D-Day Invasion Biggest Mission Ever June 6, 1944

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Volume 52 Number 21 www.couriernews.ca June 4, 2019

D-Day invasion biggest mission ever June 6, 1944

Imperial War Museum A Supermarine Spitfire MK1X painted in D-Day invasion stripes of 421 Squadron prepares to taxi out of the dispersal area in Bazenville, Normandy, for a routine dusk patrol.

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE mission was to establish a beachhead months in bombing key enemy targets Squadrons of the RCAF became the along an eight-kilometre stretch in in the invasion area: roads, bridges, first allied aircraft to operate over The largest military invasion in front of the villages of Courseulles-sur- railways, airfields, and command France since 1940. They continued to history took place on June 6, 1944. Mer, Bény-sur-Mer and Saint Aubin- and communications centres. As the support the Allied offensive throughout The D-Day assault was a huge and sur-Mer. Once secure, the troops were moment to launch the invasion neared, the campaign that followed, helping complex undertaking—a multinational, to push on to Caen. Allied bombers dropped thousands open the way to victory. combined operation involving hundreds By day’s end, the Canadians of tons of explosives on German According to historians Hugh of thousands of sailors, soldiers and on Juno Beach lost 340 killed, 574 coastal defences—about 6,000 tons Halliday and Brereton Greenhous in airmen whose mission was to deliver wounded, with 47 taken prisoner. But in just the last few hours before the Canada’s Air Forces 1914-1944, “the freedom to Nazi-occupied Europe. of all the divisions that landed on June invasion. Luftwaffe could do little to counter the It began before dawn, when more 6, the Canadians had gained the most On June 6, under overcast skies, overwhelming mass of Allied aircraft than 23,000 paratroopers—including ground by sundown. RCAF fighter and fighter-bomber supporting the invasion. Only about more than 450 Canadians—leapt into Canadian airmen were among the pilots flew with 171 Allied squadrons to 300 aircraft of all types were available the night skies over Normandy. A few first into action. Royal Canadian Air protect the soldiers on the beach from to meet the 11,000 that the Allies hours later, some 14,000 Canadian Force (RCAF) squadrons belonging the Luftwaffe and to attack German deployed on 6 June 1944.” troops began coming ashore at a beach to Bomber Command’s No. 6 Group formations on the ground. code-named “Juno”. The Canadian had already been involved for several No. 441, No. 442 and No. 443 Continued on page 2...

LOCAL LOCAL NATIONAL WEEKLY Titan rules at MSS Join the challenge Air effort vital Entertainment & more! You can join the summer challenge Mission Support Squadron has a Air forces provided key support Movies...... Page 3 new badge and motto. to promote fitness. during D-Day invasion. Classified ...... Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Entertainment...... Page 7 Page 2 The Courier News & Publishing Tuesday, June 4, 2019

RCAF had 37 squadrons supporting the invasion

...continued from front page Seven RCAF aircraft were lost, and 20 RCAF commander. members were killed during operations in support of As a testament to Canada’s war effort, Supreme During the day on June 6, only two RCAF the landings. Allied Command tasked the Canadians the squadrons—442 and 401—reported contact with the An eyewitness account responsibility of their own invasion beach, the only enemy. On D+1—June 7—German air reinforcements Ivor Williams, a Spitfire pilot with 443 Squadron, nation other than the United States and Britain began to arrive, however, and the battle for air assisted in patrolling Juno Beach on D-Day, warding accorded this honour. supremacy became more challenging in the days that off enemy fighters and providing cover for ships. The five beaches—Gold and Sword for the British, followed. “I flew the last patrol at night on June the Utah and Omaha for the Americans, and Juno for the In all, the Royal Canadian Air Force had 42 5th [1944], and we were, in the south of England, Canadians—were well defended and had been beefed operational squadrons overseas on D-Day; 37 of them and in five minutes we were over the [English] up under the supervision of the superb Afrikakorps supported the invasion, although not all of them Channel,” he told The Memory Project in an commander, Field Marshall Erwin Rommel. Backing saw action and others were carrying out activities far interview that is available on their website. “It was the Field Marshall Rommel’s forces and the German from the beaches. They flew as part of 2nd Tactical most fantastic sight that I will ever see, all these boats “Atlantic Wall” were 10 panzer-grenadier divisions, all Air Force (Fighter Command), Bomber Command, coming out of little harbours and around the south in operation by the end of June 6. Coastal Command and the Air Defence of Great coast of England and they were in formation. The volume of men and materiel involved in the Britain organization. Many more Canadians flew with “And we saw this, all these little arrow heads Normandy invasion was astounding: three airborne Royal Air Force Squadrons. coming over the Channel, we knew that the beach divisions, along with five infantry divisions, supported invasion was on, and so we were not allowed to go over by armoured units from three nations to be landed the German lines, because obvious reasons, but we on five separate beaches. Thousands of aircraft and had the aircraft painted with black and white stripes 7,000 vessels had to be coordinated to move those Carrier of the month at that point, so that there were no mistaking the personnel from Britain to assault the Nazi defences. Allied aircraft. And we did a recce and returned late With files from The Memory Project, Veterans Alexander Peters at night, and then had a few hours’ sleep and took Affairs Canada, Major Brendan Bond and Lieutenant- is The Courier’s Carrier of the Month for off the next morning, that was, and then we knew the Commander Alain Blondin. invasion was on. May. Alexander delivers The Courier to our “And the sky was full of airplanes of course. We readers in the Mackenzie neighbourhood. were circling back and forth over the beachhead, we Congratulations and thanks for the didn’t go back, we were making sure that the German outstanding service! aircraft didn’t get to strafe our own troops, so it was a recce to make sure the sky was kept clear of enemy aircraft. We were back and forth, we could see there was fighting on the ground, we could see tanks blazing and trucks, we really knew the invasion was on at that time.” Operation Overlord Overall command of Operation Overlord—the invasion of Normandy—belonged to American Centennial Building(#67), General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a commander known PO Box 6190 Stn Forces, for his conciliatory nature who united the extreme Cold Lake, AB T9M 2C5 personalities making up the senior Allied command DND Archives Phone: (780) 594-5206 structure in England. British General Bernard L. Airmen taking part in D-Day invasion pose on Email: [email protected] Montgomery was appointed as the ground forces wing of Spitfire.

THE COURIER STAFF MANAGER Janae Wandler - [email protected] EDITOR/REPORTER Cliff Kenyon - [email protected] Walking for wellness PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Alina Mallais - [email protected] ADMIN/SALES Jasmine Ouellette - [email protected]

EDITORIAL ADVISOR 4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Capt Julie Brunet

DEADLINE Wednesday at 1500 hrs for the following Tuesday CIRCULATION 2600

The Courier is published weekly with the permission of the 4 Wing Cold Lake Wing Commander Col Doyle. The opinions expressed are those of the contributor and do not reflect those of the Editor, Canadian Armed Forces, or DND. The Editor reserves the right to reject, edit, or condense any editorial or advertising material. Printed by Star Press, Wainwright, AB. Publié hebdomadairement avec la permission du Commandant de l’escadre, le col Doyle. Les opinions personnelles exprimées dans ce journal sont celles des collaborateurs et ne représentent pas les opinions de la rédaction, des Forces armées canadiennes ou du Ministrère de la Défense nationale. La rédaction se réserve le droit de refuser, d’éditer ou de condenser tout article et matériel de réclame soumis. Imprimé par Star Press, Wainwright, AB.

MEMBER OF: LS Erica Seymour, 4 Wing Imaging Wing Commander Colonel Paul Doyle points the way as 685 people joined him on the Wing Commander’s Wellness Walk on May 31. The 12th annual walk kicked off a program encouraging more exercise, including walking with provision of a designated park and walk parking lot so those living off base can drive and then walk the rest of the way to work. See story on Page 5. Tuesday, June 4, 2019 The Courier News & Publishing Page 3

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Cliff Kenyon 5213 - 51 Ave Members of the gentle hands, caring professionals Cold Lake comptroller offices www.lakecentredental.com take part in Foreign Object Damage prevention walk on the base picking up trash, debris and other foreign objects. The annual walk throughout 4 Wing and involving virtually all available personnel is done to clean up the base collecting trash that could also damage aircraft.

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm RIDERS Saturday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PLAYSAFE: Sundays: Closed Don’t Let It Happen to You CONNECTION 4012 50 Street Cold Lake, AB Motorsports & RV 780-594-7433 www.ridersconnection.ca Adam Rebecca The War Amps new “kids- to-kids” safety video, SALUTING SERVICE, IT’S WHAT WE DO featuring stories Enjoy exclusive offers on Honda products for from young members of the Canadian Armed Forces Community amputees who Thanks to a partnership with Honda, CAF Community members * can now enjoy exclusive offers on have lost limbs Honda Motorcycles, ATVs, Side-by-Sides and Generators. In recognition of their dedicated service to our country, members can redeem stackable savings all year — in accidents, a salute to those who have served us so well. delivers the hard-hitting but positive message: “Spot the danger before you play!”

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*Exclusive offers (the “Exclusive Offers”) are only available to CFOne members who have the designation CF, V, D, and P on their card including but not limited to Veterans and Currently Serving Canadian Forces members, Department of Defence staff and RCMP staff who purchase, or finance a new and unused (not previously registered) Honda Motorcycle, ATV and/or SXS and/or Generator product through Honda Financial Services (on approved credit), from a participating authorized Honda dealer in Canada between March 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 (the “Offer Period”). Members must present a valid CFOne card with the designations of CF, V, D, and P, required at time of purchase in order to be eligible for the Exclusive Offers. Exclusive Offers limited to the purchase of any two (2) Motorcycle and or ATV and or SXS products per eligible CF, Department of Defence or RCMP member. While supplies last. Exclusive Offers can be combined with other select retail incentives in the market, some exclusions apply, see dealer for details. Up to 1% financing rate reduction is available on qualifying models financed and delivered during the Offer Period. Eligible customers will receive an up to 1% reduction off finance rates currently available through HFS to a minimum of 0% APR. Under no circumstances can rates be reduced below 0% APR. Offer has no cash surrender value. Conditions apply. Ask your dealer or visit honda.ca for more details. Page 4 The Courier News & Publishing Tuesday, June 4, 2019

MSS shows off new badge, motto

THE COURIER heavens upon his shoulders. the world. The pattern in the denoting the strength in the According to others he was center background, is pulled support. Each of these three Members of 4 Mission instead appointed guardian of from the beaver tail from the pieces being instrumental for Support Squadron (MSS) are the pillars which held the earth Construction Engineering (CE) the squadron to provide first sporting a new badge and and sky asunder. cap badge which represents class support to 4 Wing. they’re proud of it. “This is exactly how we ingenuity and persistence. “Victoriam per proud to be supporters that “Everyone was invited to support Air Space Power in And the interlocking chain F i r m a m e n t u m / V i c t o r y contributes to the Victory of take part in the design,” said Formation, at the Wing, and link around the inner circle Through Support” is to be the the Mission through strength Chief Warrant Officer Leslie the Canadian Sovereignty represents the Logistics rallying cry of the “Titans” to and character! Biron. “We’re all pretty excited mandate, and it is 4 MSS, links of the Royal Canadian represent a unit that is fierce “I hope, like me, you will about it.” the Titans, that supports Logistics Service cap badge, in spirit and determination, wear this patch with pride.” The squadron’s birth is them.” Said Lieutenant- a result of Canadian Armed Colonel Kirsten Dubreuil, Forces (CAF) restructuring. Commanding Officer of the “We have a new identity. We squadron. are the Titans,” said Biron Atlas is chosen as our Members of the squadron mascot because 4 MSS being had the opportunity to vote on made up of all support trades, the motto and the patch and holds up or supports 4 Wing they “made their choice loud in all its missions. Whether and clear,” said Biron. it be exercises, operations or The motto is: Victoriam per integral support to the Wing’s Firmamentum – Victory Through daily activities, the mission Support. cannot be accomplished And how did they come up without all our trades working with the mascot and design for together to achieve victory the badge? and mission success. Atlas is Atlas was a Titan god in the 4 MSS personnel, and the Greek mythology who bore celestial heavens are 4 Wing. the sky aloft. He personified For our patch we have the quality of endurance, taken representations from which is much the trait of 4 all three of the cap badges MSS personnel to be able to that make up 4 MSS. The continuously support 4 Wing globe that Atlas is holding up operations. is from the Royal Canadian Atlas was a leader of the Electrical Mechanical Titans in their war against Engineering (RCEME) cap Submitted Zeus and after their defeat he badge that represents the 4 MSS troops proudly wearing their new Squadron crest. (From left to right) MCpl Van was condemned to carry the fact that we work all across Marrum, MCpl Rooney, Pte Parent-Martin, MCpl Byrne, MCpl Menard.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

4 Wing Band’s 5th PSP is seeking a Full Time Facility Clerk at Col J.J. Parr Annual Spring Concert Sports Centre!

As a Facility Clerk, you will greet visitors, provide information on recreation programs and facility use, process payments and provide administrative support related to activities at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre.

Become part of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) team and serve those who serve!

Minimum Qualifications: • High school diploma OR an acceptable combination of education, training and experience; • Current CPR and basic First Aid qualifications (or be willing to obtain them).

Corporal Justin Roy Benefits of joining CFMWS: Members of 4 Wing Band presented their fifth annual spring concert Career development June 1 at Cold Lake High School. It was the Off-Off-Off Broadway Review. including mentoring and A defined benefit pension education assistance plan, health, dental and vision coverage, sick leave, 4 Wing fire ban continues life, disability and accidental death insurance Compensation $15.47 - Fire bans remain in effect across 4 Wing Cold Lake due to extreme risk. $16.54/hour The ban includes the 4 Wing campground. Is it permitted to use propane barbecues and fires, as well as offroad vehicles such as ATVs. The bans are unlikely to be lifted until there is significant rainfall, says Perks including military community discounts and on- Warrant Officer Stephen Foreman, Chief Fire Inspector. A strong team Fire bans stretch across Northern Alberta and into Southern Alberta where open site shopping offering deferred payments (CANEX) environment fires and charcoal briquettes are not permitted. In many locations the use of off-road vehicles is prohibited. You can check on details of municipal and provincial fire bans at www.albertafirebans.ca Apply online at www.cfmws.com/careers or by email at [email protected] by 9 June 2019. 4 WING COMMUNITY Tuesday, June 4, 2019 The Courier News & Publishing Page 5

Moving towards BALANCE summer challenge!

LISA FISHER, What are my options? How do I join the Challenge? This Challenge is facilitated through HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST Glad you asked! Feel free to drive If you didn’t get a chance to get a joint effort by the Fitness & Sports your vehicle to 4 Wing and park it in your registration card at the Wellness and Health Promotion Teams. All It’s that time of year again! After a lot, then use active transportation Walk, stop by the front desk at Col J.J. Defense Team members are eligible to the completion of the Wellness Walk to commute the rest of the way. We Parr Sports Centre to fill out your card. participate. on May 31, the Wing Commander’s recommend utilizing the Youth Center Cards must be presented to the PSP References Summer Wellness Challenge was parking lot across from Col J.J. Parr Staff at the front desk for registration. • Alberta Centre for Active announced and officially began. With Sports Centre as we have installed a The first 300 registrants receive FREE Living. (2017). Benefits of active the recent announcement of the “Park and Walk” sign that shows you SPORTS SOCKS! You can register at transportation. Retrieved from https:// BALANCE Strategy, which is aimed at the distance in metres, as well as the any time during the summer, but the www.centre4activeliving.ca/media/filer_ increasing physical performance to approximate time to bike and walk earlier the better as you have more public/07/77/077713ef-e097-4bc5-8278- ensure operational readiness, it only from the lot to various locations at 4 chances to enter the grand prize draw! 1fb455d26630/2017-active-transportation- seemed fitting to promote the Strategy Wing. If you’re feeling particularly What are you waiting for? Join factsheet.pdf through this year’s challenge. The goal environmentally friendly, hop on the the challenge today and increase • PSP. (2018). BALANCE: of the 2019 challenge is to increase city bus and walk from the bus stop. your physical activity while working The Canadian Armed Forces Physical physical performance through active What are the benefits of using active toward that grand prize! Questions Performance Strategy. Retrieved from transportation, thereby “Moving transportation? can be directed to either the Health https://www.cafconnection.ca/getmedia/ Towards BALANCE!” Not only does less vehicles on the Promotion Team at local 6958 or d244a0e1-3e52-4177-9649-3e19637f5173/ The concept of the challenge is road mean less air pollution, road [email protected]. BALANCE-Book_E.pdf.aspx simple: utilize active transportation to congestion and fuel costs, using active and from work throughout the summer transportation also decreases your months (June 1 to August 31) to increase risk for chronic disease. Specifically, WING COMMANDER’S WELLNESS CHALLENGE your physical performance and have a increasing your physical activity levels chance to win a prize. can reduce the risk of heart disease Moving Towards BALANCE! What does the Challenge entail? and stroke, high blood pressure, You must commit to using active various cancers, Type 2 diabetes and transportation (i.e. walk, run, bike promotes good mental health. Canada’s 1. Join us this summer for the Moving Towards Balance Challenge! or roller blade) to work at least once physical activity guidelines are 150 2. Each week you walk/bike/run to work you will be entered into the draw for the grand prize! per week. Each week you will receive minutes of moderate-to-vigorous 3. Challenge runs from 1 June—31 August, 2019. 4. For more information contact Health Promotion at #6958 or Fitness & Sports at #8194. an email from the Health Promotion physical activity per week. It’s been Department to confirm that you have shown that walking to and from completed your active transportation public transport helps adults achieve requirement for that week. For each an average of 8 to 33 minutes more of To register for the Challenge, please present this card to PSP Staff at the Front Desk of Col JJ Parr Sports Centre for your week completed, you receive an entry physical activity per day. Those who into the grand prize draw. use active transportation are also more I live too far for active likely to be physically active during REE SORS SOCS transportation to be a viable option. their leisure time.

More from the Changes to the Col J.J. Wing Commander’s Parr Sports Centre Wellness Walk Rules and Regulations

PERSONNEL SUPPORT PROGRAMS - Minimum child to supervisor ratios for the Aquatic Centre; and 4 Wing PSP would like you to know - Clarification on athletic/active that we have updated the Col J.J. Parr clothing requirements. Sports Centre Rules and Regulations to For more information on all the align better with National Policy as well updates to our rules and regulations, as standard industry recommendations. please visit CAF Connection at: These changes took effect 1 June 2019. https://www.cafconnection.ca/Cold- The major changes to the policies Lake/ColJJParrRules include: Should you have any questions - Minimum age restrictions for or concerns about the updated unaccompanied access of the Col J.J. rules and regulations, please e-mail Parr Sports Centre; [email protected].

PSP Non-smoking regulations

PSP will be enforcing non-smoking regulations, especially near the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre, says Gail Sullivan, Deputy Manager Personnel Support Programs. The only smoking area around the facility will be on the “island” in front where a park bench is installed. The smoking area behind the facility will be removed, signage will be installed and patrons reminded of this order. Current policies prohibit smoking: within nine metres of any bus stop on DND property, within 25 metres of any outdoor recreation area (which includes sports fields, dugouts, splash park, playground areas and viewing areas) as well as 25 metres from physical fitness, recreation or health facilities which includes structures during Avr Brock Curtis, 4 Wing Imaging exercises, Cold Lake Air Show and any other special events with heath care support. Members of 1 Air Manintance Squandran participate in the 12th Annual Wing Commander’s Wellness Walk. Page 6 The Courier News & Publishing Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Canadian wings helps win air superiority

MAJOR (RETIRED) 2TAF an approximate undertaken with the assault below. fire until the target was to and fro over the WILLIAM MARCH total of 1,576 aircraft sole purpose of ensuring Far busier on D-Day destroyed. The pattern assault areas. Medium in 98 ½ squadrons to that the assault divisions were the reconnaissance was repeated numerous bombers, light bombers, The Royal Air Force’s support the invasion. made it ashore. squadrons of No. 128 times throughout the fighter-bombers, fighters, 2nd Tactical Air Force Like the other Of the Royal (RCAF) Wing. day, with the pilots reconnaissance, artillery (2TAF) was created to elements of the Allied Canadian Air Force The Spitfire XIs of commenting on the and naval aircraft provide direct air support air force, 2TAF’s mission (RCAF) squadrons 400 Squadron conducted turbulence caused by swamped the limited to the invasion forces. began long before June belonging to 2TAF, 16 high-level reconnaissance the passing naval shells air space below the clod, Originally formed 6, 1944. Almost constant served with No. 83 Group; flights, while Mustangs as they sped towards the and on two occasions, on June 1, 1943, it was reconnaissance flights they were organized, from 414 and 430 target. we had to swerve modelled after the Desert were conducted over for the most part, into Squadrons provided Spitfires from violently to avoid head- Air Force and the Anglo- Normandy to be sure, Canadian wings. The low-level reconnaissance No. 144 (RCAF) Wing on collisions.” American North African but an equal or greater pilots of No. 126 (RCAF) and naval gunfire also found themselves With the coming of Tactical Air Force. number were flown Wing had been briefed support. The Mustang providing “top cover” darkness, the day-fighter Primarily envisaged as throughout Occupied about D-Day late on the pilots helped place naval over the beaches. Every squadrons belonging to a fighter and fighter- Europe to keep the evening on June 5 and gunfire where it was most available aircraft from No. 83 Group retired bomber organization, enemy guessing about knew what would be needed—in most cases 441, 442, and 443 from the beaches and hard lessons-learned the actual site of the required of them over against German coastal Squadrons flew four were replaced by night- during the African attack. the next several days. defences and inland sorties throughout the fighters from No. 85 campaigns resulted in Bombers from No. 2 Early in pre-dawn targets in the invasion course of D-Day. Group. Two Canadian 2TAF’s having a light Group took part in the light, Spitfire IXBs area. They would locate The greatest danger squadrons, 409 and 410, and medium bomber interdiction campaign from 400, 411 and 412 a target, contact their to the pilots lay in the equipped with Mosquitos, component as well. conducted by Bomber Squadrons took off into associated ship and “mass of Allied aircraft, took part in these On D-Day, 2TAF was Command against the overcast sky. The proceed to correct the which roamed restlessly operations. composed of four separate German transport and weather for the “big day” groups: No. 2 Group communication centres. would remain overcast, (Bomber Command) The fighter-bombers but with visibility of eight with 12 squadrons; struck at anything that kilometres or so, it was No. 83 Group with 34 moved, while the fighters suitable for providing reconnaissance, fighter engaged in day and air cover. In conjunction and fighter-bomber night sweeps of German with aircraft from RAF squadrons; No. 84 Group airfields, seeking to wings, which included with 31 squadrons; and destroy as many enemy Spitfires from RCAF’s No. 85 Group with 21 ½ aircraft as possible. All 402 Squadron (part of 142 squadrons. This gave of these efforts were Wing), they positioned themselves below 5,000 feet (1,524 metres), over the beaches to guard against German aircraft Pet of the Week that might try to hamper the invasion. at the Throughout the day, Lakeland Humane Society the pilots returned to their fields, refuelled, and returned to their operation area. No enemy aircraft were encountered, and the pilots found themselves DND Archives watching the unfolding A Wellington bomber from Coastal Command supports D Day invasion.

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