1950-1959

World — June 25, 1950

The Korean War begins.

1951

Locomotives were being converted from coal to diesel. Liquid fuel tanks were installed in the railway roundhouse in Rivers, Manitoba.

Manitoba — 1951

28 crews consisting of 140 men were employed on the railway line between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Melville, Saskatchewan.

1951

25-year-old James White lost both legs to a train accident.

Manitoba — 1951

Manitoba Hospital Districts formed. Ivan Scultz, Minister of Health, made the expansion of hospital services a priority.

World — February 6, 1952

Queen Elizabeth II became Queen following the death of her father, King George VI.

1953

At Rivers, Manitoba, the railway company's pile of steam coal was removed.

Canada — February 1953

By mid-February, diesel power reduced the running time of trains from Winnipeg to Edmonton by several hours. The time was soon cut by almost a day.

World — June 2, 1953

Queen Elizabeth was crowned on Westminster Abbey.

August 1953

The Basic Helicopter Training Unit (BHTU) was established at Rivers, Manitoba, initially to train RCAF pilots. It became the first tri-service flying training unit in Canada. The base later became the country's main para-training centre for army, navy and air force personnel.