A Class `A' Inspection of personnel and barracks on the first Saturday in March was more than satisfactory.

Personnel of T/Sgt Kramer's platoon was outstanding, while the barracks of the Supply boys, shepherded by T/Sgt DiSanza, had a model barracks. So after a very successful Squadron Party held at the Station Theater on Saturday, March 1st, the two lucky groups were allowed to sleep until noon the next morning. The party, featuring cake, cookies, ice cream, sandwiches and beer aplenty, also brought out a lot of hidden talent, mostly in the form of jitterbugging.

Our assigned strength this month shows six officers and 235 EM with 27 EM attached for training. The transfer of Lt Gibbens to Grafton Underwood at the end of the month left us without an Assistant Supply Officer. Lt Muckerman was assigned this duty and Major Jolicouer took over Adjutant's duties. Also departing on the 31st were Lt Fanelli and Lt Wolf, Capt Wilcox having left ten days earlier. A stand by Inspection of Personnel and Barracks by Lt Col Reed on the 23rd, resulted in being told this site and personnel were the most outstanding on the base.

At the monthly meeting of the Sub-Depot Commanders at Abbots Ripton on the 8th, Col Stitt announced a contest to be held between Sub-Depots of this area. A cup to be presented monthly to the Sub-Depot judged most efficient. The report to the organisations to such a contest was received with great enthusiasm by all.

In the line of training nine men were sent to Technical Schools in addition to a two week course in Structural Repair at Burtonwood, attended by Lt Hall and T/Sgt Antoniu from March 13-18.

Work on Plan `R' found us with approx 48% boxed with all logistics ready. With the month of March setting a new high in operational missions so our requisitions went up, 2,968 or 96 per day were filled. We placed 385 routine requisitions on 2nd S.A.D. and 312 teletyped. In spite of the heavy demand we were able to fill 84% of all placed on us.

The boys at the Petrol tank were kept going on 466 truck loads carrying 924,912 gallons of 100 octane arrived, 67 loads of parts and we sent back 50 of these loaded with repairables and serviceable items.

We received only ten new aircraft during the month but their mass arrival kept the Aicraft Checking Section busy checking them in. Motor Pool personnel made 24 runs to Barnum to haul 596 cylinders of breathing oxygen for the high altitude work. Only 90 cylinders on hand made constant trips necessary.

Beautification of the surroundings of the Supply facilities were culminated with the erection of the white fence stakes. The addition of bicycle stands, flowers, grass and shrubbery, to the front of HQ was also completed. So resplendent with spanking new signs of red and white and freshly seeded yards all men began to try to better their output tom get the trophy.

With the new high of 172 aircraft in and 170 out for March the Engineering Section also set new records. In came

115 for maintenance including engine changes, and general repairs of all kinds. Some 29 battle damaged airplanes came in and shortly thereafter went forth to do battle again, and there were 28 modified. These consisted of changing oxygen systems, installation of side windows and nose gun mounts.

S/Sgt Hall's men repaired 51 oil coolers and 110 parachutes were packed by the silk men; 158 prop governors had to be tested and 59 props cleaned and inspected, while at each engine change the props were turned for cleaning an inspection by the Bomb Group. This was a hard month in the Engine Build-up Section as 58 engines were used by the group, also thru considerable work in other depts of engineering as the accessories need be inspected and repaired at each build up.

The Instrument boys under T/Sgt Taylor completed their Electronic-Supercharger mock-up. Complete in every detail it will be used to test component parts and to show the pilot just what it is and how it works.

So ends a month of heavy duty.

R.D.Jolicouer,
Major, Air Corps,
Commanding.