PROGRAM
No. 31 EFTS Plaque Dedication
June 15, 2016, 1300
1300: MC call to order and explanation of the purpose of the event, call for the Royal Canadian Legion Color Party from Turner Valley Legion Branch 78
1310: Legion Color Party marches on with piper
1320: Singing of O Canada
1325: Colors are deposited and Color Party sits down
1330: MC gives general welcome and introduces special guests
-Mrs Susan Cowan,
-Ray Churchill, No. 31 Veteran Instructor
-Honourary Colonel No. 444 Squadron, Dr Stéphan Gouvrement RCAF
-F/L James Andrews RAF
-Honourary Consuls present (with Daily Diary notes as appropriate)
1335: MC gives brief history of the school adding some color from the Daily Diary
MC notes the contributions by Okotoks and District Historical Society, the MD of Foothills, the family of Jesse Knight, property owners, and the cooperation of the Alberta Motor Association
1345: Guest speakers introduced by MC
-RAF representative F/L James Andrews
-RCAF representative Honorary Colonel Dr Stephan Gouvrement
1400: Unveiling of the plaque
-Susan Cowan
-F/L James Andrews
-Veteran Ray Churchill
1405: Dedication of the plaque by Chaplain Susan Wilkinson-Matticks
1410: Fly past by training aircraft
1420: Closing comments by MC and invitation to the reception at Davisburg Community Hall 14: Singing of God Save the Queen
1425: Colors marched off by the Royal Canadian Legion
1430: Program ends
Speaker’s Notes
No. 31 EFTS De Winton Plaque Dedication
June 15, 2016, 1300
1300: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for coming out to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Royal Air Force Station De Winton, home of No. 31 Elementary Flying Training School.
Would everyone stand, please, for the arrival of the Color Party with members of the Turner Valley Legion and piper David Bodkin.
Please remain standing for our National Anthem (recorded music).
May I draw your attention to the east of the aerodrome and the arrival of our honorary fly-past. Dave Birrell of the Nanton Bomber Command Museum will provide commentary as the aircraft come by. Dave?
Thank you, Dave.
* * * * *
I will begin our program with some introductions. Wayne Anderson, MLA for Highwood is with us today along with Pat Stier, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod. John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, could not attend but sent a certificate of congratulations to his constituents. Members of the Municipal District of Foothills Council, Mayor Larry Spilak and councilors Rick Percifield, Delilah Miller, Jason Parker, Suzanne Oel, Ron Chase and Ted Mills could not be present as today is the regular meeting of Council.
I will now introduce our platform party:
-Susan Wilkinson-Matticks is the United Church Pastor at Gladys, Blackie and Nanton. We asked for Susan because the United Church at Gladys is the last remaining public building in use in that community. South of Gladys, about two miles, is the relief field for De Winton airfield, known then as RCAF Station Gladys Ridge.
-Susan Cowan is the daughter of Squadron Leader Ron Watts, the longest serving RAF commander here at De Winton. Her brother Jon is also with us today from Toronto. Susan has the distinction of having had her birth in London, England reported in the secret Daily Diary of RAF De Winton.
-Dr Stéphane Guevrement is Honorary Colonel of No. 419 Squadron Cold Lake. His career in aviation started as an aircraft mechanic working at Pratt and Whitney Canada. He then taught French as a second language to federal government employees and later earned a Ph.D. in history at the University of Calgary on the development of the Canadian aircraft industry. He has been a lecturer in European and military history at Mount Royal University and with Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. I came to know Stéphane in his capacity as vice-president of the Calgary branch of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. He currently teaches on his own for adult audiences and is a regular columnist on CBC French Radio One.
-Flight Lieutenant James Andrews is the Royal Air Force liaison officer to Canada. He and his team support all United Kingdom military activity here and in particular provide support to British forces training at Suffield, Alberta. James has also served at RAF stations in England and at Basrah, Iraq and Akrotiri, Crete.
-Squadron Leader Rae Churchill joined the RCAF in September 1940 and trained at Regina and Dauphin, Manitoba. He trained as a flying instructor at Trenton and was then posted to No. 32 EFTS Bowden from August 1941 to November 1942. Rae was then sent to No. 34 operational training unit at Pennfield Ridge where he crewed up and trained on Venturas. Overseas, he was assigned to No. 42 Special Duties Squadron where he towed gliders and dropped agents and supplies to help the French Resistance. After the war, Rae re-upped in 1946 flying with photo and transportation squadrons out of Rockcliffe. In the 1960s, Rae took the North Star course and flew on military supply missions to Italy, France, the United Kingdom and into the Congo.
-Constable Corey Forsythe joins us from the Okotoks Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
My name is Tim Johnston.
* * * * *
We have some other special guests with us this afternoon. As you know, De Winton received students from nearly 20 countries, as reported in the Daily Diary. I am very pleased that the following honorary consuls in Calgary are with us this afternoon representing the young men of their respective counties who learned to fly here at No. 31 EFTS:
-Ms Lauren Webber is representing the United Kingdom Consulate.
-Mr Roy Klassen and Kim Jamieson are here from the French Consulate.
-Ms Iva Docekalova is standing in for Czech Consul Jerry Jelinek.
-Mr Egil Bjornsen and his wife Shari are here representing Norway. Egil’s father trained at Little Norway at Gravenhurst, Ontario and flew as a navigator with RAF Squadron 166. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
-Ms Barbara Johnston is the Belgian Consul in Calgary. She is also one of my brilliant nieces.
-Ms Irene Bakker is Calgary Consul for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Each May, Irene places flowers on the graves of the Dutch students who lost their lives while here on training.
-POLAND?
Thank you, consuls. We greatly appreciate your presence and the flags of the nations that you represent.
* * * * *
No. 31 EFTS De Winton, so named because the village of De Winton had the nearest post office during the war years, was formed in England on April 16, 1941. It was one of six elementary flying training schools relocated to Canada early in the war. The reason for its movement and that of service flying training and other aircrew schools was the tremendous operational pressure on British airfields following the fall of Denmark, Norway and France. Canada agreed to do its best to provide airfields in addition to those underway for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, with the clear understanding that Britain would pay for these additional facilities.
The first draft of instructors, ground crew and students were initially housed at Calgary’s Municipal Airport where training began with a single Tiger Moth borrowed from No. 2 Wireless School. By mid-October, the school began moving to its new home here at
De Winton. According to the Daily Diary, none of the buildings were complete, there were no telephones and sanitation facilities were described as “primitive”. But within a short time, life on the base assumed a normal rhythm with a newspaper being produced, dances and sports event organized and flying training picking up at a terrific pace. As of May 1942, the school reported a strength of 48 officers, 52 senior NCOs, 306 airmen, 193 pupils and 30 civilians. On charge were 31 Tiger Moths and 71 Stearman PT 27s.
Here are some quotes from the Daily Diary that reflect on the international makeup of the school. On July 22, 1942 the diarist wrote, “This unit now appears to be a veritable international brigade. Varied tongues can be heard daily throughout the camp and some interesting conversations are the result.” On August 5, an Australian instructor reported for duty. “His Royal Australian Air Force uniform would normally arouse a certain amount of interested comment on account of its smartness but this unit is so overrun with uniforms of every style and color from many parts of Europe that at first glance one might be excused for confusing it with one or two of the others.” A Free French untrained pilot arrived here September 13, 1942, sparking this nugget from the Daily Diary: “Lieutenant Jaquelin has reported for training. He has been in the French diplomatic service in Honolulu and is possessed not only of the diplomat’s well-known charm but also of the typical diplomat’s wardrobe, fully stocked and supremely immaculate. It is the despair of every poverty stricken Canadian and Englishman in the mess by whom it has been fingered with awe not unmixed with envy.”
In July 1942, this and all other RAF schools transferred to Canada were formally incorporated into the BCATP. The Toronto Flying Club took over management of
De Winton but instructors remained RAF personnel under the command of a RAF senior officer. The first manager was E O Houghton, a Royal Flying Corp pilot veteran of World War One. The change to civilian management of the elementary schools meant that a great deal of the food and supplies for the bases could be sourced locally. Spare parts for aircraft could also be purchased directly without the need to go through official RCAF procurement channels. Food and accommodation at the elementary schools was almost universally found to be of a very high standard. This was key to successful operations and achievement of high standards of training.
The changeover also meant that local people, including women, would be hired to work in messes, on the flight line and in administrative positions. An entry in the June 17, 1942 Daily Diary, however, issued this caution: “Although so far there have been no complications through the presence of female employees on the unit, an order has been issued to the effect that service personnel are not to fraternize with them or speak to them other than in the normal course of duty within the bounds of the camp. This seems to be a fairly obvious precaution.” If you have had a chance to see Anne Gafiuk’s new book “She Made Them Family” you will soon learn how short lived that directive was.
More evidence is available from the Diary’s February 24, 1943 entry. “An amusing occurrence, which must be unique in air force annals, took place today when Pilot Officer Hill, who has been described as a benevolent deity’s gift to the local female population, appeared for duty in his flight although his seven days leave had already commenced. He thereby lost a day in Vancouver. It is assumed that one of the local beauties has so turned this Lothario’s head that he is no longer conscious of whether he is on leave or on duty.”
And in a final reference to females on the base, this entry from May 5, 1943: “More American Cornels are arriving ferried by both male and female pilots, many of them very interesting people. The ladies were entertained in the officers’ mess for meals to the mutual enjoyment of, it is behoped, themselves and certainly of the staff. The girls are Americans who looked very smart in their grey uniforms and seemed to be enjoying their work.”
Operating an organization that regularly saw a large flow-through of personnel from many parts of the world presented unusual challenges. One of these was the maintenance of high levels of health amongst students who arrived at De Winton, usually after passing through No. 2 Embarkation Depot at Moncton, New Brunswick.
Nearly all of the Daily Diaries reported fears and concerns about contagious diseases and De Winton was no exception. January 18, 1943: “The medical officer has a sense of impending doom. A female member of the civilian staff has contracted mumps. It would be pure chance if many of her coworkers do not also succumb. Calgary hospitals will not admit her and the unit has no facilities for hospitalization or isolation. Considerable loss of man hours is anticipated.” And a month later, “Scarlet fever epidemic. The medical officer reports still another case from 73 course making nine so far. Isolation hospital at No. 10 Repair Depot is now full. He feels all we can do now is to trust in God and keep gargling.” The Diary reported in March “Moncton threat amply fulfilled. New course threatens to eclipse the record of 73 course. One man has already fallen and there are many suspects. The situation is discouraging. No sooner is one outbreak under control than new infection arrives from Moncton’s ever-full reservoir of disease.”
Another challenge was winter weather. Cold conditions affected everything from the operation of aircraft to the condition of roads leading to the airbase. Here are a couple of entries that characterize the challenges and how some were met.
January 16, 1943: “Flying carried out until 1500 when it had to be washed out as the breather pipes on the aircraft were freezing causing excessive oil pressure. Ailerons were also freezing. The medical officer reports that fortunately none of the intrepid aviators had to force land outside the aerodrome. If they had done so they would have undoubtedly perished miserably as there would have been little hope of an ambulance reaching them in time.”
And one of my favorite entries in this Diary is dated January 21, 1943 and shows how the senior officers displayed leadership. “As a result of the blizzard and in an effort to clear the road to the main highway so that five private cars marooned and abandoned by the roadside could be rescued, the bulldozer had been sent out. Unfortunately, Alberta snowdrifts proved even too much for it and it had also succumbed and given up the ghost in the ditch. A heroic arctic volunteer rescue party, nobly led by the CO and ably assisted by his two chief henchmen, the padre and the chief flying instructor, muffled to the eyebrows ventured forth to extricate the bulldozer. Unfortunately, after battling the six miles to the bulldozer, they found they required the keys to even get it out of gear for towing. In spite of this additional handicap, heroic efforts were made but the unwillingness of the bulldozer to cooperate, the snapping of several towing cables, and the most un-English weather proved too much for this intrepid salvage party and they were forced to turn back more than half frozen and baffled. Flying completely washed out.”
Putting scores of young men together with scores of aircraft required a thoughtful and disciplined approach to training. Entering the military to serve King and Country certainly brought knowledge of regulations and discipline to the forefront for these young volunteers. When they enlisted, they signed up “for the duration of hostilities” meaning that their heart, soul and body now belonged to the King. Those who broke the rules (and were caught) were subject to military law. They could be drummed out of the air force and sent wherever a courts marshal decided. That included the army. Considering the vast numbers of personnel and aircraft involved and the many opportunities to fly outside the regulations, it is remarkable that the Plan had as few serious accidents as it did. Low flying, both authorized and unauthorized, was the cause of many accidents and those that took lives of personnel on this base are recorded in the Diary.
The pace of training and life on these remote airbases never let up. Sports events, hobby shops, dances, lectures, band concerts and other free time activities ran constantly and kept the flying cadets involved and active. At this school, the flying hours piled up and the establishment continued to expand. Successful graduates moved on to advanced flying schools and then to overseas service. A growing tide of aircrew was provided to operational squadrons wherever in the world they were needed and this added mightily to the impending victory of the democracies. Achieving maximum efficiency was the goal of every school.
There was one notable exception to the need to “keep them flying” here at De Winton. This is what the Diary tells us. “July 5, 1943: Peace descended upon
De Winton. No roaring motors rent the air today with their full-throated song. No panoply of war disturbed the drowsy summer air. And why, you may ask, this easing of the total war? Today is the Wild West’s big day and warriors from all around, from aerodromes and Indian reserves, from barracks and camps, assemble in the friendly foothills city. Nearly everyone from the camp went to see the remarkable spectacle of the Calgary Stampede. Those of us who stayed behind had a very nice, quiet and peaceful day.” At the Stampede parade that year, De Winton entered a float with the banner “We teach the world to fly.” Speaking of the Calgary Stampede, Bill Gray, chairman and president of the board of the Stampede is with us this afternoon. Bill’s father served with the RCAF and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Mr Gray waves his Stetson)
The efforts of personnel at De Winton, both military and civilian, were recognized and rewarded. Squadron Leader Watts, representing RAF personnel, was awarded Czechoslovakian Honorary Wings by Wing Commander J. Ambros, head of the Czechoslovakian military mission in Canada. The Belgian Minister to Canada, Baron Silvercruys, presented the Belgian Military Service Cross First Class to Watts in recognition of the excellent training provided to Belgian students. By April 30, 1943 a total of 10,000 flying hours had been reached. News was received that De Winton had won the Minister’s Efficiency Pennant for the previous quarter. And the next month, the school was informed that it had won the Cock of the Walk trophy.
Air Vice-Marshal G R Housam, officer commanding No. 4 Training Command, had this to say about the school’s achievements: “Your station has been awarded the Minister’s Pennant and in addition the “Cock of the Walk” trophy as being the most efficient elementary flying training school in the British Commonwealth Air Training Scheme. The winning of the double award means much. It means undoubtedly that you have achieved the highest standard of efficiency of any elementary school in the world and there is no other flying training organization compared to your own.”
In the spring of 1944, rumors began circulating concerning the closing of the school. The BCATP had produced a surfeit of highly trained aircrew, more than could be reasonably absorbed by active squadrons. Great Britain requested that RAF schools be the first to close and this was, in fact, what happened. The last class at De Winton consisted mainly of French naval trainees who had previously been “in storage” at St Hubert. The last night flying detail operated on August 4, 1944. “There will be no night flying after tonight and it will indeed be strange to experience a night free from the murmur of the Cornell speeding through the night, though one wonders whether our cadets would entirely approve of the application of the words “murmur” and “speed” to the Cornell.
In the last two weeks of August, the officers held their farewell dance in their mess, cleverly camouflaged to resemble an underground station in London. London transport red circles with such destinations as Knightsbridge and Lester Square were much in evidence along with such familiar slogans as “Bass builds better men” and “what we want is Wattney’s.” The last parade was held with the striped shirts and red pompons of the French navy blending with the smartness of the French Air Force and the dapper summer uniforms of the Canadians.
The school officially closed on August 26, 1944. It no longer existed on paper and the last cadets had gone. By September 1, the last of the orderly room staff had departed. The diary simply read, “And so it is goodbye to De Winton’s No. 31 and on to things to come.”
Thank you.
It is now my pleasure to welcome to the microphone Flight Lieutenant James Andrews, Royal Air Force.
* * * * *
Today is a celebration of many things, but I think, most of all, a celebration of what can be achieved when people cooperate. When people cooperate, great things happen, when a lot of people cooperate, really great things happen. And when nation states cooperate, there is virtually no limit to what can be achieved. That is what I find most impressive about today.
On the 10th September 1939, only a week after Britain and France had declared war on Germany, Canada answered the call to join the war, and troops were in Europe only two months later. Canada had committed to join her allies in a war half way round the world. The most destructive war in human history. A war that would take 6 long, bloody years.
Canada’s contribution to the war was staggering in both it’s scale, selflessness and imagination. From military assets, intelligence, training, and even ships made from ice and wood, her contribution was nothing short of essential. A nation, which could have been forgiven for sitting on the side-lines, thrust itself onto centre stage and stood by her allies in their time of need.
This dark period in human history forged today’s alliances and friendships around the globe. There is no stronger bond than one created in times of intense difficulty. The bond between the UK and Canada is, in many ways, still defined by the common struggle and victory over a seemingly unbeatable enemy. To this day, there are few stronger and more cooperative relationships than that of Canada and the UK. In my line of work, a posting to Canada is like winning the lottery –diplomats and trade envoys all say the same. It’s like hanging out with a bunch of good old friends!
Those are the rewards that we reap and it is why we pay tribute to those young men and women who answered their country’s call and took up arms for their nation. Without them, the world would be an unimaginably different place.
I would like to thank the older generation for helping us to remember this period in history – examples of which are still all around us. It is essential we all remember to avoid a repeat of the mistakes of the past. I also thank the cadets here today; I know how some of you might feel – possibly not so keen about being out on parade today. But, I do hope you feel pride. Pride for the achievements of your and my countrymen, united in a noble cause; pride at being associated with a truly magnificent achievement and, of course, pride at the knowledge of the British Air Commonwealth Training Plan. It is now up to our generations to ensure that we remember so we do not repeat.
* * * * *
Thank you, James.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dr Stephane Guevrement.
(Stephane speaks)
Thank you, Stephane.
* * * * *
Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the unveiling of the plaque. You will see that it is still in its sturdy shipping box for today’s ceremony. Permanent placement will be at the former entrance to the airfield, near the two rows of evergreens that were planted long ago for the beautification of the airfield. Susan Cowan, Flight Lieutenant James Andrews and Squadron Leader Rae Churchill (retired) will do the honors.
(Plaque is unveiled)
Pastor Susan Wilkinson-Matticks of Gladys United Church will now dedicate the plaque.
* * * * *
Thank you, Tim.
It is truly an honor to be with you today to celebrate, to give thanks for, and pay homage to all those who were part of Number 31 EFTS for without their dedication and determination, their bravery and sacrifice, we might not be here today enjoying not only the beautiful countryside but also the ability to come together as we are: free from oppression, free to hear these words from Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy wherein he writes:
I have fought the good fight
I have finished the race
and I have remained faithful
These words so aptly describe thousands upon thousands of men and women and even children who were thrust into the horrors of war, even as they are also reflective of the many who, as we say “kept the home fires burning.”
Yet today there are some other words that I would like to share with you. They go like this:
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
God has made a time for all things –
God has made it so - - - God has made it so
May God add wisdom, blessing, and understanding to these holy words.
And now is the season, the time for us here today to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the first training flight of Number 31 Elementary Flying Training School and to honor the history of this esteemed institution. With this we remember those who were integral to the establishment of Number 31 as well as the many men and women who were involved in both the training programs and the day to day operation of the base during the years it was part of this community. In so doing it is also that we pay tribute to those who served their countries, and in many cases gave their lives, for the freedoms, the rights and the privileges we are blessed with today.
So it is I say:
For as much as it pleased Almighty God to put it into the hearts of these people to erect this Memorial Plaque, let us now fulfill the purpose for which we are gathered: dedicating it to the Glory of God and to the Officers, Men and Women of Number 31 Elementary Flying Training School.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Let us come before God and bow our heads, and our hearts, and let us pray.
God of all places, be present with those gathered here to set apart this memorial to the honour and glory of your name and in memory of the men and women who served you in their time and in this place and in the world around, in the struggle for freedom from oppression and injustice.
Holy One, we do not honor nor glorify war, for we hear the vision of the prophets-they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.
Yet it is with gratitude we come to dedicate this plaque in memory, and celebration, of the men and women whose lives were brought together here in this place to give thanks for the blessings of camaraderie and friendships that were formed; to remember and rebuild the bonds which were forged and strengthened between nations; and to honor those whose lives were laid down for family, friends, countrymen, and strangers alike even as they were given in service to you, God.
Merciful One, on this day we pray too, that we might continue to seek justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with you our Creator, even as we strive to confront the evils and injustices that exist in the world today.
This we pray in the name of the One who came as the Prince of Peace and taught us to pray saying, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done n earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
In closing, today, as we commemorate Number 31 EFTS, I’d like to share these words with you written by a fellow EFTS student, John Gillespie Magee Junior. Magee was an aviator and poet who joined the RCAF in 1940 and received flight training at No. 9 EFTS located at RCAF Station St Catharines and at No 2 Service flying training School located at RCAF Station Uplands at Ottawa. Shortly after being awarded his wings and his promotion to the rank of Pilot Officer, Magee was sent to Britain. He was posted to No. 53 Operational Training Unit at RAF Llandow in Wales. After graduating from No. 53 OUT Magee was assigned to No. 412 (Fighter) Squadron RCAF that was formed at RAF Digby on 30 June 1941 where he became a qualified Spitfire pilot. Magee died in a mid-air collision over Lincolnshire on December 11, 1941, yet his words live on forever.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on
laughter-silvered wings
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of
Wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence
Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air
Up, up, the long delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark or even eagle flew
And while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand
And touched the face of God”
* * * * *
Thank you, Susan, and thanks to all of our platform party for your involvement today.
Our committee received a lot of support during the three months that we have been meeting to organize this event. On behalf of the committee members, I want to express our thanks and appreciation to the following:
Our first contact was with the family that now owns the De Winton airfield and that was with Betty Knight. Her husband, the late Jesse Knight, was a lawyer and geologist who spent time exploring for minerals in South America, mainly by airplane. Returning to his native Alberta, he eventually purchased this airfield from Crown Assets after the war and used it as a place to keep his own airplane. Betty put me in contact with her daughter Lisa and we arranged for access to the property for this event. We will continue to work with the family to place the plaque where it can be visible and accessible to the public. Our hope is to locate the plaque and its cairn at the official wartime entrance to the airfield, just at the beginning of the twin rows of evergreens to the northwest of us.
We found it interesting that this old airfield is still training people, not to fly but to drive. The Alberta Motor Association leases this part of the airfield from the Knight family to train drivers of fleet vehicles. Our appreciation goes out to Ken Klatchuk of the AMA staff in Edmonton for arranging to hold our event on their training grounds. Wayne McLachlan is with us today representing the AMA, a fine Alberta institution.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association has been prominent in placing memorial plaques at other training airfields across Alberta. For this event, the Air Force Association funded production of the souvenir program booklet, something we hope you will take away as a keepsake of this place and some of its history.
And finally, there is a group of folk who get together in Okotoks on occasion and whose mission it is to find, research and keep alive the history of Okotoks, its surrounding district and its people. The Okotoks and District Historical Society was approached and asked if perhaps they would be interested in supporting our goal of placing a small commemorative plaque here at De Winton airfield.
They were not interested. In a small plaque. Opting for the largest one available, the society paid for it directly in full, and promised as well to pay for the installation of the plaque at its eventual location. For this magnificent contribution to the preservation of history in the Foothills community, we have the following to thank:
Marie Wedderburn, Karen Peters, Karen McLeod, Donna Poffenroth, Maureen Smith, Betty Parr, Jaime-Brett Sine, Nagille Walsh-Besso and Kathy Coutts.
We owe a debt of gratitude as well to members of the Municipal District of Foothills Fire Department and Chief Jim Smith; to Heather McInnes, development officer for the Municipality who hurried our application for an event permit through the planning process; and to Major Glen Parent CD, manager of the National Defense Public Affairs Office in Calgary who was most helpful in suggesting organizations and individuals that would be interested in sharing this occasion. Thanks and appreciation to media organizations in Foothills and Calgary and their reporters, photographers and videographers for coverage of this commemoration and as well to our own photographer Don Molyneaux. The Davisburg Community Association is kindly providing free use of their hall for our reception and we are most grateful for that kind gesture. The plaque will be in their neighborhood and they are already starting to take care of it. A special shout-out to members of the Turner Valley Legion who assisted today by giving directions, helping with parking, and directing traffic. As well, thank you to the Legion folk who are busy right now preparing for the reception at Davisburg Hall.
And finally, last but not least, my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to my colleagues on the planning committee who worked diligently over a three-month period to organize and host this 75th anniversary celebration of the people and achievements of No. 31 Elementary Flying Training School De Winton: Dave Birrell, Kathy Coutts, Anne Gafiuk, Linda Macaulay, Bob McLeod and Grant Whitson.
Following the conclusion of our program, please join us at the Davisburg Community Hall for a reception and an opportunity to view artifacts from the school and to meet each other informally.
Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for God Save the Queen.
Will the Color Party please retire the flag.
Thank you, everyone, and good afternoon.
END
No. 31 EFTS Plaque Dedication
June 15, 2016, 1300
1300: MC call to order and explanation of the purpose of the event, call for the Royal Canadian Legion Color Party from Turner Valley Legion Branch 78
1310: Legion Color Party marches on with piper
1320: Singing of O Canada
1325: Colors are deposited and Color Party sits down
1330: MC gives general welcome and introduces special guests
-Mrs Susan Cowan,
-Ray Churchill, No. 31 Veteran Instructor
-Honourary Colonel No. 444 Squadron, Dr Stéphan Gouvrement RCAF
-F/L James Andrews RAF
-Honourary Consuls present (with Daily Diary notes as appropriate)
1335: MC gives brief history of the school adding some color from the Daily Diary
MC notes the contributions by Okotoks and District Historical Society, the MD of Foothills, the family of Jesse Knight, property owners, and the cooperation of the Alberta Motor Association
1345: Guest speakers introduced by MC
-RAF representative F/L James Andrews
-RCAF representative Honorary Colonel Dr Stephan Gouvrement
1400: Unveiling of the plaque
-Susan Cowan
-F/L James Andrews
-Veteran Ray Churchill
1405: Dedication of the plaque by Chaplain Susan Wilkinson-Matticks
1410: Fly past by training aircraft
1420: Closing comments by MC and invitation to the reception at Davisburg Community Hall 14: Singing of God Save the Queen
1425: Colors marched off by the Royal Canadian Legion
1430: Program ends
Speaker’s Notes
No. 31 EFTS De Winton Plaque Dedication
June 15, 2016, 1300
1300: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for coming out to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Royal Air Force Station De Winton, home of No. 31 Elementary Flying Training School.
Would everyone stand, please, for the arrival of the Color Party with members of the Turner Valley Legion and piper David Bodkin.
Please remain standing for our National Anthem (recorded music).
May I draw your attention to the east of the aerodrome and the arrival of our honorary fly-past. Dave Birrell of the Nanton Bomber Command Museum will provide commentary as the aircraft come by. Dave?
Thank you, Dave.
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I will begin our program with some introductions. Wayne Anderson, MLA for Highwood is with us today along with Pat Stier, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod. John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, could not attend but sent a certificate of congratulations to his constituents. Members of the Municipal District of Foothills Council, Mayor Larry Spilak and councilors Rick Percifield, Delilah Miller, Jason Parker, Suzanne Oel, Ron Chase and Ted Mills could not be present as today is the regular meeting of Council.
I will now introduce our platform party:
-Susan Wilkinson-Matticks is the United Church Pastor at Gladys, Blackie and Nanton. We asked for Susan because the United Church at Gladys is the last remaining public building in use in that community. South of Gladys, about two miles, is the relief field for De Winton airfield, known then as RCAF Station Gladys Ridge.
-Susan Cowan is the daughter of Squadron Leader Ron Watts, the longest serving RAF commander here at De Winton. Her brother Jon is also with us today from Toronto. Susan has the distinction of having had her birth in London, England reported in the secret Daily Diary of RAF De Winton.
-Dr Stéphane Guevrement is Honorary Colonel of No. 419 Squadron Cold Lake. His career in aviation started as an aircraft mechanic working at Pratt and Whitney Canada. He then taught French as a second language to federal government employees and later earned a Ph.D. in history at the University of Calgary on the development of the Canadian aircraft industry. He has been a lecturer in European and military history at Mount Royal University and with Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. I came to know Stéphane in his capacity as vice-president of the Calgary branch of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. He currently teaches on his own for adult audiences and is a regular columnist on CBC French Radio One.
-Flight Lieutenant James Andrews is the Royal Air Force liaison officer to Canada. He and his team support all United Kingdom military activity here and in particular provide support to British forces training at Suffield, Alberta. James has also served at RAF stations in England and at Basrah, Iraq and Akrotiri, Crete.
-Squadron Leader Rae Churchill joined the RCAF in September 1940 and trained at Regina and Dauphin, Manitoba. He trained as a flying instructor at Trenton and was then posted to No. 32 EFTS Bowden from August 1941 to November 1942. Rae was then sent to No. 34 operational training unit at Pennfield Ridge where he crewed up and trained on Venturas. Overseas, he was assigned to No. 42 Special Duties Squadron where he towed gliders and dropped agents and supplies to help the French Resistance. After the war, Rae re-upped in 1946 flying with photo and transportation squadrons out of Rockcliffe. In the 1960s, Rae took the North Star course and flew on military supply missions to Italy, France, the United Kingdom and into the Congo.
-Constable Corey Forsythe joins us from the Okotoks Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
My name is Tim Johnston.
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We have some other special guests with us this afternoon. As you know, De Winton received students from nearly 20 countries, as reported in the Daily Diary. I am very pleased that the following honorary consuls in Calgary are with us this afternoon representing the young men of their respective counties who learned to fly here at No. 31 EFTS:
-Ms Lauren Webber is representing the United Kingdom Consulate.
-Mr Roy Klassen and Kim Jamieson are here from the French Consulate.
-Ms Iva Docekalova is standing in for Czech Consul Jerry Jelinek.
-Mr Egil Bjornsen and his wife Shari are here representing Norway. Egil’s father trained at Little Norway at Gravenhurst, Ontario and flew as a navigator with RAF Squadron 166. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
-Ms Barbara Johnston is the Belgian Consul in Calgary. She is also one of my brilliant nieces.
-Ms Irene Bakker is Calgary Consul for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Each May, Irene places flowers on the graves of the Dutch students who lost their lives while here on training.
-POLAND?
Thank you, consuls. We greatly appreciate your presence and the flags of the nations that you represent.
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No. 31 EFTS De Winton, so named because the village of De Winton had the nearest post office during the war years, was formed in England on April 16, 1941. It was one of six elementary flying training schools relocated to Canada early in the war. The reason for its movement and that of service flying training and other aircrew schools was the tremendous operational pressure on British airfields following the fall of Denmark, Norway and France. Canada agreed to do its best to provide airfields in addition to those underway for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, with the clear understanding that Britain would pay for these additional facilities.
The first draft of instructors, ground crew and students were initially housed at Calgary’s Municipal Airport where training began with a single Tiger Moth borrowed from No. 2 Wireless School. By mid-October, the school began moving to its new home here at
De Winton. According to the Daily Diary, none of the buildings were complete, there were no telephones and sanitation facilities were described as “primitive”. But within a short time, life on the base assumed a normal rhythm with a newspaper being produced, dances and sports event organized and flying training picking up at a terrific pace. As of May 1942, the school reported a strength of 48 officers, 52 senior NCOs, 306 airmen, 193 pupils and 30 civilians. On charge were 31 Tiger Moths and 71 Stearman PT 27s.
Here are some quotes from the Daily Diary that reflect on the international makeup of the school. On July 22, 1942 the diarist wrote, “This unit now appears to be a veritable international brigade. Varied tongues can be heard daily throughout the camp and some interesting conversations are the result.” On August 5, an Australian instructor reported for duty. “His Royal Australian Air Force uniform would normally arouse a certain amount of interested comment on account of its smartness but this unit is so overrun with uniforms of every style and color from many parts of Europe that at first glance one might be excused for confusing it with one or two of the others.” A Free French untrained pilot arrived here September 13, 1942, sparking this nugget from the Daily Diary: “Lieutenant Jaquelin has reported for training. He has been in the French diplomatic service in Honolulu and is possessed not only of the diplomat’s well-known charm but also of the typical diplomat’s wardrobe, fully stocked and supremely immaculate. It is the despair of every poverty stricken Canadian and Englishman in the mess by whom it has been fingered with awe not unmixed with envy.”
In July 1942, this and all other RAF schools transferred to Canada were formally incorporated into the BCATP. The Toronto Flying Club took over management of
De Winton but instructors remained RAF personnel under the command of a RAF senior officer. The first manager was E O Houghton, a Royal Flying Corp pilot veteran of World War One. The change to civilian management of the elementary schools meant that a great deal of the food and supplies for the bases could be sourced locally. Spare parts for aircraft could also be purchased directly without the need to go through official RCAF procurement channels. Food and accommodation at the elementary schools was almost universally found to be of a very high standard. This was key to successful operations and achievement of high standards of training.
The changeover also meant that local people, including women, would be hired to work in messes, on the flight line and in administrative positions. An entry in the June 17, 1942 Daily Diary, however, issued this caution: “Although so far there have been no complications through the presence of female employees on the unit, an order has been issued to the effect that service personnel are not to fraternize with them or speak to them other than in the normal course of duty within the bounds of the camp. This seems to be a fairly obvious precaution.” If you have had a chance to see Anne Gafiuk’s new book “She Made Them Family” you will soon learn how short lived that directive was.
More evidence is available from the Diary’s February 24, 1943 entry. “An amusing occurrence, which must be unique in air force annals, took place today when Pilot Officer Hill, who has been described as a benevolent deity’s gift to the local female population, appeared for duty in his flight although his seven days leave had already commenced. He thereby lost a day in Vancouver. It is assumed that one of the local beauties has so turned this Lothario’s head that he is no longer conscious of whether he is on leave or on duty.”
And in a final reference to females on the base, this entry from May 5, 1943: “More American Cornels are arriving ferried by both male and female pilots, many of them very interesting people. The ladies were entertained in the officers’ mess for meals to the mutual enjoyment of, it is behoped, themselves and certainly of the staff. The girls are Americans who looked very smart in their grey uniforms and seemed to be enjoying their work.”
Operating an organization that regularly saw a large flow-through of personnel from many parts of the world presented unusual challenges. One of these was the maintenance of high levels of health amongst students who arrived at De Winton, usually after passing through No. 2 Embarkation Depot at Moncton, New Brunswick.
Nearly all of the Daily Diaries reported fears and concerns about contagious diseases and De Winton was no exception. January 18, 1943: “The medical officer has a sense of impending doom. A female member of the civilian staff has contracted mumps. It would be pure chance if many of her coworkers do not also succumb. Calgary hospitals will not admit her and the unit has no facilities for hospitalization or isolation. Considerable loss of man hours is anticipated.” And a month later, “Scarlet fever epidemic. The medical officer reports still another case from 73 course making nine so far. Isolation hospital at No. 10 Repair Depot is now full. He feels all we can do now is to trust in God and keep gargling.” The Diary reported in March “Moncton threat amply fulfilled. New course threatens to eclipse the record of 73 course. One man has already fallen and there are many suspects. The situation is discouraging. No sooner is one outbreak under control than new infection arrives from Moncton’s ever-full reservoir of disease.”
Another challenge was winter weather. Cold conditions affected everything from the operation of aircraft to the condition of roads leading to the airbase. Here are a couple of entries that characterize the challenges and how some were met.
January 16, 1943: “Flying carried out until 1500 when it had to be washed out as the breather pipes on the aircraft were freezing causing excessive oil pressure. Ailerons were also freezing. The medical officer reports that fortunately none of the intrepid aviators had to force land outside the aerodrome. If they had done so they would have undoubtedly perished miserably as there would have been little hope of an ambulance reaching them in time.”
And one of my favorite entries in this Diary is dated January 21, 1943 and shows how the senior officers displayed leadership. “As a result of the blizzard and in an effort to clear the road to the main highway so that five private cars marooned and abandoned by the roadside could be rescued, the bulldozer had been sent out. Unfortunately, Alberta snowdrifts proved even too much for it and it had also succumbed and given up the ghost in the ditch. A heroic arctic volunteer rescue party, nobly led by the CO and ably assisted by his two chief henchmen, the padre and the chief flying instructor, muffled to the eyebrows ventured forth to extricate the bulldozer. Unfortunately, after battling the six miles to the bulldozer, they found they required the keys to even get it out of gear for towing. In spite of this additional handicap, heroic efforts were made but the unwillingness of the bulldozer to cooperate, the snapping of several towing cables, and the most un-English weather proved too much for this intrepid salvage party and they were forced to turn back more than half frozen and baffled. Flying completely washed out.”
Putting scores of young men together with scores of aircraft required a thoughtful and disciplined approach to training. Entering the military to serve King and Country certainly brought knowledge of regulations and discipline to the forefront for these young volunteers. When they enlisted, they signed up “for the duration of hostilities” meaning that their heart, soul and body now belonged to the King. Those who broke the rules (and were caught) were subject to military law. They could be drummed out of the air force and sent wherever a courts marshal decided. That included the army. Considering the vast numbers of personnel and aircraft involved and the many opportunities to fly outside the regulations, it is remarkable that the Plan had as few serious accidents as it did. Low flying, both authorized and unauthorized, was the cause of many accidents and those that took lives of personnel on this base are recorded in the Diary.
The pace of training and life on these remote airbases never let up. Sports events, hobby shops, dances, lectures, band concerts and other free time activities ran constantly and kept the flying cadets involved and active. At this school, the flying hours piled up and the establishment continued to expand. Successful graduates moved on to advanced flying schools and then to overseas service. A growing tide of aircrew was provided to operational squadrons wherever in the world they were needed and this added mightily to the impending victory of the democracies. Achieving maximum efficiency was the goal of every school.
There was one notable exception to the need to “keep them flying” here at De Winton. This is what the Diary tells us. “July 5, 1943: Peace descended upon
De Winton. No roaring motors rent the air today with their full-throated song. No panoply of war disturbed the drowsy summer air. And why, you may ask, this easing of the total war? Today is the Wild West’s big day and warriors from all around, from aerodromes and Indian reserves, from barracks and camps, assemble in the friendly foothills city. Nearly everyone from the camp went to see the remarkable spectacle of the Calgary Stampede. Those of us who stayed behind had a very nice, quiet and peaceful day.” At the Stampede parade that year, De Winton entered a float with the banner “We teach the world to fly.” Speaking of the Calgary Stampede, Bill Gray, chairman and president of the board of the Stampede is with us this afternoon. Bill’s father served with the RCAF and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Mr Gray waves his Stetson)
The efforts of personnel at De Winton, both military and civilian, were recognized and rewarded. Squadron Leader Watts, representing RAF personnel, was awarded Czechoslovakian Honorary Wings by Wing Commander J. Ambros, head of the Czechoslovakian military mission in Canada. The Belgian Minister to Canada, Baron Silvercruys, presented the Belgian Military Service Cross First Class to Watts in recognition of the excellent training provided to Belgian students. By April 30, 1943 a total of 10,000 flying hours had been reached. News was received that De Winton had won the Minister’s Efficiency Pennant for the previous quarter. And the next month, the school was informed that it had won the Cock of the Walk trophy.
Air Vice-Marshal G R Housam, officer commanding No. 4 Training Command, had this to say about the school’s achievements: “Your station has been awarded the Minister’s Pennant and in addition the “Cock of the Walk” trophy as being the most efficient elementary flying training school in the British Commonwealth Air Training Scheme. The winning of the double award means much. It means undoubtedly that you have achieved the highest standard of efficiency of any elementary school in the world and there is no other flying training organization compared to your own.”
In the spring of 1944, rumors began circulating concerning the closing of the school. The BCATP had produced a surfeit of highly trained aircrew, more than could be reasonably absorbed by active squadrons. Great Britain requested that RAF schools be the first to close and this was, in fact, what happened. The last class at De Winton consisted mainly of French naval trainees who had previously been “in storage” at St Hubert. The last night flying detail operated on August 4, 1944. “There will be no night flying after tonight and it will indeed be strange to experience a night free from the murmur of the Cornell speeding through the night, though one wonders whether our cadets would entirely approve of the application of the words “murmur” and “speed” to the Cornell.
In the last two weeks of August, the officers held their farewell dance in their mess, cleverly camouflaged to resemble an underground station in London. London transport red circles with such destinations as Knightsbridge and Lester Square were much in evidence along with such familiar slogans as “Bass builds better men” and “what we want is Wattney’s.” The last parade was held with the striped shirts and red pompons of the French navy blending with the smartness of the French Air Force and the dapper summer uniforms of the Canadians.
The school officially closed on August 26, 1944. It no longer existed on paper and the last cadets had gone. By September 1, the last of the orderly room staff had departed. The diary simply read, “And so it is goodbye to De Winton’s No. 31 and on to things to come.”
Thank you.
It is now my pleasure to welcome to the microphone Flight Lieutenant James Andrews, Royal Air Force.
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Today is a celebration of many things, but I think, most of all, a celebration of what can be achieved when people cooperate. When people cooperate, great things happen, when a lot of people cooperate, really great things happen. And when nation states cooperate, there is virtually no limit to what can be achieved. That is what I find most impressive about today.
On the 10th September 1939, only a week after Britain and France had declared war on Germany, Canada answered the call to join the war, and troops were in Europe only two months later. Canada had committed to join her allies in a war half way round the world. The most destructive war in human history. A war that would take 6 long, bloody years.
Canada’s contribution to the war was staggering in both it’s scale, selflessness and imagination. From military assets, intelligence, training, and even ships made from ice and wood, her contribution was nothing short of essential. A nation, which could have been forgiven for sitting on the side-lines, thrust itself onto centre stage and stood by her allies in their time of need.
This dark period in human history forged today’s alliances and friendships around the globe. There is no stronger bond than one created in times of intense difficulty. The bond between the UK and Canada is, in many ways, still defined by the common struggle and victory over a seemingly unbeatable enemy. To this day, there are few stronger and more cooperative relationships than that of Canada and the UK. In my line of work, a posting to Canada is like winning the lottery –diplomats and trade envoys all say the same. It’s like hanging out with a bunch of good old friends!
Those are the rewards that we reap and it is why we pay tribute to those young men and women who answered their country’s call and took up arms for their nation. Without them, the world would be an unimaginably different place.
I would like to thank the older generation for helping us to remember this period in history – examples of which are still all around us. It is essential we all remember to avoid a repeat of the mistakes of the past. I also thank the cadets here today; I know how some of you might feel – possibly not so keen about being out on parade today. But, I do hope you feel pride. Pride for the achievements of your and my countrymen, united in a noble cause; pride at being associated with a truly magnificent achievement and, of course, pride at the knowledge of the British Air Commonwealth Training Plan. It is now up to our generations to ensure that we remember so we do not repeat.
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Thank you, James.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dr Stephane Guevrement.
(Stephane speaks)
Thank you, Stephane.
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Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the unveiling of the plaque. You will see that it is still in its sturdy shipping box for today’s ceremony. Permanent placement will be at the former entrance to the airfield, near the two rows of evergreens that were planted long ago for the beautification of the airfield. Susan Cowan, Flight Lieutenant James Andrews and Squadron Leader Rae Churchill (retired) will do the honors.
(Plaque is unveiled)
Pastor Susan Wilkinson-Matticks of Gladys United Church will now dedicate the plaque.
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Thank you, Tim.
It is truly an honor to be with you today to celebrate, to give thanks for, and pay homage to all those who were part of Number 31 EFTS for without their dedication and determination, their bravery and sacrifice, we might not be here today enjoying not only the beautiful countryside but also the ability to come together as we are: free from oppression, free to hear these words from Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy wherein he writes:
I have fought the good fight
I have finished the race
and I have remained faithful
These words so aptly describe thousands upon thousands of men and women and even children who were thrust into the horrors of war, even as they are also reflective of the many who, as we say “kept the home fires burning.”
Yet today there are some other words that I would like to share with you. They go like this:
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
God has made a time for all things –
God has made it so - - - God has made it so
May God add wisdom, blessing, and understanding to these holy words.
And now is the season, the time for us here today to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the first training flight of Number 31 Elementary Flying Training School and to honor the history of this esteemed institution. With this we remember those who were integral to the establishment of Number 31 as well as the many men and women who were involved in both the training programs and the day to day operation of the base during the years it was part of this community. In so doing it is also that we pay tribute to those who served their countries, and in many cases gave their lives, for the freedoms, the rights and the privileges we are blessed with today.
So it is I say:
For as much as it pleased Almighty God to put it into the hearts of these people to erect this Memorial Plaque, let us now fulfill the purpose for which we are gathered: dedicating it to the Glory of God and to the Officers, Men and Women of Number 31 Elementary Flying Training School.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Let us come before God and bow our heads, and our hearts, and let us pray.
God of all places, be present with those gathered here to set apart this memorial to the honour and glory of your name and in memory of the men and women who served you in their time and in this place and in the world around, in the struggle for freedom from oppression and injustice.
Holy One, we do not honor nor glorify war, for we hear the vision of the prophets-they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.
Yet it is with gratitude we come to dedicate this plaque in memory, and celebration, of the men and women whose lives were brought together here in this place to give thanks for the blessings of camaraderie and friendships that were formed; to remember and rebuild the bonds which were forged and strengthened between nations; and to honor those whose lives were laid down for family, friends, countrymen, and strangers alike even as they were given in service to you, God.
Merciful One, on this day we pray too, that we might continue to seek justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with you our Creator, even as we strive to confront the evils and injustices that exist in the world today.
This we pray in the name of the One who came as the Prince of Peace and taught us to pray saying, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done n earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
In closing, today, as we commemorate Number 31 EFTS, I’d like to share these words with you written by a fellow EFTS student, John Gillespie Magee Junior. Magee was an aviator and poet who joined the RCAF in 1940 and received flight training at No. 9 EFTS located at RCAF Station St Catharines and at No 2 Service flying training School located at RCAF Station Uplands at Ottawa. Shortly after being awarded his wings and his promotion to the rank of Pilot Officer, Magee was sent to Britain. He was posted to No. 53 Operational Training Unit at RAF Llandow in Wales. After graduating from No. 53 OUT Magee was assigned to No. 412 (Fighter) Squadron RCAF that was formed at RAF Digby on 30 June 1941 where he became a qualified Spitfire pilot. Magee died in a mid-air collision over Lincolnshire on December 11, 1941, yet his words live on forever.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on
laughter-silvered wings
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of
Wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence
Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air
Up, up, the long delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark or even eagle flew
And while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand
And touched the face of God”
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Thank you, Susan, and thanks to all of our platform party for your involvement today.
Our committee received a lot of support during the three months that we have been meeting to organize this event. On behalf of the committee members, I want to express our thanks and appreciation to the following:
Our first contact was with the family that now owns the De Winton airfield and that was with Betty Knight. Her husband, the late Jesse Knight, was a lawyer and geologist who spent time exploring for minerals in South America, mainly by airplane. Returning to his native Alberta, he eventually purchased this airfield from Crown Assets after the war and used it as a place to keep his own airplane. Betty put me in contact with her daughter Lisa and we arranged for access to the property for this event. We will continue to work with the family to place the plaque where it can be visible and accessible to the public. Our hope is to locate the plaque and its cairn at the official wartime entrance to the airfield, just at the beginning of the twin rows of evergreens to the northwest of us.
We found it interesting that this old airfield is still training people, not to fly but to drive. The Alberta Motor Association leases this part of the airfield from the Knight family to train drivers of fleet vehicles. Our appreciation goes out to Ken Klatchuk of the AMA staff in Edmonton for arranging to hold our event on their training grounds. Wayne McLachlan is with us today representing the AMA, a fine Alberta institution.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association has been prominent in placing memorial plaques at other training airfields across Alberta. For this event, the Air Force Association funded production of the souvenir program booklet, something we hope you will take away as a keepsake of this place and some of its history.
And finally, there is a group of folk who get together in Okotoks on occasion and whose mission it is to find, research and keep alive the history of Okotoks, its surrounding district and its people. The Okotoks and District Historical Society was approached and asked if perhaps they would be interested in supporting our goal of placing a small commemorative plaque here at De Winton airfield.
They were not interested. In a small plaque. Opting for the largest one available, the society paid for it directly in full, and promised as well to pay for the installation of the plaque at its eventual location. For this magnificent contribution to the preservation of history in the Foothills community, we have the following to thank:
Marie Wedderburn, Karen Peters, Karen McLeod, Donna Poffenroth, Maureen Smith, Betty Parr, Jaime-Brett Sine, Nagille Walsh-Besso and Kathy Coutts.
We owe a debt of gratitude as well to members of the Municipal District of Foothills Fire Department and Chief Jim Smith; to Heather McInnes, development officer for the Municipality who hurried our application for an event permit through the planning process; and to Major Glen Parent CD, manager of the National Defense Public Affairs Office in Calgary who was most helpful in suggesting organizations and individuals that would be interested in sharing this occasion. Thanks and appreciation to media organizations in Foothills and Calgary and their reporters, photographers and videographers for coverage of this commemoration and as well to our own photographer Don Molyneaux. The Davisburg Community Association is kindly providing free use of their hall for our reception and we are most grateful for that kind gesture. The plaque will be in their neighborhood and they are already starting to take care of it. A special shout-out to members of the Turner Valley Legion who assisted today by giving directions, helping with parking, and directing traffic. As well, thank you to the Legion folk who are busy right now preparing for the reception at Davisburg Hall.
And finally, last but not least, my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to my colleagues on the planning committee who worked diligently over a three-month period to organize and host this 75th anniversary celebration of the people and achievements of No. 31 Elementary Flying Training School De Winton: Dave Birrell, Kathy Coutts, Anne Gafiuk, Linda Macaulay, Bob McLeod and Grant Whitson.
Following the conclusion of our program, please join us at the Davisburg Community Hall for a reception and an opportunity to view artifacts from the school and to meet each other informally.
Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for God Save the Queen.
Will the Color Party please retire the flag.
Thank you, everyone, and good afternoon.
END