Metz, France

1961 – Summary of Technical Events – National Archives of Canada


HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL
EVENTS OCCURRING DURING
THE PERIOD JAN 61 TO JUN 61

TECHNICAL SERVICES

The following major work projects were completed during this period:

  1. Extension to the Operations Building to make room for the telephone switchboard and frame room was completed in Mar 61.
  2. The renovation of the air conditioning system (it is still submarginal and requires additional work).
  3. The rewiring of the 110V 60 cycle electrical services.
  4. Cement flooring in the MPS-11 search radar and three FPS-6 height finders.
  5. Painting of the operations room, Officers’ and Airmen’s lounges, GTO’s and COpsO’s offices and the exterior of building R4.

Test Equipment Calibration - Van Cal visited the unit in May to recalibrate and service the test equipment in the 1 Air Division HQ area.

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

  1. PTT completed the installation of a new main distribution frame for the landline plant. Also a new power supply was installed which will deliver 50 cycle ringing power which now makes the telephone system at the unit compatible with other French systems.
  2. All mobile UHF and VHF vehicles were deactivated and returned to supply, 8 of the vans were removed from the vehicles and are being used on the unit as office and storage accommodation.

RADAR SERVICES

During this period two major modifications were installed in the Height Finders.

  1. Marconi of England commenced installation of the new transmitters (T 5030) on 22 Mar and completed them 11 Apr 61.
  2. General Electric completed the installation of the Nod limit modifications.

Also during this period General Electric overhauled the MPS-11 and the three height finders.

ORGANIZATION

On 1 Mar 61 the CTSO (F/L EA Thompson) was transferred to 1 Air Division; also during Apr the Radar Warrant Officer (FS Bitcon) was transferred to CHQ. These two transfers were without replacements and extensive reorganization was required to fill the gap introduced by their departure.