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.
[Illustration: R.A.F. CAN.--OUTPUT OF CADETS--42^{ND}, 43^{RD}, &
44^{TH} WINGS]
[Illustration: REPAIR SECTION--CAMP MOHAWK.]
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.
[Illustration: TILTING.
“THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT!”]
[Illustration: CAMP BORDEN REPRESENTATIVE TEAM.]
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.
[Illustration: R.A.F. REPRESENTATIVE SOCCER TEAM, 1916.]
[Illustration: “WELL OVER!”
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.
[Illustration: FIRST CANADIAN JN4 MACHINE AT LONG BRANCH.]
[Illustration: SECOND PRESENTATION MACHINE GIVEN BY THE LATE COLONEL
MERRITT.]
[Illustration: 85TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK.]
[Illustration: LONGWOOD.]
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.
[Illustration: 84TH SQUADRON, CAMP MOHAWK.]
[Illustration: INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, “X” SQUADRON, LONG BRANCH.
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.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: OFFICERS’ QUARTERS, LEASIDE.
TYPICAL HANGAR.
CORNER IN OFFICERS’ MESS, LEASIDE.]
[Illustration: 79TH SQUADRON, CAMP RATHBUN.]
[Illustration: OFFICERS AND NURSES, SCHOOL OF AERIAL FIGHTING,
BEAMSVILLE.]
INDEX TO PORTRAITS AND GROUPS