2451 AC&W Sqn (Aux) Windsor Ont

Broadcast re Official Opening of Headquarters
National Archives of Canada


Last Saturday night we attended the official opening of the building that houses the 2451 Squadron (Auxiliary) of the Royal Canadian Air Force located on Erie Street in the building formerly occupied by Peerless Dairies. A most remarkable change has come over the building and it now contains all the elements necessary to the training of young men in aircraft control and warning and a variety of other pursuits in the Air Force. The realization of this splendid adjunct to the Defense forces in the Windsor Area is due to the extremely hard work of Squadron Leader J Mencel, who has devoted nearly all of his spare time to the formation of the auxillary now fully blossomed and on its own. In a brief history of 2451 Squadron compiled by Flying Officer HO Brumpton who is President of the Officers Mess Committee it is indicated that at a close of the second World War Windsor was discovered to have the highest RCAF per capita enlistment in the whole of Canada. As the hundreds of Air Force veterans returned to their homes, it was determined to form an organization whereby the proud record of enlistment and the memory of over 400 airmen killed in action might be perpetuated. The organization was carried out with the help of Wing Commander the Rev MC Davies at that time chaplain to the Air Force and the first meeting took place in St Georges Chruch of which Father Davies was rector. It has prospered and all the men who became members of the organization have assisted in some way or other so that the beautiful and most modern building they now occupy is the fruit of that work. It is not only a monumnet to those who paid with their lives but a monument to the energetic efforts of Squadron Leader Mencel and his officers. Here is a gold opportunity to young men to investigate some phase of the Air Force that might suit them. Aircrew, ground crew and airwomen as well. Opportunites are unlimited and any applicants for service will be amazed at the complete educational facilities that are afforded them. For young men and women, no matter whether they be just setting forth in life or wanting a change from their present occupation the RCAF offers a challenging career of prestige, travel and opportunity. I suggest to such that they pay a visit to the new building on Erie Street, East and find out for themselves.