Metz, France

1959 – Historical Record – National Archives of Canada


HISTORICAL RECORD
1 AIR DIVISION HQ
For the period 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

INCUMBENTS OF KEY POSITIONS 1 AIR DIV HQ
1 JUN 59 TO 30 NOV 59

AOC

A/V/M LE Wray

CofS

A/C PA Gilchrist

DJA

S/L TR Giles

SOAF

W/C WM Mills (Replaced W/C Hodgson 11 Aug 59)

FLO

Cmdt PHR Poirot

SOPR

W/C RV Dodds

SOFS

S/L DF Archer

SOPlans

W/C MC Smith

SOOrg & Man

W/C HG Marriott

SPSO

G/C CL Olsson

SOPA

W/C JM Enstone

SOPC

W/C PS Delaney

SOGT

S/L AC Munn

SORA/P

S/L EWS Gilbert (Replaced W/C ES Light 15 Jul 59)

SORA/RC

S/L JR Poirer

SOMS

W/C Running

SOSec

A/S/L MV Whitfield (Replaced S/L DJ Heath 24 Jul 59)

CO 35 Field Dental Unit

Lt Col GR Covey

CO 1 Air Div Postal Unit

Capt WB Wolverten

SASO

G/C HC Ledoux (Replaced G/C Newson 11 Aug 59)

SOInt

S/L CN Stanley

SOND

S/L FA Wingert (Replaced F/L AA Kinchen 26 Jul 59)

SOAP

W/C EG Ireland

SOAOps

S/L JF Dunlop

SOMet

W/C WEH Cooper (Replaced W/C Pincock 1 Jul 59)

SOGE

W/C AC Bowes

STSO

G/C DB Wurtele

SOAE

W/C JG Jordon

SOArm

W/C DO Shaw

SOPhoto

S/L HP Bolton

SOCE

W/C SD Walker (Replaced W/C Abra 26 Aug 59)

SOMSE

F/L LT Stewart

SOSup

W/C AH Tinker

SOMov

S/L HW Keane

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HEADQUARTERS
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

3 Jun 59

19 RCAF Beechcraft Expeditor light transport aircraft were handed over to the French Air Forces at their Chateaudun base as part of the Canadian Mutual Aid Program.

5 Jun 59

6 RCAF Beechcraft Expeditor aircraft were handed over to the Portuguese Air Force at Lisbon airport. Handing over the aircraft on behalf of the Canadian government was His Excellency the Canadian Ambassador to Portugal Philippe Panneton. Receiving the aircraft on behalf of the Portuguese government was the Portugal Under-Secretary for Air Kaulza de Airiaga, and Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Air Force General Costa Macedo. The contribution was part of the Canadian Mutual Aid Program.

18 Jun 59

Three Argus aircraft of the RCAF’s Maritime Command landed at #2 RCAF Wing Grostenquin, France. The purpose of the trip was to demonstrate the aircraft to other NATO countries.

21 Jun 59

Twelve jet aircraft of Canada’s NATO Air Division participated in this mass military flypast at the International Air Salon at LeBourget airport, France.

24 Jun 59

General FF Everest, Commander of NATO’s 4th Allied Tactical Air Force visited Canadian NATO Air Division Headquarters.

3 Jul 59

The Air Division HW received word of the Canadian Government’s decision to replace the Sabre MK 6 aircraft with the new supersonic Lockheed F-104.

12 Jul 59

Fourteen young Canadian model aircraft winners landed at Orly airport aboard an RCAF Comet jet transport to begin an air force sponsored two week tour of Europe and the Canadian NATO Air Division.

5 Aug 59

Vice Air Marshal Larry E. Wray, Air Officer Commanding the RCAF’s Canadian NATO Air Division was awarded Honorary Membership in the Night Fighter Association of America. The award is given annually to the individual who is considered to have contributed the most to the Air Defence Mission. The citation which accompanied the award read in part, "In view of you contribution to the Air Defence of Canada and your present command of NATO air forces, the members of the Board of Directors of the Night Fighter association have voted you this year as the Honorary Member".

6 Aug 59

The Honourable George R. Pearkes, VC, Canadian Minister of National Defence, announced the granting of a Queen’s commendation for Brave Conduct to Sergeant Nelson Bruce Killens, 32, of No. 4 RCAF Fighter Wing, Baden-Soellingen, Germany. On the night of August 7, 1959 Sgt Killens saw a guard being attacked by a savage Alsation police dog. He immediately grappled with the dog and after tearing it away from the guard’s throat, held it until the wounded guard could be attended. The citation read in part, "There is no doubt that by his prompt action and complete disregard for his own safety, Sgt Killens was largely responsible for saving the life of the wounded and exhausted German guard". Sgt Killens is from Whitby, Ontario.

9 Aug 59

The four Wings of Canada’s NATO Air Division in France and Germany swung open their gates to celebrate "Friends Day". It was not an "Open House" to which the public are invited, but it was an event to which the officers, airmen and airwomen were given the opportunity to invite their French and German friends to see their base and some of the general activity. Approximately 20,000 French and German Nationals were in attendance.

15 Aug 59

Officers, airmen and dependents of Canada’s NATO Air Division took part in the opening day ceremonies of the Dutch traditional Heather Week Festival which was termed this year as Canada-Netherlands Friendship Week. Participating in the day’s activity were a group of thirty officers, airmen and their wives from No. 1 RCAF Fighter Wing, Marville, France and No. 2 Fighter Wing, Grostenquin, France which formed a square dance group. Also in attendance was the Central Band of the RCAF. Air Vice Marshall Larry E. Wray, Air Officer Commanding Canada’s NATO Air Division was an honoured guest for the occasion.

23 Aug 59

Canada’s NATO Air Division participated in the traditional City of Metz Fete de Mirabelle, held each year since the end of the Second World War. The festive occasion marks the harvest of the Mirabelle plum, a small yellow fruit peculiar to this part of Europe and used to make the famous liqueur of the region. The RCAF float of ten thousand dahlias depicted a large wooden shoe traditional of the area, and bore the inscription "En Passant Par La Lorraine Les Canadiens Degustent La Mirabelle". Marching in front of the Air Force float was the RCAF Central Band from Ottawa, which also presented a band concert as part of the evening’s activities.

26 Aug 59

Three prominent Canadian Churchmen, members of the Canadian Council of Churches, arrived to begin a week long visit of the RCAF NATO Air Division. The three were the Rev. Dr. TR Davies of Hamilton, Ontario, of the United Church of Canada and Chairman of the Canadian Council of Churches; the Rev PWH Eydt of Kitchener, Ontario of the Lutheran Church of Canada and the Rev JG Murdock of Waterloo, Ontario, of the Presbyterian Church of Canada.

29 Aug 59

Canada’s NATO Air Division for the second consecutive year won the coveted Guynemer trophy emblematic of live air-to-air gunnery supremacy within the seven nation NATO Command of Allied Air Forces Central Europe. In addition to capturing the trophy the Canadians swept individual scoring honours, taking the first three places. Top score of the meet was posted by F/O David Barker, a 23 year old Sabre pilot from 4 Fighter Wing Baden-Soellingen, Germany, whose hometown is Lakeview, Ont. Taking second and third individual scoring places were F/L William Norn, 25, of No. 1 Fighter Wing, Marville, France from Calgary and F/L Alfred McDonald, 31, of No. 3 Fighter Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany, from Barrie, Ont. F/L Ron McGarva, 37, of 1 Fighter Wing, Marville, France, from Balmoral, Manitoba, the RCAF team captain, received the trophy presented by General Leon Johnson, USAF, Deputy for Air at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The two week firing competition and trophy presentations were held at the French Air Force base of Cazaux, near Bordeaux, France.

11 Sep 59

Twenty-two RCAF Silver Star jet trainer aircraft were turned over to the Turkish Air Force at Eskischir Air Base. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the RCAF’s Operation Western Way, a massed trans-Atlantic ferry flight of Canadian-built T33 jet trainers. The contribution was part of Canada’s Mutual Aid Program.

25 Sep 59

Finance Minister Donald Fleming paid a brief visit to the RCAF NATO Air Division base at No.1 Fighter Wing, Marville, France.

28 Sep 59

The RCAF NATO Air Division participated in the annual City of Metz International Trade Fair, known as the Foire de Metz. The RCAF exhibit consisted of showing movies depicting phases of Canadian life, a display of large still photographs, showing aircraft flown by the RCAF during its first 35 years and an exhibit of aircraft safety equipment.

2 Oct 59

Eleven Canadian-built RCAF Silver Star jet trainers were handed over to the French Air Force at their Eleusis air base just outside of Athens. The aircraft were handed over by the Canadian Ambassador to Greece, His Excellency E. Darcey McGreer and were received by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Greek Air Force, General C. Geranopoulos.

6 Oct 59

Canada Day at the City of Metz – Annual International Trade Fair – Foire de Metz. At the flag raising ceremony were Mr. William Brett, Commercial Secretary from the Canadian Embassy in Paris, Air Vice Marshal Larry E. Wray, Commander of Canada’s NATO Air Division and city officials.

20 Oct 59

General FH Smith, newly appointed Commander of NATO’s 4th Allied Tactical Air Force, visited Canada’s Air Division Headquarters.

30 Oct 59

Canadian Ambassadors to 16 European and near eastern countries visited the RCAF NATO Air Division base of Baden-Soellingen, Germany. The group was led by the Right Honourable George A. Drew, Canadian High Commissioner to London, England. The RCAF Flyers (Europe) hockey team of No. 3 Fighter Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany, internationally known as Canada’s skating ambassador, visited West Berlin, playing an invitation two game series against leading West Berlin hockey clubs.

14 Nov 59

In the fifth annual Grey Cup (Europe) game the West defeated the East by a score of one to zero.

30 Nov 59

The Lloyd Chadburn trophy symbolic of top aerial gunnery marksmanship within Canada’s European based NATO Air Division was presented to No. 4 Fighter Wing, Baden-Soellingen, Germany. The presentation was made by Air Commodore Peter Gilchrist, Air Division Chief of Staff. The trophy is won by the Wing whose squadrons have registered the highest marks in aerial gunnery exercises at the Air Division’s Weapons Unit at Decimomannu.

APPENDIX "A" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Operations
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

POLICY

1 Jul 59

On 1 Jul 59 4 ATAF’s Emergency Defence Plan became effective and superseded their Operation Order Drumfire. The new EDP was significant to 1 Air Division in that our role was changed to Air Defence. Automatic reaction missions and the visual reconnaissance of specific targets are no long Air Div responsibilities under this new plan.

Accordingly, 1 Air Division EDP was published and operation orders and training syllabi were amended to reflect this change in role.

EXERCISES

Jun 59

Exercise "Tender Hook", the annual Air Division Escape and Evasion Exercise, was successfully executed early in June.

Jul to Oct 59

Under SACEUR’s plan for the deployment of squadrons, the fields at Rocroi, France and Bertrix and St. Hubert in Belgium were used during the summer and early fall months for the first time. Based on this experience, plans are being formulated for regular exercise of these deployment fields. Investigation of a replacement for Sandweiller, Luxembourg, is proceeding with 4ATAF approval.

Aug 59

The second annual AIRCENT Air Firing Competition was held at Cazaux, France in August. The Guynemer trophy was won again by the "Sabre Salvo" aircrew and technical team selected from all four Air Division Wings. The team from RAF Fighter Command took second place.

Sep 59

Exercise "Side Step", a major NATO CPX sponsored by SACLANT, SACEUR and CINCENT, was carried out in mid-Sep. 1 Air Division units down to Station and Wing level participated in this exercise which was primarily designed to test logistic support.

AIR DIVISION COC

1 Oct 59

6 TACC ceased to be a separate unit on 1 Oct when it amalgamated with the COC and took the name of the latter.

13 Oct 59

The Belgians and the Canadians played host to one another when 421 Squadron deployed 12 aircraft to Florence in exchange for 12 F84 from 322 Squadron. This exchange continued until 22 Oct.

14 Oct 59

1337Z – Two Canadian sections of four aircraft were diverted from a practice to a live scramble on a track in the Buffer Zone. After the interception, the track was identified as a West German T-33 which had unintentionally crossed the border.

15 Oct 59

SOS 30 miles east of Marville. Two Canadian Sabres collided at 3500 ft. Both pilots survived and were uninjured. One aircraft was completely destroyed, but the pilot bailed out safely and was picked up later by an American helicopter from Search and Rescue Flight at Ramstein, Germany. The other aircraft suffered extensive damage, but the pilot landed it safely at Grostenquin.

22 Oct 59

Information received from 4 ATAF concerning a message said to have originated from the Chief Controller of the Russian Sector at Berlin warning that there had been too many border violations lately and that further violations would be acted upon by the Russians.

21 Nov 59

Exercise "Rapid Reflex" launched via "Special Strike Net". Exercise Rapid reflex is a check on communications.

27 Nov 59

Strongbox Sierra from Zweibrucken was ordered to scramble "live" on a track originating from East Germany. The section of four aircraft of F86, intercepted the track at 0913Z and identified it as two F100 type aircraft from the USAF.

APPENDIX "B" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Organization and Management
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

Jul 59

Staff Officer Plans and Logistics section was reformed and renamed Staff Officer Plans (SOPlans). The Logistics section was eliminated from SOPL and a Logistics Co-ordinator (Log-Coord) position was formed within STSO branch.

A new section "Management" was set up and a position, Staff Officer Organization and Management (SOOrg & Man) was established to which the Management section and Organization section report. SOPlans and SOOrg& Man. are directly responsible to the CofS.

To correct an overlapping of responsibility and to strengthen the co-ordination of control over detailed air programmes and air operations, SOOT and SOTel were re-organized. SOOt was replaced by Staff Officer Air Programme (SOAP) and Staff Officers Air Operations (SOAOps). SOTel was renamed Staff Officer Ground Environment (SOGE) and the AS/FTR CTR officers originally from SOOT were transferred to SOGE.

Oct 59

The physical amalgamation of 6TACC and the small COC section in Air Div HQ was effected in Sep 59; the combined sections were designated 1 Air Div COC. This was done prior to Exercise Side Step for trial purposes. The results of Side Step proved the new COC satisfactory. Air Force Headquarters Org Order 4.11 dated 4 Nov 59 approved the organization which makes the COC a part of the Air Div HQ organization (1 Air Div COC). The Officer Commanding this unit is known as the Director COC (D/COC).

During the period 1 Jun to 30 Nov 59, 1 Air Division’s overall Service Personnel establishment remained the same. The total manpower ceiling is 6257 positions.

In 1958 AFHQ completed a study on Construction Engineering at all RCAF units, the result of which was a general re-organizing of Unit CE sections. The general trend was a replacement of Supply Technicians in CE by Clerks Engineering, a reduction in the number of Construction Hands and a proportionate increase in the number of other CE trades. This organization and establishment was introduced in October 1959.

APPENDIX "C" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Planning
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

1 Air Division Emergency Defence Plan

The 1 Air Division EDP was promulgated 19 Oct 59 and defines the emergency defence measures required by 1 Air Division forces to meet a possible threat of war and during the initial phase of a major war. 1 Air Division units will promulgate their own EDPs with detailed unit actions based on the instructions contained in the 1 Air Division EDP.

Logistic Air Support – Rundown of 30 AMB

The introduction of the CC106 aircraft into ATC will permit, to a greater degree, direct logistic support from Canada to 1 Air Division units. This shortened pipeline dictates that a continental air terminal or air terminals be set up in Europe to handle the increased supply of air-lifted material. Joint studies with AFHQ, ATCHQU and AMCHQ are being carried out to determine the most efficient means to effect this plan. An adjunct to the introduction of the CC106 aircraft is the diminishing need for the 30 AMB at Langar. It is expected that 312SD will be taken over by AMCHQ in 1960 and that sometime after 1 Jun 61 there will not be sufficient traffic through 312Sd to warrant its existence. With the proposed closing of 312SD, it has been recommended that 30 AMB also be closed.

Introduction of the CF104 into 1 Air Division

The Canadian government has accepted SACEUR’s recommendation of May 1959 and has made a decision to re-quip the eight Sabre squadrons with CF104 aircraft on a scale of 18 aircraft per squadron to carry out the strike/reconnaissance role. While the CF104 is not programmed for squadron use until 1962, many problems concerning the introduction of this aircraft are being discussed between AFHQ - Air Division – AMCHQ.

61 AC&W Squadron Mobility

AFHQ has concurred in the proposal to cancel the 61 AC&W Squadron Mobility Plan. The one MPS14 and the MPS 11 which were programmed originally for movement to a pre-selected site are to be retained as an integral part of the 61 AC&W Squadron static system.

Dispersal

Although SHAPE has reaffirmed the validity of the MC60 Off-Base Dispersal Policy, certain possible modification have been considered by SACEUR whereby money budgeted for dispersal may be used for "hardening" the facilities on the airfields. This is the approach which 1 Air Division HQ has been recommending for the past two years; means of effecting the "hardening" policy are being costed at 1 Air Division HQ and the recommendation will be forwarded to AFHQ.

International Agreements

Luxemboug. No progress has been made with Luxembourg on the Canada-Luxembourg Agreement for the use of Sandweiler. Further negotiations have been abandoned and AIRCENT has authorized 1 Air Div to investigate a suitable alternate deployment airfield.

France. A Technical Agreement for the use of Rocroi aerodrome by the RCAF has been signed by the French and Canadian military authorities.

Belgium. An agreement covering the employment of guards at St. Hubert and Bertrix deployment airfields has been signed by the Belgian and Canadian military authorities. A Technical Agreement for the use of St. Hubert and Bertrix aerodromes by the RCAF is being prepared.

Germany-Italy. The Tri-lateral Agreement for the use of the WTI has not been signed but it is expected that the agreement will be signed in December 1959.

Air Division Briefing Team

An Air Division Briefing Team, consisting of representatives of the AOC and Branches of Air Div Headquarters, has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information regarding NATO and Air Div Organization, functions and Operations.

Various versions of this briefing have been presented to visitors at Government, Ambassadorial, NATO, AIRCENT, ATAF and Military levels, as well as newcomers to Air Division, school teachers and dependents.

APPENDIX "E" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Intelligence
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

Activities in the Intelligence Section for this period were normal. The number of exercises, staff visits and conferences participated in, arrange for and attended was not unusual.

The Intelligence Training Syllabus was revised to cover topics falling within the scope of the operational role of 1 Air Division within the 4 ATAF area of responsibility.

The Air Division Intelligence Reporting Procedures were revised and streamlined.

APPENDIX "G" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Ground Environment
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

Reorganization of SOTel

In Jun 59, the "Staff Officer Telecommunications" section, became responsible for the operational as well as the technical staff work related to 1 Air Division’s AC&W function, and was renamed "Staff Officer Ground Environment". Two F/L Fighter Controller officers, transferred to SOGE, joined the F/O Tech/Tel officer previously in SOTel, to form the "Radar" sub-section covering the combined operational/technical field of responsibility. Simultaneously, the remainder of the SOTel organization was revamped to include specialized sub-sections for "Communications" and "Aircraft and Airfield Telecom Installations".

Deployment Convoys

During the summer deployment exercises to Rocroi, St Hubert and Bertrix, the Wing MSC502 convoys provided the Telecom environment at the deployment bases. Meanwhile, the contract for design and fabrication of the new MSC503 convoys had been let to the Pye Co. Ltd., of Cambridge, England. By 30 November, the design of most of the MSC503 units had been "frozen" and fabrication had begun. Target date for delivery of the four MSC503 convoys is Jul 60.

APPENDIX "I" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Personnel
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

Strength

The units of 1 Air Division and RCAF components at NATO Integrated Headquarters are shown in Annex I, with a strength figures at the end of Nov 59.

A survey of the number of married quarters and dependents in the Command, from 1957 to 1959, is shown in Annex II.

Canadian Army personnel serving with 1 Air Division at 30 Nov 59 were:

 

OFFICERS

OTHER RANKS

35 Field Dental Unit, RCDC

10

9

Legal (A/DJA)

1

 

1 Cdn Air Div Postal Unit CPC

4

46

Total

15

55

Survey of Deaths in 1 Air Division

YEAR

STRENGTH

DEATHS

RATE

1953

4,582

14

1/327

1954

6,732

28

1/240

1955

6,138

31

1/198

1956

6,092

24

1/254

1957

6,232

29

1/215

1958

6,375

24

 

During the period Apr 52 to Nov 59, there have been 178 deaths in 1 Air Div, an average of 23 per year.

During the period 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59, there were 14 service and 14 dependent casualties for reasons as shown below:

Serviceability

Aircraft Accidents – 6

PMC Accidents – 7

Natural – Nil

Suicide – 1

Dependents

Natural – 14

Education for Dependent Children

In Sep 59 there were 10 DND schools in 1 Air Division, staffed by 216 teachers and the number of students enrolled was 3,921.

The DND school system in Europe has grown in six years from 115 teachers to 338 teachers and from 1,540 pupils to 6,460 pupils. The Superintendent of Overseas Schools, Dr. HL Campbell, stationed at 1 Air Div HQ, administers these schools which provide classes from kindergarten to Grade XIII for children of Canadian personnel serving in NATO formations of the Canadian Army and RCAF.

In 1958 a Division of Tests, Measurements and Research was formed, to establish standards in overseas schools and compare progress with some of the schools in Canada. During the past year tests administered in various subjects in Grades 3, 6, 8 and 10 showed that achievement in almost all cases was equal to or higher than the averages used for comparison.

Marriage with Aliens

In the 12-month period 1 Dec 58 to 30 Nov 59, approximately 10 applications were received per month from Canadian servicemen at Continental units who wished to marry non-Canadian citizens. A few applications were cancelled or not authorized. Those processed showed the nationality of the fiancées as:

German (including Saar)

55

French

38

British

14

Dutch

3

Danish

2

Italian

2

Belgian

1

Luxembourg

1

Indian

1

Total

117

Leave Beyond Country in Which Serving

Under authority delegated by AFHQ the AOC controls leave travel for 1 Air Division personnel , in NATO countries and other neighbouring areas. During the period Jun to Nov 59 no leave travel was permitted to West Berlin or to Russia and other communist countries (except Yugoslavia). Also owing to political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, no leave trips were allowed in Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Egypt or other Arab countries, with the exception of one or two day visits to Tangier.

Most of the people in 1 Air Division took advantage of their leave periods to make trips in some of the 24 NATO and neutral countries where travel was unrestricted, either with organized tours or under individual arrangements. Many families travelled by car and camped in tents or trailers.

"Canadian Forces Network" – Radio Stations

During the past 18 months negotiations have proceeded with the French and German governments to allow the three bases in France and the two bases in Germany to operate radio stations, for the purpose of providing entertainment and news of a Canadian flavour. The content of programmes would consist almost entirely of tapes provided by the CBC at the expense of the Department of National Defence.

The original intention was to have a landline from the Canadian Army Radio Station in Werl, Germany to 3 (F) Wing, Zweibrucken and for the programmes from the Army to be retransmitted over the landlines and the RCAF micro-wave network to the five RCAF units. At present it appear that delays in the provision of a landline and the excessive cost of a landline will necessitate a separate RCAF network headquarters originating programme from the CBC tapes obtained from the Army after they have used them.

The transmitters have been purchased from a French manufacturer and the purchase of studio equipment is now in hand in conjunction with DDP. These purchases are from Public Funds.

In December 1959 Mr. Jack Craine of the CBC Armed Forces Programming Department visited Air Division units and had discussions with appropriate staff officers at Air Division Headquarters. One of the results of these discussions was the decision to recommend that the CBC take over the operation of the radio stations.

An important aspect of these radio stations in both Germany and France is that they are to operate within all the regulations laid down by appropriate national broadcasting authorities, on an FM band on wave lengths specified by the German and French governments.

The staff of the radio stations is voluntary at present except for one Supervisor of Air Divisions Broadcasting Services, Mr. KT Haslam from CBC who is paid by the DND. It is intended to ask that the permanent staff be provided from public resources. The maintenance of all equipment purchased from public funds would be the responsibility of the Telecommunications organization within Air Division.

Recreation

Jun – Nov 59

During this period inter-unit championships were held in softball, track and field, golf, swimming, basketball and bowling. There were also invitational basketball and tennis tournaments.

Inspections of recreational facilities, programme and equipment were carried out at 30 AMB and 1 (F) Wing.

Sep 59

The Command Recreation Officer conducted a hockey official’s school for one week at 3 (F) Wing. There were 26 Germans, 3 Swedes and 2 Swiss in attendance.

Oct 59

Another hockey official’s school was conducted at 3 (F0 Wing for 15 Canadian Army and 25 RCAF personnel.

Welfare

It was decided that all three Social Welfare Officers in the Command should work out of Metz, making periodic visits to the units. The positions established at 1 (F) Wing and 4 (F) Wing were, therefore, moved to 1 Air Div HQ; but the officer now at 1 (F) Wing will remain there until he is repatriated in the summer of 1960, at which time his replacement will come to 1 Air Div HQ.

Chaplaincy Service – Roman Catholic

Statistics for the period 1 Jun to 30 Nov 59 were:

No. of Masses (Sun and Holy Days)

433

Total attendance

44,016

No. of Masses (weekdays)

764

Total attendance

4,558

Catechism (children attending)

18,034

Families visited

615

Hospitals (No. of patients visited)

1,582

Total No. of Communions

9,668

Interviews

594

Special activities of the Staff Officer for Religious Administration (RC) were as follows:

12 – 14 Jun 59

  1. The SORA (RC) attended the International Air Force Pilgrimage in Lourdes, as delegate of the RCAF. The invitation has been extended by the Chief of the Air Staff of the French Air Force.
  2. 9 Nov 59

  3. The SORA (RC) was the guest speaker at a banquet of the American Army Holy Name Society in Verdun, 150 men attending.
  4. 10 – 17 Oct 59

  5. The SORA (RC) was the guest of the Portuguese Air Force. An invitation was extended by the Chief of the Air Staff of the Portuguese Air Force to the CAS in Ottawa, to have the SORA (RC) of 1 Air Division lecture to personnel of the Portuguese Air Force and participate with them in their national Pilgramage to Fatima.
  6. 28 Oct – 3 Nov 59

  7. The SORA (RC) attended at AFHQ the Integrated Command Chaplain’s Conference.

Chaplaincy Service – Protestant

Chaplains – 1 Air Division HQ – 1 Jun – 30 Nov 59

Until 1 Jul 59 – W/C ES Light SORA (P)

From 24 Jul 59 to 30 Nov 59 – S/L EWS Gilbert SORA (P)

Itinerant Chaplain (P) – F/L CH Jensen

Visitors – 1 Jun – 30 Nov 59

20 Aug – 2 Sep 59

Canadian Protestant Church Dignitaries from the Canadian Council of Churches were visitors to 1 Air Division between 20 Aug – 2 Sep 59 and included the following three clergymen:

  1. Re. PWH Eydt – Representing the Lutheran Church of Canada
  2. Rev. Dr. TR Davis – Representing the United Church of Canada
  3. Rev. JG Murdock – Representing the Presbyterian Church of Canada

These three clergymen in company with S/L Gilbert, acting as conducting officer, visited Air Div HQ, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Fighter Wings, SU/Metz, and 30 AMB Langar; preached in Service Chapels, and attended a one day conference at 1 (F) Wing of all the Chaplains (P) of 1 Air Division. These three Canadian Protestant Church Dignitaries thoroughly enjoyed their visit and greatly appreciated the hospitality extended to them as reported in their letter to A/V/M Wray, AOC, who also interviewed them while on their tour.

13 Oct – 27 Oct 59

G/C FW MacLean, Director of Religious Administration (Protestant) made his annual staff visit in company with S/L Gilbert between 13 – 27 Oct 59. He visited 1 Air div HQ, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Fighter Wings, SU/Metz, Choloy Cemetery, 30 AMB, CJS Air Ministry London and the University of Edinburgh where he interviewed Canadian clergy who are studying there and who may be employed as Sup. Res. Chaplains (P) during the annual leave. This is one aspect of the work of the Chaplaincy (P) in France and Germany, where with the language barrier and the comparative scarcity of Protestant Clergy, it is a little more difficult to employ Officiating Clergymen for relief during annual leave and for certain emergencies which may arise from time to time when extra Chaplain (P) assistance is required.

Statistics – Religious Activities (P)

1 Jun – 30 Nov 59

Protestant Strength

3,496

Protestant Strength Dependents and Civilians

7,592

No. Divine Worship Services conducted

150

Total Attendance at Divine Worship Services

17,392

No. of Holy Communion Services conducted

57

Total Attendance at Communion Services

1,276

No. of Services conducted in Civilian Churches

7

Total Attendance at Civilian Churches

1,235

Total number of Casualty Calls by Chaplaincy (P)

103

Total number of Baptisms

151

Total number of Marriages

40

Total number of Funerals

17

Total number of Hospitals visited by Padres (P)

314

Total number of Patients visited by Padres (P)

1,033

Total number of Sunday School Sessions

45

Total number of children attending SS Sessions

7,904

Total number of Day School Religious Education Sessions

172

Total number of children attending Day School R.E. Sessions

6,913

 

 

ANNEX I
TO APPENDIX "I" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION RCAF – STRENGTH – 30 NOVEMBER 19598

 

OFFICERS

     

UNIT AND LOCATION

MALE

FEMALE

AIRMEN

AIRWOMEN

CIVILIAN
EMPLOYEES

1 Air Division HQ, Metz, France

132

3

136

36

24

1 Air Division Support Unit, Metz, France

22

3

263

27

271

61 AC&W Squadron and 6 TACC, Metz, France

34

 

170

33

 

6 Movements Unit, Paris, France

4

 

14

 

6

1 (F) Wing, Marville, France

170

7

983

37

374

2 (F) Wing, Grostenquin, France

199

8

1,200

52

421

3 (F) Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany

177

12

971

40

446

4 (F) Wing, Baden-Soellingen, Germany

170

7

968

37

475

30 Air Materiel Base, Langar, England

53

2

289

22

357

RCAF Air Weapons Unit, Decimomannu, Sardinia, Italy

8

 

67

 

28

RCAF Advisory Group to WGAF, Oldenburg, Germany

20

 

22

   

INTEGRATED STAFFS

ACNMR, SHAPE, Paris, France

13

 

13

   

RCAF Support Unit, AAFCE, Fontainbleau, France

24

 

67

   

RCAF Support Unit, 4 ATAF, Ramstein, Germany

25

 

90

   

ANNEX II TO
APPENDIX "I" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

MARRIED QUARTERS AND DEPENDENTS

Unit

No. of PMQs

No. of Families

No. of Children

   

1957

1958

1959

1957

1958

1959

HQ

152

444

519

618

744

816

1094

1 (F) Wing

419

719

787

836

1119

1234

1532

2 (F) Wing

443

890

995

976

1130

1502

1655

3 (F) Wing

400

701

835

883

1072

1394

1605

4 (F) Wing

400

792

847

810

1116

1383

1542

30 AMB

201

302

297

299

517

587

630

AWU

Nil

-

44

52

-

79

130

Sub Totals

2015

3848

4324

4474

5698

6995

8188

4 ATAF

Nil

123

139

104

239

276

209

AAFCE & SHAPE

Nil

125

131

121

229

282

255

TOTALS

2015

4096

4594

4699

6166

7553

8652

APPENDIX "J" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Security
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

NARRATIVE REPORT

1 Jul 59

S/L DJ Heath, SOSec was repatriated to Canada and F/L VF Mulroy was TOS from SU Metz to be Command Security Officer.

1 Aug 59

S/L MV Whitfield was TOS to be SOSec.

The following is a general resume of the main activities in this branch during the period.

Security Section

The work of the security section during the period under review continued mainly as before.

The following figures may be of interest:-

  1. 587 requests for security clearance were forwarded to AFHQ.
  2. 1323 security clearances were received from AFHQ and distributed to the appropriate units.
  3. 334 names were added to the Air Division black list, bringing the total to 3478.
  4. 102 security lectures were delivered to at total of 3783 personnel.
  5. 9 security infractions involving the improper transmission of classified matter were reported by the HQ against units in Canada.
  6. 62 security infractions were actioned against units in a Air Division.
  7. 5 vulnerability tests were conducted: one each a 1, 2, and 3 (F) Wings and two at 4 (F) Wing.

Considerable progress has been made in the field of security planning and organization. This has involved amendment of divisional and unit Emergency Defence Plans and reorganization of unit Emergency Security Forces. Vulnerability Tests have proved these measures to be basically sound.

The number of security lectures given during the period are somewhat less than during the previous period. We are, however, placing more emphasis on the importance of practical exercises, such as vulnerability tests, as an effective security indoctrination medium. Display of security posters continues and posters are changed frequently.

The security clearances programme continues as before.

Fewer complaints are received regarding the number of personnel arriving in 1 Air Division uncleared. The problem does, however, still exist and the matter has been taken up with AFHQ. Many of the security clearances requested during the period involve personnel who are already basically cleared for their normal jobs but who require a higher degree of clearance for War Task Assignment training. AFHQ continues to give good service in processing requests.

Police Section

Crime and PMC Accidents

Attached as Annex I is a recapitulation by units of incidents investigated by AFP. It will be noted that a large percentage of the accidents involves PMC accidents and related offences. For the same period in 1958 the total number of incidents was 647. The reduction of 98 can be attributed to a decrease of 62 in PMC accidents and 20 less cases of impaired/drunk driving. Annex II contains a recapitulation by units showing a breakdown of PMC Accidents including dispositions. A total of 373 accidents as shown on Annex Ii is the actual accident total. The figure of 366 on Annex I does not include fatal cases which are included under the "Deaths" heading.

AF Licensing

No major changes in AF Licensing policy occurred during this period. This branch continued to administer the licensing of all RCAF PMCs in France, Germany and Italy. At the beginning of the period there was a total of 5467 PMC registered. At the end, there were 5657 PMC. During this period the following licensing documentation was issued:

2312 Carnets

2624 Registration Certificates

3473 International Certificates

1960 Operator Licenses

2828 International driver permits

1543 Vehicles were registered into the AF system. This includes 49 scooters and motorcycles.

INCIDENTS INVESTIGATED BY 1 AIR DIVISION AIR FORCE POLICE
1 Jun 58 to 30 Nov 58

INCIDENT

SU METZ

61 AC&W

1 FWG

2 FWG

3 FWG

4 FWG

30 AMB

AWU

TOTAL

DEATHS

(All Headings)

3

NIL

2

1

2

3

NIL

1

12

ASSAULTS

(All Headings)

Nil

1

1

1

3

1

NIL

1

8

THEFTS & RELATED OFFENCES - PUBLIC PROPERTY

2

1

6

NIL

2

9

1

11

32

THEFTS & RELATED OFFENCES - NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY

1

NIL

1

1

NIL

1

NIL

2

6

THEFTS & RELATED OFFENCES - PRIVATE PROPERTY

1

NIL

2

2

2

8

2

2

19

DAMAGE (includes fire but not PMC & GME)

1

NIL

5

3

3

2

2

1

17

ACCIDENTS – GME

5

NIL

15

8

7

6

3

1

45

ACCIDENTS – PMC

43

24

100

67

70

48

12

2

366

AWA

1

NIL

1

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2

MISCELLANEOUS –DISOBEDIENCE/ DISORDERLY CONDUCT/MISCHIEF

1

NIL

1

4

4

9

1

4

24

" – IMPAIRED AND DRUNK DRIVING

2

NIL

NIL

1

2

9

NIL

NIL

14

" – ASSISTANCE TO OTHER FORCES

2

NIL

NIL

2

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4

TOTAL

62

26

134

90

95

96

21

25

549

APPENDIX "L" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Visitors
Period from 1 Jun 59 to 30 Nov 59

4 Jun 59

Mr James Edwards, Station CKJA Edmonton

17 Jun 59

A/V/M IC Cornblat, AFHQ/Comptroller

18 Jun 59

A/C WI Clements, AOC,MAC – Display Argus Aircraft

23 Jun 59

Mr. Delbar, French Liaison Mission

10 Jul 59

G/C WL Orr, Radiologist, DND Hospital Rockcliffe

19 Jul 59

Mr. JS Sanderson, Deputy Minister Finance Overseas

23 Jul 59

His Excellency Leon Mayrand, Ambassador to Italy

24 Jul 59

Gen FF Everest, Commander 4 ATAF

26 Jul 59

G/C AC Hull, AFHQ/CAS/CPlans

27 Jul 59

Major HA Smedor, Canadian Armed Forces Identification Bureau

11 Aug 59

A/C DE MacKell Ret., General Manager Benevolent Fund

18 Aug 59

A/M Sir Walter Merton, Chief of Staff, AAFCE

25 Aug 59

Rev PWH Eydt, Lutheran Church Representative
Rev JG Murdock, Presbyterian Church Representative
Rev. TR Davies, United Church Representative

27 Aug 59

A/V/M GL Annis, AOC/AMC
G/C RH Bray, SLCO/AMC

30 Aug 59

Mr. William Brett, Embassy Paris

4 Sep 59

Mr. E Cronan ,Radio Station CHED Edmonton
Mr. D Ranson, Radio Station CHED Edmonton

11 Sep 59

A/V/M Easton, Air Member Technical Services

16 Sep 59

A/C DAR Bradshaw, ADC/D/Ops

24 Sep 59

Lt. Col. WA Reed, CALE London

24 Sep 59

Hon Donald Fleming, Minister of Finance
Mr. L Rominski, Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance
Mr. Warren, Dept of Trade & Commerce
Mr. H Hamilton, Special Assistant to Minister of Finance

27 Sep 59

G/C WR Franks, Scientific Advisor (Aviation Medicine) to the CAS
G/C DG Nelson, Institute of Aviation Medicine
W/C JC Wickett, Institute of Aviation Medicine

29 Sep 59

Brig WJ Lawson, JAG
Comm JW Scott RCN, AJAG London
Major LL England, DJA 4 CIBG
Captain R Savoie, ADJA 4 CIBG
Captain JB Fay, ADJA 4 CIBG
Lt. RF Barnes RCN, Canadian Liaison Officer, Lands and Claims Directorate BOAR Dusseldorf

13 Oct 59

G/C FW MacLean, Director of Religious Administration (P)

14 Oct 59

Colonel de Villemandy, Central Mission Paris
Commandant Galvin, 1ere CATAC
Lt. Col. Andlover, 1ere CATAC
Mr. RP Decas, 1ere CATAC, Signing of technical agreement for operation of Canadian Forces Network.

16 Oct 59

Mr. Kamoff-Nicolsky

Directorate of Air Intelligence AFHQ

19 Oct 59

Gen FF Smith, Commander 4 ATAF

20 Oct 59

Mr. R Churchill, Infrastructure Member Canadian Delegation to NATO
Mr. D Gow, Program Officer Products and Logistics Division North Atlantic Council
Captain MSC Dickinson, Deputy Military Advisor Canadian Delegation to NATO.

21 Oct 59

A/C CF Johns, Assistant Deputy Minister – Construction & Properties DND

30 Oct 59

The Right Honourable George A Drew, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
His Excellency PA Beaulieu QC, Ambassador to Lebanon
His Excellency Jean Bruschesi, Ambassador to Spain
His Excellency Leon Mayrand, Ambassador to Italy
His Excellency Sydney D Pierce, Ambassador to Belgium
His Excellency A Rive, Ambassador to Ireland
His Excellency Benjamin Rogers, Ambassador to Turkey
His Excellency AC Smith, Ambassador to United Arab Republic
His Excellency JBC Watkins, Ambassador to Denmark
Mr. GB Summers, Minister to Iran
Mr. AJ Andrew, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Consul to Czechoslovakia
Mr. OW Dier, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Consul to Finland
Mr. W MacLeod, Canadian Delegate to NATO
Mr. N Haffey, Canadian Delegate to NATO
W/C AJ Byford, SHAPE

5 Nov 59

Gen Steinhoff, German Air Force

23 Nov 59

Col KH McKibbon, 4 CIBG