David R. Weddel

We flew the circuit and I would be flying for practicing takeoffs and landings and then we began climbing to about 6,000 feet. My instructor performed perfect loops, perfect rolls, stalls, spins and recoveries. What an experienced for me. Being stationed at Oshawa [Ontario], I could now solo fly over the farm in Quinsville [Ontario], where I was born. It was great to see dad’s jersey cows in the pasture field. And a few roars from my motor brought mother out on the porch, waving her apron. Six [Avro] Ansons [airplane primarily used for training], each with instructor and student took for cottage country to practice low level evasive flying. One Anson was designated to fly a course, the other five would play follow the leader. As you may know, there are many long narrow lakes in this part of cottage country. With propellers set on fine pitch and throttles wide open, the noise was deafening. The leader flew just above the water and below the treetops. The other four Ansons followed. It must have been frightening for the cottagers. I found flying an Anson bomber from A to B quite routine, while flying a [de Havilland] Tiger Moth [airplane used for training] from A to B could be exciting, if I performed a loop or a roll or both along the way.