Final Post to PropWash News Centre

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
I wish to advise all followers and other interested parties that this will be the final post to PropWash News Centre for the foreseeable future.

All existing entries will be left available but new items of interest to our 400, 411 and 2ARW family will now be posted to the ANNOUNCEMENT section of our web site The History Hangar.

Much thanks for your interest and support.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Monument Dedication Write Up in 8 Wing Newsletter

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
The June 8th issue of  "Contact", the 8wing newsletter features a full page write up on 400 Squadron's Monument Dedication Ceremony on page 2.  This includes a number of colour photographs.

To read the article in a separate tab, click HERE

I mentioned in our previous article (below) that it would be approximately two weeks before the major post to The History Hangar web site, with full details with slide show and video, is ready.  Because of other urgent items being actioned during my Toronto visit, I wish to revise this to early July.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Monument Dedication A Big Success

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
Well friends, the sun graced us with its presence, the rain stayed away, the motorcycles finished riding by just prior to the start of our Ceremony, the Pipe Band, was its usual excellent self, and the members of the current 400 Squadron guard and colour party were as good as we were 'in the old days'.  And CWO John Quilty created a ceremony that ran like clockwork and bought a few tears and much pride to this 'old timer'.

We had just under 100 attendees which included many faces from the retired ranks of the squadron, including Lloyd Smith and his two sons (our oldest living squadron member) and Tom Wheeler and his son the oldest living member of 411 Squadron.  The largest contingent of guest were made of relatives and family members of those on our Honour Roll and those of many of our deceased Commanding Officers.  A huge thanks must go to Carl Mills for the many, many hours he spent locating these relatives.

The Reception at 413 Wing RCAFA was very well attended and, judging from the many positive comments received, was enjoyed by all.  It was great to see the large contingent of current squadron members who joined us at the reception and enjoy the much deserved 'steak in a glass' and, just as we once did, gently jibe one another for the 'screw ups' made during the parade that only they were aware of.  I joined them for a short while to thank them for their efforts.  Cripes, were we ever that young!.  I can report to all that our heritage is definitely in good hands and they, to a man, were every bit as professional and well turned out as us older fellas were at our best.

We have a large number of photographs of the event and a full video of the ceremony.  It will take us some time (a couple of weeks at least) to clean these up and get them ready for a major posting on The History Hangar.  We'll try and get this done as soon as possible and let you know when its ready  through another post here on the PropWash News Centre.

In the meantime here is a small sample of the photos we have.  These were taken by Barry Stewart's wife Janice.  Barry Stewart, in addition to being the Master of Ceremonies, was asked by Gerry Gilroy (President of the 400 Squadron Historical Society) to create and arrange the Monument Dedication Ceremony.  The result speaks to the excellent job done by Barry.

Enjoy Janice's photos below, and stay tuned for further updates.

BARRY STEWART CHECK THE WEATHER

COLOUR GUARD

HonCol  MGEN BROCK HORSEMAN

LCol TODD BRAITHWAITE, CO 400 THS

UNVEILING THE MONUMENT

PADRE MAJ TRACY GRAF , 8 WING

PIPE MAJOR TERRY CLELAND PLAYS THE LAMENT

GERRY GILROY

CWO JOHN QUILTY 

BUGLER (NAME UNKNOWN)

SOME OF THE GUESTS

GUESTS OF HONOUR AND HONOUR GUARD

The grandson, Walt Hoerning of wartime commander Squadron Leader WD Van Vliet receives a replica of the 110 Pennant that they donated in mint condition back to the 400 Sqn Historical Society.

 Daughter,  Ilene VanVliet Hoerning    and Grandson, Walt Hoerning of WD Van Vliet with replica pennant.

....And many many more photos to come along with full ceremony video.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Monument Dedication Ceremony UPDATE

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
I mailed all registered entrants a form to complete so we may finalize our planning for this major event in our Squadron's history on Saturday June 2, 2012
The mailing included the following Important Update:
             We just found out last week about a large motorcycle ride, the Highway of Heroes Ride, which starts at 1100 at CFB Trenton and will follow the Highway of Heros route right by the Air Park to the 401 and on to Toronto.  
             We expect a fair amount of noise and some traffic congestion until the end of the motorcycle ride.  A organizer of the ride suggests the motorcycle stream may last 2  hours..

             The ride will be dispatched by the OPP, 25 riders every minute which should allow other traffic to use RCAF Road, but prudent guests and participants at the Museum will allow themselves extra time to arrive at the Museum.  An early arrival will permit easier registration and a more leisurely visit to the museum displays before our event starts.
             Our Registration table will be staffed from 10:30 to 12:30
             Our Ceremony will commence at 13:00 hours
             Our Reception and buffet at 413 Wing will commence at 14:00 hours  

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN so if you wish to register for this event, you may do so by clicking HERE.  A confirmation mailing will be sent upon receipt of  your registration.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

MCpl James (Jim) Homeniuk has Passed

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of MCpl (R'td) James (Jim) Homeniuk

HOMENIUK, James (Jim) MCpl - retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces 400 and 411 Sqdn. At the age of 65 with his wife and children at his bedside on Wednesday May 16th, 2012 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Jim passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Pat for 40 years. Devoted father of Kelly (Jason Poulton), Christopher and Terri. Cherished Grandfather of Hanna and Owen. Dear brother of Dennis (Bonnie). Jim will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews his extended family as well as friends and all who knew him. He cherished his time served with the forces which allowed him to explore the Canadian Arctic in Alert and lead him on peacekeeping tours to Bosnia. He adored photography and loved his career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Friends and family may visit MOUNT LAWN RECEPTION CENTRE, 21 Garrard Road Whitby (North of hwy 2) 905-443-3376 from 6-9pm Monday, May 21, 2012. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 2:30pm. In memory of James, donations to the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated.

Please visit Jim's FINAL FLIGHT page at the HISTORY HANGAR.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Slide Show of WWII Aircraft

Posted supplied by: Charlie Burbank & John Tapper (411 Alums)
To view one of the best (and most complete) automated slide shows of WWII aircraft please click HERE.  You may control the speed of the slide show and whether or not brief descriptions appear by selecting the appropriate item under the "Options" menu which appears when you mouse over the upper right side of the presentation.  For all you WWII aircraft lovers we hope you enjoy this offering.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Its A Barbeque

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop

Being held Saturday June 16th, 2012

At: 420 Wing RCAFA, Oshawa

From: 13:00 To: whenever

On June 16th 411 Squadron is celebrating the 71st Anniversay of its inception on June 16. 1941.  It was disbanded on June 30, 1996.  

On October 5th 400 Squadron will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of its inception on October 5th, 1932.

John Tapper and Jerry Smith of 411 Squadron have organized a BBQ at the 420 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association premises on Stevenson Road at the South entrance to the Oshawa Airport.  Take Stevenson Road (Exit 53) cut off from Highway 401 and follow it to the end (to sabre jet). 

Both 411 Squadron and 400 Squadron veterans (and active) are being invited to join in the festivities.  A cost of  $20.00 per person will be collected at the door.  The menu will include steak with all the trimmings and a cash bar will be available.

A wide range of multi media presentations will run throughout the day featuring THE HISTORY HANGAR web site (a permanent web site featuring Sections for 400 and 411 Squadrons and with 2 Air Reserve Wing)

We will also be having a number of draws throughout the day with profits going to support our joint efforts on the History Hangar.

If you haven't already registered, or responded, you may do so online by clicking here ... REGISTER.  

(We need registration to obtain an accurate meal count for ordering purposes)

A list of those planing to attend is shown below the Registration Form at the above link.

Any questions you may have, call John Tapper at 905-448-2247

This will be the final email notice for this event so we urge you to respond now.  We look forward to your company on Saturday, June 16, 2012

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Obituary for Richard (Dick) Bull

Posted supplied by: Dana Boughner (Daughter)

August 29, 1939 – April 22, 2012
It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Bull announce his sudden passing at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie after a short illness on Sunday, April 22, 2012 in his 73rd year. Dick served in the regular force of the RCAF, 1957 – 1988 with postings at Greenwood, NS; Chatham, NB; Baden, Germay; Toronto, ON and Borden, ON. He was well liked and respected, retiring as a MWO. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and had a good sense of humour. Devoted husband and best friend to Laura, loving and much loved father to Karen Cunningham (Kevin McInnis), Rick Bull (d. 2011) and Sharon Boughner (Dana). Proud and adored ‘Grampy’ to three granddaughters Meaghen Cunningham, Taylor Boughner and Alexia ‘A.J.’ Boughner. As per Dick’s wishes, cremation will take place with a private Family Service to follow. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Army Navy Air Force Club (ANAF), 7 George Street, Barrie. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to War Amps-Ontario, Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre or a charity of choice would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through the History Hangar.

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

WW II Beer Flights

Posted supplied by: John Tapper

Getting the important things done properly was very important in times of war.  The Britsknew how to do it!  Great ingenuity!
Wonder why the aeronautical engineers never thought of this? When men were men and "drag-coefficient" was overcome by libation desire.

In the lighter moments of World War II, the Spitfire was used in an unorthodox role: bringing beer kegs to the men in Normandy .

During the war, the Heneger and Constable brewery donated free beer to the troops. After D-Day, supplying the invasion troops in Normandy with vital supplies was already a challenge. Obviously, there was no room in the logistics chain for such luxuries as beer or other types of refreshments. Some men, often called "sourcers", were able to get wine or other niceties "from the land" or rather from the locals. RAF Spitfire pilots came up with an even better idea.
The Spitfire Mk IX was an evolved version of the Spitfire, with pylons under the wings for bombs or tanks. It was discovered that the bomb pylons could also be modified to carry beer kegs. According to pictures that can be found, various sizes of kegs were used. Whether the kegs could be jettisoned in case of emergency is unknown. If the Spitfire flew high enough, the cold air at altitude would even refresh the beer, making it ready for consumption upon arrival.
 A variation of this was a long range fuel tank modified to carry beer instead of fuel. The modification even received the official designation Mod. XXX. Propaganda services were quick to pick up on this, which probably explains the "official" designation.

Mod. XXX tank being filled.

As a result, Spitfires equipped w ith Mod XXX or keg-carrying pylons were often sent back to Great-Britain for "maintenance" or "liaison" duties. They would then return to Normandy with full beer kegs fitted under the wings.
Typically, the British Revenue of Ministry and Excise stepped in, notifying the brewery that they were in violation of the law by exporting beer without paying the relevant taxes. It seems that Mod. XXX was terminated then, but various squadrons found different ways to refurbish their stocks. Most often, this was done with the unofficial approval of higher echelons.


In his book " Dancing in the Skies", Tony Jonsson, the only Icelander pilot in the RAF, recalled beer runs while he was flying with 65 Squadron. Every week a pilot was sent back to the UK to fill some cleaned-up drop tanks with beer and return to the squadron. Jonsson hated the beer runs as every man on the squadron would be watching you upon arrival. Anyone who made a rough landing and dropped the tanks would be the most hated man on the squadron for an entire week.

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Matthew Fisher F-35 Article

Posted supplied by: Carl Mills

Matthew Fisher: Let's put the F-35 debate in perspective

The auditor general’s report on the F-35 aside, no one knows what Canada will pay for the Joint Strike Fighter, and they won’t until a final price is negotiated. So, in the inimitable words of Aislin, “Everybody take a Valium!”

Price estimates now range from $75 million to $162 million per aircraft. The nine partners in the JSF project are currently pressing the manufacturer (and the U.S. government, as program co-ordinator) to get costs down. The odds are, they will.

Things such as which tranche you buy in at, how many aircraft you buy, over what time frame, and where your currency is vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar at the time of signing, all will affect the prices each country pays — just as with every other similar program. Indeed, these factors can have a huge impact on final pricing. As things stand now, the Canadian military still reckons the per-aircraft cost, as the U.S. Congress was told last week, is about $85 million and that the federal government still can purchase F-35s under the $9-billion ceiling the Harper government unnecessarily announced two years ago and boxed itself into for good last week.

Still, the overriding question remains: Does or doesn’t Canada need a replacement for the CF-18s and if so, what performance should that replacement aircraft be capable of?

Unfortunately, sometimes ridiculously exaggerating what the AG had to say, politicians and other critics conflate these two, using the bureaucracy’s and the government’s handling of the procurement to question the need for the fifth generation F-35 itself.

Let’s live in the real world. Unless Canada decides drastically to change its defence strategy and becomes pacifist and isolationist, we will continue, as we have done for a century, to commit ourselves to military alliances and partnerships to further our national interests. To be worthy allies and partners we have to be more than peacekeepers uttering platitudes — the bulwark of the Liberal defence strategy for years.

As with the entire F-35 debate, the auditor general’s report is being discussed with no external context. The competence and integrity of the folks at the Defence Department aside, what about the eight other partner countries in the program, and the Japanese, who have ordered 42 F-35s? Why are a bunch of Europeans signed up to an American program when the EU nations already produces several newish fighter jets of their own. Are they all idiots, too?

The multinational JSF program follows on that of the F-16, another U.S. warplane chosen by many European countries about 30 years ago. As with the F-35, the F-16 had some initial teething problems but it was ultimately successful. This may explain why the F-35 European partner nations have shown far more patience with the F-35’s hurdles than Canadian critics have.

As for Canada not having a competitive bidding process before deciding on the F-35, neither did its JSF partners except the U.S., which chose Lockheed Martin’s X-35 over Boeing’s X-32. The Japanese, who are not partners, did hold a competition and concluded the JSF was better than Boeing’s Super Hornet and the Eurofighter consortium’s Typhoon.

There is no competition to be had if you want stealth and a networked capability because there are no other western aircraft being produced now that have this. It is THAT simple. The justification the U.S., Japan and most of their western European allies have accepted is that China and Russia are rushing to catch up with fifth-generation warplanes of their own. Looking out 20 or 30 years, it is hardly a stretch to see how the Chinese or Russians might one day pose a military threat to Canada or Canadian interests.

The only reason for Canada to have a competition to replace its CF-18s is if it decides — in advance — that the stealthy fifth-generation aspects of the F-35 are not important. If they aren’t, then the F-35 is going to lose any competition, because aside from these potentially revolutionary capabilities, it isn’t that much different from the fourth-generation aircraft out there and of course, it costs more.

Much has been made of the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force purchasing a relatively small number of additional, less expensive fourth-generation Super Hornets, with suggestions that Canada should follow their lead. This misrepresents those Super Hornet purchases. Those additional aircraft buys are intended to fill an operational gap due to F-35 production delays, not to replace them.

As for the fourth-generation alternatives to the F-35, several have had troubled histories. Sweden’s Grippen, for example, had two very public and embarrassing prototype crashes. Nowhere near as advanced as the F-35, reams of its software code needed to be re-written, delaying the program and boosting costs. France’s Rafale was long delayed, over budget, and it has little success in export sales despite years of expensive promotion. Eurofighter’s Typhoon has experienced enormous problems, delays and cost overruns and has failed to attract buyers outside its builders’ group. The only one that has had any real sales success has been the Super Hornet, and most its recent sales have been as bridge aircraft to the F-35.

Why have so few Super Hornets been sold? There are many reasons, but one that stands out is that they are not in the same league as the F-35. The prospect of the JSF’s arrival has helped keep other aircraft from selling well, as has the prospect of Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighters now under development.

Something else forgotten is that Canada spent several billion dollars to purchase C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft and rebuilt CH-47 medium-lift helicopters for the Afghan mission without a tendering process. At the time, some critics demanded that Canada consider Airbus’s A-400M heavy-lift transport, then at the design stage. Well, the A-400M still has not entered service. The RCAF would still be waiting for it if it had been the winner of a competitive process.

Alas, almost none of this has shown up in either the government’s case for the F-35 or in the broader debate surrounding it.

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

What DOES A Piper Wear Under His Kilt ?

Posted supplied by: Doug Louch
Prelude by: Bill Bishop

Many years ago I had the pleasure of sharing an apartment with then 400 Squadron Drum Major Bill Flaherty.  I can recall on numerous occasions asking Bill "Really, what do you guy's wear under your kilts".  His response was always given with a wry smile.  He always answered "I've told you before, we wear a night fighter and two hangers."  I always thought he was joking until I saw the following pictures submitted by Doug Louch.  Please be aware that these are not pictures of Our Band Members ..... but it does beg the question ..............

 To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

New Sections Added to The History Hangar

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
New sections and/or sub-sections have been added to The History Hangar along with a new feature.
NEW FEATURE
Some of the new sections and sub-sections contain articles relating to what we are calling "Living History".  These articles describe history in the making and will chronicle details as they happen, leading up to what will become a permanent part of our history.  eg.  The new sub-section in our History Section entitled 'Operation Russell' will detail in real time the efforts started by Carl Mills to recover the Vampire which crashed in Lake Ontario in 1953 killing F/O Russell (our last active duty death).
Living History pages will be denoted by this new, animated logo:

NEW SECTION
80th Anniversary : This new section will contain information on all planned activities under consideration for our 80th anniversary celebrations.  This whole section and its sub-sections are designated a 'Living History' section.  It follows items planned, actions taken, and final results.  Once completed each of these activities will form part of our permanent history and the 'Living History' designation will be removed.

411 Section : John Tapper has been crowned 'The Grizzly Keeper' and has volunteered (been coerced) into working to get photos and articles for their (411 Squadron's) section of the History Hangar.  John has supplied photos from their last Christmas dinner which have been made into a slide show and will be posted in their section either today or tomorrow.

You are encouraged to visit the History Hangar and let us know what you think of these changes.  Click the link from the right side panel.
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Invitations Sent for Monument Dedication

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop
The following invitation was sent to all 400 and 411 squadron members for whom we have emails.  A number were mailed out by Gerry Gilroy to those who do not have access to a computer.

400 (City of Toronto) Squadron

Gathering of the Clan For

The Dedication of Our Monument

(In honour of those who served in 10, 110 and 400 Squadron)

Our beautiful Squadron monument has been installed at the National Air Force Museum of Canada (Trenton).

A dedication service will be preformed on:

June 2, 2012

Registration     10:30 to 11:45

Ceremony         11:45 to 12:30

Reception         13:00 to 17:00

  Come early and visit the museum grounds and displays  

  Visit with old friends  

  Meet new friends  

  View the 110 Squadron Pennant (presented in 1940)  

  Ponder the dioramas of Squadron Aircraft  

  Enjoy multimedia presentations  

  Join us for a Reception and Luncheon  

  .... and much more ....  

A response is requested please:

Please let us know if you are coming, how many will be in your party, and if you will be joining us for the reception to be held at; 

413 Wing, RCAFA just 2.6 kms from the museum (5 minute drive).  

Reception: $5.00 per person.  Hot Lunch: $10.00 per person.  Cash bar available.

If you have not yet registered you may do so by clicking HERE

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Map to 413 Wing RCAFA, Trenton

View 413 Wing RCAFA, Trenton, ON in a larger map
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Drunken Pilot? I Think Not

Posted supplied by: Gerry Stewart

This is a video of a stunt pilot who, in real life, is a Delta Airlines pilot.  His act at air shows is to pretend that he is a drunken spectator who rushes from the stands and jumps into a Piper Cub and takes off without any understanding of how to fly a plane.
The Piper Cub is actually specifically built to withstand an enormous amount of stress and has a very powerful engine.
This type of stunt is actually the most dangerous of air show acts, because of the low altitude at which the pilot performs.
Obviously, this pilot possesses unbelievable skill.  Check out the landing at the end - that is special!!!

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

A California Love Story

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Breaking News - June 2nd Monument Dedication

Gerry Gilroy, President of the 400 Squadron Historical Society and Barry Stewart, coordinator for the 400 Squadron Monument Dedication at the National Air Force Museum in Trenton, announced that June 2, 2012 has been confirmed for the Dedication Ceremony.

A Squadron wide email will be sent within the next few days but you may view early details and register your intent to attend by clicking HERE or on the "Monument Dedication" page link above right.

More news as this story unfolds .... stay tuned and if at all possible plan to attend this Historical event.

Remember, breaking new first at PropWash News Centre .... all the news that's fit to print (and some that's not) for 400 Squadron, 411 Squadron, and 2 Air Reserve Wing.
Per Ardua
To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Chuck Fisher Hospitalized

Posted supplied by: Carl Mills

Chuck is in the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital room # 2432 Tel: 905 845 2571 ext. 2432. He is not very vocal. His caregiver is 'Eileen' at the same daytime tel.number. Thought you'd like to know

Carl Mills advised:  "This afternoon (Sat March 10.), I voyaged to the land of Oakville and visited with Chuck Fisher.  I stayed about 20 minutes and then he went into a nap.

He has a rotating and constant care givers at his bed side and he appeared neat and tidy – looks well looked after and comfortable.  The young lady told me that his alertness had improved over the last few days.

We were able to keep up a slow but moving dialogue, however, he is very soft spoken and you have to listen very carefully. A touch of cheerfulness got through from him and just a hint of a smile on a few occasions

He is bed ridden and on a soft-food diet. He is in a semi-private room but does not have the window.

I'm sure he mentioned that his wife is deceased and he has two sons – Tim in St. Catherines and Mark in Yellowknife.

We recalled our 400 Rendezvous at CWH last year and we both reminisced about the burger and beer that neither of us can attempt at this time.  I took Chuck one of the 400 posters and the young lady taped it up on the wall.
It was a good chit chat and he sends his best wishes to everyone."


To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.

Ken Money's Dream (Nightmare) ?

Posted supplied by: Bill Bishop

As many of you know, Ken Money, one of the few Canadian Astronauts, served with 400 Squadron.  I saw this very short video and though of him.
I have named it "Ken Money's Dream" or perhaps it should be nightmare.  Anyway, hope y'all enjoy my offering.

I wonder if Ken will speak to me at the next squadron gathering?  I hope so.  

I'm proud to have served with him!

To help us keep PropWash relevant, please rank your interest in this article below.