VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 AP RIL 2012

THE COMOX VALLEY AIR FORCE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

ON PROUD WINGS

Memoirs of a Mosquito Pilot

INSIDE THIS U D O U G IPS AS TO NE : 1-2
PRESIDENT MANAGER EDITORIAL INFO SESSION AWESOME FOURSOME COMING EVENTS FUN FARE HISTORICAL SNIPPETS MEMBERS CORNER LORETTA CVAFMA THE SPITFIRE QUARTER-BACK RAG-TAG GANG NOTICES 3 3 3 4 5-6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16

Doug Paton
As Doug recounts, Just after V-E Day I had a little incident on one flight out of Vliegbasis Gilze-Rijen, a Dutch military air base on the border with Belgium, which is perhaps best relayed by my passenger and ground crew member, Red Brown:
V-E Day had been proclaimed several days prior to the day that Doug (Pat) Paton invited me to join him for a quick flip over Dsseldorf to take a few pictures of the destruction from bombing raids of the city and area. As we approached Dsseldorf, flying at approximately 1000 feet, the nose housing of the radar unit was completely shattered by some object, probably a bird. In a short while the port engine overheated resulting from a ruptured radiator and loss of coolant. Pat immediately feathered that engine and shortly thereafter reported to me that, because of the exposed bulkhead, the one remaining engine was not going to maintain altitude and that we were going down. He suggested I consider jumping, but at that altitude and the difficulty of exiting with a seat pack from a Mark 10 Mossie, I chose to remain with the aircraft and face the consequences with Pat. We continued losing altitude at a good rate and still over the city with no landing area in sight. Pat gave the engine full power and, with good fortune, we eventually reached open country. He headed for the first open space he could see. With no circuit we headed straight down but Pats vision was obscured by the debris on the windshield and he asked me to try and steer him clear of any large objects like buildings, trees etc.. Again, good fortune provided a relatively open space with few small haystacks in our path. With exceptional skill Pat flew in for a wheels-up. We bounced along for about 500 yards, smashing three of the haystacks. Neither of us was injured, except for some bruises. Thinking of fire, we climbed out very quickly and it wasn't long before the local peasants surrounded us with their forks and scythes at the ready. My first thought was of a story we had heard recently of an American crew landing in a similar area and being mutilated by the peasants! Many of the peasants were not aware that the war had ended and had previously been instructed to capture or kill any Allied personnel. We were not armed but I did grab the flare pistol. Fortunately they did not attempt to molest us. So, we walked to a road and were eventually picked up by a USA crew in a military jeep. Later, we returned to salvage the classified radar equipment only to find that the peasants had gone to great lengths to smash everything in the cockpit and radar unit and had stolen the parachutes and every other movable object. Pat still had his camera. Luck was again on our side since our crash site was only about 10 miles from a US Army base camp and we spent the
(Continued on page 2)

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Doug Patons Memoirs. Museum Inside Information . Fun, Crossword & Spotter Quiz. Some Historical Tidbits. A Tribute to Loretta Wetmore. Reflections on the first quarter. Our first fictional contribution. Snowbirds Photo Contest details.

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 AP RIL 2012

Memoirs of a Mosquito Pilot cont..

through it and keeping a grip on the stick right down to the ground. He heard me well and said, Okay, go ahead, lets see night there. Word got back to Gilze the next day where we you do it. He sat back, had me make a couple of circuits and ran the test again. It worked. After a couple of fair landings I came had been reported as missing. After spending two nights in the USA hospital, a Mossie was sent from Gilze to pick us up. in on the second test and just greased it onto the strip. Done at We returned with the three of us in the cockpit now that was last! As it turned out, after the war, I was describing this to a crowded! ...Red Brown friend of mine and he told me there were three other pilots who had had the same thing happen to them! It was ridiculous. To our knowledge, this instructor was the only one anywhere to do With that, Doug, how and why was it that you got into that and we heard what hapaviation, particulary as a fighter pilot? pened to him after Dauphin. Well, I was originally from the prairies and Next, it was off to RCAF Stainitially trained to fly aircraft up to the size of tion Portage La Prairie with No. the Anson at seven different bases in both Cana14 EFTS where I was immedida and England with the British Commonwealth ately loaned to Canadas 2nd Air Training Plan (BCATP). I was attracted by largest civil aviation company at the time, to fly Ansons in which a BCATP advertisement for recruits in my locality, but had already made my mind up to join the Army when I was old enough Commonwealth aircrews were being training as navigators, wireless operators, bomb aimers and air gunners. I was with them for for World War II, about 18 months after it began. But, then, a 10 months and, on civilian pay, which was another happy step up couple of my friends who were on leave after having joined the Air Force persuaded me to complete my Army basic training and to my net worth! After Portage, did you get to Europe and fly fighters? then join the RCAF. That did it for me, even though neither of Yes, having had enough of Ansons and hoping to get into my friends yet had any war experience. When I joined, I had been working on farms in Saskatchewan more powerful aircraft, particularly Spitfires or similar, I was and was mighty pleased with my immediate raise in pay with the pleased to be posted to England, with the RCAF. I found myself forces. I was sent to Brandon for basic military training and then in groups with a diverse mixture of both American and BCATP went to Edmonton for ground school in an expropriated teachers pilots. A lot for a Prairie boy, but helped out by a pub on almost training college. Before further training I was sent to do 10 days every corner! I was ultimately assigned to pilot duties with 410 (Cougar) guard duty at Experimental Station Suffield which was used as a Sqn, firstly at RAF Coleby Grange in Lincolnshire and very soon joint British/Canadian biological and chemical defence facility. assigned to the area of Amiens in France. 410 Squadron was Fortunately, and still in good health, I left Suffield for RCAF permanently tasked with night fighting; originally, with the BoulStation High River and the British Commonwealth Air Training ton-Paul Defiants, then the BeaufightPlan, where aircrew with No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) were trained on De Havilland Tiger Moths using er and finally the Mosquitoes or Moscivilian instructors from the Calgary Aero Club. At High River, sies, as they were called. I was first converted to the Beaufighter but saw testers came out to test whether or not the trainees were fit for service most of my action in the Mossy. The Beaufighter was a heavy fighter, a flying. Deemed fit, Doug then dandy plane and really good to fly, moved to RCAF Station Dauphin, with lots of power. They said the MB to train on the twin engined Beaufighter was the fastest aircraft in the war from a standing Cessna Crane. My final test flight in Dauphin on start to 5,000 feet. It was not easy to fly and had some difficult characteristics, particularly a heavy yaw to starboard on take-off. the Crane, with a visiting tester I always took off with the port engine throttled back and the starfrom Ottawa ended with my instructor being moved on. I had board engine at full throttle, until the rudder came into full effect, better explain! The tester and I went up for my first solo check at about 90 mph, when I would open up the port engine and away and it was really bad! On the landing, I bounced, bang, bang, we went. Not a clean takeoff and a lot of pilots had trouble with bang, a number of times before coming to a stop! So, this guy that. says, I thought you were ready for solo, whats the matter? I I have many interesting and, sometimes, amusing memories had to tell him that this had been the first landing I had made which I will relate to you as they come to mind. myself in a Crane and I asked, Could I try a couple of landings with you and see how it goes before soloing again? To which, he said, What do you mean!? I explained that in all my training We will be continuing Dougs story in the next issue (Fall flights, my instructor had kept firm control of the stick talking me 2012). ..Editor
(Continued from page 1)

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THE PRESIDENTS PODIUM

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By the time you read this, my term as President will be almost over. For the last two years I have tried to steer our Organization to the benefit of our Museum. Sometimes I was on the right course, sometimes not. In summary, it has been a very good experience. I ask you to support your new Executive and Board. And, should you have new ideas, mention them to one of your Directors. We have a great Museum and one of the best for its size among the military museums in Canada (as an OMMC member I have seen most of them). Keep up the good work. Don.

MANAGEMENT MATTERS
The first quarter of 2012 is complete: what happened to my famous "museum pace"? We have already had a one-day visit from Don Smith and our display upgrade plan for this year is taking shape. The WW2 on the West Coast area will be "artefact rich", as we have so much highly appropriate material. The noted aviators displays will have West Coast wartime only aviators Hammy Gray and Brewster, followed by Warren, Edwards, Ireland and Vincent. The last four all have both WW2 and Cold War experience, providing us the transition to the Cold War display, and they all have a solid Comox connection. The POW Experience will be slightly reduced in size, as we have realised that a panel describing the RCAF in WW2, i.e. the big picture, is necessary for context. Finally, we plan on adding another radar console to the NORAD Display, as the younger visitors really enjoy the interactive elements. All in all, we are off to a great start with exciting projects for 2012. Jon.

EDITORIAL
Following last issues advertisement for anyone interested in helping with this publication, I am more than happy to welcome Corrine Bainard, who has agreed to take on the Assistant Editor role in the newsletter team. She has already helped enormously with both the quality and quantity of our production. Speaking of which, we have also made or are about to make some interesting changes to it, including: We will be introducing aviation themed crosswords as time goes on;

The Spotter Quiz has moved from identifying various obscure aircraft to images of display components taken within the museum; and

For the immediate future, we will begin looking at creating

an internet Blog, password protected for members-only sections, which we hope might attract the interest of online readers and members. This could develop into a chat-room to help bridge the gap between newsletters not always issued at regular periods and with topical information on museum events. Our team will be putting proposals to the Board on this idea over the summer. Rodney

Details of our regular Info Sessions now replace the old

CVAFMA board minutes summaries;

A Crossword in Fun Fare is replacing the Triviator quiz.

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LATEST INFO SESSION DETAILS
Main Gallery In 2011, the 442 Sqn, VU33, and Snowbirds exhibits were revamped with the new graphic panels from Don Smith. Changes to the main gallery for 2012 will include new Don Smith panels for exhibits on the West Coast role in WWII, the Prisoner of War experience featuring the John Colwell diary, an Aviator wall featuring pilots with a connection to Comox and a revamped NORAD exhibit featuring ground control, radar lines, and an explanation of 19 Wing Comoxs role. The Roseland (Y2K) Spitfire Project The Tet Walston hangar is now being used by Vintage Wings of Canada as they move forward on the work, now named the Roseland Spitfire Project. In return for the use of the newly renovated CAFM building, the project will remain in Comox and will allow tours to go through during the ongoing restoration. Although visitors will have no access to the engineering annex, a tour featuring a restoration in progress presents a unique experience for our visitors. If visitors wish to donate specifically to the Spitfire project, volunteer guides are asked to direct them to Vintage Wings of Canada.

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Gift Shop Report Gift shop sales are up by 3% over last year and the over/under counts are 1/10th of 1 %. The gift shop has been authorized to take credit card donations and sales/ donation combinations. The inventory count took place on March 28, 2012. Those taking part assembled in the morning, and the museum was closed to the public on that day.

Safety Report 4 spoke chairs have been banned by the military as being unsafe and will be replaced with 5 spoke chairs. The first aid box is up -to-date and has been moved outside the gift shop to facilitate access. Fire extinguisher training must be completed, and please remember to keep the back room clear. Upcoming Events SD 71 will be holding a Heritage Fair April 20-21 and the Museum library will once again be open to students working on projects. The Snowbirds are arriving April 23, 2012 and staying until May 9th. There will be a signing in the muLibrary Project seums library. The Library project is 75% completed, with new Purchasing Procedure Change shelving and labels. The colors currently in the library Beginning the 1st of April, procedures for purchasing will be move to the VU33 display in the main gallery. E will change. All purchases must be made with a credit -mail access is being looked into. card. If anyone needs to purchase items, please see WO Heritage Aircraft Project Mike. The original plan for the Airpark was to have one Sources of Income plane restored and installed every 10 years. As of 2012 The museum has three main sources of income: there are 10 planes in the park, all of which must be assessed for condition. Work continues as follows on: 1. Public funds are used for the defense of the country and, as such, anything purchased with these funds Tutor-on-a-Stick Project must be used for that purpose. Dave Mellin is heading the project that has seen an agreement struck for our Tutor to be displayed at 2. Non-Public funds are funds used for the morale and the new Visitors Center in Courtenay, with a well-being of the military members and their famiplaque acknowledging 19 Wing Comoxs ownerlies. Purchases that fall under this definition can be ship and its role in the Comox Valley. The foundaauthorized by Ken, Jon, Mike, or Capt. Barley. tion has been completed, while repainting is pro3. The Museum Association is responsible for purgressing in readiness for the Tutors placement, due chases that fall outside the scope of the other two. for the Centres opening in late April. Collections Loan Policy Other aircraft A Loan Policy has been drafted and sent to the Wing The Voodoo, Tracker 101, and CF-104 restorations are in limbo. After discovering that the T - 33 cock- Commander that covers all types of lending to outside pit procedures trainer cannot be transported on pub- sources. Once the policy has been approved a copy will lic roads the Museum has decided to offer the train- be available on the BBS and in the Volunteer Manual. er to other museums. A request was made for the helicopters to be returned to the airpark by spring. Heritage Vehicles The newly restored truck will appear in parades in July and September. A clarification of the designation of other vehicles as being Public was given. Public vehicles owned by the CF and considered artefacts cannot be driven on public roads and therefore cannot participate in parades.

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Blythe Reimer
I was raised in a military (Air Force) family and I eventually joined as a naval reservist in 1987. After graduating from Queen's University in 1988, I applied to the Regular Force as a pilot and was accepted. I graduated from Moose Jaw with top flying points and went on to become Canada's first female CH-124 (A) Sea King pilot. I was deployed on my first NATO (STANAVFORLANT) tour after graduating from 406 Sqn and joined 423 Sqn on the HMCS Nipigon Detachment in October 1990. Over the next five years I also served on HMCS Fraser flying the CH-124 (B) and also on HMCS Skeena. I was posted in Operations to 14 Wing Greenwood, 17 Wing Winnipeg and then 12 Wing Shearwater from where I retired in 2002. I spent the next 8 years in Airdrie, AB pursuing a career as a nutrition coach and being a Mom to my three young boys before moving to the Comox Valley in 2010. After living here for a year, I decided it was time to get out and get more involved in the community. Being the daughter and granddaughter of CAF pilots I thought maybe the museum would be a good fit - so I "signed up". Jon introduced me to Geoff Plant who was in charge of cataloguing historic magazine collections and I went to work organizing and filing the "rogue" magazines that had been piling up. It is a job I enjoy doing as it always introduces some tidbit of aviation history that I hadn't known about (I can't help flipping through those pages!). The best part of volunteering is, well, to be perfectly honest, the social aspect. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable and for the most part share a relatively common background. What would I like to see implemented? I've been here such a short time that the only thing that pops into mind is that we should have a pamphlet for folks to take self-guided tours of the airpark!

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AWESOME FOURSOME

CVAFMA members of all stripes have been busy serving our visitors and demonstrating opportunities for new members and volunteers over the years and were pleasantly surprised, here in the last six months, we have an influx of both, with some very talented volunteers. Four, in particular.

Maggy Johnson
I wanted to get work experience at a museum, that being what I want to do after school. as that what I want to do after school. I love history and would rather be in a museum teaching people about it practically than, say, as a teacher in a classroom. My mother was in the Air Force and my Dad is presently in the Army, so that background must be partly responsible for giving me an interest in the military and its history. We moved from base to base within Canada on a couple of occasions and seeing all that was going on around me built up a big curiosity about past and present military events. Since joining this museum, I have found dealing with our visitors a little challenging, but hope I will learn with more experience, especially in the gift shop. I am in grade 12 , doing Civilisations 12 and History 12. Volunteering here with our large library is really helpful to me for military aspects of History 12. We are now studying the 1930s Depression, looking at how Germany and the USA tried to avoid it. We will move on to studying World War II. After school, I want to take a break and learn more of life around here. Then, I will return to studying history, probably with two years at NIC followed by another two in Nanaimo. I may then have some options on an international transfer program to a university in England, which I am hoping for. I find life in the museum to be fun and interesting. Once I have learned how to handle visitors questions well and worked in all aspects of the work, I am confident Ill be better prepared for life.

Shea Baldwin
A story about a young girls experiences living through the holocaust, read in sixth grade, indirectly started Shea on the path to volunteering with us. I started to read everything I could about that period she said, lighting up as she described her passion for WWII history. Her mother shares her interest in movies made about the period and they watch them together with Shea pausing the movie to explain things. So when her mother suggested that she volunteer at the museum to gain experience for her resume, she did. At 18 she is attending North Island College, writes fiction, and thinks that she might like to work for National Geographic someday, something to do with history, but she doesnt have a firm idea on what the future holds for her. She volunteers on Fridays, helps with stock for the gift shop with Ken and worked with Gary to plan and run the display at the Cumberland Heritage Fair. What is more, she is gripped with the desire to write. Recently, voices in her have been talking about events on D-Day in France and she is now writing a story about it. She has written Part 1 of the story, in 3 or more episodes, for this issue on pages 15 & 16.

Last but by no means least, is our Board recording secretary and Assistant Newsletter Editor, Corrine, see next page..

ON PROUD WINGS
AWESOME FOURSOME cont.. Corrine Bainard
I came to the museum as part of career research for a job training program I was attending. All my life, I have loved museums but was never quite satisfied at just viewing the exhibits. I always wanted to know how everything was done, who the people behind the scenes were, why they chose the artefacts they displayed and how those artefacts related to the story they were telling. Before my interview, I had prepared a lot of questions for our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Jon, but I dont think I got the chance to ask any of them, as his introduction to the museum answered nearly every question I had thought of, and more.

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I prefer the methodical detailed approach to making decisions, a fact that drives my family crazy (Im married to a Military Policeman on the base and we have three children who are nearly grown). Thus, for the museum, I felt I had a long way to go before being ready to begin. Despite that, I found myself immediately agreeing when Jon asked if I wanted to volunteer! I started last October in the Gift Shop and it didnt take long before I was involved in the Photo Project, became Recording Secretary to the Board and, now, Assistant Editor with Rodney on the newsletter. Ive taken courses in Microsoft Word and Exc el, a course in building WordPress websites and blogs, and am currently working on a course in Project Management Fundamentals and hoping to learn more on Microsoft Publisher. Ive chosen these courses to directly benefit my museum work and Ive recently taken an interest in blogging, as I can see the possibilities for its use as a complementary service to the periodic newsletter. This summer, we hope to look in some detail at what opportunities a companion Blog to the newsletter might yield.

Date
24 Apr 12:

COMING EVENTS
CVAFMA Annual General Meeting 7 PM in the Base Theatre, Comox Air Force Museum.

2021 Apr 12:

School District 71 Comox Valley Heritage Fair - CAFM and 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre.

27 April 12:

Unveiling the Tutor-On-A-Stick at the new Comox Valley Visitors Centre.

23 Apr - 9 May 12:

Canadian Forces Snowbirds at Comox and Snowbirds Autograph Session (5 May) in library.

TBD May 12:

CAFM participates in Cumberland Parade with Heritage Vehicles.

19 May 12:

Annual Garage Sale, Museum Parking Lot. (9 AM to 2 PM) (set up at 8 AM).

1 Jul 12:

CAFM participates in Courtenay Canada Day Parade, with Heritage Vehicles, and Booth.

6 Aug 12:

CAFM participates in Comox Nautical Days Parade with Heritage Vehicles.

ON PROUD WINGS
Spotters QUIZ result

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FUN FARE

Spotters QUIZ
3.

Congratulations Geoff
Contestants were asked to identify both images in the last Spotters Quiz but there was only one image. Your editor apologises for that. Geoff Plant diligently provided a lot more data than we had on it; so, as well as declaring him the winner, we are trying to hire him as chief researcher! The image is of Savoia Marchetti S.M. 79. Sparviero (Hawk) Bombers/ Torpedo Bombers of 193 Squadriglia, 87 Gruppo, 30 Stormo. This squadron was stationed in Sicily in 1941 and is seen here flying over North Africa. They were used in the struggle for Malta, and as torpedo aircraft /c against units of the Royal Navy and merchant ships in the provisioning of Malta. They also served in the western desert and northern Italy until 1943 and, perhaps, were used by the Luftwaffe in northern Italy after 1943. 1.

5.

4.

2.

6.

These six images are from somewhere in amongst the museum buildings displays. This quiz is for the benefit of all but, e specially any hard-working volunteers on days of few visitors and not much to be achieved. Please send your answers on all images, with the 2. display in which they are found and their places on/in the display, on or before 31st August, 2012, to: rodney.hyde.jones@gmail.com or verbally. The most accurate set of answers will receive $10 of CVAFMAs hard-earned funds. The winner, if any, will be announced in the Fall newsletter and eligible for the Spotter of the Year Award at Christmas.

Support Search and RescueGet lost!

US Coast Guard Unofficial Motto

Airshow at night (Control+Click):

http://www.youtube.com/embed/NmNps7-4Yv4
Across 1. Oversight
6. Stadium 7. Teach 9. Soaked 11. Chart 12. Taxi Down 15. Pay close attention to 17. Large and scholarly book 18. Mistake 19. Frozen Region 20. Railroad track 22. Exude 5. 7. 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. Man or boy Type of starch Nut Break suddenly Consume Endless Branch of 23. Small Vegetable 24. Was seated 26. Obtain 27. Sweepstake 30. Type of farm 31. Stingless male bee 9. biology Pup

Crossword puzzle

10. Spooky 13. Astound 14. Cloth cap 16. Female deer 17. Also 21. Paved area 24. Celestial body 25. Small gull 28. Peculiar 29. Cereal grass seed

(Answers on Page. 16)

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H IS TORICAL S NIPPETS
RCAF Womens Division - Autograph Books
I walked into the library on the Wednesday following a Collections Management meeting and I happened to notice Allison holding a rolled up photograph. I heard her say something about WDs and since I had no idea what a WD was I came closer and started to listen more carefully. She unrolled it and I saw a black and white photograph of rows of young women in WWII uniforms. It was a photo of a class graduating from a training course that would see women replace young men who were desperately needed for the frontlines. The back of the photo had been signed by everyone, including the instructors, and I saw that two small books and an ID card accompanied the donation. I recognized them as autograph books because I had one when I was a child. It was a short-lived fad but the competition to write the best saying could be very intense. Another volunteer, Robert, started reading out some of the verses. Some were sweet, others were funny, and there was even artwork - a beautiful bluebird drawn with so much care. Look at this one Robert said pointing at a verse, It 2.

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was written in 1931. I looked up from the picture of the WDs and it struck me that he was holding something that this woman had cherished and kept throughout her life.

As I looked through the pages of these simple books it made me curious about the Womens Division of the RCAF and the times they lived in. I read the verses and looked at the photo and I tried to imagine how it might feel to be that young and about to leave behind all I knew to face a war. I marveled at the courage it must have taken to embrace a whole new way of life in a time of such chaos. I asked myself - could I have done what they did? As soon as I asked myself this question, I truly came to understand the value of such artefacts to a museum. It isnt so much the rarity or the monetary value of the objects but the connections they make with the people who view them. Because I saw this book, I could see the connection between the young women who served that men may fly and how their service opened doors for the women of today. The books arent valuable and may not even make their way into an exhibit but I think it is important to remember that they contain a memory, a story unique to that persons life experience. Without context, the books are meaningless and dont contribute anything to our understanding of history. But if we take that object and provide the context by allowing the visitor to connect to a real person, we can use it to tell a story about past events in such a way that it inspires curiosity. We can make history about more than dry facts and dusty objects. History is people, people like you with a focus on a certain point in time. If you are interested in learning more about the Womens division we have several books in our library. Our very knowledgeable researcher Brian OCain found three really interesting titles for me -Props on her Sleeve by Mary Hawkins Buch, We Serve That Men May Fly by Mary Ziegler and The WASP by J. David Dameron about our American counterparts. Asst. Editor

A Chinese-Canadian in World War II

Lieutenant-Colonel Kam Len Douglas Sam
A great deal has been written about various ethnic groups who took part in WW2. In Canada, little has been said about the role of Canada's Chinese population. Many tried to enlist but were rejected. In 1940 the Cabinet War Committee made a decision not to enlist Asians for military service. One man in particular didn't give up. His name was Lieutenant-Colonel Kam Len Douglas Sam (1918-1989), born in Victoria to parents who came from Yin Ping, near Canton. Sam, like many young men in Canada, wanted to fly so in 1938 he went to England to join the RAF. Once again his ethnic background barred him from flying; although, he could possibly be ground crew. Disillusioned, he returned to Canada in 1941 where he applied to the RCAF and was again rejected. However, from October 1, 1942, the regulations changed and he was recalled to take the tests to become air crew. The RCN also had the same regulations, although no more than 10 Chinese Canadians enlisted in the Navy. Sam became a Lancaster pilot and flew 28 missions but, on June 28, 1944, he was shot down. Evading capture he managed to contact the Resistance and, at the request of MI9, while pretending to be an Indochinese student stranded by the war. He acted as a liaison between the groups of Resistance fighters to set up arms and other equipment dropped by RAF aircraft. He worked with the resistance until October 1944 and the French awarded him the Croix de Guerre with a Silver Star. After the war and in was trained by MI6, Sam worked for the RAF in 1950-57 as an intelligence officer in Malaya in the war against the Chinese Communist Guerrillas. Some of the guerrillas had been trained by the Chinese Canadian in Force 136 to fight the Japanese and Sam noted they had definitely been well trained. About 600 Chinese Canadians served in the war. Later, this column will have detail about their exploits. Don Manley

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MEMBERS CORNER
A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:

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Kevin Langlands LynnJeanne Salmon Dustin Nauta Lawren Brown Chris and Maureen Squires Maggy Johnson

Barb and Keith Johnson Linda Leslie Corrine Bainard Chris Williams Jean Ennis Especially warm welcome to our new Museum Director: Capt. Lynn Barley
to honour not just Ray, but other members and volunteers of the association who are no longer with us. This book is now nearing completion and when produced, will be placed in the library for all members and visitors to see. This has also been one of the best periods for new members joining, as you can see above. I wish them all a warm welcome to the Association, and Bill Cuell, Membership Director. (Please find our Tribute to Loretta on Page 10)

Last year we sadly lost two of our members, Ray Webber and Loretta Wetmore*. For Rays funeral, his family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Comox Air Force Museum. We received many generous donations and the funds have gone forward for future projects in museum displays . We also wish to recognise this generous gesation, we decided to create a "Book of Remembrance"

ture in an appropriate fashion and, after much consider- long may they enjoy being so.

Membership Dues for 2012/13. We would like to remind all association members that the annual dues should now be paid. We rely very much on having a strong membership, so please continue to give us your support. The annual fee remains at $10, but we have discontinued the family membership. As always, we are grateful for any donations, and tax receipts are issued for amounts over $10. Some advantages of membership to the Association are: Being part of a community-focused organization Broadening your network of contacts and making new friends Learning first hand about Canadas role in military aviation An opportunity to develop new skills Involvement in a wide range of museum activities A voting member of the Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association (CVAFMA) Opportunity to become one of the Association Directors Enjoyment of membership activities and social functions Receive a discount at the Air Force Museum Gift Shop.

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THANK YOU, LORETTA

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Each day is shaped by the volunteers who bring something of their personalities to work. Volunteers come and go, but each leave their mark. Loretta was no exception and, at times, a significant donor of funds to the Museum. Jon Ambler, Volunteer Coordinator and Manager.

Loretta came to work with me in the library, in about 1995/96. Our library was still upstairs at that time, and very cramped. We would spend our day sorting books and talking about the titles and where they should be located on the shelves. Loretta often said she read more books than she sorted! She was an absolute bulldog when it came to Remembrance Day. She felt that the school children needed to be told what Remembrance Day was all about and why we recognized it. In November she would start to get itchy, wanting to talk to kids who came through the door about the importance of November 11th. We talked a lot about her life as a librarian and teacher in a school at Port Hardy, I believe. Can't quite come up with the exact location of the school, or its name. Anyway, when she and Frank retired from teaching and came back to the Valley, she was looking for a way to spend some of her library energy, and we were the lucky recipients! Not too long after that, Loretta's brother in Toronto was extremely sick with Cancer. Loretta packed her bags and flew to Toronto to look after him. After he passed away she spent a year or two there in the Ontario school system, but the pull of the Comox Valley was strong, and she returned. Of course she also had her 3 children to come back to. Loretta had been sick for about 2 years, but often you would find her sitting quietly, 'reading the shelves' as she called it. She said you have to sit and read the titles to see that the books are all in the right place. On the museum notice board near the coffee pot, there is a copy of the funeral card, plus a very nice letter written by Loretta's son; describing how much the museum meant to her. Both tell what a wonderful person she was. I don't think I could do any better at describing her. Allison

Her children wrote to the museum: Thank you for your support, kind words and condolences after the passing of our mother, Loretta. She loved volunteering with all of you and being a part of the group at the Museum. Mom loved the military and was eager to participate in activities celebrating and honouring the history of the military. She spoke often of the people at the museum, and held all of you in very high regard. Thank you for welcoming her into your group- she felt very fulfilled volunteering with you. Again, thanks for your sympathies-Per Ardua Ad Astra! Andrew, Colby, and David.

Of her funeral, David Stinson, Victoria wrote: It was a simple service in a beautiful small church in a quiet, older Oak Bay neighbourhood. Lorettas son spoke well of his mothers love of family, teaching, learning and helping others to learn. I spoke with Lorettas sister briefly, who remarked how much Loretta had enjoyed the library and its members and she appreciated that the museum was being represented. David.

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CVAFMA Executive 2011-12
President Don Manley Membership Bingo Coordinator Director at Large Director at Large Bill Cuell Herb Lightfoot Mike Hendren Dave Mellin Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Observer Observer

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Val Kaehler Rodney Jones Terry Chester Jon Ambler WO Mike Barnucz

Vice President Bob Mortimer Rec. Secretary Corrine Bainard Treasurer Mike Spooner

Newsletter Editor

Rodney Jones

Assistant Editor

Corrine Bainard

Museum Contact Information

Deputy Director Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Gift Shop Manager Capt. Lynn Barley, 19 Wing Heritage Officer Jon Ambler Ken Oxley

Comox Air Force Museum

19 Wing Comox, Lazo BC V0R 2K0 Phone/Fax: E-mail: Website:
(Control+Click) (Control+Click)

250-339-8162 info@comoxairforcemuseum.ca www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca

Roseland Spitfire Project Website: (Control+Click)

http://www.vintagewings.ca/Aircraft/tabid/66/articleType/ ArticleView/articleId/257/language/en-CA/The-FL-ArnoldRoseland-Supermarine-Spitfire-Mk-IX.aspx
Tuesdays to Sundays: 10 am - 4 pm. Open very soon. Enquire at the Museum for a guide. May - September: 10 am - 4 pm

OPENING TIMES:

Museum, Library and Gift Shop Spitfire Hangar Heritage Airpark

COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
To join our Association, download the application on our website (above) under \ join us\become a member, leave a phone message at the Museum, or drop by and fill out an application. For only $10 annually, some of the benefits you receive include our newsletter, discounts in the gift shop, and a voice in the organization. If you are currently receiving this newsletter by mail, please forward your email address to receive a high quality issue via the Internet. Our thanks to those of you who have contributed articles and other material for this issue. If you have been thinking of doing this in future, whether it be a photo, story, or anything relevant to what we do and who we are, please dont hesitate to send it along to the contacts below: info@comoxairforcemuseum.ca or leave a message at the Museum;

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THE ROSELAND (Y2K) SPITFIRE PROJECTUPDATE

Work at the Roseland Spitfire hangar continues at its frantic pace. There have been civilian contractors there for a month now, putting in a fire suppression sprinkling system, which required a major overhaul of the plumbing and water supply system to the building. Evidently these systems need a lot of water so some 4 inch pipes had to be put in, and hooked up to a complex system of pipes and valves. So Ken & the engineers have been working around the ongoing work, moving the Spitfire into the back room for a while, then moving her back and so on. Its all coming to an end here soon and we can get back to our normal routine. The outside of our building now needs some work, as its a bit of a mud puddle, and we still have to move some fences around so the big trucks can get in and out. The aircraft is looking a bit better, Dean & Henry fitted the re-engineered engine mount recently, and it was a perfect fit with the first try. This is the cradle that will support the entire weight of the engine so it has to be just right. This particular mount needed a trip down to Gatineau to sort out some discrepancies that they knew how to fix, and we were glad to get it back. Our

elevator needed a trip to the UK, and is there presently whilst the UK engineers sort out a couple of problems; Kaven is working feverishly on the rudder so we can put the tail feathers on here one of these days, so things are slowly coming together. We have some inside painting to do, and then we can start bolting some of the auxiliary equipment and fixtures, so she should start looking operational. Well be able to open up for full tours very soon once the workmen finish messing with us. The guys at the front desk of the Museum will know when that is, so please check with them. Cheers from the Spitfire gang.

LIGHTER THAN AIR

A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While

attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was

your last known position?"

Student: "When I was number one for takeoff."
Flying Lesson 01: Try

to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go near the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized by the appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there.
One day the pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed... The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied back past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian

What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?"

in the DC-8 crew got on the radio and said,

"I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours and Ill have enough parts for another one."
The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back:

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QUARTER-BACK REVIEW
TUTOR-ON-A-STICK

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(OVER THE PAST THREE MONTHS)

ST. PATRICKS DAY

DIRECTOR DAVE MELLIN IS THERE..

COME WIND OR RAIN & DRESSED TO KILL..

For the Snowbirds new posting this month.

Paddy McNamee..!?

CP-140 ACTURUS (AN/APS-507 RADAR SET 360) SIMULATOR TRIALS FOR POSSIBLE DISPLAY

CUMBERLAND HERITAGE FAIRE

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A S T O RY B Y S H E A B A L D W I N
Miles Stackowitz couldnt sleep. The biggest gathering of armies a force even greater than the Spanish Armada of 1588, was being assembled. It was called Operation Overlord and Miles and his squadron were to provide air support for the infantry that would by landing by sea. They were ordered to gather all of their requirements for the flight that would occur in the next 10 hours. There was only one problem, - Miles and many of his squad mates had finished preparations within the first hour. Everyone was jittery due to the amount of excitement in the air. Miles knew that he should try to get some sleep or it would hinder his performance in a dogfight. But, here he was, staring up at the ceiling of his barracks with five hours to go. Placing his arm over his eyes, Miles tried to think of something else while waiting for sleep. ____________________ Zero hour was upon them. Miles awoke to his bunkmates shouting. Scrambling into his flight suit, Miles checked and double-checked everything before rushing out onto the field. After yet another quick briefing from his Flight Commander, Miles got himself strapped into his Spitfire. With a thumbs-up from the ground crew, Miles taxied the plane down the field before lifting off into the stormy night. ____________________ After only 20 minutes of flying the Luftwaffe had spotted his squadron. Miles jerked the Spitfire into a climb, shot up into a tight loop, and dropped neatly behind the Messerschmitt that had been tailing him. With no hesitation, he fired upon the Messerschmitt and watched it spiral out of control. With a whoop of joy, Miles fell in behind another Messerschmitt that was gaining on one of his buddies. Before he could fire, Miles heard a loud Whump! crash landed into some trees Snap! Crack! Thump!

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Ow, Miles groaned as he picked himself up off the ground, Thats going leave a mark.
____________________

Miles hid the last of his parachute inside a hollow tree. He didnt know where he was, how he was going to get back to England, or if he was inside enemy territory. He was in France, but thats about all he knew. Miles started walking. He had to get as far away from his parachute as possible, otherwise hed be caught. He found a good hiding spot behind a large tree. He took out his map made of silk to reduce sound and make it easier to conceal- and unfolded it. There was a gaping rip through the centre of it. He began to check himself, to see if he was injured. Thankfully, there was only a tear in his fatigues; probably from the landing. He picked up the map, trying to pinch the tear closed with his fingers so he could make out where he was. His efforts proved futile. The tear was too wide and the rain made the fresh ink run. Frowning, Miles fumbled with one of his jacket pockets before withdrawing a compass. West, Miles whispered, as if willing the compass to lead him in that direction, Toward the coast.

Miles froze. He swore he heard something. He tried to focus his hearing on the surrounding area. The sound came from his right and slightly in front of him. Slowly, Miles crept forward; praying it wasnt a German patrol. As he came closer to the sound, he realized that it sounded like someone was arguing. Finally, he reached a slight dip in the forest floor, indicating a slope. A river was ahead of him; which river however, he did not know. Peering out between some branches, Miles saw two men, one strikingly taller than the other, bickering over S***! No, No, No, No, No F***! Miles pansomething that had fallen into the river. Not realizicked; his Spitfire had been hit from behind. ing that he was leaning forward a little too far, Miles slipped down the slope. He tumbled to the Miles popped the hood of the cockpit Ksssh. A bottom and thought he was dead meat for sure. He loud Woosh greeted his ears as he climbed out of had no idea if they were friendly or not but as they the cockpit and jumped. got closer he could see that they were wearing GerGreat just great, Miles sighed as he watched man uniforms. The shorter of the two waded his Spitfire plummet to the ground below. across and crouched down next to him. Within a few minutes, he pulled his parachute You alright son? he asked, with concern. cord. It opened with a whoosh Thank God, But before he could say anything else Miles
(Continued on page 15)

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A S T O RY B Y S H E A B A L D W I N
(Continued from page 14)

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Miles didnt trust his voice, but nodded meekly. Mind if I take a look? the shorter man asked politely. Miles squeaked, You speak English?

John hissed as he shook the lighter for emphasis. He then turned his head, to make sure no one had heard. No it wont! James growled lunging for the lighter. It most certainly will! John exclaimed. He held the lighter out of Jamess reach.

Im a combat medic. Oh, and dont worry about I had a friend get shot for lighting a cigarette. the uniform, its just a disguise, he said. Bullet went clear through his skull, John Williams, of the 6th Battalion of Durham James relented with a huff and stuffed the cigaLight Infantry from Great Britain; I got caught in rette back into its package. John stuffed the lighter 1940, and just escaped a POW camp. Whats your in one of his pockets, not trusting that James name? Howd you get here? he introduced himself. wouldnt light it behind his back. His smile was kind and reassuring. Ummm, thanks for bandaging my hand John, Oh, uhh, Miles Stackowitz of the RCAF; Im a but dont you think weve been in the open too fighter pilot. I got shot down, about twenty-four long? I mean were lucky we havent been caught! hours ago, Miles introduced himself and shook Miles whispered. Johns outstretched hand. Quite right lad, John said as he stood, Nice to meet you Miles, John said with a nod. Lets leave now before the Jerries' catch up Get over here you bleeding git, before you get with us, shot! John hissed at the other man, who relucJohn offered his hand to Miles. Miles smiled his tantly crossed the river. thanks and took the offered hand. James sighed Thanks, said the taller man, Now, my fatigues heavily but stood with them. are all wet, he muttered as he sat down. As they headed into the wood, Miles thought to Oh stop your whining, its not going to help us himself what a strange group they were; an Ameriany, John growled, before grabbing Miles hand to can, a Brit, and a Canadian, plodding along the countryside looking for a way back to England. check for cuts. So, what were you two arguing about earlier? So, where are you from? asked the tall man, Miles inquired as they headed deeper into the foras he fiddled with his pant legs. est. Comox, BC. How about you? You got a name? He didnt expect the wild explanation he got Miles asked. Never heard of the place. Im from from James. The story seemed slightly exaggerated, Jefferson, Tennessee. Names is James Jenkinson, with John refuting Jamess telling of certain parts. he muttered as he withdrew a pack of cigarettes James began with their escape from the POW camp from a jacket pocket. and their sprint away from the Germans. But, the Want one? James inquired, holding the pack within real argument began when James brought up the Miless reach. compass and his reading of it; a version which John disputed as being incorrect. Miles was highly No thanks, I dont smoke, Miles said with a amused at the two. They seemed like an old marshake of his head. ried couple but he kept that thought to himself. Suit yourself, James shrugged and went to Yes, a very interesting group indeed, Miles light his cigarette. Before he could strike the flint, mused with a smile. Johns hand whipped the lighter out of his hands. (to be continued in the next issue Fall 2012) ____________________ Hey! James cried indignantly, cigarette hanging from his lips. Are you daft? Smoking is going to get us killed!

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NOTICE

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GIFT SHOP
AT THE COMOX AIR FORCE MUSEUM

UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS

Anyone interested in Aviation will cherish a gift from our collection of hundreds of items. Something for any budget, any age. Toys, models, clothing, mugs, hats, books, models, clocks, decals, posters, patches, pins etc. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 A.M. 4 P.M. [Located outside the gate at CFB Comox at Ryan Road and Military Row]

250-339-8162

www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca

Answers to the Crossword

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NOTICE

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