Grumman Goblin

Photo source: thisisme.ca

But there were only three aircraft, Lysanders that were “in terrible condition".  Early in November a dual control Lysander was received, and training began to check out the new pilots on that type. Slowly more equipment came in, including some well-worn Goblins, and the training program began to expand. On the ground there were frequent lectures and examinations on many subjects and hours of buzzer practice; in the air there were photo and pinpointing exercises, cross-country and formation flights.  The weeks of training passed busily but uneventfully save for one flurry on 8 December when the School provided personnel to assist No. ll5 Squadron ship its Kittyhawks to the west coast. The work was urgent: Japan had entered the war.

By mid-January 1942 the School transition stage was finished and the Squadron was about to emerge from the chrysalis and take wing to its operational base. Although the personnel had started preparations to move early in January, there was considerable surprise - and no doubt much fluttering in the intelligence dovecotes - when one of the Ottawa newspapers on 8 January prematurely broke the story that No. 123 Squadron had been formed. Rumor had it that the roof of the Jackson Building (AFHQ – Air Force Head Quarters) “tilted visibly" and windows blew out when the newspaper story appeared.  The School was quite interested to read that it was commanded by an Army major!

More Goblins

Photo Source Unknown

Communications between AFHQ and the editorial office appeared to be better than those with Rockcliffe; the organisation order was dated 5 January, just three days before the newspaper release, and - it should be noted - was classified SECRET. The order (S.O.O. 39) stated simply that as the School of Army Co-Operation was no longer functioning as such, but was organized and operating mainly as a squadron, it was to be re-designated No. 123 Army Co-Operation Training Squadron effective 15 January 1942. This news was officially conveyed to the unit at a party held in the Chateau Laurier, on the evening of the 16th when the officers and their guests were informed that No. 123 was one day old.  It was a lusty infant, 16 officers and 146 airmen strong

The Squadron remained at Rockcliffe for four weeks longer, continuing its flying training (chiefly cross-country formation) while on the ground preparations for the impending move went ahead with much practice in packing and loading equipment.  Advice that the five Goblins were to be left behind was greeted as "a most popular decision." Trouble had been experienced with gas fumes in the cockpit of the Grummans.