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RAID ON INDIANAPOLIS--Bringing together the greatest number of aircraft ever assembled on
one field in the State of Indiana, the CAP staged a mock air raid on Indianapolis with 147 planes
and more than 400 aircrew in exercises incident to Navy Day Recruiting, it is reported by Wing
Commander Walker W. Winslow. The Indiana Wing is getting the airport situation in the State
well under control. On Feb. 15, there was not one airport open in Indiana and by March 7, 25
were designated and operating. To aid CAP practice exercises, CAA is cooperating in issuing
waivers which will permit bombing practice, dropping of supplies by parachute, and the delivery
and pickup of messages. Definite schedules will be under way soon.
The State Guard is cooperating by furnishing facilities and instructors. Much of the military
instruction will be conducted in this manner. The Indianapolis Camera Club is working closely
with CAP in making a photographic record of matters of interest.
FROM THE PAPERS—Here are news clips about other units across the country: “An investigation of dry
lake beds and other remote areas of Nevada for possible hidden enemy air bases was ordered by Wing
Commander E. J. Questa of the Nevada Civil Air Patrol.... All Nevada pilots were ordered to stand ready
to check recent movements of non-military aircraft, sales and deliveries of aviation gasoline. Flat areas of
desert or pasture which could serve as possible air fields and objects which could serve as cover for
hangars will be scrutinized. The order urged cooperation with civil authorities and trappers, prospectors,
and cowboys who cover remote areas." Reno, New NEYADA STATE JOURNAL.
“Wartlme red tape has not interfered with flying interest. City Airport Manager Don Martin reported 175
clearances of private flights last Sunday with schedules and identifications properly met.” Detroit, Mich.,
NEWS.
“Inspection of train movement, fires by any nature, large congregations of people, as well as more
routine flights of inspection over bridges, reservoirs, or irrigation canals, besides grounding and
detention of any unidentified airplanes and pilots flying over the area among 'the duties of the Patrol.”
Boise, Idaho, STATESMAN.
"A possibility that members of the Reading Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will called to duty outside
the state is foreseen by Ernest G. Helms, Commnder.
He predicted that missions will last from one to as much as three weeks." Reading, Pa., EAGLE.
"As anyone familiar with organization work knows too well, there is a tendency to let a handful of
enthusiastic workers do all the work with the result that the bulk of the membership finds little to
interest them. Michigan Wing Commander Sheldon B. Steers is insistent that Squadron Commanders
arrange flying schedules and other activities in such a way that everyone is given a chance to
participate. Detroit, Mich., NEWS.
"An unidentified airplane dropped three flares near an Indianapolis defense plant last night, two
telephone callers reported to Walker W. Winslow, Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol. The plane
was hunted today by the CAP, the CAA, police.... Mr. Winslow announced that the Patrol has compiled
a list of 28 planes illegally stored in Indiana. He declared that a quiet crackdown would be made on
the owners of these planes which are stored in barns and on authorized airfields and have not been
dismantled.” Indianapolis, Ind., TIMES.
“Gus Gillette, manager of the Civil Aeronautics station here, gave a demonstration lecture on airplane
communication at a meeting of the Civil Air Patrol at the municipal airport here last night. Using the
plane of H. A. Smalley, Commander of the Patrol, he demonstrated the use of 2-way radio."
Beaumont. Tex., ENTERPRISE.
CIVIL AIR PATROL
CAP
OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
No. 9 BULLETIN
Washington, D.C.
March 27, 1942
Wing and Group Commanders:
NEW NATIONAL COMMANDER--With the return of Maj. Gen. John F. Curry to Denver as
commander of the Fourth District Air Corps Technical Training Command, Earle L. Johnson now
takes over as National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol.
Civil aviation is fortunate to have had Maj. Gen. Curry as its champion and leader through the
critical weeks of organization. Thoroughly believing in the practical wartime usefulness of civilian
pilots and planes, he brought many officials in Washington to realize the potentialities of the CAP
and to give the Patrol its first assignments which already have demonstrated the value of the
program.
Official confidence in the civilian leadership of the Patrol is reflected by the promotion from the
ranks which brings Mr. Johnson from the post of Executive Officer to full command. The Office of
Civilian Defense has cooperated wholeheartedly at every step of the program. Provision for
financing the Civil Air Patrol is now being considered by the Budget Bureau after hearings and
studies.
(For further details as to the change in command, see the OCD press statement herewith. )
COURIER SERVICE FOR THE ARMY—At an Army air field recently, the control tower was reluctant
to permit the landing of a small, private plane bearing the unfamiliar emblem of a three-bladed
propeller within a triangle and circle. The pilot kept insisting that he was sent by the Civil Air Patrol with
cargo to deliver at the field. After the little ship had circled a few times, it was allowed to land.
The pilot astonished the welcoming committee of armed guards by unloading a consignment weighing
hundreds of pounds.
"Did you bring all that!”, an officer exclaimed on arriving at the plane.
"We have been using bombers for loads that size."
Before the CAP airplane took off, another Army post had became warmly enthusiastic about the
services of the Civil Air Patrol. As courier operations of this type are developed, dozens of Army bases
already have received service which releases military planes and aircrew for more important duties.
An experimental 30-day test of courier service, now being conducted at the Middletown, Pa., Air Depot by the
Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, already has proven highly successful. According to a report to Earle L.
Johnson, National Commander of the CAP, from Pennsylvania Wing Commander William L. Anderson, more than
one million pound-miles of Army cargo were flown in the first ten days of the mission, despite bad weather.
Five planes were based at the Harrisburg Airport, six miles away. Pilots were on the alert from 7:00 a.m. and
were able to report at the Middletown Air Depot within 15 minutes of notification of a trip. In addition to cargo
missions, an Army officer whose plane was incapable of flight was carried a considerable distance by one of the
CAP ships.
Trips were made to points as far distant as Georgia and South Carolina. The experiment has made it possible to
get the bugs out of the preliminary plans. According to Wing Commander Anderson's report, "The response at all
Army fields has been enthusiastic and officers promised to make additional use of the Civil Air Patrol as they
become more familiar with its functions."
.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 9
ANTI-AIRCRAFT PRACTICE--A test of anti-aircraft units was successfully completed recently by
the Illinois Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, according to a report from Wing Commander Jack Vilas.
Since Army planes were not available for training maneuvers, the Anti-aircraft Training Center at
Fort Sheridan, Ill., requested that the CAP cooperate in training exercises.
Several ground units went out from the fort to an area where they could spread out and simulate
anti-aircraft defense. Gun emplacements and observation posts were set up. Then came a surprise
flight of three CAP planes which circled the area at low altitudes while the men on the ground took
cover and aimed the ack-acks. The mission was performed despite a snowstorm which blew in just
at the time, although simulated dive bombings had to be cancelled because of weather.
IOWA CRACKS DOWN ON NO-SHOWS--The Iowa Wing is among those issuing a regular CAP
Bulletin. They are getting tough out there on members who don't turn out for meetings. The
current issue of the Iowa publication advises units commanders to ask members, after unexcused
and unexplained absences, to report whether they wish to remain active in the Patrol. If there is
no response, it is recommended that their CAP identification cards be taken away from them.
AIRLINE COOPERATION--C. R. Smith, President of American Airlines, has sent the following
memorandum to all his pilots and supervisory personnel:
"The company is in accord with the objectives of the Office of Civilian Defense and of the Civil Air Patrol.
It has been and is our policy to encourage and aid in the effectiveness of the work undertaken therein.
whether or not you should become a member of the CAP is a determination which we leave to your own
good judgment. The requirements and opportunities of direct participation vary in different localities and
communities, dependent upon the facilities available and the objectives undertaken.
"If it is your belief that you can be of aid to the war program by participating in the Civil Air Patrol in your
community, you are entirely liberty to do so.
Whether you participate directly or not, any aid and encouragement which you can offer will be
appreciated."
YOUR PHONE NUMBERS,-National headquarters must be kept up to date in its listings of all CAP
unit officers--their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Earlier in the week we had to do some fast
phoning in order to locate skilled men for a particular assignment. In some cases it was hard to get the
calls through. Be sure we have your home and office number so we can reach you day or night.
The particular reason for this week's phoning was:
MECHANICS AND RADIO MEN--When the Patrol has occasion to operate a number of its
planes on an assignment, the presence of at least one good A & E mechanic and one radio
technician, capable both of operating and repairing 2-way radio equipment, is
indispensable. CAP Squadrons whose complement has not been filled in this regard should
make special efforts to find skilled men. If local volunteers are not sufficiently expert steps
should be taken to train men. Garage mechanics should be brought in to operate ground
sets during practice maneuvers so they can learn control tower procedures and be able to
participate in real missions.
one field in the State of Indiana, the CAP staged a mock air raid on Indianapolis with 147 planes
and more than 400 aircrew in exercises incident to Navy Day Recruiting, it is reported by Wing
Commander Walker W. Winslow. The Indiana Wing is getting the airport situation in the State
well under control. On Feb. 15, there was not one airport open in Indiana and by March 7, 25
were designated and operating. To aid CAP practice exercises, CAA is cooperating in issuing
waivers which will permit bombing practice, dropping of supplies by parachute, and the delivery
and pickup of messages. Definite schedules will be under way soon.
The State Guard is cooperating by furnishing facilities and instructors. Much of the military
instruction will be conducted in this manner. The Indianapolis Camera Club is working closely
with CAP in making a photographic record of matters of interest.
FROM THE PAPERS—Here are news clips about other units across the country: “An investigation of dry
lake beds and other remote areas of Nevada for possible hidden enemy air bases was ordered by Wing
Commander E. J. Questa of the Nevada Civil Air Patrol.... All Nevada pilots were ordered to stand ready
to check recent movements of non-military aircraft, sales and deliveries of aviation gasoline. Flat areas of
desert or pasture which could serve as possible air fields and objects which could serve as cover for
hangars will be scrutinized. The order urged cooperation with civil authorities and trappers, prospectors,
and cowboys who cover remote areas." Reno, New NEYADA STATE JOURNAL.
“Wartlme red tape has not interfered with flying interest. City Airport Manager Don Martin reported 175
clearances of private flights last Sunday with schedules and identifications properly met.” Detroit, Mich.,
NEWS.
“Inspection of train movement, fires by any nature, large congregations of people, as well as more
routine flights of inspection over bridges, reservoirs, or irrigation canals, besides grounding and
detention of any unidentified airplanes and pilots flying over the area among 'the duties of the Patrol.”
Boise, Idaho, STATESMAN.
"A possibility that members of the Reading Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will called to duty outside
the state is foreseen by Ernest G. Helms, Commnder.
He predicted that missions will last from one to as much as three weeks." Reading, Pa., EAGLE.
"As anyone familiar with organization work knows too well, there is a tendency to let a handful of
enthusiastic workers do all the work with the result that the bulk of the membership finds little to
interest them. Michigan Wing Commander Sheldon B. Steers is insistent that Squadron Commanders
arrange flying schedules and other activities in such a way that everyone is given a chance to
participate. Detroit, Mich., NEWS.
"An unidentified airplane dropped three flares near an Indianapolis defense plant last night, two
telephone callers reported to Walker W. Winslow, Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol. The plane
was hunted today by the CAP, the CAA, police.... Mr. Winslow announced that the Patrol has compiled
a list of 28 planes illegally stored in Indiana. He declared that a quiet crackdown would be made on
the owners of these planes which are stored in barns and on authorized airfields and have not been
dismantled.” Indianapolis, Ind., TIMES.
“Gus Gillette, manager of the Civil Aeronautics station here, gave a demonstration lecture on airplane
communication at a meeting of the Civil Air Patrol at the municipal airport here last night. Using the
plane of H. A. Smalley, Commander of the Patrol, he demonstrated the use of 2-way radio."
Beaumont. Tex., ENTERPRISE.
CIVIL AIR PATROL
CAP
OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
No. 9 BULLETIN
Washington, D.C.
March 27, 1942
Wing and Group Commanders:
NEW NATIONAL COMMANDER--With the return of Maj. Gen. John F. Curry to Denver as
commander of the Fourth District Air Corps Technical Training Command, Earle L. Johnson now
takes over as National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol.
Civil aviation is fortunate to have had Maj. Gen. Curry as its champion and leader through the
critical weeks of organization. Thoroughly believing in the practical wartime usefulness of civilian
pilots and planes, he brought many officials in Washington to realize the potentialities of the CAP
and to give the Patrol its first assignments which already have demonstrated the value of the
program.
Official confidence in the civilian leadership of the Patrol is reflected by the promotion from the
ranks which brings Mr. Johnson from the post of Executive Officer to full command. The Office of
Civilian Defense has cooperated wholeheartedly at every step of the program. Provision for
financing the Civil Air Patrol is now being considered by the Budget Bureau after hearings and
studies.
(For further details as to the change in command, see the OCD press statement herewith. )
COURIER SERVICE FOR THE ARMY—At an Army air field recently, the control tower was reluctant
to permit the landing of a small, private plane bearing the unfamiliar emblem of a three-bladed
propeller within a triangle and circle. The pilot kept insisting that he was sent by the Civil Air Patrol with
cargo to deliver at the field. After the little ship had circled a few times, it was allowed to land.
The pilot astonished the welcoming committee of armed guards by unloading a consignment weighing
hundreds of pounds.
"Did you bring all that!”, an officer exclaimed on arriving at the plane.
"We have been using bombers for loads that size."
Before the CAP airplane took off, another Army post had became warmly enthusiastic about the
services of the Civil Air Patrol. As courier operations of this type are developed, dozens of Army bases
already have received service which releases military planes and aircrew for more important duties.
An experimental 30-day test of courier service, now being conducted at the Middletown, Pa., Air Depot by the
Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, already has proven highly successful. According to a report to Earle L.
Johnson, National Commander of the CAP, from Pennsylvania Wing Commander William L. Anderson, more than
one million pound-miles of Army cargo were flown in the first ten days of the mission, despite bad weather.
Five planes were based at the Harrisburg Airport, six miles away. Pilots were on the alert from 7:00 a.m. and
were able to report at the Middletown Air Depot within 15 minutes of notification of a trip. In addition to cargo
missions, an Army officer whose plane was incapable of flight was carried a considerable distance by one of the
CAP ships.
Trips were made to points as far distant as Georgia and South Carolina. The experiment has made it possible to
get the bugs out of the preliminary plans. According to Wing Commander Anderson's report, "The response at all
Army fields has been enthusiastic and officers promised to make additional use of the Civil Air Patrol as they
become more familiar with its functions."
.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 9
ANTI-AIRCRAFT PRACTICE--A test of anti-aircraft units was successfully completed recently by
the Illinois Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, according to a report from Wing Commander Jack Vilas.
Since Army planes were not available for training maneuvers, the Anti-aircraft Training Center at
Fort Sheridan, Ill., requested that the CAP cooperate in training exercises.
Several ground units went out from the fort to an area where they could spread out and simulate
anti-aircraft defense. Gun emplacements and observation posts were set up. Then came a surprise
flight of three CAP planes which circled the area at low altitudes while the men on the ground took
cover and aimed the ack-acks. The mission was performed despite a snowstorm which blew in just
at the time, although simulated dive bombings had to be cancelled because of weather.
IOWA CRACKS DOWN ON NO-SHOWS--The Iowa Wing is among those issuing a regular CAP
Bulletin. They are getting tough out there on members who don't turn out for meetings. The
current issue of the Iowa publication advises units commanders to ask members, after unexcused
and unexplained absences, to report whether they wish to remain active in the Patrol. If there is
no response, it is recommended that their CAP identification cards be taken away from them.
AIRLINE COOPERATION--C. R. Smith, President of American Airlines, has sent the following
memorandum to all his pilots and supervisory personnel:
"The company is in accord with the objectives of the Office of Civilian Defense and of the Civil Air Patrol.
It has been and is our policy to encourage and aid in the effectiveness of the work undertaken therein.
whether or not you should become a member of the CAP is a determination which we leave to your own
good judgment. The requirements and opportunities of direct participation vary in different localities and
communities, dependent upon the facilities available and the objectives undertaken.
"If it is your belief that you can be of aid to the war program by participating in the Civil Air Patrol in your
community, you are entirely liberty to do so.
Whether you participate directly or not, any aid and encouragement which you can offer will be
appreciated."
YOUR PHONE NUMBERS,-National headquarters must be kept up to date in its listings of all CAP
unit officers--their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Earlier in the week we had to do some fast
phoning in order to locate skilled men for a particular assignment. In some cases it was hard to get the
calls through. Be sure we have your home and office number so we can reach you day or night.
The particular reason for this week's phoning was:
MECHANICS AND RADIO MEN--When the Patrol has occasion to operate a number of its
planes on an assignment, the presence of at least one good A & E mechanic and one radio
technician, capable both of operating and repairing 2-way radio equipment, is
indispensable. CAP Squadrons whose complement has not been filled in this regard should
make special efforts to find skilled men. If local volunteers are not sufficiently expert steps
should be taken to train men. Garage mechanics should be brought in to operate ground
sets during practice maneuvers so they can learn control tower procedures and be able to
participate in real missions.