Metz, France

1961 – Historical Record – National Archives of Canada


APPENDIX "K" TO
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
1 AIR DIVISION HQ

1 AIR DIVISION, RCAF, METZ, FRANCE
Combat Operations Centre
Period from 1 Dec 61 to 31 May 62

NARRATIVE REPORT

Definitions of Abbreviations

Scramble (SCR)

Aircraft ordered airborne from a state of readiness by the scrambling authority.

Live Scramble

Armed Aircraft scrambled or diverted to identify an unknown aircraft or to assist an aircraft in trouble

Hot Scramble

Armed aircraft scrambled or diverted to a known hostile aircraft

ADIZ

Air Defence Identification Zone

IDF

Interceptor day fighter

AWF

All Weather Fighter

ZULU

Alert aircraft on readiness.

1er CATAC

First Tactical Air Force (French)

4ATAF

4th Allied Tactical Air Force

Section

Two aircraft flying in tight formation

Element

Parts of a section

COC

Combat Operations Centre

SOC

Sector Operations Centre

CRC

Control and Reporting Centre

CRP

Control and Reporting Post

RP

Reporting Post

ADOC

Air Defence Operations Centre

CAP

Combat Air Patrol

Track

Aircraft Flight path as it appears on the plotting board in radar operations room.

GSM

General Situation Map

AIRCRAFT

Aircraft

IFF

Electronic equipment for identification friend or foe.

ECM

Electronic Counter Measures

ECCM

Electronic Counter Counter Measure

MA

Mission accomplished with the aid of airborne radar

VMA

Mission accomplished without the aid of airborne radar. (Weapons fired visually)

MI

Missed Intercept

ID

Identification Pass

A/B

Airborne

UFN

Until further notice

Fade Out

Termination of an exercise

EWCR

Early Warning Condition Reports, or air situation reports, are passed as a general assessment reports. It is a report summarizing the air situation in certain areas and giving the reason for such a situation. It is passed for information only and is not an alert message. The code is explained in 4ATAf Manual 55-1, Volume 1.

List of Call Signs

SALESMAN (SM)

Air Division Combat Operations Centre

YELLOWJACK (YJ)

61 AC&W SQUADRON

METZ

MOTHBALL

1 (F) WING CALL SIGN

MARVILLE, FRANCE

STUDENT (ST)

1 (F) WING ZULU CALL SIGN

MARVILE, FRANCE

HOPSCOTCH

1 (F) WING, WING INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CALL SIGN

MARVILLE, FRANCE

HORSESHOE (HS)

ALPHA BRAVO ECHO TO POPPA INCL 445 AW SQUADRON

MARVILLE, FRANCE

CARTRIDGE (CR)

ALPHA TO NOVEMBER INCL 439 IDF SQUADRON

MARVILLE, FRANCE

CHECKERBOARD (CK)

JULIET TO WHISKEY INCL 441 IDF SQUADRON

MARVILLE, FRANCE

HORSEMAN (HM)

2 (F) WING ZULU CALL SIGN

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

CASHBOX (CS)

2 (F) WING CALL SIGN

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

HAMMERHEAD

2 (F) WING, WING INSTRUMENT FLIGHT

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

HANDCUFF (HC)

CHARLIE-DELTA AND JULIET TO UNIFORM INCL 423 AW SQUADRON

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

MADCAP (MC)

ECHO TO QUEBEC 421 IDF SQUADRON

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

SANDAL (SD)

ALPHA TO DELTA
NOVEMBER TO QUEBEC
TANGO TO YANKEE
430 IDF SQUADRON

GROSTENQUIN, FRANCE

STRONG BOX (SB)

3 (F) WING ZULU CALL SIGN

ZWEIBRUCKEN, GERMANY

STONEWALL

3 (F) WING CALL SIGN

ZWEIBRUCKEN, GERMANY

RHUBARB (RB)

ALPHA – ECHO-FOXTROT
OSCAR TO YANKEE INCL.
440 AW SQUADRON

ZWEIBRUCKEN, GERMANY

STOPGAP (SG)

GOLF TO UNIFORM INCL.
427 IDF SQUADRON

ZWEIBRUCKEN, GERMANY

HORNET (HT)

DELTA TO JULIETTE INCL.
ROMEO TO UNIFORM INCL.
WHISKEY TO YANKEE INCL.
434 IDF SQUADRON

ZWEIBRUCKEN, GERMANY

YARDARM (YD)

4 (F) WING ZULU CALL SIGN

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

CARTOON

4 (F) WING CALL SIGN

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

CASEMENT

4 (F) WING, WING INSTRUMENT FLIGHT

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

CHOPSTICK (CH)

ALPHA TO HOTEL INCL.
TANGO TO YANKEE INCL.
419 AW SQUADRON

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

JACKET (JK)

JULIET TO SIERRA INCL.
VICTOR TO YANKEE INCL.
422 IDF SQUADRON

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

BULLDOG (BD)

ECHO TO INDIA INCL.
QUEBEC TO INDIA INCL.
VICTOR TO YANKEE INCL.
444 IDF SQUADRON

SOELLINGEN, GERMANY

 

NOTE:With the present policy of IDF aircraft flying in two plane sections only, more individual section call signs were needed, so the call signs now overlap among squadrons, making it imperative that sections use the squadron call sign as a prefix to all transmissions.

Example:
Prefix: JACKET
Individual Section: JULIETTE
Call Sign: JACKET JULIETTE

Rampart - South SOC, manned by the French Air Force. Rampart is located at Drachenbronn, about 15 minutes north of Strasbourg.

Smallarm – Changed to "Andrews" effective 1 Nov 61. North SOC manned by American Air Force, situated at Langerkopf near Ramstein, Germany

Uedem – 2 ATAF COC, manned by the Royal and German Air Forces, situated in Germany about 10 miles east of the Dutch boarder, approximately 40 miles north of the Belgian, Dutch, German border intersection.

GCI Units or Squadrons

2 ATAF

 

Crabtree (CRC)

   

Backwash (CRP)

4 ATAF

   

N/SOC

LG

Logroll (CRC)

 

BR

Barber (CP)

   

Telegram (RP)

   

Killdeer (RP)

 

MG

Moonglow (CRP)

S/SOC

BC

Boxcar (CRC)

 

YJ

Yellowjack (CRP)

 

JP

Joplin (CP)

 

RC

Racecard (CRP)

 

MC

Mercury (RP)

3 Dec 61

Information was received from 3 Wing Operations concerning T-33 "626" that was diverted from 1 Wing and did an intentional wheels up landing at 3 Wing. The wheels up landing was done purposely because one main gear did not go down. 3 Wing runway closed to remove the aircraft. The aircrew were not injured. 2 (F) Wing runway closed due to a USAF F-86H who diverted from Phalsbourg and blew a tire on landing. The aircraft swerved off the runway destroying 10 runway lights and putting a lot of mud on the runway. A further delay was caused when the ground personnel could not get a two bar to remove the aircraft and the runway sweeper would not start. This did not change the 2 Wing Zulu status.

5 Dec 61

4ATAF advised SM that Exercise Roulette for the 14th and 28 Dec cancelled. 4 Wing tower advised SM that contact with T-33 "646" had not been made since 1818Z. The ETA was 1l906Z, so at 1911Z when no word had been received, the search and rescue was alerted. At 1940Z, F/O Smith, the captain of 646 checked in with 4 Wing and reported he had been involved in a mid-air collision. At the time, F/L MacDonald the second pilot had not been heard from. 4ATAf was advised and ground search and rescue was implemented. No helicopter scrambled at this time. The search and rescue located 1 USAF pilot believed to have been in collision with 646 (USAF aircraft 1 T-33). F/L MacDonald found safe at 2032Z. No information had been received on second USAF pilot. It was later confirmed that 646 and the USAF T-33 did have a mid-air collision. Both aircraft had been on a night general air traffic navigation exercise under two different air traffic control agencies. They collided while both cleared for the same altitude. Live Scramble: During the accident concerning 646 above, an SOS was reported by Yellowjack 90 miles NE flying a distress triangle. YDG was scrambled live to intercept the SOS. The SOS was under Sembach approach control, so YDG was broken off and returned to base.

6 Dec 61

Live diversion: SBE was diverted live from practice intercepts to investigate a SOS in a right hand distress triangle over 4 Wing. The SOS was Jacket 85 on a local trip, with temporary radio failure. 85 made contact with 4 Wing GCA, so SBE returned to practice intercepts.

7 Dec 61

Exercise Roulette 68/61 effective.

Exercise Roulette 68/61 fade out

9 Dec 61

Andrews reported an unknown track coming out of the ADIZ in KF2000 and requested aircraft for an identification pass. JLR and JLS were airborne enroute GT to SB and were diverted live on the unknown (U35LD). At 1205Z 4 (F) Wing advised VC 614 (T-33 from Soellingen) was 20 min overdue at 4 Wing. JLR and JLS under Logroll control intercepted U35LD and identified it as VC 614, they then escorted it to Soellingen. VC 614 had been flying a local instrument trip and was practicing aural null on the Charlie beacon (south of Frankfurt). He had missed station passage and drifted towards the ADIZ.

10 Dec 61

The 4ATAF Manual 55-1 came into effect, changing most status reporting, aircraft alert status, etc.

12 Dec 61

Exercise Co-Op 61/3 scheduled for this day was delayed 24 hours. SOS. RBO#3 had a flame out under YJ control. A successful relight was made at 35,000 feet and he recovered safely at 3 (F) Wing.

13 Dec 61

Exercise Co-Op 61/3 effective

Exercise Co-Op 61/3 cancelled due to weather.

SOS. A USAF T-33 declared an emergency with complete electrical failure. He was intercepted by Sandal 62 and escorted to 2 (F) Wing.

14 Dec 61

Live Diversion. HM P and Q were airborne on a practice scramble and were diverted live on a SOS in HE 1020. SOS was a USAF aircraft under Spangdahlem control, so HM P and Q were broken off and returned to practice intercepts. JLQ2 declared an emergency when his canopy came open in flight. He returned to and landed safely at 4 (F) Wing.

16 Dec 61

Exercise Super Chief was played.

17 Dec 61

SOS. HMN2 on a practice scramble under YJ control declared an emergency with a compressor stall. Returned to, and landed safely at, 2 (F) Wing.

18 Dec 61

Bristol 9200 diverted into Lyon with the starboard imagine feathered. The engine was running very erratically so was feathered. Langar was notified and sent a relief aircraft and repair party.

20 Dec 61

SOS. MCD #2 experienced a flame out, but obtained a successful relight on emergency fuel. Recovered safely at 2 Wing under YJ control. HT D #2 landed at 3 Wing with a cocked nose wheel. Foam was laid on the runway and D2 made a successful landing. 3 Wing closed until 1500Z while cleaning was in process.

21 Dec 61

Exercise Roulette 69/61 for this day was cancelled

22 Dec 61

Exercise NATO Wide Awake was played.

1 Jan 62

Exercise Super Chief 1/62 was played.

3 Jan 62

SOS. CKQ 2 had a flame out while under Marville control. Relit and recovered safely at Marville.

4 Jan 62

Exercise Roulette 1/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 1/62 fade out.

8 Jan 62

The forward area and the Canadian Buffer Zone were moved forward once again, in accordance with ASI 112.61.

11 Jan 62

Exercise Roulette 2/62 cancelled.

Exercise Super Chief 2/62 was played.

12 Jan 62

The N/SOC at Langerkopf advised SM, "They are not using the call sign "Andrews" any longer". It is now SOC Langerkopf.

13 Jan 62

4 Wing Ops advised SM that a Corporal Mitchell was sucked into the intake of a F-86 while the aircraft was undergoing a ground run up. Corporal Mitchell suffered severe injuries and was air evacuated to Landstuhl Hospital. Corporal Mitchell died in the hospital on 23 Jan 62.

15 Jan 62

SOS in HE 1000. An RCAF T-33 declared an emergency with complete radio failure. Recovered safely at 3 Wing.

16 Jan 62

SOS. Jacket Oscar experienced a hang up at 23,000 feet and could not get a relight. Carried out a successful forced landing at 4 (F) Wing.

17 Jan 62

SOS. HMN 2 declared an emergency with hydraulic problems, but landed safely at 2 Wing.

18 Jan 62

Exercise Roulette 3/62 effective. Fade out at 1300Z.

19 Jan 62

An USAF TF102 TCO59 force landed at 4 Wing with no radios. Maintenance facilities were dispatched from Ramstein to repair and start the aircraft at 4 Wing.

23 Jan 62

Mid air collision. HCM lead and Cashbox 7 had a mid air collision while flying formation. HCM lead (CF-100) lost one elevator and had a double flame out. The port engine was restarted and a safe landing was made at 2 Wing. Cashbox 7 (F-86) had the starboard wing damaged but did not declare an emergency. He also carried out a safe landing at 2 Wing.

25 Jan 62

Exercise Roulette 4/62 effective.

Exercise Roulette 4/62 fade out.

26 Jan 62

EWCR Area 21 Condition 001

EWCR Area 21 Situation normal Condition 000

27 Jan 62

SOS. HMN lead declared an emergency when experiencing complete loss of power 20 miles south of 4 Wing. Partial power was regained and a safe landing was carried out at 2 Wing at 1316Z.

29 Jan 62

EWCR Area 21 Condition 001

EWCR Area 21 Condition 000

EWCR Area 21 Condition 001

EWCR Area 21 Condition 000

30 Jan 62

Exercise Super Chief 3/62 was played. Unknown track, 09L – reported by Logroll in KE 2040. Heading south west. Track 09L faded in KD 2040 at 0821Z, and was finally identified as 2 USAF F-86s. EWCR. In area 21 the condition fluctuated to 001 and back to normal (000) until 31 Jan at 1911Z.

1 Feb 62

Exercise Roulette 5/62 cancelled for this date.

EWCR. In area 21 the condition fluctuated to 001 and back to normal, 000, until 1116Z on 5 Feb.

5 Feb 62

SOS. SDC declared an emergency when short of fuel and lost. They were initially identified on the Austrian border and had also presumably violated the Swiss border. They were directed to 4 Wing by YJ where they landed safely. SOS. A CF-100 crew declared an emergency 10 miles south of 3 Wing with complete radio failure. The radio failure was temporary and recovery was made at 3 Wing. EWCR. Area 21 fluctuated to 001 and was back to normal 000 by 1110Z on 7 Feb.

7 Feb 62

Live scramble. YD V and W were scrambled live to lend assistance to an Italian Air Force F-86 who had declared an SOS enroute to Phalsbourg. The aircraft in distress landed before the intercept was completed so YD V and W returned to base.

8 Feb 62

4ATAF advised SM that due to a decision in the higher echelon of 17th Air Force, exercise Roulette 6/62 for this date was cancelled.

9 Feb 62

Bail out. A Norwegian Air Force pilot (Captain Ablegaard) bailed out of an F-86 over 3 Wing. The bail out resulted from a forward fire warning light. The RNAF F-86 was visiting 3 Wing of Exercise Polar Tall Timber. The aircraft crashed about five miles from the aerodrome causing nil property damage and the pilot landed just outside the perimeter fence and was uninjured. SOS. HMO had declared an emergency when both fire warning lights came on. However, he carried out a safe landing at 2 Wing.

12 Feb 62

Exercise Silent Spectre delayed for this evening due to weather.

13 Feb 62

Exercise Silent Spectre cancelled due to weather.

14 Feb 62

Exercise Super Chief 4/62 was played.

SOS. MCF 2 had a flame out but made a successful relight and recovered at 2 Wing.

15 Feb 62

EWCR Area 26 Condition 001

EWCR Area 26 Condition 000

Exercise Roulette 7/62 effective

EWCR Area 21 Condition 1 Reason 001

Exercise Roulette 7/62 fade out.

EWCR Area 21 Condition 000

20 Feb 62

Live Diversion. ST J and M were diverted from practice intercepts to investigate an SOS in the Sembach area. Before the intercept was complete, SM was informed it was a German Air Force F-84 under Sembach control required no assistance. ST J and K were broken off and returned to practice intercepts.

21 Feb 62

EWCR Area 21 Condition 001.

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 200

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 200

22 Feb 62

Exercise Roulette 8/62 cancelled

EWCR Area 21 Condition 000

SM was advised by 1 Wing that CRF was overdue on fuel time enroute from Decci. Decci was contacted on the single side band radio and notified that CRF had diverted into Istres. SOS. Cashbox 5 declared an emergency with no transmitters. The radio failure was only temporary and a safe recovery was made at 2 Wing at 1922Z.

23 Feb 62

EWCR Area 45 Situation 1 Reason 001

EWCR Area 26 Condition 100 Returned to normal at 0824Z.

Live Diversion. YD V and W were diverted live from practice intercepts to investigate an SOS in the Spangdahlem area. N/SOC advised that the SOS was under Spangdahlem control and no assistance was required, so YD V and W were returned to practice intercepts.

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Condition 020

EWCR Area 26 Condition 000

26 Feb 62

SOS. SDT lead under YJ control experienced severe engine vibration. The section was on exercise Scan Plan, so were immediately recovered at 2 Wing. Down safely at 0918Z. Six German Air Force F-86s arrived at 4 (F) Wing on a visit until 12 Mar. They were using the callsigns: Order A-B-C. Exercise Silent Spectre was played, ending at 1915Z.

27 Feb 62

EWCR Area 26 Condition1 Reason 001. Returned to normal at 2240Z.

1 Mar 62

EWCR Area 21 Condition 1 Reason 001. Returned to normal at 0640Z.

Exercise Roulette 9/62 effective.

Exercise Roulette 9/62 fade out. This was not a very active exercise for the RCAF as no weather alternates were available.

2 Mar 62

EWCR Area 26 Condition 1 Reason 001 Returned to normal at 1119Z.

5 Mar 62

SBE had shut down one engine because of low fuel pressure and returned to and landed at 3 Wing. Exercise Silent Spectre scheduled for this evening was cancelled due to weather.

6 Mar 62

Bail out. SBT lead (F/O Swallow) bailed out successfully just after take off, when an explosion occurred in his aircraft and SBT2 saw something come out of the tail pipe. This was accompanied by a forward fire warning light. The aircraft crashed in an open field causing nil property damage and the pilot landed safely.

7 Mar 62

SOS. HMO 2 had a small explosion in his aircraft, but nothing resulted. A safe recovery was made at 1442Z at 2 Wing.

8 Mar 62

EWCR Area 26 Condition 1 Reason 020 Returned to normal at 1100Z.

Exercise Roulette 10/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 10/62 fade out

EWCR Area 41 Condition 1111

EWCR Area 41 Condition 1001

EWCR Area 21 Condition 1001 Returned to normal at 1020Z.

EWCR Area 41 Condition 1110

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 000

EWCR Area 41 Situation 1 Reason 110

EWCR Area 41 Situation Normal.

EWCR Area 21 Normal station routine

12 Mar 62

Exercise Super Chief 6/62 was played

13 Mar 62

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 001 Returned to normal at 0932Z

SOS. SDA declared an emergency over Ramstein when the lead had complete electrical failure. Recovery was made at 1109Z at Ramstein. HMC reported a bright explosion 5 miles NW of Sembach at approximately 35 0 40,000 feet. It appeared to be accompanied by smoke, some debris and cast a phosphorescent glow. After checking, all aircraft in the area were accounted for. After further investigation Logroll revealed that reports were received of the firing of rockets or similar equipment by person unknown in the Sembach area. Nothing else developed on the matter.

15 Mar 62

Exercise Roulette 11/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 11/62 fade out

16 Mar 62

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Reason 001.

SOS. BD E lead had a loss of thrust 20 miles SW of Florence, but proceeded and landed at 1 Wing under reduced power. G/C Middleton and approximately 20 officers from the Special Navigation Course visited COC and were briefed on its functions by S/L Hammond.

19 Mar 62

Exercise Silent Spectre was played involving 8 targets and 12 sections of CF100s.

20 Mar 62

Unknown track 50LL appeared in ME 1030. Logroll identified 50LL as a Boeing 707 at 1342Z. Pan Emergency. RB P 3, declared an emergency with fuel problems, bur recovered safely at 3 (F) Wing.

21 Mar 62

EWCR Area 8 Situation 1 Reason 001. Returned to normal at 0918Z.

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Reason 001. Returned to normal at 1205Z.

3 (F) Wing advised SM that HT 3 crashed on landing at Ryge, Norway. The aircraft was taking part in Exercise Polar Bear Tall Timber. The aircraft is almost a total wreck. However, the pilot, S/L Arnod, was uninjured.

EWCR Area 26 Condition 1 Reason 001 Returned to normal at 1410Z.

EWCR Area 21 Condition 1 Reason 020 Returned to normal at 1507Z

22 Mar 62

Exercise Roulette 12/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 12/62 fade out.

23 Mar 62

EWCR Area 26 Situation 020 Returned to normal at 1251Z.

26 Mar 62

French Air Force crash. YJ reported to SM that a FAF Mystere crashed at Woippy (just outside Metz) at approximately 1130Z. This was brought to the attention of YJ by the Support Unit Air Force Police who saw the aircraft going down. Moselle ATC and Frescaty were notified and it was found to be a FAF aircraft from Frescaty. The pilot was killed. Live Diversion. S/SOC reported on SOS in JP 3020 and requested the Zulu aircraft to investigate. HM N and Q were airborne on a practice scramble so were diverted to the SOS. The SOS landed at Colmar so HM N and O were returned to practice intercepts.

27 Mar 62

EWCR Exercise traffic. Area 33 Situation (exercise) 2 Reason 003

EWCR Area 41 Situation (exercise) 2 Reason 003

Exercise Co-Op effective. 1 (F) Wing will not be playing Co-Op until after 0900Z because of the AOC’s parade at 1 Wing. Co-Op Fast Strike Orbit effective (code word for state Orange)

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 001

Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 131

Area 21 Situation 3 Reason 341

Exercise Co-Op state Scarlet effective.

Exercise Co-Op "R" Hour effective.

SOS. 2 USAF F102 diverted to 4 Wing. (Call sign: Zone Orchid). #2 landed at 4 Wing short of fuel and the lead aircraft returned to Ramstein. SDT reported he lost one drop tank and it landed very close to Chambley Air Force. The USAF reported the drop tank had been retrieved and is on the Air Base. N and S/SOC condition "B". Phase II is over and states are being reduced awaiting Phase III (night phase). States being increased for Phase III.

Exercise Co-Op terminated. Final intelligence summary:

 

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Targets

60 (159 aircraft)

63 (115 aircraft)

55 (117 aircraft)

Fighter Kills

Nil

56

50

Missile Kills

113

88

Nil

29 Mar 62

N/SOC reported that SB R the Zulu aircraft under Boxcar control, had penetrated the ADIZ. The section lead did not think he had penetrated, so the matter was left up to the Boxcar as to whether a forma ADIZ violation was to be filed. Exercise Super Chief 7/62 was played. Pan Emergency. ST A lead lost his pressurization. Returned to and landed safely at 1 Wing at 1456Z.

30 Mar 62

2 (F) Wing advised SM that their runway will be closed until at least 1100Z. SD T lead ran off the end of the runway and they must dig him out of the swamp. EWCR. Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 020. Returned to normal at 1105Z.

31 Mar 62

Live Diversion. SB R was diverted live to investigate an SOS 15 miles NW of 3 Wing. The SOS was a USAF F-86 out of Phalsbourg, with frozen controls. He recovered safely at Bitburg, and SB R returned to base.

3 Apr 62

The German police advised 3 Wing Ops, who in turn advised SM of a suspected crash near Zweibrucken. 3 Wing had their C-45 investigate and the USAF sent a helicopter to the scene. It was discovered it was just burning oil, no aircraft involved.

4 Apr 62

SOS. JK M 2 had a zero reading on his oil and hydraulic pressure gauge. He was under 4 Wing tower control, and landed safely at 1426Z.

5 Apr 62

4 Wing played Exercise Sad Sack – completed at 0800Z. Exercise Roulette 13/62 effective. SOS in HE 1010. RB P, a section of fighters on Roulette, had a faulty parrot. The seat mechanism in one of the aircraft had triggered the IFF and the SOS appeared and could not be turned off. Unknown 40CC in KE 2010 was identified as a RCAF T-33.

6 Apr 62

HMC 2 had a single engine flame out, he did an emergency GCI/GCA into 2 Wing. Landed safely at 0945Z.

7 Apr 62

EWCR. Area 26 Condition 1 Reason 020.

EWCR. Area 26 Condition normal Reason 903

EWCR. Area 26 condition 000

8 Apr 62

SOS. HMO 2 had a flame out, relit on emergency fuel and recovered at 4 Wing under YJ control.

9 Apr 62

Exercise Grand Slam, 4ATAF CENTAG exercise, commenced. It was mostly an offensive exercise. The RCAF contribution was 4 CF-100 equipped for mechanical ECM. This portion was cancelled after the first day as positive clearance for chaff drop in the Frankfurt area could not be established. YJ experienced electronic jamming from exercise Grand Slam. Live Diversion. YD V and X were diverted live on a SOS over 2 Wing. The SOS was a USAF F-105 with no transmitters, under Sembach. The F-105 recovered safely at Sembach and YD V and W returned to practice intercepts.

10 Apr 62

Live diversion. HM O was diverted from practice intercepts on a SOS in GE 1030. The SOS was a FAF Vautour (620) who was descending into the Strasbourg landing pattern. The aircraft seemed to be in no trouble so HM O broke off and returned to base. It was later confirmed the Vautour had a faulty parrot. EWCR Area 21 Situation 1001

11 Apr 62

N/SOC requested the use of some RCAF fighters from 2 Wing and two control scopes at YJ. This was accomplished using the 4 Zulu sections from 2 Wing. Aircraft and scopes were required for Grand Slam. The 2 Wing fighters and the control scopes from YJ are no longer needed for Grand Slam. SOS in HE 2010. Initially under Logroll control, but YJ was requested to investigate. SBS and T and HCM were diverted from practice intercepts to investigate the SOS. The SOS was two German Air Force F-84s, one with a faulty parrot. The interceptors were broken off and returned to practice intercepts.

13 Apr 62

Exercise Grand Slam cancelled on orders from General Langdon.

16 Apr 62

Exercise Super Chief 8/62 was played.

17 Apr 62

Live diversion. ST L and M were diverted from practice intercepts on a SOS 40 miles ENE of 1 Wing. The SOS was a USAF aircraft under Spangdahlem control recovering at Spangdahlem so ST I and M were broken off. SOS in HD 4535. CHC 4 had a double flame out under 4 Wing approach control. Relit and landed safely at 1137Z. SOS. BDQ lead experienced oxygen difficulties so did an emergency GCI/GCA and recovered at 3 Wing. Live Diversion. St L was diverted live from practice intercepts on a SOS in HD 2530. The SOS was a USAF aircraft on recovery at Phalsbourg so STL was broken off and returned to base.

19 Apr 62

Exercise Roulette 14/62 effective. Exercise Roulette 14/62 fade out.

21 Apr 62

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 020.

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 902

EWCR Area 21 Situation 1 Reason 901.

EWCR Area 21 Situation Normal Reason 000.

24 Apr 62

EWCR Area 26 Situation Reason 020.

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Reason 902.

EWCR Area 26 Situation Normal Reason 000.

Mr. Morrison of the Auditor Generals Dept visited COC and was briefed by S/L Millage.

26 Apr 62

Exercise Roulette 15/62 effective. Exercise Roulette 15/62 fade out.

EWCR Area 12 Situation 1 Reason 130

EWCR Area 12 Situation Normal Reason 000.

Practice Hot Scramble – carried out at 3 (F) Wing using the 3 Wing AWF Zulu 5 minute section. The scramble was requested by the 3 Wing COpsO, to be initiated on a surprise basis to test the reaction time of the Zulu commitment. The aircraft were airborne in three minutes and all other reactions went smoothly in good time.

27 Apr 62

Exercise Senior Sentinel was called at 2 (F) Wing to test the alert reaction at the Wing, in conjunction with the AOC’s visit.

29 Apr 62

Exercise Super Chief 9/62 was played.

30 Apr 62

EWCR Gar Area 31 Situation 1 Reason 120.

EWCR Gar Area 31 Situation 1 Reason 902

EWCR Gar Area 31 Situation Normal Reason 000.

1 May 62

SOS FE 0035. CK 61 lost his transmitters, being controlled by YJ, handed over to 1 Wing GCA and recovered at 1 Wing.

2 May 62

Live Diversion. HSE diverted live from practice intercepts to investigate a SOS in FE 2812. No contact was made with the SOS, and it was presumed it was a USAF light aircraft from Etain with a faulty parrot.

3 May 62

Exercise Roulette 16/62 effective. Live Diversion. MCD was diverted live from a practice Zulu scramble to investigate an SOS in FE 1000. SOS was 2 USAF F84s with a faulty parrot. MCD returned to base. Exercise Roulette 16/62 fade out.

4 May 62

EWCR Area 45 Situation 2 Reason 410. Returned to normal at 0723Z.

MC 24 landed at Ramstein after losing his radio compass and could not find 2 Wing. YJ and 2 Wing ADC could give no assistance so he landed at the first place where he had positive contact.

5 May 62

EWCR Area 31 Situation 1 Reason 100.

EWCR Area 31 Situation Normal at 1758Z

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Reason 020.

EWCR Area 26 Situation Normal at 1005Z

EWCR Area 26 Situation 1 Reason 020.

EWCR Area 26 Situation Normal at 1012Z.

9 May 62

Exercise Super Chief 10/62 was played.

10 May 62

Exercise Roulette 17/62 effective. Exercise Roulette 17/62 fade out. There were no RCAF fighters participating in this exercise. The only RCAF Aircraft were 8 target sections. The RCAF commitment was reduced because of the practice for the CAS fly past.

14 May 62

Live scramble. ST L scrambled live at the request of N/SOC to investigate a SOS in FD 3050. SOS was a USAF T-33, recovering at Chambley. ST L was broken off and returned to base.

17 May 62

A/M Campbell, the retiring CAS, visited COC during his tour of Air Div HQ. Exercise Roulette 18/62 effective. Exercise Roulette 18/62 fade out.

19 May 62

SOS. YD V 2 declared an emergency when experiencing fluctuating RPM. Recovered at 4 Wing safely.

20 May 62

Exercise Super Chief 11/62 was played. Live diversion. HMC was diverted live from a practice scramble to investigate an SOS in HE 4225. The SOS was a USAF F104 with a faulty parrot or a practice SIF squawk.

21 May 62

Exercise Quick Train effective. The exercise was played with limited flying, due to the hours available for the squadrons. Exercise Silent Spectre was played.

22 May 62

2 (F) Wing runway closed because of CF-100, HC M 2, under carriage collapsed on landing. The aircraft slid off the side of the runway. No injuries were sustained. 2 Wing aircraft were diverted to 4 Wing. Runway re-opened at 1230Z.

23 May 62

SOS. YD X declared an emergency low on fuel over Sembach. YJ assisted in a safe recovery at 4 Wing. A snowball was called for 1 Air Div SU and 61 AC&W Squadron in conjunction with the AOC’s inspection. The all clear was called at 0925Z.

24 May 62

Exercise Roulette 19/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 19/62 fade out.

28 May 62

SOS. CH B recovered at 4 Wing with a fire warning light on, landed safely under GCA control.

29 May 62

EWCR Area 33 Situation 1 Reason 120. The air situation fluctuated in area 33 from 1 to normal for difference reasons, finally returning to and remaining at normal on the 30th at 0614Z. Area 45, 31, 36, 8 and 21 also were affected. All areas were back to normal at 0843Z 30 May.

30 May 62

SOS. CH 96 declared an emergency when experiencing control difficulties. A safe recovery was made at 4 (F) Wing at 1703Z.

31 May 62

Exercise Roulette 20/62 effective

Exercise Roulette 20/62 fade out.

EWCR Area 8 Situation 1 Reason 120.

EWCR Area 8 Situation Normal Reason 910.

EWCR Area 8 Situation normal Reason 000.

1 AIR DIVISION EXERCISES

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 F86 aircraft.

Twin Threat - is an exercise to practice ID and LCC tactics with CF100 aircraft.

Triple Threat - is an exercise to practice multi-fighter tactics and lead collision intercepts with CF100 aircraft.

Snow Shower - is an exercise to practice ID and LCC tactics against a chaff dropping target. The Exercise is played with CF100 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 CF100 aircraft working in conjunction with 61 AC&W Squadron.

Future Role of COC

Due to the SHAPE directive moving operational control of RCAF forces from the Air Division COC to the North and South SOC, and the future role change of 1 Air Division from the Air Defence role to the strike/reconnaissance role, a committee was formed to:

  1. Study the organization and facilities of the COC required for:
  1. the remaining period of the air defence role; and
  2. the future strike/reconnaissance role.
  1. Prepare necessary terms of reference to fulfill (i) and (ii) above.
  2. Prepare necessary recommendations for the re-organization of the COC to include manpower, space allocations, communications and targeting requirements, types of display and such other recommendations as may be pertinent.
  3. Prepare a more fitting designation for this directorate.
  4. Brief the CofS during the first week of each month of the progress to date.

The first meeting of the committee was held at 1 Air Division HQ on 20 Nov 61. The committee consisted of SOOrgM (W/C Hansen) as chairman, plus a representative from SASO, STSO, SPSO, COC, and SOBO Branches, as members. Also, there were several advisers present at the first meeting, at which time the chairman stated that it was not necessary for advisors to be present at all meetings but to be available to be called upon for advice on specific aspects. The dates of the proceeding meetings were as follows:

21 Dec 61 – second meeting
19 Jan 62 – third meeting
5 Mar 62 – fourth meeting
19 Mar 62 – fifth meeting
5 Apr 62 – sixth meeting
18 Apr 62 – seventh meeting
2 May 62 – eight meeting
21 May 62 – ninth and final meeting was held and the completed recommendation was passed to the CofS. The committees’ final recommendation had not been made public by 31 May 62.