Metz, France

1 Jun 61

Exercise Roulette 38/61 effective 1200Z

Exercise Roulette 38/61 fade out

Players message received by Salesman commencing Exercise Co-Op.

MC E was diverted to investigate SOS in HF 4040, aircraft in distress was Indigo Apache (USAF) under Bitburg Control, recovering at Bitburg AFB

Track number 79L, a Canadian T-33 was observed penetrating the ADIZ in KF 5030, the T-33 was intercepted by CK W and CK U and escorted to base. SB T was scrambled live to investigate a SOS over Zweibrucken. The aircraft in distress was a RCAF T-33 with no radios. The aircraft landed at Zweibrucken and the Zulu aircraft that were scrambled returned to base.

Exercise Roulette 41/61 effective.

Exercise Roulette 41/61 fade out.

Exercise NATO Wide received.

Exercise Roulette 42/61 effective.

Exercise Roulette 42/61 fade out

A message was received from 4ATAF HQ, regarding travel in France, stating that the highways in France would be closed from 0500Z to 1200Z 21 Jun 61. The farmers are striking demanding higher prices for their products. Personnel were advised not to travel if at all possible.

Exercise Roulette 43/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 43/61 fade out

Exercise Roulette 44/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 44/61 fade out

SOS. Canadian Air Force jet 607 (1 T-33) on a night navigation exercise, became lost when experiencing gyrosyn compass trouble. Jet 607 declared an emergency using IFF in JB3555 which is in Switzerland, Yellowjack contacted 607 on guard frequency and assisted it to 2 (F) Wing. Jet 607 landed safely at 2350Z.

Exercise Super Chief 11/61 was played.

Salesman was advised that General De Gaulle will be visiting the Metz area between the 28 Jun and the 2 Jul 61. All 1 Air Div aircraft will remain on the ground during this period. The zulu aircraft will hold state and be on hot and live scrambles only. The only other flying to take place will do so with special permission and no RCAF fighters will overfly France.

SOS. JL F became short on fuel while on a cine exercise. Yellowjack made contact over Mannheimand assisted JL F to 4 (F) Wing.

Exercise Super Chief 12/61 was played.

Exercise Super Chief 13/61 was played

YJ advised SM that HS E lead was crashed in the St Avold area. The necessary crash action was taken by SM.

Exercise Roulette 46/61 fade out.

HS E2 is squawking four (IFF) to enable YJ to pinpoint the crash scene of HS E lead. SB R was scrambled to the crash scene, to act as spotter because HS E2 was returning to base short on fuel. The search and rescue helicopter (USAF) scrambled from Ramstein force landed in a field while on route to the crash scene, so another helicopter is airborne out of Spangdahlem. The first helicopter got airborne again at 1510Z so now both helicopters are proceeding to the scene. One helicopter proceeded to 2 (F) Wing and departed again at 1533Z with the advance party on board. At 1600Z 4ATAF advised SM that the US Army helicopter had landed at the crash scene and both pilot and navigator are in the aircraft, deceased. F/O Partington pilot and F/O Thiessen navigator.

Two French F-84Fs crashed somewhere in FD and YJ was involved in liaison between Rampart (South COC) and Moselle ATC.

Exercise Roulette 47/61 cancelled for today. 2 (F) Wing tower reported a large explosion in Bombholder area. At 0940Z SM was advised that the explosion was a USAF F-100. No further details. 2 (F) Wing closed until further notice because T-33 371 undercarriage folded up on landing. SOS in Hd0402 Canadian CF-100 RB T #1 on one engine carrying out a single engine GCI/GCA approach under YJ control at 2 (F) Wing. Landed safely at 1320Z.

Exercise Super Chief 14/61 was played. USAF bail out over 2 (F) Wing, USAF F100 #6851 from Lakenheath, England, both pilots ejected safely.

YJ controlling a USAF F-100 with an electrical emergency, the aircraft is recovering at Bitburg, AFB. Exercise NATO Wide Awake was played.

Early warning condition reported on the SS Net (4ATAF). Area 26. Condition 240. Early condition report; area 26, condition 000.

Exercise Roulette 48/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 48/61 fade out.

3 (F) Wing advises SM that their runway is closed because RB 17 on returning from air test, caught fire on the runway. Both aircrew escaped uninjured, but the aircraft burnt completely.

Exercise Super Chief 15/61 was played

SOS. YJ reports that SBU #1 has lost his canopy 10 miles east of 3 (F) Wing. It was later confirmed that SBU #1 had not lost the canopy, it had slid back on the rails but not come off. SBU #1 landed safely at 3 (F) Wing at 1740Z.

Exercise Roulette 49/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 49/61 fade out

Exercise Gun Talk effective

Exercise Gun Talk fade out

SOS. HS H#3 lost both fuselage transfer pumps.

HS H#3 has a double flame out.

HS H#3 has both engines relit

HS H#3 landed safely at 1 (F) Wing

SOS. HT F#2 lost his main hydraulics. YJ is carrying out a GCI/GCA at 3 (F) Wing. HT F#2 down safely at 1140Z

3 (F) Wing tower advised SM that a CF-100 (RB P #1) has crashed six miles south east of 3 (F) Wing, the aircrew have ejected safely. The search and rescue helicopter is airborne. The helicopter is down at 3 (F) Wing with the aircrew on board.

SOS. SG 1 and CK 0 are investigating a SOS 75 miles north of YJ. The aircraft in distress was a USAF F-100 requiring no assistance.

General Landon, Commander 4ATAF, visited COC. Live scramble, YD V was scrambled live to Boxcar Control to investigate an aircraft in right hand pattern in FC 5050. Boxcar control advised SM that the aircraft in the distress pattern had faded and YD V is returning to base.

Exercise Super Chief 16/61 was played Live diversion. YD X and YD Y were diverted from zulu practice intercepts to investigate an unknown (Track No. U 12) in KD5040. The unknown was identified as a Scandinavian Air service Caravelle.

Exercise Roulette 52/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 52/61 fade out

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 240

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 000

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 240

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 000

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 240

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 000

Exercise Roulette 53/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 53/61 fade out

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 241

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 000

29 Aug 61

Pan Emergency. RB P #1 declared a pan emergency, with hydraulic failure. RB P #1 landed safely at 3 (F) Wing at 0906Z.

YJ controlled a USAF F100 over Toul Rossiere AFB. The aircraft declared an emergency with partial radio failure. The aircraft landed safely at Toul AFB

Exercise Roulette 54/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 54/61 fade out

St J and St K scrambled for YJ to escort the first CC-106 (callsign ) 930, enroute Trenton to Marville. The intercept was completed at 1124Z in EE 3515 and the escort was carried out to 1 (F) Wing. SOS. RB P #2 experienced hydraulic trouble, and is returning to 3 (F) Wing. RB P #2 landed safely at 2100Z.

Exercise Super Chief was played.

SM received an inquiry from 4 ATAF regarding a German Air Force F104 which was overdue. YJ advised SM that information had been received stating that the GAF 104 (call sign HAWK EYE 53) had crashed south of Heidleburg. 4 ATAF confirmed the information and reported that one pilot has been located, no further information was received.

Exercise Roulette 55/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 55/61 fade out

4 (F) Wing Ops advised SM that they had a French Air Force F100 on GCA and do not wish to accept the responsibility of a successful GCA, because the pilot cannot speak or understand English.

The first alert state on Exercise Check Mate was received. SM was advised by 4ATAf of a general alert at 0635Z.

SOS. Two USAF F102 were reported squawking May Day, CK S was diverted live on the SOS but the F102s needed no assistance.

14 Sep 61

Unknown track (#34NL) was initially picked up in LG3040. This information was passed to SM by Logroll Control. Logroll reports a contact lost on unknown 34NL in PG3050. The unknown 34NL had flown from where it was originally picked up in to Berlin and circled Berlin and finally headed south, where it faded. Exercise Check Mate terminated

Exercise Roulette 57/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 57/61 fade out.

Early warning condition report received from 4ATAF. Area 21 – Condition 243.

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 121B

Early Warning condition report: Area 21 Condition 000

SOS. JL Q #2 had complete oxygen failure. YJ gave an emergency GCI/GCA into 4 (F) Wing

SOS. RCAF T33 with no fuel pressure, aircraft proceeding to 3 (F) Wing. Aircraft #613 landed safely at 3 (F) Wing at 1355Z.

SOS. YD Y #2 on zulu practice scramble lost his main hydraulics and declared an emergency, proceeded back to 4 (F) Wing. Landed safely at 4 (F) Wing at 1702Z.

2 (F) Wing advised that their runway is closed UFN. Reason: an F-86 engaged the barrier.

2 (F) Wing runway now serviceable

HT E #2 declared a pan emergency when he experienced complete electrical failure, returned to and landed at 3 (F) Wing at 1146Z.

Exercise Roulette 58/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 58/61 fade out

Exercise NATO Wide Awake 25/61 effective

Exercise NATO Wide Awake 25/61 complete

Exercise Super Chief 19/61 was played

SOS. JK J #1 experienced control trouble, recovered on a GCI/GCA at 4 (F) Wing. Landed safely at 0925Z.

Exercise Roulette 59/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 59/61 fade out

YJ reported to SM a crash five miles south of 2 (F) Wing. 2 (F) Wing confirmed the crash as HM O #1 returning from a zulu practice scramble. Fatal F/L MacKay.

SOS. Viking Red #2 (Norwegian Air Force, on exchange at 2 (F) Wing) reported sort of fuel, recovering at 2 (F) Wing, landed safely at 0950Z.

Early warning condition report received from 4 ATAF, Condition 4, Area 8 Alpha 004 effective.

Exercise Roulette 60/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 60/61 fade out

Early warning condition report received from 4ATAF, Condition C 000, Area 8 Alpha effective.

Early warning condition report 004, Area 8A effective.

Pan emergency. JL 32 declared a medical emergency when a tooth exploded at altitude and his mouth filled with blood. He returned to and landed safely at 4 (F) Wing.

Salesman was informed by signal that Exercise Sky Shield was effective.

1 (F) Wing closed, because of an aircraft damaged on the runway. SOS. CR 31 transmitters u/s, receiving on "Guard" only. CR 31 down safely at 3 (F) Wing. 1 (F) Wing now serviceable.

Exercise Super Chief 20/61 was played. S/L Higgs bailed out at 4 (F) Wing on GCA. Landed safely and the aircraft landed in a field nearby causing nil property damage.

SOS. CH T #2 experienced VHF and radio compass trouble 20 miles south of 4 (F) Wing. He returned to and recovered at 4 (F) Wing safely, with the assistance of YJ.

SOS. JK J #1 lost his compass and JK J #2 experienced severe control difficulties. JK J section recovered at 4 (F) Wing safely, with the assistance of YJ. SOS. Sandal 65 declared an emergency when experiencing complete radio failure. Recovered at 2 (F) Wing.

Exercise Roulette 61/61 effective

Exercise Roulette 61/61 fade out.

Early warning condition report from 4ATAF. Condition 240 in Area 21.

Early warning condition report from 4ATAF. Condition 000 in Area 21.

CR A #2 declared an emergency when his nose wheel would not lower.

CR A #2 landed safely at 3 (F) Wing, wheels down and locked

Exercise NATO Wide Awake effective.

SOS. HC M #1 returning to base with hydraulic trouble. Landed safely at 3 (F) Wing at 1935Z.

Mr. Egan Chambers MP (Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of National Defence) visited COC. A Query was raised from Moselle ATC to SM, regarding a radio active cloud over Strasbourg presumable caused by the atomic bomb tested by Russia at the beginning of the week. After many questions and few answers Smallarm (N/SOC) advised SM at 1130Z/26 Oct that this was simulated cloud. It was discovered that the French Air Ministry was playing a training exercise and only a few agencies were advised of the training aspect.

Lt. General RVP Marias (French Air Force) vice Commander 4ATAF visited COC. 4 (F) Wing tower advised SM that JK H section (2 F-86) had reported outbound from Soellingen beacon at 1239Z, and had not been heard from since. It was later fund that JK H had landed on a 3000 foot glider runway near Wiesbaden (Finthem). The aircrew were uninjured but one aircraft suffered two blown tires while the undercarriage was torn off number two aircraft when it went off the end of the runway. SOS. HC L #3 proceeding to 2 (F) Wing on one engine. Landed safely at 1400Z. Exercise Roulette 62/61 cancelled by 4ATAF. SOS. SB E #1 airborne on a zulu practice scramble, low on fuel diverting to 2 (F) Wing. Landed safely at 2029Z. SB E #2 landed at 3 (F) Wing but went into the barrier. 3 (F) Wing runway closed. 3 (F) Wing runway re-opened at 2130Z.

Pan emergency. MC E #1 declared an emergency while under tower control, when he heard an explosion in the nose of the aircraft. He remained local to burn off fuel and cancelled the emergency at 1013Z.

Exercise Super Chief 21/61 was played. SOS. Rampart (S/SOC) reported an SOS 5 miles north of 2 (F) Wing. 2 (F) Wing tower is in contact with MC38 who has severe engine vibration and is recovering at 2 (F) Wing. MC 38 down safely at 1725Z.

Exercise Roulette 63/61 effective. SOS. SDU #2 severe engine surge after take off, and is remaining on GCA. Landed safely at 1218Z. Exercise Roulette 63/61 fade out. SOS. 4 (F) Wing tower advised SM that a Norwegian Air Force F86 (Mission 804) has an unsafe undercarriage indication but landed safely at 1425Z. 4 (F) Wing Ops advised SM that a German Air Force F-86 (BB299) is ten minutes overdue at Soellingen. After SM advised YJ and Andrews (N/SOC) to implement search procedures the aircraft turned up at 3 (F) Wing.

N/SOC advised SM that a RCAF T33 (607) penetrated the ADIZ at KF 4053 and went practically to the entrance of the South Berlin corridor. 607 was intercepted by a USAF T33 and started back. The USAF broke off and 607 was still no better off as all radio contact was lost and the radio compass also u/s. 607 was again intercepted by two USAF F102s and escorted to Ramstein, where he landed at 1159Z, to short on fuel to make Grostenquin. SOS. 4 German Air Force F86s orbiting the 4 (F) Wing beacon all reportedly experiencing radio difficulties. Cartoon 11 RCAF T33 from 4 (F) Wing is proceeding to give aid if possible. Viking Green strength 4 landed safely at 4 (F) Wing at 1258Z.

SG H #1&2 landed at Chaumont after declaring a fuel emergency not having enough fuel to get to 3 (F) Wing enroute from Decci. SG J #3&4 landed at Dijon after experiencing the same difficulties as SG H #1&2 enroute from Decci.

SB R was diverted live on a May Day squawk in HF 3040, the squawk was discontinued and when SBR intercepted the aircraft no apparent trouble was evident, so they returned to base. Exercise Roulette 64/61 effective. SOS. Position HE 0222. Track #35L. A zulu section was scrambled live but cancelled when it was determined the SOS was a USAF F100 under Sembach control. Exercise Roulette 64/61 fade out.

Exercise Super Chief was played. MC M landed at Laon AFB after declaring a fuel emergency and were not sure of their position. SOS in FE0100. HM O was scrambled live to investigate. HM O intercepted two French Air Force F84s now squawking two. The FAF aircraft appeared to require no assistance so HM O was broken off and returned to base. Exercise Roulette 66/61 effective. Exercise Roulette 66/61 fade out.

Cashbox 8 lost one drop tan, bearing 065 at 8 ½ miles from 2 (F) Wing. It was found that the drop tank landed in a field causing no damage.

SOS. HC L #2 declared an emergency with control problems while on GCA at 2 (F) Wing, no further difficulties were experienced and a safe landing was carried out at 2 (F) Wing.

Exercise Quick Train effective. The exercise was played successfully with no major mishaps or incidences. 131 RCAF Aircraft came on state, and 104 aircraft became airborne. Exercise Quick Train fade out. Exercise Roulette 67/61 effective. SOS. JY reported a May Day squawk ten miles south east of 1 (F) Wing, HM N was scrambled live to investigate. This was followed by 4 (F) Wing reporting a tone on Guard frequency, bearing 280 from 4 (F) Wing. Also 1 (F) Wing reported that T25 (a Roulette target) had not been heard from at his ETA. At this time it was apparent that the SOS aircraft was for 1 (F) Wing. HM N intercepted the SOS which was T25 and escorted him to 3 (F) Wing. The aircraft did not recover at 1 (F) Wing due to a high cross wind condition at 1 (F) Wing. T25 landed safely at 3 (F) Wing. Exercise Roulette 67/61 fade out.

Quick Train – is a recurring SHAPE sponsored exercise, designed to test the reaction time of Allied Command Europe Forces to a practice state Scarlet.

Super Chief – a 4ATAF sponsored exercise, to test the communications within 4ATAF.

Roulette – is a 4ATAF sponsored exercise, designed to provide the Air Defence Units under 4ATAF’s operational control with realistic training against simulated attacks.

Co-op – is an Aircent sponsored exercise , designed to test the Air Defence capability of 2ATAF and 4ATAF.

Gun Talk- is a USAF Air Division Air Defence Tactical Evaluation Exercise.

Tidy Tot- is an exercise to provide the most effective use of 1 Air Division’s UHF/VHF frequencies.

Polar Bear – Tall Timber - is a NATO sponsored exercise, whereby RCAF and Norwegian Air Force aircraft deploy to the other Nations home base, to work with different squadrons.

Southern Bello – is a NATO sponsored exercise, designed to practice exchange training flights between 1 Air Division forces and Italian Air Force. This is a similar exercise to Polar Bear – Tall Timber.

Take Over – is an exercise to supply the German Air Force GCIs with RCAF aircraft, for controller aircrew training.

Sardinia Salvo – is an exercise designed to provide practice for IDF and AWX aircrew in Air Weapons Training. The exercise is two-fold:

1. to carry out weapons training for the aircrew; and
2. to ensure all fighter aircraft are combat ready.

Tartan Task – is an exercise designed to conduct ferry operations between the Air Division Wings and the aircraft contractor in Prestwick, Scotland.

Strike Out - is an exercise designed to give aircrew and GCI controllers of 4ATAf and 2ATAf an opportunity to familiarize themselves with ground components of the Air Defence System, and the aircraft types and tactics which differ from those to which they are accustomed.

Scrimmage Friday - is an exercise to practice RCAF aircraft working in conjunction with the French Air Force DAT (Defence Aerienne du Territoire, Air Defence Command). The exercise is designed to give RCAF and DAT personnel an opportunity to practise tactics involving F-86, CF-100 and Super Mystere aircraft in high level interceptions. The exercise tests the hand-over and cross-servicing facilities on a regular basis. This exercise is arranged strictly between the French Air Force DAT and the RCAF, and is not a NATO exercise.

Scan Plan - is an exercise to provide aircraft daily for Communications and radar quality flights for 61 AC&W Squadron.

Set Up - is an exercise to practice intercepts with air fighting; for F-86 aircraft.

Twin Threat - is an exercise to practice ID and LCC tactics with CF-100 aircraft.

Triple Threat - is an exercise to practice multi-fighter tactics and lead collision intercepts with CF-100 aircraft.

Snow Shower - is an exercise to practice ID and LCC tactics against a chaff dropping target. The Exercise is played with CF-100 aircraft and is designed to familiarize the aircrew with mechanical jamming and to overcome it.

Silent Spectre – is an exercise to test the high intercept potential of CF-100 aircraft working in conjunction with 61 AC&W Squadron.