Grostenquin France

Extracts from 2 Wing Historical Reports Pertaining to the Protestant Chapel

3 Jul 53

F/L Bracher, Chaplain (P), proceeded to Wiesbaden on TD.

5 Jul 53

W/C Dunn, Chaplain (P) of Air Division held the Protestant sercives this morning in the absence of F/L Bracher.

24 Oct 53

F/L GS Clark and F/L N Bracher departed by GMT for Soestuberg to attend a conference of AAFCE Chaplain services abd chapel warders.

12 Dec 53

S/L W Rogers reported in from Air Division HQ to relieve F/L N Bracher, Protestant Padre.

22 Dec 53

The New Years promotions were light, only three officers receiving promotion to higher rank. To S/L – F/L JN Bracher, Prot/Chap.

14 Jan 54

The station observed the funeral service of the late F/O KI Latta. Services were conducted in the unit Protestant Chapel with S/L JN Bracher officiating.

20 Feb 54

S/L Rogers, 1 Air Division Protestant Chaplain arrived to conduct services 21 Feb during absence of S/L Bracher.

25 Mar 54

Chapel furniture for Protestant Chapel arrived from Paris and is being installed.

11 Apr 54

G/C McLean, RCAF Principal Protestant Chaplain/AFHQ, arrived at 1000 hours to officially dedicate the Protestant Chapel. G/C Randall from Air Division represented the AOC. Others in attendance were S/L Rodgers, Air Division Chaplain (P) and Pastor Martin Achard of the Eglise Reformee de France, Nancy. G/C W Weiser read the first lesson, the second was read by F/O BO Mayne.

14 Apr 54

Compulsory church service, Protestant, 0830 hours.

14 May 54

Funeral service conducted in Protestant Chapel for the late 42265 F/O GD MacDonald. Deceased accorded a full Service funeral and interment with honours conducted at French Armed Forces Cemetery a Chambiere in suburban Metz. A large attendance was evident.

9 Jun 54

The funeral of the late 49903 LAC KC Haskill took place today. Chapel service in the Protestant Chapel at 0900 hours, interment in French Military Cemetery, Chambiere, Metz, at 1100 hours.

23 Jun 54

Funeral of LAC RE McConnell took place today. Chapel Service conducted by S/L JN Bracher in the Protestant Chapel, interment in the French Military Cemetery at Chambiere, Metz.

21 Aug 54

Funeral of late F/O FG Robins 416 (F) Squadron held in Station Protestant Chapel. S/L JN Bracher officiated as well as the father of the deceased, Rev. G Robins, who came over from the UK where he was visiting to attend the ceremony. Interment was made in Chambiere Military Cemetery.

9 Sep 54

W/C LC Scott, Air Division Chap/P reported in on chaplain duties and conferred with the CO and his subordinate, S/L JN Bracher.

13 Sep 54

Unit engrossed in clearing details involving the return of the body of late 43043 F/O JHP Volfing, 416 (F) Squadron who was killed on take off during Operation "Weapons Fire" at Rabat on 12 Sep. Tentative date of chapel funeral service this unit 1500 hours 16 Sep 54 in Protestant Chapel.

16 Sep 54

The remains of the later 43043 F/O JHP Volfing were tendered a service in the Protestant chapel at which S/L JN Bracher officiated.

29 Oct 54

The funeral of the late F/O RH Curran was held in the Station Protestant Chapel. Interment was made in the Armed Forces Military Cemetery (Canadian Section) at Choloy, near Toul.

24 Dec 54

A service was held in the Protestant Chapel which was very well attended.

1 Aug 56

Rev Dr. G Dorey, Moderator United Church of Canada, arrived 2 (F) Wing for an informal visit. He was accompanied by W/C Light from Air Div.

18 Mar 57

Funeral for F/O Bill Wilson held at 0900 hours in the Protestant Chapel. Church was filled.