Saglek, Labrador

1876th Radio Relay Squadron - Detachment 8

Detachment 8 of the 1876th Radio Relay Squadron was located at Saglek, Labrador. The 924th AC&W Squadron was also located at Saglek.

Detachment 8 personnel made full use of all the facilities which the 924th AC&W Squadron had to offer. Accommodation, messing, recreational and clubs were all available to the personnel that formed Detachment 8.

In most cases, the 60 and 30 foot antenna - which were an integral part of the Pole Vault communications system - were located reasonably close to the AC&W Squadron domestic site. In the case of Saglek - not only were these antenna located close to the AC&W Squadron, but they were also dangerously close to the edge of an 1800 foot cliff.

The Pole Vault communications antenna in Saglek were a prime target for severe storm activity. There were at least three years (1958, 1959 and 1963) when the winds were so strong that these antenna and nearby buildings were completely demolished or severely damaged.

We have been able to put together a number of photographs that show the Troposcatter communications antenna which were located in Saglek. It is hoped that these photographs will bring back some memories to those who served in Detachment 8.


Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. Snow removal equipment in Operations site - June 1964.
    Courtesy Cyril Hanko.

  2. Wind blown communications antenna - May 1964.
    Courtesy Cyril Hanko.

  3. Upper camp (wide angle) from top of POL - July 1963.
    Courtesy Cyril Hanko.

  4. Repalcement 28 foot communications antenna which was installed after the storm - September 1959.
    Courtesy Dennis Abbott.

  5. Photo showing a new antenna (which was almost finished when the storm occurred) as well as the twisted remains of an antenna which was damaged during storm - September 1959.
    Courtesy Dennis Abbott.

  6. Photo showing Polevault communications antenna before the storm when new antennas were being constructed - note scaffold in background - August 1959.
    Courtesy Dennis Abbott.

  7. Communications antenna - November 1957.
    Courtesy Ted Grosz.

  8. Communications antenna - November 1957.
    Courtesy Ted Grosz.

  9. Chaplain Chapman - Saglek Bay in background - November 1957.
    Courtesy Ted Grosz.

  10. Communications antenna and fuel tank - November 1957.
    Courtesy Ted Grosz.

  11. Communications antenna - take note of the man standing beside it - November 1957.
    Courtesy Ted Grosz.

  12. Troposcatter antennae - November 1956.
    Courtesy Jim Trowbridge.

  13. Search radome and troposcatter antennae - June 1956.
    Courtesy Jim Trowbridge.

  14. The real "rock" with troposcatter antenna and the search radome - June 1956.
    Courtesy Jim Trowbridge.

  15. Troposcatter antennae - May 1956.
    Courtesy Jim Trowbridge.


Updated: April 25, 2000