St. Sylvestre, QC

1960 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


NARRATIVE REPORT
RCAF STATION ST. SYLVESTRE
1 Dec 60 to 31 May 61

1 Dec 60 to 31 May 61

During the period 1 Dec 60 to 31 May 61, RCAF Station St. Sylvestre maintained its role as an AC&W unit in the Pinetree Line. Although the interceptor director strength was reduced, the number of exercises in which the unit participated showed an increase. More exercises with the 26th NORAD Region were scheduled so that the intercept directors became more proficient in the directing of USAF fighters. In January, a group of USAF aircrew officers came to the unit to brief the directors on the intercept tactics and capabilities of the F89J, F-101 and F-106.

The Telecommunications Section received many visits from Engineers, Inspectors, Technicians and Contractors. The majority of these visits were concerned with the change-over to the ADCOM II System and with the erection of two new towers for the FPS-6B height finder. The Canadian Marconi Company, prime contractor for the ADCOM II, began the installation in October 59 and completed it on 4 Apr 61. Among the projects in the Radar Improvement Program, the installation of the FPS-20 and FPS-6B is of prime interest. The tower and operations building are completed and ready for the installation of the radar equipment.

During the period, information was received of the impending transfers of three of the units senior officers. W/C JHL Lecomte, Commanding Officer, will be leaving for SHAPE HQ in Paris. Leaving on an exchange transfer with the USAF, is S/L WJ Stacey, COpsO. F/L DL Turner, CAdO, leaves in September to attend Staff College.

1 Dec 60

Sgt. Brosseau assumed duties as NCO i/c AFP.

3 Dec 60

The Station Rifle Team placed fourth in a competition held at St. Hubert.

18 Dec 60

The Children’s Christmas Party was held with Flight Sergeant Santa Claus as a welcome guest.

25 Dec 60

The Officers and Senior NCOs served Christmas dinner to the airmen. Afterward, the Senior NCOs were guests at the Officers Mess.

1 Jan 61

The Senior NCOs played hosts to the Officers.

13 Jan 61

The Station Team placed third in a badminton tournament at Bagotville.

17 Jan 61

CGE Mobile Repair Party arrived for the semi-annual overhaul of the CPS-6B equipment.

6 Feb 61

CGE Mobile Repair Party returned to the unit for the PPI overhaul.

10 Feb 61

Letter of congratulations to the CO received from A/C Harvey for being selected as an honourable mention winner in the small class category of the 1960 Fire Prevention Contest sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.

10 to 12 Feb 61

LAW Murrey was chosen as Queen of the St. Sylvestre Winter Carnival and was crowned by G/C Cameron SCESO at ADCHQ. The QRA Ski Meet was held with St. Sylvestre winning the Men’s Championship and Lac St. Denis winning the Ladies Trophy. In the inter-mess competition, which included broomball, snow-shoe races and bobsledding, the Sergeants and the Corporals were tied. The highlight of the weekend was the Snow Ball at which the Queen was crowned and the trophies were presented.

14 Feb 61

The QRA Ladies Basketball Championship was won by St. Sylvestre.

15 Feb 61

Letter of congratulation to the fire fighting section was received from A/V/M MacBrien on behalf of the CAS for having won an honourable mention in the Department of National Defence Fire Prevention Campaign.

17 and 18 Feb 61

The Station Team won the QRA Curling Championship at St. Hubert. The team had been playing in the Tri-Service League in Quebec City.

1 Apr 61

In the promotion list, there were seventeen promotions for this unit.

22 Apr 61

Playing at St. Jean, the Ladies Team won the QRA Volleyball Championship.

28 Apr 61

Major Lajambe from Val Cartier arrived at the unit for a visit regarding nuclear defence and a meeting with the Emergency Defence Staff.

14 May 61

G/C Light, assisted by W/C Rogers, dedicated the Protestant Chapel.

18 May 61

S/L Merrifield, Dr. Alderdice, Major Knutty and WO2 Hill, from Montreal Sector HQ, arrived at the unit for a Telecom visit.

25 May 61

Archbishop Roy of Quebec City dedicated the Roman Catholic Chapel. W/C Gallagher, Director of Religious Administration RC at ADCHQ assisted.

Signed by:

(JHL Lecomte) W/C
CO RCAF Station St. Sylvestre