Seven leading Air Cadets praised by Mayor Fournier

Leading Air Cadets in their respective courses — representing from 1,500 to 2,000 cadets on the Island -- were highly praised by Mayor Sarto Fournier for their willingness to prepare themselves now for the outbreak of possible future hostilities.

Occasion was the annual dinner of the Air Cadet League of Canada, held in the R.C.A.F. Officers' Mess in St. Hubert following the League's annual meeting, and at-

tended by ranking air officers.

"You have but recently won your wings." His Worship declared, "and while nobody can foresee the future we all know that, should the occasion arise, you will prove faithful to the heritage of your predecessors, those men who in the past war gave wings to liberty."

The League's first president, Hon. G. B. Foster. QC, MLA, recalled that when the League had been formed the objective was a membership of but 10,000 and few would have envisioned its present membership of 25,000 — with what amounts to a waiting list. Other speakers included C. Douglas Taylor, MBE, honorary president of the League, and Fred Goss of the St. Lawrence Kiwanis Club. Rene Gauthier, QC was in the chair. Distinguished guests included Air Vice Marshal M. R. MacBrien, Air Vice Marshal Frank McGill, and Air Commodore E. M. Reyno.

One member of 69 Squadron, Verdun, two members of 588 Squadron, Canadair, and two members of 592 Squadron, Canadair, were among the seven leading cadets present.

They were:

Warrant Officer John Wagner, 17, of 192 Fourth Avenue, Ville LaSalle. Warrant Officer Wagner placed first in the Flying Training Course, is attached to Squadron No. 69, Verdun.

Flight Sergeant Gunther Gottgetreu, 17, of 9883 Lalande Street, Pierrefonds, who placed second in the Flying Training Course. He is attached to No. 588 Squadron. Canadair.

Flight Sergeant William H. Hood, 17, of 665 Gratton Street, Saint Laurent. Flight Sergeant Hood, who placed third in the Flying Training Course, is attached to No. 592 Squadron, Canadair.

Sergeant Terence Colfer, 16, of 315 Pine Beach Road, Dorval. Sergeant Colfer, who is attached to No. 592 Squadron, Canadair, graduated at the head of the Senior Leaders' Course. More

Flight Sergeant Leho Proos, 18, of 6667 Trans Island Boulevard. Flight Sergeant Proos, who is attached to No. 588 Squadron, Canadair, graduated at the head of the Drill Instructors Course.

Graduates of the Flying Training Course, which cover eight weeks at the Montreal Flying Club, emerge with private pilot's licensees. Graduates of the o t h e r courses, which cover six weeks at Camp Borden, are entitled to enter the Air Force with higher ranks than untrained recruits.

There are an estimated 6,300 Air Cadets in the Province of Quebec.