#6 (Jim Whitecross Squadron) in Winnipeg was formed on September 24, 1941.

It is not generally known that the first Air Cadet squadron in Canada was formed in Winnipeg by a member of the Lions Club, Albert Bennett. On leaving a meeting in Christ Church, he found the radiator ornament of his car had been damaged, and he caught two of the boys responsible. In talking to the boys, he was told that in the district around Christ Church on Henry Avenue, families were living in rooms and the boys could only play on the streets. There were no sports facilities, Boy Scout troops or other organizations to take care of them. He invited them to bring their friends to meet him at the church the following evening. Twelve attended, and The Christ Church Air Cadet Squadron was formed in October 1938. The numbers grew, and Mr. Bennett was assisted in the drilling and training program by Sid Press and Mrs. Chase.

The first monetary grant, 50 dollars, was made by the Lions Club and went to buy cloth for uniforms. The corps were outfitted with blue shirts, shoulder straps and caps at a cost of 79 cents per cadet.

A committee of Lions members were formed to assist Mr. Bennett in the work. Bob Rutherford later became Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer. Others in the early days among the Lions members who served on this committee were Bill Fleming, AI McNamara, Cliff Hudson, Ralph Misner, Ray Sweet, Bob Rutherford and Ed Vopni. Later others joined to assist:

• Al Simmons

• Herb Ford

• Pete Speirs

• Bob Webb

• Ralph Armstrong

• Don Furney

• Alex Morrison

• Brendy O'Brien

• Jonny Innes

• John Roddy

The movement grew until eventually there were over 800 cadets, divided into five nights and parades were held at Daniel Mcintyre, St. John's & Tache Collegiates and Robert H. Smith school. The name changed to Winnipeg Air Cadets in 1939. About this time, Group Captain Bonham-Carter became interested and provided officers from the RCAF to assist in the training.

The Winnipeg Evening Tribune, November 8, 1941 (Page 3)

Flying Officer Jim Whitecross