The Wrath of Mother Nature
It was not unusual to experience damage at Pinetree Line radar stations due to high winds. What is unusual is the apparent lack of a compiled document that provides details indicating "what happened, where, and when". This file contains a summary of "significant" Pinetree Line radar station "wind damage" that is known, and documented, to have occurred in Beaverbank, NS.
The following detail has been taken from the Narrative Reports for RCAF Station Beaverbank.
3 Jan 60
A Severe storm was experienced at this unit. The roof was blown off the new chapel, power supply was disrupted, and fire alarm systems were temporarily unserviceable.
20 Jun 60
Mr. JA MacPherson, CCE Inspection AFHQ; Mr. G Blackman, Mr. W Crossland and Mr. F Aulenback, DCL Inspectors, Halifax, visited station for inspection of chapel.
23 Oct 60
The newly constructed Roman Catholic Chapel was dedicated by the Archbishop of Halifax, Gerald J Berry.
There is no doubt in my mind that there have been other examples of "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage" which has taken place. As an example, I keep hearing about the Saglek situation – where their height finder was an apparent victim. This unit was located at the edge of a 1,800 foot cliff – so you can imagine the damage to any radar equipment that "went over the side". I continue to hope that some day, some one will provide some "official detail" – and then we will be able to add this occurrence to our list.
If you have any knowledge of other "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage", please help us out and pass the detail to us – via an email message. Many thanks.