大象传媒

Mossbank was located in a very arid, almost desolate section of Saskatchewan about fifty miles southwest of Moose Jaw. Along with many friends from I.T.S., I was enroled in Course 82 there. The first two months was spent largely in Ground School taking additional courses in mathematics and navigation. We also studied technical aspects of the bomb sight and the Browning 303 machine gun. We learned how to use the bomb sight to determine wind velocity, a vital requisite for accurate bombing. Wind velocity is composed of the two components, wind speed and wind direction. We also had to demonstrate our ability to dissemble the Browning while blindfolded. A lot of time was spent at the gunnery range, not only firing the Browning but also skeet shooting. Usually each person would put in a dollar in these shoots and the winner would take the loot. Many interesting hours were spent in the Link Trainer doing simulated bombing and gunnery exercises.
On June 8th, I had two flights where I was to use the Bomb sight to determine wind velocity. After each, I was in a lot of pain in my lower abdomen and almost nauseated, but felt fine within an hour of landing. The next day was the same 鈥� I could just barely straighten up after being prone on my stomach looking through the bomb sight, but after an hour of landing was feeling well again. During the next week I was examined by various doctors; probed and punched but they could find nothing wrong. I went flying twice on the 17th with exactly the same results 鈥� so much pain in my lower abdomen that I could hardly get to my feet. I reported to Sick Bay. I just know that some of the doctors figured that 鈥淚 was swinging the lead鈥� and wanted to get out of aircrew. Some even expressed that thought to me. Very fortunately the Chief Medical Officer thought that I was serious about being in pain and sent me off to the Regina City Hospital for examination. X-rays did indicate a slightly enlarged appendix; I was operated on and had it removed.
On September 14th, after two months recuperation, I resumed flying and now everything was fine. I was pleased to receive an apology from one of the doctors who was quite sure I was faking illness when I was flying earlier. I was, however, no longer with Course 82, but now in Course 89 with a brand new bunch of fellows with whom to become acquainted.

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