Wougue t

ACK IN 1940, when France, Holland
1d Belgium had fallen, and Britain herself
ras gravely menaced, the possibility of
jemy air attack on targets in Canada was
yreseen. It was then that the Royal Cana-
ian Air Force established the Aircraft
Yetection Corps, a vast civilian body estab-
shed on both coasts, trained in aircraft
jentification, who would flash in precise
etails of all movements of aircraft to East-
rn and Western Air Commands.

Now that the United Nations are on the
ffensive, Canada’s Aircraft Detection
Jorps will “stand down,” but we shall be
orever in their debt for their untiring and
nselfish wartime aid.

As in most matters affecting the safety of
fe and property, British Columbia’s Police
ave been of great service in connection
vith the A.D.C., and recently Air Vice-
Marshal F. V. Heakes, C.B. Air Officer
Jommanding, Western Air Command, ex-
sressed himself in this regard to the Honour-
ble R. L. Maitland, K.C., Attorney-General
f the Province. Said the Air Vice-Marshal:

“Originating in May, 1940, Aircraft
Detection Corps was organized throughout
Sanada to supply advance warning of the
nossible flights of enemy aircraft to the
lefence forces. The Corps has grown to
ipproximately 2500 civilian members
hroughout the Province of British Colum-
nia, and has been administered by officers
of the R.C.A.F. On November 15th, as
he possibility of small-scale air attack on
this continent is considered to be remote,
the Corps is being disbanded.

“At the time that the Corps was organ-
zed, the selection of the highest calibre of
sitizens as members was considered to be
extremely important. It was, therefore,
logical that one of the first people to be
consulted should be Commissioner T. W. S.
Parsons of the British Columbia Police. All
of the original 150 members of the Corps
were selected only after clearing their names
with his department. From the very begin-
ning, Commissioner Parsons and his efficient
staff have been most co-operative and en-
thusiastic and, as the Corps expanded, the
B. C. Police have played an important
part in its functioning. Not only has
the advice given been most helpful but,
as the Corps grew, personnel of every B.C.
Police detachment in British Columbia were
appointed as Official Observers of the
Corps, and they have given unstintingly of
their time and assistance on a purely volun-
tary basis. On several occasions individual
members of the B. C. Police have partici-
pated in action which has helped to save
the lives of our aircrew, and in saving air-
craft.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is

THIRTEENTH EDITION

A STupy
Vee CHLDAP yer ol

_SBFEcrs Re

R
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OVED & a Mie

Small Objects Cause Child Death Toll

A tin soldier almost caused the death of Marvin Pulver of Mason, Mich., who holds the object
for Nurse Betty Williams to see. The “trophy board’ of objects removed from the bodies of
children is kept at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where the soldier was removed from
Marvin's esophagus.
—National Safety Council Photo.

to express to you, both my personal appreci- Jack Meek served for 11 years with the
ation and that of the officers and men in B. C. Police as wireless operator and
this command for the assistance and close constable, both ashore and afloat. He put
co-operation of the B. C. Police during the in three years at McDames Creek in the
past four and a half years in the develop- Cassiar country, one of the Force’s most

ment and successful operation of Aircraft isolated posts. His parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Detection Corps.” R. H. Meek, reside at 3195 West 23rd
= Avenue, Vancouver.

BEFORE the trial commenced, the judge

looked at the defendant.

“Do you challenge any of the jury?” the
judge asked.

The fellow looked at the group of men
for a while and then replied: “I think I
can lick that little guy on the end.”

“JACK” MEEK GETS
ANOTHER GONG

BACK IN the headlines again is Flying
Officer R. J. Meek, who, not so long ago,
was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry
Medal when he navigated his bomber back
to its English base although critically
wounded by a German night fighter’s guns.
He has now been awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross. The latest citation reads:

“Since the award of the Conspicuous
Gallantry Medal, Flying Officer Meek has
completed many sorties against targets in
Germany, including four on Berlin. His
outstanding technical skill, exceptional
efficiency and gallant fortitude have won
the admiration of all members of his
squadron.”

Before joining up with the R.CAF,, “Jack” Meek

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