Senneterre, QC

1954 – Historical Record – National Archives of Canada


Secret
S21-6-2 (CO)

Historical Record
34 AC&W Squadron
Senneterre, PQ
1 June 1954 to 30 November 1954

1 Jun 54

TW’s became optional on this date.

4 Jun 54

A small party was held in the Sr. NCO’s lounge by the Bowling League to celebrate a successful season.

9 Jun 54

The first air spray of the station completed.

12 Jun 54

Air Force Day – Two games of softball were played: one between the Airwomen and the wives (wives winning) and the other Bourlamaque and RCAF (RCAF winning). The visiting team members and their wives were served a buffet supper in the mess. A station dance was held in the evening which was very successful.

15 Jun 54

Action was initiated this date for installation of TPS-501 on the third floor of each side of the main Tower. The motor generator sets for the TPS-501 to be installed in room 112 of the Main Building.

17 Jun 54

Trade exams were held in the Recreation Hall.

22 Jun 54

An Airman’s promotion board was convened consisting of the CO – W/C WC Kent, COpsO – S/L J Jaworski and specialist officers as applicable.

22 Jun 54

A miniature rifle range opened in the Curling Rink which will be in operation during the summer months.

24 Jun 54

A deep fat fryer in the Combined Mess overheated and the fire was extinguished by a member of the Mess Hall staff using a fire proof blanket. Telephone line 776B to Val d’Or installed.

26 Jun 54

A small fire started in the marshland beyond the firebreak which was put out with a five gallon tank – no damage. ME mileage – approximately 13,000 miles accident free.

1 Jul 54

Sunday routine observed.

2 Jul 54

F/L RJ Emerson was appointed Theatre Officer.

4 Jul 54

Visitors – W/C RF Hatton, OC, 445 Squadron. W/C TG Anderson, Sector Commander, 3 ADCC. S/L ND Caiens, Senior Controller, 3 ADCC.

5 Jul 54

215001 F/O Brewer was appointed Unit Intelligence Officer from 5-27 July vice F/O FA Stock. Sector Tel O F/L Marshall visited the unit for a briefing on Radar facilities.

8 Jul 54

F/L Jordan from ADCHQ arrived on the Unit as a mutual observer for the duration of Summer Exercise.

9 Jul 54

Exercise "Check Point" began at 0500 hours. All equipment worked very well for the duration of the exercise. Dr. Lindsay and Mr. Katz ORB arrived to observe on synthetic fence operations.

12 Jul 54

Stand down declared.

13 Jul 54

Winds up to 150 MPH in gusts experienced today. No harm was evident to the radomes.

17 Jul 54

867 W/C WC Kent reassumes command of the Unit from 27174 S/L J Jaworksi DFC.

23 Jul 54

220803W F/C SA Hellstrom Pers/Admin, URTP was TOS for a period of Special Duty.

24 Jul 54

F/O FA Nixon temporarily assumed the duties of GDO during the absence of F/O JD Dickson.

26 Jul 54

New hours for Snack Bar went into effect which curtailed their hours for business. ME Mileage – approximately 15,000 miles accident free.

4 Aug 54

Three weeks supply of rations arrived this date in anticipation of rail strike.

5 Aug 54

The winner of the Safe & Skill Driving Competition was 213162 LAC JW Fletcher.

14 – 15 Aug 54

Bowling and softball teams from the Unit visited Station Parent over the week-end where besides sports, shows and dance were provided for those making the trip. Station Parent received the "Underhill Trophy" for bowling.

16 Aug 54

Mr. Howard of Delphis Cote Ltd. Visited the Unit regarding repairs to the Recreation Hall roof.

18 Aug 54

New lights were installed in the Combined Mess.

23 Aug 54

16422 F/L RJ Emerson was appointed Radar Officer vice 30749 F/O FC Woodruff.

30 Aug 54

27147 S/L J Jaworski ceases temporary command upon return from leave of 867 W/C WC Kent. ME Mileage – approximately 16,700 accident free

1 Sep 54

Mr. Robert Haig (AMC HQ) reported in to inspect our system of maintenance on the ISG-98. Records have shown this unit to have one of the best maintenance records for this piece of equipment.

5 Sep 54

Mr. Bishop from "Firestone Fire & Rubber Company" arrived to commence radome repainting. This was completed on the 12 Sep.

6 Sep 54

The deep fat fryer in the Snack Bar was left on at closing time. All smoke – no fire or damage.

8 Sep 54

The Protestant and RC Schools reopened. 14331 F/L FP Boyczuk was appointed Communications Officer vice 16422 F/L RJ Emerson effective this date. Modified FPS transmitters were installed.

12 Sep 54

Reverend Fitzsimons, the officiating Protestant Padre, preached his farewell sermon this date. A reception was held in the Officer’s Mess Lounge after the service.

13 Sep 54

46782W F/O EP Phillips assumes the duties of Adjutant vice F/O IM Walcot who transferred to the Supplementary Reserve.

15 Sep 54

S/L J Jaworski DFC was appointed President of the RC Church Committee.

16 Sep 54

Trade exams.

17 Sep 54

The Officers Promotion Board consisting of 867 W/C WC Kent, CD, 27174 S/L J Jaworski, ADF, and 30202 F/L CE Holtby was held on this date.

19 Sep 54

Battle of Britain Sunday was observed with a Roman Catholic and a Protestant Church Parade. The RC parade was held in Senneterre with F/L Boyczuk as parade commander. The Protestant Parade was held on the Unit with 867 W/C WC Kent as parade Commander.

23 Sep 54

Intercom system installed in the Admin building.

26 Sep 54

A small fire in the Rec. Hall caused by a short circuit. Damage $5.00.

27 Sep 54

The installation of a field phone service between the Main Gate, guard house, pump house and sewage plant was completed. The 9th series Canada Savings Bonds campaign commenced with 49275 F/O HS Jamieson appointed as co-ordinator.

30 Sep 54

Dr. Benoit Brouillette from Montreal was guest CA Lecturer this month. Two lectures were held, one in the Main Building for Operational and Technical personnel, and one in the Station Theatre for the domestic staff. ME Mileage – approximately 15,000 accident free. Visitors – 202632 F/O CC Unger, Area Ground Defence Officer. 204597 F/O DC Ewing, 792 F/O WH Cunnian from AFHQ Security Branch and 26484 F/L SL Taylor – from ADCHQ Security Branch.

1 Oct 54

Promotions – WO1 MacAuley, Sgt. Stitt, Sgt. Cook, Cpls. Lawson, Miles, Brophy, Smith, Crighton, Cyr, Westhaver, Ruel, Purdy, Samler, Everitt, Griswold and Malcolm all were promoted this date. Emergency declared at 17:35 this date. All sections were alerted and arrangements made for the emergency within a very short time. Emergency over at 14:30 on 3 Oct 54.

3 Oct 54

Our 28 passenger bus had a small accident at the Main Building – No damage to the bus. Private vehicle damage less than $200.00.

4 Oct 54

TPS-501 equipment No. 1 became operational this date.

7 Oct 54

204581 F/O MJ Braun was appointed ComO vice 16422 F/L RJ Emerson.

14 Oct 54

The following Canadian Electric Company personnel Messrs Hanson, Steves, Grisch and Mowle arrived for Microwave antennae and transmission line installation.

19 Oct 54

A teletype pony circuit from the Message Centre to the Station Orderly Room was installed.

25 Oct 54

The lamp banks in the radomes used for the first time this season. ME Mileage – approximately 16,000 – 1 accident. Visitors – 30154W F/L JE Parent, Command Nursing Sister. 38153W S/L SI Evans, AFHQ AMP Branch. W/C W Taylor, MATP.

2 – 3 Nov 54

F/S and Cpls. Qualifying exams were held in the Recreation Hall and NCO’s lounge respectively.

3 Nov 54

The following personnel Mr. Tessier and Mr. Dagenais of SNC, Mr. Gagne and Mr. Arcand DCL, Mr. Buchan AFHQ and F/L Rideout ADC (SOCE) arrived to officially take over the roads, fire break and landscaping.

4 Nov 54

The heating plant at Val d’Or Detachment was officially taken over.

8 Nov 54

S/L Henry ADCHQ and Mr. Langlois CSC visited this unit.

12 Nov 54

Because of a decrease in Communications personnel it became impossible to man all sites 24 hours a day. TX2 unmanned from 1700 to 0800; TX1 visited only.

16 Nov 54

Mr. W Heaven from "Northern Electric Company" arrived to check radar spares requirements in connection with a future inspection and peaking operation to be held early in December.

18 Nov 54

Work started on the installation of the Val d’Or Beacon.

28 Nov 54

The auxiliary diesel electric power was used from 0630 to 2030 hours.

30 Nov 54

Four men from Northern Electric Company arrived to commence radar inspection and peaking operation as well as exchange transmitters which were on loan from Pinetree Project Office. MR mileage – approximately 18,000 – 1 accident. Hospital patients. During the month, four vehicles, 1 Snow Blower, 1 Snow Fighter, 1 Three Ton Dump Truck and 1 TD 14A Tractor were received for the Val d’Or Detachment.

 

Narrative Report
Operations

3 Jun 54

Condition "Cocked Pistol" declared.

17 Jun 54

F/O’s Brewer, Stock, Austin, Pearson and Babcock reported to Uplands for 2 days cross-training with 445 (AW) Squadron as per AS1-3/5/1.

22 Jun 54

F/O’s Cohen, Jamieson, Dixon, Campbell, Proud and Nixon reported to Uplands for 2 days cross-training with 445 (AW) Fighter Squadron as per AS1-3/5/1.

28 Jun 54

Practice Alert "Cocked Pistol" declared. Internal – 34 AC&W Squadron only. Exercise successful, shortage of FCO personnel.

1 Jul 54

F/O Cohen replaced F/O Pearson as Operations Officer. ECM – interference on lower beam. Severe for 15 minutes.

3 Jul 54

445 (AW) Fighter Squadron arrived Val d’Or for exercise and GCI until 18 Jul 54.

5 Jul 54

Sector Commander and Senior Controller of 3 ADCC to 34 AC&W Squadron for briefing on forthcoming exercise "Check Point". F/O Austin reported to Tyndall AFB Florida USA on 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 17 Sep 54. F/O Stock reported to RAF Station Middle Wallop, England on an 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 13 Sep 54.

8 Jul 54

F/O Delahaye visited 34 AC&W Squadron as ADC Observer for exercise "Check Point".

9 Jul 54

Dr. Lindsay and Mr. Katz of DRB visited 34 AC&W Squadron as observers for exercise "Check Point". 0500 hours – Exercise "Check Point". 34 AC&W Squadron were assisted by 3 controllers, 1 NCO and 4 AW’s from 2401 (Aux.) Squadron Montreal.

11 Jul 54

ECM – FPS-3 – Not severe. Jamming reported from one aircraft.

12 Jul 54

ECM – FPS-3 – interference on lower beam continues.

1 Aug 54

ECM – FPS-3 and communications – primary search affected. Jamming sporadic on radar and communications.

26 Aug 54

Practice alert "Cocked Pistol" declared – internal 34 AC&W Squadron only.

30 Aug 54

F/O Babcock reported to Tyndall AFB Florida USA for 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 30 Oct 54.

2 Sep 54

ECM – FPS-3 – primary search – continuous.

3 Sep 54

F/O Pearson TD to Foymount to assist as controller.

17 Sep 54

F/O Dickson TD to Foymount to assist as controller.

24 Sep 54

ECM – FPS-3 and communications – primary search – continuous – communications severe.

27 Sep 54

F/O Brewer reported to Tyndall AFB Florida on 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 25 Nov 54.

1 Oct 54

F/O Jamieson replaced F/O Cohen as Operations Officer. Emergency State by 3 ADCC, relayed from COC. All personnel standing by in event of emergency.

3 Oct 54

Emergency State over. Personnel stood down.

11 Oct 54

F/O Ferguson reported to Tyndall AFB Florida USA on 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 10 Dec 54.

18 Oct 54

F/O Dickson acting Senior Controller in absence of S/L Jaworski.

25 Oct 54

S/L Jaworski and F/O Nixon reported to Tyndall AFB Florida USA for 8 week Controllers Course. Course terminates 24 Dec 54.

22 Nov 54

F/O Dickson reported to Clinton for JSMIC for 2 week period.

6 Dec 54

F/O Jamieson reported to Foymount for 1 week ECM course.

15 Dec 54

Exercise "Dry Run" – canned exercise through Sector.