Falconbridge, ON

1954 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


Historical Narrative
RCAF Station Falconbridge
1 Dec 54 to 31 May 55

1 Dec 54

At 1620Z the scopes began showing extreme interference which proved to be an internal trouble. Emergency maintenance was requested but was refused due to Edgar’s being off the air. Maintenance was granted at 1700Z and we were on the air again at 1714Z. Thirty-one interceptions were completed with 3 OTU, North Bay, during the day. Canadian Marconi Co. maintenance crew returned and installed Antenna Pedestal Waveguide assemblies to the AF/ISGs making this equipment serviceable.

2 Dec 54

One unknown track was intercepted by Topaz 1 (W/C Brahame, 3 OTU). It proved to be a B-29 on a cross country flight. Twenty-one other interceptions completed locally with 3 OTU.

3 Dec 54

This was a routine day with 33 interceptions completed with 3 OTU aircraft. Both ISG/98s became unserviceable during this week. Trade Advancement for trade tests was being carried out in Tech Sections by question papers which were completed by the crew while on duty, and marked the following day.

4 Dec 54

A routine day with no interceptions. An aircraft was reported flying a triangular pattern over Gore Bay. It proved to be a photo reconnaissance Anson.

5 Dec 54

Sunday routine – no intercepts.

6 Dec 54

Routine operations – no intercepts. The assistant Command Fire Marshal completed a semi-annual inspection when he reported nothing of any consequence outstanding at this unit, other than lack of proper accommodation, staff, and truck – all of which he acknowledged were CHQs problem to remedy.

7 Dec 54

A busier day with 40 intercepts completed with 3 OTU.

8 Dec 54

S/L Draper arrived from the V/CAS office to investigate the necessity for, and results of, the present CE Cost Accounting Operations. Only three intercepts completed.

9 Dec 54

A routine day – no intercepts.

10 Dec 54

Routine with only two intercepts.

11 Dec 54

Saturday routine observed – no intercepts.

12 Dec 54

Sunday routine – no intercepts

13 Dec 54

Up to present time this month a great amount of unserviceable time being logged on the 501s. it is becoming very evident that more trained personnel are needed for this equipment. No intercepts today.

14 Dec 54

CTechO, S/L CH Markham, departed on four days TD to R&CS Clinton to act as President of a marking board on end course exams for Tech/TelOs. (Markham is the man to mark them). No intercepts

15 Dec 54

Trade Advancement completed and trade tests written. At 1355Z Sector (Edgar) advised us of a "Cocked Pistol Condition" (simulated alert). There were fourteen intercepts completed.

16 Dec 54

Daily routine was observed and one intercept completed Vehicle 19B56-A51 was roaded from this unit to 6RD, Toronto, Ontario. No intercepts today.

18 Dec 54

Routine operations with no intercepts. Full use now being made of Test Set UOM-4A. This has become a great asset in the maintenance of the Parrot Equipment.

19 Dec 54

Daily routine observed – there were no intercepts.

20 Dec 54

Cpl. R. Stokes, Dmech, was transferred to RCAF Station St. Hubert. No intercepts today.

21 Dec 54

Daily routine observed with six intercepts completed

22 Dec 54

F/O RC Meyer posted to TelO Training Course at 1 R&CS Clinton. A report was passed to us by North Bay GObC stating that a month ago a school teacher at Goudreau (air mileage 146½) found a piece of aluminum painted blue, 8X10 inches in size. The teacher knew nothing of GObC, hence the delay.

23 Dec 54

A routine day with no intercepts. A farewell party was held in the Officers’ mess in honour of F/O Meyer who was presented with the traditional silver stein.

24 Dec 54

Xmas routine was observed with no intercepts.

25 Dec 54

The Officers and Sr. NCOs assembled in the Officers Mess shortly before noon, then, led by the Commanding Officer, W/C JM Stroud, proceeded to the Combined Mess where they served dinner to all Cpls. and below in the traditional manner.

26 Dec 54

Sunday routine was observed and there were no intercepts. At 1500 hours the Officers were hosts to the Sr. NCOs who were entertained at a cocktail party. There was a good turn out and everyone had a very enjoyable time.

27 Dec 54

A routine day with no intercepts

28 Dec 54

Routine – no intercepts.

29 Dec 54

At 1055Z Mr. Murdock of the Sudbury Met Office reported a flying saucer had been seen by Mr. Frank Seymour, 73 Samuel Street., Sudbury, phone OS 3-4236.This man claimed to have seen an object travelling East to West over downtown Sudbury at 0927Z. No further information could be obtained from the Met Office. The Duty Controller phoned OS 3-4236 and was told that no one by that name lived there. This information was passed to Sector by telephone who advised us that it was not necessary to send a signal nor make a report. Later, at 1125Z, Sudbury Met Officer reported another call made by a man who claimed he had seen an unidentified flying object while driving on the Copper Cliff highway. This man wouldn’t leave his name nor could any more information be obtained. Another routine day with flying out of North Bay.

31 Dec 54

At 1905Z Rhino 52 (Instrument & Conversion Flight, North Bay), in a CF-100 called in an emergency stating that he was down to two minutes fuel. He was at 23,000 feet on a heading of 280º M. The Fighter Marshall received only one transmission over "Fox" channel (emergency 121.5 mcs) which died out rapidly. This information was passed to Sector. At 1934Z Sector Duty Controller passed a crash report in ref PA3332 at 1915Z which came from the GObC at Brockville. The following information re Rhino 52 was passed from North Bay to Sector: North Bay homer was contacted by Rhino 52 at 1850Z. He requested a steer for base (40 gals fuel) at 25,000 ft. and was given a steer of 290º. The GCA reported Rhino 52 as being 17 miles Northwest of the station, F/L Dennis told the pilot to vector 360º and bail out at 10,000 feet. At 1901Z an aircraft was reported to have crashed at Bristol PQ, northeast of Arnprior. The tower stated that he was on an IFR local flight airborne at 1720Z. Bail out time was 1909Z. At 2025Z Foymount GCI informed us that the pilot was uninjured and was at a farmhouse at Bristol Lodge. Still later in the day, at 2125Z, North Bay Operations called to enquire about Rhino 30 (CF-100) airborne at 1915Z and not heard of since. At 2130Z the tower advised that they had info to the effect that an aircraft had crashed 1½ miles north of North Bay which had been received from Rhino 30 nor had any emergency squawks been noted. At 2205Z word was received that the wreckage had been found but no other details were available. All personnel joined in welcoming in the New Year. The Officers and Sr. NCOs held parties in their own messes and attended a stn dance held in the Rec. Hall. Paper hats and noise makers were supplied for all and bountiful buffets were provided for all three dances.

1 Jan 55

New Years Day and the Sr. NCOs entertained the Officers in the traditional manner. Operationally it was a quiet day with all aircraft at North Bay standing down. The staff of North Bay tower phoned their New Years Greetings to all personnel at Falconbridge.

2 Jan 55

The weather at North Bay was closed in so there was little activity. Cpl. Schauffle (ME) transferred in from Station Chatham. Alterations to Clothing Stores were nearly completed. LAC Baker confined to Sudbury General Hospital.

3 Jan 55

A routine day with 21 intercepts completed with 3 OTU. MRP and CAEL arrived to replace base insulators, connectors, and co-axial cable in all VHF Antenna installations.

4 Jan 55

32 intercepts completed with 3 OTU and a lot of surveillance given to aircraft flying cross-countries.

5 Jan 55

A busy day, surveillance on cross-countries and 52 intercepts completed with 3 OTU.

6 Jan 55

There was some flying out of North Bay but we were on weekly maintenance at the time so these aircraft were handed over to Foymount for control.

7 Jan 55

VHF and radar jamming was experienced. One Dakota was intercepted which proved to be a faker responsible for the jamming. Fifteen intercepts were completed with 3 OTU.

8 Jan 55

At 0140Z North Bay GObC called with the following info: "A Mr. Hunt reporter for the North Bay Nugget has sighted an unknown flying object near Cobalt, Ontario. It was reported at 0130Z and had been seen at that time hovering for 25 to 30 minutes. Black Ball 109 (CF-100 from 3 OTU) was scrambled and the area searched but reported seeing nothing but the lights of Cobalt and Haileybury. 25 intercepts were completed with 3 OTU. A thorough maintenance program for all indicator chassis of FPS-3 was started this week. This was considered necessary as the indicators are not thoroughly covered in PM cards.

9 Jan 55

LAC Baker, SupTech, was transferred to Sunnybrook Hospital and Mr. D Menard, civilian packer helper in Sup Sec, was admitted to Sanitorium for approximately six months. Alterations were completed in Clothing Stores and painting was in progress. Clothing parade was again deferred. No intercepts completed this day.

10 Jan 55

At 2132Z an emergency signal heard by Ramore. No contact could be made with the aircraft to establish its approximate position. A CF-100 was scrambled from North Bay, when Senneterre reported an unknown. This CF-100 was handed over to Senneterre who made the intercept. The aircraft proved to be a T-33 on a cross-country from St. Hubert who was lost due to faulty compass. He was led into Val d’Or by the CF-100 where he landed safely but with very little fuel remaining. 31 intercepts were completed with 3 OTU aircraft. Sgt. Padley, ME, was transferred to RCAF Station North Bay and LAC Hanna, also of ME, to Station Moisie. During this week we received two letters from CHQ in effect thanking us for our submissions regarding mobilization planning, i.e., increased storage capacity for gasoline and oil, and recommendations regarding an alternate well and water tanker, ME to protect our essential availability of gas, oil and water. However, these letters defer results for this station, in that they create delays, talk about calculated risks, and leave the station to the trials of further submissions etc. Monthly Tel report for Dec submitted to CHQ wherein we outlined clearly the lack of results on Height Finders AN/TPS 501, because of an indecisive policy regarding their role, installations and operation, and particularly because of supply, maintenance, and lack of technical know how training.

11 Jan 55

At 1632Z an unknown aircraft was intercepted by W/C Braham (3 OTU) under control of Falconbridge GCI. The unknown proved to be an American KC-97 #349339 which was also verified by a late flight plan at 1635Z. Besides this 30 local intercepts were completed with 3 OTU.

12 Jan 55

A routine day with 31 intercepts.

13 Jan 55

26 intercepts completed with 3 OTU

14 Jan 55

A communication jamming exercise was held and four successful intercepts completed on the bogey. 42 other intercepts were also completed with 3 OUT.

15 Jan 55

A quiet day with over 15 successful intercepts.

16 Jan 55

Regular Sunday routine was observed with no intercepts.

17 Jan 55

Flying Officer Qualifying Exams started today with an average of eight officers writing each exam. Another ECM Exercise was held with continuous wave and window being used. Our controllers had a successful day with 14 intercepts done on the jamming aircraft. Two intercepts were completed with 3 OTU.

18 Jan 55

One unknown aircraft was intercepted which turned out to be a T-33 who had wandered from Queen area. 22 intercepts with 3 OTU. Mobile Repair Party from Canadian Civilian Electronics Limited completed the VHF antenna project and departed this date. Mr. Abel, of AFHQ/DCEF visited the unit.

19 Jan 55

One unknown aircraft was intercepted and identified as a C-47 at 3,300 feet. Five intercepts completed with aircraft from 3 OTU. Alterations and painting of Clothing Stores completed and staff in process of setting up clothing stores preparatory to stocktaking. Clothing Parades are now scheduled for 1 and 2 Feb. Report received that LAC Baker, Supply will be confined to hospital for six months.

20 Jan 55

A B-29 flew through our area and was immediately intercepted. 45 other intercepts were done with 3 OTU.

21 Jan 55

Five intercepts were completed on a USAF C-47 which was carrying General Tucker of the USAF. No other intercepts were carried out. A farewell party was held in the Officers’ Mess for Mr. W Pettigrew, Wire Chief, and F/Os McLennan and Warring who were leaving for Cold Lake. Suitably inscribed tankards were presented to each of the departing members and good wishes extended on behalf of all members by the CO, COpO and CTechO.

22 Jan 55

Regular Saturday routine carried out. No intercepts.

23 Jan 55

Regular Sunday routine.

24 Jan 55

A routine day with 12 intercepts completed with 3 OTU. P/O MW Reynolds, Med/Nurs, reported in on transfer from 1 OS London. This will allow complete time for contact training and handing over before F/O Laurie departs in mid-March.

25 Jan 55

A simulated exercise took place starting at 1940Z. Two synthetic intercepts were done with the trainer. Three other intercepts were completed with 3 OTU. F/O JI Morris, Area Social Welfare Officer, visited the unit for two days.

26 Jan 55

A simulated attack was carried out by three aircraft which were shot down by a section of our fighters. The weather was bad and only a few tracks picked up.

27 Jan 55

A routine day; the runways at North Bay were only partially serviceable so there was very little flying.

28 Jan 55

A busy day with lots of surveillance given to cross-country aircraft and 31 intercepts completed with 3 OTU. A mess dinner was held in the Officers’ Mess with W/C Ireland, CO, 419 Squadron, North Bay, S/L Allison, CFI 3 OTU.

29 Jan 55

A routine day with 34 intercepts completed.

30 Jan 55

A synthetic exercise started at 0100Z and four synthetic intercepts were completed.

31 Jan 55

A routine day with no intercepts attempted.

1 Feb 55

28462 Cpl. JH Lorgere, ME, was transferred in from Station Parent. Stocktaking in Clothing Stores was continuing with LAC Baker still in hospital and Cpl. Moran on annual leave. LAC Scarfe, Sup Tech, reported in from Station Edgar for two weeks TD. S/L Powell, representing SOCE/ADC, visited the unit for three days as a result of our request to review the operations of the CE Section. Only eight intercepts completed with 3 OTU.

2 Feb 55

LAC RC Harris, ME was granted seven days compassionate leave due to illness of his wife. A number of representatives from DOT flew in at 2000Z to have a quick tour of the Ops Bldg. Two intercepts were made for their benefit, using two T-33s from North Bay. The party consisted of Mr. Travers, of DOT, Mr. PS Walker, CA Brethour, HR Finely, J Hunter and F/L Bigson who piloted their aircraft. They departed at 0100Z. 31 other intercepts were completed with 3 OTU.

3 Feb 55

A quiet day with some surveillance done and only one intercept with 3 OTU.

4 Feb 55

F/L Qualifying Exams being written this week by F/Ls Smith and Scott. 17 intercepts completed with 3 OTU.

5 Feb 55

A routine Saturday – no intercepts.

6 Feb 55

Sunday routine observed and no intercepts completed.

7 Feb 55

A very quiet day with only two intercepts with 3 OTU.

8 Feb 55

22 intercepts completed. Planning started on the ISG-98 Removal and TPS-501 Installation Project.

9 Feb 55

A very quiet day with no intercepts.

10 Feb 55

Two intercepts were completed by pilots of 3 OTU against a formation of five B-47s. W/C Hillock, Blackball 70 student at 3 OTU called in an emergency but was not painted by Foymount, Edgar or this unit. He finally landed at Trenton with only ten minutes of fuel remaining. Large panic on BB70s part. The 56-57 estimates were forwarded this date. As usual, at the very last minute another message was received laying down how CHQ desired the submission prepared. We had anticipated all requirements except that the details of form were not identical e.g., Apps letter. Advised CHQ that the submission was in the mail as per basic message and requested confirmation that it will do in this form.

11 Feb 55

A simulated exercise was carried out, lasting three hours. Three simulated tracks penetrated our area but over "shot down" immediately by our fighters.

12 Feb 55

A routine Saturday with no intercepts.

13 Feb 55

A very quiet Sunday routine.

14 Feb 55

The weather was bad and there was very little flying activity. F/O HL Thirlwall, CEO, proceeded to ADCHQ to attend a conference of CE Officers 14-18 Feb and will be on leave until 28 Feb. F/L HL Collard was Acting CEO during F/O Thirlwall’s absence. The project of removing the ISG-98 from the east radome and the insertion of the TPS-501 got under way and was completed by 18 Feb.

15 Feb 55

A routine day with 15 intercepts completed. Sent along part V – CTEchO remarks – to Monthly Tel report for Jan 55. Sent message to ADCHQ requesting visit from SOSup.

16 Feb 55

A very quiet day. A short simulated exercise was held. We were informed that a mobile ground base jammer was operating within the Sector. F/Os Wilson, Nixon and Proud arrived on TD.

17 Feb 55

Another simulated exercise was held and 23 intercepts were completed with 3 OTU and 419 Squadron.

18 Feb 55

37 intercepts completed with 3 OTU and 419 Squadron aircraft. A formal dinner and dance was held in the Officers’ Mess for all regular members and their wives. CTechO inspected Supply, CE and ME Sections and completed an aide memoire in preparation for SOSup’s visit 21 Feb.

19 Feb 55

A very quiet day with a short simulated exercise carried out.

20 Feb 55

A routine day – no intercepts

21 Feb 55

Twelve intercepts completed with 3 OTU. SOSup did not arrive as expected. CO advised that he will arrive 7 Mar. CTechO started inspection of the Radar and Comms Sections. He was surprised at the general falling behind on housekeeping. General laxity through lack of adequate control, and the fact that the newcomers need considerable training and discipline too apparent. He directed action to be taken as he went about to have the situation adequately improved. Completed inspection of Comms on 22 Feb 55

22 Feb 55

A busy day in Operations with lots of surveillance and 28 intercepts completed.

23 Feb 55

51 intercepts completed with 3 OTU and 419 Squadron.

24 Feb 55

Another busy day – 53 intercepts completed. Letter to A Silvermans of Sudbury giving them authority to proceed with installation of drapes for the school auditorium and the Airmen’s dining room.

25 Feb 55

The installation of the TPS-501 in the east tower radome was completed and the set switched on at 1200 hours. LAC RC Harris, ME, was released from the service. A routine day in operations with some surveillance given but no intercepts completed.

26 Feb 55

Five local intercepts were completed with 3 OTU and three B-47s were intercepted by 419 Squadron.

27 Feb 55

Some electronic and mechanical jamming was noted between 0200Z and 0346Z. This was caused by B-36 aircraft on exercise with Sault St. Marie. At 2045Z we intercepted a B-47.

28 Feb 55

27 local intercepts were completed with 3 OTU and two against flights of four B-36s. The CTechO advised the CO that only a F/L was coming from SOSup, together with the SAO of Station North Bay to carry out a supply inspection. He pointed out how important it is that we have the SOSup or some other senior Supply Officer come to help us – so that he can act from the strength of his experience and authority.

1 Mar 55

A routine day with no intercepts completed. A new voice code was adopted by the RCAF known as AFSAL; it replaced the old AC&W voice Code.

2 Mar 55

A quiet day in operations with only eleven intercepts completed.

3 Mar 55

A very busy day; operations completed 67 intercepts with 3 OTU.

4 Mar 55

Seven intercepts were completed before the weather closed in at North Bay at 0108Z. The aircraft were recalled then diverted to Ottawa. Due to poor management between the aircraft and GCI they landed at Burlington, Earlton, Ottawa and St. Hubert. The aircraft which landed at Burlington was intercepted and led in by two USAF Fighters. BB70 only aircraft to panic.

5 Mar 55

A quiet day in Ops – no intercepts

6 Mar 55

Sunday routine – no intercepts

7 Mar 55

A busy day in Operations with surveillance and eleven intercepts completed. S/L David, acting SOSup, visited the unit accompanied by F/O Blackett Sup Staff O.

8 Mar 55

A very busy day in Ops with surveillance and a total of 67 intercepts. At approximately 1720 hours an unknown aircraft was told to us from Foymount and a CF-100 was scrambled to intercept but did not locate the aircraft.

9 Mar 55

This was a very quiet day due to bad weather.

10 Mar 55

A synthetic exercise was carried out with Air Defence Control Centre and in the evening a tow tine was to operate beyond B-25 with seven CF-100 to intercept with. Four intercepts were carried out before the flying was cancelled due to weather.

12 Mar 55

Twenty-eight intercepts were completed by the OTU on a B-25 and several aircraft for surveillance.

13 Mar 55

A synthetic exercise was conducted with ADCC. Several aircraft were under surveillance on cross-country flights and hand-over to other radar units.

14 Mar 55

Another synthetic exercise conducted with Sector with several aircraft for surveillance and two intercepts by OTU with their own aircraft.

15 Mar 55

Twenty-seven intercepts completed by OTU with their own aircraft.

16 Mar 55

Seven intercepts completed by 419 Squadron and several aircraft for surveillance. A Fire Drill was held in the Operations Building. The drill went off fairly well, except that under maintenance were unable to man position 7 due to shortage of personnel. Whoever released the alarm was overzealous and burned out the alarm actuator unit. CE fortunately had a spare unit.

17 Mar 55

CO approved the draft fire orders for Station Standing Orders. The Ops Section carried out quite a lot of surveillance including very helpful navigation aids. Quarterly trade examinations were written by all qualified personnel. Specialist officers and NCOs studied the various trade papers and made observations which were incorporated in a letter to TCHQ, info ADCHQ.

18 Mar 55

41 intercepts were completed by the OTU aircraft plus the usual surveillance. ADC CEIs 3C to 43 were received and distributed for action. S/L Powell, ADCHQ SOCE Staff, sent his report on the recent visit he made to this unit. All his recommendations are being action upon, e.g., setting up a planning committee and the use of work requisition for all CE work.

19 Mar 55

Movement of telephones for one-room operation was completed during 19th and 20th. Great credit for the smooth and practically snagless changeover is due to Mr. Sims of the Bell Telephone Co., assisted by our Tech/Tels and several FtrCops loaned by the COpO. We can do almost anything around here if we all get together – too bad the same mutual interest cannot be engendered for all projects. Surveillance was carried out in several aircraft.

21 Mar 55

A CF-100 intercepted an unknown which turned out to be a light ski-equipped monoplane. The Officers’ Mess held a farewell party for F/O Vera Laurie (Med/Nurs) and presented her with the traditional stein.

22 Mar 55

The CO was on TD to ADCHQ and S/L King became Acting CO. A synthetic exercise (Hostile aircraft) was carried out with the Air Defence Control Centre. Surveillance was given to an aircraft, also weather information.

23 Mar 55

Write offs in the amount of $4,976.16, as a result of Supply Stocktaking, forwarded to CO for signature, complete with covering letter 31-1-16 (CO) dated 22 Mar requesting Command approval. Four intercepts were made by 419 Squadron on B-47 SAC aircraft and two intercepts on the B-47 – SAC aircraft. Two intercepts were completed by the OTU on their own aircraft.

24 Mar 55

A synthetic exercise was carried out with Air Defence Control Centre. A CF-100 was scrambled to intercept a jamming aircraft (a DC-3) which was intercepted. Several aircraft were under surveillance.

25 Mar 55

Annual stocktaking of CE materiel was completed. Eighteen intercepts were completed by OTU and 419 Squadron. F/L Collard and F/L smith (in place of CTechO) attended a conference with the CO and W/C Jackson (SOOrg) re establishment. W/C Jackson outlines what our new establishment will be. In the afternoon F/L Collard accompanied W/C Jackson on a short tour of the station.

26 Mar 55

A break occurred in the six inch water main in the PMQ area which took three days to repair. Thirty intercepts were completed by OTU aircraft.

27 Mar 55

A very quiet day; a synthetic exercise was held with ADCC.

28 Mar 55

A synthetic exercise was held with ADCC. Three intercepts were completed by 419 Squadron.

29 Mar 55

Twelve intercepts were completed by the OTU aircraft and sixteen by 419 Squadron.

30 Mar 55

Seventeen intercepts were carried out by the OTU aircraft and six intercepts by 419 Squadron.

31 Mar 55

Several aircraft were under surveillance including A/V/M Dunlop. The T-33 carrying the A/V/M was intercepted by an OTU CF-100 and also by a CF-100 from 419 Squadron. Airmen’s promotions were announced with unit receiving one WO1, one WO2, two Sergeants and eight substantive Corporals.

1 Apr 55

Two intercepts were made with OTU aircraft and other aircraft were given surveillance.

2 Apr 55

Eleven intercepts were carried out with the OTU aircraft.

3 Apr 55

A busy day with surveillance given to several aircraft.

4 Apr 55

Nine intercepts were made by the OTU aircraft on B-47 SAC aircraft passing through our area. Project "Harlequin" commenced. This is a project to determine the best control procedures for lead collision type interceptions for single and multiple attacks by CF-100 Mk IV "Canuck" aircraft. F/L Norman is project officers and will operate out of RCAF Station North Bay. F/O Gosselin is project controller and has F/L Collins, F/O Fry, F/O Vine, F/O Kiel, F/O Sheppard and F/Os Loney, Walsh and Hancock from this unit assisting him as controllers. The project will have exclusive control of 419 Squadron (AW) out of North Bay.

5 Apr 55

The first ADCHQ Staff visit of ME Section was carried out be WO Thompson. Nineteen intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft. Seven intercepts were carried out on B-47 SAC aircraft passing through our area.

6 Apr 55

Surveillance was given to several aircraft.

7 Apr 55

Two intercepts were completed by the OTU aircraft. A boat was reported sinking in Georgian Bay around 1400 hours. VC 653, a Search & Rescue Dakota, located the boat and reported it to be safely tied to a rock. A 419 Squadron aircraft intercepted an unknown aircraft which turned out to be a Beaver. VC 653 reported it dropped two dinghys and two bundles of clothing. This was a busy day with a great deal of surveillance.

8 Apr 55

Only a few aircraft for surveillance.

9 Apr 55

A quiet day with little activity in Operations.

10 Apr 55

An aircraft was reported to be showing mechanical jamming, however, this turned out to be thunderheads which had moved into our area.

11 Apr 55

Only a few aircraft for surveillance.

12 Apr 55

The OTU aircraft were given surveillance and four intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft. Four intercepts made on B-47 SAC aircraft passing through our area. Mr. Northover of AFHQ/CE visited regarding siting of facilities due to be installed this summer.

13 Apr 55

Three intercepts were carried out with 419 Squadron aircraft and two intercepts with OTU aircraft. There were many OTU aircraft for surveillance.

14 Apr 55

A very quiet day.

15 Apr 55

Several OTU and 419 Squadron aircraft under surveillance.

16 Apr 55

Several OTU and 419 Squadron were under surveillance.

17 Apr 55

A normal busy day with surveillance and weather information passed to aircraft.

18 Apr 55

There were a number of aircraft for surveillance and one intercept was completed by a CF-100 from 419 Squadron. The first Station Junior NCO Service Training Course commenced, it will be for two weeks and 50% of the Corporals will attend.

19 Apr 55

Twelve intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft and one intercept with 419 Squadron. F/O Morris of AMC visited the unit on a routine welfare visit. The Commanding Officer left for ADC to attend the COs Conference S/L King became Acting CO.

20 Apr 55

Twelve intercepts were successful with the OTU aircraft and the usual aircraft for surveillance.

21 Apr 55

Twenty-three intercepts were completed with the OTU aircraft plus surveillance.

22 Apr 55

Twenty-two intercepts completed. One CF-100 from the OTU overshot the runway and cracked up, however, there were no casualties and slight damage to the aircraft.

23 Apr 55

Sgt. Panton, MEO, attended the Unit Check Driver Course at 1 TTS Aylmer and was absent until 29 Apr.

25 Apr 55

S/L Monnon, AFHQ/AMTS/DCEF, visited the station to study and discuss a CE matter. There were the usual aircraft for surveillance; several aircraft required surveillance.

26 Apr 55

Twenty intercepts were completed by the OTU.

27 Apr 55

Thirty six intercepts were completed with the OTU and three with 419 Squadron. F/O Hawk notified of his pending posting overseas to 61 AC&W Squadron at Metz.

28 Apr 55

Fifty six intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft.

29 Apr 55

Thirty-one intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft plus usual surveillance. The Officers’ Mess held a mess dinner for all Regular and Associate members plus all honorary members who were able to attend. Among the guests were the Mayor of Sudbury, and other prominent business men of the city, and representatives from the Army Reserves messes in Sudbury. The Commanding Officer announced that he had been notified of his transfer to AFHQ/ASR to be effective 1 Aug. There were many expressions of regret at his leaving and appreciation of his work at this unit and good relations with the local organization.

30 Apr 55

Twenty-seven intercepts were completed with the OTU.

1 May 55

A synthetic exercise was carried out with the ADCC.

2 May 55

A very busy day with a great deal of surveillance.

3 May 55

Eighteen intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft.

4 May 55

Thirty-three intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft and several aircraft under surveillance.

5 May 55

This was a busy day with fifty intercepts completed with the OTU aircraft.

6 May 55

Forty intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft and usual surveillance.

7 May 55

This was a very busy day due to poor flying conditions

8 May 55

Ramore reported an emergency squawk around 4 pm and stated that this was USAF T-33 #4280 who was lost with only 200 gallons of fuel remaining, south of James Bay. W/C Braham was scrambled in a CF-100 to aid the distressed aircraft. W/C Braham intercepted the T-33 and accompanied him home. Lt. Harris was very grateful for the radar and interceptor assistance. USAF #4280 was enroute to Memphis Tennessee from Maguire AFB. F/O Furneaux and his crew deserve an orchid for the good show.

9 May 55

This was a quiet day with two intercepts completed by OTU aircraft.

10 May 55

This was an extremely busy day with thirty-four intercepts carried out with OTU aircraft.

11 May 55

Thirty-one intercepts were carried out with the OTU aircraft and some surveillance.

12 May 55

Forty intercepts were carried out with the OTU aircraft and some surveillance.

13 May 55

This was another busy day. Surveillance was given to several aircraft and forty-seven intercepts completed with the OTU aircraft.

14 May 55

Air Force 214 was advised that he was 60 miles off track and handed over to Foymount’s control. A quiet day, some surveillance.

15 May 55

A routine day, little flying done.

16 May 55

Surveillance given to several aircraft.

17 May 55

This was a busy day with fifty-four intercepts completed with OTU aircraft.

18 May 55

Twenty-five intercepts were completed with OTU aircraft and some surveillance.

20 May 55

This was an active day for surveillance.

21 May 55

Several aircraft for handover to other Radar Stations.

22 May 55

This was a very quiet Sunday.

23 May 55

Routine, surveillance given to several aircraft.

24 May 55

Routine, surveillance given to several aircraft.

25 May 55

Surveillance given to 4 CF-100s enroute from North Bay to Cold Lake.

26 May 55

Blackball 22 scrambled after unknown aircraft which was visually identified as an Otter #MN678. Routine, surveillance given to several aircraft.

27 May 55

Routine.

28 May 55

Scrambled, one CF-100 on KC-97 #AF3111.

29 May 55

Routine.

30 May 55

Routine surveillance

31 May 55

Violations report filed against civilian Beechcraft 18 CF-FUP piloted by EJ Wilson, owned by Amtor Corporation, Toronto. Pilot failed to file a flight plan.

(JA King)S/L
Acting CO
for (JM Stroud) W/C
CO, RCAF Stn Falconbridge,