Master Corporal WJ King, PERI, was appointed as Member of the Order of Military Merit, by Governor General R Mitchener in Ottawa, for his prompt, professional manner in responding to an emergency situation. Captain T Rivney, CFH Kingston, visited the station to check X-Ray facilities in Dental Clinic.

Colonel CE Holtby, CD, Deputy Chief of Staff Communications and Electronics, CF, ADC, carried out the Commander’s Annual Inspection 12-14 Feb 73. Local dignitaries attended the Mess Dinner in honour of the occasion and on parade, five personnel were awarded Good Conduct and Efficiency Medals. One serviceman and a civilian driver were awarded five years and 15 years Safe Driving Awards respectively. Activities of the Ground Environment Section were as follows:

Wintex 73 began - NATO Wide Exercise.

MPM Routes 5 & 6

Visit - 6 members of Systems Standards Unit, North Bay - familiarization tour.

BDF Exercise - 51 attended.

Digital Techniques/Solid State course, CFB Kingston - Cpl. Gratton.

MPM Routes 1 & 2. BDF Exercise - 51 attended.

Fabric Indian 73-2 - 22NR ASTM.

Visit - Captain Rogers, Sgt. Church, liaison and maintenance visit from 707 Comm. Squadron North Bay.

16 mm Projectionist Course - 5 attended.

Visit - AJO Course, 3 instructors, 11 students.

16 mm Projectionist Course - 5 attended.

Fabric Brave 73-2 - 22 NR Operational Readiness Evaluation.

Ramore’s sixth Winter Carnival was held 28 Feb - 4 Mar. Its unqualified success was attributable to the organization of the Committee, and the whole-hearted support of the personnel, military and civilian, as well as associate members of the messes. Ramore’s EDP was re-written and printed at the Queen’s Printer and in readiness for Operation Wintex for which Branch Heads were briefed in considerable detail by the Commanding Officer and the CGEO. Initial planning for the implementation of the DEVIL program was commenced by the SLogO in his branch. On behalf of the Governor-General, Lt. Colonel CM Kinney, Commanding Officer, presented a Certificate of Gallantry to Scout Robert M Hutchison, at a ceremony in the Canadian Legion, Cochrane, Ontario. The CO presented a trophy during annual Father/Son banquet to the 92 RC Air(C) Squadron, Iroquois Falls. Local dignitaries and news media were present for the ceremony.

Ground Environment branch reported the following:

16 mm Projectionist Course - 2 attended

BDF Films - Riot Gas

Training films - R&M Techs

Training films - Data Processors

Exercise Fairplay/High Heels

Training films - Data Processors

Visit - AJO Course, 3 instructors, 10 students

Amalgam Arrow, 73-6, 22 NR & 23 NR Live Flying

MOM Routes 1 & 2

Visit - Major Bloom, Major Cloutier, Captain Bethea, Captain Willhauk, Mr. Shinmoto (Westinghouse) for Project Bludgeon

Digital Techniques/Solid State Course, CFB Kingston, MCpl. Labonville.

On job training for Mar: Radar Tech 231, 4, 62%; AD Tech 171, 4, 27%; RM Tech, 2, 66%. Two MPs and one Radar Tech were selected to attend a Gas Review Lecture and practical training sessions with live projectiles at the invitation of #15 District Headquarters, OPP, South Porcupine. Dental Officer and assistant visited the unit 5/9 Mar to service station service personnel. Major M Riley, Air Transport Command carried out an inspection. A Command Comptroller Inspection was conducted during the month of March.

A Security Staff Inspection was carried out by Captain Rutledge, and Lt. Pfahl 24-27 Apr. Lt. Cols. Barrette and McNabb from the B&B and SSOOM sections gave formal briefings on Bilingualism in the Armed Forces and recent establishment changes. A small, noon-hour dinner was held in the Officer’s Mess for Mr. RE Raymer, Officiating Clergyman, who departed Matheson. Major Reid, Command Chaplain (P) was in attendance. All base personnel were engaged from the beginning of the year in a rigorous physical fitness program in order to meet the target date of 30 Apr. Chairmanship of the Station Library was taken over by the NCO i/c MIR but finance control was retained by the SCompt. The Regional Library serviced the station and the library was well maintained as a well-run source of information and recreation for service personnel. Ground Environment activities were as follows:

Films on Close Combat, Club and Knife fighting and Mob and Riot Control.

Amalgam Hunt 73-3 NORAD CPX

MPM Routes 3 & 4. FPS-26 Course in Yorkton - Pte. Hyslop and Pte. Lauritsen.

Films on Survival in the wilderness under winter and summer conditions.

ECCMO Demo. ECCMO Course Serial 7301. Three instructors, six students. WOQC 7303 Esquimalt - Sgt. Shute AD Tech 171. UTPM Interview North Bay - Pte Huber AD Tech 171.

Promoted to Cpl. - Pte. Cooper AD Tech 171

Posted to 22NRHQ - Cpl. Cooper AD Tech 171

MPM Routes 1 & 2

Fabric Brave 73-3 22 NR Live, Level I/IV

April OJT: 7 men, PL4 for 57%; 2 men, PL5, for 21%. A briefing on Summary Trials was conducted by Lt. Col. Swainson, AJAG, on 17 Apr for service personnel.

Under new vehicles for the MSE Section, a new staff car was received for the Commanding Officer. An SSOPS Staff Visit was conducted by Major Larsen, Food Services, Major Murdoch, PSPT/PER S PE and R, Captain Miller, PSPT/Adm. and Captain Clouthier, PSPT/Adm. Ground Environment reported the following: FST-2 phased out and FYQ-47 Common Digitizer and GPA-124 installed.

Telecom Riggers Course Kingston - Pte. Steinman

Bell and Howell Projectionist courses - 6 men attended and all passed.

Captain Rogers, Sgt. Salter and MCpl. Green from 707 Comm. Squadron, North Bay, visiting Comm. Det.

Fabric Libel 73-3 22 NR Exercise in passing formats.

Personnel attended a BDF course.

Captain McLennan and WO Hendrickson from 70 Comm. Group Trenton doing Comm. Sec inspection of Comm. Det and secure workshop.

Amalgam Mute 73-6 22NR ORE live flying, Unit Command Post

Posted in from AWC&CS Lac St. Denis - Pte. Toms AD Tech

Militia member attached to CommDet 14 May - 13 Jul from 703 (Ottawa) Comm. Regiment - Cpl. WE Lewis, Tel Op

DRP Course - North Bay - MCpl Chaddock AD Tech

Films on Search & Rescue and BDF Hand to Hand Combat. AJO Demo. AJO Course 7303. Three instructors, 10 students. Lt. Renaud and Sgt. Pfaff from CFCC on technical staff visit to Comm. Det.

MPM Routes 1 & 2. TD - 16 May - 20 Jul from 707 Comm. Squadron North Bay as Temporary CommDet Commander - Sgt. Salter Tel Op.

Released - Sgt. Jenkinson, Tel Op

Unit vulnerability test was conducted.

Posted to Mont Apica - Pte. Huber AD Tech. Posted in from Armstrong - Pte. Spurvey AD Tech.

Capt. Bruneau CELE and Chairman of General Safety Council attended Canada Safety Council Conference in Edmonton.

OPSTAR Reporting Course at CFB North Bay - Cpl. Gates

OJT: 7 Men, PL4 for 53%; 1 man, PL5, for 65%

CFS Ramore’s "Ponderosa" was published in the NORAD Newsletter and distributed to all bases and stations. It is quoted in its entirety below (except for para 6 - dealing with pictures), since it represents the work efforts and excellent morale of the men who have served at Ramore, and in particular, WO JE Renaud who master-minded its improvements.

1. Most newsworthy feature this station is our rather famous "Ponderosa".
2. The Ponderosa began as a self-help project three COs ago in Jun 67. It was originally intended to become a small beach house to compliment the sandy shore of Lake Talbrock which is located on the Station. It is pointed out that Lake Talbrock is a spring-fed, crystal clear lake which was provided this Station as a recreational source by a formation higher in the chain of command than ADCHQ.
3. In the few short years since its commencement, the Ponderosa has progressed from a small beach house to a heated, insulated three wing building; complete with indoor plumbing, fireplace, fully functional bar area and enough floor and dancing space to accommodate station functions of over 200 people. It includes a grassed and graveled tent and trailer camp area and a fenced in swimming area to accommodate families with small children.
4. Because of its scenic location and rustic countenance, the Ponderosa has become a very popular focal point for social activities during such events as Winter Carnival, Kiddies Day, all ranks parties, etc.
5. It is emphasized that the Ponderosa has been financed and produced entirely within the unit resources with many personnel donating their own time and labors to the project.

The highlight of the month of Jun was Armed Forces Day on 10 Jun 73. This year, an Armed Forces Day Committee formed under chairmanship of MWO Ennis, arranged events that resulted in a smooth-running and entertaining program. Excellent news coverage was given to the event and it was attended by a record-breaking crowds that included many local dignitaries and the news media. 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron and 425 All Weather Fighter Squadron participated in a fly past. A major contribution was the performance of the Air Transport Command Band in the afternoon, and a group from it, for the dance at night. A SSOTN/ML Staff Visit was conducted by Captains MacKay and Wood, WO Donaldson and MWO Bonneau. Captain RJ Eagan replaced Captain J Heffernan, posted to Wainwright, as Station Comptroller. Ground Environment Section reported the following:

First Aid Course Emergency Level - 6 men attended and all passed successfully.

AJO Course 7305 - Falconbridge - Pte. Hill

Films on Search and Rescue were shown

SIT 1 Course held at CFB Borden - Sgt. Wilson completed.

Cpl. Jeary attended GPA-124 course at CFS Foymount.

AJO Serial 7305 - Three instructors, seven students

AJO Demo

MPM Routes 1 and 2

Amalgam Fairplay 73-4 CFADC CP Exercise Run 270000 to 281320X.

Cpl. Latimer and MCpl. Labonville attended a SEED CLEAR Course at Penhold.

MCpl. Petrie posted to St. Margarets.

On-Job-Training

One Radar Tech, PL4, 75%; AD Tech, 4 PL4, 42.5%; RM Tech, 1 PL4, 75%; One Fin Clerk, 1 PL5, 75%. Progress in the DEVIL program was such that inputs were ready for 15 Jun. The station chapel was closed and the building utilized for other purposes. Much of the equipment was utilized for other purposes. Much of the equipment was utilized by local churches in the area from which our officiating clergy have come. CFS Ramore provided Cadet Liaison Officers and Logistics support to eight Squadrons (Air/Land/Sea) in the area. Miss M Dionne, French Language Teacher, who instructed some 20 students in the French Language, was entertained at a farewell luncheon by the CO and her students prior to her posting out of Ramore at the end of June.

On 12 Jul 73, Lt. Colonel CM Kinney handed over command of CFS Ramore to Lt. Colonel TJ Grinnell. Handover ceremonies and parade were followed by an informal reception. Sgt. NB Grieve replaced Sgt. JN Cruikshank as NCO i/c MIR. Ground Environment Section activities were:

Films on Industrial Safety were shown.

MCpl. McLean and Cpl. Amyotte attended a Digital Technique and Solid State Course at CFSCEE Kingston.

Pte. Harding attended Pay Level 5 (231) course at CDSCEE

Demo (ECM). 4 CF-100 aircraft.

Fabric Brave 74-1. 22NR Live Mission.

Total OJT: Total personnel on OJT and percent completed: PL4 - 63.8% and PL5 - 49.6%. The CE Section cleared the road to the air strip for a practice track run for the Physical Fitness program on the station and brush clearing and general clean-up and maintenance of lawns, flowers, etc., was done. The Source Data Automation device for the Devil program has been installed and installation test runs to be carried out by IBM personnel for 30 days, followed by 30 days of operational testing. Completion date was set for 30 Sep. CFS Ramore’s fire fighters section under Fire Chief Gregson and Mr. Greer, participated in 1 Jul tournament at Kirkland Lake. In the overall competitions with 32 departments, CFS Ramore placed second in cumulative points, first, in parade; first in dress; first in dress on track; second in Fire Chief’s race; fourth in ladder race. Sgt. MG MacDonald replaced Sgt. J Gregson as Fire Chief, SOS to CFB Trenton.

Ground Environment Section activities for the month of Aug follows:

Captain Rogers and Sgt. Cole from 707 Comm. Squadron North Bay visited CommDet for Commanding Officer’s inspection and teletype maintenance.

SEED CLEAR modification on search radar.

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

Fabric Indian 74-1. CFADC Command Post Training.

MCpl. McLean attended SEED CLEAR course at CFB Penhold.

Total OJT level - Total personnel on OJT and percent completed: PL5, 69.2%; PL 2, 70%. CFS Ramore support of the Iroquois Falls Gliding Centre for Air Cadets which had been initialized by the former Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel CM Kinney, was crystallized when the unit provided a Search and Rescue tent for the official opening on 26 Aug; GATR vehicle for cable recovery on that date and also for the week-ends of ½ Sep, 8/9 Sep, 15/16 Sep, 22/23 Sep, and 29/30 Sep. Two drivers and a vehicle were assigned to Porquis Junction airfield prior to the opening date for familiarization training. Lt. Colonel TJ Grinnell and Mrs. Grinnell, Captain and Mrs. JB Phillips and WO LE Greenhow attended the official opening. A Children’s Day for the children of servicemen and DND personnel was held at the Beach. The PERI staff provided a program of relays, games, etc., with hot dogs and ice cream. A Hygiene and Sanitation Inspection was carried out on 8 Aug by Sgt. Kine, Base Hygiene Tech, CFB North Bay. Some changes were made in administration to facilitate better liaison with the medical doctors in the area, and for accounting purposes. Major GW Carter arrived at the unit 8 Aug as CGEO to replace Major BA Read posted to NDHQ, Ottawa.

Warrant Officer JE Renaud, Radar Tech, was awarded the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General in Ottawa, for outstanding service. He also received a Merit Award in the amount of $1,500.00 for his meritorious contribution to the service on this unit. Although there was no formal parade as such, CFS Ramore personnel attended the area churches of their choice in S2 uniform in observance of Battle of Britain Sunday. Mr. C Fortin, French Language Teacher, commenced instruction in Levels I and II for the Base Language Training Program on the station. A Command Construction Engineering Staff Visit and inspection was made 24-28 Sep, headed by Major RJ Houston. Ground Environment reported the following:

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

CWO Gavriloff attended UNDO Course at CFNBS Borden.

Site tour for 15 persons from Monteith Correctional Institute.

BDF course for untrained personnel.

MPM Routes 1 & 2. Five personnel from 707 Comm. Squadron doing ComSec inspection and technical maintenance at CommDet. MCpl. Raeburn at Chilliwack to commence training after remustering to Structures Tech.

Cpl. Perreault attended Safety Supervisors Course (7302) at CFB Borden.

Cpl. James attended RCT (Radar Countermeasures Technician) course 7306 at AWC&CS Det Falconbridge.

Lt. Leitch attended CELE Phase 4 Course 7304 at CFSCEE Kingston.

Unit EDP recall and Command Post exercise.

Federal Hunt 74-1. Multi-Region Command Post exercise.

RCT Course 7306 at unit for ECM Demo. Four instructors, ten students attended.

WO Frizzell attended CF/AIMS Supervisors Course at CFS Foymount.

Three Defensive Driving Courses held at unit, conducted by an instructor from CFS Moosonee.

Total OJT - Total personnel on OJT and percent completed: PL 4, 60.3%; PL 5, 80.3%. Sgt. WT Shute, AD Tech, was selected for the Deserving Airman Global Flight. Two females and eight males were hired under the Student Summer Employment program. A follow-up survey on parents concerned, considered it a worthwhile program.

On 10 Oct 73, at 1000 hours, the Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel TJ Grinnell, CFS Ramore, briefed all unit service and DND civilian personnel on the statement from the Minister of National Defence James Richardson on the closure of Stations Ramore, Armstrong and Foymount and the reasons for it. The announcement was received with disbelief and shock. Following the briefing, civilian personnel were again briefed by Mr. G Kightely, DCOSCIV 2 from Trenton, who advised civilians that job opportunities would be available to them, based on departmental policy. Attached to this report are clippings and photos from the three main newspapers in the area: The Timmins Daily Press (Timmins, Ontario); the Northern Daily News (Kirkland Lake); The Ansonville Enterprise (Iroquois Falls, Ontario); concerning base closure. Extensive television and radio coverage was given to base closure since the announcement and periodic reference is made to it on newscasts.

The station immediately began to discuss actions to be taken during the coming months to prepare for base closure, and to be ready to implement the Cloba Document when it would be received. Under direction of the CO, the Branch Heads worked in close conjunction with the Civilian Personnel Officer, to plan for the orderly transfer of civilians who would be leaving the station and the retention of those necessary to maintain our operations. Likewise, service personnel listed their preference postings and a chart was drawn up with their three preferences, and availability dates.

The Command Chaplain (RC) Lt. Colonel Forcier visited the station. Ground Environment activities were as follows:

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

Sgt. St. George attended Hockey Coaches Course at CFB Borden.

Level 5 Exercise, 425 Squadron Bagotville Tac Eval.

Amalgam Arrow 74-3. 22, 23 NR Live Mission. Scope photography on Amalgam Arrow carried out by Photo Section, North Bay.

Cpl. Perrault completed Safety Supervisors course at CFB Borden.

Cpl. Clark attended Ground Search Course at CFB Edmonton.

Ground Environment Staff Visit from ADCHQ

MPM Routes 1 & 2. MCpl. McLean completed FPS-27A RX course at CFB Penhold. Initial shock wave of Base closure resounded through Operations Site.

Command EDP Test - CFS Ramore successfully sustained a Command EDP test and displayed high level of operational readiness.

ComSec inspection of unit and CommDet by CFDA Kingston. Cpl. Manseau released.

Tour through Operations Site - Reverend PJ Pace and party. Cpl. Walters returned from Ground Search Training for medical reasons.

Special Seed Clear AJO Demo attended by three instructors 17 students and 6 unit AJO’s. Tour through Operations Site 414 Squadron.

Sgt. Wilson attended Ground Training Forum CFS Falconbridge.

Northern Telephone personnel visited to discuss base closure.

Sgt. Wilson attended Air Cadet Commander’s Conference at CFB North Bay.

Transfer in of Cpl. Beals Radar Tech

Sgt. Smethurst attended SWO’s course at CFS Foymount.

CWO Gavriloff attended FPS-27A Supervisors Course at CFB Penhold.

MCpl. Dewer attended BDF Instructor’s Course at CFB Borden.

MCpl. Walker attended an FPS-26 FMC Course at CFS Yorkton.

Release of Pte. Toms AD Tech

Sgt. Shute attended Trusted Agent Conference at CFB North Bay.

Major changes in the Operations Area were that Semi Automatic Azimuth Range and Height (SARAH) modification and testing completed, and SARAH considered operational. Total OJT Level - Total personnel on OJT and percent completed: PL 4, 5, 52.2%; PL5, 1, 43.1%. Captain Tisdale, CAdO, attended BAdO/CAdO indoctrination forum CFB North Bay on Base Closure. CFS Ramore hosted a NDHQ Variety Show in the Joseph H Kennedy Public School in Matheson on 18 Oct to which the public and special guests were invited. Militia and Cadet Commanding Officers were advised by letter of the change-over of their support from CFS Ramore to other units not yet named.

A major project during the month of Nov was repair to stator in #2 unit Power Plant at a cost of approximately $10,000. The dining rooms in the 36 Mobile Homes in Matheson were tiled. Ground Environment activities as follows:

Cpl. Read re-engaged while on terminal leave.

Pte. Peacock attended PL 5 course at CFB Chilliwack.

Pte. Hill attended PL 5 course at CFB North Bat

Visit by three WO/Senior NCOs from ADCHQ for FPS-27A briefing. They also gave a Pace/QB briefing.

CELE AJO Demo - 8 officers.

Tour through Operations Site - Matheson-Iroquois Falls Rotary

Teletype maintenance visit from 707 Comm. Squadron North Bay.

CELE AJO Demo - 7 officers.

Tour through Operations Site - Kirkland Lake Army Cadets

Fabric Brave 74-2. 22 NR Live

Lt. Cochrane attended 6^th annual C&E Conference at CFB Kingston.

Pte. Harding completed Radar Tech 231 PL 5 course at CFB Kingston.

Lt. Leitch completed CELE Phase IV Course.

Amalgam Fair Play 74-1. ADCHQ Command Post Exercise.

Pte. Perrin attended RCT course at CFS Falconbridge

Refresher training session for station BDF personnel.

Three Senior NCOs from ADCHQ visited for a briefing on the FPS-27A.

Tour of Operations Site - Monteith.

Total personnel on OJT by PL and percent completed: PL 4, 5, 53.5%; PL 5, 2, 50.5%. CFS Ramore participated in Remembrance Day Parades in both Matheson and Kirkland Lake on alternate days. The Commanding Officer placed wreaths at the cenotaphs at each service. The Fire Department presented an entry form to the NFPA Fire Prevention for year 73/74.

Ground Environment Section reported the following:

WOs Frizzell and Renaud attended FPS-27A Supervisors Course, at CFB North Bay.

Publication of Level 5 Plan.

Tour of Operations Site - Hollinger Mine staff, Holtyre, Ontario.

MCpl. Sheaves remuster interview. ECM Demo for RCT Course, 11 students, 4 instructors.

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

MPM Routes 1 & 2.

Lt. RW Cochrane, TelMaintO, promoted to Captain.

Total personnel on OJT by PL and percent completed: PL 4, 5, 39.2%; PL 5, 2, 50.0%. The station was engaged in preparing its Cloba Implementation Plan and all sections under their various Branch Heads were preparing for the phasing out of the unit, under specific timing conditions. Mr. CH Spence, Mr. F Allan, and Mr. Grabowski from the Ministry of Government Services, Province of Ontario, visited the unit re station closure. Labour-Management meetings were held throughout the year. The annual Christmas Party for the Children was held in the Recreation Centre, with movies etc. The Safety Council operated throughout the year at meetings and through continual supervision by the Unit Safety Officer and the Chairman.

Annex A to
1327-1(CAdO)
dated 18 Jun 74

1. List of Officers