Just a bit of a historical correction. There was no R.C.A.F. Station Mount Hope. There was a post-war R.C.A.F. Station Hamilton though (as of June 1950). No. 16 Wing (Auxiliary) was initially known as (Reserve) Operational Wing Hamilton. No 16 Wing was formed to provide administration to all of the R.C.A.F. reserve units located in the Hamilton area.
I am wondering if the young airmen in the photo are actually with the No. 424 'Tiger' Squadron R.C.A.F. (Auxiliary). It was the only flying unit there. No.3050 Technical Training Unit was located in the James Street Armoury along with No. 4006 Medical Unit. The radar unit at R.C.A.F. Station Hamilton was No 2424 AC&W Squadron R.C.A.F. (Auxiliary) using the AMES-11 convoyable radar.
When I was there in 1958, Chris, 3050 TTU was operated as a reserve training program at Mount Hope located in the hanger that was eventually occupied by Peninsula.
Students were part of the RTTP (Reserve Tradesmen Training Program) during summer months and "graduates" were then assigned to the flying squadron 424. Both squadrons (3050 TTU and 424) were reserve units supported by a handfull of permanent force staff.
During other seasons, the reserve units peformed duties and/or training 2 nights per week.
I was part of 3050 TTU from 1958 unit disbandment in 1964.
Wow. Thanks guys for the responses. In my understanding it was indeed a training squadron of reservists. There were a lot of Expediters out there at the time.
I couldn't view the photo but I recognize a few names. Jamieson was my Cpl. and Murry Dodd was a friend. We were some of the last ones there when the base closed. You can contact me at rysko@telusplanet.net
To "dodgeram" .... "Yes, I remember most of the names. I have a similar photo from the 1958 class for Instrument Tech."
I'd love to see this photo. I was one of the Instrument team members. Post either here, or e-mail: tonyw.enterprises@telus.net.
That would be awesome! Thanks.
