Saglek, Labrador
Photographs

A little background detail is required at this time. The 924th AC&W Squadron (site N-29) would not become operational until the fall of 1953. As can be expected - there was a great deal of preparatory work to be completed before any Pinetree Line radar station became operational.

The first stage of construction commenced at Saglek in the summer of 1951. It was at this time that supply ships arrived in the area - as part of Operation SUNAC 1951 - and these vessels off loaded a massive amount of preliminary materials and supplies. The site survey had already been completed and it was decided to build the construction site some 12 miles from the location of the radar station - this site would eventually become known as Green Beach 1.

Supplies were dropped off at Green Beach 1 in the summer and fall of 1951 and the Fraser Brace contractors eventually arrived. These personnel effectively constructed what was to become the first contractor's camp. The intention was to construct a road from Green Beach 1 to the site where the radar station was to be built. True to fashion - it became apparent that the required road could not be constructed.

As a result - the contractors camp was relocated in the general vicinity of what would become known as Green Beach 2 - or, what was fondly referred to by the USAF personnel of the 924th as the "lower base". This change in plan meant that all of the supplies originally offloaded at Green Beach 1 had to be reloaced to Green Beach 2. There is some documented detail pertaining to the movement of material and supplies to Green Beach 2 during the summer of 1952 - as part of Operation SUNAC 1952.

It is not known whether the buildings at Green Beach 1 were dismantled and moved to Green Beach 2 - or whether new materials and supplies were brought in - to effectively construct a new contractors camp at Green Beach 2. We have been advised that the remains of the crashed B-26 bomber had to be relocated in order to construct the runway at Green Beach 2.

It is hoped to obtain further detail with the passing of time - and the hopes that someone else who participated in these early days at Saglek will find our web site and provide the missing information.