The first air movers and loadmasters were called kickers. On January 3rd 1945 ground crews from 435 Sqn stationed in Imphal , Burma (now called Myanmar), expressed great interest in flying with the Sqn on the C-47 Dakota aircraft, during aerial delivery missions over Burma re-supplying the 5th army. Permission to accompany combat crews on these dangerous missions was promptly granted.
So great was the response, that it was limited to 15 men per day. Even then, they could only do it on their time off. For the privilege of flying over the Burmese jungle, perched in open cargo doors, kickers were paid an additional 75 cents per day. Despite the dangers, early Loadmasters lined up to fly. It was this enthusiasm, combined with the worst kind of luck that led to the death of two of these men a few days later.
During the early part of the cold war and the Berlin airlift, our trade was called M.C.A. (Movement Control Air). Most movers at this time were from the supply trade. Tie down was ½ manilla rope, a real treat on your hands, especially if it was new. The Evans sky loader kit was used to secure 45-gallon drums.
With the introduction of the CC-119 Boxcar and North stars into the military, our airlift capability and flying, range was greatly increased. In 1959 the Yukon was brought into service with 437 Sqn with an average payload of 57,000 lbs and an increased range . In 1962, 437 Sqn moved a record load of 62,000 lbs of batteries and sonobouys into RCAF Greenwood.
On November 15th 1960, 435 Sqn accepted delivery of the first CC-130 B model Hercules. With the increased payload capability of the Herc and Yukon, the RCAF recognized the rapidly growing transportation trade, and we were to become part of it. In late 1960 the transportation Technician was born. All new personnel coming into the trades were trained in Camp Borden.
The Hercs and Yukons, greatly helped to substantiate our trade, as more and more personnel were required to fill positions, consequently our trade expanded rapidly. Between 1961 and 1969 we changed from Trans Tech to Transportation Operators to the present Traffic Tech.
In the fall of 1966 air transport command recognized our crewman and presented them with their first upswept wings, which were nicknamed the ‘Ducks Ass’. We now have a much improved set of wings that are much more representative of our trade internationally.
In 1967, Bill Forbes, Bob Rogers, Bill Bereza, Bill Wheeler, Gus Bonner, Ken Cosman, and myself began putting together and forming the first MAMS team loosely referred to as ‘Rogers Rangers.’
Now the expertise and professionalism really surfaced. Our air movements’ personnel and loadmasters became the best in the world. The task began of moving # 1 Fighter Wing from Marville France to Lahr West Germany. Soon larger military operations began to come our way. In all, " I can honestly say, ", we certainly had no problem making them all very successful, because not only did we have a professional attitude, but worked together as professionals in a well co-ordinated team.
With the formation of the Airborne Regiment, our Tactical Airlift roll greatly increased. We were heavily involved in personnel and heavy equipment paradrops; thus the Tactical Airlift school was very busy training new loadmasters for paradrops qualification.
During the 70s, the TAL school had lots of help from the USAF, out of Pope AFB. Not only did they train us on how to build and dispatch LAPES platforms, but gave us the necessary equipment to enable us to performed LAPES drops ourselves.
During every operations, involving the Airborne, we were kept exceptionally busy. Several 12 plane formations were required to airdrop them and all of their equipment. No doubt about we, we were good and considered one of the best in the world.
We’ve come a long way from kickers and ½ ‘ inch manilla rope and I certainly hope that the younger members of our trade will continue the tradition of teamwork, professionalism and dedication to the job, that was a source of pride for us in our time in the service.
A wise man, once told me, ‘‘consider yourself fortunate if you can count your true friends on one hand". I would say that each and every one of us is are fortunate for not only can we count our friends on one hand, but rather on both hands and feet and then some.
Being a member of this trade meant that did we work together, we played and grew up together, and formed a bond of friendship and caring that will last a lifetime. How many trades or professions can boast of such camaraderie?
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