The following article is from RCAF Radar 1941-1945 (Royal Canadian Air Force Personnel on Radar in Canada During World War II) and is used with permission of the author, WW McLachlan
Robert G Warner
Author's note: Bob Warner was a stalwart supporter of activities with the Ottawa area World War II Radar Veterans, and in particular, the Ottawa Reunion in 1997 and assistance with subsequent reunions. He was, indeed, an enthusiast and a computer wizard, as well as a great friend. Bob passed away November 30, 1999.
Bob Warner joined the RCAF in October, 1941. After a War Emergency Training Plan course given at the technical school in Hamilton, Ontario, he attended the RAF Radar School at Clinton, Ontario.
Early in 1942, Bob reported to No. 12 Technical Detachment in Toronto where he was employed at the Research Enterprises Limited (REL) field station, located on the bluffs at Scarborough, Ontario. He worked on two types of radar there - CHL and GCI, with a test station at Unionville.
In June, 1942, he was posted to No. 13 Radar Detachment at Amphitrite Point, British Columbia. At 6 Repair Depot, Jericho Beach, he journeyed to Port Alberni and then by boat to Ucluelet on the north side of Barklay Sound. When he arrived at Ucluelet, he was advised the lighthouse at Estevan Point had been shelled a few days earlier by a Japanese submarine. A state of alert existed and all personnel were required to carry rifles or sidearms at all times. The radar buiding had a few Sten guns, hand grenades and a 200-pound bomb to use if necessary to destroy the radar equipment.
The barrack buildings were heated by wood stoves and those occupying the buildings were responsible to supply the fuel. Electricity was generated by diesel electric generators at the station and normally two of the three generators were used. Whenever the alternators were being switched, the operations site had to be informed so the radar equipment could be momentarily shut down to prevent damage due to a power surge. Communication with the Filter Center was by coded radio signals. After a tour of duty of about 18 months, Bob received a posting to Sea Island, Vancouver (No 8 Repair Depot). After a six months stay, he was posted to No. 28 Radar Unit, Cape St James, at the southern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands. On the route there, travelling on the Union steamship SS Cardena, he stopped at Prince Rupert, then to Alliford Bay and thence to the Cape. In late January, 1945, Bob was posted to the newly-opened RCAF Embarkation Depot at Moncton, New Brunswick, where he reported after his leave. About mid-March, 1945, he departed Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the Acquitania for Britain. In early January, 1946, he returned to Canada and was shortly discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
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Updated: August 31, 2003