Royal Canadian Artillery Association - Annual Report 1950
Officers and Members of the Executive - Vice President Western Command
Brigadier Aeneas E. McBean Bell-Irving OBE ED
Representing the field branch of the Artillery - Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Allen Royce ED
List of those attending from Western Command
WESTERN COMMAND
1 A.G.R.A Brigadier H. E. Wright, E.D.
5 A.G.R.A. (A.A.) Brigadier A. McB. Bell-Irving,
15 Fd Major K. M. Beckett
18 Fd Lt.-Col. D. M. Davies
19 Med. Major H. Simms
41 A.Tk Major J. Davis
75 H.A.A. Lt.-Col. W. J. Farnsworth,
20 H.A.A. Captain C. D. Hardy
24 H.A.A. Major E. W. White, E.D.
43 H.A.A. Lt.-Col. J. D. Overholt
65 L.A.A. Major F. E. Eaton
68 L.A.A. Lt.-Col. A. H. Warr, O.B.E.,
5 B.C. Coast Major R. j. Weir
102 Coast Major H. W. J. Peck
REMARKS OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ARMY HEADQUARTERS AT GENERAL MEETING
1. Vice Chief of the General Staff In the absence of the Minister and the CGS, the Vice Chief addressed the meeting. As his address was confidential, it was not recorded, but he covered the following points:
(a) Gave a general summary of the World situation.
(b) Gave an outline of the Russian threat and the action the Democracies were taking to meet it.
(c) Canadian responsibilities and action being taken to fulfil our obligation.
In answer to questions regarding artillery units detailed for static defence in Canada, he said plans were being made for:
(a) More training.
(b) Enlistment of lower category personnel.
(c) Enlistment of Women in Peacetime.
2. Adjutant General
(a) Stated that Active Force short of officers. Service Colleges would not start providing officers for another two years, the COTC was not producing sufficient.
(b) In order to encourage University students to take AF commissions approved applicants were to be commissioned prior to their final year and would receive Pay and Allowances throughout the year.
3. Director of Military Training
The DMT addressed the meeting and answered questions. The following are the main points brought out:
(a) A & T Staff
(i) Present shortage aggravated by withdrawals to fill establishments of Special Force and staff to train Special Force and reinforcements.
(ii) A & T Staff plans for future proposed certain administrative personnel to be permanently attached. Instructional staff to be pooled and made available as required.
(b) Training Generally Instructors to be pooled in suitable centres. Consideration of re establishment of schools comparable to pre-1939 Provisional and Royal Schools.
(c) COTC Changes being considered—more officer training, man-management. Possibly reduce to two year course.
(d) Block Training System Considering breaking down training into basic parts so as to record and relate skills—approximately 45 trades.
4. Director of Artillery
(a) The Director briefly reviewed the training for 1950 and plans for 1951.
(b) Training for 1951 to be similar to that for 1950.
(c) Gave a review of the equipment and training facilities situation.
(d) Stated that there would be exercises for CRA and AGRA during 1951.
5. Director of Cadet Services Jhe Director reviewed the Cadet Corps situation in Canada generally. Referred to heavy wastage particularly between 1st and 2nd years. With regard to new- Cadet Corps, the ceiling of 50,000 is now filled, hopes to get authority for additional numbers. Stated that it was hoped that the technical training camps would be expanded in the future. RESOLUTIONS APPROVED 1950
No. 1-50 Forwarded to Conference
WHEREAS the Government of Canada has established a Reserve Force for the defence of Canada and by virtue thereof the Department of National Defence has formed units and provided accommodation and staffs for the training of personnel;
AND WHEREAS the efficient operation of the Reserve Force requires mans- more men who could be effectively trained with existing accommodation and staff;
AND WHEREAS this Association is convinced that present methods of enlistment will not produce the numbers of men required;
AND ‘WHEREAS the present international situation requires that appropriate action be taken to strengthen the defence of Canada;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Royal Canadian Artillery Association strongly recommends that a system of selective service for the Reserve Force be instituted at the earliest possible date to provide the number of personnel from time to time required to bring each unit up to maximum strength that it can efficiently and effectually administer and train.
No. 2-50 Forwarded to Army H.Q.
WHEREAS
(1) Efficient Observation Regiments are essential in the proper operation of the Artillery.
(2) The training of all ranks in the highly technical subjects of survey, radio, radar, sound-ranging, etc., is of necessity a lengthy procedure.
(3) The present strength of Observation personnel in the Active Force is woefully weak as evidenced by the facts that
(a) Not a single officer with operational• experience in “Observation” is presently covering one of the four appointments for “Observation” officers that exist.
(b) neither of the R.F. Regiments has had an adequate A. & T. Staff nor is there apparently any prospect of having them in the near future.
(4) The present “Observation” establishment of the A.F. is so small as to provide no inducement for to enter or remain in the “Observation Branch”.
(5) There presently exists in A.F. no meteorological sections without which Observation Regiments nor Field, Medium, Anti-Aircraft and Coast Defence can operate’ efficiently.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Royal Canadian Artillery Association views the situation with alarm and strongly recommends that the entire matter be reviewed forthwith in order that the weaknesses referred to may be rectified and without limiting the generality of the foregoing that consideration be giver to the following recommendations.
(a) That there he established and activated in the Active Force a Composite Observation Battery consisting of the requisite officers and tradesmen thereby providing a nucleus of trained personnel to develop techniques and keep abreast of technical developments and to assist in training of the Reserve Force Regiments, and to provide key personnel in the event of mobilization. That entire policy with regard to meteorological establishments and provision of and distribution of information be given urgent study forthwith.
No. 3-50 Forwarded to Conference
WHEREAS the many problems of training and administration of Reserve Force Units are affected by
1) Clerical assistance.
(2) Provision of adequate A. & T. Staff.
and as the present situation as to clerical assistance and provision of A. & T. Staff is both costly and unsatisfactory, and with consideration of the following factors:
(1) The need for adequate and continuous clerical assistance in peace time.
(2) The need for continuous supervision of vehicle maintenance and vehicle records, both in peace and war is the responsibility of the Commanding Officer and his sub-unit Commanders, and not that of an attached Officer. But recognizing that Reserve Force Officers need assistance in carrying out training from time to time,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the minimum requirements are:
(1) That all clerical assistance be performed by a civil service (female) temporary employee provided locally under arrangements to be made by each Command or Area concerned.
(2) That M.T. Records and Maintenance be supervised by an Active Force N.C.O. on the basis of one pe Regiment attached for not less tban two years, and to remain with the unit if mobilized during his tour of duty.
(3) That within each Command there be established a pooi of Officer and N.C.O. instructors available to Reserve Force Units as required to conduct Schools of Instruction and give other assistance in Training as may be required.
No. 4-50 Forwarded to Army H.Q.
WHEREAS Artillery Observation Post Squadrons operated throughout the last war as an integral and vital part of the Royal Artillery and later of the Royal Canadian Artillery, fulfilling a distinct and important function for that arm of the service and WHEREAS the continued training of A.O.P. Pilots at the Joint Air Training School at Rivers, Manitoba, implies that Canadian AHQ still recognizes the value of this branch of the RCA and -
WHEREAS the Canadian Government, by monetary assisance, has sought to encourage the training and qualifying of civilian pilots and
WHEREAS there are available and serving in Reserve Force Units a number of young, qualified RCAF pilots in addition to trained pilots from Nos. 664, 665 and 666 Canadian AOP Squadrons of the last war and
WHEREAS there already exist facilities for training in the vicinity of certin Reserve Force Artillery Units WHEREAS the Government is continually searching for some incentive to encourage young men into Reserve Units and the possibility of learning to fly, or at least getting a flight in an aircraft, seems to produce the desired result as far as the RCAF is concerned, and finally
WHEREAS should the policy of AOP as .such be abandoned, the unique training which these pilots receive in low-flying, short and cross-wind landings and take-offs, is such that the pilots could be profitably employed, in the event of a future war, in evacuating front line battle casualties to Casualty Clearing Stations or even Field Hospitals. Furthermore, ekperi ments involving the laying of signal line by light aircraft over inaccessible ground has proven practicable.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT; The Royal Canadian Artillery Association recommends the immediate formation of at least one A.O.P. Reserve Force Squadron to operate in conjunction with a Reserve Force Artillery HQ and a Reserve Force RCAF Squadron.
RCAA Annual Report 1950
Brigadier Aeneas E. McBean Bell-Irving OBE ED
Representing the field branch of the Artillery - Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Allen Royce ED
List of those attending from Western Command
WESTERN COMMAND
1 A.G.R.A Brigadier H. E. Wright, E.D.
5 A.G.R.A. (A.A.) Brigadier A. McB. Bell-Irving,
15 Fd Major K. M. Beckett
18 Fd Lt.-Col. D. M. Davies
19 Med. Major H. Simms
41 A.Tk Major J. Davis
75 H.A.A. Lt.-Col. W. J. Farnsworth,
20 H.A.A. Captain C. D. Hardy
24 H.A.A. Major E. W. White, E.D.
43 H.A.A. Lt.-Col. J. D. Overholt
65 L.A.A. Major F. E. Eaton
68 L.A.A. Lt.-Col. A. H. Warr, O.B.E.,
5 B.C. Coast Major R. j. Weir
102 Coast Major H. W. J. Peck
REMARKS OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ARMY HEADQUARTERS AT GENERAL MEETING
1. Vice Chief of the General Staff In the absence of the Minister and the CGS, the Vice Chief addressed the meeting. As his address was confidential, it was not recorded, but he covered the following points:
(a) Gave a general summary of the World situation.
(b) Gave an outline of the Russian threat and the action the Democracies were taking to meet it.
(c) Canadian responsibilities and action being taken to fulfil our obligation.
In answer to questions regarding artillery units detailed for static defence in Canada, he said plans were being made for:
(a) More training.
(b) Enlistment of lower category personnel.
(c) Enlistment of Women in Peacetime.
2. Adjutant General
(a) Stated that Active Force short of officers. Service Colleges would not start providing officers for another two years, the COTC was not producing sufficient.
(b) In order to encourage University students to take AF commissions approved applicants were to be commissioned prior to their final year and would receive Pay and Allowances throughout the year.
3. Director of Military Training
The DMT addressed the meeting and answered questions. The following are the main points brought out:
(a) A & T Staff
(i) Present shortage aggravated by withdrawals to fill establishments of Special Force and staff to train Special Force and reinforcements.
(ii) A & T Staff plans for future proposed certain administrative personnel to be permanently attached. Instructional staff to be pooled and made available as required.
(b) Training Generally Instructors to be pooled in suitable centres. Consideration of re establishment of schools comparable to pre-1939 Provisional and Royal Schools.
(c) COTC Changes being considered—more officer training, man-management. Possibly reduce to two year course.
(d) Block Training System Considering breaking down training into basic parts so as to record and relate skills—approximately 45 trades.
4. Director of Artillery
(a) The Director briefly reviewed the training for 1950 and plans for 1951.
(b) Training for 1951 to be similar to that for 1950.
(c) Gave a review of the equipment and training facilities situation.
(d) Stated that there would be exercises for CRA and AGRA during 1951.
5. Director of Cadet Services Jhe Director reviewed the Cadet Corps situation in Canada generally. Referred to heavy wastage particularly between 1st and 2nd years. With regard to new- Cadet Corps, the ceiling of 50,000 is now filled, hopes to get authority for additional numbers. Stated that it was hoped that the technical training camps would be expanded in the future. RESOLUTIONS APPROVED 1950
No. 1-50 Forwarded to Conference
WHEREAS the Government of Canada has established a Reserve Force for the defence of Canada and by virtue thereof the Department of National Defence has formed units and provided accommodation and staffs for the training of personnel;
AND WHEREAS the efficient operation of the Reserve Force requires mans- more men who could be effectively trained with existing accommodation and staff;
AND WHEREAS this Association is convinced that present methods of enlistment will not produce the numbers of men required;
AND ‘WHEREAS the present international situation requires that appropriate action be taken to strengthen the defence of Canada;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Royal Canadian Artillery Association strongly recommends that a system of selective service for the Reserve Force be instituted at the earliest possible date to provide the number of personnel from time to time required to bring each unit up to maximum strength that it can efficiently and effectually administer and train.
No. 2-50 Forwarded to Army H.Q.
WHEREAS
(1) Efficient Observation Regiments are essential in the proper operation of the Artillery.
(2) The training of all ranks in the highly technical subjects of survey, radio, radar, sound-ranging, etc., is of necessity a lengthy procedure.
(3) The present strength of Observation personnel in the Active Force is woefully weak as evidenced by the facts that
(a) Not a single officer with operational• experience in “Observation” is presently covering one of the four appointments for “Observation” officers that exist.
(b) neither of the R.F. Regiments has had an adequate A. & T. Staff nor is there apparently any prospect of having them in the near future.
(4) The present “Observation” establishment of the A.F. is so small as to provide no inducement for to enter or remain in the “Observation Branch”.
(5) There presently exists in A.F. no meteorological sections without which Observation Regiments nor Field, Medium, Anti-Aircraft and Coast Defence can operate’ efficiently.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Royal Canadian Artillery Association views the situation with alarm and strongly recommends that the entire matter be reviewed forthwith in order that the weaknesses referred to may be rectified and without limiting the generality of the foregoing that consideration be giver to the following recommendations.
(a) That there he established and activated in the Active Force a Composite Observation Battery consisting of the requisite officers and tradesmen thereby providing a nucleus of trained personnel to develop techniques and keep abreast of technical developments and to assist in training of the Reserve Force Regiments, and to provide key personnel in the event of mobilization. That entire policy with regard to meteorological establishments and provision of and distribution of information be given urgent study forthwith.
No. 3-50 Forwarded to Conference
WHEREAS the many problems of training and administration of Reserve Force Units are affected by
1) Clerical assistance.
(2) Provision of adequate A. & T. Staff.
and as the present situation as to clerical assistance and provision of A. & T. Staff is both costly and unsatisfactory, and with consideration of the following factors:
(1) The need for adequate and continuous clerical assistance in peace time.
(2) The need for continuous supervision of vehicle maintenance and vehicle records, both in peace and war is the responsibility of the Commanding Officer and his sub-unit Commanders, and not that of an attached Officer. But recognizing that Reserve Force Officers need assistance in carrying out training from time to time,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the minimum requirements are:
(1) That all clerical assistance be performed by a civil service (female) temporary employee provided locally under arrangements to be made by each Command or Area concerned.
(2) That M.T. Records and Maintenance be supervised by an Active Force N.C.O. on the basis of one pe Regiment attached for not less tban two years, and to remain with the unit if mobilized during his tour of duty.
(3) That within each Command there be established a pooi of Officer and N.C.O. instructors available to Reserve Force Units as required to conduct Schools of Instruction and give other assistance in Training as may be required.
No. 4-50 Forwarded to Army H.Q.
WHEREAS Artillery Observation Post Squadrons operated throughout the last war as an integral and vital part of the Royal Artillery and later of the Royal Canadian Artillery, fulfilling a distinct and important function for that arm of the service and WHEREAS the continued training of A.O.P. Pilots at the Joint Air Training School at Rivers, Manitoba, implies that Canadian AHQ still recognizes the value of this branch of the RCA and -
WHEREAS the Canadian Government, by monetary assisance, has sought to encourage the training and qualifying of civilian pilots and
WHEREAS there are available and serving in Reserve Force Units a number of young, qualified RCAF pilots in addition to trained pilots from Nos. 664, 665 and 666 Canadian AOP Squadrons of the last war and
WHEREAS there already exist facilities for training in the vicinity of certin Reserve Force Artillery Units WHEREAS the Government is continually searching for some incentive to encourage young men into Reserve Units and the possibility of learning to fly, or at least getting a flight in an aircraft, seems to produce the desired result as far as the RCAF is concerned, and finally
WHEREAS should the policy of AOP as .such be abandoned, the unique training which these pilots receive in low-flying, short and cross-wind landings and take-offs, is such that the pilots could be profitably employed, in the event of a future war, in evacuating front line battle casualties to Casualty Clearing Stations or even Field Hospitals. Furthermore, ekperi ments involving the laying of signal line by light aircraft over inaccessible ground has proven practicable.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT; The Royal Canadian Artillery Association recommends the immediate formation of at least one A.O.P. Reserve Force Squadron to operate in conjunction with a Reserve Force Artillery HQ and a Reserve Force RCAF Squadron.
RCAA Annual Report 1950