The children’s Christmas parties were huge affairs, each child was presented with a gift in suitable age category. On Christmas Day a happy festive atmosphere was created by a miniature train. It was driven round and round in the married quarters giving the children rides.

The Saturday afternoon free film show was always well patronized. Clutching 10 cents for popcorn and a soft drink in their hands children converged upon the Camp Theatre from all corners.

The Officer and Sergeant messes held hotly contested inter-sports events in soccer, volleyball and broomball. There were also varied indoor games from which the ladies were strictly excluded.

The kidnapping of PETER, the Buffalo, to McCORD Airfield, California caused quite a stir. His mysterious departure and return was of great concern to many of us. Peter came back highly decorated with medals and was ceremoniously paraded to his quarters in the Officers’ Mess.

The visits fo British Regiments enlivened the Camp. Many happy associations with the Forces from overseas were formed.

The summer concentrations of Militia and Cadet Corps were busy times for the permanent staff. The young cadets arrived in considerable numbers with shining faces and eager anticipation. When their training was completed they were homeward bound, exhausted but well on the way to complete manhood.

There were minor tragedies, happy celebrations, the occasional wedding and hilarious happenings. There were lurid sunsets over Bushy Head Lake, yapping coyotes from the training area on frosty nights, frenzied shouts from the “Kinder’s ” ball diamond on hot summer nights and canned music blended with the boisterous shouts of happy kids emanating from the ice rink near the school.

I shiver remembering the blinding blizzard which struck Camp early one winter afternoon. The civilian staff had to be released early to ensure their safe journey home. The Provost Corps did a marvelous job roping the school children together and delivering them safely to their homes. At the height of the storm one couple drove home from the HQ building to the PMQ’s and later found themselves embedded in a snow drift. To avoid a frozen demise they dug themselves out and staggered to their respective homes to be defrosted. The car was found next morning in the school yard.

Camp Wainwright was a fairly comfortable existence for families but it was tough on single personnel who suffered from a lack of feminine diversion. They frequently gave vent to their feelings with bitter corrective results. A few took the easier way out and married local girls.

It has been said that the Army is a school wherein one may learn many things. It is also a sheltered and special way of life where many friendships are formed to last a lifetime.

CAMP WAINWRIGHT, I remember you well.