In The News

Are you interested in the history of military aviation?

The Greenwood Museum is now a recognized attraction by Tourism Nova Scotia

09 March 1998

The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, located on Ward Road beside the Canfix Auto Garage, has grown considerably over the last three years. At this time the Museum directors are actively seeking volunteers to assist in the stated mission of the museum, which is: "To acquire and display artifacts which illustrate the roles performed by military aviation in Atlantic Canada, particularly those originating from Greenwood" (Article 3.01, Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Constitution).

The Museum was opened in 1995 to preserve and proudly display the history of Greenwood as a tribute to those serving there from WWII to present day. Their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice inspire stories that are worth preserving and making available to the personnel of 14 Wing and the public. There is a resounding commitment by the leadership of 14 Wing to do so in the most interesting and professional manner possible within the Museum and associated displays.

The attendance of the Museum has been doubling each year since inception (1995 - 600; 1996 - 1,200; 1997 - 2,500) as its operation has expanded in scope and hours open to the public. Based on visitor rates of other museums and tourist attractions in the immediate vicinity, it is hoped that this trend of increased attendance will continue to grow.

Currently, the Museum is housed in one building (the old Base Library) and is divided into two halves, one filled with displays from various squadrons and units of 14 Wing, the other with displays of the general history of Greenwood. Other aspects of a visitor's tour to Greenwood include three aircraft located behind 6 Hangar (not owned by the Museum) and the memorial area in front of Wing HQ. The Museum is operated by a Curator, which is not an established position and is currently filled by 14 Wing personnel. These operations are carried out in accordance with strategic direction and guidance provided by the newly formed Board of Directors. A paid summer student is normally hired to enable expanded operating hours during the tourist season. In addition, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Society is a registered charity formed of volunteers who support the Museum in many ways.

The Museum is funded through various government and military grants, as well as through donations and limited fund raising events. Over the next few years the Museum will become increasingly self-sufficient.

The Museum has several Committees working to enhance the success of the Museum's mission and to ensure a professional approach is taken, thereby assuring continued growth. They are the Museum Operations Committee, the Aircraft and Artifact Acquisition Committee, the Public Relations / Advertising Committee, the Fundraising Committee, and the Site Development Committee.

The Museum Operations Committee will focus on stabilizing open hours for visitors, the upgrading and rotating of displays, and the establishment of a long term and viable organization, including the Curator position. Additionally, close liaison with other museums will be established with objectives to share ideas, resources and (potentially) joint projects.

The Aircraft and Artifact Acquisition Committee solicits artifacts while aggressively pursuing an aircraft for mounting by the Museum. They are also attempting to solicit proprietorship of the three aircraft behind 6 Hangar. Longer-term goals include the acquisition of other aircraft, engines and aviation art for display.

The Public Relations/Advertising Committee seeks to enhance the reputation and awareness of the Museum through an aggressive media and speaking campaign directed at 14 Wing personnel, the general public, schools, business groups, government, other museums, and organizations. This campaign is designed with the objective of increasing attendance to 5,000 visitors or more per year, with possible benefits to fund raising, volunteers, and artifact collection.

The Fund Raising Committee pursues all avenues possible to increase operating revenues for the Museum. This includes, but is not limited to, Government grants, corporate and private donations/sponsorships, special fund raising events and projects, 14 Wing contributions, and support from interested organizations. Successes are incorporated into the budget and the work of other Committees as soon as possible.

The Site Development Committee is implementing short range plans to expand the Museum display by erecting the Observation Tower, mounting an aircraft beside the Museum, and connecting the various aspects of a visitor's tour by the planned walkways. Longer term projects will include the development of an aircraft park, military aviation art gallery and engine display.

The volunteers who are involved with the ongoing development of the Museum are looking forward to improving this facility by expanding it, and developing the awareness of our local military history. If you wish to become a member of one of the committees, please contact the Curator at 5138. .

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The Drive for Five (Thousand)

20 April 1998

The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum is commencing a drive to have a total of 5000 visitors this year. This would represent approximately a doubling of the number of persons to visit the museum last year. While this is ambitious, we believe it can be done- we have actually doubled our annual attendance each year since the museum opened. 1995, the first year of opening, saw a total of 587 persons registered as visitors. The next year, the number doubled to 1248 visitors, and last year the number doubled again for a total of 2624 persons registered as visiting the facility.

Why is it important, you may ask, how many persons visit the museum? The answer is that the province rates attractions within Nova Scotia based on the number of visitors, and the amount of advertising allowed is dependant on the attendance per annum. Last year, as a result of the number logged, the directors were allowed to put up a sign on Route 1 advising of the location of the museum. As well, we will be given space in this years "Doers and Dreamers" tourist guidebook. If the number reaches over five thousand, the Dept. of Highways will place a sign on the Highway 101 advertising the museum. The increased number of people attending the museum will result in a spin-off of more business for the local area, which indirectly creates jobs and improves the quality of life for our residents.

Last year, 1001 of the 2509 visitors to the museum was from out of province. For those reasons, we are asking your help in meeting our goal. If we, as members of 14 Wing, were to visit the Museum just once during the year with family/friends/visitors, we could easily meet our goal of five thousand!

Visitors have always been impressed with our Museum and we are now busy improving displays for this year’s up-coming tourist season. So we’re getting better and hope that any will return for another look even if they’ve been before. We would also like to welcome groups such as cadets, sporting, church, and service clubs to come out and visit our museum. It will help us reach our goal, and will have the side benefit of raising community awareness of the artifacts and history which we proudly display.

Our current hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs. On 1 April, we change to Spring hours of Monday to Friday from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs, and as of 1 July we will be open seven days a week between the hours of 0900 and 1700.

For further information or to arrange special tours please call our curator at 765-1494, local 5955. You can also write to the Museum at PO Box 786, Greenwood N.S., B0P 1N0. Come on out, we are looking forward to seeing you.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 16 dated April 20, 1998.

The Drive For Five (Thousand)

13 July 1998

And now for something completely different! If you have not been in the GREENWOOD MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM lately then you are in for a large surprise and an even larger treat! Many changes have been implemented to display your heritage to the viewing public. But I’m not going to tell you of all these changes; come and see them for yourself. Many others have.

As some of you may know, the museum is striving for that magic number 5000 in order to have the province erect a KEY sign on the 101 Highway in order to inform the general public that this fine attraction exists for their pleasure. So let’s look at the attendance figures up to the end of June and compare them to the past years. This June has set a new record by a wide margin! FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY- SEVEN folks visited this establishment in June-for a total of 1424 visitors in the first six months of this year! That is more than the total for 1996! Last year this time the total was 683,the year before (1996) 592. As you can see we are well on the way to that magic 5000 but we need your help.

What a great place to visit on those rainy days when all you hear around the house is "I’m bored!" The children love the museum. And they are learning about the rich heritage which belongs to each and every serviceperson, dependant and resident of this area. Remember, folks like you have established this heritage. Your daily efforts of today ARE tomorrow’s history. In these days of constant, and at time unexpected change, some find it comforting to come to the museum and see how it was done in the past.

We are constantly attempting to improve your museum. Some of the plans that are in the works include the moving of the Lancaster, Neptune and Argus to the Aero Park located next to the CANEX parking lot surrounded by the new walkway currently constructed by the 115 Civil Engineering Sqn USAF from 115 Fighter Wing Truax AFB Wisconsin. A job well done with many thanks. We are also working with 434 Sqn to display a T-33 which will hopefully be on display in the near future. An announcement will be made in soon which will allow members of Greenwood, PAST AND PRESENT, to purchase a brick or granite memorandum to be placed along the Walk of Remembrance with the dates in which the member served here and the units in which they served. As I write this update, the WWII observation tower is under repair by yet another USAF Engineering Sqn to be erected on the pad on the west end of the walkway. These are just a few of the ways that are being planned to bring you your heritage and at the same time make others aware of your efforts in the service of Canada!

A full time curator has been appointed to provide regular hours, facilitate growth, provide guided tours, and liase with the surrounding communities and other museums in the area. Mr. Bryan Nelson took up this task on the 15 June. Bryan is a retired member who first arrived in Greenwood in 1966 as an Air Traffic Controller but soon re-mustered to Obs/AESOP. He has been on 449, 404, 405 and retired from 415 Sqn. He has taken over from Capt. Wayne Metcalf who has left the service to head west and settle himself in the business world of Calgary. The museum owes a great deal to Wayne as it was he who has done the lion’s share of the work to establish the museum as you will see it today. Wayne, all the very best and thank you for a job well done.

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10 August 1998

‘Tis time for the latest from the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum. Finally I have found some time to bring you the latest update in the happenings in the "HALL OF HERITAGE". July was an extremely busy month as over 1500 visitors streamed through our doors!! We have had visitors from all over the globe from countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, Austria, the UK, Poland and of course the USA. As well we are meeting folks from all over Canada. It seems that Canadians are seeing their own country this year. Something to do with the LOONEY? In the month of July we saw more visitors than attended from January to the end of July last year! A total of 1503 visitors!!

As I mentioned in the last article the finishing touches on the WWII observation tower are just about completed. Soon we shall be able to enter this replica and feel the history that goes with it. The museum plans to place an exhibit within the tower and we are open to YOUR suggestions. Many folks have approached me to ask just what the tower was used for during the war. It had a two fold purpose: it was part of the coast watch programme tasked with the job of watching out for the dreaded German U boat which lurked in our inshore waters during the early years of the war. Secondly, it was used as the observation tower for the bombing and gunnery range at Economy. The OTUs at Greenwood and Debert used the area around Economy as a range and the range safety officer would clear them in and out and then pass on the scores when the crews had completed their runs. Interesting is the fact that the sister tower to the one here in Greenwood is now used as a tourism information centre for the Glooscap Trail.

There was a grand gesture of citizenship displayed on the 3 August that I would like to pass on to you. Two young ladies from the Greenwood area found a wallet containing a sum of cash, a bank card, and other important items and turned it into the museum. By checking the ID in the wallet we were able to return it to it’s rightful owner who declared that all of the funds and cards were still in the wallet. The museum staff would like to pass on a VERY WELL DONE to the two Saras - DeRoy and Graves we believe, as they did not leave their names. We really enjoy the young folks when they visit as it can teach them their PAST but when this type of honesty and integrity is displayed it proves that the FUTURE is assured. Again well done ladies!!

Many of the local folks are dropping by to check up on what’s new in the Museum Gift Shop. We have been looking at many new items to place in the shop for your convenience. Just a few of the new items: Tee shirts with WWII warbirds as well as many of the newer ones with the emphasis on Canadian A/C. Still to come are tees with the Argus, Aurora, T33, Lab, and Challenger. Notice we didn’t mention the Mighty Herc? Because we have a terrific Herc tee shirt. As well there are mouse pads with the same artwork. Still to come: ball caps, desk and wall clocks in the form of cockpit instruments i.e. altimeter, VSI, horizon, and VOR indicator. A must for that aviation enthusiast

Several new books have arrived on the shelves that may be of interest. CANADIAN SQUADRONS in COASTAL COMMAND by Andrew Hendrie is a chronicled history of RCAF operations in WWII including 404, 407 and 413 Squadrons. The author has recorded, comprehensively, every success achieved by our squadrons in meticulous detail, from the time of departure, current weather, the hours flown, the crew involved with a description of the action itself. This is an excellent addition to any squadron library or the amateur historian. However there are only two copies left.

Another new arrival is a book entitled THE FLIP SIDE OF WAR by James C. Lovelace DFC. Jim Lovelace joined the RCAF in 1940 and the book traces his journey through the initial training to his adventures overseas. This book, as you may gather from it’s title, is on the humorous side and filled with a Cape Bretoner’s view of the war. From being bombed on his crew’s arrival in Malta, to the adventures in Africa (the RCAF thought he was MIA) to his awarding of the DFC by the King in Buckingham Palace you will enjoy his engaging style of writing and his story. And by the way Jim was a WAG (Wireless Air Gunner).

See you at the Museum.

The Drive For Five

14 September 1998

Greetings again from the "HALL OF HERITAGE", or better known as the GREENWOOD MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM. It is time again for your monthly update on the "DRIVE FOR FIVE" thousand. August was a great month again with over 1100 visitors. In fact 1144 to be exact! In Aug of 1997 there were 670 folks visiting. Almost double the number, which duplicates the previous months of this year. Now you all want to know what the total is to date! RIGHT? Well we are getting very close so I shall not divulge the exact figure. However if you have a copy of the last article you can figure it out. Over 4000!! Now you want to know why all the secrecy. Well the museum staff has a surprise for the 5000th visitor. Since all of the plans have yet to be finalised I shall not divulge them at this time. However there will be several prizes awarded to that most illustrious visitor. So stay tuned for further info to be announced in the VERY near future.

Just to give you an indication where all the folks who visit come from, here is a breakdown. This month the largest number of visitors came from out of Province. That is to say from other parts of Canada. The second largest group are the folks from within our Province almost 400 visitors. The next largest group are the local folks such as you and I. Two-hundred-and-fifty of us entered the "Hall of Heritage" this month. Perhaps it will be one of you who will be the 5000th signature in the guest book and be famous! The last group are the people from out of country who totalled over 100 this month. Now try to add this up.

There are many plans in the planing stages to be presented in the coming months. As mentioned the movement of the A/C to the Aero park is in the planing stages and more on this when available. We have recently acquired a number of CF-105 AVRO ARROW artifacts and the staff is in the process of assembling a display. These artifacts are, to the best of our knowledge, the only existing of their kind left in the country. I must stress that these artifacts are originals-NOT COPIES! This display should be on display around the middle of this month.

Another project under development, as mentioned in previous articles, is the granite remembrance blocks which should go on sale soon. These blocks will be available to all who have served at Greenwood since it’s inception. These blocks will be 100% tax deductible and tax receipts will be issued. So if you know anyone that has served in our Greenwood family please make them aware of the chance to add their name with the others. We have many orders waiting to be filled. These were ordered just on the spur of the moment as folks are told about the project when they visit the museum.

There are more projects up-coming. However these will require volunteers. If you have time on your hands and would like to become involved with the museum - LET US KNOW! We would be most happy to have you on our team. It doesn’t matter if you have a particular skill, we can fit you in. Perhaps you have "people" skills which would aide. We don’t turn anyone away- your help is valuable to us. And if you should have some of that "old junk" lying around the basement or the garage, bring it in to us if it is RCAF/CAF related. It is surprising what folks are finding and dropping into us. So have a look around and if it looks to you that someone may be interested in seeing it, chances are that it would be of interest to the museum.

The gift shop continues to grow with new items arriving weekly. What a great place to shop for your Christmas needs. Looking for that unique gift for that aviation enthusiast? Then look now further... you will find it here.

Many folks arriving at the museum are talking about Swiss Air Flt 111. Such a catastrophic event so close to home. Let us take a moment form our busy day and remember those who perished and their loved ones. Let us remember those who have worked so selflessly when this tragedy struck. From the fisherfolk to the RCMP to the men and women of the volunteer groups and let us not forget those among us right here in 14 Wing who responded that terrible night. The world knows now that the professionalism of the CF, specifically that of 12 and 14 Wings is certainly alive and will respond whenever the need arises. You have once again shown the professionalism and dedication that shall never be extinguished. WELL DONE.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 37, dated September 14, 1998.

Crash Memorial to be Dedicated

13 October 1998

"This marker overlooks the crash site of 404 Squadron Lancaster FM-115. Shortly after takeoff on October 9, 1953, FM-115 impacted on this site with the loss of all on board.

Ce monument marque le site d’écrasement du Lancaster FM-115 de la 404ème escadrille. Le 9 Octobre 1953, avec la perte de tous abord.

F/O Pegues F/S Klang Cpl Guerin Cpl Carduso LAC Green"

So reads the monument to be dedicated as part of the VPI ceremonies on the weekend of the 18^th of October 1998. Forty-five years ago one of Lancaster FM-115’s engines burst into flames immediately after takeoff. The pilot, Flying Officer Pegues, maneuvered the aircraft to avoid countless casualties and managed to crash in an open area next to the near complete Wing pool. The aircraft narrowly avoided the old PMQs and the Morfee School (present day Baden-Powell Centre), which was in session at the time. Flying Officer Pegues was credited in the media at the time with averting mass tragedy through his flying skill and heroism, despite his own imminent death. Sadly, all that remained after the fires were extinguished was a 15-foot section of the starboard wingtip, four engines ripped from their mounts and a lump of molten metal. There were no survivors.

This incident came to our attention at 404 during the final stages of the Wing skateboard park’s location selection process. Concern was expressed that the location chosen had been the site of a 404 Squadron air crash sometime in the Wing’s past. The question of the crash location became important and was referred to the Squadron’s historian. Searches through Squadron records turned up nothing, so Squadron and Wing histories were reviewed. These recounted the incident, but were vague. A call to the Directorate of Flight Safety and Major Stone referred us to the National Archives for an accident report. Some very helpful researchers located the file for which we were searching and cleared up the mystery. A copy of the Halifax Chronicle-Herald from October 10, 1953 (obtained later) supported the crash location as beside the Wing pool.

It was decided that it would be a good idea to remember our fallen comrades by placing this memorial near the site 45 years after the accident.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the memorial will be dedicated in the presence of serving members of 404 during VPI ceremonies on Sunday, the 18^th of October, 1998 at 1400 hours. The ceremonies will take place at the site of the VPI memorial by the front gate of the Wing. The memorial will be relocated to its final spot a few days later.

Our information on this accident is still somewhat vague and we have been unable to track down any eyewitnesses to the accident. We are also planning to document this story in our display at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum. If you have any information that may assist in building this story or wish information on attending, please contact the 404 Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Pigeon at 765-1494 local 3783 or the museum curator, Bryan Nelson at 765-1494 local 5955.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 41, dated October 13, 1998.

The Drive For Five (Thousand)

19 October 1998

Time now for another update from your halls of Heritage and the latest information on the "DRIVE FOR FIVE". OHH IT’S GETTING CLOSE!!! As you read this we need only about .... well that would be telling and then you would be lined up counting to win that super jacket. We must again thank LIMITED EDITIONS for their quality donations. But I will tell you this, we need less than 500 visitors to reach the goal. Then we shall turn it over to the Province and let them erect that lovely big sign on the 101.

Many exciting projects on the go for the museum all happening in the near future. The remembrance "OPERATE AS ONE" blocks are ready to go. The museum staff now have the application forms available to pass on to all of you who are interested. Here is how it will work: as an introductory offer good until 31 Oct 1999 these blocks will cost $100.00 per block. With this is a full one year membership to the Maritime Military Aviation Museum Society which is the supporting society for your museum. You will receive a tax receipt for the FULL AMOUNT I.E. $100.00! The museum shall install your block maintain it, and keep record of it’s location and any other further information you deem important. Mind you, you have four(4) lines of eighteen(18) characters to record your name, section, birthplace etc. just remember, if you wish to place dates they are permanent and cannot be changed or added to once installed. All who are interested may write or call the museum at (902) 765-1494 Local 5955 or THE GREENWOOD MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM P.O. BOX 786, GREENWOOD, N.S. B0P 1N0. If you have served here at ZX in the R.C.A.F., CAF, RAF, on exchange from a NATO country or a spouse and many others are entitled to have their block placed along the "WALK OF REMEMBRANCE". I use that term not only as remembering the deceased, but to all who have made this base great from it’s inception to the present.

Quite a number of folks have volunteered to help out at the museum since our last article. However we are going to require many more as the list of aircraft that are or will be arriving in the near future. Fleet Diving Unit from Shearwater are sending an advanced person to have a look at the Lockheed Hudson in order to ascertain what they need to raise it. We shall have expert advice from the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa as offered by their executive director in order to give professional advice in the restoration. Another lead we are working on is the acquisition of a mosquito A/C that has been partially restored. And of course the Avro Anson project is well under way; as is the Argus TCPT which used to be housed in 6 hanger. So as you can see we are going to require many folks with many assorted skills to work on these machines of our past. So if you are interested in working on any of these projects, just phone or drop into the museum and add your name to the ever growing list. Now don’t think that you require special skills- everyone is welcome and who knows, you may learn something new.

The T-33 that 434 SQN has laboured over is now ready to be moved to the museum site. All we require now is the funding for the pedestal and it shall once again fly!! Many, many thanks go out to LCol L. Russel and all of the folks who have worked on this airframe. I know that in times like these, extra tasks are very difficult to fit in the everyday schedule. So to 434- BRAVO ZULU!! Once this display has been set up the Lancaster and the Neptune will be moved to the Aero Park for your viewing enjoyment.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 42 dated October 19, 1998.

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Lancaster Monument Dedicated

By Captain R.F. Albert, 404 Squadron Historian

02 November 1998

On Sunday, October 18^th at 2pm, ceremonies dedicating the 404 Squadron monument to fallen comrades (Lancaster FM115, 9 Oct 53) and addition of almost 200 names to the VP International’s Book of Remembrance, were held at 14 Wing CFB Greenwood. The day broke clear and remained clear and sunny with just enough wind to move the flags. A perfect day.

Serving members of 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron formed two flights under their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel M.P. Kennedy, while cadets of 517 Flight-Lieutenant Graham, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron formed a third. Music for the afternoon’s activities was provided by the 517 Flight-Lieutenant Graham, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Band under the leadership of Captain J.P. LaFleur. The piper for the event was Captain Carl French of 434 Squadron and the trumpet was played by Cadet Flight Sergeant Travis Moore.

Guests for the afternoon’s events included representatives from the various units on the Wing, several past military members and one of the many persons on the scene of the crash in 1953.

After the arrival and general salute for Colonel B.G. Handley, Commander 14 Wing, Flight-Lieutenant I. Ferguson, Vice President of VP International, Lieutenant-Colonel M.P. Kennedy and Colonel B.G. Handley addressed the assembly, citing the honour of remembering fallen comrades in this manner.

A short sequence of events of the crash on October 9^th, 1953 was read in order that all assembled should know the importance of the monument dedicated this day.

The Wing Chaplains (RC and P) took control of the ceremony at this point, directing the unveiling of the monument by the Wing Commander and 404 Squadron Commander, and followed with its blessing and dedication. Next came the updating of the VP International Book of Remembrance. In keeping the commitment they made a year ago at the dedication of the Honour Roll "to guard it reverently and update it promptly" , VP International added some 195 names to the book as they were blessed by the chaplains present. To complete this part of the ceremony, 14 wreathes were laid at the VP International monument in to represent 404 Squadron, 14 Wing CFB Greenwood and VP International’s member countries.

Following the Last Post, Minute’s Silence, Reveille and Lament performed by trumpet and bagpipes, a missing man formation of 434 Squadron T-Birds passed overhead, lead by Captain Phil Murphy. His team included Captain Craig Paul, Captain Cory Blakely and Captain Bryan Morrissette. A short period later, an Aurora aircraft flown by Captain Andy Hernndorf completed a low pass over the site.

All present were invited to attend a reception at the Annapolis Mess following the ceremonies.

Although the 404 monument was dedicated at the site of the VP International’s monument just inside the main gate, it’s final site will be in the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum’s Memorial Park, adjacent to the present building. It is expected this park will become the central location for future monuments dedicated on the Wing. The 404 monument is expected to be moved on Wednesday, 28 October.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy and 404 Squadron would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people, units and agencies who contributed to the success of the dedication ceremonies.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 44 dated November 2, 1998.

From the Halls of Heritage

09 November 1998

Time now for another update from your own Greenwood Military Aviation Museum. Many thanks are owed to some very special folks who have stepped up to support your museum. First we would like to say a hearty thanks to Selen Alpay and the staff of Canadian Tire Corp. for their kind donation. When you enter these historical walls you will hear the strains of WWII (and era) music, all because of the very kind donation of a sound system from CTC. This addition certainly adds to the atmosphere of the place when you walk down the isles of yesterday.

Another big thanks is due to the Royal Canadian Air Force Association 107 Valley Wing for their most kind donation to help with our tourist pamphlet. In order to attract more visitors to the museum, we must produce a professional product. This, as you may know, costs dollars. The RCAFA has risen to support us with a kind donation. Anyone else care to help?

Another thank you goes out to Ray Fredette of Rayzart for his kind donation. Ray was the individual who offered to frame the paintings that are offered as prizes in the museum raffle. Thanks again Ray, you did a superb job. Have you got your tickets for the draw yet? Better hurry up as the drawing is on the 10 November at the Inside Story. Bet you have a place on your wall for one of these fine art objects. Tickets are available at the museum, the Inside Story, and through various squadron members. And yet another thank you goes out the staff of the Inside Story for donating their window space and their valuable time in helping with the aviation art lotto. It is great to see so many of the local merchants supporting us. We hope to return the favour someday.

The drive for five is drawing to a close. We are very close to the 5000 mark. Now you know I can’t tell you just how close. You will just have to drop in and find out for yourself. Who knows, you may be the lucky winner of that jacket donated by Limited Editions. Yet another thanks goes out to those kind folks. And let it be known that this is not their first time in supporting us. Many thanks Don.

I know that many of you don’t want me to mention it, but there are only 45 shopping days left before that jolly gent in the red suite arrives. Looking for that "special" someone? How about those always puzzling stocking stuffers? Look no further!!! For if that someone is interested in aviation the museum gift shop probably has it. From key chains to desk sets, from propeller clocks to tee shirts, to lapel pins , books, models, art work, and the list goes on and on. Here you will find gifts that are different and not sold locally. And more stock arrives daily. So come on in, sign the guest book and brows around and who knows, you may just find that perfect gift. If you have children we now have a special quiz that will keep them occupied looking for answers while you enjoy the displays.

We are working on the mountings for the T-33, Lancaster, and the Neptune. The folks from 14 Wing are ready to move these aircraft, however we need cement! We require pads for the larger aircraft and a pedestal for the T-bird. We are currently working with a local company to see if we can arrange a solution before the snow flies. We shall keep you posted on this one as events happen.

I know that you have heard of the memorial granite bricks that will line our walk of remembrance. Well the good news is we now have the application/order forms available at the museum or you can request a copy by calling or writing us. Tel (902) 765-1494 local 5955 address P.O. Box 786, Greenwood, N.S. B0P 1N0. Or watch for the special section in the Aurora.

Until next time cheers and we’ll see you at the museum!

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 45 dated November 9, 1998.

"Operate as One"

Memorial Granite Stone Project

09 November 1998

The " OPERATE AS ONE " Memorial Granite Stone Project introduced by LCol R.W. Porter (Ret’d) was officially launched with the W Comd, Col B.G.Handley, completing his application for a memorial stone. The project is a fund raising initiative to support the objectives of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum and has raised much interest in the community. Shown from left to right is the W Comd, Col Handley, the Co-Chairmen of the Museum Board of Directors, MGen Ian Patrick (Ret’d) and LCol W.N. Ricketts, and the Museum Curator, Mr. Brian Nelson. For more information contact the Museum at Telephone (902) 765-l494 Ext 5955, Fax (902) 765-5747 or visit the Web site at:

http://gmam.ednet.ns.ca

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 45 dated November 9, 1998.

Lancaster Monument Blessing

By Sgt Craig Chislett, 404 Squadron Historian

16 November 1998

On Thursday, November 5^th the 404 Squadron monument which remembers fallen comrades of Lancaster FM115 received blessing at its final location of remembrance in the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum’s Memorial Park. The blessing ceremony was conducted by Padre Pellerin (RC) and the Executive members of 404 Squadron.

The monument is situated such that when one is reading the inscription you are able to overlook the crash site of Lancaster FM115, which was adjacent to the present location of the skateboard park.

The Monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives October 9^th, 1953 in a crash shortly after takeoff. (See Aurora article dated Nov 2, 1998 Vol No 44).

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 46 dated November 16, 1998.

"Operate as One"

Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Memorial Stone Project

16 November 1998

Since the establishment of an air base in Greenwood, thousands of military and civilian personnel have passed through the main gate at Zeke's Creek. Many have been remembered, however, for the vast majority, their presence has unfortunately been forgotten. Here's our chance for everyone to be formally remembered forever.

The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum is now offering a unique way for all personnel to be remembered with the introduction of a memorial stone to be displayed in the new Air Park adjacent to the museum.

The "OPERATE AS ONE" memorial stone project, introduced by LCol R.W. Porter (retired), has attracted much interest in the military aviation community. The granite stones, which measure (7 x 14 x 3 inches), will be engraved with the name, unit, hometown and province of the individual to be remembered. The introductory price of the stone, valid until 1 October l999, will be $100.00, which includes a one-year membership in the Maritime Military Aviation Museum Society. For a further donation of $50.00 ($150.00 total), donors will receive a lifetime membership in the Museum Society. Since this is a fund raising project, official receipts for tax purposes will be issued for all donations.

Be remembered as having served or been associated with the Air Base in Greenwood and the Annapolis Valley community. Complete the application and send in your donation today. The placement of a memorial stone in the Air Park is an excellent way to remember a loved one and makes a unique gift.

For more information, contact the Curator at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, telephone: (902) 765-1494 ext. 5955 or Fax (902) 765-5747.

Web site at: http://gmam.ednet.ns.ca

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 46 dated November 16, 1998.

The Drive For Five

14 December 1998

It has been a while since the last installment of the ramblings from the HALLS OF HERITAGE, so I have a great deal of catching up to do. As you read this that magic mark of 5000 has been attained. The 5000th visitor is W. R. AMEY from Greenwood. Mr. Amey and his wife Betty dropped in on the afternoon of 3 Dec to do some Christmas shopping. Mr. Amey was astonished when informed of his good fortune in winning the prizes as the 5000th visitor. This is certainly a milestone in the history of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum. It not only assures us of the signage on the 101 highway, but it also puts your museum in the "big leagues" as far as attendance is concerned. Only the larger museums such as the Citadel, Museum of the Atlantic etc can boast attendance in the hundreds of thousands in Nova Scotia. So as you can see the GMAM is starting to come into its own as a moderate size attraction. So let me thank you for your support and patronage in the past year. We are greeting more of the local folks than ever. Volunteers are starting to come forth because of the various projects on the books and more folks are dropping by on a regular basis.

Speaking of projects, let’s look at a few of them. Argus 709 will be brought back home in the near future along with most of the original equipment. For you folks who don’t know about Argus 107, it was the Tactical Trainer used to train the aircrews in Argus procedures and was formerly housed in 6 Hanger. Hopefully within the next year this display will be up and running to show the visitors what life was like in the CP-107 for 18 to 20 hours at a time. Yes I mean 18 to 20 hours!! The crew day was extremely long for those who crewed the Argus. However the food was great! Now before I raise the ire of Flight Feeding who do a great job now, the rations were different as we cooked our own in the galley. This display has come home courtesy the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum who have given it a home since it was decommissioned here. I should like to thank these fine folks for the chance to display it at the Home of the Argus. If you are ever out around the International Airport drop in and view their fine display of aircraft and artifacts.

I have just returned from the Reynolds Aviation Museum in Wetaskiwin Alberta where the owner Byron Reynolds assisted me in selecting an AVRO ANSON aircraft to be part of the GMAM collection. Mr. Reynolds has almost 100 restored aircraft on display, of which the majority are flying restorations. He has donated the ANSON frame, engines, props, landing gear, wheels and most of the required items to restore this aircraft. I understand that 413 Sqn will be delivering the parts to us in January so the volunteers can get started in their work of restoration. Now don’t look for this in the very near future, as the restoration will take a number of years depending on funding and volunteer hours. This aircraft will be an important addition to the collection as this was one of the first aircraft to fly out of Greenwood. Many thanks to the folks in Edmonton who assisted in the collection of parts and the kind people of the Edmonton Aviation Heritage Centre who went out of their way to assist and make me feel so welcome, Mike Vacheresse, and my brother Bill and family who had to put up with my travels and cooking.

The ‘OPERATE AS ONE’ granite blocks are now ready for your applications. Many people, both serving and retired have submitted their applications and donations to this date. What a tremendous way to remember someone you care for who has served in the RCAF or CF or is presently serving. Remember, this is 100% tax deductible and for the first year is offered for only $100.00 which includes a membership to the museum society for one year. For a donation of $150 you will receive the block and a lifetime membership in the society. A record will be kept at the museum and any history of your past career will be added to your personal record and kept on file. The "Walk of Remembrance" will be dedicated on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of June as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the RCAF. The placement of the blocks will commence in the spring so as to be ready for that all-important June weekend. If you are looking for that different Christmas present for your loved one, consider one that is lasting- a memorial granite block!

I must take the time and extend some well deserved thank you’s to many of the fine organisations in Greenwood / Kingston. First many thanks go out to Mr. Selen Alpay of the Greenwood Canadian Tire Corp store for his donation of a super sound system that provides that touch of music while visitors are viewing the displays. As you may know, the museum is producing a new tourist brochure for the upcoming season and in order to do this funds had to be raised. I am happy to say that a number of organisations in the local area have come forth to help out with the financing of this project. The Kings Community Economic Development Agency through the Western Kings Development Agency has arranged a grant of $1000.00. Number 107 Valley Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association stepped forward with a donation of $100.00 and the Kingston branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has also donated a sum of $200.00. Our heart felt THANK YOU to you all. This is just a great example of communities working together to benefit each other. The rest of the funding is derived from the painting lotto drawn for on the 10 Nov. More winners! Mr. Ivan Pulsifer of Wolfville was the first prize winner consisting of an original painting by John Rutherford. The second prize consisting of a landscape painting by Mabel Rutherford was won by Dale Conrad of Greenwood. Congrats to you both and thank you all who took a chance and bought a ticket. If I could, you would all be winners-so consider yourselves winners!. Another great big thank you goes out to Ray Fredette of RAYZART for the excellent job of framing both of the prizes and both John and Mabel Rutherford for donating their work to us.

If you are stuck for that hard to find present, perhaps one of the many unique items in the museum gift shop would fill the requirement. You will find many items that won’t be found in the local area just for that aviation buff. Everything from the AVRO ARROW 1999 CALENDAR to models, wall clocks, coasters, aviation art, books and a multitude of stocking stuffers. And we can order and have that item here for Christmas if you order now. Until the next time- may all the Happiness and good fortune be yours in this blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas to all and good fortune in the last year of the twentieth century!

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 19 no. 50 dated December 14, 1998.

Preserving the Past:

Greenwood Military Aviation Museum starts restoration project on WW II Anson

By Lori Errington

20 January 1999

Think of it as building a really big, really intricate model. The only catch is this airframe doesn't come with convenient instructions, and you would need a lot of glue.

The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum is doing its part to preserve a piece of Canada's aviation history. After two years of work, research and negotiation, the remains of an Anson airplane were brought to Greenwood. Volunteers will spend at least another two years painstakingly restoring the old aircraft to a measure of its former glory.

In their heyday, the Ansons were workhorses for the R.A.F. and training aircraft for thousands of pilots in the R.C.A.F. during World War II. Now, most of the airplanes are gone, victims of wind and weather and the lack of foresight in the military of 50 years ago to preserve its aviation history.

Major Tom Sands did the majority of the early research and leg work in acquiring an Anson for the museum. He says the planes currently housed at 14 Wing represent the most recent history of Maritime Patrol - the Lancaster, Neptune and Argus. Major Sands felt the wartime aircraft used in the Maritimes - the Anson, Hudson and Mosquito - should be represented as well.

Major Sands was finally able to locate an Anson in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. He says it is in the nature of aircraft preservers not to sell old aircraft, so he was able to strike a deal to get the Anson in exchange for an inert torpedo and a depth bomb he was able to acquire.

Thanks to the generosity of 413 Squadron, a Hercules was dispatched to Alberta, where volunteers braved -35 degree weather to prepare the aircraft parts for transport,

Now that the airframe is in Greenwood, the real work begins. Frank Honey is one of the volunteers who will be working on restoring the Anson.  He has a particular attachment to the aircraft, because it took him for his very first airplane ride during the war. "It was quite an airworthy airplane. It was well-made even if it was only plywood and fabric. It was sturdy - it did a lot of training. We used to go for a ride once in a while. There were no hydraulics, so if the pilot wanted the undercarriage lifted up, we had to crank it 110 times to raise it. Needless to say, if we were just flying locally, we just left it down. "

Bryan Nelson, curator of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, says the Anson is a milestone for the museum. "This is the first aircraft we've gotten that we can restore. It is one of the first aircraft to have flown at the R.A.F. station in Greenwood during the war. We had a tremendous number of Ansons around here, but when the war ended the military got rid of them."

Nelson says the Anson will be bound to draw a lot of visitors to the museum when it is finally able to go on display. "It will have a lot of meaning for people who were flying out of Greenwood. It was the first aircraft to sink a German U-boat in 1939."

The first project will be to get all the volunteers together to form work teams for the engine, airframe, etc. The fuselage will need to be taken apart and catalogued, then cleaned up and coated with a rust inhibitor to prevent further deterioration. Another trip to Alberta will be made soon to pick up the engines, propellers and other pieces of the Anson.

Nelson hopes that other aircraft will eventually be procured to add to the museum's display. A project is currently in the works to raise a Hudson from a local lake. Inquiries are being made to find a Mosquito training plane to be restored - but the wooden planes are very hard to come by. The museum is also trying to acquire a Canso aircraft, once used in Search and Rescue missions from Greenwood.

It sounds pretty ambitious, but for an aviation museum, the sky is naturally the limit. "We're hoping to make a world class attraction and bring more tourists in, which will benefit us all in this area."

Anyone interested in volunteering on rebuilding the Anson can contact Bryan Nelson at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum at 765-1494 local 5955. People with training in building engines, doing carpentry and fabric work and other required skills will train volunteers on how to work on the plane.

Reprinted here with permission from The Mirror-Examiner.
Originally appeared in Volume 104 no. 45, dated January 20, 1999.

The Rescue of Old Miss Anson

By Sgts Craig Chislett (404 Sqn) and André Ravary (415 Sqn)

01 February 1999

On the 8^th of January 1999, 413 Squadron was tasked to rescue an elderly lady who had been stranded in a snowbound field in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. This tasking received high priority as this lady had been stranded for 40+ years. The valiant crew under the command of Captain Goostrey, assisted by Captains Jack Simpson and Gord Holm, boldly headed west to where no Herc crew has gone before. We, accompanied by Traffic Tech MCpl Drew Hine, joined the crew as the advance party.

Before our readers are mislead, we should fill you in on some facts about this elderly lady… The lady in question, made of tubular steel and plywood (what’s left of it), is an Avro Anson MkII aircraft of WWII vintage. She has been sitting dormant in a museum field owned by the Reynolds Aviation Museum, under the curatorship of Byron Reynolds, of Wetaskiwin, Alta.

The Avro Anson was used in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) to train aircrew. 4,413 were built and the aircraft saw active duty between 1940 and 1954. It was used for pilot training, navigation, gunnery, and ferry duties. It was the most widely used aircraft type in the RCAF. It is a two engine aircraft, covered in fabric or plywood, depending on the version. (If more information is required, please visit the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, Bryan Nelson, curator)

Now that you have the facts, let’s join up with our fearless crew… After arriving in Edmonton on the 8^th of January, it was determined that the recce party would venture off early the next morning to ensure that all angles would be covered for the arrival of Hercules 311 (this never having being seen before in that sleepy town, the Herc that is…) The recce party found their way to Wetaskiwin via slippery, snow-covered roads.

Once this old lady was pointed out to us, it was determined that a very large crane would be required to gently lift her out from her snow covered bed. While waiting for the hoisting apparatus, all of her bits and pieces were carefully dug out of the snowbank and piled neatly on the side of the road. The next step would be to extract her out and carry her to the airstrip, ¼ mile away.

While all of this was underway, Mr. Byron Reynolds graciously arranged for the municipal runway to be plowed and swept in record time. Once the frame and extra parts were moved to the side of the airstrip, this taking about 6 hours at –30deg C, ( Brrrrrrrr!), all that was left was to wait for the crew of 311. Although there were 6 bodies involved in the extraction process, this soon turned into a large crowd. News of a Herc landing in Wetaskiwin is not an everyday affair! This evolved to be a 2 hour airshow and static for some folks.

The Herc arrived with much fanfare and the loading process began. The two loadmasters, Sgt Dave Rowe and MCpl Gary Keir, along with the traffic tech, Cpl Drew Hine, were soon busy measuring, calculating, estimating, scratching their heads and mumbling "is it going to fit?" Yes, it was determined that it would fit. So the loading process was started. Once the lady’s nose was positioned on the back ramp, she was slowly and gently pushed inside. All that was left to do was to pack her pieces and parts and strap her down, ready for the long trip to her new home. Luckily for us the navigator, Captain Robert Brooks, had it all planned out. With a couple of stops in Winnipeg and Trenton, she arrived in Greenwood late on the 10^th of January. To our amazement, a small group of people was anxiously waiting to see the grand dame. She is now residing in 9 Hgr where she will receive a major makeover in the next let’s say 4 to 5 years?

On behalf of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, we would like to thank Col Handley, 14 Wing Commander, LCol Dorey CO 413 Squadron and his squadron members: Captains Mike Goostrey, Jack Simpson, Gord Holm, Robert Brooks, Sgts Reg Patoine and Dave Rowe, and MCpl Gary Keir.

We would also like to thank Major Tom Sand, D/CO 404 Sqn, without whom this evolution would have been impossible; Mr. Byron Reynolds and his crew; MCpl Drew Hine, Traffic Tech and Mr. Mike Vacheresse, resident of Edmonton. Mike helped us with getting things ready from the Edmonton side.

For all interested in this restoration project, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum is looking for volunteers, experienced or not, to help in giving this noble lady a new lease on life.

Please contact Mr. Bryan Nelson, GMAM curator at (902) 765-1494 ext. 5955

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 20 no. 05 dated February 1, 1999.

Aircraft moving to the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum

12 April 1999

Exciting things continue to happen at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum in preparation for the big events scheduled 4-6 Jun 99 in celebration of the RCAF’s 75th anniversary. Riding on the success of the Museum’s "Drive for Five" which saw the Museum reach its goal of 5000 visitors in 1998, celebratory events will include, among many others, the dedication of several new attractions as follows:

1. the Memorial Gardens by, hopefully, the Governor General of Canada who has been invited for this occasion;
2. the Memorial Walkway, with the initial setting of "personally" inscribed bricks which will line the outside of the existing sidewalk on the Museum grounds, and with the first of the commemorative granite blocks which will be placed in the Memorial Gardens alongside the Walkway; and
3. T-33 aircraft number "434" as the 14 Wing "gate guard" and Museum attraction, to be located across from the Museum on the corner of Ward Road and Church Street.

One of the Museum’s committees working behind the scenes to improve the quantity and quality of exhibits is the Aircraft and Aircraft Parts Acquisition committee. Chaired by LCol Russell, Commanding Officer of 434 Combat Support Squadron, and spearheaded by Maj Tom Sand, Deputy Commanding Officer of 404 Maritime Patrol Training Squadron, this group has several major projects on the go. In addition to T-bird "434" which was painstakingly restored and configured for display by 434 Squadron technicians (see accompanying photo), the Museum has already acquired an Anson aircraft, currently stored in Hangar 9, and will be attempting to raise a Hudson aircraft from the bottom of a local lake this summer, with the aid of Navy divers and 14 Wing Aircraft Recovery and Salvage Team members.

An Argus trainer is to appear soon at the Museum’s site for display, to be followed by an Argus engine and a Merlin engine in the near future. A T-33 engine has been requested from Ottawa and acquisition of a Canso aircraft is currently being negotiated with the Newfoundland government. Lastly, plans are being finalized by the W Log branch to move the Neptune and Lancaster aircraft, now situated at the 14 Wing "parade square", to a new home in the vicinity of the Museum. Unfortunately, the Argus aircraft has proven to be too large for movement, and will have to remain at its present location.

In addition to these major aircraft projects, the Museum is always interested in obtaining any other aircraft parts, engines and/or aircraft maintenance support equipment (AMSE) that could be used in future exhibits. Air Force artifacts and memorabilia and aviation art, either through donation or temporary loan, that people may wish to see on display at the Museum, are always welcome.

It is hoped that restoration work will commence on the Anson aircraft in the near future. Unfortunately, Maj Sand will be departing Greenwood this summer and his enthusiasm and work for aircraft and Air Force heritage and history will be sorely missed and difficult to replace. Many thanks to you Tom and good luck with whatever your future holds.

If anyone has something they would like to donate to the Museum, wishes to join the Museum’s Aircraft and Aircraft Parts Acquisition committee or would like to be a part of the Anson aircraft restoration project, they should contact one of the following at 765-1494: LCol Russell, local 3434, Maj Sand, local 3588, or Bryan Nelson, curator of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, local 5955.

See you at the Museum and keep 4-6 Jun 99 marked on your calendar for special events in celebration of the RCAF’s 75th anniversary. During the planned Wing Open House, the Museum will have a display on the flight line showing the original plans of the Base, a copy of the daily routine orders (DROs) dated 1 April 1924 and many wartime photos of Greenwood taken by one of the first RCAF members here with the RAF. Many worthwhile and interesting events to attend and things to see!!

Greenwood museum lands first static aircraft display

Technicians mount vintage T-Bird jet at base entrance

By Gordon Delaney / Valley Bureau

May 1999

Greenwood - A T-Bird jet has found a permanent home across from the military museum, where it also serves as a "gate guard" at this Annapolis Valley air force base.

The military museum here received its first static aircraft display Wednesday, after aircraft and maintenance technicians from Greenwood mounted the 1950s vintage aircraft a few hundred metres west of the base entrance.

The display has been a year in the works, since the museum staff first asked Greenwood officials for an aircraft to complement its other exhibits, which depict the history of the base through uniforms, photographs and other military memorabilia.

This particular T-Bird had been acquired by the military as an engine test bed. It had been retired from flying in Europe prior to arriving in Greenwood. For the static display, the jet had to be reassembled and painted the current air force gray.

The 434 Squadron logo, a depiction of the Nova Scotia Bluenose schooner, was painted on the tail, along with a 50th anniversary reminder, marking the T-Bird's 50 years in active service with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Members of 434 Squadron still fly eight T-Birds out of Greenwood and five Challenger jets. There are still 27 T-Birds in active service across Canada.

They are used primarily for training purposes.

"It was many months ago that we started getting this aircraft ready for the museum," said Maj. Daniel Geleyn, in charge of maintenance and engineering operations at Greenwood. "We're looking at building up the museum displays here."

He said other aircraft representing the base's history in the Annapolis Valley may be moved from inside the base to the outside gate location, where the museum sits. The base has static displays of Lancaster, Neptune and Argus aircraft, all of which flew from here over the past 50 years.

But those aircraft are even larger than the T-Bird. To move it, technicians had to remove gates to the base, highway signs, lamp posts and telephone poles as the aircraft, which is almost 13 metres from wingtip to wingtip, was pulled along the road to its current location.

"We had to do quite a bit of deconstruction to get it here," said Capt. Tom Spence, quality manager for 434 Squadron. "We had to shorten the veranda at the mess hall to get it through."

Several hours later the 3,000-kilogram aircraft, without engine, was hoisted by a large crane and mounted on a pedestal facing north.

"It went without a hitch," said Capt. Spence.

 From The Halifax Chronical Herald newspaper.

From the Halls of Heritage

03 May 1999

It has been considerable time since your scribe has sat down to bring you up to date on what has been happening at your museum. So where do I start? Well with the obvious would be a grand beginning. As many may have noticed there is considerable activity in and around the museum with the arrival of spring. The Memorial Gardens are well under construction and should be finished by the time you read this. These gardens are the fruits of the combined efforts of 14 Wing and the Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. The project was initially undertaken as a living memorial to the crew of Tusker 27 but has grown to include all members of 14 Wing/ CFB Greenwood/ RCAF STATION Greenwood through the years. Memorials to 413, 404 and the RCMP members who lost their lives during War and Peace, along with Memorial Bricks purchased by the Museum for donors who have donated to the Granite Block programme, will be unveiled on the 4^th of June by His Excellency, the Hon. Romeo LeBlanc, the Governor General of Canada. In attendance for this ceremony will be various dignitaries from the local area and the province. All citizens are invited to attend and witness this opening. It is not often that we get to host the Queen’s representative in beautiful downtown Greenwood.

While on the subject of the Gardens allow me to mention some of the contributors to this project, of which there are many. Kings Interlock have placed the cobblestones at a very reduced cost, L.E.Shaw Brick made it possible to purchase the stones at their cost with free delivery, Classic Hearth and Leisure installed the pond and supplied the materials, Rick Alward excavation donated all of the top soil required and Valley Sod the sod and labor to place them, Howard Little excavation donated the crusher dust required for the interlocking cobblestones, Heritage Memorials supplied the 413 Memorial at their COST, Canadian Tire Store Greenwood has donated two Oak Benches, the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum has donated an Argus prop blade to be used in the garden and Annapolis Valley Peat Moss has donated half a load of bark mulch, and Den Haan Enterprises have donated roses and bedding plants. Members of the community who have donated funds include the Village of Kingston (to purchase shrubs), TRA Maritimes, Middleton, Kingston Lions Club, RCAFA 107 Valley wing, Falcourt Inn, Nictaux, Roger’s Framing, Middleton, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 98 Kingston as well as the Middleton Rotary who will purchase mature trees for the garden.

Last but by no means the least Col Handley and the members of 14 Wing have contributed many $ and hours to this project. TO YOU ALL – MANY, MANY THANKS!! If you or your company should wish to contribute to these gardens please call the museum at local 765-1494 local 5955 to receive the details. All contributions are eligible for a full tax receipt and your name will be placed along with fellow donors on a plaque for future generations to see.

Another project currently under construction is the mounting of the T-33 donated by 434 Squadron. Perhaps you read of this in the AURORA several weeks ago. Many folks have dropped by to wonder why a "bus shelter" was being constructed across the street from the Museum. They were delighted to find out that it was a mounting of an aircraft rather than a bus stop which would not be used. The Royal Bank of Canada has come forth to assist us in the mounting of this Aircraft. The Bank understands that heritage is an important facet of life in Canada and were very anxious to assist us with a large financial donation. Many Thanks go to Dave Robbins and his staff for making this contribution possible. I understand that the Challenger Techs have wired the T-Bird so the Nav lights will work once it is mounted. I have not enough words to thank all the members of 434 who have worked very hard to make this happen. The same can be said of the members of the CE Squadron who have put much effort in supporting this as well as other projects around the Museum. Thank you all Ladies and Gentlemen. Now that you have read the above paragraphs and have seen how the Military and Civilian communities have come together, is there any doubt that this is one of the finest places in Canada to live??

Of course during this season the day to day running of the museum progresses. Within a few weeks the RCAF 75^th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) display will be offered for our viewing enjoyment and the library will be rearranged to accommodate a new collection of publications and Aviation Art loaned to us by Mr. Mike Vacheresse. This collection will interest all as most are limited edition prints by Mr. Robert Bailey, known the world over as one of the premier aviation painters.

Have a look at the new displays established by 405 and 415 Squadrons with much of their unique history put on public display for the very first time. While you are in take a look at the new and improved gift shop boasting a new line of model paints, models, ties, ball caps, tee shirts, books, lapel pins, aviation prints, toys (for both big boys as well as little ones), patches, flags, RCAF cuff links and tie clips. The list goes on and on. Remember you won’t find these articles anywhere else in the area. Indeed the Museum is a great spot to come on those rainy days for education and enjoyment. See you at the Museum!

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 20 no. 18 dated May 3, 1999.

Membership Provides Support for Museum

17 May 1999

Membership in the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Society provides support to the 14 Wing Museum. Society members did much of the interior construction and arrangement of the current Museum, restored mannequins and artifacts, purchased

display cases, researched and wrote information for the displays, raised money for special projects, and one member, Gerald Keil, is the volunteer General Contractor for the Memorial Garden under construction.

The Society has several grades of membership: Life, Regular, Family, Youth, and Corporate. Each grade provides different benefits, but all enable membership to participate in the restoration and support of the Museum and all enjoy discount privileges in the Museum Gift Shop.

Membership is open to anyone interested, military or civilian. Interested people need only drop by the Museum for an application.

Col Handley receiving his Life Membership from Ian Patrick, Society Chairman. His wife, Claire, received her Regular Membership, his daughters Suzanne (back) and Christine their Youth Memberships. Suzanne and Christine are the first Youth Memberships presented as this is a new category designed to interest youth in military history.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 20 no. 20, dated May 17, 1999.

Avro Anson Restoration Project Update

26 July 1999

The Avro Anson we brought to 14 Wing is still waiting to be restored to its prior glory, but that doesn't mean we've been sitting on our hands. The most time consuming part of a project like this is preparing the site, and collecting the required materials and tools. Bryan Nelson the Museum curator has acquired a complete set of technical drawings and plans. Ibis was the single most important thing needed before we could proceed. Other things like tools and materials for preserving the airframe and rebuilding the rest of the aircraft are still being secured.

The Anson was recently on display at the Airforce 75th Anniversary Open House, held at 14 Wing on June 5th. An incredible amount of interest was expressed in the history of the aircraft and our plans to restore the Anson.

The Anson will be moved to its final resting-place in the new and expanded Greenwood Aviation Museum in the CANEX building to begin restoration. The move is scheduled to coincide with the moving of the museum in the first week of September.

Much of the restoration will be done in full view of museum visitors. This will be very exciting and it will generate a lot interest in the project and the museum. Visitors can come in often, see the progress being made and feel like they are part of the project. The initial restoration phase will include removing and cataloging parts, preserving the airframe and rebuilding the engines.

The many volunteers that came forward when the Anson arrived at 14 Wing have not been forgotten and can expect a call shortly after the Anson has been relocated. I would like to thank the volunteers for their patience and I look forward to seeing this project get off the ground as much as you do. Per Ardua Ad Astra.

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 20 no. 30 dated July 26, 1999.

Greetings from the Halls of Heritage!

09 August 1999

It has been too long since I have taken the time to bring you up to date on the happenings at the GREENWOOD MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM. However, you may have seen some of the hype in the national press regarding the Hudson! So sit back and relax and read on.

This has been a very busy season for us with the attendance skyrocketing. This is due mainly to the new highway signs and the new brochure that has been distributed throughout the tourist outlets in Nova Scotia as well as the CAT in Yarmouth. Many folks are arriving telling us that they have been told of the museum by friends. The July attendance is 1178, and if you include

June’s figures it is 1897. Consider that these figures are not including the Air Cadets that we had as visitors in the last number of years. These are folks who are on vacation and made it a point to drop in and spend some time with us. But this has been happening all year.

We are pleased to announce that the Museum is now climate controlled. This means that you can visit us and be cool as well. In the past visitors and staff have been subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity levels which made the visit most uncomfortable. This is not to mention the conditions in which the artifacts and displays were subjected to. Now you can donate items to your museum with the knowledge that they will be well cared for and be housed in the proper environmental conditions. Our thanks go to Wing CE for their arrangement of the AC contract as well as LCol Ricketts for his support. I’m sure that this will bring even more visitors in the future.

Speaking of the future, our move to our new quarters is upcoming starting in September. Now don’t expect that the museum will be moved in a few days in Sept, because it will not happen that way. The first movement will be the ANSON which will be moved from 9 Hanger to the new quarters so that the work can commence. Much work has to be carried out on the building prior to opening the new museum. This will probably take place early in the new year. Displays must be constructed, lighting in-stalled, materials purchased or donated, volunteers to organize and many, many other tasks to be completed. At the present time several consultants are vying to win the favor of the museum for the design phase.

Since we are starting from the beginning we want to provide you with the most professional museum we can under the financial constraints we all have to live with. We wish to erect a museum that you will all be proud of and one that will attract the largest number of visitors to our area. In this way we will all benefit as these folks tend to say on and spend a few dollars. In this way our business community will grow and provide jobs for our teens and spouses. If you have a flair for the building of displays or de-sign knowledge and wish to volunteer, please call us at local 5955 and we will put you to work. By the way the present building will be converted to an Aviation Art Gallery which will feature the works of many of Canada’s leading Aviation Artists. Names such as Geoff Bennett, Robert Bailey, John Rutherford as well as displays from the Canadian War Museum will be featured in this new undertaking.

Since we are an "Aviation" Museum we are investigating the feasibility of moving the Lancaster, Neptune and the Argus to the museum site by craning these aircraft from just outside the main gate to the museum area. At this time we are waiting for costs from a number of crane operators. Again the $ is of vital importance. We shall keep you updated as to what is to happen in the near future.

The Gift Shop continues to attract folks as there are many gifts for all ages available. New stock arrives daily. Many folks are picking up the RCAF 75^th Tee shirts, wall clocks, mouse pads, ball caps, bumper stickers and more. We have just received a new shipment of hand carved aircraft models including the Neptune, 434 Squadron CF-5, CP-140 and others. The mess dress cuff links will be in stock by the time you read this as well as cummerbunds, RCAF Tartan ties, assorted children’s toys, ball caps, men’s and women’s jewelry, models and paints, books, lapel pins, limited edition prints, and Greenwood’s own postcard. A great place to shop for that hard to get item. Guaranteed you won’t find these gifts anywhere else in the area. Drop in and see us – and your heritage. TTFN

The Bank of Nova Scotia shows that it is a good corporate partner in joining with other local companies in donating to the Memorial Garden. LCol Bill Ricketts is shown receiving

a LARGE cheque from Mr. D. A. Mac Vicar Vice President of the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Looking on are Mr. George Kennedy, Manager of the Greenwood Branch of Scotia Bank

and Bryan Nelson, curator. Notice the LARGE smile on LCol Rickett’s face!

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 32 no. 20, dated August 9th, 1999.

Ground Emergency on a Lancaster?!

Story and Photo by: Pte Rick Donnelly, 434 Squadron

21 February 2000

For those of you who were lucky enough to be within earshot of the base-wide P.A. system last week, you would have heard a two-bell announcement, which would have startled many, but for a choice few may have touched a sentimental nerve. In the immortal words of Wing Operations (and I’m paraphrasing here), “We have a ground emergency on a Lancaster with hot brakes, I’m not kidding. Out.” Such was the situation on February 16, as Lancaster KB839 took the first step in a long road towards restoration. It would be foolishly optimistic to say the hard part is over, however, as there is a lot of work ahead for the folks at 434 Squadron.

The on-again/off-again move of the Lancaster from the Base Gym to the hangars of 434 Squadron was finally set for a chilly Wednesday morning last week, but almost became a no-go once again. In the final stages of preparing the aircraft for transport a number of significant cracks and fissures were discovered in the axle of the Lancaster’s right wheel, threatening to halt the proceedings. Thankfully, Capt. Dave Saulnier, 434 Squadron Engineering Officer, and Major John McCall, 434 Squadron SAMEO were on hand.Through their collective minds, they determined that the cracks in the axle were in such a position as to be unaffected by the movement of the aircraft. Immediately the towbar was attached, and it was off to 12 hangar for a much-needed wash.

It was truly awe inspiring to see the old Lanc move once again. Unfortunately, by the time it had arrived at the wash bay, smoke was billowing from the right wheel, unrelated to the aforementioned cracks, but rather typical for metal on
metal friction. Considering how long the aircraft had been idle, this could have been expected due to natural settling, though it raised the odd eyebrow and caused a few hearts to skip a beat. Following standard operating procedures,
the fire department was called, but the situation was secured moments after they arrived. The aircraft was then swiftly washed and was transported to 434 Squadron’s 14 hangar. A hearty thanks goes out to the gentlemen in wash
bay, as they had they Lancaster clean and ready to go quickly enough to beat the ugly weather that would soon follow.

Amid a round of applause from a great number of curious onlookers from the 434 Squadron family, the Lancaster was nestled into 14 hangar’s ‘A’ bay, where over the next three to four months it will undergo a complete transformation. Only then will it be ready for the final leg in its journey, to its spot outside the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum. But have patience, gentle reader, for this one will be well worth the wait. 

Reprinted here with permission from The Aurora Newspaper.
Originally appeared in Volume 21 no. 08, dated February 21, 2000.