Falconbridge, ON

1955 – Historical Narrative – National Archives of Canada


Historical Records
RCAF Station Falconbridge
1 Dec 55 – 31 May 56

1 Dec 55

Universal Radar Indicator UPA/35 received and installed in room 318 for evaluation purposes. This indicator is on loan from the USAF. One FPS-3 indicator was moved from room 318 to the dais in room 100.

2 Dec 55

F/L E McKillop arrived on transfer from Station Mont Apica.

5 Dec 55

Cocked Pistol called at 052112Z for Exercise "Cracker Jack", a test of the Air Defences of North America. Within fifteen minutes, 419 Squadron brought their four aircraft on normal readiness (1 on 10 minutes, 2 on 30 minutes, 1 on 1 hour) to ten minutes or less and within 30 minutes 10 aircraft were at 10 minutes readiness. First radar report was received at 060200Z from Pagwa, positioning an unknown at a point near Ft. Albany on James Bay. This raid penetrated in a southerly direction building up to 33 B-36s and 33 B-47s. Seventeen scrambles of CF-100s were initiated from North Bay against the raid resulting in ten successful intercepts and seven misses; the missed intercepts were primarily due to the effects of mechanical jamming (chaff) and target evasion. At 060544Z, Condition Snowman was called ending the first phase of the exercise. The second phase began with this unit’s picking up the first radar plot at 0850Z. The strength of the raid was placed at twenty B-47s. Aircraft again proceeding in a southerly direction. Three scrambles of CF-100s from 419 Squadron North Bay, resulting in nil interceptions due primarily to late scrambles and insufficient cross telling.

14 Dec 55

Eight practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and twelve with 419 Squadron Two B-47 SAC overfly intercepted by CF-100.

15 Dec 55

Twenty-five practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. One B-47 SAC overfly intercepted by CF-100.

16 Dec 55

One CF-100 scrambled and intercepted SAC B-52.

17 Dec 55

Four B-47s SAC overfly intercepted by CF-100s.

19 Dec 55

Twenty practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

20 Dec 55

Mr. Adams of RCA Victor Co., visited the unit to complete the overhaul on TPS-501 Height Finder number one which was started in August.

22 Dec 55

Two practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and two with 433 Squadron. F/O Hyslop and Messrs K Jenson, J Labelle and D Ennis visited RCAF Station Falconbridge to survey the Micro Wave Installation for RCA Victor. The party stayed for one day.

23 Dec 55

Five practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

25 Dec 55

Traditionally the Sr. NCOs were entertained in the Officers’ Mess from 1100 to 1200 hours then all paraded to the OR dining room, led by the Commanding Officer to the swirl of bagpipes played by F/L AS McVicar (SMO). Approximately one hundred ACs and AWs were served Christmas dinner by the Officers and NCOs. The CO exchanged jackets with LAC "Yogi" George, a spontaneous skit was presented and a good time enjoyed by all.

27 Dec 55

Four practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Parts of the AN/GPX-7, ground IFF equipment, were received from Cold Lake, Alberta. The UPX-6, which is the transmitter receiver for the AN/GPX-7, was received from Foymount, Ontario.

28 Dec 55

Ten practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and eleven with 419 Squadron. Interception of penetration track by CF-100 identified as two CF-100s.

30 Dec 55

One CF-100 scrambled to identify unknown track; identified by fighter as one C-46 CF-FBV #346. Eight practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

31 Dec 55

Eleven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. The usual New Years Eve parties were held in all messes with a big station dance in the Rec. Hall for all Cpls. and below.

1 Jan 56

Happy New Year! A levee was held in the Officers’ Mess and members of this mess visited the 58th LAA Reg’t and 33rd RCEME Reserve Officers’ Messes.

2 Jan 56

GObC reported a crash in Timmins area, also red flares and burst of fire – this was witnessed by Timmins OPP. One CF-100 scrambled to investigate and found a farm house on fire. Pilot directed OPP by air to ground radio to location of fire. Ten practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. F/O CR Berry, AS/FtrC arrived this unit on transfer on completion of the Fighter Controller’s Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

4 Jan 56

Ten practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. CF-100 from 419 Squadron lost contact with GCA on trying to land at North Bay-and crashed west of the field, both crew members escaped with minor injuries.

5 Jan 56

Fifteen practice interceptions with 433 Squadron and ten with 419 Squadron. CF-100 intercepted TCA; reason seven minutes late on flight plan.

6 Jan 56

Sixteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and four with 433 Squadron. The dismantling of Height Finder AF/ISG-98 in the west tower commenced. This radar was installed in 1952, became operational on 1 Mar 54, and died, unwept for, today. Its total operational time was 1 year, 10 months, and 5 days. WO2 AE Foster, WO i/c Radar, departed for RCAF Station Beaverbank today. WO2 Foster arrived here 3 Jan 53. His total time at this station was three years and three days. Mr. J Partridge of AMCHQ arrived to install a 30 mc amplifier in the AN/FPS-3 receiving system. This amplifier is designed to build up the noise level in the receiver so that the presentation on the PPIs would be improved. All here agree that the presentation was improved considerably.

7 Jan 56

Nine practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and three with 419 Squadron.

8 Jan 56

Twenty practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. One CF-100 scrambled to intercept B-39 on GObC practice mission.

11 Jan 56

One CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown – 1 B-36. F/O EE Carroll AS/FtrC departed today for Moody AFB, Georgia, for the purpose of attending a course on lead collision interception and live rocket fire using the F-94C type aircraft.

12 Jan 56

Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown, identified Aeronca CF-EGQ. F/O RV Furneaux AS/FtrC transferred to 2452 AC&W Squadron, Quebec City, PQ.

13 Jan 56

Seven practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and eight with 419 Squadron. Emergency IFF over North Bay proved to be CF-100 with no radio.

14 Jan 56

Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and nine with 445 Squadron. One CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown, identified Cessna 170 CF-IBQ.

15 Jan 56

Two practice intercepts with 445 Squadron and four with 419 Squadron. One CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown, identified Cessna CF-IGV.

16 Jan 56

Nineteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown, identified TCA DC-3. Two CF-100s scrambled for practice interception on SAC B-36 overfly. F/L ARM Campbell AS/FtrC proceeded on a week’s TD to 754 AC&W Squadron Port Austin, Michigan, for the purpose of familiarization with the UPA-35 indicator.

17 Jan 56

Twenty-one practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. One CF-100 scrambled to identify unknown, which was identified as a Piper Cub CF-ENE. One CF-100 scrambled to identify GObC report of contrails, ident proved to be cloud formation closely resembling contrails. GObC report weather balloon HE 3224.

18 Jan 56

Fourteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Two CF-100s scrambled for practice interception of SAC B-47 and B-36.

19 Jan 56

Flying object report received from GObC and passed to Sector. Six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. The dismantling of the ISG-98 was completed today. One ISG-98 is stored in each sub-tower pending disposal instructions from AMCHQ.

21 Jan 56

Three CF-100s scrambled for practice interception of SAC B-47 and KC-97. Three practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. F/L CE Holdway from AFHQ visited Falconbridge on 21 Jan 56, for one day, to survey Micro Wave rooms and proposed routing.

23 Jan 56

This unit’s COpO, S/L JA King, DFC, CD, proceeded on TD to Selfridge AFB, USA, for a period of approximately two weeks for the purpose of lead collision indoctrination training. F/L MA Brown Air/Pilot arrived on transfer after completion of the Fighter Controller’s course at Tyndall AFB, Florida. 2134Z Cocked Pistol for SAC overfly, call sign Jolly. Seven scrambled from 419 Squadron and 433 Squadron to intercept B-47s. G/C Costello, Director of Religious Administration from AFHQ and W/C Gallagher from ADC visited the unit.

24 Jan 56

Ten scrambles of CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons to intercept B-47 aircraft. SAC overfly "Jolly".

25 Jan 56

Ten scrambles of CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons against B-47 of SAC overfly. F/O AR Barnett arrived this unit on transfer after completion of the Fighter Controller’s Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Defence Minister, The Honourable Mr. Campney carried out a formal inspection of RCAF Station Falconbridge.

26 Jan 56

Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Seven scrambles of CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons on B-47s of SAC overfly "Jolly". Flight trials were conducted on the AN/GPX-7 today. It was accepted by Mr. Carmody of DND/IS and turned over to the station as an operational radar.

27 Jan 56

Flying object report passed to sector. Five scrambles of CF-100 from 419 Squadron on SAC B-47 overfly. A/C JB Harvey AFC, CD, of TCHQ, paid a visit to the unit. A mess dinner was held in the evening when he was a guest speaker. W/C Woolfenden, CO Station Foymount, was also a guest for the dinner.

28 Jan 56

Twenty-two practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Sector advised that Edgar had heard a faint Mayday on 121.5; nothing had been heard at this unit.

30 Jan 56

Ten practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. CF-100 from 445 Squadron (Ukelele 5) receiver unserviceable, flew right hand triangle, landed safely at North Bay. One CF-100 scrambled from 419 Squadron for Senneterre Control to intercept unknown.

31 Jan 56

Four practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and thirty-two with 419 Squadron. Ukelele 5 enroute North Bay to Ottawa had radio failure; squawked emergency IFF, intercepted by CF-100 section of 419 Squadron, landed safely at North Bay. Three scrambles of CF-100 from 419 Squadron to intercept B-47 SAC overfly. Eight practice intercepts with 428 Squadron.

1 Feb 56

Twenty-six practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and fifteen with 419 Squadron.

2 Feb 56

Thirty-two practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. Weather balloon report received from North Bay tower.

6 Feb 56

419 Squadron released for Exercise Harlequin. Ten practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. CF-100 from 419 Squadron to intercept B-47 overfly, "Tinkerbell Amaze". Weekly maintenance 1330Z. The second phase of Harlequin (Tactical Doctrine trials) commenced, employing multiple CF-100 fighters from 419 Squadron against single and multiple CF-100 targets from 433. The mission of this exercise is to establish a procedure for:

  1. Control of CF-100 fighters from scramble through climb-out and attack, and rapid fighter recovery.
  2. Control of fighters which are forced to overshoot on landing when being recovered in stream.

The project is under the command control of AOC/ADC and directed by the Senior Project Officer, F/L DM Norman, ADCHQ. Control of all aircraft is being carried out by this unit under the direction of Assistant Project Officer, F/O EJ Gosselin, with the following fighter controllers assigned to the project:

Controller

RCAF Station

F/O WD Loney

Falconbridge

F/O WJ Blackburn

Falconbridge

F/O JL McMahon

Foymount

F/O CO Hancock

Cold Lake

F/O JR Walsh

Cold Lake

F/O GR Schneider

Lac St. Denis

F/O R Torseth

Parent

7 Feb 56

SAC overfly through area – no tactical action.

8 Feb 56

Mr. JA Bull, Foreman of Special Projects Division, Bell Telephone, visited RCAF Station Falconbridge 8 to 10 Feb for the purpose of supervision of Telephone Maintenance.

9 Feb 56

F/O JR Gendron AS/FtrC proceeded to Yuma AFB, Arizona, for the purpose of attending a course on lead collision and live rocket firing using the F-86D type aircraft.

10 Feb 56

Eight intercepts with 433 Squadron.

11 Feb 56

"Tinkerbell" B-47 overfly of two flights of five aircraft through area – no scrambles from North Bay on this exercise.

13 Feb 56

Weekly Maintenance.

14 Feb 56

One B-47 through area and intercepted by three CF-100s aircraft from 433 Squadron. Seven practice intercepts with 428 Squadron.

16 Feb 56

Nine practice intercepts with 445 Squadron and twelve with 428 Squadron. B-25 USAF ECM aircraft through area giving electronic jamming Condition One. TPS 501 number 1 was removed from the west roof of the main tower and installed in the west radome. This took about seventy-eight hours to accomplish. Work was started 13 Feb and completed 16 Feb.

17 Feb 56

Seven practice intercepts with 445 Squadron. Five B-47s through area no scramble action taken

18 Feb 56

Box Culvert – Reinforced concrete was installed at base of hill leading to Ops Bldg., as per A for P 39/55.

20 Feb 56

Report received from GObC North Bay of a missing Cessna. This aircraft left Jamestown enroute Gametigama Lake and did not return to Jamestown on schedule. GObC also advised that Rev. Spillman, the Flying Padre, had gone in search of missing aircraft which in the meantime had returned safely to Jamestown. S/L JA King, DFC, CD, COpO, proceeded on TD to 3 ADCC to attend a COpOs conference.

21 Feb 56

Seven practice intercepts with 428 Squadron and five with 445 Squadron. Received AFHQ A for P for $378,000 for following extensions – due to be constructed this summer:

  1. Standard Admin Building
  2. Foundation, Power and Passageways to Tower
  3. Stage II Extension to the Rec. Hall (Swimming Pool)
  4. Extension Combined Quarters Building
  5. Standard Fire Hall (1 Bay)
  6. Standard ME extension (8 Bay)
  7. Roads, Grounds and Utilities for new construction.

22 Feb 56

GObC North Bay advises three Moby Dick balloons landed at FC1655, FE3348, GE1944 and ARE attempting recover.

23 Feb 56

Six practice intercepts with 428 Squadron and five with 445 Squadron. Major James F Webb and Captain Donald L Kansier of 661st AC&W Squadron., Selfridge AFB, arrived for cross-training.

24 Feb 56

Nine practice intercepts with 428 Squadron, seven with 445 Squadron and seven with 433 Squadron.

25 Feb 56

One SAC KC-97 through area, no scramble action taken.

28 Feb 56

Twenty-two practice intercepts with 428 Squadron. Three SAC KC-97s through area – no scramble action taken

1 Mar 56

Eight practice intercepts with 445 Squadron. Unknown object sighted by CKED Radio Operator Mr. Fraser Hallitice. Passed to Sector. F/O EC Brewer AS/FtrC proceeded to Yuma AFB, Arizona, for the purpose of attending a course on lead collision and live rocket firing using the F-86D type aircraft.

2 Mar 56

Eight practice intercepts with 428 Squadron. WO1 Clements from AFHQ visited the unit to investigate voltage fluctuations.

5 Mar 56

Unknown object report passed to sector as reported by GObC North Bay as sighted by Mr. Heale, an observer at position JE2545. Mr. Canning of AFHQ/DCEF and Mr. Grundy of DCL and CEO signed the acceptance form for the modifications to the arches in the gym of the Rec. Drill Hall. Received A for P 3rd Revision, approved to complete the maintenance painting of the Female Quarters and the Combined Mess.

6 Mar 56

Six practice intercepts with 428 Squadron.

7 Mar 56

Eleven practice intercepts with 433 Squadron.

9 Mar 56

Twenty-seven practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. Harlequin II completed trials.

10 Mar 56

F/O T Symington, Station Edgar, arrive on TD for the purpose of helping in the evaluation of the Decca and the UPA-35 indicator.

12 Mar 56

Fifty-three practice intercepts completed with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Established Station projects, and their priorities for coming summer as:

1st

25 yard range

2nd

Ball field and soccer field

3rd

Painting signs, buildings, etc

4th

Horseshoe pitches

5th

Flower and rock garden

6th

Station rink

7th

Parking lot uninsured cars

8th

Playground tiny tots

9th

Miniature golf course

13 Mar 56

Fifty-eight practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons.

14 Mar 56

Fifty practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons. F/O JL MacKay AS/FtrC arrived on transfer after completion of the Fighter Controller’s course at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

15 Mar 56

SAC B-47 overfly "Frogman" through area, 15 aircraft, 15 minutes between aircraft. Nine CF-100s from 419 Squadron scrambled to intercept B-47s. Thirty-six practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons. VA6-ECM aircraft serving chaff and communications jamming. A conference was held to discuss progress and plans for the new indicator evaluation to be carried out at this unit. The new indicators are Decca, installed October 1955 and the UPA-35 installed December 1955. Those attending the conference were:

G/C DH Gwinn

ADCHQ

W/C TG Anderson

ADCHQ

W/C HF Marcou

AFHQ/CAOps/DFO

S/L EW Smith

AFHQ/CTel Project Officer

S/L Fewell

CARDE

Dr AA Smith

DRML Toronto

Dr TW Fairlie

ADCHQ

Mr C Sanctuary

Decca Radar (Canada) Ltd.

Mr CS Monier-Williams

Decca Radar (Canada) Ltd.

Mr Slingerland

CARDE

F/O JA Symington

Station Edgar

F/O JA McCormick

ADCHQ

W/C VL Berg

Station Falconbridge

S/L JA King

Station Falconbridge

S/L CH Markham

Station Falconbridge

F/L HW Collard

Station Falconbridge

F/L ARM Campbell

Station Falconbridge

F/O WD Loney proceeded to Yuma AFB, Arizona, for the purpose of attending a course on lead collision and live rocket firing using the F-86D type aircraft.

16 Mar 56

SAC B-47 overfly "Frogman" through area. 15 aircraft at 15 minute intervals. Six CF-100 aircraft scrambled from 419 Squadron to intercept B-47s. Fourteen practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons

18 Mar 56

Twelve practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

19 Mar 56

One SAC B-47 aircraft through area intercepted by two CF-100 aircraft from 419 Squadron. Twenty-seven practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. AF916 and 665 – C-47 type ECM aircraft penetrated the area and intercepted by one CF-100 from 419 Squadron. Ten B-47s exercise "Home Run" through area, no scramble action due to refuelling operation.

20 Mar 56

Six practice intercepts with 433 Squadron and eleven with 445 Squadron. G/C Leigh visited unit to carry out an investigation on the landscaping contract carried out during the summer of 1955.

21 Mar 56

Twenty-nine practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Five B-47s exercise "Home Run" through area – no scramble action due to refuelling action. AF916 and 665 penetrated area carrying out ECM, intercepted by two CF-100 aircraft of 419 Squadron.

22 Mar 56

0344Z "Cocked Pistol" called by Sector. 0608Z Released from Cocked Pistol. Twenty-seven practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons.

23 Mar 56

Eighty-two practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Two SAC B-47 aircraft through area intercepted by CF-100 from 419 Squadron. USAF B-29 fair game aircraft intercepted by CF-100 from 419 Squadron. Deputy AOC A/C Reyno and SPSO G/C Willis visited Station during afternoon – when quick inspection of entire domestic site made, including Sup, CE and ME sections as well as Number 1 Pumphouse. A/C Reyno spoke at a Mess Dinner in the evening.

24 Mar 56

Six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

25 Mar 56

F/O L Campbell Station Edgar and F/O H Bryan Station Foymount arrived on TD for the purpose of helping in the evaluation of the Decca and the UPA-35 indicators.

26 Mar 56

Sixty-eight practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons. F/O A Monty AS/FtrC proceeded on TD to 766 AC&W Squadron, Caswell AFB, Maine, for the purpose of lead collision indoctrination course.

27 Mar 56

Sixteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. USAF B-29 fair game intercepted by CF-100 from 419 Squadron. Ground based ECM Jammer "Rhombic" carrying out evaluation of Decca and UPA-35 indicators.

28 Mar 56

Forty-six practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. F/O RE Goatcher AS/FtrC transferred to this unit on completion of fighter Controller’s Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida. S/L JA King, COpO, proceeded to 3 ADCC to attend COpO’s conference. ISG-98 shipped out to 6RD.

29 Mar 56

F/O WJ Blackburn proceeded on TD to Yuma AFB, Arizona, for the purpose of attending a course on lead collision and live rocket firing using the F-86B type aircraft.

31 Mar 56

Eleven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

1 Apr 56

F/O JR Gendron AS/FtrC transferred to 61 AC&W Squadron, Metz, France. Thirty-three practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

2 Apr 56

Six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

3 Apr 56

Ten SAC B-47s through area – no tactical action. F/O JB Horrigan AS/FtrC transferred to 3 ADCC. F/O EF Muir AS/FtrC arrived on transfer from AFHQ. Two ISG-98s loaded in vans, for 6 RD Detachment Deseronto – due to depart by 1800 hours 4 Apr 56.

4 Apr 56

Thirty-eight practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Ten B-47s through area – no tactical action. F/O Bessey AS/FtrC Station Edgar, arrived on TD for the purpose of helping with the evaluation of the Decca and UPA-35 indicators.

5 Apr 56

Twelve SAC B-47s through area – no tactical action. Exercise "Safe Journey" Governor General enroute Churchill to Ottawa intercepted and escorted for 5 minutes by two CF-100s from 419 Squadron.

6 Apr 56

Ten SAC B-47s "Exercise Darwin" through area. Intercepted by eight CF-100s aircraft, from 419 and 433 Squadrons. A full mess dinner was held in the OR mess for Cpls. and below. Only 100 were able to attend due to limited accommodation. S/L Miller of Camp Borden was guest speaker and it was agreed that this was a highly successful function which will be repeated in the fall for the benefit of those who could not attend this time.

7 Apr 56

Ten SAC B-47s "Exercise Darwin" through area. Intercepted by seven CF-100 aircraft from 433 and 419 Squadrons. S/L JA King, COpO proceeded to 5 GObC at North Bay for the purpose of attending a planning conference.

8 Apr 56

Nine practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons.

9 Apr 56

Thirty-three practice intercepts with 433 and 419 Squadrons. Mr. RE Amos and F/L CE Holdway visited the unit Apr 9 and 10 to inspect Micro Wave Installation

10 Apr 56

Twenty practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Fourteen SAC B-47s "Exercise Darwin" through area. Seven CF-100 aircraft scrambled to intercept B-47s. Two CF-100s from 419 Squadron and two CF-100s from 433 Squadron scrambled to intercept and escort for five minutes, two aircraft carrying Ministers of National Defence, External Affairs, Trade and Commerce, Northern Affairs and National Resources, USA Secretaries of Defence and Air Force, USA Ambassador to Canada, Commanding General Continental Air Defence Command, AOC Air Defence Command, plus six other.

11 Apr 56

Fourteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Twenty SAC B-47s "Exercise Handcuff and Sea Devil" through area. Nine CF-100s from 433 and 419 Squadrons, scrambled to intercept B-47s. F/O JD Burke AS/FtrC transferred this unit on completion of Fighter Controller’s Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

12 Apr 56

Twenty SAC B-47s "Exercise Handcuff and Sea Devil" through area. Eleven CF-100s from 433 and 419 Squadron scrambled to intercept B-47s. Twenty-five practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons.

13 Apr 56

Twenty-four SAC B-47s "Exercise Handcuff and Sea Devil" through area – no tactical action due to weather. Eleven practice intercepts with 428 Squadron. WO2 H Vernon commenced leave prior to retirement on 13 Apr 56 after twenty-one years service.

14 Apr 56

Thirteen practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. F/L ARM Campbell AS/FtrC proceeded to 5 GObC Unit at North Bay for the purpose of attending a district Supervisors conference.

15 Apr 56

Ten practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

16 Apr 56

CTSO commenced inspection of all PMQs as annual inspection, and in particular for fire hazards. Mr. B McCallum, Project Supervisor for RCA Micro Wave, Mr. PT Comeau and Mr. J Phillip began Micro Wave Installation.

17 Apr 56

CEO proceeded to Toronto to meet with DCL representatives regarding forthcoming summer programme of construction.

19 Apr 56

Seven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron, four with 445 Squadron, and eight with 428 Squadron.

20 Apr 56

Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 and 433 Squadrons. Received advice from RadO that during recent contractors Peaking of FPS-3 Search Radar – continuous monitoring of signal system was installed.

22 Apr 56

Fifteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

23 Apr 56

Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron, seventeen with 433 Squadron and six with 428 Squadron. Cpls. Supervisors Training course (3rd for RCAF Station Falconbridge) commenced with twenty-one Cpls., Sgt. Instructors Bowie, Ferris and Sweeney; and CTSO acting as OC course. Transfer of F/L HW Collard to Station Beaverbank cancelled. Testimonial Dinner held in Sgt’s. Mess in honour of WO2 H Vernon on his retirement.

24 Apr 56

Forty-eight practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty-eight with 433 Squadron.

25 Apr 56

Thirty-two practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and eighteen with 433 Squadron. 22460 F/O WD Loney, AS/FtrC transferred to ADCHQ/SOAC.

26 Apr 56

Twelve practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and sixteen with 433 Squadron. Foundation Co., DCL and RCAF met in the CO’s officer to discuss site problems regarding major new construction plans for this station during summer of 1956.

27 Apr 56

Nineteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and five with 433 Squadron. F/O Fritsch, CEO from Lac St Denis visited the station to compare CE procedures.

28 Apr 56

Eleven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty-one with 433 Squadron. Foundation Co., erected temporary office and removed topsoil in preparation for New Construction.

29 Apr 56

Thirty practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and nine with 433 Squadron.

30 Apr 56

Ten Sea Fury’s departed North Bay for Rivers, Manitoba, intercepted by one CF-100 from 419 Squadron. Twenty-one practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.

1 May 56

Nineteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and thirty with 433 Squadron. F/L Collard resumed position of RadO vice WO2 Steele.

2 May 56

Twenty-six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and ten with 433 Squadron.

3 May 56

1122Z – "Cocked Pistol" called by Sector, fifteen B-47s, Exercise "Paydirt" through area, eighteen CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled to intercept B-47s. 1608Z – Released from "Cocked Pistol".

4 May 56

Fifteen B-47s Exercise "Paydirt" through area. Fifteen CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled to intercept B-47s. Thirteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty-six with 433 Squadron. Cpls. Supervisors Training Course ends with graduation picture taken and Mess Dinner 5 May, when CO acted as guest speaker.

5 May 56

Fifteen B-47s Exercise "Paydirt" through area. Twelve CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled to intercept B-47s. Eight practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty with 433 Squadron. DCL meeting held on site by DCL Engineer, AFHQ Field Engineer, Margison & Babcot Consultant Engineer, Contract Engineer and RCAF to discuss progress and completion dates for Foundation for Back-Up Tower. Excavation made for pouring of the foundation for the Back-Up Tower.

6 May 56

Forty practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fourteen with 433 Squadron.

7 May 56

Two CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled to intercept B-47. Forty-three practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and eleven with 433 Squadron. Receiving accounting instruction, etc for FPS-6 program – passed to key Os, RadO, SSO, SAO, and CEO to adhere.

8 May 56

Thirty-one practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty-three with 433 Squadron.

9 May 56

A three day Search and Rescue training trip was made under Cpl. Moors. Thirty-two practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Complete planting of 1025 seedlings obtained from Department of Lands and Forests.

10 May 56

Thirty practice intercepts with 419 Squadron, ten with 433 Squadron and ten with 445 Squadron.

11 May 56

75353 F/L JW Brown AS/FtrC and 70438 F/L RS Turner AS/FtrC from 2402 AC&W Unit, Winnipeg, arrived on TD for two weeks training in lieu of summer camp. Thirty-eight practice intercepts with 419 Squadron, and twenty-five with 433 Squadron. Participated in 4th Annual Military Ball in Sudbury, when the Air Force supplied one set to do the Lancers consisting of the following officers and their ladies; W/C VL Berg CD, S/L CH Markham CD, F/L ARM Campbell and F/O HL Thirlwall.

12 May 56

Thirty-two practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fourteen with 433 Squadron. 162005 F/O NA Christopher AS/FtrC transferred to this unit following completion of Fighter Controller’s Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Three day search and rescue training trip carried out under F/O Jamieson. Had going away cocktail party for S/L JA King and Mrs. King – who after being COpO for three years and four months is transferred to ADCHQ St. Hubert. Back-Up Tower – Batter boards set and drilling in progress. ME, Fire Hall, Admin buildings – Excavations completed – batter boards have been set. Rec. hall – Excavation in progress for swimming pool. Barrack Block – Sod stripped and power line relocated – ready for excavation work.

13 May 56

Twenty-three practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fourteen with 433 Squadron.

14 May 56

Submitted another letter to ADCHQ re: resiting Fire Fighters Training Area – to give required separation between curling rink and maximum separation from hockey dressing rooms. Commenced relaying of 5000 square yards of sod, to repair existing landscaping, to extend about small arms building, behind PMQs and the CE buildings. Advised CHQ additional accommodation required for Supply 1000 square feet only.

15 May 56

Two B-47s Exercise "Poor Boy" through area. Four CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons, scrambled after B-47s. Eleven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron. Advised CHQ require ME with 1000 gallon tank to act as emergency water supply.

16 May 56

Twenty-two practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. 85243 F/O FA Stock AS/FtrC, 16 Wing HQ, Hamilton, and 162231 F/L WS Beatty AS/FtrC, 2424 AC&W Unit, Hamilton, arrived for a two day conference re summer camp. Operations farewell party for S/L JA King held in recreation hall.

17 May 56

Twenty-five practice intercepts with 433 Squadron.

18 May 56

Nineteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and twenty-one with 433 Squadron. Advised CHQ of likely radiation hazards – with installation of the AN/FPS-6 and asked for their ruling re operational employment and prevention of accidents and fire. TPS 501 #2 acted very badly this week, and it was quite a struggle to restore it to operation. Amongst other things, it was discovered that the spotlights used for lighting the interior of the radome had a harmful effect on the radar, if aimed at the antenna. Most likely, the spotlight was picking up energy from a side lobe and focussing it back into the antenna at greater strength, causing magnetron "pulling" thus detuning the receiving system – a most unusual and unexpected effect.

19 May 56

Thirteen practice intercepts with 433 Squadron. Project Engineer arrived on site. Excavation for new Quarters has commenced. Station has salvaged 50% of sod removed for new construction. Recommendations for disposal of original contractor’s buildings sent to CHQ. Site meeting held re: Back-Up Tower to correlate completion dates for the different phases of construction and completion date of Back-Up Tower c/w all interior fitments.

20 May 56

Thirty-one practice intercepts with 433 Squadron.

21 May 56

Ten practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and seventeen with 433 Squadron. Three day search and rescue training under F/O McKay.

22 May 56

Twenty-six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fourteen with 433 Squadron. 20111 S/L JA King Air/P, COpO transferred to ADCHQ/SOAC. Two B61-E55 transferred to RCAF Station Edgar – QTO 518. CHQ message Q1862 dated 14 May, instructed us to ship two radar indicators to Cold Lake as soon as possible. Indicators 1 and 2 from room 412 were shipped express on 23 May. We now have only 18 indicators with the AN/FPS-3(C).

23 May 56

Thirty-six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fourteen with 445 Squadron. 20062 S/L CAS Anderson Air/P, transferred from Station Bagotville to this unit to assume duties of COpO. Advised Canairhed, info Canairdef, Canairmat that no information here or at DCL regarding power for AN/FPS-6, and regarding installation of cable risers. Passed completion certificate for painting of Combined Mess and both quarters buildings. Meeting Number 1, regarding the installation of AN/FPS-6 took place here – with S/L TJB Robinson, CD of AFHQ/DRW acting as Chairman, and S/L CH Markahm, CD, CTSO Falconbridge acting as Secretary.

24 May 56

Six B-47s exercise "Curly Strike" through area. Eight CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled after B-47s. Search and Rescue training exercise for three days under leadership of F/O Jamieson.

25 May 56

Three B-36s exercise "Clover Red" through area. Four CF-100s from 419 Squadron scrambled after B-36s.

26 May 56

Three B-36s exercise "Cable Car" through area. Four CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled after B-36s. Twenty-three practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fifteen with 433 Squadron. The Ops site gate house was completed and other new construction progressing favourably despite adverse weather.

27 May 56

Eleven practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and one with 433 Squadron.

28 May 56

Eleven B-47s Exercise "Curly Strike" through area. Six CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled after B-47s. Thirty-eight practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and fifteen with 433 Squadron.

29 May 56

Five B-47s Exercise "Jolly" through area. Seven CF-100s from 419 and 433 Squadrons scrambled after B-47s. Fifteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron and eight with 433 Squadron. RCA engineers D. Jung and L. Suckerman with rigger H. Daum visited the unit on 29 May to orientate Micro Wave Antenna. RCA engineers C Dix, J Collis, and P Dwyer visited the unit for purpose of peaking the Micro Wave equipment.

30 May 56

Seven practice intercepts with 428 Squadron. 49294 F/O EE Carroll AS/FtrC proceeded to Cold Lake, Alberta, for purpose of lead collision and live rocket firing using CF-100s from 419 and 440 (AW) Squadrons.

31 May 56

Seven CF-100s from 419 Squadron proceeded to Cold Lake for live rocket firing. Twelve practice intercepts with 433 Squadron.

(VL Berg) W/C,
CO, RCAF Station Falconbridge.