101 Squadron                                                                  Russ Hellberg                                                       

101 Squadron celebrates Battle of Britain 2004.
 Bob Hemphill, our regular reporter, is away checking out distilleries in Scotland and Ireland so I am picking up that task this edition. We have had a busy three months since the last Contrails. On 5 June, we hosted our annual pig roast celebrating D Day. On the 1 July, the Squadron acted as loadmasters for the Young Eagles at the Port McNeill flying club then helped the Lions conduct a bingo that evening. On the 18 of July, we hosted an appreciation supper for Brian and Jan form Great Britain who tracked down the Wardlow Brothers for us. Our past President Dave Gage attended the change of command from Col Price to Col Ambler. The month was rounded out by a visit from Bob Cook (Buckwheat) who had just returned from Bosnia.
 We plan to have representatives at the Air Cadet Parade on the 19 Aug and then at the Pacific Command AGM 20-21 Aug. September is shaping up to be a busy month. We are doing our Smugglers Inn Fish and Chips food booth at the Fall Fair on 11-12. Then 101 (North Island) Squadron will be celebrating its seventh Annual Charter Ball/Battle of Britain Ceremony on September 18-19. This year should be the best yet. Pacific Coastal Airlines has given us permission to hold the semi-formal portion of the ceremonies, Cocktails, Dinner and Speeches, in their World War II hanger. While the Squadron is relatively young, our town is celebrating its 1OOth anniversary this year and construction of the Port Hardy Airport started in 1941, just after the Battle of Britain. It should be the ideal location to celebrate and remember what our Battle of Britain aviators and ground crew did for our freedom 64 years ago. There will be Grumman Goose and DeHavilland Beaver aircraft on display and the hanger will have a nostalgic WWII atmosphere about it. The Guest Speaker is a renowned aviator; Daryl Smith, CEO of Pacific Coastal Airlines. He will cover the history of the great airline that services our communities as well as his flying career. After the semi formal portion is finished, it is time to get casual and network at the Airport Inn Pub. Donna is bringing in some excellent entertainment to round out a great evening.
The next morning we will have our dawn patrol breakfast at the Sportsman and then our Battle of Britain Parade at the Cenotaph complete with piper, bugler and a flyby. It will be a great time to renew old friendships and make new ones while enjoying 101's legendary North Island hospitality. Tickets will go on sale August 1st at the bar at 888 Wing and from Russ Hellberg 902-1234. Cost is $25.00 a head. Mark your appointment book now. 
There are only 13 rooms available at the Airport Inn so book now. 1 888 218-2224.