This unit, formed on February 5th, 1917, was first stationed in the Givens Street School, Toronto, which building was also partly occupied by the 228th Canadian Regiment. Recruiting, however, was active, and the R.F.C. began to show such strong signs of the marked popularity it was to attain later, that extra accommodation was soon required, and Crawford Street School taken over.
During the summer, it was seen that even this accommodation was insufficient. The Depot, therefore, moved out to Leaside, and under canvas.
The strength, at this time about 400, was largely increased by the arrival of four American squadrons to be trained by the R.F.C. These were attached to Recruits’ Depot for rations and accommodation. It is satisfactory to remember that this first contact between the two corps was productive of an admirable comradeship which has existed ever since. It is noted also that canteen profits greatly increased, and a large percentage of these was handed to each American squadron on its departure.
The quartermaster’s branch of the Recruits’ Depot being still at Givens Street, it was realized that much extra clerical and other work would be saved could the whole depot be centralized. Steps were therefore taken by headquarters to acquire convenient barracks in town.
Early in September, the Recruits’ Depot band was formed—largely helped by surplus canteen funds. It has been a source of much pride and also of a certain amount of amusement to the men of the depot. All parties for Texas or the United States were “played” down to the railway station, and the band and “Bruno” (the camp dog—a handsome St. Bernard) invariably accompanied the bi-weekly route marches.
In October the need of permanent accommodation in town became urgent. It was eventually found (owing to the great generosity of the Board of Education, Toronto), at the Jesse Ketchum School—a large and commodious building, which was completed as fast as possible, and loaned absolutely free of cost, including the larger part of the park attached to the building, which it was permitted to use as a parade and sports’ ground. This consideration was only typical of the way in which Toronto public authorities have invariably dealt with the Royal Flying Corps.
The Depot moved into town on the 17th November, 1917, and was in good workable shape by the middle of December.
To these barracks, cadets, for the first time, were sent for preliminary training, and three or four hundred were thus added to normal strength, which stood at about 700. The ordinary accommodation proving insufficient for this number, double bunks were placed in all the sleeping rooms, where high ceilings and good lighting made the provision entirely feasible.
The band at this time was a first class organization, and in great demand for dances and hockey matches—half the profits made being allotted to the Longwood Convalescent Home. Concerts were held in the canteen three times a week. As to exercise, an ice hockey rink was made, a football ground rolled out, and three billiard tables put in the canteen, the electric lighting of the rink being given free of cost by the City Parks Commissioner. There was, therefore, no lack of amusement or exercise throughout an unusually severe winter.