Moosonee, ON

Introduction and Summary of Years Events

This unit has oriented its efforts to produce the highest possible calibre of Radar data and operational efficiency. This has meant an extraordinary concentration on technical problems and adjustments, on the part of technical staff. They have responded well, in spite of a reduction in establishment during this period.

The supporting services have been adequate and have also responded well to staff shortages.

Building maintenance and new construction have been satisfactory. General problems in this area are related to getting sufficient non-established help for major projects, so that the established staff can carry out its routine functions.

Recreation continues to be varied and of a good standard. It is well attended and with the introduction of a compulsory service program of physical training all service personnel are finding that they have a more than adequate opportunity to participate in physical activities.

The distaff side with dependents share essentially equally in all recreational activities.

The details by areas is covered in the following items of discussion.

During 1965 a major change-over in personnel was experienced in the Operations area. The overall strength was reduced from 23 (Officers and men) to 21; two FCO positions were deleted because the night answering service was to be incorporated in the near future. This modification was still being awaited when the year ended although the strength reduction had taken effect.

During 1965, the Operations staff in conjunction with the tower technical staff, were subjected to two Radar Squadron Assessments, the first one in January and the second one in December. On both of these evaluations, 15 Radar Squadron achieved satisfactory results.

Station Moosonee participated in the Northern NORAD Region Evaluation; Ottawa NORAD Sector Evaluation and the Senneterre NCC Evaluation, in all cases receiving messages of commendation on the product being supplied by this unit.

Complete mechanical overhaul of Height Finder B. First overhaul since installation in 1962. Replaced azimuth drive assembly and parts of the elevation drive assembly.

Beginning of installation of the AN/GRN-501 TACAN by Canadian Marconi Company personnel.

An amplifier-limiter was built and installed by radar personnel to convert the Signal to Noise Ration of all search radar PPI’s from 5 to 1 (a SAGE requirement) to 2 to 1, a PPI requirement.

Commissioning Flight Check in the AN/GRN-501 TACAN Installation conducted by DOT Toronto Region Flight Check Team. The facility was commissioned without restrictions.

Based on a directive received from ADCHQ to set up a Test Equipment Section for all electronic test equipment on the unit, such a section was set up in Radar Maintenance. Cpl. Moore was appointed NCO i/c Test Equipment.

Azimuth drive breakdown on Height Finder A caused an advance in the scheduled mechanical overhaul. First overhaul since HF installation in 1962. Azimuth drive and parts of elevation drive were replaced.

The Radar, AN/FST-2 and GATR sections commenced single shift maintenance manning. All preventative maintenance must be done during the 8 to 4:30 shift. One shift worker mans the sections during evening and midnight shifts and monitors equipment only. Correction of fault at these times are either deferred to the next working day or day workers are called in.

First routine Flight Check of TACAN facility by DOT, passed without any operational changes in the facility.

The type of modulation in the data link from Station Moosonee to North Bay was changed from Amplitude Modulation to a type of Frequency Modulation called 4 Phase Data Conversion.

The Operations staff participated in approximately two Sector exercises every week in addition to one or two site-centered training exercises. All new personnel were rapidly brought up to unit standards and certified for the various positions in the Operations complex. The value of the training program was reflected in the high standard achieved by the Ops personnel since the last RSA.

Unit personnel attended the following courses during 1965: 4 airmen attended the AN/FPS-507 course at Station Clinton, 1 airman attended the UPA-035 course at Station Clinton, 6 airmen went to ONSHQ for SAGE familiarization, 1 Senior NCO attended the Nuclear Defence Course at Camp Borden, 1 airman attended the COMOP Adjustment Course at Station Clinton, 1 airman attended the GKA-5/FRT-49 course at Station Falconbridge.

A unit AN/FST-2B course was initiated to train technicians in performing routines and minor corrective maintenance and trouble-shooting on the AN/FST-2B. Four airmen received this training and gained a basic working knowledge on this equipment.

A course was set up to train two officers in performing ECCMO and DOO duties.

Normal training was carried out in the sections for Trade Advancement purposes and to keep personnel abreast of changes.

There have been no marked technical changes on the station during 1965. New construction included modifications to the Sr. NCO’s Barracks to accommodate single Officers and to allow former male officer quarters to be used by females of Officer Status, furnace annex to GATR building to increase interior space, and renovations in school classrooms.

Suggestion Award – 19302 Sgt. JAM Gendron received recognition in Mar 65 for his suggestion concerning the use of air valves on a fire truck high pressure system which was adopted officially on 8 Oct 64.

Reverend Milne, the Civilian Officiating Clergyman hired from Moosonee was transferred from the area at the end of Oct 65, and since he has not been replaced downtown, the unit has been hiring Reverend Scanlon and Reverend Ward from Moose Factory. A minister for the church in Moosonee is expected to arrive in April or May 66.

RCAF Station Moosonee was subject to the following visits and inspections during 1965:

Annual SOPA Inspection headed by A/V/M PG Wait.

Staff Visit Chief of Staff ADCHQ headed by A/C Hull.

AOC ADC visit headed by A/V/M Lister.

Command Band Visit (delayed due to unserviceable aircraft).

Arrival of dental clinic for three weeks. Were replaced 15 Apr by another clinic for a further three weeks.

Visit by group of boys from Upper Canada College Toronto.

SCESO ADC Staff Visit headed by G/C AC Bowes.

Air Cadet Inspection headed by G/C Anderson.

Arrival of dental clinic for three weeks.

RSA Inspection headed by S/L MJE Braun.

The following is a rundown on the major sports events of 1965:

Swimming – RCAF Station Moosonee entered and won the RCAF Swim Marathon held during the summer, with 87 winners participating. The indoor swimming pool was well used during the year.

Basketball – The James Bay District Basketball league was formed, with the RCAF, Moose Factory, and Moosonee entering teams. The RCAF emerged as winners of the DIM Bulb Trophy.

Flag Football – A four team league was formed on the station with the TOGD section (TACAN, Operations, GATR and DMCC) emerging as winners. The station team competed in the Zone 3 Playdowns at Centralia in Oct and put forth a creditable showing.

Hockey – The Station entered a league with Moosonee and Moose Factory but because of inclement weather and an outdoor rink, hockey was not too successful.

Softball – A very successful season was enjoyed with the DND civilian employees emerging as winners of the station league.

Winter Carnival – A successful day of skidoo races, dog races, broomball games, skating etc., was held with full participation from service personnel, PMQ residents and DND employees. The public was invited to attend and enjoyed the proceedings.

Other sports that proved very popular over the year were: Curling, Bowling, Boating, Fishing and Hunting. Other activities included a Variety Show, Sports Banquet and children’s Christmas parties.

The Upper Canada Boy’s College were in the area during their Easter vacation. During their stay they were given a conducted tour of RCAF Station Moosonee.

A newspaper release was given to a local newspaper reported regarding the disappearance of two airmen and one civilian employee. The three personnel went out on the Moose River in a powered canoe during adverse weather conditions. An air and water search was originated but no trace of the three men had been found.

Four RAF Officers on a simulated survival expedition trekked overland from Cochrane, Ontario to RCAF Station Moosonee. They stayed at the unit for two days while they waited for an aircraft from RCAF Station Trenton to pick them up and fly them back to RCAF Station North Bay.

Fire – One of the PMQ’s (B-1) was damaged when fire broke out in the living room but has since been repaired and is being used.

Firearm Accident – A firearm accident at the end of June claimed the life of LAC ARD Morrison.

Missing Personnel – One civilian, Mr. R Cardin (ex RCAF) and two airmen, LAC’s JFG Lemoine and JAR Longpre were reported missing on a boating trip to the James Bay area 25 Sep 65. After land, sea and air searches no trace of the missing men has ever been found.

Members of the SOPA Inspection arrived this date by 104K Flight Dakota at 1:00 p.m. Members were as follows:

Party departed by train 7 Jan 65.

First RCAF Station Moosonee End-of-the-Rail Bonspiel. Three Events, teams from Moose Factory, Moosonee, Iroquois Falls competing. LAC Aldridge won "A" Event, F/O Ismond won "B" Event and F/L Dolter won "C" Event. A success, and another one planned for next year.

PMQ Fire – LAC Rossiter – firemen called at 11:15 a.m. Contents destroyed by fire and smoke.

Zone 3 Curling Playdowns – Nine teams entered. Rink skipped by LAC Aldridge won and from there went on to Station Downsview. Won one and lost two – a gallant try.

Arrival of Air Commodore AC Hull – Chief of Staff – ADCHQ by service aircraft at 11:30 a.m. – Accompanied by:

Aircraft departed 3:30 p.m. 2 Feb 65

First RCAF Station Moosonee Ladies Bonspiel. Teams from Moosonee and Moose Factory also competed. Mrs. Graff from Moose Factory won "A" Event and Mrs. McCullough (DND Teacher) won "B" Event.

Visit by AOC ADC including A/V/M Lister with AOC/PA F/L RJ Flynn, W/C Poirier SORA/RC, W/C Liss Supply (SOSUP).

Command Band arrived from Ottawa to play for Station Dance. Sgt’s Taccogna, Ross, Barlow, Gaskell, Lauer, Pomeroy, Grayann and Cpl. R Koloff.

Second Winter Carnival held this date. Included Skidoo races, dog team races, Ladies Broomball game between Moose Factory and dependent wives, and snow sculpturing. GATR won Snow Sculpturing Trophy with their Pool & Swans Fountain. Prizes for 1^st and 2^nd in PMQ’s went to FS and Mrs. RJ Wilson for their Siamese Cats and LAC and Mrs. TM Smith for their igloo and penguins.

Plane carrying Command Band unable to depart due to engine trouble. Band played for Moccasin Dance scheduled for this date.

Command Band still detained this date. Played in the Airmen’s Institute.

Another service aircraft arrived this date to transport Command Band to St. Huberts – other Dakota still under repair.

First Dakota finally departed on 23 Mar 65.

Dental Clinic arrived this date. Included: ZH7872 Captain WJ Froese – Emp 3 – Clinic Camp Petawawa and SK101332 Pte WE Tweed – Trenton, for approximately three weeks TD. Captain Froese departed 15 Apr and ZC7778 Captain NA McFarland arrived in exchange (Station Trenton) for another period of three weeks.

PMQs on Station Moosonee were without electrical power due to a break in underground cable – 14 to 17 April. Another cable shipped in by Ontario Northland Railway 16 Apr – Cable repaired 17 Apr.

Station Moosonee closed for period of four days for Easter Weekend.

First set of twins were born in the Station MIR on 1 May 65. Proud parents were Sgt. and Mrs. J Calder.

Commencement of Spring Ice Break-up this date.

RCAF Albatross – first service aircraft to land since spring break-up. ADCHQ Staff Visit included:

Aircraft arrived 1150 hours and departed immediately to Station North Bay.

Albatross aircraft returned this date from North Bay to pick up ADCHQ Staff Team. Departed for St. Huberts at 1400 hours.

Albatross aircraft arrived this date from Trenton for Air Cadet Inspection. S/L Ireland and delegated officers met aircraft. Party consisted of: G/C Anderson, F/L Burill, Mr. R Dale, and Mr. VS Simpson. Remained at Station overnight and departed with aircraft 4 Jun 65.

An unfortunate death of an airman, 77537 LAC ARD Morrison, occurred during a shooting accident on RCAF Station Moosonee on 27 Jun 65.

Four RAF Officers: F/L BJ Maher, P/O CP Lubm, P/O BR Wayt, and P/O D Pritchard from England arrived this unit on 12 July after completing their survival expedition from Cochrane to Moosonee. Departed for Station North Bay by RCAF Albatross on 15 Jul 65.

Firemen were called downtown to a house fire in the Indian Village. Building complete loss however no injuries.

Firemen were called downtown to Moosonee to assist with a fire on a Hudson’s Bay Company Freighter.

1965 RCAF Swim Marathon commenced this date at 0001 hours. All Station personnel participated in this feat. Finishing time 2359 hours 15 Aug 65. Moosonee placed first and won the 1965Swimming Trophy.

Firemen were called to the town of Moosonee to assist in a fire in an unoccupied tar paper shack in the Indian Village. Building completely destroyed. Fire believed to have been set by children.

Two airmen, 68639 LAC JFG Lemoine, 74396 LAC JAR Longpre and one civilian Mr. Robert Cardin (ex airman) left on a hunting trip by boat to the James Bay area on 25 Sep 65. When they failed to return that evening, search commenced the following day. Local planes, helicopters and boats began a thorough search along with an Albatross and Dakota from RCC Trenton. On 30 Sep Search parties were withdrawn with no results as to the whereabouts of the three missing people.

Station Moosonee Flag Football Team departed this date for Station Centralia Sports Competition on 30 Oct. Not entirely successful.