2403 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Auxiliary)
Calgary, Alta.

National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report of
2403 AC&WU Squadron (Aux)
1 June 1955 to 30 November 1955

19 Jun 55

F/L FE Clarke was appointed Commanding Officer of 2403 AC&W Sqn (aux) Unit eff 24 Apr 55, and a special parade was called for Handing Over Ceremony. F/L Clarke succeeds S/L Sargenia, CO of this unit since its formation in 1952. S/L Sargenia, now holds the position of C Tech O at 30 Wing Headquarters.

23 Jun 55

Last parade before summer standdown was held this date. A Wiener Roast was organized by the Fighter Control Operators of this unit and held at Twin Bridges, which proved to be a very good location.

17 Jul 55

First parade after two week summer standdown was held this date.

21 Jul 55

The members of 2403 AC&W Sqn (Aux) attended a Steak Bake at Paradise Cove, in honour of S/L G Sargenia, who was transferred to 30 Wing Headquarters. A beautifully framed picture was presented by S/L FE Clarke, Commanding Officer, 2403 AC&W Sqn, to S/L and Mrs Sargenia.

24 Jul 55

Last parade before Summer Camp Training was held this date.

30 Jul 55

A total of 10 officers, 11 airmen and 10 airwomen of 2403 AC&WSqn (Aux) travelled by rail and PMC to 51 AC&W Sqn Comox, BC for two weeks continual operational training. For the first year, 403 Fighter Sqn and 2403 AC&W Sqn, under 30 Wing HQ, operated together during their composite training.

15 Sep 55

First parade after summer standdown was held this date.

21 Sep 55

A Squadron party was held in the Airmen's Canteen for the purpose of presenting F/L JH Hilton a gift from the Commanding Officer and personnel of 2403 AC&W Sqn. F/L Hilton, Support Officer, was transferred to Cold Lake and F/O JA Sutherland TOS'd to replace F/L Hilton.

2 Oct 55

Commanding Officers Parade. S/L Clarke addressed the RTTP (B) airmen and airwomen who were TOS after completing summer training at 3053 TTU, under Commanding Officer, S/L RC Parkyn and his training staff.

13 Oct 55

Reggie Wilson and Ian Christie of the Herald visited the Squadron for the purpose of procuring photos and information regarding the activities of our women personnel, in conjunction with the recruiting drive by the local Recruiting Unit. S/L JT Hall, COpsO, Cold Lake AC&W Sqn accompanied by Captain Stewart visited 2403 AC&W sqn for the purpose of investigating GCI Training and feasibility of weekend exercises for our Squadron to Cold Lake.

20 Oct 55

Several prospective Fighter Controllers visited the Sqn. This was due largely to a very effective ad in the local newspapers.

27 Oct 55

S/L WL Baynton, CD, from Air Defence Command HQ, S/L AR Bellis, DFC, CD and S/L NA Keene, DFC, CD visited Wing Headquarters for the purpose of discussing Officer and Airmen Career Policies, and Administration Memorandums were prepared by the Commanding Officers' of each Sqn in 30 Wing Headquarters. These were discussed to considerable length at a Wing Conference held.

3 Nov 55

F/L AB Cavanagh CD, Security Staff Officer from 5 Air Division HQ visited various units at RCAF Station Calgary. He gave a good report on the Security Program of our Sqn, but suggested frequent reading of CAP 425, and an occasional lecture on security.

4 Nov 55

A Dining In Night at RCAF Station Calgary, for all Officers in honour of A/C WA Orr, CBE, CD whose visit to Calgary was held this date.

With a concentrated recruiting effort of F/L GC Grainger and his staff, and the summer training of recruits by 3053 TTU, the last six months period has shown a marked increase in our own Ftr COp and Rdr PC strength.

The strength of 2403 AC&W Sqn as at 30 Nov 1955 was as follows:

REGULAR OFFICERS1
REGULAR AIRMEN6
AUXILIARY OFFICERS 12
AUXILIARY AIRMEN46
AUXILIARY AIRWOMEN27
TOTAL92

(FE Clarke) S/L,
CO 2403 AC&WU (Aux) RCAF,
Calgary, Alta.