Grostenquin France

1965 - 2 Wing PMQs - Hazel Gould


We were transferred to 4 Wing Baden-Soellingen in 1964. The RCAF was making use of the PMQs at 2 Wing as transient accommodation for those families transferred to Europe. In our case, we arrived at the 2 Wing PMQs in November 1964 and eventually departed in February 1965 - when we had obtained housing in the 4 Wing area. We spent our first Christmas overseas in the 2 Wing PMQs. We had travelled overseas with four children so it was a happy time. Two of the blocks at 2 Wing were being used for transient accommodation for the wives and children - the husbands came home on their days off. While the husbands were away, the only male in the area was the "bus driver" who took us to Metz for groceries etc. The women took turns going, some went for supplies and others baby sat. We had a female doctor. The school age children went to the school and if I remember correctly our children used one part of the school and the French children were starting to use the other part. I know they pulled lots of tricks on our kids!!! We also used the church there. Since our children were quite young I don't remember using any other facilities. We were still there when our flag came into being on 15 February 1965 and the school children were bused to Metz for that celebration. When we left towards the end of February, the unused PMQ blocks were being emptied out with dishes, furniture etc. being taken away by the truck load.