be considered as a unit operating outside the boundaries of the usual
activities of the Air Ministry, and endowed with special authority
and freedom of action, but handicapped, nevertheless, by certain
limitations, which, although greatly alleviated by the helpful
attitude of the Canadian authorities, made it imperative that extreme
care should be used both in policy and action.
It is obvious from the chapter which deals with the matter of
recruiting, that particular judgment had to be used in the means
adopted to bring the Corps up to the necessary strength, and it was
doubly important that every precaution be taken to avoid enlisting
men who were subject to the provisions of the Canadian Military
Service Act.
Only in very special cases where the applicant’s qualifications made
the enlistment desirable, was any recruit signed on who came under
the provision of this Act.
The organization and formation of units was, of course, constantly
subject to fluctuations in recruiting, and that these units were so
soon brought up to workable strength, speaks well for the care given
in this respect.
The arrangements made between Brigade Headquarters and the
Department of Militia and Defence in Ottawa were all important; and
negotiations for medical service, rations, etc., etc., having been
completed with satisfaction to the Canadian government, it fell to
headquarters staff to maintain a constant and careful liaison with
the various departments involved. In addition there were also many
important conferences at Washington, these resulting in a complete
understanding between the U.S. Signal Service and the brigade,
which understanding took admirable shape in the reciprocal training
agreement so successfully carried out by the Corps in Canada and
Texas.
Responsibility for training in Canada lay with the officer of
headquarters staff on this duty, and constant touch was maintained
with Great Britain in order that the methods of the Canadian unit
might always reflect every recent advance in the system adopted.
Reference has been made elsewhere to the excellent service given by
the Curtiss engine and Canadian JN4 aeroplane. This machine became
out of date a little later, but such were its qualifications of
strength and manoeuvring capacity, that, during the more recent
period of the work of the brigade all pilots were sent overseas with
flying instruction practically complete, needing only an introduction
to machines, which although faster and more modern, were able to
perform few manoeuvres which had not already been done on the JN4.
[Illustration:
LT.-COL. J. RUBIE LT.-COL. F. R. G. HOARE LT.-COL. A. K. TYLEE
MAJ. O. C. MACPHERSON BRIG.-GEN. C. G. HOARE, MAJOR O’REILLY
C.M.G.
MAJ. J. M. MITCHELL MAJ. H. B. DENTON
CAPT. C. J. BLACKMORE MAJ. M. A. SEYMOUR MAJ. J. INWOOD]
[Illustration: 80TH SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN--OFFICERS AND MECHANICS.]
[Illustration: READY FOR THE AIR.
THE TAKE-OFF--WINTER FLYING.]
[Illustration: SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICS--CANTEEN.
DINING HALL.]
Owing to the fact that one-half of the personnel of the brigade was
in a constant state of flux, and moving forward from unit to unit,
additional work was thrown upon both the Records and Quartermaster’s
department, and the prompt manner in which these organizations
adapted themselves to the changing needs is worthy of mention.
The move to Texas created an involved situation which was made
workable only by a very special effort and complete coöperation
with the Imperial Munitions Board, and, in spite of the strain thus
occasioned, the success of this move must always be recalled with
particular satisfaction by those responsible for its arrangement.
The Quartermaster branch discharged, as well, the duty of a
Quartermaster-General’s department, this being but one instance
out of many in which the obligations of individual sections of
the brigade were enlarged till they paralleled the work elsewhere
performed by the Air Board or the War Office.
The composition of the Canadian units decided upon by the War Office,
varied considerably from that of units already established in
England, and, in consequence, the mobilization and equipment tables
heretofore in use proved in most respects inapplicable to Canadian
requirements. Thus there was thrown upon the Aircraft Equipment
branch the almost unprecedented duty of compiling all the data
determining every item of equipment to be supplied for carrying on
the work of the Corps.
It was provided from the first that responsibility for price and
point of purchase would be borne by the Aviation Department, and the
burden of the A.E. branch ceased when requisitions were handed to the
former. This, however it eased the situation, still left upon the
A.E. branch the constant onus of working out in detail the entire
list of engines and aeroplanes, with their multitudinous spares, and
the complicated list of stores, technical and otherwise, requisite
for the training of a continuous stream of pilots.
The records of the branch show that while the supply of machines
from the Canadian Aeroplanes factory was invariably dependable,
considerable difficulty was experienced in securing deliveries of
engines, and, on occasions, machines were sent to the wings without
engines, the latter to be installed when received.
Motor transport being carefully considered, the original orders
proved practically sufficient for all needs, and there was purchased
only about one half of the equipment officially authorized. Had
not the units at Beamsville and Hamilton been organized, the
provision made early in 1917 would have proved sufficient. In the
supply of aeroplane spares, the excellent service rendered by the
repair sections of the various flying units in making broken parts
serviceable, steadily reduced the monthly proportional outlay.
It is not possible in the scope of a page to go into the innumerable
details, the solution of which rested with the A.E. branch.
Sufficient funds were of course available, and an admirable
coöperation with the Aviation Department of the I.M.B. always
saved the situation--even sometimes at the last moment--but the
difficulties overcome were very serious, and there were times when
the imperative demands of the flying wings seemed almost impossible
to satisfy. Added to this, there was increased difficulty in securing
supplies after the United States entered the war and placed embargoes
on many classes of goods. In spite of all, however, flying was never
practically affected by any lack of material.
Since it is desired only to give an outline of headquarters duties,
it is asked that the diagram on page 71 be referred to. The various
subdivisions were found to be satisfactory and workable, and to
reflect with accuracy those administrative needs on the fulfillment
of which depended both the progress of the unit with its co-related
branches, and the quality of the pilots it was privileged to turn
out.
[Illustration: GERMAN AERODROME, WESTERN FRONT.]
[Illustration: BARRIE, ONTARIO.]
+--_A.O. 1_ +--
| LT.-COL. J. RUBIE |_Records_--MAJOR H. B.
| General Staff duties. | DENTON
| Organization and formation | Recruiting all cadets
| of units. | and airmen and records
| Discipline. | of all non-commissioned
| Establishments. | members of the Force.
| Arrangement for movement |
| of troops. |_Works Section_--
| | | MAJOR O. C. MACPHERSON
| | | Supervision of all
| | | structural and aerodrome
| | | work.
| +-------------------+
| |_Discipline_--
| | MAJOR C. R. HUGGINS
| | Courts martial.
| | Courts of enquiry re
| | absentees.
| |
| | CAPT. J. L. LANGMUIR
| | Assistant Provost
| | Marshal.
| +--
|
+--_A.O. 2_ +--
| MAJ. J. M. MITCHELL |_Medical Boards_ } MAJ.
| General routine. |_Dental Services_} O’REILLY
| General administration. | Organization and control
| Headquarters orders. | of all medical services.
| Officers’ records. |
| Posting and employment |_A.O. 2A._--CAPT. F. D.
| of officers. | WILLIAMS
| Promotions. | Pay and allowances.
BRIGADIER- | | | Examination of unit
GENERAL | +-------------------+ orders.
C. G. HOARE,| | Civilian claims.
C.M.G. | |
_General_ | |_Transportation_
_Officer_ | | _Warrants_--
_Commanding_| | CAPT. G. J. BLACKMORE
| +--
|
|--_A.O. 1A._ +--
| LT.-COL. A. K. TYLEE |_A.O. 1B._--MAJ. M. A.
| General supervision of | SEYMOUR
| training. | All Flying training;
| | | syllabus of instruction;
| | | courts of enquiry re
| | | flying accidents;
| | | reports and graphs re
| +--------------------+ training progress;
| | technical matters
| | regarding flying (no
| | material); technical
| | training of officers,
| | non-commissioned
| | officers, cadets and men.
| |
| |_A.O. 1C._--CAPT. W. H.
| | FARNELL
| | Photography; supervision
| | of this instruction at
| | all units.
| +--
|
+--_A.E._ +--
COL. F. R. G. HOARE |_A.E. 1._--MAJOR J. INWOOD
Analysis and provision | Assisting A.E.
of all technical supplies. |
| |_Quartermaster Services_--
+--------------------+ CAPT. G. J. BLACKMORE
+--
[Illustration: RAF. CAN.--TOTAL MACHINES--MACHINES SERVICEABLE UNDER
REPAIR AND BEING ERECTED
MARCH 1917 TO NOV. 1918]
[Illustration: 87TH SQUADRON, CAMP BORDEN.]
[Illustration: Y.W.C.A.--CAMP BORDEN.
Y.M.C.A.--CAMP BORDEN.]
[Illustration: RAF. CAN.--OUTPUT OF PILOTS AND OBSERVERS]
TRAINING IN GENERAL.
To achieve a brief review of the progressive instruction received
by pilots and observers, it is unfortunately necessary to omit
reference to many developments which from time to time built up the
system finally secured. This is the more regrettable, since the
foundations were laid under strenuous circumstances. Insufficient
staffs provided with meagre equipment, much of which they themselves
had to evolve, did notable service at a time when the demands upon
them were constantly increasing. It is hoped, therefore, that those
to whom the brigade is indebted for a vast amount of admirable and
constructive effort will realize the impossibility of any descriptive
detail concerning it, and will find in the ultimate methods adopted
the essential fruit of their early labours.
To the photographic record of training on these pages it is now
desired to add certain data concerning the routine of instruction.
The cadet enlisting in the Spring of 1918 proceeded to the Cadet
Wing at Long Branch after passing through the Recruits Depot,
where he received an initiation into infantry training and buzzing
(telegraphic receiving and sending) up to his ability in the period.
Here he was clothed, equipped and given lectures on personal hygiene,
discipline, and the primary features of the R.A.F. This course did
not exceed two weeks.
During the eight weeks at the Cadet Wing the pupil’s horizon
broadened. He found also that every inducement was offered to
proficiency and hard work, for instruction continued even in
hospital, provided he was fit to receive it. Sports and physical
exercise kept him in condition, and leave was frequent.
[Illustration: PHOTOGRAPHY.
ARTILLERY OBSERVATION SENDING STATIONS.]
[Illustration: TESTING RIGGING.
FILLING UP.]
His wireless was carried on to receiving and sending eight words
a minute, and instruction was given in such a way that he was
untroubled by the presence of the cadet beside him, because that
cadet received and sent with a different wave length of transmission
current. Panneau (see illustration on page 199) was read at four
words a minute and practice alternated with the use of Aldis signal
lamps. Ground strips, reproduced electrically in miniature, required
correct reading. The method of locating flashes (symbolic of shell
bursts) on clock coding target (page 158) demanded special attention
to the point of locating ten successive flashes.
Came then aerial navigation, the knowledge of which is essential to
all who travel by air. An extremely interesting study this, covering
sketching, compass work--both magnetic and prismatic, definitions and
conventional signs used--in fact all such information as is necessary
not only to read intelligently and quickly any civil or military
map and absorb the information often so vitally necessary, but also
to construct one which shall be legible for general military and
artillery purposes.
It follows, then, that the cadet when he arrived at the School of
Aeronautics had already moulted much of the civilian. The plumage of
the pilot was beginning to sprout.
At this point his education was carried still further. He applied
his map-reading knowledge to an immense reproduction of part of
the actual theatre of war, showing whole battlefields in faithful
outline. He studied the plotting of an aerial course from point to
point, with a given wind velocity and speed of aeroplane. He delved
into air and weather conditions in northern France and learned what
targets looked like when seen from the air. He began photography,
the study of artillery work, zone call systems and those simple yet
enormously important and pre-arranged signals between battery and
aeroplane. Here, too, he was introduced to the science of bombing.
Moving on to engines of various types, he absorbed their principles
of design and operation--with practical work on the engines
themselves which were set up on running stands at Camp Leaside and
subjected to every temporary indisposition imaginable in order that
the pupil might diagnose and remedy the trouble (page 83). With
the engines he studied the design of the aeroplane, assembling and
dismantling till its structure became simple and familiar (page
172). Coincident with all this was his education as a soldier, with
lectures in military law, procedure, the organization of various arms
of the service, the internal economy of R.A.F. squadrons, wings,
parks and depots and the various phases of active service duty.
Congested as it may appear, there was in actuality no congestion.
This was due not only to the fact that instruction was invariably
progressive, but also such mechanical inventiveness had been
displayed by the staff that whenever practical instruction involving
mechanics of any nature was given, there was always produced the
relative mechanical device which showed the practical application of
the theory and demonstrated quite unmistakably its physical character.
From the School of Aeronautics to which further reference is made
(page 162) the cadet proceeded to the Armament School. In the chapter
under this heading his course is sufficiently outlined, and by the
time he arrived at a flying wing he had mastered the theoretical and
mechanical essentials of the principles and appliances which were to
control his further development.
It was recognized that if instruction in wireless ceased on arrival
at the wings, the pupil at once became rusty in these requirements,
and, from the commencement of the Corps, work classes were invariably
held in this and kindred subjects at all flying units.
Now came the time to which the cadet had been looking forward since
his enlistment. Entrusted to a competent instructor, he embarked
on flying tuition. Here also was practice in aerial photography,
vertical and oblique, and bomb dropping by wireless, in which the
pilot signalled the release of an imaginary bomb, the message being
received by an observer in a camera obscura hut, who noted also the
position of the machine at the instant of release. Formation and
fifty-mile cross-country flights were practised, the former as in
active service, the latter giving opportunity for map reading in the
air, and the actual collection of a variety of information which
paralleled the duty to be performed at the front.
Here, too, the cadet climbed to 6,000 feet and remained at this
height for fifteen minutes. He flew through clouds guided by compass,
read ground strips and Aldis lamp signals, and in general comported
himself exactly as though in the air over enemy country, and when
he ultimately reported at Camp Leaside it was as a skilled pilot
thoroughly at home in his machine and ready for the two final periods
of his instruction.
At Leaside, the 43rd Wing, came final tuition in artillery
coöperation. Here the cadet absorbed to his capacity all that science
and a particularly brilliant system of instruction could give him.
The picture target of former days was reproduced on a huge scale,
and from work on this the pupil took to the air. From an altitude of
2,000 feet he noted bursts presumed to be those of batteries, located
them on his map and wirelessed their position to the receiving
battery station, correcting and directing its fire. Information was
sent down describing the effect of barrage fire, the movement of
troops, the location of wire and similar details. Contact patrol work
was studied, as was indeed every feature of artillery coöperation
duty, even to the wearing of gauntlets when sending wireless.
All through the period of training his physical condition was
regarded as of prime importance; and continual exercises, so arranged
as to develop every bodily power, and, in consequence, every
mental activity, were faithfully practised. The result was a human
mechanism, fit and alert, sound and responsive, and capable of being
brought to the highest possible pitch of efficiency.
At the School of Aerial Fighting came the last step in the
development of the pilot. Armed with Vickers and Lewis guns he went
through a final course of ground gunnery which demonstrated the
problems and mechanics of the art of shooting to the last degree.
Taking to the air, first with another pilot, he shot at full-sized
silhouettes anchored in Lake Ontario a mile from shore. Later, armed
with a camera gun loaded with film, he undertook aerial practice
on a brother cadet, the developed film showing the accuracy of his
aim. Aerial tactics were carried out, and every imaginable manoeuvre
of attack and escape has been observable for months at this most
interesting of camps. Finally, equipped mentally and physically, with
all that the British Empire could do for him, he left for either
overseas as the highest product of the R.A.F., Can., or to the School
of Special Flying to be tested as an instructor, an equally arduous
but more thankless undertaking.
[Illustration: ENGINE TEST SHED--LEASIDE.]
[Illustration: OFFICERS’ MESS--LEASIDE.]
NORTH TORONTO.
The North Toronto wing was the third flying station of the brigade to
go into action. It was subdivided into two units, Leaside and Armour
Heights, the ground for the former being most generously offered free
of charge by the York Land Company and the town of Leaside; while for
the use of the latter area the Corps is indebted to F. B. Robins, Esq.
Actual construction commenced on May 21st. Leaside, comprising 222
acres, presented an admirable surface which was carefully drained.
The structural programme called for nine flight sheds, together with
instructional and repair buildings, etc. At the close of hostilities
there was accommodation for 89 officers, 230 cadets, 83 warrant
officers and sergeants, and about 600 rank and file, the latter being
housed in a large factory building, the use of which was secured
from the Leaside Munitions Company. In the autumn of 1918, work
was commenced on a central heating plant serving the officers’ and
cadets’ quarters.
The territory north, east and west of Leaside presented a country
with fairly large fields and but little wooded land, and there
was in consequence every opportunity for forced landings. As this
station was the main point at which training was given in artillery
coöperation, a most complete system of observation huts connected
by telephones, was constructed and dotted the countryside for miles
around.
Leaside has always been a point of interest to visitors on account
of its proximity to Toronto, and has had the honor of inspection by
H.R.H. Prince Arthur of Connaught and the Duke of Devonshire, at
that time Governor-General of Canada. From Leaside also started the
aerial mail which, under the auspices of the Aero Club of Canada,
made several trips to Montreal and Ottawa, and demonstrated the great
advantage that will no doubt accrue from the use of aerial transport
for this purpose.
At Armour Heights were the squadrons detailed to give instruction in
what is known as the Armour Heights course. The aerodrome lies some
five miles north of Toronto. Here accommodation was provided for 58
officers, 56 cadets, 32 warrant officers and sergeants and 188 rank
and file. The type of building and general arrangement of the station
did not present any features varying noticeably from other camps,
but this unit was always the object of much interest to visitors on
account of the advanced flying at all times observable. The output
of instructors here graduated has been vital to the success of the
Corps, and the keenness and enthusiasm displayed was undoubtedly
fostered by the brilliant example set by the flight commander who for
many months was in charge. His record has been worthily maintained.
[Illustration: PART OF AERODROME, LEASIDE.]
[Illustration: PART OF BEAMSVILLE AERODROME.]
BEAMSVILLE CAMP.
The site of the School of Aerial Fighting was selected in the
autumn of 1917. Actual preparation of some 300 acres comprising
the aerodrome began, and the work of building was in full swing by
December. Climatic conditions approximated those at Camp Borden
some twelve months previously, it being a winter of severe cold and
high winds, but so earnestly was construction pushed that the camp
stood ready for occupation when the School of Aerial Gunnery, as it
then was, returned from Texas at the beginning of April, 1917. This
provision did not at the time include barracks for cadets and rank
and file.
As will be understood, complete equipment was provided for gunnery
practice, the several ranges running from 25 to 200 yards. These
were furnished with a diversity of targets for surprise deflection,
miniature aeroplane and disappearing target work, the type of butt
here constructed proving extremely satisfactory.
Full sized silhouettes of machines, riding on anchored rafts, were
also set out in Lake Ontario a mile or so from shore, it having
already been established in practice over Lake Worth, Texas, that
firing over the water was of great value, owing to the accuracy with
which registration could be made and also the excellent opportunity
given of arriving at a proper diving angle. Beamsville provided all
such advantages, and practice was further stimulated by the use of a
fast armour-clad launch, which, travelling at top speed, offered an
unusually good target.
As work developed, it became clear that the School was in point of
fact one of tuition in aerial fighting, the practice of tactics
forming a large part of the instruction given. Its nomenclature was
in consequence altered in July, 1918.
In the summer of this year, a fourth squadron was organized and
housed, and steps taken to provide permanent accommodation for all
ranks. This programme included additional officers’ quarters, and
the construction of about a dozen large buildings on the hillside
which previously held the tents of the unit. The work had just been
completed at the date of the armistice, when the accommodation at
this station was sufficient for 122 officers, 400 cadets, 96 warrant
officers and sergeants and 768 rank and file.
Other services covered an excellent supply of pure water from the
lake, a complete drainage system, and ample electrical facilities
from the circuits of the Dominion Power and Transmission Company
of Hamilton, from which city Beamsville is some twenty-three miles
distant to the eastward.
The trip from Toronto by air was always of interest, paralleling
the south shore of Lake Ontario to the long sandspit that cuts off
Hamilton Bay from the main lake, along this curving bar and thence
over orchard and vineyard along the edge of the great escarpment over
which, a little further eastward, plunges the Niagara River. This
area is appropriately called the garden of Canada, and the unit found
itself fortunate in its surroundings.
[Illustration: OFFICERS AND STRENGTH, SCHOOL OF AERIAL FIGHTING,
BEAMSVILLE.]