University Air Training Corps

Name: University Air Training Corps, No. 11 University of New Brunswick Squadron.

Previous/other names: U.A.T.C.

Prominent date(s) of activity: Fall 1942 -

History: University Air Training Corps (U.A.T.C.) squadrons were set up in several universities across the country and, under government regulations, were part of the Reserve of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Students that were planning on enlisting with Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) upon the completion of their course were encouraged to train with the U.A.T.C. instead of the C.O.T.C., with the benefit of avoiding the Manning Depot basic training upon enlisting in the R.C.A.F. and pass directly to more advanced training.

Activities: Those enrolled in the U.A.T.C. underwent two years of prescribed training that included, in its first year, lessons in morse code, air navigation, aircraft recognition, First Aid, followed by a year of practical training equivalent to that learned at Manning Depots and the Initial Training School. During the summer months, the squadron attended a training camp at an active Royal Canadian Air Force training station.

Those enrolled in the U.A.T.C. travelled to Moncton for a training camp at No. 8 S.F.T.S. in the spring of 1943.

Note(s):

Source(s):

• The Brunswickan, vol. 62, no. 6, 30 October 1942, p. 1.
• Up the Hill, 1943, War Effort.

© UNB Archives & Special Collections, 2014