JANUARY 1943

On 10th of the month the runways were covered with ice and the grass alongside was used for take-offs and landing. However by 1430 hours the ice had melted and the runways were back in use.

Group Captain Nixon was posted out on 11th January.

Flight Sergeant R D Maynard, R.C.A.F., was killed in a flying accident on 14th January when his Hurricane P3411 dived into the ground 2 miles North-East of Acklington. He was buried with full military honours at St Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

FEBRUARY 1943

No. 26 course was posted out on 9th February with 32 pupils whilst on the same day No. 29 course was posted in with 32 pupils.

On 22nd February Flight Lieutenant Van Shalk (instructor) and Sergeant Gleadall (pupil) were killed in Master 1, T8553, when it crashed 1 mile south of Ancroft, Northumberland whilst low flying.

Unit strength at the end of February comprised 68 Hurricanes, eight Master 1s, nine Master 3s, five Battle T.T., two Martinet T.T., one Tiger Moth, one Dominie and one Magister. R.A.F. personnel comprised 100 officers and 780 other ranks while there were 6 officers and 320 other ranks in the W.A.A.F.

Hours flown were 3161 of which 118 were by night.

MARCH 1943

No. 27 course with 30 pupils passed out on 2nd March.

Three Hurricanes were lost from Brunton on 27th March and 2 pilots were killed. Sergeant Cullener died when his Hurricane W9179 crashed in the sea at night while Sergeant R.H.M. MacFadzean was killed when his Hurricane W9121 crashed while making a night approach to Brunton. He was buried with full military honours at St Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

Two Typhoon Mk1a aircraft were received during the month as a first stage in the O.T.U. becoming a Typhoon training unit. As a result of this decision a number of aircraft fitters were sent on a 14 day course to Hawkers Factory at Langley in Buckinghamshire where the Typhoons were being produced.

Hours flown in March were 2,269 of which 97 were by night.

THE LINK TRAINER

The Link trainer at Milfield was situated in the training site between the communal site and the airfield as well as other simulators such as the Hawarden trainer. In addition, there was a “Speech Therapy” unit, a most essential element considering the large percentage of non-English speaking pilots undergoing training.

Joe Palmer, the permanent electrician attached to the Link trainer, invented a mirror modification to help the instructor follow the crab path on the map table of the Link trainer. This modification was officially taken up by the R.A.F.

There was also a Link trainer installation at Brunton Airfield where more advanced training exercises were carried out.

The pupils undertook 10 hours Link training in their nine week course. The two principal procedures taught were the ZZ controlled approach and the Standard Beam Approach.

There was also training in R/T procedure given by Flying Officer G. D. Fisher and lectures were given on homing bearings for guiding aircraft to the airfields in bad weather.

APRIL 1943

A further Typhoon, R7696 was received on 14th April from 181 Squadron. Another Typhoon, R8867 crashed on take-off from Milfield on 18th and was destroyed.

No. 29 course with 30 pupils was posted out on 20th and the same day No. 32 course arrived with 32 pupils.

The A.O.C. 9 Group, of which 59 O.T.U. had now become part, visited the unit on 22nd April and carried out an inspection.

Flight Sergeant Davies and Flying Officer Thompson were killed on 27th April when their Hurricanes V7136 and P3454 collided in mid-air; both aircraft crashed 2 miles west of Belford, Northumberland.

3,400 hours were flown in April of which 108 were by night.

MAY 1943

On 1st May Wing Commander G.A. Brown was posted to No. 55 O.T.U. R.A.F. Annan.

Two Typhoons, R8709 and R7624, were transferred to the unit from 198 Squadron on 2nd May. Unfortunately, R7624 suffered engine failure on the delivery flight and crashed 1 mile west of Ouston.

Typhoon R7706 was received from 197 Squadron on 3rd May and the following day three Hurricanes were transferred from the unit.

During the first week of May the Army film “Desert Victory” was shown in the camp cinema.

A mid-air collision occurred on 5th May involving Hurricane AG111 of 59 O.T.U. and Spitfire P7902 from 57 O.T.U. R.A.F. Eshott. This happened after a flight of Hurricanes spotted a formation of Spitfires and dived on them in mock combat. Both aircraft fell near Wooler and were destroyed. The Hurricane pilot, Flight Sergeant De Freitas, and the Spitfire pilot, Sergeant F.T.L. Fulton, R.N.Z.A.F., were killed.

During the month further Typhoon aircraft were received from operational squadrons and by the end of the month 17 aircraft were on strength.

On 8th May it was announced that Tunis and Bizerta had fallen to Allied Forces in North Africa. As a result of this news the Station Commander granted a general half day holiday for all personnel.

The flying control commenced operations upstairs in the Watch Office on 12th May, and from this date all R/T communications were on V.H.F.

On 18th May No. 30 course with 34 pupils was posted out and 39 pupils of 31 course were transferred to 559 Squadron at Milfield to carry out the third phase of their training. This was now a conversion course on Typhoons under the command of Squadron Leader Ingle-Finch. 559 Squadron was a shadow given to the advanced squadron which, in an emergency, would be pressed into service to supplement the operational fighter squadrons. To replace 559 Squadron at Brunton No. 32 course moved there to carry out the second phase of their training. No. 2 echelon (Flight Lieutenant Campbell) and ‘X’ Squadron (Squadron Leader Whittingham) also moved from Milfield to Brunton. 559 Squadron had occupied the dispersal hut next to the Watch Office which had previously been occupied by ‘X’ Squadron and the Battle Flight.

43 pupils were posted in on 18th May to form No. 33 course.

Air Commodore Grace visited the unit on 29th May and carried out an inspection.

Aircraft strength at the end of May comprised seventeen Typhoons, fifty eight Hurricanes, eleven Master 1, six Battle T.T., six Martinet T.T., one Dominie, one Magister, one Tiger Moth and eleven Master 3.

3,256 hours were flown during the month of which 47 were by night.

JUNE 1943

Sergeant G.R. Dawson was presumed killed when his Hurricane 6860 went missing on a training flight on 2nd June. The wreckage was subsequently found and Sergeant Dawson was buried with full military honours at St.Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

Air Vice Marshal D.F. Stephenson, A.O.C. 9 Group, arrived at the Unit from Salmesbury on 6th June.

The Air Officer Commanding Fighter Command, Air Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh Mallory, K.C.B., D.S.O., arrived in a Mosquito from R.A.F. Eshott on 7th June at 1710 hours on a tour of inspection. During the evening he presided over a conference in connection with the Typhoons. Agreement was reached that in view of the present supply difficulties these aircraft would be reallocated to the squadrons on the completion of No. 32 course. This was in no way to distract from the status of the O.T.U. as the Typhoon Training Unit. While the shortage of aircraft existed pupils would finish their final three weeks’ training on Hurricanes and subsequently a new syllabus would be introduced.

The following day the A.O.C. inspected 559 Squadron and the instructional site. At 1058 hours he left Milfield for R.A.F. Woolsington in a Dominie piloted by Squadron Leader West.

On 12th June Group Captain Gracroft visited Milfield, arriving by air in an Anson aircraft.

Sergeant A.V. Jones of 559 Squadron was killed on 13th June when his Typhoon R7580 spun in ½ mile east of Milfield. He was buried with full military honours at St.Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

The following day Sergeant Kemp of No. 1 Echelon experienced engine failure on take-off in Hurricane AF956 at Milfield and died later from his injuries.

The Chief Ground Instructor, Squadron Leader N.A. Sinanian, was posted to 61 O.T.U. as Chief Ground Instructor on 18th June.

Instructors of No. 1 Echelon and 559 Squadron carried out night flying in Hurricanes on 20th June from 2347 hours to 0310 hours.

Following the arrival of further Martinet Target Tugs, three Battle T.T.s were allotted away on 21st June.

With the decision to re-allocate the Typhoons, further Hurricanes arrived to replace them as follows: five on 22nd, five on 23rd and four on 26th. On the debit side 1 Master and 1 Typhoon were relocated on 23rd.

No 657490 Sergeant T. Inglis was killed in a flying accident on 24th June when his Hurricane AG123 hit a wall in a forced landing at Witches Knowe, Berwick.

On 29th June, Warrant Officer 2 D.N. Flack, R.C.A.F. was killed when his Hurricane dived into the ground at Mouson Hill, near Belford. W O Flack was buried with full military honours at St.Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

In a further bid to promote recreational facilities a Station Beekeepers’ Association was formed during the month.

Towards the end of the month it was decided to extend No. 32 course on Typhoons by one week.

At the end of the month the aircraft strength comprised 71 Hurricanes, twelve Typhoons, twenty-one Masters, three Battles, six Martinets, one Dominie, one Tiger Moth and one Magister.

Hours flown during June were 3,558. There were 9 flying accidents of which 5 were fatal.

R.A.F. strength at Milfield was 84 officers and 676 other ranks and the W.A.A.F.s had 6 officers and 427 other ranks. At Brunton the R.A.F. strength was 25 officers and 289 other ranks and the W.A.A.F. had 1 officer and 92 other ranks.

RUNWAY CONSTRUCTION

On 7th July concern was expressed at the state of the runway and perimeter track surfaces at Brunton. Accordingly an inspection was carried out on 27th July attended by the contractors, Constable Hart & Co, Limmer and Trinidad Lake Asphalt and H.E. Pitt Ltd. The R.A.F. were represented by Squadron Leader Batey, the Camp Commandant at Brunton and by Squadron Leader Armitage who was the Station Administration Officer at Milfield.

Immediately after the inspection a meeting was held to make out a plan for carrying out reconstruction work in accordance with the contracts which had originally been let.

It was decided that the runway intersections and touchdown areas were to be relaid and the whole of the runways to be resurfaced.

Resurfacing and relaying of the foundations was to proceed simultaneously. A suitable pro-forma would be drawn up and completed by the flying control officer before flying could begin each day. This would give details of runway and areas in use and what precautionary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of aircraft, contractors’ traffic and personnel.

It was agreed that the resurfacing of the complete runways would be let as a separate contract. It was also agreed that the contractor presently repairing the perimeter track would proceed from that work to the runways with the least possible delay and the contractor stated he would be prepared to begin the work on 3rd August.

It was decided that the reconstruction of the intersections would be dealt with in the order causing least interference to flying. However, the contractor would be able to have the intersection for the complete period required for the reconstruction together with the use of the length of runway leading from the perimeter track to the intersection.

It was agreed that the touchdown areas, that is, 30 yards back from the 300 yard line and 70 yards ahead, would be included in the reconstruction scheme. These areas would be allotted to the contractors for the complete time required for their repair and at a time concurrent with the intersection repairs.

Tests were carried out to establish the grass runways and these were marked and made available for use within 48 hours.

As a result of these remedial works the runways at Brunton have remained in excellent condition for many years.

JULY 1943

Squadron Leader Armitage arrived at the unit on 3rd July to take over Station Administration Duties. At this time Flight Lieutenant Brown was Adjutant and, together with the Orderly Room clerks, they became experts on the Bradshaw Railway timetable and became quite proficient at routing a man from Milfield to – say - 5 P.D.C. Blackpool, via his home in Inverness, before his overseas posting.

Flight Lieutenant Edwards. O.C. No. 1 Echelon. was posted to No. 58 O.T.U. on 5th July.

Pilot Officer Ellis was severely injured on 5th when his Hurricane V7180 crashed 5 miles south of Wooler. He was rushed to Newcastle General Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

All Typhoon training ceased on 6th July on the completion of No. 32 course, and the aircraft were withdrawn from the flights. No. 32 course, comprising 28 pupils, was posted out and No. 35 course, comprising 16 officers and 20 sergeants, arrived from training.

As a result of the termination of the Typhoon training, No. 2 Echelon and ‘X’ Squadron moved back to Milfield from Brunton while 559 Squadron, now back on Hurricanes, moved to Brunton in their stead.

Hurricane JS330 was delivered to the unit from 245 Squadron on 7th July.

Wing Commander Green arrived on 7th July to take over from Wing Commander Aitkins as Wing Commander Flying, the latter being posted to R.A.F. Winkleigh as O.C.

The Chief Engineer Fighter Command, Colonel Foster, visited Milfield and Brunton on 7th July and carried out an inspection at both airfields.

Squadron Leader Squire was posted to Marston Moor on 8th.

As the range at Holy Island had not been completed, cannon firing at sea targets was commenced from Brunton on 11th July. 559 Squadron also carried out intensive training in Battle Formation flying from this date.

From 13th July a new policy was introduced whereby all major and minor inspections were carried out at the Maintenance Wing. Only daily inspections and between-flight inspections were now to be carried out at the flights. Any aircraft which was likely to require 6 hours or more work to render it serviceable was also to be dealt with by the Maintenance Wing. From this date the Flights obtained aircraft from the Central Pool while awaiting the return of their aircraft from Maintenance.

There were three Hurricane accidents on 14th July, classified individually as Category A, Category Ac and Category ‘E’. In the first two cases the pilots were uninjured but in the third, Flight Sergeant Humphrey, R.N.Z.A.F., was killed. His flying accident was classed as an error of judgement when his Hurricane P3475 collided with Hurricane V7173 and crashed at Elwick, Northumberland. He was buried with full military honours at St Gregory’s Churchyard, Kirknewton.

Three Hurricanes were returned to No. 43 Group Deposit Account for major inspection on 14th July while two Battle T.Ts were returned to R.A.F. Cosford.

Lieutenant Piltingsrud, Royal Norwegian Air Force, arrived on 25th July to take over command of No. 2 Echelon from Flight Lieutenant Campbell who was transferred to take command of ‘X’ Squadron.

Further Hurricane aircraft were received during the month including Z3076 from 245 Squadron on 20th.

The unit flying instructors carried out intensive night flying training between 22.30 hours and 00.30 hours on 17th July.

Sergeant Taverner was killed when his Hurricane, V7170 crashed and was destroyed on 26th. The same day Master1, N7722 was despatched from the unit to the Philips and Powis factory at Reading.

No. 36 course with 45 pupils arrived for training on 27th July.

Two Typhoons were allotted away on 29th, DN620 to 609 Squadron and the other to 43 G.D.A. On the credit side one Master 3 and one Martinet T.T. arrived the same day from 43 G.D.A., together with three Hurricanes followed by another Hurricane on 30th.

Wing Commander Foulsham arrived from 9 Group Headquarters on 29th July and carried out an inspection of the Operations Room.

Aircraft strength at the end of July comprised 48 Hurricanes, eight Sea Hurricanes 1a, twelve Sea Hurricanes 1c, one Hurricane 2a, two Hurricane 2b, three Typhoon 1a, seven Typhoon 1b, seven Master 1, eleven Master 3, six Martinet T.T., one Dominie, one Magister and one Tiger Moth.

Total hours flown during the month were 3,373.

AUGUST 1943

A detachment of No. 2 2780 Ant-Aircraft Squadron returned to R.A.F. Boulmer on 1st August.

On 2nd August Typhoon DN500 returned to the unit from 43 G.D.A.

Hurricane AG107 was abandoned safely by Sergeant Morley on 6th August after an engine fire. The Hurricane crashed 2 miles east of Milfield.

A mid-air collision took place on 7th involving Hurricane P3620 and P3104. Flight Sergeant O’Keefe received fatal injuries in P3620 which crashed at Fenwick, Northumberland, while P3107 landed safely at Milfield.

Four replacement Hurricanes were delivered to the unit on 8th including V6927 and P2886 from 318 Squadron while the same day Hurricane W9125 was returned to Hanworth.

Typhoon P3667 was allotted to 609 Squadron on 11th August.

Three Hurricanes, P3776, V7436 and W9145, were received from 318 Squadron on 15th while Typhoon R8652 was returned to Rearsby where it crashed on landing and was written off. The following day Hurricane L2143 was returned to Hanworth.

On 18th August ‘X’ Squadron moved from Milfield to Brunton.

Air Chief Marshal Sir A. Brooke-Popham G.C.B., K.C.B., arrived by air from R.A.F. Leuchars on 23rd and inspected the living accommodation and Airmen’s Mess. He expressed satisfaction with the excellent arrangements and congratulated all concerned. He later inspected A.T.C. cadets who were stationed at Milfield for their summer camp.

Brigadier Britton, Command Defence Officer, visited Milfield on 24th August. He ordered all A.A. guns to be manned and the local commander, Lieutenant Colonel Guild, gave the instruction over the tannoy system. The Brigadier, accompanied by Wing Commander R.E.P. Booker, O.C. No. 1 S.L.A.I.S., expressed satisfaction at the smart turnout during his tour of the defence positions.

Aircraft strength in August was 75 Hurricanes, ten Typhoons, eighteen Masters 1 and 3, six Martinets, one Dominie, one Magister and one Tiger Moth. Hours flown were 3,101. No. 34 course, comprising 14 officers and 26 sergeants, completed the course at Brunton on 20th and departed to the Squadrons.

A DEFENCE EXERCISE

On 1st September a defence exercise, under Lieutenant Colonel Guild was held to determine how quickly station personnel could turn out in an emergency. It was designed to test the organisation, transport arrangement, issue of arms and signal arrangements. A preliminary trial took place in the afternoon at which personnel manned the various localities assigned to them and instructions were issued governing later procedure.

The collecting points proved satisfactory and were located as follows:
• Nos. 1 and 2 Hangars – outside Maintenance Wing Headquarters.
• Nos. 1 and 2 Echelons and S.H.Q. – No. 4 Site Picket Post.
• No. 1 S.L.A.I.S. – S.L.A.I.S. H.Q.
• Pupils – Instructional Site.

A surprise alarm was given at night and the following lessons were learned.

• Distribution of arms caused delay as a result of each man having to sign for his individual weapon. This precaution was not necessary should the real thing occur.
• Transport arrangements were excellent and in all cases were available before personnel could take advantage of them.
• Communications by Tannoy, PBX, Field Telephone and Radio were satisfactory with the exception of a field line to No. 2 locality H.Q. which was found to be cut and this was repaired in 15 minutes. Time was lost owing to alternative means of communication not being used in some instances and it was clear that immediate action was essential when communications fail.

The result of the exercise, subject to the above comments, were considered satisfactory.

SEPTEMBER 1943

Wing Commander Sing was posted in as Wing Commander Flying at Brunton on 1st September while on the same day Squadron Leader Law arrived as Chief Ground Instructor.

A mid-air collision involving Hurricanes W9145 and T9532 occurred on 5th September and both aircraft were destroyed. Sergeant McCoy was injured in W9145 but Pilot Officer Dougal died in the wreckage of T9532. This accident took place near Dunbar, East Lothian.

Squadron Leader Dieu was posted to Brunton on 7th as instructor in air-firing while P/O Hendy arrived as unit test pilot. The same day Squadron Leader Reid left on posting to 174 Squadron.

Hurricane P3394 crashed into the sea 3 miles off Dunstanburgh on 8th September, however the pilot bailed out safely and was rescued.

In celebration of Italy’s capitulation the station was given a holiday on 9th September and no flying took place.

Master 3 W8789 collided with a motor car on the perimeter track at Leuchars after landing there on 14th; there were no casualties in the car or the aircraft.

U.S.A.A.F B17F, 230030 crashed into the sea 3 miles east of Seahouses on 17th September, eight of the crew were saved but two were drowned. The aircraft, from the 388th Bomb Group, U.S.A.A.F., had been on a mission to Cognac airfield, France. With radio gone and complete loss of bearings the Fortress had been in the air for 13 hours. The survivors were brought to Milfield and given dry clothing. Major Forrest, in another B17 from Knettishall, arrived at Milfield and flew the survivors back to that station on 18th.

No. 38 course arrived for training on 21st and comprised 6 officers and 19 sergeants whilst No. 35 course, comprising 16 officers and 25 sergeants, was posted out to the squadrons.

3 Hurricanes, including N2471 were delivered to the unit on 27th.

In view of the remoteness of Milfield the Station Cinema showed a different film on nearly every evening.

Aircraft strength at the end of September comprised 79 Hurricanes, ten Typhoons, seventeen Masters, six Martinets, two Dominies, one Tiger Moth and one Magister. Hours flown during the month were 2,567.

There were 120 R.A.F. officers and 837 airmen with 6 W.A.A.F. officers and 430 other ranks at Milfield. At Brunton there were 27 R.A.F. officers and 268 airmen and 1 W.A.A.F. officer and 89 other ranks.

OCTOBER 1943

On 5th October 29 pilots under training arrived from No. 56 O.T.U. which had just disbanded at R.A.F. Tealing. They were absorbed into 37 and 38 courses to complete their fighter pilot training.

On 6th Hurricane V6610 crashed into the sea off Beadnell. The pilot, Flight Sergeant Holden, bailed out but unfortunately was drowned when he landed in the sea.

As a result of the increased importance of low level navigation in operational flying a Navigation Flight was formed at the unit and started instructions on 14th to pupils in the second phase of their training.

Hurricane V7462 was allotted to the unit on 20th October.

Air Vice Marshal C.N.S. Speckman D.F.C., A.O.C. Admin at HQ Fighter Command, visited the airfield on 21st October and carried out a detailed inspection.

From 26th October the six W.A.A.F. Officers on the station were permitted to dine in the R.A.F. Officers’ Mess.

There were 117 aircraft on strength at the end of the month comprising 81 Hurricanes, eight Typhoons, nineteen Masters, six Martinets, one Tiger Moth, one Dominie and one Magister. Hours flown by the unit totalled 2,315.

NOVEMBER 1943

No. 39 course, comprising 12 officers and 10 sergeants, arrived for training on 2nd.

The Demonstration Flight (Ground Defence) visited the station on 4th November and gave an interesting display of aerodrome defence methods.

No. 36 course, comprising 12 officers and 35 sergeants, passed out on 20th while No. 38 course moved to Brunton for the final phase of their training on 23rd.

Group Captain Addams, Wing Commander Green and several instructors and pupils from 39 course went to Newcastle on 25th to spend the day on one of the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft carriers. They had a most interesting and informative time and were most impressed by the efficiency of the Fleet Air Arm pilots and ratings.

Sergeant Jones lost his life on 29th when his Hurricane Z7083 crashed after spinning off a steep turn in formation. No blame was attached to his instructor who was leading the flight or to the aircraft.

Personnel at Milfield the RAF had 118 officers and 580 other ranks, while the W.A.A.F. had 9 officers and 351 other ranks. At Brunton the R.A.F. strength was 24 officers and 240 other ranks with 2 W.A.A.F. officers and 76 other ranks.

DECEMBER 1943

Flying Officer Look Yan of No. 40 course had the misfortune to crash Hurricane T9534 on this his first Hurricane solo on 4th but he was unhurt. F/O Look-Yan was later destined to be the last 59 O.T.U. pilot from Milfield to lose his life.

For several mornings there was heavy overnight frost which coated everything especially the mainplanes of the aircraft which were parked out in the open at the dispersals. The pupil pilots assisted the ground crews in defrosting the aircraft and this operation took a considerable time to achieve.

Over a period of six days from 18th December the unit received five Hurricanes, three Martinets and two Magisters.

The A.O.C., Air Vice Marshal D.F. Stevenson C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., visited and inspected the unit on 22nd December.

On Christmas Eve the padre, Squadron Leader Hills, dressed as Santa Claus, arrived at 1430 hours in the Dominie which was piloted by S/Ldr. West. Accompanied by 4 W.A.A.Fs, Santa was met by about 80 children. They all adjourned to the Officers’ Mess where a very successful party was held. At 1730 hours the children were given a film show before returning to their homes.

Group Captain Atcherley paid a visit to the station on Boxing Day no doubt in connection with the new role the airfield was shortly to play.

The padre, Squadron Leader Hills, was posted to 5 P.D.C. on 28th December en route for overseas duty. The same day No.39 course moved to Brunton for the final phase of their training while No. 41 course, comprising 17 officers and 8 N.C.Os, arrived for training.

Aircraft strength at the end of the month was 83 Hurricanes, eight Typhoons, nineteen Masters, six Martinets, one Dominie, one Tiger Moth and one Magister. Hours flown during the month numbered 2,126.25.

JANUARY 1944

Flying Officer Look-Yan was killed on 14th January when his Hurricane Z3076 crashed 4 miles south-east of Wooler.

As 59 O.T.U. was closing, 20 pupils from No. 41 course were posted to 57 O.T.U. R.A.F. Eshott to join No.59 course and complete their training on Spitfires.

59 O.T.U. disbanded on 26th January and the establishment cancelled. The same day the Fighter Leader School was formed and absorbed No.1 Specialised Low Attack Instructors’ School.

On this day the aircraft strength was 77 Hurricanes, seven Martinets, six Typhoons, eighteen Masters, one Dominie and one Tiger Moth and hours flown for the month totalled 1,435.

A message was received from the A.O.C., Air Vice Marshall D.F. Stevenson in which he stated that the closing down of 59 O.T.U. had brought to an end the existence of a unit with a very fine record of achievement. In the 34 months of its life no less than 101,335 hours had been flown and 1,485 pupils trained. This represented a contribution to the war effort of considerable magnitude. It had only been made possible by the hard work and devotion to duty not only of the Instructors and Staff but of the entire strength of the Station. At no time had life been easy, because the training commitment had always been a little greater than the resources which the O.T.U. could normally meet. It had meant a sustained effort on the part of everybody to provide the training which had been required. The A.V.M. said he would like to congratulate everybody concerned on the results achieved and to thank them for the efforts they had made. He asked them in undertaking their new training role to continue to do their best.