2 VandenBos - a new unit with old history

Preamble:

The Historian Committee; The Historian Committee has taken on the task of compiling the History of the squadrons of Ontario . The information compiled is from the magazines “Canadian Air Cadet 1941-47” and “Cadet Annual 1948-69”. The magazines correspond to squadrons with activities mentioned and names of Cadets and Officers. I have attempted to be as informative as possible with each section and have abbreviated the writings in most cases but keeping the content with a true picture of the happenings. The pictures in some cases do not have names of the individuals, if you recognize persons in pictures where no names are quoted, please notify the undersigned with the particulars. The magazines were published by The Air Cadet League of Canada (1941-69).

Chairman, History Committee

Dick Donaldson

“SQUADRONS”

Under the “Squadron” section, terms used i/e * 1941 – Nov. p20

* 1941-Year, November- Month, p20- Page 20, meaning the article can be found in 1941, in November and can be found on Page 20 of the “Canadian Air Cadet” magazine 1941- 47 and continues “Air Cadet Annual” magazine 1948 - 69

By special request:

#2 Squadron Jean de Brebeuf, Montreal , Que.

Sponsor Comm. Officer F/O L.A. Bernard

Chairman Mr. L. Thibodeau Adjutant.

Hon. Secretary M. O. P/O C. Brisson, M.D.

# of Cadets 150

Instructors P/O’s L.A. Brais, J.B.L. Thibodeau, C.H. Holcomb, D.R. Pettigrew, R. Boudreault, D. Genest.

1942-Mayp6 R.C.A.F. Officers judging the Jean de Brebeuf entry in the Walsh Trophy drill competition.

L to R F/L W. O’Brien, Sgt. Boulianne, F/L P.O. Gadbois, F/L J.T. Flanagan, F/L P.E. Moseley and A/C F/L P. Dionne.

1942-June-Julyp29 Air Cadet ensigns are being presented by the Air Cadet League to some squadrons in each province as special rewards. To qualify a unit must complete a minimum of three months training and reach a standard of efficiency warranting recommendation from a national board member. Presentation ceremonies are mainly scheduled for annual inspections, the awarding conducted often by high ranking R.C.A.F. or League officials. Among presentations this month was #2 Squadron.

1942-June-Julyp19 #2 Jean de Brebeuf Squadron wins Walsh Trophy (picture below)

1942-Mayp28 The write-up below concerns #2 Squadron

1942-Aug.p6 F/L Bill O’Brien tells a good one to the squadron.

1942-Aug.p6 This dapper Air Cadet poses between pictures of Air Marshall Bishop and Anna Neagle in Simpson’s window, Montreal to advertise “Celebrity Parade”.

1942-Aug.p6 Presenting the largest array of Air Cadets ever seen in Canada , 2,000 boys of Quebec Province turn out for annual review on Montreal ’s Champ de Mars.

1942-Aug.p26 The write up below explains the how the Province of Quebec has progressed with Air Cadet squadrons.

1942-Oct.p16 Air Cadets of Montreal squadrons receive engine assemblies from the Ford Motor Company L. to R. F/L Gadbois, R.B. Hall, J. Orr, C.H. Butterworth, G.F. Bayne, M.D. Genest, J.A.M. Robertson, L.P. Patterson, J. Venis, H.E. Law, S. Engel, J.J. Common, H.P. Illsley and W.Y. Soper.

1943-Mar.p20 A film about a trip to La Guardia Field, New York by F/S Allan E. Scott and Cpl. Rene Beique will be shown in the near future in theatres across Canada. The cadets representing 56 (Montreal West) and 2 (Jean de Brebeuf) Squadrons respectively, were chosen as typical of the well-trained Air Cadets of Canada. Highlights of the trip included meeting movie actress Jean Cagney (sister of Jimmy). They visited the Empire State building, Radio City Hall and were guests in a sportscast, the attentions of the USO flattered them.

1943-Jun-July.p20 The squadron was the winner of the Walsh trophy recently, the trophy is for general proficiency. The squadron annual inspection was reviewed by Air Vice-Marshall A. de Niverville, AOC #3 T.C. and Wing Commander Marcel Dubuc O.C. #13 S.F.T.S. at St. Hubert. The cadets, led by S/L Paul Dionne C.O., marched past to the music of their own band.

1943-Aug.p20 Montreal and district turned out nearly 4,000 cadets for Annual Inspection and Competition on historic Champs de Mars. Present to vie for the Walsh Trophy were the province’s three crack precision squads, belonging to #39 Kiwanis Squadron, 2 Jean de Brebeuf Squadron and 98 d’Iberville Squadron. Air Vice-Marshall G.V. Walsh, Air Attache at the Canadian Legation in Washington, came to Montreal to present his own trophy to the winning Squadron and a replica to the team’s captain. After watching three magnificent displays the A/VMarshall finally made the presentation to #39 Montreal Kiwanis Squadron, captained by WO Edward Twaddell. The assembly was addressed by A/VM de Niverville, G/C D.C. Hume and by Arthur L. Melling, League Vice-President. A/VM de Niverville took the salute during the march past. Among the guests at the display were A/VM R.L.G. Marix, AOC #45 Group RAF Transport Command; COL Sir H. Montague Allen C.V.O.; Mayor Walter Merrill K.C. of Westmount; Philip Brais K.C.; C. Douglas Taylor, L/C L. Chicoine E.D. district cadet officer for M.D. 4; G/C R.A. Delhaye D.F.C.

1944-Apr,p16 Sporting events (pictured below)

1944-June-Julyp10 It was a sweltering hot May night. Over 4,500 cadets from Montreal district were massed at the Molson’s stadium for the annual presentation of the A/VM Walsh Trophy to the flight most proficient at drill. Three top flights had been selected for the finals by the Command Cadet Officers. They were 39 (Montreal Kiwanis), 70 (St. Lambert Vignal) and 2 (Jean de Brebeuf. The three competitors retired to Sir Arthur Currie Memorial Gymnasium to go through their manoeuvres. Air Force Command Officers, Naval and Army Officers, the three Squadron Officers, newspaper reporters and relatives and friends of the cadets were present. 39 Squadron won the trophy the 2 nd time. F/S Cyr drill instructor of the R.C.A.F. had the flights put on rifle precision drill. Thirty-one squadrons took part. The parade was inspected by A/VM Adelard Raymond, high ranking Air Force and Navy officers were present along with members of the Provincial Committee, C. Douglas Taylor, chairman, Mr. Arthur Melling, League President delivered a short address.

1947-Nov.p12 “Summer Camps” Station Trenton . An amateur show was held the three cadets before the mike are

L. to R. WO2 Al Rosen, F/S Eddie Long and Cpl, Stan Manantz.

1948 – 1949 – 1950 “Cadet Annual Magazine” “Squadron Directory”

This lists indicates all active squadrons in Canada – #2 Jean de Brebeuf Squadron was not listed in the years indicated.

Dick Donaldson

Chairman, Historical Committee

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