Recollections: The clothes make the man

Manning Depot No. 2, Brandon, Manitoba
[Source: Manitoba Historical Society]

Brandon's Manning Depot No. 2 was part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. New recruits from across western Canada assembled at this depot, originally the city's Winter Fair Building, on Eleventh Street at Victoria Avenue. During their two to four weeks there, the young men learned precision drills, and received physical training and general outfitting before being sorted into three training classes: Pilots, Air Observers, or Air Gunners.

An article entitled "Aviation Types" published in the Depot's The Airman's Post of May 1941 explains why colourblind recruits (like Dad) would be unfit for aircrew:

The eyes should be perfect or rendered so by a slight lens correction. There can be no color blindness, for keen vision is essential in determining terrain for landing, night flying, bombing, and in distinguishing military objectives at high altitudes. The glare of the sun from desert, water, and snow; rapid variations in oxygen tension; extremes in temperature and weather; and the roar of the motor all tend to aggravate any weak condition in the near-well individual and may even affect the normal pilot. This stress is tremendously increased during wartime flying.

Another article, in a January 1941 edition, explains to recruits the process of being outfitted with their RCAF uniforms:

From Civilian Into Airman

I would like to give your readers a picture of the transformation of a civilian into an airman.

After passing through the Record and Pay Offices where the civilian signs his documents, he is directed to the Clothing Stores, where he will receive his complete kit, comprising thirty-nine pieces in all. Nine at a time is how we work our production line, that is nine men are issued with boots, uniforms, etc., but this is where the recruit makes his first breach. Not accustomed to discipline they crowd around the counter, each trying to be outfitted first and are heedless to the frequent requests of the N.C.O.'s to keep in line, stop talking and pay attention. Yet it must be admitted the results are generally poor as most of them go on ignoring the N.C.O.'s and the only ones that are quiet are so by nature.

Ads for shoes and tailored officers' uniforms from retailers like Eaton's and Holt Renfrew were plentiful in RCAF publications. This one is from a Brandon retailer.

I will give you a daily occurrence in the main departments. The recruits are first issued with their boots and our very capable boot fitters very often do not like to have their judgment doubted. It is to be admitted of course that there is a difference between issue boots and what is required today for jitterbugging. The fitter will reassure himself the boots fit by having the recruit walk about in them. The recruit invariably asks if he must wear those boots and he gets the inevitable answer that they are more comfortable for eight hours daily drill than patent leather shoes.

"Ouch, my feet!" rang true for Murray Fraser, who was issued footwear that was too small. An ingrown toenail -- his only war wound -- required surgery.

After gathering some of his minor effects such as a housewife [sewing kit], holdall for his brushes, comb and razors, come the shirts.

We have a wide range of shirts from size fourteen to seventeen and a half inclusive and the usual question asked the recruit is what size he wears. A good percentage will say they don't know and here again they have to be fitted. As a rule they express doubt as to the fit of the shirt, some even stating they always had theirs tailored but always leave satisfied with two warm flannel shirts a half size large to allow for shrinkage.

You may notice by this time that the recruit is changing rapidly as he seems quicker when he is reminded to remain in line and more willing to co-operate.

At this point the eager recruit is fitted with his uniform which is the biggest problem faced by the Stores personnel. Sometimes the recruit is unhappy, thinking his uniform is not snug enough. However after a few weeks of regular hours, good food and outdoor exercise he wishes his uniform were a little larger to allow for the extra weight he has added. Not infrequently he will return to the Stores and request an exchange for a larger uniform.

Lastly the recruit receives his great coat and his kit is now complete and each piece is stamped with his regimental number.

He is now fitted out for his new life in the R.C.A.F. and will go proudly on his way, probably playing a direct part in smashing the little German Corporal and his henchmen.

Flgt. Sgt. Racine
Brandon, 1940

--*--*--*--