The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) located just north of Brandon holds an amazing collection of vintage aircraft and artifacts that give a glimpse into the training of the many who travelled to Brandon from around the world during the Second World War for training on aircrafts as crew members, pilots and mechanics.
"Residents from Commonwealth countries came to Canada, even individuals from the United States, and they would come up and train so that we could get a sufficient air force up and running and combat the Nazi's who had begun to invade other countries," explains Museum Executive Director Stephen Hayter.
"And so, they needed Canada to produce the bombers, the bomber crews and get them over to Europe so they could help win the battle."
During WWII, the Canadian home front was a surprisingly busy place as the country responsible for much of the munitions and vehicle manufacturing and it was also home to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which was used to train troops in the Royal Canadian Air Force, The Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Brandon was home to the #2 Manning Depot, one of the 7 locations that enlistees would go to be examined by a medical officer as well as receive multiple vaccinations. This is also where they would do basic training and receive their uniforms and standard issue items. The Air Force also had strict regulations on the way troops could style their hair.
When the war started, Brandon resident, Jack Taylor joined the RCAF and started working in Brandon's manning depot.
Jack Taylor and three other barbers worked in this shop. Aside from cutting hair and being the barbershop manager, Jack had asked every person who came through that shop to sign his book with their name, rank, registration number, and where they came from.
He started collecting signatures early on in 1941, and by the end of the war he had collected over 22,000 names from over 32 different nationalities from countries like Ireland, Jamaica, Czechoslovakia, Spain and South Africa.
His collection of scribblers is on display at the CATPM and shares valuable information on the many cultures who came together to train on the aircraft at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan site located at present day Brandon Airport.
CATPM summer employee, Seraphina Gilbert wrote a blog on the museum's website on the Barber's Book, but also on a special chalkboard that was found in the wall of Winnipeg's Greenway School that has a very special story and gives us a glimpse of the world of a student during World War II. This special chalkboard was brought to the CATPM in May of 1997 and is currently on display.
Please listen to more of my conservation with Stephen Hayter as we delve deeper into the Barber's Book and The Chalkboard.
The CATMP begins their Fall Season hours starting today. The museum is open from 1-4 pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday. Visit their website for more information. They will be closing November 12th for the winter season.
(photo credit CATMP website)