Exercise GOLDBRAID was a full-scale exercise by 3rd Canadian Division at Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester, at the end of March 1944. All units under the command of 102 Beach Sub Area took part.
J. J. Carey who was the Brigade Major of 102 Beach Sub Area wrote:
“This was the most valuable exercise we had…… All personnel passed through the Concentration Area and Marshalling Area, embarked, and landed across the beaches. Unfortunately, bad weather stopped the exercise before it was completed, though most of the troops got ashore.”
Private Papers of Lieutenant Colonel J. J. Carey MBE (Imperial War Museum Ref. P182)
The whole of No. 2 R.A.F. Beach Unit was involved in this Exercise from 26th March to 31st March 1944. Sections of the Unit were visited by the Air Officer i/c Administration, 2nd Tactical Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal T.W. Elmhirst, C.B.E, A.F.C. and the Air Officer Administration, No. 83 Group, Air Commodore G.R. Montgomery together with the Air Ministry Establishments Committee.
It was because of experience gained in Exercise GOLDBRAID that the R.A.F. Beach Balloon Units were reorganised into Squadrons.