the Signal NEWSLETTER OF THE VENTURE ASSOCIATION June 2003 Anchormen Allan J. Snowie (Class of ‘66) First World War, Second World War and “Collishaw & Company” to be published years. Cold War conflicts have given rise to suc- in August, 2004. The British , The second highest Canadian naval ceeding generations of Canadian naval avia- who were loath to release their own ace was J.S. Fall (Hillbank BC) with 36 tors. At a time when our own Venture group trained officers to flying duties, recruited of naval aviators is about to pass into his- kills. A.T. Whealy and G.C. MacKay tory, it is timely for all of us to become better our Canadians as aviators. The RN saw (both of Toronto) downed 27 and 18 re- acquainted with some of the very first Cana- the war as a glorious opportunity for a spectively. Prairie lads A.W. Carter dian airmen who joined the Royal Naval Air second Trafalgar and kept most of their (Calgary) shot down 17; J.A. Glen (Turtle Service during the First World War. They trained watchkeepers in the fleet. Mountain, MB) 15; and H.LeR. Wallace pioneered our flight path to the deck. Ed. Herein follows a very much abbrevi- (Lethbridge) 14. In his encyclopedic volume Cana- ated sketch of a few of our many: The human costs were high on the dian Airmen and the First World War, It is the “ace factor” which draws Canadian side. S.V. Rosevear (Walkerton historian S.F.Wise tells us that 936 sons most readers to aviation books about the ON) was himself killed after bringing of Canada joined the Royal Naval Air war. We see numerous glossy covers down 25 of the foe; and C.R.R. Hickey Service during that conflict. Overall, this depicting a red Fokker Triplane; “Snoopy (Nanaimo BC) was lost following his st represented nearly one quarter of the vs. Red Baron” cartoons proliferate. In 21 . It may be superstitious to speculate, Royal Navy’s airmen. Such training and brutal reality, the ownership of the skies but after each achieved 13 victories, J.E. experience contributed greatly to our over the Western Front was a bloody, Greene (Winnipeg) and F.C. Armstrong country’s aviation heritage—a heritage hard-fought battle conducted in flying (Toronto) both died horribly in “flamers”. firmly anchored in this “ship’s company” machines that were initially little better W.B. Craig (Smith Falls ON) was another of men. Yet, at best, we only know about than kites with engines. Von Richthofen, very aggressive fighter, scoring one triple Raymond Collishaw (of Nanaimo BC) the Baron, brought down 80 Allied air- and two doubles before he was brought and his 60-victory Naval Ace of Aces craft. A.S. Todd (Georgetown ON) was down. th status in the 1914–1918 war. his 16 victim. After that combat Rich- thofen wrote: “…Only because we were Collishaw is but one, begging the question—who were the other 935? Few three against one did we detect the en- emy’s weak points. I managed to get have heard of F.G.T. Dawson (from Chester NS). ‘Wuffy’ Dawson joined the behind him and shot him down. The plane broke apart whilst falling.” Had the RNAS in September 1914 becoming Canada’s first naval pilot. After achieving fight been one-on-one what might have been the outcome? seven hours of solo flying he was sent out on English Channel patrols. He went on A.E Cuzner (Ottawa) was the nd to serve in the ill-fated Gallipoli Expedi- Baron’s 52 kill but it was our own A.R. tion and was invalided out of the service Brown (Carleton Place ON) who was by October 1915. Dawson recovered and instrumental in bringing down the red became the founding director of Fairey Fokker in April 1918. Sopwith Camels (flown by many of our WWI Canadian naval aviators) began to Aviation. The “Black Flight” was a fighting enter the RNAS in the middle of 1917 and ‘Red’ Mulock (Winnipeg), our sec- team that Collishaw put together in June met with immediate success. The 2F.1 ond naval aviator, was also our first ace, 1917. Consisting of W.M. Alexander Camel produced for the RNAS had more and finished the War as the highest- (Toronto), G.E. Nash (Stoney Creek ON), powerful engines and modified armament. ranking Canadian pilot in the new Royal J.E. Sharman (Oak Lake MB), and E.V. A total of 5,490 Camels were built. Cam- Air Force. The RAF was the result of the Reid (Belleville ON), they accounted for els were flown from barges towed behind April 1918 political marriage of the 68 enemy aircraft in just two months. destroyers, from platforms on the gun navy’s RNAS with the army’s Royal Reid and Sharman were killed in the ac- turrets of larger ships, as well as from Flying Corps. Today we would call that tions and Nash became a prisoner of war. early aircraft carriers. A 2F.1 successfully integration… and other names. Compare their totals to that of the famed flew after being dropped from an airship, French Lafayette Escadrille comprised of an experiment design to test an airship's The collective stories of our 936 38 American pilots who accounted for ability to carry its own defensive aircraft. naval airmen will be told in a book 199 enemy aircraft over a period of two Photo — Canada Aviation Museum the Signal

While an even fifty Canadian naval it was best to attempt a glide into neutral way missions which could only lead to airmen became aces, including Observer Holland. This would mean internment recovery on land or a ditching alongside. L.A. Christian (Armstrong BC) with 9 and not prisoner of war status. Thus, indi- Pilots paid particular attention as to kills, the average aviator was fortunate viduals such as D.A.H. Nelles (Simcoe which destroyers had the best-drilled just to live through ab initio flying. Our ON) and A.G. Hodgson (Nelson BC) had boats crew! first trainee casualty was J.A. Alexander parolee freedom within the Netherlands. G.M. Breadner (Winnipeg) and A.H (Toronto) when his Caudron GIII col- Falling on the east side of the line A.J. Allardyce (Vancouver) took part in the lided with another student at NAS East- Chadwick (Toronto), W.A.W. Carter early deck flying tests. When the first church in September 1915. A few days (Fredericton) and D.M. Shields (Mt Al- true aircraft carrier, HMS Furious, be- later, D.A. Hay (Owen Sound ON) was bert ON) each managed to evaded cap- came operational during 1918, R.W. lost on a North Sea trainer. In three other, ture. Sadly K.M. VanAllen (Summerland Frost (Hamilton ON) served in her. separate instances, F.R. Bryans, H.T. BC) and L.E. Smith (Mystic PQ) were As one may gather from these vi- Coo, (both Toronto), and H. McK Reid among those who died of combat wounds gnettes, our Canadians brought home a (Bellville ON) were killed in midairs. in POW hospitals. large number of distinguished awards and J.H.StJ. DeBeauvais (St Constant PQ), On other war fronts, seaplane pilot honours. S.D. Culley (Vancouver) was our first French Canadian to join the air W.E. Robinson (Winnipeg) lost an engine put up for the Victoria Cross but in the services, also died learning to fly. J.L. and floated for several days drinking event, received “the poor man’s VC”, a Lavigne (Grand Mère PQ) suffered that rusty radiator water before he drifted Distinguished Service Order. Culley had same fate as did six dozen Canadian stu- ashore into the hands of the Turks. An- taken off from a towed barge to shoot dents. other guest of the Ottoman Empire was down a Zeppelin. R.G. Leckie (Toronto) “Pilot Wastage”, the cruel term that H. Aird (Toronto) who was flying copilot received the DSO, DSC (Distinguished the Royal Navy used to describe the to Alcock (of later Atlantic fame) when Service Cross) and DFC (Distinguished deadly attrition, continued once in action. engine failure brought their Handley Page Flying Cross). He brought down two First loss to the enemy was J.T. Bone bomber down near Constantinople. A.C. Zeps, and, had his frozen hands been able (Calgary) in October 1915 during a Burt (Brantford ON) lost a fight with an to clear a gun stoppage, his tally would bombing raid on Zeppelin sheds in Bel- enemy seaplane that promptly landed and have been three. B.D. Hobbs (Sault Ste gium. Among the nearly 100 combat picked him up. C.StC. Parsons (Toronto) Marie ON) sank a submarine and downed deaths that followed were A.J. Nightin- crashed alongside the armed trawler he a Zeppelin to win the DSO and two gale (Toronto) by anti-aircraft guns over was attacking and was rescued by them. DSC’s. Palestine; W.H Peberdy (Toronto) A.T. Cowley (Victoria) met the crew of a Observer H.J. Arnold (Queen Char- through aerial combat in Macedonia and U-Boat when his engine failed. In total, lotte Islands BC) won his DSO ranging N. Johnston (Westmount PQ) attacking 44 RNAS Canadians suffered the indig- guns to cripple the raider Konigsberg in the cruiser Goebden. Diving into a dog- nity of capture. German East Africa. T.D. Hallam fight L.A. Sands (Moncton) and W.A. As noted by the above paragraph, (Toronto) sank two submarines for two Moyle (Paris ON) collided. Another mid- not all aviators flew fighters. In fact, anti- bars to his first DSC won as a gunner at air befell R.A. Blythe (Toronto) who submarine patrols and fleet gun-spotting Gallipoli. mangled with a German Albatross. duties were the primary roles to which Who were these lads? They truly Over Flanders fields pilots needed to most naval pilots were assigned. J.A. represented Canada—not just from sea to quickly develop a situational awareness Barron (Stratford ON) transferred from sea; but from past to future. H. Cowasjee in order to survive. Two Westmount PQ the Royal Canadian Navy and was as- Gooch (Dundee ON) was our first Cana- lads never really got the chance. P.H. signed to pilot “Battlebags”. J. Sproston dian-East Indian naval aviator, joining-up Goodhugh was killed on his first day on (Montreal) and J.O. Hoddard (Port Glas- in November 1916. H.V. Reid of St Johns squadron and E.V.P. Grace lasted just a gow NS) also flew airships while T.D came from a land that was not yet part of week. Fitzgerald (Hamilton ON), R.W. Waage- Canada. His early transfer from the Royal Mott (Victoria), and L.B. Calnan (Picton Several sets of brothers served. Not Newfoundland Regiment probably saved ON) became Observers in Kite Balloons. all survived. The Magor brothers of his life as the “Blue Puttees” were all but Montreal both died on the same day. Nor- Initial ship-borne flying actually wiped out on the first day of the Battle of man was lost during a massive mêlée consisted of being winched over the side the Somme. From Carleton Place ON, the between four RNAS flying boats and in a seaplane and recovered aboard in a entire junior hockey team joined up to- several of the Kaiser’s seaplane fighters. like manner. B.N. Harrop (Indian Head gether. Brother Gerald succumbed to wounds SK), C.E. Moore (Fort William ON), What were these fellows like? Col- suffered in his over the K.F. Saunders (Victoria), H.B. Kerruish ourful to be sure. To this day, the lads’ Western Front. The Trapp family of New (Fergus ON) were among those who “local” pub in London, England, retains a Westminster BC lost all three sons: served in such HM Ships as Campania, war log. One can peruse their high- Stanley and George with the RNAS and Riviera and Ark Royal. F.C. Henderson spirited comments and view their happily Donavan with the RFC. On a more posi- (Toronto) was aboard the carrier Ben-My- scrawled cartoons (The pub is the Old tive note, Marmaduke Pearson of Guelph Chree when she was sunk by enemy sub- Cheshire Cheese in Wine Office Court survived as did his RFC brother Mike marine. Later, the Royal Navy started located just off Fleet Street). Such youth- who went on to become Prime Minister launching aircraft off a platform rigged ful exuberance was also exhibited in a of Canada in the 1950’s and 60’s. above the gun turrets of their battleships. non-literary manner by V.A. Bishop on Canadians N.J. Laughlin (Thurold ON) Should one be brought down on the home leave to Vancouver. Artfully crash- H.W. Cooper (New Westminster BC) and wrong side of the Western Front trenches, landing an experimental aircraft onto a W.S. Lockhart (Moncton) flew these one

June ‘03 Newsletter of the Venture Association downtown rooftop, he survived—and Armistice celebration aerobatics on No- passed along (and continues to find and gained himself a bit of notoriety. On the vember 12th. He is our first peacetime to pass along) information on Canada’s romantic front, D. Hammond (Toronto) military aviation casualty. C. MacLaurin RNAS types. was publicly sued by an English review (Lachine PQ) joined the new Canadian The Spring 2000 issue of the actress, Miss ‘Teddie’ O’Neil, for breach Air Force and took part in the first Trans- Shearwater Air Museum Foundation of promise of marriage. Canada flight in 1920. He was killed in a Newsletter allowed mention of this work Following the War, several aviators flying accident at Jerico Beach, Vancou- in progress. Thanks to that SAMF arti- saw action in with the White ver, in 1922. cle several Naval individuals have come forth with information. Army against the Reds: C.M. LeMoine These are very brief overviews of (Toronto) and D.MacDougall (Winnipeg) some of the stories of our 936 Canadians Bob ‘Windy’ Geale in Australia has both died in accidents at Archangel. Pilot who served in the Royal Naval Air Ser- papers and photographs of his father, H.G. Edwards (New Aberdeen NS) and vice. In a perfect world each would have Charles Norman Geale, one of the first Observer F.R. Bicknell (Dunville ON) their tale told in the new book. Can you Canadian Naval Aviators. The senior served, and survived, with Collishaw in help? Geale (yes, there was someone senior to ‘Windy’) joined in 1915 and by 1918 the . I am actively seeking letters, photo- was the Commander of 206 Squadron, Still others remained in service graphs, and any other papers pertaining to RAF. through to the Second World War. these gentlemen. Anyone with informa- From Ottawa, Bob Murray sent a Among the dozen to rise to Air rank was tion or even queries about names can package of notes containing a casualty L.S. Breadner (Carleton Place ON) who contact me: list put together by himself and Scottie became the only Air Chief Marshal in • by email at: [email protected] Grant. Also included was a letter written RCAF history. F.S. McGill (Montreal) by Raymond Collishaw and several and W.A. Curtis (Haverlock ON) were • By Fax 360-756-1663, or address lists from WWI reunions... a also RCAF Air Marshals while Calgarian • by regular mail: 909 Marine real treasure trove of information. Bob H.S. Kerby reached that rank with the Drive, #103 Bellingham, WA and Scottie, together with Glenn Cook, RAF. 98225 USA Dave Tate & Ed L’Heureux, are writing As civilians, our lads continued to be the histories of the naval aircraft in the All materiel will be returned—and, National Air Museum collection. high achievers. J.B. White (Manitoulin of course, all contributors will be given Island ON) became President of the To- proper recognition in the final publishing. Michael Whitby, who is Head of the ronto Stock Exchange and B. Wemp was Copied papers will be deposited with the Naval History Team at the Directorate of History and Heritage in Ottawa, has mayor of Toronto. An interesting number Shearwater Aviation Museum in Halifax also been in contact. He is the son of became doctors: D.B. Aitchison and Logbook copies will go to the Cana- (Hamilton ON), W.A. Crich and J.A. Pat Whitby (RCN pilot 1945-1968). The dian Aviation Museum in Ottawa. Navy has commissioned the Directorate Munn (both Seaforth ON), D. MacPher- Canada’s aviation roots are well to write the official history of the Post- son and H.H. Gilbert (both London ON), secured by our aviators from the First war RCN in time for the 100th Anniver- and J.H. Johnston (Kenora ON). At the World War. We have evolved from their sary of the service in 2010. Michael will Mayo Clinic, H.McD. Keith (Toronto) records and that is why a true perspective be the chief author. rose to the position of Professor Emeri- of history is so important—much of what tus. The first Chairman of the Board of My VS-880 Crew Commander, we are and how we see ourselves comes Jack Ford, scrounger extraordinaire, the Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Asso- from the written word. It must, therefore, saved a collection of the Canada Ga- ciation was Doctor H.A. Yates (Ottawa). be recorded accurately and not zette, 1914-1918, from the book dump Of those who remained in aviation; ‘Hollywooded’. Your involvement and at the University of . A.F. MacDonald (London ON) survived input is solicited. Similarly, one of my Venture seniors, a wounding in his Sopwith Camel to Dave Bayne, another hawk-eyed scav- As a final couple of stories: ‘Nap’ write From The Ground Up. This manual enger, rescued two classic volumes of Botterell of Toronto was the world’s last has provided guidance for most Canadian The Development of British Naval Avia- living pilot from the Great War. He died private and commercial pilots. D.S. Fra- tion from becoming land-fill when he in January 2003 at 106 years of age. ser (Gore Bay ON) flew the first mail to was a mature student at Royal Military Aviation artist Robert Taylor recently Newfoundland in 1930. S. Graham College. Jack and Dave have very immortalized him in a painting called (Wolfville NS) flew the first photo sur- kindly made these books available Balloon Buster. vey in Canada and is recognized by the for my research. Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in In the late 1920’s, our first naval Wetaskiwan, Alberta, as our First Bush aviator, ‘Wuffy’ Dawson, purchased J. Allan Snowie is a Captain on A340 air- Pilot. In October 1930, J.E. Boyd three soggy cabbage fields and drained craft flying for Air Canada. (Toronto) became famous as the first them for Fairey Aviation. The fields con- He is also the author of: tinue to operate to this day as an airport Canadian to fly the Atlantic. His exploits • Bloody Buron—the Regimental his- are covered in the book “Lindbergh of (and continuous construction site!)—it is tory of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada” written by retired Air Canada now known as Heathrow. Canada (1984); and agent Ross Smyth. RCN Postscript: • The Bonnie—HMCS Bonaventure, This is not to say that the losses did Canada’s last aircraft carrier (1987) The Naval genesis of this work lies not continue. S.T. Edwards, a member of He is presently working on a book, this one in the Book “Canadian Naval Aviators” the Carleton Place hockey team and a about “Our Naval Aviators Forbearers”. by Robbie Hughes. Robbie was my CO highly decorated ace, crashed during Judging from the notes you have just read, in VS-880 Squadron and very kindly it should fill a large historical void. Ed.

June ‘03 THE TRAGEDY OF SUCCESS How Politics Destroyed RCN Aviation By Stuart E. Soward

LCdr (Ret’d) Soward served in the RCAF, facilities to be provided by the Royal In March 1946, as a result of exten- the RNVR and the RCN for over 26 years. Navy as applicable and by RCAF when sive RCN/RCAF discussions, the RCAF He was one of the first Canadian pilots to in Canada. was granted funding and management of enlist in the newly formed Canadian Naval all RCN shore-based aviation facilities Air Branch. In spite of the War Cabinet decision authorizing the carrier force, service poli- and supporting air services, including air He is also the author of: tics reared its ugly head in November stores, major aircraft repairs and over- • A Formidable Hero—the story of Lt(P) 1943, at a Joint RCAF and RCN Techni- haul. It was clear under the leadership of Hampton Grey, RCNVR, and cal Committee, when RCAF Air Commo- Air Marshal Leckie that the RCAF was determined to inhibit wherever possible • Hands to Flying Stations—Volumes 1 dore Guthrie flatly stated that it was stu- the development of RCN Aviation. Cer- and 2—a recollective history of Cana- pid for RCN to be undertaking a carrier tainly the long and acrimonious wran- dian Naval Aviation. program when it had been proven that carriers were completely obsolete. Fortu- gling that took place between the RAF What follows is Part 1 of Stuart’s presenta- nately Captain Lay was present as an and the RN over the custody and control tion to the 4th Air Force Historical Confer- observer and shot Guthrie down in flames of the RN Fleet Air Arm from the early ence in 1998 that tells the story of the high 1920’s until 1938 was well known to level machinations that accompanied the with the tart rebuttal that since the USN birth and led eventually to the death of Naval and RN were currently building over 100 Leckie’s generation of airmen. Equally Aviation. Part 1 covers the years 1943, when carriers for the Pacific war, they should certain was the devastating impact of the the formation of a Naval Air Service was be immediately informed of this major split ownership on the FAA as the Sec- proposed, to 1957, when the Bonaventure mistake. Guthrie’s asinine comment was ond World War broke out. For the RCN was commissioned. incredibly obtuse when one considers the to have blindly walked into the trap of Part 2 will appear in the next edition of the enormous impact the carrier strikes at the dual control with respect to the shore- Signal and will cover the years 1958 to battles of Taranto, Pearl Harbour, Coral based RCN Aviation facilities was a co- 1969—when the news of the impending Sea and Midway had upon the course of lossal and expensive blunder. decommissioning of Bonaventure was an- the war. Significant however was that Political influence became apparent nounced. That announcement sounded the death knell of Naval Aviation in Canada. Ed. such a point of view was expressed, and when on 12 June 1946 a proposal to buy if nothing else brought out into the open 50 USN Hellcats ($500 each) by Naval the deep antagonism toward RCN Avia- Staff was rejected by the pro-British Na- tion held by senior influential RCAF val Board. Finally in October, after being PART 1 officers such as Guthrie. aired once more by Naval Board, the Politics: In May 1945 the Cabinet War Com- decision was made to proceed with the • Factional scheming for power; mittee established an RCN force for the purchase of Sea Fury and Firefly aircraft (the Fury at $80,000 apiece). As late as • Implications of seeking personal or Pacific War Theatre of 13,000 officers partisan gain; and men. Included was a fleet involving June 1947 the Hellcat deal was still being two Light Fleet Class carriers, two naval pursued following delivery problems • Strife of rival parties air stations and 10 naval air squadrons with the Sea Fury. Again it was rejected, The formation of RCN Aviation totaling almost 2000 aviation personnel. largely due to the strong pro-British RCN began with a study report in August 1943 There was no indication that shore-based senior officer cadre, and the influence of by Captain H.N. Lay, RCN, in which he support facilities were to be provided by the newly appointed Director of the Na- proposed the establishment of a Naval the RCAF. val Aviation Division, Royal Navy Cap- Air Service modeled upon the Royal Although the requirement for an tain G.A. Rotherham. It was always well Navy Fleet Air Arm. There was one ma- RCN Aviation Branch was greatly re- known that Rotherham and the subse- jor modification. The new branch would duced following the end of the Pacific quent Royal Navy successors to the Di- be carrier-based only. The role of the War, a smaller peacetime Branch was rectorate had a mandate to lobby and surveillance of coastal operations would approved. Once more the RCAF opposed encourage the RCN to “Buy British” on continue to be provided by RCAF shore- the RCN plans when, in October 1945, behalf of the British Board of Trade. based aircraft. The proposal was pre- the RCAF insisted that the original 1943 The difficulties being experienced sented to the Cabinet War Committee on RCN/RCAF Agreement was still valid by the RCN with the RCAF were not 7 September 1943, which authorized the and it was the mandate of the RCAF to unlike those of the Royal Australian formation of a joint RCN and RCAF control, maintain and operate the shore Navy which, in June 1947, was given Committee to study the proposal. A facilities for RCN Aviation. By 13 De- approval to form its own Naval Air month later the Committee recommended cember 1945 the post-war permanent Branch with two Light Fleet Carriers. the formation of the Naval Aviation RCN Air Branch was approved in princi- The strongest objection to the decision Branch. It was also recommended that the ple by the Canadian Cabinet to be 11% of was mounted by the RAAF Chief of Air development of supporting shore-based the total RCN peacetime force of 10,000 Staff (CAS) with the argument that it facilities be delayed for the time being, personnel. would be more efficient if the RAAF since it was expedient in wartime for

June ‘03 Newsletter of the Venture Association provided personnel. This argument was determination on the part of the RCAF to phasize more strongly the growth considered specious not only by the RAN eliminate RCN Aviation. During this and development of Canadian Na- but even by a joint RAAF/RAN Commit- rather acrimonious discussion, Curtis val Aviation, and tee. The viewpoint of the RAAF once complained that since the RCN was now more indicates the total lack of under- developing a balanced force concept, it • that this policy should concurrently standing held by the RCAF and RAAF of was only reasonable that the RCAF include the planning for the absorp- the expertise and knowledge required in should be allowed to do the same by de- performing the unique role of naval car- veloping a strategic bomber force. This tion by the RCN of all maritime air rier aviation operations in the maritime statement never made much sense, since operations. environment. the requirement for a Canadian offensive In a surprising rebuttal, CNS Admi- It was not until the summer of 1948 bomber force had never been nor ever ral Mainguy stated it was the task of the that Naval Board re-opened negotiations would be a worthwhile factor when de- RCN to convince as many as possible of with the RCAF to commence transfer of veloping the post-war Canadian Defence the importance and place of Maritime RCAF Station Dartmouth to RCN con- policy. Air, and encourage the RCAF to build up trol. By this time RCN Aviation had It was at the Annual Senior Officers an efficient Maritime Air Arm. This com- grown to 900 personnel with 56 aircraft Conference of January 1951 that Com- plete and personal rejection by CNS of and operating from 11 hangars. The modore Lay first tabled a proposal to the previously accepted recommendations RCAF detachment on the other hand was have the RCN take over the maritime was a disturbing and sudden change of installed in two hangars with 250 person- aviation role in its entirety. He noted the policy which had a potentially serious nel and two aircraft. The original agree- RCAF had not only badly neglected their and negative impact on the future of RCN ment had turned into a real farce with Maritime Air Command, but also the dual Aviation. virtually no funds being provided by the service involvement in the maritime envi- One must question this about face. RCAF for infrastructure upkeep, while ronment was inefficient in the command, Was this a move to obtain RCAF support providing indifferent service in their as- control and operational deployment of for the RCN in the surface fleet rebuild- signed responsibilities. Although Leckie aircraft, systems and tactics. Lay’s pro- ing program in exchange for RCN sup- had indicated he was sympathetic to the posal was supported and he was directed port of Maritime Air Command at the need for the RCN to assume a major role to proceed with his concept and present a expense of developing and expanding in the operation, it was only through a more detailed study the following year. RCN Aviation? It is particularly signifi- unilateral decision by the Cabinet De- In December 1951, at the Annual cant that there was no further mention of fence Committee in September 1948 that Aviation Conference, the implications of Lay’s recommendation to emphasize the process to transfer the Air Station to RCN aviation being held to 11% of the more support toward the growth of Naval the RCN was grudgingly accepted by the total RCN strength was discussed in Aviation. RCAF. After brief negotiations the sta- some detail. In comparison, the RN was A final discussion of major concern tion was taken over by the RCN in De- at a 21.7% level. RCN Aviation, while to Naval Aviation was a paper presented cember 1948. assuming additional commitments with by Lay, which outlined the case for heli- One of the most obvious attempts by no increase in personnel, was facing a copters in the ASW role operating from the RCAF to destroy RCN Aviation was clear shortfall in manning. The inference ship platforms. He logically stated that by at an Armed Forces Five Year Plan re- was that the operations and role of RCN concentrating on seaborne helicopters it view by the Chiefs of Staff Committee on Aviation could become increasingly bur- would avoid the major joint control prob- 31 January 1950. When the plans for densome and less cost effective without lems currently being encountered by the RCN Aviation was being discussed, the more personnel, as new equipment and RN and RAF coastal forces in the em- CAS Air Vice Marshal Curtis describing aircraft would increase the need for addi- ployment of helicopters in the ASW role. Naval Aviation as a ‘problem’ asked “It tional manpower. This was an astute move because, if noth- be placed on record that the CAS recom- In January 1952, at the next Senior ing else, it could hardly be subject to mended the disbandment of the Naval Air Officers Conference, the subject of Mari- criticism by the RCAF, since without Arm and a study be made of how the time Air was again discussed. Two sig- question the ASW role of the ship-borne funds saved could be more suitably allo- nificant points were emphasized by Com- naval helicopter could be justified as an cated among the three services.” The modore Lay. One, that the RCAF was exclusive and integral extension of the CNS Vice Admiral Grant, although not a now questioning naval supremacy in the ships’ overall detection and weapons strong advocate of the Air Branch and command sphere in maritime warfare and systems; whereas it would be very diffi- lacking knowledge of aviation generally, now wanted co-equal status with the cult for the RCAF to try and justify a new bristled at the effrontery of Curtis’ re- RCN. The second was that the rapid de- role for shore-based ASW helicopters marks and declared that RCN Aviation velopment of aviation sensors and weap- operating in Canadian coastal waters. was an organic component of the RCN, ons in ASW warfare was propelling the In April 1952, at a meeting of Cabi- and as such Naval Aviation plans were aircraft to the forefront, while the devel- net Defence Committee, the decision was purely an internal naval matter. Further, opment of more effective ASW surface made to acquire an aircraft carrier to re- Naval Aviation had been established by units was relatively static. In addition to place the loaned Magnificent. Such a the authority and approval of the Cana- other recommendations in his strong en- carrier, i.e. ex-Powerful Class, also a dian Cabinet. Although Curtis was re- dorsement of his original proposal to British Light Fleet would be purchased buffed by Grant and the matter was assume Maritime Air, Lay summarized by Canada and incorporate the latest car- obliquely diverted by Committee Chair- his paper with two principal recommen- rier modifications, including improved man Lt General Foulkes, it showed once dations: arrestor gear and the steam catapult. Sig- again the high level of resentment and • that future naval policy should em- nificantly, the angled deck and mirror

June ‘03 landing system were not proposed. Initial to the existing catapult. The fact that it speed, mobility and weapon-carrying cost estimate for the ship was $15M. was the USN view that a ship the size of capability, the surface fleet would accord- There was no evidence to suggest that the proposed Powerful Class could not ingly have a diminished role. any other ship than a British Light Fleet operate efficiently and economically in A key point emphasized was if the Class carrier was ever considered. the North Atlantic did not appear to have RCN was willing to provide the person- In May 1952 a visit was made by been a consideration. nel and funds from within existing RCN Commodore Keighly-Peach, RN Assis- In the summer of 1953 the RCN resources, the RCAF would have no le- tant-Chief of Naval Staff (Air) to Wash- purchase of 60 Banshees was approved at gitimate reason to begin an inter-service ington, to discuss a replacement fighter a cost including spares of $39M, but the squabble over how the RCN allocated aircraft for the Sea Fury. There was inten- Treasury Board decided at the last minute internal resources in fulfilling its naval sive pressure on the RCN to purchase the to delay payment until March 1954. This mandate. next generation of British carrier aircraft, killed the program. The USN was justi- Keighly-Peach’s report appears to namely the Sea Venom jet and the ASW fiably annoyed at the Canadians for re- have been virtually ignored, suggesting Fairey Gannet. The purpose of the visit neging on the deal, particularly since senior RCN officers were obviously quite was to study the most suitable and avail- special cost saving production arrange- content to live with the imbalance and able USN fighter aircraft. ments had been made purely for the bene- lack of flexibility inherent in a navy com- The outcome of the meeting elimi- fit of the RCN. posed almost entirely of small ships and nated the British fighter as unable to sat- Before departing in June 1953, a capable of only a limited role. isfy the requirement, and the USN Ban- detailed Memorandum by Commodore It is worth mentioning at this point shee became the logical choice for a re- Keighly-Peach was prepared which pro- that an agreement was finally reached in placement fighter. This was a major posed major changes to the RCN Five March 1954 for delivery of used Ban- breakthrough for RCN Aviation since Year Fleet Plan from 1961–1965. He shees, but unfortunately expected deliver- Keighly-Peach ignored his mandate from roundly criticized the one carrier force ies were now spread over a 30 month the Admiralty and the British Board of with 43 escorts, and stated “this fleet period commencing in late 1955. For the Trade and chose to support the best composition was arrived at without suffi- saving of a mere $14M, the fighter pro- fighter aircraft, rather than follow the cient attention being paid to present and gram was delayed a year, numbers re- “Buy British” policy of his RN predeces- near future technical advances vitally duced, with the added cost of refurbish- sors. The decision to buy a British carrier, affecting naval warfare.” He noted RCN ing old aircraft which in some cases were however, was to a considerable extent Aviation had remained virtually static in in a barely flyable condition. due to the political climate which was numbers of operational aircraft over the In December 1955 a highly classi- affected by the limited financing avail- past decade in spite of the fact that the fied and candid assessment of the future able and the close ties with the Admi- emphasis on aircraft in maritime warfare of Canadian Naval Aviation was sent to ralty. In short, the decision to purchase a has greatly increased. During the same the Admiralty by the senior Naval Liai- Light Fleet Carrier was made because it period, the RCN surface fleet had more son Office Ottawa, Capt. W.G. Parry RN. was cheap, available and the only ship than doubled. In his view, RCN Aviation was about to ever offered. He proposed shifting the concentra- fight for its life with increased pressure Whether such a carrier would ever tion upon a sizeable fleet of Destroyer from the RCAF, on the grounds that the be capable of being operationally com- Escorts and Patrol Frigates by transfer- RCAF could do the job better and patible with the type of aircraft being ring existing or planned manpower and cheaper. Although Parry considered this planned by RCN Aviation had yet to be financial resources to a balanced force of argument both specious and insidious, he established. In fact there was virtually no two hunter killer groups built around one noted that politicians were attracted by aviation expertise sought when the selec- Essex Class carrier, the proposed Light such statements. Parry also expressed the tion for a carrier was being made. Fleet carrier and 25 Destroyer Escorts. view that the Naval Board did not support In September 1952 Naval Headquar- This would place the emphasis upon the proposal that the navy should take ters approved the purchase of USN Ban- flexibility encompassing ASW capability, over Maritime Air Command. He further shees. Simultaneously, and although not support of ground forces, offensive air noted that there were senior RCN officers widely known, the prevailing official operations against enemy land targets and brought up in a small ship navy who USN view was that all weather jet aircraft enemy naval forces, and providing air found the present size and configuration could not be operated ‘efficiently and defence of shipping. Keighly-Peach also of the RCN “beyond their mental diges- economically’ from CVE and CVL class noted that a fully supported proposal and tion”, and accordingly would oppose any carriers in the North Atlantic. This had justification for a second carrier had assumption of Maritime Air Command ominous implications for the RCN since never been made. But if successful, by by the RCN. the proposed carrier was not only classed 1965 it would ensure the RCN an effec- Parry also forecast the gradual de- as a CVL but it was also considerably tive capability to participate in limited mise of Canadian-based RCAF fighters slower. wars and in the peacekeeping role. rendering it imperative the RCAF main- In the Spring of 1953, and assuming The Commodore also warned that if tain their Maritime Command, since there the Banshee and S2F aircraft would be the RCN failed to pay nothing more than would be little else left except a Trans- the RCN choice, the USN proposed the lip service to the requirement for naval port Command. loan of an Essex Class carrier to the RCN aircraft in maritime warfare, the RCAF He pointed out the determination of for $1 per year. This was rejected by the would as such become the prime author- the RCAF to be the dominant shareholder pro-British Light Fleet advocates appar- ity in the Canadian defence organization. of the defence budget, while the services ently due to the fact that the ship would Recognizing the shift in emphasis in were under pressure to reduce their ex- require a larger crew and major changes ASW to the aircraft with its obvious

June ‘03 Newsletter of the Venture Association penditures. Parry believed the RCN conducted of RCN Aviation due to his signed role. Air defence of the fleet was would be tempted to downgrade Naval concern about the considerable number of virtually impossible without severe deg- Aviation in order to protect the planned units (squadrons) and aircraft in use to radation of either the ASW or AEW ca- surface escort construction program. support the two front line aircraft squad- pability. There was an interesting Admiralty rons assigned for Bonaventure. As far as can be determined, the response to assist the RCN, where possi- The review, recognizing that RCAF report prepared by non-aviators and re- ble, by continuing to emphasize the need reserve squadrons were being disbanded, markably similar to the one previously for carriers in the ASW role while stating also proposed the disbandment of the proposed by Keighly-Peach, was never “Also global war likelihood is steadily reserve navy air squadrons. However, the discussed by the Naval Board. There was decreasing, whereas emphasis is shifting Committee came up with a greatly differ- no immediate reduction of aircraft and strongly for a need for more forces for ent series of conclusions and recommen- squadrons. There was no change of em- cold and limited wars requiring mobile, dations and in a Top Secret report stated: phasis and the RCN continued with ship- versatile forces with other members of “In the Eastlant role, Bonaventure building plans. This is not surprising the Western Block and Commonwealth, would require an AEW capability, fighter since it would be suicidal for the CNS to providing ability through carrier forces air defence and an ASW squadron. The admit to the Minister that naval planning which are the only force unaffected by carrier was too small to perform these had been on the wrong course, that the limitations and restrictions i.e. over- functions. new carrier was inadequate, the new St. flying, landing rights, refueling rights etc. Conclusions: Laurent ships too slow, and an unbal- and can bring pressure to bear in any part Bonaventure could carry only a mix anced fleet existed. The Committee of the world accessible by sea where of ASW aircraft consisting of fixed wing clearly suggested the RCN, by concen- there is trouble.” and helicopters and was therefore in- trating on a small ship navy, was not only The Royal Navy’s Director of Air adequate for the assigned role. unable to meet its assigned role but re- Warfare noted as follows: “There is a Recommendations: mained inherently inflexible. Planning good case for a strong Canadian Fleet Air The ASW group (hunter killer) would continue unchanged. Arm which alone can give Canada a mo- should comprise two Light Fleet Class Following the successful helicopter bile versatile force. A Canadian naval carriers which combined could provide operating trials in 1956 aboard HMCS force of 2-3 carriers could be built at the AEW aircraft, fighters and ASW aircraft Buckingham, the decision was made to expense of a declining RCAF....the time (helicopter and fixed-wing), or modify the St. Laurent Class ships to is indeed ripe for the RCN to attack the A single carrier (e.g. USN Essex provide a ship-borne ASW helicopter kind of defence policy advocated by the Class) be procured, which could fulfill capability. This was considered essential RCAF and press for a strong FAA which the need for the required AEW, air de- in the light of the recent developments in could do far more to maintain and extend fence of the fleet and the ASW role. submarine high underwater speeds and Canada’s prestige as a world power than Observations: would considerably enhance the detection her already moribund Air Force.” Current naval plans failed to reflect ranges of the D/E’s while at the same It is ironic to note that the foregoing the growing importance of the power of time offering a greatly improved level of mobile concept has been recognized and naval aviation in maritime warfare; protection for the relatively slow ships implemented over the years e.g. the Falk- Operational Research Studies es- against submarine attack. land War and the formation of mobile tablished that under certain circum- With the commissioning of HMCS NATO and UN Peacekeeping Quick Re- stances two CS2F aircraft are more Bonaventure in 1957, fitted with the an- action Forces. effective than a St. Laurent Class es- gled deck, mirror landing system and An opportunity was provided in the cort; steam catapult, the RCN was able to op- Summer 1956 to enhance the capability Developments lead to the conclu- erate successfully with the Trackers. The of the RCN in a letter from UK Prime sion that a more effective navy could be Banshees however, although flyable from Minister, Anthony Eden, to the Canadian achieved if a better balance of air to the carrier, were never fully operational Prime Minister, proposing that Magnifi- surface units was contemplated; in their assigned role of air defence of the cent be retained by RCN (on loan) in A serious imbalance of forces ex- fleet. This was due to a variety of rea- addition to the purchase of ex-Powerful ists in the RCN insofar as the surface sons, including lack of sufficient carrier (Bonaventure). Naval Board were pre- forces have steadily increased in per- time, the recognized limitations of pared to keep the carrier in de-humidified sonnel and ships, whereas Naval Avia- Bonaventure, but also the difficulty of tion, even though re-arming with new reserve but the Federal Cabinet decided maintaining and operating the necessary aircraft, had not grown proportionally; to return Magnificent to the RN. If re- number of used Banshees with their tained, the carrier could have played a Helicopter platforms for escorts shortened life span and reduced numbers. significant role in the RCN. As subse- were proposed to augment the range of Also confirmed, as feared, were the major carrier-based ASW helicopters and quent events proved, Magnificent would problems in operating a Light Fleet Class, have an independent increased search slow carrier, with a requirement to main- not only have been an economical propo- capability.” sition as an ASW helicopter carrier tain a first-line carrier readiness capabil- manned with a greatly reduced crew, but The reference to the carrier limita- ity of two ASW squadrons, two jet in addition would have been indispensa- tions, although disturbing news to some, squadrons and an ASW helicopter squad- ble to the Canadian army units subse- confirmed exactly what the USN had ron. quently assigned for UN peacekeeping earlier stated. Now four months before duties. the commissioning of Bonaventure, it was now officially established that the (To be concluded in the December issue of the Signal.) In December 1955 the Deputy Min- ship was incapable of meeting its as- ister directed that a critical review be

June ‘03 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I promised myself, as we all do, that minder, the Reunion celebrating the modation in Victoria will be the most one of these days I will get organized. 50th Anniversary of the opening of expensive aspect of attending. We hope Somehow, it never seems to happen. I HMCS Venture will be held from that as usual we can help with some have been struggling to reorganize my Wednesday the 8th until Sunday the 12th block bookings. In order to make this office/den for a couple of months now. of September 2004. Events will include effective however, you will need to I have been able to lay down a new registration and a barbecue on Wednes- commit early. th laminate floor, install two filing cabi- day the 8 , golf will be arranged for We hope that by the Fall of 2004 the nets and build in a computer desk; but Thursday and a cocktail party will be threats of terrorism, SARS, West Nile, my stuff will remain jammed into held that evening. A church service will Norfolk virus, Mad Cow disease will th boxes until I can get the bookcases be held on Friday the 10 , followed by have diminished. We are also keeping above my new desk mounted. Then I the 2004 AGM and then Class events our fingers crossed that Air Canada or th will have my writing desk back and on Friday evening. Saturday the 11 someone else will still be flying. It start organizing things for the first time. will be reserved for a dinner dance; and seems that we really don’t need a lot of Yeah, right. a farewell garden party will be held on weapons of mass destruction, Mother th In the meantime the Reunion creeps Sunday the 12 . Those of you who Nature is creating more crises than we closer and closer upon us. The last An- wish to take the appreciation cruise will care to handle. I sometimes wonder if depart from Victoria (by motor coach) this is the will of Allah rather than the nual General Meeting before the Reun- th on Wednesday the 15 and return to hand of God, or maybe God forgot to ion has now been scheduled for 12 Sep- nd tember 2003 at 1600 in Venture. As Vancouver on September 22 . wash her hands. well, I have scheduled the Association You may attend any one or all of the Oh well, laugh and the whole world Executive meeting (to prepare for the events. The cost of the 1999 Reunion laughs with you ... cry and you cry AGM) for 22 August at 1600 in Ven- was about $100 per person to attend all alone ... but just try coughing and ture as well. The schedule of events of the events, plus $50 for five years you’ll get quarantined for SARS. But was first published in the December membership dues and a variable addi- then, wouldn’t it be decantined (or 2001 Signal as part of the Minutes of tional cost for the Class event. The maybe decanted) if they isolate you for the 2001 AGM. This issue of the Sig- 2004 Reunion will inevitably cost a ten days instead of forty? Sure and ‘tis little more, but I would anticipate that nal includes the latest details of the something to ponder when you have the costs will remain below $200─plus Venture Appreciation Cruise on the nothin’ better to worry about. membership dues and of course less back page. So, as you can see, things Now, you get organized to attend the than that if you choose to limit your are coming together ... whether or not I Reunion. We are looking forward to attendance. The cost of the cruise will am organized. We need your participa- another gathering of old friends, old be between $1400 and $2500, depend- tion in the AGM. Please make an effort tales and new ideas to help keep the ing on your choice of accommodation. to attend if you can. Venture Association afloat beyond the For many, the cost of travel and accom- For those of you who need a re- 2004 Reunion.

Letters to the Editor (N.B. Some letters may have been shortened due to space restrictions.)

FROM CANADA Signal” est un grand souvenir de notre As many of you know, David had Vis-à-vis mes arrérages, j’inclus passé que je dévore chaque fois avec the devastating diagnosis of advanced mon chèque de $100, espérant ainsi grand intérêt. Yours aye, colon cancer in August of 2001. Post surgery, he underwent a year of chemo- rejoindre les “actifs”. Guy Boucher (classe de ‘56) therapy that permitted him to enjoy a Helen et moi passons nos hivers en Reçue le 10 décembre 2002 Floride et nos étés à Fox Harbour— remarkable quality of health and activ- près de Pugwash (N.É.)—où je me ity. He was not able to return to work This note is long overdue. As our livre à la construction d’un petit voilier as an A320 Captain with Air Canada home and hearts became increasingly (le THÉ HELDEE, sigle de mes trois but he tried to keep his thoughts posi- absorbed with health anxieties and pre- ‘filles’—Helen, Diane et Thérèse. tive. He absorbed himself with tennis, paring ourselves for David’s death, gardening, tennis, bridge, tennis, travel Je tiens à te rendre mes certain activities had to go to the back remerciements pour l’excellent travail and a bit more tennis. He had an awe- burner. The agony of our loss is still some ski adventure at Whistler with et dévouement qui fait que “the ever present and painful. several old Venture friends, and he felt

June ‘03 Newsletter of the Venture Association great being able to keep up with those from Phil Johnston (Class of ‘62) ous Aeromobile (hovercraft). This next older and more experienced skiers. His year we will sell at least one more li- condition worsened dramatically in FROM THE US cense for our Aero-Duct automated October of 2002, and he passed away We have had a good year here in people mover system, and perhaps one peacefully on November 10 in a newly Illinois. Renewing old friendships that for our Air Track crawler system. If we opened palliative care residence a few we made 30 years ago, and making do that I will consider my efforts suc- blocks from our home, having spent six new ones as well. cessful. days there. His remarkable sense of Work has been going quite well. We are both in good health, al- humour probably didn’t make him live As you may remember, we came back though Patti still has balance problems longer—just happier. Chemotherapy to Illinois a year ago to assume com- as a result of surgery in 1998. We are bought him time but not the dreamed mand of Aeromobile Inc., and to move both looking forward to the reunion in of cure. Dave was an inspiration to our the company from R&D to production. 2004. Cheers, family, to his outstanding treatment Well, we did not make the shift John Grant (Class of ‘57) team and to other cancer sufferers. quite as I had planned, but we did exe- We want to thank each of you for cute a license agreement with a com- Received 10 December 2002 via e-mail. your wonderful acts of kindness to pany to produce and sell the amphibi- Dave during the past year and a half. He appreciated your letters, e-mails, phone calls, visits, flowers, plants, Chance meeting helps family in need videotapes, books, advice, prayers (even totem poles), and certain unusual musical renditions. He especially en- By Heidi Anderson joyed the September Flower Show that During a flight from Hong Kong last summer, Captain Bill Hood made you provided, was delighted by your the flight deck seat available to Andy Ancheta, the son of employee warm thoughts and laughed about Na- Nida Ancheta, in Aircraft Maintenance in Vancouver, who had been try- val bravery of sending flowers before ing to get out of Hong Kong for several days (This was prior to the the ship had sunk. closing of the flight decks to non-crew after Sept. 11, 2001). Whilst David received remarkable medical treatment and support, it was kidney to further Joy’s chances of sur- Venture visits from the Tangs, Halla- vival. Then, after opening a joint bank days, Paquettes, Smiths, Webers, account with the family, Captain Hood Dannhauers, Johnstons, MacIntoshes, donated a further $6,500 to the family Sterlings, Wadells, and Silens that rein- in hopes that the extra care would en- forced his quality of life and permitted sure her survival. positive reflection. Unfortunately, Joy died last October. David’s final adieu was rather As the struggling Philippine family massive but what touched our hearts mourned, Captain Hood again donated most dearly were the Venture graduates his financial assistance to cover the and their wives who joined us for this family’s funeral costs. celebration. This testimony of friend- Captain Bill Hood (Class of ‘62) Captain Hood retired this year [2002] ship was of great comfort. Our friend and said, “It was a nice way to end my graciously included your Venture ‘62 During the course of their conversa- career with Air Canada. It was my last Graduation prayer (as provided by tion, Andy mentioned his recent visit to month of flying when I met Andy. Had Wayne Dannhauer) in the eulogy. the Philippines where his niece Joy was it not been for my chance meeting with Joe Paquette tells me that I may undergoing kidney dialysis three times Andy on a flight from Hong Kong, I become an honorary member of Ven- a week. would not have learned of his niece’s ture. Great! I hope to receive the Sig- Captain Hood, taken by the story, illness and the family’s poverty. It was nal as it’s always a good read—and pledged his time, efforts and financial a strange coincidence.” All together, now I will get to read it first! assistance to help Joy, a young college Captain Hood donated $10,000. The doors at 130 Brock in Pointe- student, fight for her life. Joy’s family wrote, “Thank you for Claire will always remain open for On his first meeting with Joy’s fam- sharing so much to have our daughter those traveling east, west, north or ily, Captain Hood gave $1,500 to the be with us a little bit longer and for south. Anyone who needs a nest for the mother to cover dialysis expenses al- sharing our desire to save her. Such night or a cold ale is always welcome. ready incurred. He promised to return philanthropic endeavours are a living Wishing you health and happiness as soon as possible with additional fi- memory of sincerity, love and care. for 2003. Most sincerely, nancial assistance. A week later, he You’ll remain a very special person to Natalie, Brad, Kevin and Victoria returned to the Philippines and deliv- us, and will always be remembered.” Jones (Honourary Member) ered another $1,000 to the family. Late last summer, Joy’s sister donated a Reproduced from Air Canada’s October Received on 11 February 2003 via e-mail 2002 No: 898 online edition of ‘Horizons’.

June ‘03 The Venture Association

Conceived at the first Venture Reun- paid five years in advance on the occa- 9321, [email protected] ion held in Ottawa in 1969, the Asso- sion of a quinquennial reunion. They ‘60 - Pierre Yans - 2559 Cranmore ciation became official in 1979. Anni- are levied for three reasons: Rd, Victoria, BC, V8R 1Z9, (250) 592- versary reunions have since been held 5997, [email protected] every five years. The next one will be • to meet the requirements of the BC Societies Act, held in Victoria, BC, from 7 to 11 Sep- ‘61 - Tom Byrne, Box 167, Lazo, tember, 2004. • to support our award program to BC, V0R 2K0 , [email protected] All who joined HMCS VENTURE foster excellence in Naval ‘62 - Phil Johnston – 6760 between 1954 and 1966 to begin train- Officer training at NOTC Wendonna Dr, Brentwood Bay, BC, ing under the Venture Plan, or the VENTURE, and V8M 1A5, (250) 652-0264, Short Service Officer Plan, and all who • to cover administrative expenses. [email protected] served on Staff during those years, are automatically granted full membership THE EXECUTIVE ‘63-I - Russ Rhode, 762 Seedtree in the Association. The payment of Rd, East Sooke, BC, V0S 1N0, (250) dues is certainly desirable but not a Joe Cunningham (‘56) - President 642-0086, [email protected] condition of full membership. Associ- John Carruthers (‘56) Secretary ‘63-II - Gary Fullerton, 20705 46A ate membership will be granted to Ven- Ave, Langley, BC, V3A 3K1, (604) Ron McLean (‘65) - Treasurer tures who have been associated with 530-8634, [email protected] any of the post-1966 VENTURE train- Jean Véronneau (‘56) - Registrar & ‘64 - Doug McClean, 3489 Maureen ing programs upon request, and upon Editor of the Signal regular payment of dues to the Venture Terr, Victoria, BC, V9C 3P7, (250) Association. Honourary membership Ted Gibbon (‘56) Past President 658-3554, [email protected] will be granted from time to time by ‘56 - Bob Lancashire - 1288 Crosby ‘65 - Graeme Evans - 1039 Leeds the Association Executive Committee Crt, Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1A8, (902) Pl, Victoria, BC, V8X 4B8 (250) 361- to special friends of the Venture Asso- 679-0601, [email protected] 2646, [email protected] ciation. ‘57 - Bud Rocheleau - 848 Selkirk ‘66 - Dave Adamthwaite - 1195 The Association’s Register currently Ave, Victoria, BC, V9A 2T8, (250) Sunnymead Pl, Victoria, BC, V8Y contains the names of 654 living and 77 386-3209, [email protected] 2V5, (250) 658-0952, deceased members. Its mailing list con- [email protected] tains the addresses of 490 members ‘58 - Jack Alexander, 4770 Elliot Pl, (including 320 e-mail addresses) living Victoria, BC, V8Y 3E4, (250) 658- STAFF - Ted Gibbon - 1625 in 12 different countries. 2195, [email protected] Kingsley Crt, Comox, BC, V9M 3R5, (250) 339-0989, [email protected] Dues for the period 1999–2004 are ‘59 - Tom Essery - 3628 Doncaster now $10 annually and are normally Dr, Victoria, BC, V8P 3W6, (250) 477- Visit our Naval Museums

Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum Shearwater Aviation Museum The Naval Museum of Manitoba Building 20N, 12 Wing 1 Navy Way Esquimalt Naval Base, P.O. Box 5000 Stn Main Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J7 Esquimalt, BC Shearwater, Nova Scotia, CANADA www.naval-museum.mb.ca/ Telephone: +1 604 363 4395 B0J 3A0 www.islandnet.com/~bpaoesq/ E-mail: [email protected] Vancouver Naval Museum museum.htm www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca P.O. Box 91399 West Vancouver, BC V7V 3P1 HMCS Haida Naval Museum The Naval Museum of Alberta Telephone: (604) 913-3363 c/o Ontario Place Corporation, 1820 - 24th Street S.W. Located at HMCS Discovery 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Calgary, AB. T2T 0G6 1200 Stanley Park Drive Toronto, Ontario M6K 3B9 Telephone: (403) 242 - 0002 Telephone: +1 416 314 9755 Fax: (403) 240 - 1966 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www3.sympatico.ca/hrc/haida/ www.navalmuseum.ab.ca/

June ‘03 Newsletter of the Venture Association

Recent Register Changes/Additions

STAFF CLASS OF ‘59 Verran Stan, 14-915 Glenvale Rd, Victoria, Sailor Frank, 10-4619 Elk Lake Dr, Victoria, Waddell Peter, 478 route du Nord, PO Box BC, V9A 6N1, [email protected] BC, V8Z 5M2, (250) 479-5801 3023, Brownsburg-Chatam, QC, J8G 2T9, (450) 533-6213, [email protected] CLASS OF ‘56 IN MEMORIAM Balfour Gordon, [email protected] CLASS OF ‘60 Boucher Guy, [email protected] Benton David, 7993 Sawgrass Way, Blaine, WA, 98230-6813, USA, ph: (360) 371-7102, Jones David, (Class of ‘62) passed Ferguson Bob, 183 Scout St, Ottawa, ON, fx: (360) 371-7112, [email protected] away peacefully on 10 November K2C 4E4, (613) 722-9103, [email protected] McGee Jack, [email protected] 2002 after a courageous fifteen Johnstone George, 1254 Kathleen Dr, Dun- Taggart Stuart, P.O. Box 97, Trout Creek, month battle with cancer . He re- can, BC, V9L 5R7, (250) 748-1630, ON, P0H 2L0, (705) 723-5564, ceived wonderful care and attention [email protected] [email protected] in the Palliative Care Unit at the Peden Hugh, [email protected] CLASS OF ‘61 Lakeshore Hospital in Pointe Claire. Potter Glen, 981 Springfield Dr, Kingston, Farnell Stew, [email protected] ON, K7M 8V3, (613) 634-9275 Wardle Larry, [email protected] CLASS OF ‘62 Ovenden Walter, (Class of ‘59) Hood Bill, Site 45, Comp. 74, RR 2, Pentic- passed away on Friday 4 April CLASS OF ‘57 ton, BC, V2A 6J7, (250) 492-4105, following a long bout with cancer. D'Hollander René, 1415A Beatty St, Victo- [email protected] He had been diagnosed with the ria, BC, V9A 5L6, (250) 383-2156, Silins Jan, [email protected] [email protected] disease in Feb '02 and it progres- McKenzie Brian, 570 Aspen Ave, Qualicum CLASS OF ‘63-II sively took its toll until he was Beach, BC, V9K 1A6 Vangalen Joe, [email protected] released from hospital during the McKibbon Bill, 77 Atlantic View Dr, Sambro CLASS OF ‘64 last week to die at home. Head, NS, B3V 1L2, [email protected] Walker Dennis, 96-5838 Blythwood Rd, Sooke, BC, V0S 1N0, (250) 642-1346, Park Bill, [email protected] [email protected] CLASS OF ‘58 CLASS OF ‘65 Guest Jim, [email protected] Dalley Chistopher, [email protected] Morrison Robert, Box 2920, RR3, Yar- Durnford Matt, [email protected] mouth, NS, B5A 4A7, (902) 742-6231 Jackson Dennis, [email protected] Ouellete Jack, [email protected] DUES GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED Lovitt Norm, [email protected] PAID ‘TIL 2004 PAID ‘TIL 2009 Macey Gordon Boucher Guy McFarlin W. G. Johnstone George Nethercott John

Distribution of the Signal

Australia – 2 Mexico – 1 UK – 3 Bahamas – 1 New Zealand –1 USA – 25 Belgium – 9 Norway – 1 TOTAL – 490 Canada – 443 Qatar – 1 Germany – 1 Thailand – 2

Send comments, changes of address, letters, & payments of dues to:

Venture Association 310 - 777 Royal Oak Dr -- Box 53507 Victoria, BC V8X 5K2 CANADA or e-mail them to: [email protected],

Venture Web Site: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/kieranh/

Please note: Send cheques to the above address, A bit of nostalgia—both for young faces… and old uniforms and not to your class representative.

June ‘03 Sidney CruiseShipCenters May 23, 2003 The “Venture Appreciation” Cruise

Important Schedule Change: The Cruise departure date is changed to Wednesday September 15, 2004 as there are no Holland America Line Alaska Inside Passage sailings on Mondays in 2004.

WEDNESDAY–WEDNESDAY — SEPTEMBER 15–22, 2004

A 7-day Holland America Line Inside Passage Cruise to Alaska for Venture Association members and friends who would like to take a late-summer cruise following their attendance at the HMCS Venture 50th Anniversary Reunion in Victoria BC, in September 2004

Priced in Canadian $’s per person, based on double occupancy, it includes: • 7 night cruise • all taxes • p/p shipboard credit • direct motor coach transport from Victoria to Vancouver terminal via BC Ferries a.m. September 15th • Venture cocktail party on board

Please Note – Passengers are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements upon disembarkation in Vancouver on September 22, 2004.

ms Volendam Inside stateroom from $1375.00 Outside stateroom from $1750.00

For further details and to book this cruise opportunity, Please call 1-800-561-2350 for your Sidney BC CruiseShipCenters consultants or email: Phil Johnston (62) at: [email protected] or, [email protected] or, Susan McMullen at: [email protected]

June ‘03