Historical Narrative
2455 AC&W Sqn (Aux) Victoria, BC.
1 December 1955 to 31 May 1956
Dec 55
Trade Tests were held for all eligible personnel on December 18th. On the afternoon of the same date a Christmas Party was arranged for the families of all married personnel.
Jan 56
There was a change of command on the first day of the new year wherein S/L RD Higgins assumed the position of Commanding Officer of 2455 AC&W Sqn upon the resignation of S/L WM Martin. A handing over ceremony was held in the Bay Street Armouries on the night of 5 Jan. Friends and relatives were invited and a good coverage was obtained in the local press.
On 2 Jan open house was held in both the Officers' and Sergeants' Messes for the other Armed Force Units in this vicinity. Reciprocal visits were made by members of this Sqn and in addition Officers visited Government House as well as City Hall.
On 9 Jan WO2 Edwards of the Support Staff proceeded on approximately four months instructional duties at Sea Island.
Two of our airwomen, junior NCOs, left for a two week SIT course at Trenton starting on 14 Jan.
Discussions on the second RTTP course started early this year with a visit to 19 Wing HQ. The Commanding Officer along with the OC Support and the Chief Instructor for the RTTP personnel spent the day of 15 Jan in planning for an early start on training.
On 21 Jan a Mess Dinner in honour of S/L Martin, the retiring CO, was held. Representatives of 19 Wing and 5 Air Div were in attendance.
Feb 56
On 6 Feb we were favoured with a visit from S/L Deane-Freeman (SPSO) of 5 Air Div.
Cpl Clark (Supply Support) proceeded on the two week NCO's course held at Sea Island. Immediately upon his return Cpl Foisy, also of Support Staff, attended the next course starting on 20 Feb.
On Feb 24 W/C Gibson (SOMS) of 19 Wing visited this Unit for the evening. F/O McLachlan, OC Support, left on this same date for a six week Junior Officer's Admin Course held at London, Ont.
F/O Jacobs, 5 Air Div Welfare Officer, visited us on 27 Feb. On the next day, an inspection was made of the whole building by F/L Cavanagh of 5 Air Div Security Branch.
Mar 56
On the 2 Mar S/L Cook from Stn Sea Island visited the Equipment Section at this Unit.
A Fingerprint Parade was arranged for Sunday, 18 Mar. F/O Jack and his party fingerprinted 34 members of this Sqn and photographs were taken of those who had not yet been issued with identification cards for security purposes.
Apr 56
Normal training classes were held during Apr and the usual monthly Sports Parade was arranged for 19 Apr.
The RTTP training program started on Sunday 8 Apr with lectures to almost 80 young men and women. On this same day Officers' Qualifying Exams and Trade Tests were held.
Pay Parade was held on 12 Apr. In the evening we had a visit from S/L McGillvray of 5 Air Div.
Trade Tests were written on Sunday, 15 Apr. The Commanding Officer and OC Support attended a conference at 19 Wing HQ.
Cpl Campbell attended the Junior NCO's Course at Sea Island from 16-27 Apr.
May 56
On 21 May a large contingent of airmen and airwomen paraded in the Victoria Day Parade with the able assistance of 19 Wing Band.
The Annual Mess Dinner was held in the Officers' Mess on 12 May. Visiting dignitaries included representatives from 5 Air Div and 19 Wing as well as other armed forces in the Victoria area.
The following Offices were filling the positions as shown with but one change in the past six months:
| CO | S/LWM Martin to Dec 31 55 |
| CO | S/L RD Higgins from 1 Jan 56 |
| COpsO | F/L RV Ostler |
In the period covered by this diary ten trips were made to Comox for contact training. An average of eight personnel proceeded each trip. Individual reports have already been submitted to Wing HQ covering each movement.
(RD Higgins) S/L,
CO 2455 AC&W Sqn (Aux)
Victoria, BC