Details

This is a long lost 35 minute film that JetFlix TV discovered by chance and we have digitized this gem which might be the only reel of this film in existence. The film was made in 1964, the last year of operations of the RCAF single engine Harvard trainer, which was based at CFB Penhold “The Best in the West” for initial pilot raining. Film tells about life and activities on the base in the year 1964.

This was not an RCAF government funded film, rather it was an entirely private production produced and narrated by the Station Commanding Officer of the day G/C A. M. Gardin, and it was filmed by CPL E. Lord. The film was entirely the idea of the Commanding Officer.

At first the history of the Penhold base was explained in that it was closed after the War, but new buildings were constructed in 1952 and the base was re activated for pilot training with Harvards in 1953 and pilots from many NATO and Commonwealth countries were trained there during the 1950s and 1960s.

The film explains all the aspects of living on the base, and explains about the Harvard flying activities as well. It is interesting to note that the film explains it was then the last year of Harvard operations with the new Canadair Tutor was coming into service to replace the Harvards. Without question, this is the one and only surviving print of this old film and without JetFlix having digitized the film, it would have been forever lost and the RCAF history would have been gone forever. The info sheet contained with the film read as follows:

This film portrays the location and life at RCAF Penhold in 1964, the year before the Harvard single engine piston training aircraft ceased to be used by the RCAF as a pilot trainer aircraft. This is a historical documentary film, showing a part of the life as a trainee pilot in 1964. There are no professional actors, nor is there a particular theme or story.

Inevitably, some station activities have not been included. Corporal Erik Lord, the photographer, editor, and director deserves tremendous credit for this film. He spent hours and hours of his own time filming and editing. The station personnel, far too many to be named, assisted willingly and cheerfully. G/C, A.M. Jardine, who started the project and kept it going, wanted the film to be made simply because an important part of the history of the RCAF was in danger of slipping by with no permanent record for those who follow.

Unfortunately, professional recording equipment for the soundtrack and narration was not available at RCAF Penhold for the project by the time filming was completed, and the project was running into unforeseen costs. In addition to sequences filmed on the station, this 16 mm colour film with narration and music contains some very fine aerial shots of the Rocky Mountains, the countryside in central, Alberta, and the city of Red Deer. In summary, this is a film of an RCAF Unit going about its normal duties and recreation in the year 1964.