The Life and Times of Hubert Brooks M.C. C.D. A Canadian Hero

Chapter 7: RETURN TO CANADA FROM M.R.E.S. & AFHQ OTTAWA

I arrived back in Canada at R.C.A.F. Station Rockcliffe Ontario on 8–Aug–1947.

I was immediately given 4 weeks holidays accumulated from my M.R.E.S. activities.
During this holiday break I informed my mother, sister and friends about my engagement to Bea.

I returned to work on 9–September–1947.

Following my return the R.C.A.F. had a serious conversation with me about my career:

• Although they could not offer me a permanent commission at this time, as permanent openings had not been identified for me, they were prepared to offer me a SSC (short service commission) of term 5 years. The SSC designation would effectively transfer me from the Special Reserve over to the "Regular" force. Although I had hoped for a permanent commission, I was nonetheless pleased with this. This would be effective 1–October–1947.

• Further the R.C.A.F. would "promote" me on 1–October–1947 from Temporary Flying Officer to Flying Officer on 1^st October with seniority retroactive to 7–July–1947.
  My S/L aspirations would simply have to wait.

• Finally and of equal importance, the R.C.A.F. was willing to develop a career path for me in the Intelligence field. I was very excited about this! Once again the R.C.A.F. had come through and found a manner in which I could pursue my career ambitions.

AFHQ OTTAWA

I was transferred 30–Sept–1947 to Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ) Ottawa taking a position with the DIA – Directorate of Intelligence Air Force (RCAF).

No sooner had I settled in the DIA at AFHQ then the R.C.A.F. came to me with another special assignment that very much appealed to another "interest" I was passionate about.

This concerned the R.C.A.F.Flyers hockey team and the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz Switzerland.

As a result of this development, on the personal level, Bea and I started to see a plan emerging as to the when and where of our wedding.

Photo Sent To Fiancé Birthe Grontved October 1947
PHOTO Courtesy: Hubert Brooks Private Collection

The Life and Times of Hubert Brooks M.C. C.D.