Transportation arrangements for these units from Canada to Texas were exceptionally good. The 42nd and 43rd Wings ceased flying on 14th November and recommenced in Texas on 17th November, a loss of only three days occasioned by a journey of approximately 1,600 miles.
It would not be amiss to mention the enormous amount of work thrown on A.O., A.E., and Q.M. branches through the novel situation that now existed. The U.S. owned the buildings, but the R.F.C. used and were responsible for those they occupied. There were R.F.C. squadrons and, beside them, American squadrons being trained by the R.F.C. but administered by their own authorities. Aeroplanes, engines, oil, gasoline, etc., were supplied by the U.S., but the R.F.C. directed flying, and repaired and rebuilt machines and engines, drawing the necessary spares from U.S. stores. The Aviation Department of the I.M.B. transacted R.F.C. affairs as though in Canada, and with equal facility. Cadets and men were being received continually for training, and as continually trained and returned to their own organizations. American railroads honoured transportation warrants redeemable in Ottawa. The R.F.C. medical officers quarantined the R.F.C., in which there were hundreds of Americans, against U.S. camps a few miles away. Weekly train-loads of Canadian-made engines and aeroplanes arrived, came under U.S. control and were immediately used by the R.F.C.
The situation was, in short, as though an area in Texas had been temporarily acquired by the British Empire, and in it members of an Imperial force conducted their affairs with the utmost freedom. There was friction of course—for no two great military systems can work together with all their national traditions, usages, procedures and regulations, without many minor and some major adjustments being necessary. It was, however, the friction of two keen and rival organizations pressing toward the same object. Difficulties arose only to be met and overcome by the spontaneous goodwill and friendship of both services.
BENBROOK, TEXAS.
A DIVE AT “HUNGRY LIZZIE.”
SALVAGE.
TEXAS CRASHES.