Mont Apica, QC

1954 – Historical Report – National Archives of Canada


 

Historical Report
12 AC&W Squadron
Mont Apica, PQ,
1 June 1954 to 30 November 1954

1 Jun 54

Tuesday – CO leaves on TD to Lac St. Denis

2 Jun 54

Wednesday – Pouring rain all day.

4 Jun 54

Friday – CO’s inspection. New guardhouse which was started last September is finally ready. Sgt. Bellemerre SP reports in on transfer as NCO i/c SP. The bowling alleys in the basement of the Recreation Hall are completed after 20 days work; cost $5,050.00.

6 Jun 54

Sunday – Final service of Sunday School is held in Station Theatre. Prizes etc. were given to children.

8 Jun 54

Tuesday – Overcast. Practice alarm at 1130 hours. Smoke bombs set in ventilator of Airwomen’s barracks.

9 Jun 54

Wednesday – Overcast, mild. W/C HJ Massiah SO Maintenance ADCHQ visits unit on TD.

10 Jun 54

Thursday – Clear and warm. S/L Tew of ADCC Lac St. Denis here on TD. Four Deputy Minister’s Auditors arrive: Messrs. Godin, Lebouldus, Goulet and Rioux to carry out annual audit.

11 Jun 54

Friday – Overcast and rain. School children depart for trip to Quebec City Zoo under supervision of Mr. Williams, principal of Protestant School.

12 Jun 54

Air Force Day. Fine and clear – perfect weather. Jet aircraft from Bagotville put on a show for us. In the evening, reception in Cpls. Club for outgoing CAdO 143 F/L Woods. Cocktail party in Officers Mess and Station Dance in Rec. Hall. 30005 F/L Twambley, Air/P, reports in on transfer from RCAF Station Summerside as new CAdO.

13 Jun 54

Sunday – Cleanup after dance. 40786W F/O EA Keivill, Station Adjutant, transferred to ADCHQ.

14 Jun 54

Monday – Clear and cool. W/C Marcou, Commanding Officer, officially opens the new bowling alleys. The first station bowling competition won by the Sergeants. Ladies Auxiliary served excellent refreshments.

15 Jun 54

Tuesday – Clear and warm. Sergeants Mess gave CAdO F/L Woods a going away party.

16 Jun 54

Wednesday – Clear and warm. F/L Richards, Tech/Tel, reported in on TD from ADCHQ. The Officers Mess gave a farewell party for F/L Woods, CAdO.

18 Jun 54

Friday – Clear and hot; all of the members of the station who had been here for two years held a party at the Sergeants Mess.

19 Jun 54

Saturday – Clear and hot. A party held in the Officers Mess for the teachers who are leaving. Mrs. Boyd, Miss Delaurier, Miss Corcom, Mr. Williams.

20 Jun 54

Sunday – Rained early in morning – hot during afternoon. Mr. Blair and Mr. Wilkenson of CGE Toronto in on inspection.

21 Jun 54

Monday – More rain during the morning. The station was air sprayed against mosquitos which are becoming quite a strong adversary. CO leaves on TD to ADCHQ. S/L Bishop becomes Acting CO.

22 Jun 54

Tuesday – Very close day with scattered showers. CO at ADCHQ – later returned to base in evening.

23 Jun 54

Wednesday – Cloudy and decidedly cool. A variation of 25 degrees from the previous day. RC School graduation exercises held during evening. F/L Raymond, RC Padre, in from Bagotville.

26 Jun 54

Saturday – Much warmer today – alert in the Laurentide Park area because of the danger of forest fires.

28 Jun 54

Monday – Scattered showers during the day and very cool. F/O Sinclair Fire Marshal from ADCHQ in on inspection.

29 Jun 54

Tuesday – Cloudy and cool all day – A practice fire drill was carried out, quite successful.

30 Jun 54

Wednesday – Cloudy and cool all day. The members of the DM Audit Board had a conference with the CO and Section Heads on the results of their board. An ME vehicle proceeding on the south road with Mr. Goulet of the DM Audit Board was forced off by a truck. No injuries sustained by the driver or Mr. Goulet. F/O Campbell, our new Adjutant, reported in to the unit from RCAF Station North Bay.

1 Jul 54

Thursday – Holiday routine – Clear and sunny. F/O Hill of 2452 AC&WS (Aux.) Quebec City visited the unit.

2 Jul 54

Friday – CO’s parade in the morning. Cloudy with scattered showers. All of the members of 2452 AC&WS (Aux.) Quebec City reported in during the evening – F/O Bryan AS/FtrC reported in from RCAF Station Uplands.

3 Jul 54

Saturday – Light rain all day. Members of 2453 AC&WS (Aux.) Three Rivers reported in during the day. CO held open house during the evening for the Reserve Officers.

4 Jul 54

Sunday – Clear and sunny – CO gave a welcoming address to the (Aux.) Squadrons in the Station Theatre. The Reserve Officers and the Station Officers played softball – result, Reserves won 10 – 6.

6 Jul 54

Tuesday – Cloudy with heavy showers. W/C McNair, Sector Commander, Lac St. Denis came in on a visit. He drove over from Bagotville with W/C Darrow of 411 Squadron (Reserve) Toronto.

7 Jul 54

Wednesday – Rained most of the day. Still very cool, almost like autumn weather. Major Ratcliff USAF came in from ADC for four days.

8 Jul 54

Thursday – Showers all day – S/L Murphy, Tech/Tel, in from ADC for a couple of days. Mr. Connolly and Mr. Barringer of DRB in for a few days while "Checkpoint" is on.

9 Jul 54

Friday – Operation "Checkpoint" commences. Alert sounded at 0445 hours. Weather continued to be cool and showery.

10 Jul 54

Saturday – Operation "Checkpoint" continues. No change in weather – still showery.

11 Jul 54

Sunday – Weather clear and becoming warmer. Operation "Checkpoint" completed.

12 Jul 54

Monday – Weather intermittent showers. Tower on partial stand down.

14 Jul 54

Wednesday – Weather unchanged. The Pipe Band of #400 Squadron, Toronto, came over from Bagotville. They marched through the PMQ area and later in the evening put on a small show in the Rec. Hall. A successful Station Dance was held in conjunction with the show by the band.

15 Jul 54

Thursday – Weather still showery – Station personnel all preparing for AOC’s, A/V/M James, coming visit. S/L Bishop, COpsO, on TD to ADCHQ for debriefing on "Checkpoint".

16 Jul 54

Friday – CO’s inspection. Weather intermittent showers. Farewell dance for the Reserve put on in the Rec. Hall. Orchestra came in from Quebec City.

17 Jul 54

Saturday – For the first time in a week we have had sunshine. During the morning we were told the A/V/M James had to postpone his visit on orders of his doctor.

18 Jul 54

Sunday – Spoke too soon. Cloudy during the day, had violent thunderstorm at approximately 2200 hours. At 2230 after a violent flash of lightning, the fire alarm went. Station personnel rushed to the CE Section but the alarm was found to be false. Switchboard out of order. 25 Canadian General Electric personnel report in to begin annual overhaul of Tower equipment.

19 Jul 54

Monday – Heavy showers all day – Tower begins maintenance at 0800 hours. Teletype lines to ADC all out of order.

21 Jul 54

Wednesday – Began very nice but ended up with heavy showers. During the afternoon, a Reserve RCASC Convoy arrived on an exercise. The 33 vehicles were put on the perimeter of the ball park. The personnel of the Convoy encamped in tents on the centre of the ball park. OC was Lt. Col. Mummery of the CA (Regular). During the evening the Messes and canteens had parties for our brothers in brown.

22 Jul 54

Thursday – Cloudy and cool all day. RCASC Convoy moved off during the morning. Mess Meeting in the Officers Mess.

24 Jul 54

Saturday – For a change we had a nice sunny day. Quite warm.

26 Jul 54

Monday – Cloudy but warmer. S/L McCarthy (Med/Nurse), F/L Parent (Med/Nurse) in on a visit from ADC. Officers Mess held a farewell party for S/L Bishop (COpsO) and Capt. Small (Station Dental Officer).

27 Jul 54

Tuesday – Partly cloudy with heavy thunder showers – cleared up during the evening.

28 Jul 54

Wednesday – No change in weather. Mr. Rider and Mr. Dunlop of DCL arrived unannounced.

29 Jul 54

Thursday – Still no change in showery weather. S/L Bishop, COpsO, proceeds on leave and transfer to 411 Squadron, Toronto.

30 Jul 54

Friday – CO’s conference. A/C Long, S/L Powell and Mr. Campbell in on a visit from AFHQ. Our normal rainy weather prevailed.

31 Jul 54

Saturday – A warm sunny day. S/L Biggs in on TD from Lac St. Denis.

1 Aug 54

Sunday – A warm day. F/L Legare reports back from TD to California USA and takes over as new COpsO replacing S/L Bishop. F/O Wheeler reported in from ADC for contact training as Assistance CAdO. W/C Marcou begins leave.

3 Aug 54

Tuesday – Hot – clear day. F/L Hebert reported in from Station Chatham to be SMO whilst F/L Bending is on leave.

4 Aug 54

Wednesday – Rained all day. S/L Henny, F/L Wilson and Mr. Langlois of ADC TOEB arrived during the evening from Bagotville.

5 Aug 54

Thursday – Continued raining most of the day. F/L Reid, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Hand in from ADCHQ. Travelling Organization Board sat all day reviewing Station Establishment.

6 Aug 54

Friday – TOB completed and members departed unit during the afternoon. The weather was fine most of the day with a few scattered showers. Airwomen had a wiener roast and dance.

7 Aug 54

Saturday – A few scattered showers – cloudy with sunny intervals. A ball team arrived from St. Sylvestre to play our station softball team. Mont Apica won (score 25 – 10). A dance was held in the Rec. Hall in the evening.

9 Aug 54

Monday – Sunny all day. CO’s conference in reference to impending rail strike. FS Menard reported in from Station Hamilton to become NCO i/c Combined Mess.

10 Aug 54

Tuesday – Cloudy all day; showers beginning during the evening. Decidedly cooler. Lt. Goboshe, USAF, reported in on TD from Caswell, Maine.

13 Aug 54

Friday – Fair Weather. CO’s parade at 0730 hours. Practice for AOC’s inspection on 23 Aug. Tower personnel put on a party in the Recreation Hall for the townsite personnel. Station Bagotville baseball team arrived for the weekend.

14 Aug 54

Saturday – Clear and warm. Two softball games against Bagotville; Station Mont Apica won both games.

15 Aug 54

Sunday – Cloudy with intermittent showers. Quiet all day. The CO, W/C Marcou, returned from leave.

16 Aug 54

Monday – Cloudy and rained all day. F/L LeMay arrived on two weeks TD to replace F/L Hebert as SMO.

17 Aug 54

Tuesday – Intermittent showers. Messrs. Loomis, Bushan and Corriveau from DCL arrived to do an inspection of station construction.

20 Aug 54

Friday – CO’s parade and inspection. Fine weather. Second annual sports day in the afternoon, followed by a Wiener Roast and Dance in the Recreation Hall during the evening.

25 Aug 54

Wednesday – Cloudy and dull with showers. The CO, W/C Marcou, left for ADCHQ at 1200. F/L Twambley becomes Acting CO. Fire in the early morning hours in Sgts. Mess. Damage $25.00 to one chair.

26 Aug 54

Thursday – Inclement weather, cloudy and cool. FS Desjardin, the new SWO, reported in from ADCHQ.

27 Aug 54

Friday – A CO’s inspection during the morning. A clear day but still cool. Airmen and Airwomen Station ball teams left early in the morning for St. Hubert and Lac St. Denis.

28 Aug 54

Saturday – Clear and warm – CO, W/C Marcou returned from ADC where he had presented Station gift to AOC A/V/M James on his retirement.

30 Aug 54

Monday – Clear but cool. Station Headquarters held a party for A/Cpl. Paradis who had been Station Warrant Officer and is transferred to RCAF Station St. Johns, Que.

31 Aug 54

Tuesday – "Operation Random". Warm and sunny. Sgt. Thompson who is to be the NCO i/c SP arrived from RCAF Station North Bay.

1 Sep 54

Wednesday – Polio epidemic reported in Chicoutimi area. F/O Tate returned from course at Tyndall AFB, USA. Month end stocktaking’s. F/L Twambley, CAdO, commenced leave. Mr. Corriveau DCL visited unit re paving of roads.

2 Sep 54

Thursday – Plans continuing re routing traffic south due to polio. Station out of bounds to traffic to and from the north.

3 Sep 54

Friday – Changeable day. CO’s inspection and conference.

5 Sep 54

Sunday – Miss Mansour, Principal of the Protestant School, arrived.

6 Sep 54

Monday – Miss Jakubiak, Protestant teacher arrived. F/O Schneider left on TD for the Fighter Controller Course in Florida. Mrs. (Cpl.) Perry had a daughter in station hospital.

7 Sep 54

Tuesday – S/L Keill returned from leave – transferred to RCAF Station Edgar effective 2 Nov. F/O Bryan transferred to Station Foymount effective 2 Oct. Miss Deslauriers returned from holidays for commencement of school 8 Sep. First drill for airwomen who will take part in parade on Battle of Britain Sunday.

8 Sep 54

Wednesday – Opening day of school. Two Protestant and one RC teacher here. Critical shortage of cleaners due to polio scare. Second drill session for flight of airwomen taking part in Battle of Britain parade.

11 Sep 54

Saturday – Wet. Liberty run loaded completely. Sodding around fire reservoir laid on for morning by Officers work party.

12 Sep 54

Sunday – Army Provost Corps now set up guarding traffic north of unit. F/L Twambley returned from leave. Swimming commencing in fire reservoir. Clear day. Frosty in the evenings now.

13 Sep 54

Monday – Clear, cool day. Mr. Simard, 1st Vice-President of Amalgamated Civil Servants of Canada, visited the unit. Held a meeting with Civil Servants to air complaints. CO held a meeting with Ladies Auxiliary.

14 Sep 54

Tuesday – Clear day. Frost on cars this morning. Mr. Simard had a conference with CO on Civil Servants employed at this unit.

16 Sep 54

Thursday – Clear day. Party held in hospital for F/O Corkum (Peg) who is leaving us shortly for Edgar. CO reviewed station airwomen who are going to Quebec for Battle of Britain Sunday. Fire Reservoir was tried out for swimming by party from Officers Mess.

17 Sep 54

Friday – CO’s Parade – CO’s Conference and Inspection of Station. Monte Carlo night held in Rec. Hall. Airmen’s Canteen booth won prize for best decorations. FS Campbell, NCO i/c Power Plant, posted to Cold Lake. Another lovely day.

18 Sep 54

Saturday – Cloudy and rainy. FS Desjardin and airmen worked all day sodding around fire reservoir. Farewell party held in Officers Mess for F/O Corkum. F/O Campbell and 30 Airwomen went to Quebec for parade on Sunday.

19 Sep 54

Sunday – Cloudy and heavy showers. Battle of Britain services held in both churches. Rev. Rayner (F/L) Chaplain for 401 Squadron (City of Westmount) came up from Montreal for Protestant Service. Airwomen’s flight at Quebec City had to march in the rain. Inspected by Governor General Massey.

20 Sep 54

Monday – Rained most of the day. CO decided to carry on polio ban for another two weeks.

22 Sep 54

Wednesday – Raining still. F/L Lewis, Itinerant Post Chaplain from Command, reported in for two days.

24 Sep 54

Friday – CO’s Conference. Mr. Campbell of AFHQ arrived to discuss paving of roads at this unit. Continues rain.

25 Sep 54

Saturday – CO proceeds on ten days leave. S/L Keill assumes command of station. F/L Bending, SMO, on leave. F/L Leblanc in on TD to replace F/L Bending.

27 Sep 54

Monday – Cloudy with a few sunny intervals. F/O Geneau, CEO; F/L Whately, SSO, back off leave. F/O Keenan Nursing Sister back off leave from west coast. F/L Harrington, new SSO, reported in from Sea Island.

28 Sep 54

Tuesday – Raining. Mr. Graziano of North Shore Construction Company, arrived to make arrangements for his company employees who will be paving roads at this unit.

30 Sep 54

Thursday – Rain again. The following promotions were announced for Station personnel: Sgt. Willert, to FS; Cpls. Holmgren and Fenwick, to Sgt.; LAC’s Colley, Naylor, Burton, Sul and Dmytryshyn to Cpl.

1 Oct 54

Friday – CO’s Inspection. Farewell party held in Sgts. Mess for F/L Whately. Rained.

2 Oct 54

Saturday – Rained – SWO had "Volunteers" working on the sodding around the fire reservoir. Officers Mess held a farewell party for F/L Whately, SSO.

3 Oct 54

Sunday – Cloudy but no rain – F/L Whately left for AMC – F/L Clouthier, new controller, reported in from Lac St. Denis.

4 Oct 54

Monday – W/C McNair and S/L Rogers on visit from Lac St. Denis. Cloudy with heavy showers during the evening. W/C Marcou, CO, came back off leave.

5 Oct 54

Tuesday – Believe it or not, the sun was out. North Shore Construction personnel moving in to begin paving contract.

6 Oct 54

Wednesday – Sunny with cloudy intervals. W/C Marcou, CO, visits Quebec City for the day. Conference with Minister of Lands and Forests on our firebreak. Snowflurries began during the evening.

7 Oct 54

Thursday – During the night, we had about Ό inch of snow.

8 Oct 54

Friday – CO’s Conference and Inspection. Skill Shoot between the Officers and NCO’s held in the late afternoon. Officers won. An Inter Mess Competition was held between the Officers Mess and Sergeants Mess. F/L Lewis (Post Padre) arrived from St. Hubert.

10 Oct 54

Sunday – Cloudy. Thanksgiving Service held in both Churches.

11 Oct 54

Monday – Thanksgiving. Mr. Canan, MP for Magdellan Islands, paid an unexpected visit to the unit.

12 Oct 54

Tuesday – Cloudy and cool. Very foggy during the evening. S/L Yarnell and Dr. Wood-Fairlie in on TD from ADCHQ.

13 Oct 54

Wednesday – Sunny with cloudy intervals – F/L Taylor, F/O Ewing, F/O Cunnion, Security Team, arrived on TD from ADC and AFHQ.

14 Oct 54

Thursday – Sunny, becoming cloudy with showers during the evening. Mr. Corriveau, DCL, arrived on TD for the day.

15 Oct 54

Friday – Warm and sunny. CO’s Conference. Dining-in Night held in the Officers Mess to say farewell to S/L Keill. We received high winds from Hurricane "Hazel". Reserve Squadron arrived from Quebec.

17 Oct 54

Sunday – W/C Marcou off to Clinton on TD.

18 Oct 54

Monday – N/S Ryan arrived on transfer from No 1 OS in London (replacing N/S Corkum). F/O Henry in for 2 weeks TD (AS/FtrC). Chilly, clear day. Rapid progress in preparing roads for asphalt. FS Willert injured seriously in car accident at Havelock, Ontario.

19 Oct 54

Tuesday – F/L Twambley, F/O McLeod leave for Peterborough on investigation (FS Willert’s accident). CO’s Conference at 0900 hours. F/O Brochu (GObC – Three Rivers) in on TD. Clear day turning dull in afternoon.

20 Oct 54

Wednesday – Mr. Clark (owner of North Shore Construction Ltd.) visited the unit. Cold nights but brilliant sunshine during the day.

21 Oct 54

Thursday – Clear and cooler. Mr. Corriveau and Mr. Buchan (DCL) in re roads. School children being given annual check-ups and needles.

22 Oct 54

Friday – Brilliant sunshine, warm in the middle of the day. Comm Section party for CTechO, S/L Keill.

23 Oct 54

Saturday – Sodding being completed around the fire reservoir. Liberty run to Quebec City loaded. Mr. Kennedy reported (DCL – soil testing). Station Dance in Rec. Hall. Oyster Party in Officers Mess. Storm windows going up.

24 Oct 54

Sunday – Growing colder. Church Services (Protestant) morning and evening – Padre Lewis. F/L Twambley, F/O McLeod returned from TD to Peterborough. F/L Craig on TD to Edgar.

27 Oct 54

Wednesday – Woke up to find snow on the ground. Rain and light snow continues during the day. Vehicles having difficulty getting up to the Tower. Padre Lewis back to ADCHQ. CO’s parade cancelled.

28 Oct 54

Thursday – Snow flurries continuing all day. Roads very dangerous. S/L Keill left for RCAF Station Edgar. Sgt. Thompson, NCO i/c SP, off to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Montreal.

29 Oct 54

Friday – Milder with spots of sun – CO’s inspection. Roads are very muddy. Both schools held Halloween Parties for the children.

30 Oct 54

Saturday – Mild – roads very bad. Halloween Dance held for all Station personnel in Rec. Hall. Orchestra from Quebec City. Very successful. F/O Monty in on TD from RCAF Station Parent. F/L Legare, COpsO, back from TD and leave in USA.

31 Oct 54

Sunday – Cloudy – Children out in full strength for Halloween. F/L Harrison, SSO, back off leave. F/L Craig back from Edgar – on TD.

1 Nov 54

Monday – Sunny and mild. S/L St. Louis, new CTechO, reported in from RCAF Station Uplands.

2 Nov 54

Tuesday – CO’s Conference. F/O Sutherland, AS/FtrC, arrived on transfer from RCAF Station. St. Sylvestre.

3 Nov 54

Wednesday – Snow flurries. FS Desjardin, SWO, off to Queen Mary’s Hospital, DVA, Montreal. Mr. Rogers of CGE in for a visit for the day.

4 Nov 54

Thursday – Woke up with snow on the ground. Snowed all day, by the end of the day we have had 3 – 4 inches. Vehicles unable to make hill to the Tower. F/O McKillop, new controller from Lac St. Denis, reported in. Bus taking station hockey team to Alma broke down.

5 Nov 54

Friday – Still snowing – CO’s Inspection – All personnel, mail, freight etc., to be through Chicoutimi. Winter is here.

6 Nov 54

Saturday – Snow flurries. Bagotville Basketball team in for a game. Bagotville won 23 – 10. Sgt. Thompson back from hospital in Montreal.

10 Nov 54

Wednesday – Clear and cold. Beautiful day. Basketball team to Kenogami to play Chicoutimi. 18 members of Quebec GObC visited unit for the day. Were given a tour of townsite in morning and spent afternoon at the Tower.

11 Nov 54

Thursday – Armistice Day Service held at 1045 by F/L Lewis (Command Padre). Snowflurries during the day.

12 Nov 54

Friday – CO’s Inspection – F/O Schnieder returned from TD at Tyndall Field, Florida – Snowflurries all day. Station Basketball team to Bagotville for a game.

14 Nov 54

Sunday – Clear and cool. F/O Horsnell returned from TD to Tyndall Field, Florida. Padre Lewis returned to ADC.

15 Nov 54

Monday – Clear and cool. S/L McKergow, CMO, in for a short visit from ADC.

16 Nov 54

Tuesday – Cloudy with snow and showers. CO’s Conference. Price Brothers have begun work on Firebreak.

18 Nov 54

Thursday – Very dull with drizzle which turned into rain during the evening. Snow disappearing rapidly.

19 Nov 54

Friday – CO’s Inspection. We awoke to find all the snow had disappeared. Roads very muddy. Mess Dinner in the Officers Mess.2452 Reserve Squadron from Quebec City arrived for the weekend. "Radar Review", Station Variety Show, was presented during the evening.

20 Nov 54

Saturday – Very muddy. Personnel of Price Brothers from Kenogami, came over for the afternoon, played Basketball and Badminton against Station personnel.

21 Nov 54

Sunday – Freezing rain started the day off, ended with a heavy snowfall. Ground completely covered with about 4 – 5 inches. Roads very dangerous. F/L Robinson, F/O Taylor on TD to North Truro, Mass, USA.

22 Nov 54

Monday – Continuous snow showers all day. Roads still poor; highway to north is blocked. Many personnel unable to return from Hebertville.

23 Nov 54

Tuesday – Cloudy with occasional freezing rain. CO’s Conference – Mr. Graziano of North Shore and Mr. Corriveau of DCL in on a visit to see the state of road construction.

24 Nov 54

Wednesday – Continues cloudy. S/L David and F/O Blackett in on a visit to the Supply Section. S/L Gallagher (RC) Command Padre in on a visit with F/L Raymond, Bagotville (RC) Padre. Fire break progressing rapidly.

25 Nov 54

Thursday – Mr. McAndrews in from AMCHQ to investigate location for new PMQs. Cloudy with snow showers all day.

26 Nov 54

Friday – CO’s Inspection. Light snow showers all day. Officers Mess meeting. F/L Thompson, Protestant Padre from ADC, in for three days TD. Mr. Buchan in on a visit from AFHQ reference road construction on the Station. Mr. McKay, Civil Service Comm. – WO1 Harkin reported.

27 Nov 54

Saturday – Grey Cup Day – All Station Personnel glued to the radios. Reception very poor. W/C Marcou, F/O McLeod, F/O Morrison and F/O Tate went down to Quebec City on a visit to the Victoria Curling Club. Mont Apica won an exhibition game against this club. Basketball team from Chicoutimi played Station Team. Mont Apica also won this game.

28 Nov 54

Sunday – F/L Thompson held Protestant Service in Station Theatre. Snow falling all day – mild.

29 Nov 54

Monday – P/O Favre-Crois, new Nursing Sister, reported in from RCAF Station London. FS Leaker, Cook Supervisor, reported in on TD from ADCHQ. Mild with light snow showers.

30 Nov 54

Tuesday – CO’s Conference. Cloudy – snow showers all day. North Shore have finished off the raising of the road at the entrance of the unit. Roads to the north of the unit are becoming filled in with snow.

Signed by:
(HF Marcou) W/C
Commanding Officer
RCAF Station Mont Apica

 

 

Historical Report
Operations Section
12 AC&W Squadron
Mont Apica, PQ,
1 June 1954 to 30 November 1954

1 Jun 54

F/O Prentice from ADCHQ arrived this unit to carry out Broadcast Control Exercise "Phase One" with 440 (F) and 431 (F) Squadrons at Bagotville. A total number of 9 tally-ho’s were received by 440 (AW) Squadron; nil by 431 (F) Squadron. Three tow lines were flown by 440 (AW) Squadron who were acting as bogey. LAW N Anderson left on her transfer to 22 AC&W Squadron at Beaverbank, NS.

2 Jun 54

0330Z – Simulated Air Raid Warning Red – Applejack. VL Ops Ltd. 14 minutes Ops GCI 24 minutes.

3 Jun 54

12 AC&W Squadron gave assistance to AF 5313 and aircraft safely recovered at Presque Isle. 1 ADCC advised 12 AC&W Squadron "Cocked Pistol" at 0330Z. 12 AC&Q Squadron on Ops GCI State at 0400Z. Bagotville notified and had 15 aircraft on an available basis in a very short time. Alert clearance called at 0547Z.

4 Jun 54

Normal operations with 440 Squadron.

5 Jun 54

12 AC&W Squadron carried Special B-47 tracks 100 miles SE of Mont Apica. Quebec City Auxiliary visited VL (Mont Apica) and carried out exercises – a total of 4 Judy’s. 423 Squadron was unable to fly in the pm because of unserviceable aircraft.

6 Jun 54

False echoes picked 38 miles from VL when on 600 PRF. Actually aircraft were 188 miles from VL and we were getting a radar skip. Aircraft Ident as B-47 showing IFF Model – 1940Z – 1955Z.

9 Jun 54

12 AC&W Squadron assisted AF 7162 on distress frequency, alerted Bagotville Tower and landed the aircraft at Bagotville for refuelling. This was a USAF Albatross, carried as VL 24 L, which later departed for Westover, Mass. Sun actually shone – first aircraft available for GCI after a period of 2 weeks.

10 Jun 54

S/L Tew – F/L Biggs arrived from #1 ADCC.

12 Jun 54

Mohawk 9 of 440 (AW) Squadron reported a white balloon at approximately 50,000 feet – 100 feet in length directly over Bagotville. 1 ADCC request that we be on extreme surveillance.

14 Jun 54

Normal operation and seven successful intercepts completed.

15 Jun 54

We were advised by 1 ADCC that a single type jet was reported crashed in the river at FD 3405. Bagotville and Presque Isle had no aircraft overdue.

16 Jun 54

The above mentioned aircraft was reported to have been only a low flying aircraft and the search was suspended.

17 Jun 54

Normal operation with 440 (AW) Squadron.

21 Jun 54

12 AC&W maintained contact with a C-47 aircraft doing an air spray job in the Mont Apica area.

22 Jun 54

All aircraft in 431 and 440 Squadrons were grounded due to fuel contamination.

24 Jun 54

ECM exercise today with 5 aircraft from Bagotville taking part. Condition 1 only, on ECM.

25 Jun 54

ECM exercise continued with both mechanical and electronic jamming experienced. F/O Tate departed for Florida on Controllers course and F/O Roche reported from Halifax on TD.

30 Jun 54

Forty-five successful intercepts were completed during the month, four by 2452 Reserve Controllers. Four of the above mentioned intercepts were operational.

1 Jul 54

12 AC&W Squadron making preparations for the arrival of 2452 AC&W Squadron from Quebec and Three Rivers.

3 Jul 54

Auxiliary squadrons 400 (F) and 411 (F) reported to Bagotville and the Vampires were carried in by 12 AC&W Squadron. Quebec and Three Rivers Auxiliary personnel arrived at Mont Apica.

9 Jul 54

National Defence Alert called at 0900Z "Exercise Checkpoint". F/L Curtis of 14 (F) Wing HQ reported as liaison officer for the period of the exercise and contributed much to the success of GCI controlled Vampires. 12 AC&W Squadron went onto a 24 hour GCI state for the period of the exercise, using two 12 hour shifts.

11 Jul 54

Exercise Checkpoint ended at 2300Z. A total of 40 intercepts were completed – 32 by Auxiliary controllers, 3 by Auxiliary support officers and 5 by 12 AC&W Squadron controllers. A total of 25 AS/FtrC and 15 FtrCops of Auxiliary Squadrons participated in the exercise and did a very good job.

13 Jul 54

Normal operations with 431 and 440 (AW) Squadrons doing AI and normal type operations.

16 Jul 54

14 Vampires and 8 Harvard’s of 400 and 411 Auxiliary Squadron’s departed from Bagotville to Downsview. These flights were handed over to 11 AC&W Squadron for surveillance. 12 AC&W Squadron gave flight surveillance to a "Random" ferry operation of F-86’s. They controlled Random Blue Leader and his wingman into Bagotville in an emergency and brought replacement aircraft from St. Hubert in time to continue a completed ferry operation from Goose Bay.

19 Jul 54

12 AC&W released for yearly maintenance at 1200Z until 1200Z on August 9th. F/O Crowther and F/O Morrison departed for Caswell Maine on cross training. S/L Bishop transferred to 2 Group HQ Toronto as Senior Support Officer.

29 Jul 54

F/L Legare returned from TD in California to act as Senior Controller of 12 AC&W Squadron.

31 Jul 54

A total of 37 operational and 2 practice interceptions were completed during the month of July.

9 Aug 54

12 AC&W returned to the air after yearly maintenance and installation of the EW Kit search gear.

12 Aug 54

440 (AW) Squadron had four CF-100’s available for night flying. Search beam has been working very well, carrying nine KC-97 aircraft routed from Gander to California.

17 Aug 54

Unidentified flying object reported by Bagotville Operations Officer, sighted by civilian personnel over St. Honore (15 miles north of Bagotville), approximately 40 – 50,000 feet, stationary over 1 hour. Later reported over Chicoutimi. Scallop3 (CF-100) investigated up to 39,000 feet without results. Mr. Chas. Grenon of St. Rose du Nord reported a very high balloon in the area and covered with lights.

20 Aug 54

12 AC&W released for emergency maintenance.

23 Aug 54

12 AC&W again released for emergency maintenance.

24 Aug 54

Normal operations with 440 (AW) Squadron.

25 Aug 54

Scrambled Waterfall 31 and 35 after E9L, intercepted one Faker B-29.

27 Aug 54

440 (AW) Squadron alerted to hit an overfly of B-36 (SAC) but 12 AC&W Squadron informed 12 hours later that the overfly had been cancelled.

31 Aug 54

Random Ferry Flight, 23 Sabre V and 4 T-33 were given radar surveillance through area. 82 successful practice interceptions and 9 successful operational interceptions were completed during August.

1 Sep 54

Normal operation, 431 Squadron, Bagotville still on western tour.

3 Sep 54

Eight successful AI completed 440 (AW) Squadron using 90 degree lead collision method.

6 Sep 54

440 (AW) Squadron participated in an air show at Quebec City and given flight surveillance on the trip to Quebec.

11 Sep 54

12 AC&W Squadron advised of SAC overfly of B-47’s and 440 (AW) were requested to give maximum effort.

13 Sep 54

Station Alert called at 0730Z and 12 AC&W came to full Ops GCI State. 440 (AW) had four aircraft available for exercise which was quite successful with interceptions being run at extreme ranges by both 11 and 12 AC&W Squadrons.

14 Sep 54

12 AC&W Squadron and 440 (AW) Squadron again participating in SAC overfly exercise. Results were not too encouraging because of weather conditions and lack of IFF. This was cleared up on daily maintenance in preparation for the following morning exercise.

15 Sep 54

12 B-47’s in three waves came through and each was intercepted twice by 440 (AW) Squadron under control of 11 and 12 AC&W Squadron. Radar performance was excellent and the overall exercise was considered quite successful. 12 AC&W Squadron informed by 1 ADCC that 90 degree lead collision interceptions were suspended until further notice.

16 Sep 54

An ECM exercise under a "No Warning to Radar" basis took place with 16 successful interceptions completed against the jamming exercise. This was a very valuable exercise especially with the number of untrained personnel now on strength at 12 AC&W Squadron.

17 Sep 54

Normal operation. Four interceptions completed by 431 (F) Squadron against military aircraft, one B-29, one B-25, and 2 F-86’s. 440 (AW) Squadron completed one AI. F/O Chenier departed for 14 AC&W Squadron after spending two weeks on TD at Mont Apica.

20 Sep 54

F/O C Smith reported on TD from 11 AC&W Squadron for a two week period. 440 (F) Squadron proceeded to Chatham on an air to ground firing exercise. They expect to return on 30th Sep. Our search gear rendered unserviceable due to lack of magnetrons.

21 Sep 54

An F-86 of Chatham OUT safely recovered at Bagotville in bad weather and an extreme fuel shortage. Weather conditions were bad all day and local traffic was restricted.

22 Sep 54

Very poor weather conditions and only limited flying taking place from Bagotville.

27 Sep 54

The weather still continues to be very poor, as it has been for the past ten days. Our EW Kit is again operational after maintenance period. Random 9 flight was given flight surveillance on a ferry flight from St. Hubert to overseas.

30 Sep 54

F/O Bryan departed on transfer to Station Foymount. A total of 19 interceptions were run this month for practice and 20 were operational.

1 Oct 54

Ops personnel advised to be on extreme vigilance for the week-end period. Extra crews and controllers proceeded to the tower at 0100 am hours. Three vertical red lights and one green light reported by night crews approximately 14 miles NE at low altitudes. 423 Squadron, St. Hubert, have one CF-100 available, 15 minutes, for use of AC&W system.

3 Oct 54

F/O Clouthier arrived on transfer from 11 AC&W Squadron and F/O Ramsay arrived on TD from 14 AC&W Squadron for a two week period.

4 Oct 54

W/C McNair and S/L Rogers of 1 ADCC arrived on TD from Bagotville. F/O Smith of Bagotville Search and Rescue also visited the unit for a short time today. Due to weather conditions night flying was washed out.

5 Oct 54

Night flying carried out with 440 (AW) Squadron.

7 Oct 54

12 AC&W advised of a reduced state for the forthcoming Thanksgiving week-end.

12 Oct 54

Normal day flying practice with 440 (AW) Squadron.

15 Oct 52

Sixteen controllers and six FtrCop personnel arrived from 2452 (Aux.) AC&W Quebec City for weekend training.

16 Oct 54

2452 (Aux.) AC&W Squadron working with 449 (AW) Squadron and on electronic trainer.

17 Oct 54

2452 (Aux.) departed 12 AC&W Squadron after weekend training.

20 Oct 54

12 AC&W Squadron monitored an aircraft in distress and bail out from Chatham. The pilot was reported killed when his chute failed to open. Position of crash HC 3231.

24 Oct 54

12 AC&W Squadron and 440 (AW) Squadron working against a C-47 aircraft on jamming exercise. The C-47 was intercepted without difficulty.

28 Oct 54

12 AC&W Squadron again jammed by two B-25 aircraft with USAF markings which were intercepted by 440 (AW) Squadron.

29 Oct 54

440 (AW) Squadron State of Readiness brought up in anticipation of B-47 overfly. These aircraft were used against a jamming aircraft coming in from the west of us instead.

30 Oct 54

F/L Legare, Senior Controller, returned from Newburg New York where he had spent a few days on TD at the annual AC&W conference. Fifteen operational and forty-two practice interceptions were completed during the month of October.

1 Nov 54

S/L WJ St. Louis arrived as CTechO to replace S/L Keill.

2 Nov 54

The first CF-100 MK IV arrived at Bagotville today from Avro. Night flying was cancelled due to lectures being given at Bagotville by the factory representative of Avro.

3 Nov 54

Routine operation. Local aircraft reporting heavy icing condition in clouds. F/O McKillop arrived on transfer from 11 AC&W Squadron.

4 Nov 54

Routine GCI operation with 440 (AW) Squadron.

5 Nov 54

Nine Random sections of F-86’s carried through our area on overseas flights.

9 Nov 54

Poor weather conditions again today but 440 (AW) Squadron practicing GCA and GCI – GCA approaches.

12 Nov 54

Bad freezing rain conditions reported at Bagotville and runways are all unserviceable.

16 Nov 54

Routine operations.

17 Nov 54

12 AC&W Squadron doing VHF checks with American aircraft from Presque Isle.

21 Nov 54

Poor weather conditions, routine operation.

25 Nov 54

Weather at Bagotville is limiting amount of flying by 440 (AW) Squadron.

29 Nov 54

Routine operations. Seven operational and 34 practice interceptions were completed during the month of November.