A crowd, estimated anywhere from five to ten thousand people, visited Mountain View air station, Sunday afternoon. Not only was every part of Prince Edward County represented, but points fifty miles distant.

It was an afternoon that will not soon be forgotten, providing as it did an opportunity to see an important station at work—equipment that is contributing much to victory—revealing why billions of dollars must be loaned in Victory Bonds.

The “open house” was part of the Victory Loan campaign and should stir hundreds of late investors to action.

Group Captain R. C. Ripley, officers and men, had made arrangements which were smoothly and efficiently carried out and every section of the station was visited by the groups, each in charge of a guide.

On the taxi strips were lined many aircraft, some coming and going, for training here goes on seven days a week, night and day. In one hangar were a number of Lysanders. Several Bolingbroke bombers were also on display. These but built up interest which reached a climax when the huge Lancaster Bomber was reached. Though the tail and the 100-foot wings had been removed, the immense size and the great space for carrying loads of bombs were noted. This aircraft (costing $180,000) had been in action over-seas, damage testifying to this. Hundreds had the privilege of walking through it, noting the aluminum framework, the intricate fittings, etc.

The Spitfire appeared pint-size beside this monster but its speed and fire-power must not be forgotten.

Also on display was a Lockheed Hudson passenger plane and a good deal of vital equipment.

Guns in Action

In actual gunnery practice visitors saw gunners blazing away with their twin 30-calibre machine guns on the target practice range. Seated in the replica of a revolving gun turret airmen blasted away at their special target bearing the picture of a German Junker-88 aircraft. The target silhouette is of a size to compare with the perspective of the German fighter plane at a distance of 500 yards. In addition to the realism presented through the rattle of machine gun fire, blazing tracers could be followed by the eye as they zipped into the firing pit.

But airmen get other gunnery practice than with the regulation 30-calibre machine gun. Duck hunters and other sportsmen got a thrill seeing airmen trap-shooting clay pigeons with several of the boys attaining almost perfect scores as they neatly plugged the discs of clay at almost every shot.

Link Trainer

One of the most interesting features was the demonstration of the Link Trainer, though the occupant never leaves the ground, he has all the sensations of flying.

The Link Trainer is a box-like contrivance, shaped like an aeroplane, that moves up, down, sideways and around very much like a plane in the air. It can spin and dive and even crash, and is sometimes so realistic as to make the nervous squeamy and sick. Moving about on its sockets inside a circular room with mountains, lakes and fields painted on the walls, the Link Trainer all but puts a man into the air.

Visits to the recreation hall, the airman’s canteen, the sleeping quarters and the messes revealed how the airmen and airwomen live.

A long walk finally resulted in a visit to the Airmen’s Mess where Padre Hamilton was on hand to give a welcome. Here, a refreshing cup of tea, sandwiches, cookies and doughnuts were passed. Though the crowd exceeded all expectations, the staff here overcame all difficulties and their hospitality was greatly appreciated.

All too soon, visitors found themselves at the main gate where the Airforce flag and Victory Loan flag waved in the breeze, Here too, was the billboard showing the bond purchases of the station personnel—lsome $160,000 and the thermometer still going up!

In passing were noted the many buildings, the efforts to improve the grounds by seeding and with flowers and shrubs. Several thousand trees were set out on the grounds last week.

Columns could be written on all that was seen. To the entire personnel, the courteous guides, and all concerned, go sincere thanks. Now, some thousands have a better idea “where the money goes”, and why it is necessary to buy Victory Bonds.