Underlined] Frequency Grouping [/underlined]
M/F 1000 K/Cs to 3000 K/Cs
H/F 3000 K/Cs to 30,000 K/Cs
V/HF 30,000 K/Cs + over.
MF long ground wave for Direct communications + DF. [Diagram] Sky wave absorbed by heaviside
HF Shorter ground wave suitable for short distance D.F.
Long Distance on reflected sky wave heaviside layer. [Diagram]
VHF. Short, easily attenuated ground waves.
Sky wave. Due to high frequency penetrates heaviside layer does not return to earth.
[Underlined] Height of aircraft [/underlined]
Min height for D/F is 2000 ft.
[Underlined] Heaviside Layer [/underlined]
A layer of ionised air about 200 miles above earth’s surface.
In the daytime Heavyside layer is not very dense, with the result that it can absorb the sky waves of M/F & H/F At night time the layer descends & contracts & becomes denser. In this
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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The Flying Gopher January 1943
Description
An account of the resource
This edition covers an Editorial, poems, the padres notes, romantic fiction, a car chase in London, a list of expenditure of the station's social funds, recollections of flying in the Great War, Christmas stories, Officers Mess gossip, a story about the snow blower, Sergeants Mess stories, sports news, stories from the station Flight groups.
Additionally there are two handwritten pages of radio notes.
Creator
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41 SFTS Weyburn
Date
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1943-01
Format
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25 printed sheets and two pages of handwritten notes
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eng
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Text
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MFordTA1585520-170411-15
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
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Canada
Saskatchewan--Weyburn
Saskatchewan
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Anne-Marie Watson
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-01
aircrew
arts and crafts
entertainment
gremlin
Harvard
love and romance
sport
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1794/35641/EOCRAFCentDepWilsonWJ440131-0001.1.jpg
36173cd70882eaa0974d07af3adea830
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1794/35641/EOCRAFCentDepWilsonWJ440131-0002.1.jpg
54327fa27160309de939abaa7defba02
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wilson, Reginald Charles
R C Wilson
Description
An account of the resource
166 items. The collection concerns Reginald Charles Wilson (b. 1923, 1389401 Royal Air Force) and contains his wartime log, photographs, documents and correspondence. He few operations as a navigator with 102 Squadron. He was shot down on 20 January 1944 and became a prisoner of war.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Janet Hughes and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-01-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wilson, RC
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
No. 42 Base,
RA.F. [sic]
Pocklington,
York.
31. Jan. 1944
Ref: 405/367/P.1.
Dear Mr. Wilson,
I am writing you regarding the disposal of your son’s personal effects which were at R.A.F. Station, Pocklington. An officer was specially detailed to collect his property from his quarters early on the morning following his failure to return. Every effort has been made to ensure that all property known to belong to your son was recovered, including a search of the Sergeant’s Mess, and also the locker rooms.
Special safe custody bags are provided at briefing, and aircrew are asked to deposit identity documents, cash and any small items of value. The bag left by your son was collected and opened by the Effects Officer in person, but was found to be empty.
Any service clothing or equipment has been extracted from the kit and returned to stores. The remainder, consisting of his personal property, is now being forwarded to:-
The President,
Standing Committee of Adjustment,
R.A.F. Central Depository,
Colnbrook, Slough, Bucks.
You will probably hear from the President in the near future. Any enquiries regarding the effects should, in the first place, be addressed to him.
A Bank Book (E. End, Forres, 17) was found amongst his personal papers and has been sent to the Director of Accounts, Air Ministry, Accounts 13, Whittington Road, Worcester. This is in accordance with the instructions laid down. Cash amounting to £1.10.0d. which was found, has been paid to the Accountant Officer for credit to your son’s non-effective account.
[page break]
Please accept my sincere personal sympathy with you during this anxious time of waiting. I hope that you will have some good news before long. If there is any way in ehich [sic] I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to write.
Yours sincerely,
[signature] F/O.
Base Effects Officer,
For Air Commodore, Commanding
[underlined] No. 42 Base R.A.F. Pocklington. [/underlined]
Mr. W.J. Wilson,
38 Joydon Drive,
Chadwell Heath,
Romford,
Essex.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Reg Wilson's Father
Description
An account of the resource
The letter refers to the disposal of Reg's personal effects.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
42 Base RAF Pocklington
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-01-31
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Romford
England--Essex
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One double sided typewritten sheet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EOCRAFCentDepWilsonWJ440131-0001, EOCRAFCentDepWilsonWJ440131-0002
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-01-31
aircrew
missing in action
RAF Pocklington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/408/7346/SChattertonJ159568v10287.2.jpg
d678769370f8a3b813b2434aa2dbc4ec
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Chatterton, John. 44 Squadron operations order book
Description
An account of the resource
Collection consists of 521 items which are mostly Operations orders, aircraft load and weight tables and bomb aimers briefings for 44 Squadron operations between January 1944 and April 1945. <br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by M J Chatterton and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. <br /><br />This collection also contains items concerning Dewhurst Graaf and his crew, and Donald Neil McKechnie and his crew. Additional information on <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/109020/">Dewhurst Graaf</a> and <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/115642/">Donald Neil McKechnie</a> is available via the IBCC Losses Database.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-03-14
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Chatterton, J
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] NO. 44(RHODESIA)SQUADRON. [/underlined] [underlined] 25TH JANUARY,1944. [/underlined]
[underlined] OPERATIONAL AND TRAINING DETAIL FOR 25/26TH JANUARY, 1944. SERIAL NO, 8/44. [/underlined]
[underlined] OPERATIONAL [/underlined] : The following crews and aircraft are hereby detailed for operational flying duties on 25/26th January, 1944.
[underlined] ND.517.U. (III). [/underlined]
F/Lt. Wiggin.
Sgt. Jones.
F/O. Maury.
[underlined] F/O. Roger. [/underlined]
Sgt. Dicken.
F/Sgt. Lloyd.
F/O. Rimmer.
[underlined] JA.843.O. (III). [/underlined]
F.O. Mercer. [inserted] D.F.C. [/inserted]
Sgt. Capps.
P.O. Purvis. [inserted] D.F.C. [/inserted]
[underlined] F/S. Barker. [/underlined]
P.O. Baker
F/Sgt. Pratt.
W/O. Wilkie.
[underlined] W.4933.Y. (I)(MIN). [/underlined]
P.O. Oakley
Sgt. Campbell.
Sgt. Cartlidge.
[underlined] F/S. [deleted] Binns. [/deleted] [inserted] HATTON [/inserted] [/underlined]
Sgt. Naylor.
Sgt. Dearling.
F/S. Pratt.
[underlined] ME.571.P. (I). [/underlined]
P.O. Manning.
Sgt. Wren.
Sgt. Woodwards.
[underlined] Sgt. Roberts. [/underlined]
Sgt. Davison.
Sgt. Hedley.
Sgt. Murray.
[underlined] ME.573.S. (I). [/underlined
P.O. Gee.
Sgt. Turner.
Sgt. Osborne.
[underlined] Sgt. Maxwell. [/underlined]
Sgt. Utting.
Sgt. Inglis.
Sgt. Moore.
[underlined] EE.185.K (III). [/underlined]
F/Lt. Hunter.
Sgt. Cooper.
F/O. Greenwood.
[underlined] F/O. Willis. [/underlined]
Sgt. Salmon.
Sgt. Miles.
Sgt. Alexander.
[underlined] LM.306.L (III). [/underlined]
F/Lt. Phillips.
Sgt. Carter.
F/O. Gourlay.
[underlined] Sgt. Taylor. [/underlined]
P.O. Bennett.
Sgt. Curtis.
W/O. Dowling.
[underlined] LM.434.F. (III) [/underlined]
P.O. Wright. [inserted] D.F.C. [/underlined]
Sgt. Bateman.
F/O. Garland.
[underlined] P.O. Soaper. [/underlined]
Sgt. Laker.
F/S. Snow.
Sgt. Miller.
[underlined] ED.611.J. (III). [/underlined]
P.O. Bartlett.
Sgt. Middleton.
F/S Sturgess.
[underlined] Sgt. Hoad. [/underlined]
Sgt. Scott.
Sgt. Swingler.
Sgt. Cowley.
[underlined] DV.166.B. (III). [/underlined]
P.O. Smith.
Sgt. Bennett.
Sgt. Farrow.
[underlined] F/O. Dutton. [/underlined]
Sgt. Hussey.
Sgt. Myers.
Sgt. Dack.
[underlined] NO. 1 STANDBY. [/underlined] C
F/LT. Dorehill. DFC.
Sgt. Turrell.
F/S. Wright.
[underlined] Sgt. Deacon. [/underlined]
Sgt. Gurr.
Sgt. Mullett. DFM.
Sgt. Woollard.
[underlined] No.2 STANDBY. [/underlined]
F/S. Barton.
Sgt. Thompson.
F/O. Sparrow.
[underlined] Sgt. Barnes. [/underlined]
Sgt. Willett.
Sgt. Joy.
Sgt. Hummell.
DUTY CREWS : F/S. Stephenson & crew.
Sgt. Butt & crew.
BRIEFING : NAVIGATORS: SPEC.: MAIN:
To be notified later.
Bus will leave Sgts. Mess at
Bus will leave Officers Mess at
Officer i/c Night Flying : S/Ldr. Cockbain.
Duty Flight Engineer : Sgt. Waugh.
Duty Electricians : ACs . Brown & Ramsden.
Duty Photos : As detailed by Sgt. White.
Duty Sigs. : LAC. Moore.
Duty Armr. N.C.O’s : Sgt. Leyland & Cpl. Gibbons.
Duty Flight N.C.O’s : Sgt. Gibbons & Arrowsmith.
Duty Clerk : Cpl. Pike.
Duty Signals Officer : P.O. Roberts.
[signature]
Flight Lieutenant,
for Wing Commander,
Commanding,
[underlined] No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron [/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Operations order 25 January 1944
Operational and training detail for 25/26 January 1944 Serial No 8/44
Description
An account of the resource
Lists crews and aircraft for operation on night 25/26 January 1944. Fourth member of each crew underlined in red. Includes two standby crews and duty personnel. First standby crew has aircraft letter 'C' alongside, Third row fourth crew member has 'Line overlap' annotated alongside it.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
44 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-01-25
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SChattertonJ159568v10287
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-01-25
1944-01-26
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Frank Batten
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One-page typewritten document
44 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
flight engineer
pilot
RAF Dunholme Lodge
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1838/33006/MEvansA157299-170424-04.1.jpg
6f6e2f638455b6abef367ab70bc455df
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Evans, Albert
A Evans
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-04-24
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Evans, A
Description
An account of the resource
39 items. The collection concerns Flying Officer Albert Evans (1922 - 1944, 157299 Royal Air Force) and contains documents, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a pilot with 44 Squadron and was killed 25 March 1944. <br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by S Smith and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW61255494 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW61255494 BCX0">Additional information on<span> Albert Evans </span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW61255494 BCX0">is available via the</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW61255494 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> IBCC </span><a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/107170/">Losses Database.</a>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Albert Evans Summary of Last Flight
Description
An account of the resource
A record of Albert's last flight to Berlin. It lists his route, bomb load and crew.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
44 Squadron
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-03-24
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One b/w photocopy
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MEvansA157299-170424-04
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany--Berlin
Germany
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
44 Squadron
aircrew
killed in action
Lancaster
Lancaster Mk 3
RAF Dunholme Lodge