1

The Squadron was up and running in September of 1954. Uniforms were to be ordered, cadets appointed as leaders, and band equipment found. During that first year or operation 45 boys enrolled and Fred Saunders was appointed squadron leader. The boys worked hard that year waiting with anticipation for the first Annual Inspection in the spring of 1955. Civilian instructor Mose Parsons, and later Wallace Burden, trained them to play the drums and Roy Noel became their drill instructor.

2

First Recruits, 1954.
10 September 1954
Penney Memorial gymnasium, Carbonear, NL

3

The original school squadron. l/r (Not all members are included)

Front row: Lloyd Noel, Eric Moore, Ern Pike, Fred Butt, Roy Snow, Fred Power, Guy Penney, Gord Butt, Dave Clarke, Hayward Vaters, Herb Mercer, Lindo Rogers, Reg Parsons, Fred Saunders.

Row 2: Willis Howell, Don Jerrett, Art Oates, Lloyd Powell, Johnny Clarke, Flying Officer Don Loggie, Wing Commander W. P. Pleasance, Hudson Davis, Roy Noel, Jim Penney.

Row 3: Edgar Duff, Dunc Jerrett, Baxter Butt, Al Butt, Wallace Burgess, John Janes, Keith Taylor, Ralph Moore, Jim Pike, Orville Penney, Edgar Clarke, Anthony Moores, Ern Cole.

Back Row: Gerald Homer, Harris Hiscock, Cec Oates , Myers Oates, Wallace Sainsbury, Berkley Parsons, Edgar Hiscock, Ray Penney, Dave Thomas, Carl Penney.

Audio Transcript:
Hudson Davis recalls... In the summer of 1954, forty-one boys were enrolled in "589"; and our training year began on September the 1st. That was 50 years ago, and I remember few details of that program. Roy Noel was responsible for all aspects of foot drill, organization and movement of two flights of cadets for marching, etc. In this, he was ably supported by Fred Saunders, who had been given some drill training while in summer camp. Fred had also been appointed the First Squadron Warrant Officer and held that position for his four years in Cadets. I taught some basic gasoline engine principles, taking apart and reassembling a little iron horse engine, and some basic principles of flight. I remember only one other civilian instructor, Moses Parsons, who with a slide trombone, taught some boys rudimentary marching tunes played on some old scout bugles which had been found in homes in the community.

4

Saunders, Fred.
10 August 1954
Kentville, NS

5

Fred Saunders was appointed the first acting Warrant Officer of 589 Carbonear Air Cadets. He had not yet taken his Senior Leader's Course but would take instruction towards it in summer camp of 1955. Fred was made full Warrant Officer Second Class on his return from that camp.

6

Future Recruit.
11 November 1954
Crocker's Cove, Carbonear, NL

7

The Squadron had its first fully dressed parade in the Fall of 1955. They marched through Crocker's Cove and other parts of town.

8

Parade, 1955.
11 November 1954
Crocker's Cove, Carbonear, NL

9

The 589 Air Cadets had a strong following, especially amoung the youth of Carbonear. Many children later joined the Air Cadet Movement when they became of age.

10

Annual Inspection Held, 1955.
20 May 1955

11

The first Annual Inspection was held on May 20, 1955. The Inspecting Officer was Wing Commander W. P. Pleasance. Accompaning him were: F/O Don Loggie, Air Cadet Liason Officer; Mr. Darrock MacGillivary, Past President of the Air Cadet League of Canada; Mr. Brian Higgins, Chairman of the Provincial Committee; and Mr. Derek Marshall, Secretary of the Provincial Air Cadet League.

12

March past, 1955.
20 May 1955
U.C. playground, Carbonear, NL

13

The first Annual Inspection of the 589 Carbonear Air Cadet Squadron took place on the playground behind the United Church College on the evening of May 20, 1955. The squadron had only three snare drums and a bass at that time. Several old Scout bugles were added the next year but all were borrowed instruments. The bass drum was already 30 years old. However, the squadron managed to have a band at the Annual Inspection. Proper snare drums were not acquired until the fall of that year and new bugles not until 1956. Snare drummers were Willis Howell, Reg Parsons, and Jim Penney. The inspecting officer was Wing Commander W. P. Pleasance.

14

80 year old Bass Drum.
1924
Bethany United Church, Carbonear, NL