Puntzi Mountain, BC

1963 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


APPENDIX "B"

Narrative Report
RCAF Station Puntzi Mountain, BC
1 Jun 63 - 31 Dec 63

5 Jun 63

BC Telephone now realize that they have an engineering problem and are considering replacing the VHF circuits with a microwave system. In the meantime they will continue to test the VHF circuits.

8 Jun 63

The Rescue Coordination Centre, Vancouver, requested help in searching the Tsacha Lake area for a missing light civilian aircraft. F/L Weekes searched the area from the air in Otter 3694 but found no trace of the missing aircraft. Later, we heard that the aircraft had been found "between Penticton and Williams Lake" as the RCC reported.

11 June 63

Formal authority has now been received to operate a 50 watt radio station at the unit on 1230 kcs. Our call sign will be "CFPM". The station will be for the purpose of broadcasting entertainment programs to service personnel and their dependents.

14 Jun 63

65893 LAC RN Alexander was killed in a car accident on the Cariboo Highway 3 miles south of Williams Lake. He and 4 others were proceeding to Kamloops on a weekend pass.

15 Jun 63

Six Ftr Controller officers arrived on transfer today. It is expected that they will be here until at least 1 Oct or until the unit is SAGE’d.

16 Jun 63

The Commanding Officer served as a judge at the Williams Lake Aquatic display.

17 Jun 63

UHF frequency 341.3 mcs has been assigned to this unit for use with the Otter a/c, with 100 watts power and 6A3 emission. F/L Weekes proceeded on TD to Nayko, BC to interview a Mr. Laurent concerning his sighting of a UFO last Nov. The University of British Columbia is interested in tracking down this object which is reported to have impacted somewhere in the Chilcotin area.

26 Jun 63

It is understood that BC Tel are negotiating for a microwave system to carry data from Puntzi Mountain to Timothy Mountain.

18 Jul 63

Senior Annual Command Fire Marshalls Inspection carried out. A satisfactory report was received.

26 Jul 63

The Propeller Constant Speed Unit failed on take-off of Otter aircraft. The airplane was unserviceable until 12 August.

12 Aug 63

Notification of transfer of F/L Miller (CAdO) to Kamloops. Replacement to be 24645 F/L WC Short Air/Pilot from Station Kamloops.

17 Aug 63

A civilian Cessna 172 aircraft made an emergency landing on the airstrip. The reason being that they were looking for Quesnel and were uncertain of their location.

3 Sep 63

Special Otter flight to Williams Lake hospital with LAC Mason.

13 Sep 63

Special Otter flight to Williams Lake hospital with LAC O’Neill.

14 Sep 63

The RCMP requested an air search for a lost hunter. The hunter walked out just as the search got started.

24 Sep 63

Special Otter flight to Williams Lake hospital with FS Denroche.

25 Sep 63

F/L EJ Wallman reported to the unit from Station Kamloops. He will assume the duties of Chief Operations Officer.

1 Oct 63

The Station Kindergarten classes commenced. Mrs. C Reid assumed teaching duties.

2 Oct 63

Visit by SEATTLE NORAD Sector Commander Brigadier General GC Brown and Deputy Commander G/C RS Turnbull for operational and orientation discussions.

9 Oct 63

ADCHQ (SCESO) staff visit to discuss BUIC and associated operations. Team consisted of F/L J Birch and F/L AD McLeod.

19 Oct 63

F/O DE Ramsden Tech/Tel reported to the unit. Will assume duties of STelO. Medical services inspection by Regional Surgeon Pacific - Surgeon Captain JW Rogers and Sub Regional Surgeon Pacific W/C RE Jackson.

24 Oct 63

ADC HQ (SCESO) staff visit by Major EK Dreger (SOCS) to discuss cable plants, telephone and communications systems.

29 Oct 63

Special Otter flight to Williams Lake hospital with Mrs. Avent.

4 Nov 63

A 5 week course was conducted for 5 technicians on AN/FPS-7C equipment.

10 Nov 63

A 5 week course was conducted for 5 technicians on the AN/FPS-26A equipment.

22 Nov 63

ADC HQ (SOPR) staff liaison visit to discuss local area problems. Team comprised of F/L GH Lowes (SOPR-2) and F/O WL Dick (SOPR).

29 Nov 63

Commanding Officers Parade.

15 Dec 63

Station radio outlet (CFPM) commenced operating on an assigned frequency of 1230 KC and a power output of 50 watts. The facility is a self-help project and required some $1,200.00 of non-public funds to complete.

16 Dec 63

F/L WC Short reported on posting from Station Kamloops to assume duties of CAdO.

20 Dec 63

F/O GG McCrae departed unit on release from the Service. CFPM radio conducted an auction to assist the COOK family that was burned out near Williams Lake. A total of $312.00 was raised.

26 Dec 63

Special Otter flight to Williams Lake hospital with Cpl. Avery.

27 Dec 63

Notification received of the promotion of F/O Baker (SAO) to Flight Lieutenant.