Chapter V: Part 5

Housed at first in rented premises in the Wolseley Garage, Toronto, the headquarters establishment was moved early in August, 1917, to its new building in Dupont Street. This structure was approximately 180 ft. × 150 ft., being laid out in bays, and so arranged as to afford both the maximum storage space and the best possible accommodation for repair work. The latter in turn was subdivided into branches, each taking over its special duty as applied to various features of repair work, thus ensuring that a car which came in for overhaul moved constantly forward until, on completion, it had passed through the hands of every section concerned. Arrangements were so perfected that a complete overhaul could be completed by noon on the third day from commencement, and three days later the vehicle, completely painted and varnished, stood ready for either storage or reissue.

The salvage of spare or worn parts proved, of course, to be a point demanding special attention, inasmuch as a great portion of the expense connected with overhaul is invariably to be found in such replacements. Under the arrangements made, all worn parts were classified and, wherever possible, repaired and stored so as to be ready for re-issue when needed. It is reported by the officer in charge of this section that the average repair output per week was some nineteen vehicles of all descriptions, heavy and light, this work being accomplished in addition to maintenance, washing, etc., of all the other vehicles in the headquarters section.

The transport purchased locally proved most efficient, and in the Toronto section 1,200-miles-run was averaged per day. Every vehicle carried a log book, in which its duty was carefully detailed, and all vehicles were completely rebuilt twice a year.

In October, 1918, the section, again expanding, occupied large premises on Avenue Road, reserving the former building for repair work only. The duties of various units of the brigade called for transportation work of a widely varying nature, so it came that the fleet of official vehicles presented an extreme variety, ranging from Packard ambulances--admirable vehicles specially constructed for hospital work at high speed over rough ground--to repair lorries and motorcycles. Gasoline tanks for service on aerodromes proved invaluable, and fire protection was distinctly aided by the purchase of chemical trucks which were stationed at various units.

The work of the section was extended to the carrying of local mails between the various units in Toronto. This proved to be most advantageous. No record of the section would, furthermore, be complete without some reference to the duties performed by the lady drivers who patriotically volunteered for this service. Their history is one of entire success, both as to the duty performed collectively and individually, and also having in view the all-important fact that by the acceptance of service so finely offered the brigade was able to release many men for other and imperative work in all sections of its operations.

A SNAPSHOT.]

THE ASSISTANT PROVOST MARSHAL

An Assistant Provost Marshal was appointed on February 1st, 1918. This was deemed advisable owing to the large number of men enlisted in the Royal Air Force, Canada. It further relieved the Canadian Military Police Corps of the extra work of supervising airmen in the streets of Toronto.

On the formation of this office there were approximately thirty enlisted men to carry out the duties of Royal Air Force policemen. The number has since been increased to fifty, whose duties consist of patrolling the streets of Toronto, and generally supervising the discipline and movements of airmen when on leave in the city. They have also carried out all necessary escort duties in bringing absentees back to their units.

A city guard room was opened in April, 1918, situated at the corner of Church and Wellington Streets, and later moved to the basement of the Records building, at the corner of Duke and George Streets.

In July, 1918, the Royal Air Force detention rooms and police barracks were opened at 1322 Dufferin Street, for the dual purpose of receiving airmen sentenced to undergo detention and to accommodate the personnel of the Assistant Provost Marshal’s staff. These barracks are under the supervision of an officer specially detailed for the duty.

Since July of 1918, three men have been continually on duty in New York City, under the direction of an officer of the Royal Air Force, to supervise the discipline of airmen when on leave in that city.

In the above connection it will be seen that considering the many thousands of men on the strength of the brigade, the staff of the A.P.M. was extremely small. No better evidence could be given of the excellent discipline and behavior of the Force.

ROYAL ENGINEERS’ SECTION.

Early in 1917 two engineer officers were appointed to the staff of the Officer Commanding, R.F.C., Canada, for technical duty in the selection of aerodrome sites and construction work generally. The former occupied the initial period of their service, but with the enlargement of the Corps came the necessity of a Royal Engineers section to deal with affairs of maintenance and repair. It was considered that the best results would be secured by posting detachments of this unit to various stations, etc., to which, under an R.E. non-commissioned officer, they were attached for discipline, pay, rations, etc.

Under these arrangements, the R.E. section carried out its obligations until the end of August, 1918, when on account of the shortage of men who were both of military age and of required trades, it was decided that the maintenance work performed up to this time by the various subdivisions of the R.E. section, should be taken over by the construction section of the Aviation Department of the Imperial Munitions Board.

The method of carrying out maintenance work was thus changed, but the responsibility for inspection and general supervision still devolved upon the headquarters branch of the R.E. section. The strength of the latter was reduced from an authorized establishment of 135 to a staff of four officers, four or five draughtsmen and a sufficient number of clerks. The duty performed by the unit still covered, as before, the general design of all buildings whether technical, instructional or barracks, coöperation with the construction section of the Munitions Board in the securing of service of water, power, light, etc., and, in general, such responsibilities as fall upon a firm of consulting engineers. To these must be added the fact that this section was responsible to the General Officer Commanding, and acted as technical go-between and adviser between him and the Munitions Board in all constructional and in many technical matters.

In retrospect it appears that the arrangement worked exceedingly well. The coöperation of the Munitions Board relieved the unit of all except very minor construction. During the period of this coöperation, some 400 buildings were specially erected by the former, some 40 other existing buildings altered and fitted, together with the provision of innumerable services of varied nature. Records show the completion of six aerodromes with accommodation for 22 squadrons, and the establishment of an Armament School at Hamilton and a Cadet Wing at Long Branch. The average cost for barrack accommodation was approximately $235 per man. In this connection it is interesting to note that at a time when men were becoming extremely scarce owing to the annulment of transfer from R.F.C. to the R.A.F., the employment and accommodation of women on a fairly large scale was discussed. Analysis of building costs showed that barrack accommodation would in this case cost some $430 per head, owing to the necessity of special provision. The scheme was not unnaturally abandoned.

CAMP BORDEN.

This camp, the summer home of the 44th Wing for the year 1918, represented the first structural activities of the unit in Canada. By most energetic methods it was transformed from a sandy desert, and became probably the finest flying camp in North America, the Department of Militia and Defence having put at the disposition of the unit approximately 1,000 acres adjoining the C.E.F. camp of a similar name. The work of construction, which began at the end of January, 1917, progressed so fast that flying began early in April.

Never probably in the history of Canadian construction has a scene of greater activity been presented than was observed at Borden during this period under the direction of the late Colonel Low, backed up by an R.E. officer lent by the Department of Militia and Defence. Work progressed unceasingly in a temperature often 20° to 30° below zero. Buildings sprang up at night under the glare of arc lamps, and physical difficulties one after the other were met only to be conquered. Within two weeks 1,700 men and 200 teams had been transported and were at work.

Hundreds of acres of sandy soil were sown with grass seed, thousands of stumps were uprooted and numberless hillocks levelled. An excellent road system, a first rate water supply and electrical system were all provided, together with special telephone communication to Toronto and neighboring towns.

The type of building adopted was retained for all subsequent construction, and has proved to give a maximum of comfort with a minimum of expense.

At the close of hostilities, Camp Borden had accommodation for 122 officers, 500 cadets, 120 warrant officers and sergeants, and 900 rank and file. A few illustrations of typical buildings are given, together with photographs of the strength at the cessation of hostilities.

The surrounding country is level, and affords many opportunities for landing. To the north stretches the great expanse of Lake Huron, to the east lies Lake Simcoe, and 50 miles to the south is the shore of Lake Ontario. To those who visited Borden when the air was full of machines, there has always been something peculiarily fascinating in the wide, clear skies and unquestionable atmosphere of space and height which is noticeable.

During its occupancy, the 44th Wing did much to improve the camp, and the energetic measures taken by the officer commanding for the comfort and enjoyment of his unit will long be remembered. A large concrete swimming pool, 100 feet by 40 feet was built, a cement tennis court of exceptional excellence was constructed, and a golf course of 9 holes laid down by first rate professionals, arrangements being made whereby, for the expenditure of a few cents, all could enjoy this most inviting of sports. Games, football and all types of physical exercise were indulged in, and it was impossible to find within the boundaries of the corps a more complete programme of physical relaxation.

The chart on page 291 shows the number of cadets passed through this wing. It should be remembered, however, that until the formation of the School of Aerial Gunnery in April, 1918, at Beamsville, the 44th Wing assumed this instruction. The unit occupied Camps Leaside and Armour Heights during the summer and winter of 1917, but for the rest of its active history its home has been at Camp Borden.

LONG BRANCH.

At first the scene of the initial flying activity of the brigade, i.e., that of “X” and “Y” Squadrons, Long Branch subsequently became the home of the Cadet Wing. The area covers approximately 100 acres, its use being kindly granted by the Department of Militia and Defence.

During the summer of 1917, cadets were housed under canvas. When autumn came, the unit was split between camps Mohawk and Borden, then vacated by units proceeding to Texas, and returned in April to a larger tented city on the former ground. During the summer of 1918 it was decided that permanent accommodation be provided, this being due to the fact that it was not contemplated that the brigade should again visit Texas. By the autumn most excellent provision had been made for 30 officers, 1,200 cadets, 68 warrant officers and sergeants and 1,200 rank and file.

The camp is excellently laid out, supplied with power and light from the transmission lines of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission, and was complete with every provision for the instruction, comfort and amusement of the large number of cadets on the strength.

Hospital accommodation at this unit was especially centralized, and arrangements provided that technical instruction be given to patients so far as their condition permitted. The Cadet Wing was always prominent in sports, and during the summer of 1918 several racing shells were purchased and afforded much enjoyment along the shores of Lake Ontario, which lies immediately on the south boundary of the camp. Here also constant interest was occasioned by the passage of machines en route to the School of Aerial Fighting at Beamsville.

DESERONTO.

The Town of Deseronto is on the north shore of Lake Ontario, some 130 miles east of Toronto. Between it and the main body of the lake, lies the island county of Prince Edward. Here, at points three miles west and one and a half miles north, were selected the two aerodromes of camps Mohawk and Rathbun, the former being part of an Indian reserve, the use of which was secured through the agency of the Department of Indian Affairs at Ottawa, the latter being a level farm owned by a prominent family in the town of Deseronto. Work commenced during April, 1917, and was sufficiently far advanced to enable machines to take the air in the following month.

The technical equipment at Mohawk ultimately consisted of twelve flight sheds (four squadrons), with complete provision for aeroplane repair and ground instruction, the engine repair work being done in rented sheds in the town of Deseronto. The aerodrome itself was unusually level and the surrounding country fairly open. A large amount of flying took place, of course, over water. Within easy reach to the eastward lies that exquisite expanse of the St. Lawrence River which encircles the Thousand Islands.

The camp buildings, centrally heated, crowned an eminence lying between the aerodrome and the water’s edge, a beautiful site which commanded an excellent view of the adjacent country. Mohawk, with the neighboring camp of Rathbun, was occupied during the early summer of 1917 by the 43rd Wing, headquarters administration being housed in the Town of Deseronto, from which both camps could easily be reached.

The development of training, confined at first to aerial work, was carried to the point of giving ground and gunnery instruction, and an excellent range was constructed near the barrack buildings. Water was drawn from the lake nearby and chlorinated for use, while ample electrical facilities were secured from the transmission circuits of the Provincial Hydro-Electric system.

By November, 1918, the accommodation of this unit was sufficient for 71 officers, 320 cadets, 69 warrant officers and sergeants, and 450 rank and file.

Camp Rathbun, one and a half miles north of Deseronto, was topographically very similar to Mohawk, but comprised a lesser acreage. During the autumn of 1918, the accommodation there was also increased, and a central heating plant erected in order to keep all buildings thoroughly comfortable during the winter months. There was provision for 53 officers, 246 cadets, and 330 other ranks. Water was chlorinated and drawn through the municipal system of the town of Deseronto, and electrical energy secured as at Mohawk.

Both the above camps were occupied by the 43rd Wing during the summer of 1917, and by the 42nd Wing during the summer of 1918. In the intervening winter, Camp Mohawk afforded accommodation for one half of the Cadet Wing held in Canada in training during that particular period.

Wing headquarters have always been in Deseronto, and there also, during the summer of 1918, permanent housing was erected for that section of the occupying wing engaged in repair, motor transport and similar work. Here too was housed the headquarters staff.

Women civilian subordinates were largely employed at Deseronto, making their temporary homes in the town, and radiating out to the two flying camps. In spite of apparent scanty accommodation the arrangement worked here, as elsewhere, to the definite advantage of the Corps.

Telephone communication connected all units, and a private wire was secured between wing headquarters and headquarters in Toronto. The Canadian Northern Railway immediately serves the town, and the Grand Trunk Railway Company’s lines pass within the short distance of seven miles, and were very frequently used. The roads in the camps’ vicinity have been considerably improved by the Corps. A noticeable increase in the commercial life of the community has taken place since this section of the brigade took up its residence.

SPORTS.

The instructions of the Air Ministry that sports should be encouraged in all possible forms, met with the keenest approval from all members of the Force, and as a result great advantage was secured in keeping the physical condition of all ranks at the highest possible point. During its first year’s history the Corps was in the throes of organization, and with the exception of individual sports meetings held at various stations, there was no possibility of organizing any general system. A representative football team was, however, formed in March of 1917, which, playing in the Ontario Provincial League, had by the end of the season won a silver trophy known as the Shamrock Cup, together with a gold medal for each player, and, as a finale, journeyed to Montreal and defeated the well known Grand Trunk Railway Team by 3 goals to 0, after a hard fought game.

Hockey presented too much of a problem to be faced during the first winter, owing to the fact that there were not at the disposal of the various units sufficient rinks of the required dimensions. On the removal of part of the unit to Texas, however, the question of sports was definitely taken up, and the general sports committee, then appointed, arranged at once for inter-wing matches which proved a constant source of interest and rivalry. At the end of the season, the 42nd Wing led in soccer football, with a record of 26 goals as against 11 secured by opponents in 5 matches. This wing won every game it played.

It was quite natural that with such an excellent reputation, the R.A.F. should be invited to send its representatives to play in the North Texas Soccer Football League. Here, too, a very successful programme was carried out. No game was lost out of five played, and, as a result, the Spalding Trophy, presented each year to the champion team of the League, became the property of the R.F.C. As a token of appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Frank Morris, a prominent sportsman of Fort Worth, the R.F.C. sports committee presented a shield for competition among the school teams of the Fort Worth League.

“THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT!”]

Sports led, in natural sequence, to entertainment, and while it is impossible in this history to give the details of the various concerts and entertainments provided by talent of the R.F.C., it must in fairness be stated that these occasions brought out an astonishing and varied amount of talent, which was keenly appreciated by innumerable Texan friends and the unit at large. On one such occasion nearly $1,200 remained as net profit, and on another some $800, these two sums being divided between various funds.

On the return of this section of the Force to Canada in April, no time was lost in opening a new and wider field of operation. A representative R.F.C. team was enrolled in the Ontario Provincial Football League, and inter-unit teams were also selected. A very successful eleven was entered in the local Church and Mercantile Cricket League, and the year 1918 saw great activity in all sports, in spite of the difficulty in securing the necessary time and place for training. The record of the football team showed that out of 12 games played, 7 were won, 3 lost and 2 drawn, with 33 goals scored as against 18 by opponents.

In the final match for the championship, the R.A.F. players lost, owing largely to sickness then prevalent.

The inter-unit football league was led at the end of the season by the 43rd Wing.

Baseball was, for a time, followed closely, and some excellent talent discovered, especially in the junior units, but it was found to interfere somewhat with other games, and was therefore temporarily suspended.

Boxing took always a prominent part in the athletics of the Corps, and representatives included the feather-weight champion of Canada, the middle-weight champion of America, the 115 lbs. champion of Canada and the welter-weight champion of the West.

At Borden, aquatic sports were prominent, owing to the fact that an admirable swimming tank had been constructed at this unit. In an aquatic contest the plunge for distance was won, not unnaturally, by a pearl diver from Jamaica, who plunged fifty feet.

Cricket, although a continual source of pleasure and interest was, so far as concerns the brigade, under a handicap, owing to lack of practice and the impossibility of analyzing the merits of individual players. There was discovered, however, a valuable acquisition in an ex-Kent County colt, who was a first-rate class bowler, and was backed up by an extremely steady sergeant-major. Both achieved many successes during the year.

Outstanding in the history of R.A.F. sports are three events. The first was the first annual Sports Day held on August 17th, 1918, at the Island Stadium, Toronto. The second the joint C.E.F. and R.A.F. Sports at Exhibition Camp on September 7th, and third the National Championship Meet at the Great Lakes Training Centre, Chicago, from 20th to 23rd of September, 1918. The first meet, at the Island Stadium was a great success, and will be long remembered by those who participated. The day was perfect, the entries numerous (these of course having been subject to prior elimination tests at the various units) and an excellent track was available. The 456 entries received for various events were reduced to a suitable number, and some 12,000 people filled the great tiers of benches which surround the ground. Both in point of records made, and in the keen sportsmanlike spirit in which the whole affair was carried out, this meet will long remain as representative of a contest exhibiting the very best desirable quality. A Beamsville cadet carried off the championship cup for the greatest number of points, a remarkable athlete from Dartmouth College. This contestant won no less than five firsts.

THE CHAMPION.]

The joint C.E.F. and R.A.F. meet took place on September 7th. The latter maintained its reputation for sportsmanship, and succeeded in winning the majority of the contests.

The last large Meet in which the brigade participated was at the Great Lakes Training Station near Chicago. The Corps was somewhat handicapped by having limited time for preliminary training, but, in spite of this, captured four firsts, these being won by the same cadet who had previously covered himself with laurels at the Island Stadium. Such was the success of the R.A.F. on this occasion, that special congratulations were received from the Secretary of State through the Director of Training at the Air Ministry, London. With the coming of winter in 1918 came also orders for demobilization and, in consequence, the large programme of the sports committee was perforce abandoned.

In retrospect it appears that the athletics practised have been of the greatest possible value, not only in the maintenance of first-rate physical condition, but also in the fostering of all those principles of sportsmanship and good fellowship without which a military unit can never realize its highest character and efficiency.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

It is desired to give official and universal thanks of the brigade for the great services rendered by many organizations and individuals during its two years’ work in Canada. From the first it was recognized that while military training was the object of the Corps, there were other phases of the life of the personnel that were of primary importance. That the work of training has been successful is due in no small degree to the fact that all ranks have benefited both temperamentally and socially by the generous thoughtfulness so continually extended.

No sooner had the wing been formed than the late Colonel Hamilton Merritt and Mrs. Merritt, of Toronto, presented two training machines as an indication of their keen interest in the progress of the flying arm of the Imperial services. Later the City of Toronto followed this example with three machines, Mr. James Carruthers with a similar gift, and the Province of Ontario provided two more.

Colonel Merritt’s donation commemorated the battles of Queenston and Lundy’s Lane, in October, 1812, and July, 1814, respectively; while Mr. Carruthers’ machines were named after three cities in which the donor’s interests were principally centred.

The Department of Education of the Ontario Government was most generous in providing splendid libraries, made up of thousands of specially selected books. These were sent, free of cost, to the various units, and proved of the greatest possible interest and value.

To the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Aero Club, originators of the Aviation Fund, to those warm-hearted ladies under whose energy Longwood Convalescent Home did such splendid work for the brigade, to those who were responsible for the King Street Hostess House, and to many others, most grateful acknowledgments are made.

To the omnipresent Y.M.C.A., the members of the brigade owe many and sincere thanks. Animated by the admirable spirit which has always characterized its activities, it seems to have made a special effort to be of service particularly to the cadets and rank and file on the strength of the Canadian Corps. At Camp Borden, the “Y” erected a very large building, splendidly equipped for various purposes, a building of such size as to flout the name of hut, by which it is officially termed. At Long Branch, another was approaching completion just as this unit demobilized. In Toronto, the “Y” doors have invariably been thrown open to all men in uniform, and membership accorded without any fee whatever. At the Central building on College Street, special provision was made to meet the desires of the soldiers in their leisure hours, and the splendid swimming pool, one of the finest on the continent, was at the disposal of all soldiers of the King. To such an extent was this kindness appreciated, that members of the Royal Air Force were in the majority among those who took advantage of these privileges.

The inner man was especially remembered, and the “Y” cafeteria proved immensely popular. On Victoria Street was a much frequented building for the exclusive use of men in uniform, and the Red Triangle Club soon became the recognized meeting place for rank and file in the city. In consequence, accommodation was constantly on the increase. Here the dining hall service was doubly attractive, being made possible by the voluntary labor of a number of Toronto ladies. It was a club in every sense except one, in that membership is extended only to those who had signified their readiness to serve their country.

The Y.M.C.A. furnished and managed Hostess Houses at Beamsville, Long Branch, Deseronto, Leaside and Camp Borden. This proved a delightful variation from camp routine, and excellent light lunches were provided at most reasonable prices, the latter being especially enjoyed by the girls employed by the R.A.F. This organization also secured for the summer months of 1918, a large residence on St. George Street adjoining the School of Military Aeronautics, which will long be remembered by countless cadets who availed themselves of its hospitality.

The Longwood Convalescent Home, the use of which was kindly donated by Mrs. Charles Beatty through the Canadian Aviation Aid Club, has proved absolutely invaluable in nursing convalescents back to health and strength. It is charmingly situated in some ten acres of grounds about five miles north of Toronto, and being on the main road is accessible both by motor and electric tram.

The upkeep of Longwood has always been a matter of pride and pleasure to the Force. It was formally opened on July 30th, 1917, by Major-General W. A. Logie, C.B., C.F.A.--since Justice Logie--who was at that time General Officer Commanding, Military District No. 2. The furniture, which was of a most comfortable and complete description, including everything imaginable for the amusement of the patients, together with all linen and men’s wear, were provided by the Aviation Club, which body has been since its inception a continual source of comfort and help to the brigade.

FIRST BATCH OF CADETS, “X” SQUADRON, LONG BRANCH.]

In the spring of 1918, Longwood Annex was opened, a commodious house standing in the same grounds, and which had a capacity for an additional 24 patients, making 48 in all; but so popular was Longwood that, during this last summer, tents and marquees were pitched on part of the large lawn, accommodating not less than 50 additional patients. It will be thus seen that about 100 men at a time have been the recipients of most thoughtful care and attention at this Home. Its actual administration was carried out by the Canadian Army Medical Corps through the Base Hospital, and by two excellent nursing sisters who were continually in charge. Nothing was more satisfactory than a visit to this delightful spot, in which, surrounded by garden and orchard, so many healing days were passed by the men of the Force, while above them continually soared the machines of Armour Heights, only a short mile away.

The cost of alterations, repairs and various additions which completed the attractive charm of Longwood was borne by the strength of the R.A.F.,--$9,800 being raised in voluntary subscriptions from all ranks, and by the sale of waste paper from the various units. Altogether over 850 men have been privileged to convalesce in this admirable institution, and not once has there been any slackening of effort in the valuable service rendered by Mrs. Beatty and the ladies of the Canadian Aviation Aid Club.

Other work of the Club covered an extension of branch organization in most towns and cities in Canada, where appeals for donations were sent out and met with a generous response in comforts and money. Since the Club was affiliated with the R.A.F. Air Committee in London, England, a special effort was made to aid its endeavors, and a sum of nearly $7,000 had been forwarded to parent headquarters in England by the middle of August, 1918. This was subdivided between the R.A.F. Hospital, the Prisoner’s Fund and the Comfort Fund.

The King Street Hostess House, organized by private individuals, was a down-town rallying point for men in both American and Imperial services, and the cadets and airmen of the brigade comprised a great majority of the visitors.

Mrs. Chester Martin and Mrs. Martin Jones, the wife and daughter of the American Consul at Toronto, and Mrs. Ransom, associated with themselves a number of ladies whose voluntary duty it was to make the place exceptionally attractive, and to minister to practically all the needs of uniformed visitors.

The Aero Club of Canada, originated with the visit to the Dominion of the late Colonel C. J. Burke, D.S.O., R.F.C., in 1915, and a recommendation made by him that an organization be formed to control the granting of aeronautical certificates.

In July, 1915, the late Colonel William Hamilton Merritt had an audience with the Dominion Government at Ottawa and was then assured that every official facility would be given to any organization which might aid the Naval and Military authorities in Canada in securing trained pilots. From this interview developed the formation of the Aviation Fund, and later arose the Aero Club of Canada. It was incorporated in December, 1916, and the by-laws adopted at its first meeting provided that all flying officers of the Allies in Canada be made honorary members if they so desired. The first annual meeting took place on March 14th, 1918.

Recruiting for the R.F.C. was given special attention by the Club from its inception, a committee being formed to assist in the obtaining of cadets. The official report of this committee states that thirty local organizations had been formed to obtain candidates throughout Ontario, and that some 3,000 lawyers and clergymen were circularized, as also all college and university students in the Province. The press was used very largely to forward this work. Six thousand application enlistment forms for R.F.C. cadets were distributed in Ontario, and this work carried on till October 12th, 1917, when the Royal Flying Corps took over the local offices and shouldered all its own recruiting.

All cadets of the R.F.C. are honorary members of the Aero Club of Canada. The flying personnel of the Corps found the club and reading rooms (established by the courtesy of the Canadian Military Institute) most valuable in their leisure hours.

As at present constituted, the Club is affiliated with the Royal Aero Club of London, England. Its membership is comprised, amongst others, of some 3,000 members of the R.F.C. personnel, and it has of late been authorized to issue international aeronautical certificates to pilots who have qualified in training.

An irreparable loss was suffered by the death of Colonel Hamilton Merritt, in November, 1918, whose energy, generosity and unfailing enthusiasm had from the first been the chief factor in a most successful history of progress.

To the Aero Club falls the credit for the inauguration of the first Canadian aerial mail. A request was made that the Royal Air Force undertake transportation, all other arrangements being carried out by the Aero Club. The first mail, via the air route, left Toronto for Montreal on June 30th, 1918. This machine, the C-203, piloted by Capt. B. A. Peck with Corporal E. W. Mathers as passenger, arrived at Deseronto, the first stage, in 120 minutes. The following day Montreal was reached in 150 minutes. Leaving on the 24th on the return journey, the pilot made Camp Leaside in six hours’ actual flying.

The second mail was carried from Toronto to Ottawa. It left Leaside in C-280, piloted by Lieut. T. Longman on August 15th, returning on August 17th. The easterly flight took 280 minutes and the return trip 220 minutes.

On August 26th, Lieut. A. Dunstan in machine C-282 again carried the mail to the Capital, taking 220 minutes in each direction. Lieut. H. Burton in the same machine repeated this flight in similar time on September 4th, the latter officer making the round trip in a single day.

The Aero Club, for the purpose, arranged with the Dominion Government for the use of a special stamp, of the design illustrated. Thus was inaugurated a service which should in the near future develop enormously in this country of great distances.

The above acknowledgments are perforce fragmentary, as it is impossible to extend to each and all in any other form the thanks which the brigade desires to offer. It is hoped, therefore, that those to whom individual reference is not here made will accept this assurance of the great value the unit has placed upon services so generously offered and so gratefully received.

TYPICAL HANGAR.

CORNER IN OFFICERS’ MESS, LEASIDE.]

INDEX TO PORTRAITS AND GROUPS

The following list indicates the Squadrons and Groups of which it has been possible to reproduce photographs. Every effort was made to secure a complete record, but this has not been entirely achieved.

PAGE

SIR JOSEPH FLAVELLE, CHAIRMAN IMPERIAL MUNITIONS BOARD 24
G. A. MORROW, ESQ., O.B.E., DIRECTOR OF AVIATION 24
SIR FRANK BAILLIE, K.B.E, PRESIDENT CANADIAN AEROPLANES LIMITED 24
OFFICERS, AVIATION DEPARTMENT, IMPERIAL MUNITIONS BOARD 27
OFFICIALS AND EXECUTIVE STAFF, CANADIAN AEROPLANES LIMITED 45
OFFICERS, 81ST SQUADRON, CAMP RATHBUN 59
HEADQUARTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF 60
HEADQUARTERS STAFF 63
80TH SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN OFFICERS AND MECHANICS 64
87TH SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN 73
OFFICERS AND STRENGTH, SCHOOL OF AERIAL FIGHTING, BEAMSVILLE 91
GROUND INSTRUCTIONAL SECTION, CAMP MOHAWK 92
92ND SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN, OFFICERS AND MECHANICS 96
85TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK 101
MEDICAL OFFICER AND STAFF, DESERONTO 109
RECORDS AND RECRUITING OFFICERS AND STAFF 133
RECRUITS DEPOT, JESSE KETCHUM BARRACKS, TORONTO 134
89TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK 153
OFFICERS AND STRENGTH, 43RD WING, LEASIDE 157
STAFF OF SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICS 163
OFFICERS AND STAFF, ARMAMENT SCHOOL, HAMILTON 171
82ND SQUADRON 196
88TH SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN 214
OFFICERS AND STAFF, SCHOOL OF SPECIAL FLYING 221
OFFICERS AND STAFF, ENGINE REPAIR PARK 250
OFFICERS AND STAFF, AEROPLANE REPAIR PARK 259
OFFICERS AND STAFF, STORES DEPOT 260
PAY OFFICE STAFF 267
90TH SQUADRON, CAMP RATHBUN 268
MECHANICAL TRANSPORT SECTION 274
ASSISTANT PROVOST MARSHAL, OFFICERS AND STAFF 278
OFFICERS AND STAFF, ROYAL ENGINEERS’ SECTION 281
OFFICERS AND STRENGTH, 44TH WING, CAMP BORDEN 285
OFFICERS, 44TH WING, CAMP BORDEN 286
REPAIR SECTION, CAMP MOHAWK 292
CAMP BORDEN REPRESENTATIVE TEAM 296
R.A.F. REPRESENTATIVE SOCCER TEAM, 1916 299
85TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK 305
84TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK 309
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, X SQUADRON, LONG BRANCH 310
FIRST BATCH OF CADETS, X SQUADRON, LONG BRANCH 310
79TH SQUADRON, CAMP RATHBUN 316
OFFICERS AND NURSES, SCHOOL OF AERIAL FIGHTING, BEAMSVILLE 317

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
the text and consultation of external sources.

Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained: for example,
re-issue, reissue; every-day, everyday; employes; unfused; enfiling.

Pg 27: ‘A. N. MULCAHEY’ replaced by ‘A. H. MULCAHEY’.
Pg 35: Added heading ‘(Procedure of Purchase)’.
Pg 35: Added heading ‘(History of Invoices)’.
Pg 35: five occurrences of ‘FYLE’ in the diagrams replaced by ‘FILE’.
Pg 183: ‘enojyed excellent’ replaced by ‘enjoyed excellent’.
Pg 224: ‘proceedure in the’ replaced by ‘procedure in the’.
Pg 230: ‘make workmenlike’ replaced by ‘make workmanlike’.
Pg 237: ‘though one hestitates’ replaced by ‘though one hesitates’.
Pg 318: Index page number ‘292’ replaced by ‘299’.