DAILY DIARY
28 RADIO DETACHMENT - CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944
1 Jan 44
Weather fine in am, continuing until pm, then some hail. Commanding Officer's inspection in morning. Buildings appear to be well looked after. Four airmen went over to Kunghit but obtained no game. Rain water barrels went dry, hence no washing or shower water available for next day. Routine normal.
2 Jan 44
Weather calm in am, some hail in pm. Sea calm. Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596) and Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272) made tour of southern half of island. Held a Bingo tournament in Rec Hall in the evening, with three 50's of cigarettes (given to our Detachment by the Women's Auxiliary League) as prizes.
3 Jan 44
Weather clear in am, rain, strong winds in pm. Sighted Navy Patrol Boat (FY29) in afternoon. Airmen shot three birds on hunting trip to Kunghit. No trace of supply boat originally scheduled to arrive here January 1st. Rations running low. Routine normal.
4 Jan 44
Weather stormy. Sea rough, remaining so in pm. Had to draw Emergency Rations today since supply boat overdue.
5 Jan 44
Weather calm in am. Strong wind, heavy sea in pm. Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596) and three airmen on hunting trip to Kunghit. No game obtained. Routine normal.
6 Jan 44
Weather - rain, strong wind in am, calmer in pm. Signal infered Amaryllis, not Canso, to be our supply boat this trip. Detector amplifier made by R147783 Cpl Shear, MH to eliminate noise in R/T, W/T has not proven successful as yet. Routine normal.
7 Jan 44
Weather - sea quiet am & pm. Two faults in Opertions Building. Sqr tube in PPI rack u/s, and solder connection off the 6.3 volt output in PPI power output rack. Both found in about 25 minutes. F/O SA Clark (C12596) and P/O DM Pollock (C29272) took inventory of emergency ration hut. Twelve tins jam deteriorating, had to remove. Received word Amaryllis left Alliford Bay at 1300hrs.
8 Jan 44
Weather quiet, slightly overcast sky. Sea fairly calm. Amaryllis arrived 1000 hrs (without large scow) bringing supplies, 20 odd personnel, etc. All unloaded by our small (garbage) scow quiet quickly. Left for Rose Harbour 1300 hrs to pump out large scow (since heavier freight too risky to put on our small barge) and to return here weather permitting. No freight lost. Piano and projector aboard, having first show in Rec hall at night. Books received causing formation of Rec Hall Library nucleus.
9 Jan 44
Weather - slight rain, sea unsettled, preventing Amaryllis from returning today. Second showing of same film held in Rec Hall 2000 hrs ("Sing Your Troubles Away"). Routine normal.
10 Jan 44
Fairly strong wind. Sea heavy in am. Tremendous gale at pm. Blew top off fresh water tank, took doors off front of Mess Hall and Administration Building. NCO's i/c section met in office for discussion re fatigues, cooperation, suggestions etc. No word from Amaryllis. New frequency tests (2838 KC) on R/T & W/T started at 1000 hrs.
11 Jan 44
Weather still very strong. No 4 Barracks walls moving in and out, power lines partially down, steps washed off dock, pump house underwater. Some aerials down, hence frequency tests on 2838 KC will probably have to be tried again. Flag torn and taken inside. Top blown off fresh water tank cannot be replaced, hence no water in taps. Amaryllis still at Rose Harbour.
12 Jan 44
Weather fairer, sea quieter. Amaryllis arrived at 1030 bringing big barge. Sea became slightly rougher during her stay (till 1330) causing some trouble unloading. However, all cargo taken off all right. (Piano, AT3, fire hose cart, cement). R112705 LAC Poole, HS, and TD Sgt (Diesel repairs) left on boat. Wind heavier at night. Tried new piano out after supper. Tone very good. No sea water.
13 Jan 44
Wind strong in am, sea rough, wind rising, rain in pm. Tangled power lines swung across mistaken for lights on ship. Fixed by R76663 F/S Foster, CO. No decyphering codes have arrived (Syko, RAF, weather etc) causing delay with all messages.
14 Jan 44
Weather - strong winds, rough sea in AM. Quieter in pm. Fire committee meeting 0630 to 0730. General meeting held in Rec Hall 2000 hrs. F/O SA Clark (C12596) presided, and nominations received for new Messing Committee, Entertainment Committee, and helpers for newspaper columns. P/O DM Pollock (C29272) discussed canteen finances (for newer personnel) and general discussion followed re paper, expected washing machine etc. Routine normal.
15 Jan 44
Wind down, sea quieter in am. Commanding Officer's inspection in am. Held Mess Committee meeting 1830 hrs in Orderly Room. F/O SA Clark (C12596) presiding. Picture show held 2000 hrs in Rec Hall ("Mystery Sea Raider"). Routine normal.
16 Jan 44
Weather quiet in am and pm. Water off for short time in am. Held rifle-shooting practice under R130126 Cpl Rowett, C, supervision at 1400 hrs. Entertainment Committee meeting held in Orderly Room at 1830 hrs with R76663 F/Sgt Foster, CO, in the chair. Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272), R76663 F/Sgt Foster, CO, R101433 Cpl Mason, R, (Canteen committee) took stock of canteen at 2100 hrs. Routine normal.
17 Jan 44
Rain in am, sea choppy, same in pm. Recommenced tests on new frequency of 2838 KCs. Now have two AT3's in W/T room. Meeting of Newspaper Committee held at 1900 hrs, policy of paper discussed (and to be called "Peat Pile News").
18 Jan 44
Rainy and windy in am. Sea choppy, no change in pm. Testing of 2838 KCs off at 2359 hrs. Results seem to indicate superiority of this frequency (in hours of darkness especially) over 34.40 or 5577 S. However, testing as well as normal R/T W/T operation is very often severely handicapped by high winds blowing down or otherwise rendering u/s our aerial system. Routine normal.
19 Jan 44
Weather - sea quieter in am. No change in pm. Power line to Operations shorted again (lines entangling). This has occurred once previously and is evidently caused by the very high winds of our last gales causing a slack in the two telephone poles lines that bridge the canyon. Due to this position it is very hard to remedy the trouble. Navy Patrol Boat FY29 sighted again. Routine normal. Shuffleboard tournament commencing.
20 Jan 44
Weather - sea very quiet all day. Tournament (Shuffleboard) started for all station personnel. Provision made to keep power lines from entangling. Valve head put in salt water tank to provide pressure for proposed salt water storage barrel in upper level (fire prevention). Routine normal.
21 Jan 44
Weather - sea quiet during day, rough, blowing in pm. Power lines twisted again due to wind. Routine normal.
22 Jan 44
Rain, windy in am & pm. Drive belt on tower broken. Repaired and adjustable belt sent up as emergency spare. Routine normal.
23 Jan 44
Weather - sea quiet, intermittent light rain. Routine normal.
24 Jan 44
Weather - sea quiet in am. Distributor cracked on salt water pump V8 motor. Since 9 CMU to date has not sent us the information requested by our letters we have no data re part No, manufacturers No etc. Signals despatched to AY & WAC, and R/T conversation had with Mr Mudrick as a hastener. Message received from Canso. Routine normal.
25 Jan 44
Weather - sea quiet in am, rain in pm. Canso arrived 1030 hrs, unloading proceeded satisfactorily, nothing lost. Padre (Anglican) Gilbert came ashore, also Ollie Goldsmith. Padre held service at night and to hold another tomorrow morning. Show ("Kitty Foyle") after church. Large Canteen order came in ($600.00), laundry, rations, RDF Equipment and educational pamphlets, acquittance roll, quarterly overhaul and two new personnel. No water in taps due to u/s distributor. Approximately three days supply of salt water left in tank. Canso back to Rose Harbour. Routine normal.
26 Jan 44
Rain, sea rough in am & pm. Padre gave another communion at 0930. R166411 LAC Eynon, TE, constructed home made parts for distributor. Tests made using it proved satisfactory, but other small part u/s necessitating further home-made construction. Rainfall helping water shortage situation. One film returned for transshipment to Alliford Bay. Normal routine.
27 Jan 44
Calmer, sea rather choppy in am. Canso returned from Rose Harbour, picked up Padre, O Goldsmith (YMCA) and two other passengers (one civilian - lighthouse keepers son). Canso did not take any of our goods back to Alliford Bay, large amounts of used sheets and bedding, coke cases etc forced to be left here for the second time. Distributor did not arrive, although signal received from WAC states it is being flown to Alliford Bay and thence here as conditions allow. Quarterly overhaul maintenance crew also arrived via Canso 25/Jan/44, although proper authority allowing them to commence work has not yet been received.
28 Jan 44
Rain, sea rough in am & pm. R98798 LAC Turnbull, JW, took sick (right groin paining, intermittent sweating) at last night. Possibility of appendicitis. Symptoms wired to Alliford Bay and reply received. Condition somewhat improved in pm. Routine normal.
29 Jan 44
Rain, sea choppy in am & pm. Quarterly overhaul maintenance commenced 1000 hrs, consisting of three LAC's from 3 RD and Radar Mechs of this Detachment, supervised by our R76663 F/Sgt Foster, CO. Work accomplished first day mainly consisted of cleaning all dipoles and coating with beeswax, also various portions of RX & TX removed and overhauled. Spare (homemade) parts for V8 pump motor working satisfactorily, but worn pump shaft still causing some delay. Routine normal.
30 Jan 44
Clearer, sea quieter in am & pm. Maintenance continuing satisfactorily. Approximately seven feet salt water pumped into storage tank today as pump now seems to be quite servicable. Work done in fixing up power lines and telephone lines from upper to lower levels while we are still unoperational due to the quarterly overhaul. Signal received from Alliford Bay stating Canso trying to get in to remove sick Airman (R98798 LAC Turnbull, JW). Routine normal.
31 Jan 44
Slight rain, sea fairly calm, rougher towards pm. Canso expected 1700 hrs, but could not get in due to sea suddenly getting rougher. R180184 LAC Koyle, S, tripped on stairways and broke both lens of his glasses, will have to go to Alliford Bay for glasses recheck upon arrival of boat. Routine normal.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 66
(SA Clark) F/O
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Feb 44
Sea fairly calm in am, choppy towards pm. Canso arrived 1000 hrs. R98798 LAC Turnbull, JW, and R180184 LAC Koyle, S, taken aboard for medical treatment. Distributor parts and mail received from the boat as well as a few other items of freight (Lewis Guns, etc). Routine normal.
2 Feb 44
Sea choppy, some rain am & pm. Quarterly muster of secret documents commenced. Quarterly overhaul proceeding satisfactorily. The new telling frequency (2838 KC) showing an improvement over 3740, particularly at night, but not showing as marked an improvement as was orginally anticipated. Routine normal.
3 Feb 44
Weather clear, sea calm in am. Quarterly muster of SDs completed. Shiplap top made for our soft water tank (former cover blew off in high wind). TX and RX operational, though some work still being done i.e. standing waves measured on aerial array and found quite satisfactory, varying between 1.1 to 1 to 1.4 to 1. Routine normal.
4 Feb 44
Weather clear in am, rain, wind rising in pm. RX & TX turned on to iron out small faults which may have developed during overhaul. Operation seems improved. 3 PEs at 346º (18 mi, 22 mi, & 26 mi) instead of the former 1 (18 mi). Relays adjusted to TX. Salt water and fresh water tanks very nearly filled. Routine normal.
5 Feb 44
Rain, choppy sea in am & pm. Commanding Officer's inspection at 1000 hrs quite satisfactory. Radar on the air at 1000 hrs. Operations seems satisfactory, although drive belt in Gantry rather loose. Power off to barracks, due to line blown down by wind. Routine normal.
6 Feb 44
Heavy winds, raining all day and night. Strong winds last night snapped lead-ins on two aerials for W/T. General meeting held at 1800 hrs in the Rec Hall. Business discussed including washing machine, hampers, book loss indemnities, new committees, etc.
7 Feb 44
Calmer, sea smoother in am & pm. Work progressing favourably on new carpenters shop below Mess Hall. Home made bing constructed (for storage of dried beans, peas etc) and painted for use in kitchen. Routine normal.
8 Feb 44
Wind, sa quiet in am & pm. Calm bright day. 2 MU party notified to report to Spider Island from this Detachment.
9 Feb 44
Wind, sea quiet in am, wind rising in pm. More work done in measuring standing waves while 2 MU equipment still on hand. Rifle and Sten Gun practice in afternoon. Signals dispatched to Alliford Bay requesting boat approximately February 15th, also list of supplies required sent in. Meeting of Canteen Committee held at 1700 hrs. Routine normal.
10 Feb 44
High wind, heavy rain in am, somewhat calmer in pm. Repairs to dock (rotted supports, etc) completed today. Picture show in Rec Hall at 1900 hrs ("Love Thy Neighbour"). Meeting of Canteen Committee at night. Routine normal.
11 Feb 44
No wind, sea very calm all day. Airmen took boat out today for Kunghit. Classification tests held at 1900 hrs for personnel whose marks do not appear on their records. Meeting of Entertainment Committee at night. Routine normal.
12 Feb 44
Wind, sea, calm in am & pm. Boat trip made by R76665 F/Sgt Foster, CO, to second point to take compass bearing on Gantry. Bingo at night in Rec Hall. Routine normal.
13 Feb 44
Wind, sea quiet in am & pm. Two boats (tanker and Navy Patrol) sighted in the afternoon. Tanker did not respond to Aldis Communications. Sing-song in Rec Hall at night. Routine normal.
14 Feb 44
Wind, sea quiet in am. Boat (Cape Canso) signalled, arriving tomorrow, weather permitting. Routine normal.
15 Feb 44
Strong west wind, rain. Sea fairly calm in approach. Cape Canso arrived at 1400 hrs. Passengers included C39478 Pilot Officer FE Parker, Pilot Officer Cross (Flying Control 4 Group), and several Service Police TOS. R180184 LAC Koyle, S and R215609 LAC Peikoff, LAM returned. Mail taken off, but no freight. Canso returned to Rose Harbour. Expect rearrival as soon as weather permits. Power lines and telephone lines to Operations u/s due to very strong wind. Short Met Lecture given in Operations building by Pilot Officer Cross re new Alaco weather forms. Five outgoing postings received in mail.
16 Feb 44
Wind reduced, sea rather choppy in am. Cape Canso to arrive tomorrow if possible. Routine normal.
17 Feb 44
Wind increasing, sea somewhat quieter. Cape Canso arrived at 1100 hrs. At her suggestion she was to send in the 9 hp motor to fasten on our scow (ie instead of using our suggestion of hand lines). The boat with the motor got loose and drifted in the wind for some time. We sent a boat after this one and it too disappeared. Cape Canso finally had to lift anchor and pick up both boats. Narrow escape. Due to the above so much time was wasted that not much freight was unloaded. Wind increasing quickly so Cape Canso back to Rose Harbour (breaking our town rope en route). Show held at night "Lucky Partners" in Rec Hall. Routine normal.
18 Feb 44
Wind increased, sea choppy. Sea too rough for Canso to come in. Routine normal.
19 Feb 44
Weather - sea calm in am & pm. Cape Canso arrived at 1000 hrs. Unloading from boat proceeded very satisfactorily. Unloading of our material also completed. Fourteen passengers from this Detachment - 3 postings to Langara, one to EAC, 3 of Quarterly Overhaul party, 4 on leave, and officers F/O SA Clark (C12596) (TD to Alliford Bay) and P/O Cross (Met - 4 Group). Beer, cokes, laundry, oil drums placed aboard ship. Signal received (AY) states drinking water contaminated, unfit for consumption. Medical Cpl states no cause for alarm since very little is drunk and condition has existed for past six months. Bingo at night in Rec Hall. Telephone lines u/s for three hours, interference on W/T and DOT greatly decreased, cause unknown. Commanding Officer's inspection satisfactory.
20 Feb 44
Wind down, sea choppy in am & pm. Work commenced in preparation of washing machine installation. Possible source of Radar interference disclosed as arising from Diodes in Gantry (switches & safety diodes). Bingo held at 1900 hrs in Rec Hall. Pilot Officer DH Pollock (C29272) and Pilot Officer FE Parker (C39478) calling. Sing song held afterwards. Routine normal.
21 Feb 44
Calm, sea choppy in am. Picture show at night (Lady Eve). Also Fighter Aircraft Identification contest. Routine normal.
22 Feb 44
Clear, sea quite smooth all day. Alberni arrived at 1030 hrs approximately. New DOT operator arrived, supplies unloaded for LHK (light house keeper) Mr Smith. Installation of washing machine under way, construction of more hand rails started for hill. Some emergency rations used, butter and sugar.
23 Feb 44
Slight wind in afternoon, sea calm all day. Boat left for beach, attempted to dynamite for fish. Rations elapse February 27th. Wire sent to Alliford Bay stating same. Monthly stocktaking of emergency rations, hut completed. GR10 taken to Operations in attempt to determine source of Radar interference. Discussion group met in Rec Hall at evening. Routine normal.
24 Feb 44
Slight wind - hand winch rope attached to dock also lifeline attached to dock. R76665 F/Sgt Foster, CO conducted lecture for Radar Mechanics at 4 pm Movie in Recreation Hall at 7 pm
25 Feb 44
Strong west wind all day. Wire received from AFHQ re posting R178508 LAC Day, RC, R166411 LAC Eynon, JE, R161383 LAC Gordon, CW, R180184 LAC Koyle, S, R156430 LAC Sigg, RB, and R141846 LAC Crone, SDR overseas, reporting date March 15 to No 1 "Y" Depot (all Radar Mechanics). Telephone lines on lower level being brought down and secured to buildings by R147783 Cpl Shear, MH. This provides protection from winds and will prevent breaks in the lines. Trade testing of WOG's.
26 Feb 44
Brisk winds - gaining strength in the evening, overcast. Guard set up by WOG's on 5525Kc. Aircraft channel at 10.30 am Airman took boat to Kunghit, sighted two deer but none bagged. Returned early in afternoon due to weather conditions. Bingo held in Recreational Hall in the evening. Security Guards interviewed regarding ultimate remustering. Inspection am - barracks in good shape.
27 Feb 44
High winds and very rough sea, rain most of the day. High winds warranted lashing of Gantry. Emergency rations drawn in afternoon, expect to start on them February 28th. General meeting held in Recreation Hall at 7 pm. Discussion of washing machine re priorities of use, payment, etc, election of new members to committees due to postings.
28 Feb 44
Wind not as high today, fairly calm sea. Started emergency rations today. Movie in Recreation Hall at 19.30 hours. Routine normal. Bolts on turntable of Gantry were found loose and were tightened.
29 Feb 44
No wind, sea calm. New record for long track obtained in Operations - 530 miles long over 100 plots, S/N ratio very large 6 X 7:1. Expect boat with rations March 2nd, re Flying Officer SA. Clark's (C12596) signal from Alliford Bay.
STRENGTH: Officers - 3, Airmen - 60
(SA Clark) F/O
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 March 44
Scattered showers all day, sea calm and sky overcast. Party went out to tip of island to dynamite for fish with no luck. Arrangement of shift re Radar Mechs. Six leaving on next boat, leaving two NCOs and 4 Mechanics (1 on leave) on station. Routine normal.
2 March 44
High wind and rough sea with rain. Docks built up to power house providing more space for unloading purposes. Emergency rations for two days removed from emergency ration hut. Emergency hut was wired for lighting - two lamp outlets and one switch. Awaiting lighting fixtures. Expected Canso this am. Still at Alliford Bay. Move at 7:30 pm in Rec Hall "Lady Eve".
3 March 44
Brisk wind and choppy sea, clear sky. Arrangements made at Alliford Bay for transportation concerning six Radar Mechs posted No 1 "Y" Depot. Washing machine now in full use - heater and jacket operating OK. Signal received from Alliford Bay advising Cape Canso departing at 2100 hrs on this date. Cross arms and insulators being installed on line poles up the hill for transmitter land-line between Admin building and Operations.
4 March 44
East wind with choppy sea - Canso arrived 9:30 am. Passengers F/L Mudrick, F/O Clark, "Y" Man O Goldsmith, ACs Roach, Ewing, & Coutts. Some mail was taken off boat, sea too choppy to land rations. Canso lifted anchor about 11 am planning to return later on in the afternoon in hopes of better landing conditions. Returned 2:30 pm, more mail and a few canteen supplies - still too rough. Scow was damaged on hoisting up to dock. Made serviceable this pm by seaman R133463 LAC Jameson, JM in preparation for tomorrows landings. Movie in Rec Hall at 7:30 pm and 12 pm so as to catch both shifts. This movie will be returned on the Canso tomorrow - title "Squadron Leader X".
5 March 44
Sea calm, sky clear. Canso returned from Rose Harbour and unloaded supplies. Two rowboats were used to unload supplies, both boats equipped with outboard motor. All empty drums were loaded onto Canso and she left at 2:30 pm. Technical conference held in Operations in the afternoon to discuss coming trade test papers. Those present were F/L Mudrick, F/O Clark, P/O Pollock, P/O Parker, F/S Foster. New game machine introduced at Rec Hall. Canadian Naval Vessel of the Minesweeper class J136 passed the Cape at 1:30 pm headed due south. Plots were made on this vessel and much interference was found, probably Radar Equipment aboard this vessel. Received parts for pre-amplifier, to be used on SE. Canteen and rations supplies all arrived.
6 March 44
High wind, rough sea and rain, fairly calm in early part of morning. Radar Mechs were trade tested by F/L Mudrick in the afternoon. Movie at 7:30 pm - tiles "49th Parallel". P/O Pollock and P/O Parker assisted in DI in place of Radar Mechs who were undergoing trade tests. Material received for Red Cross Campaign. Canvassing to start immediately. P/O Parker has been chosen Unit Red Cross Officer.
7 March 44
Rough sea and strong winds, rain. Signal received from #4 Group posting F/L Mudrick, now trade testing at this Detachment, to AFHQ Ottawa. General meeting of Radar personnel held at Ops 7 pm. Personnel were informed of the new posting system now in effect by F/L Mudrick. Announcement of Red Cross Campaign officially opened.
8 March 44
Strong winds and rough sea. Trade test in am for Radar Operators, held by F/L Mudrick. Received authority from AFHQ to extend leave 1 week for 6 Radar Mechs posted to #1 "Y" Depot. Practical test held during DI period for Radar Mechs. Received signal from WAC posting equipment Assistant LAC Barron to Comox BC. This leaves the Detachment with no equipment assistant.
9 March 44
Wind changing somewhat, now blowing south west. Hail in the morning, sea choppy. F/L Foster and Sgt Moir discussed arrangements of fatigues regarding Mechs and Operators with F/O Clark. Movie at 7:30 pm in Rec Hall - "49th Parallel".
10 March 44
Sea calm, snow and sleet in the morning. Received signal from 3 RD advising installation party now en route to 26 and 28 detachments to install pre-amplifier. Routine
11 March 44 Clear, sea calm. Inspection of barracks in the morning and everything found OK. Clips on aerials were changed during DI in the afternoon, old clips badly corroded. Bingo held at 7:30 pm, raised $5.00 for Red Cross Campaign, proceeds from Bingo. 12 March 44 Wind from the east, sea choppy, sky clear. Signal received from #3 RD stating authority cannot be given to install pre-amplifier with our own personnel. Routine normal. 13 March 44 Sea calm. Practical trade test for Radar Operators. Stock taking in Canteen. F/S took oscilloscope readings on diodes in gantry. Scope pictures show damped oscillations on cathode lead, responsible for R/T interference. Report to be sent to WAC re modification. 14 March 44 West winds, rain. Report from Cape Canso at Cape Scudder. Expect arrival here tomorrow. 15 March 44 West wind, foggy. Canso arrived at 1 pm. Two passengers arrived, Cpl Dunbar (SP), LAC Brown, Radar Operator. Our boat badly damaged when lowered by winch. One trip made to Canso. Lifeboat on Canso u/s and swells getting higher. Canso left 1:45 pm for Rose Harbour. 16 March 44 West wind, foggy and rough. Canso signalled from Rose Harbour for weather report - not suitable for landing. 17 March 44 West winds, sea fairly calm. Canso arrived 0900 hrs. 32 drums of oil unloaded and canteen supplies. Passengers arrived - AC1 Ferris (GD). Canso left 11:15 am. Passengers F/L Mudrick, LAC Graham, OT Goldsmith. F/L Mudrick has made arrangements for aircraft to pick him up at Rose Harbour 1400 hours. 18 March 44 Gales all day, with rain. Gantry lashed. Pre-amplifier installed in gantry - too windy to turn gantry to permanent echo for tests - awaiting better weather before testing pre-amplifier. AC1 Ferris paraded before OC and remanded until March 20/44. 19 March 44 Brisk wind, broken sky. Pre-amplifier tuned in gantry, much improvement noted in PE. Without pre-amplifier signal to noise ratio 3:1, with pre-amplifier signal to noise ratio 6.1, routine normal. 20 March 44 Strong west wind, overcast sky. AC1 Ferris given 14 days CB, restricted privileges, one hour extra duty for 14 days. Returning of pre-amplifier on Radar equipment increases signal to noise ratio. Signal from WAC posting senior Radar Mech. F/S Foster to 3 RD first available transportation. This island infested with a small web-footed bird which appears only at night. They fly blindly into buildings, erratic behaviour cause of numerous small accidents. 21 March 44 Very strong west wind. Antenna lashed. One aircraft picked up in locked position 1700 hours. Two new thyratron tubes installed in thyratron unit. Old tubes still operating satisfactorily at 4000 hours approximately. Cape Canso signalled from Rose Harbour; finishing repairs on large scow in preparation to return to Alliford Bay - expect to leave for Alliford tomorrow. 22 March 44 Bright, with slight west winds. Inventory being checked in all sections. Red Cross Campaign near completion. Instruction on the use of ground arms commenced. Everyone on the station will receive instructions from Senior NCO i/c SP re Anti-gas equipment, lewis gun, sten gun, rifle, grenades etc. 23 March 44 Clear in am - cloudy and strong west winds in the afternoon, slight snowfall in the evening. Schedule DI at 1400 hours. Filter requested we stay on the air until an aircraft we were plotting was identified, finally off for DI at 14.30 hours. Three hour discussion in "Rec" hall this evening - subject re-habilitation. Routine normal. 24 March 44 Cloudy with snowflurries. Very much aircraft activity in the afternoon - 23 tracks plotted. Meeting of entertainment committee at 7 pm Routine normal. 25 March 44 Broken sky, cool. Routine normal. 26 March 44 Very clear. AT1 and AR2 communication equipment moved from wireless room to barracks, providing 2 points of communication in the event of an emergency. Practice of handling and firing of Sten Gun held by Senior NCO (Service Police). 27 March 44 Calm sea, mild with broken sky. Clearing up of rocks in front of Admin building. Signalled Alliford Bay for ETO of Cape Canso. Letter sent to U of Bc regarding Educational Films for use on station. Routine normal. 28 March 44 Calm sea, overcast, poor visibility. Large rock in bay on East side of island was dynamited. Rock a hazard when unloading large scow. Break in remote lines between Operations and W/T section. Open circuit found on barrack level and repaired, now operating OK. Alliford Bay signalled Cape Canso held up, awaiting rations from Prince Rupert. 29 March 44 Calm sea, cloudy. Routine normal. 30 March 44 Foggy, poor visibility. Canso signalled 10 am arrival at Rose Harbour. Weather not considered suitable for landings. Expect arrival of Cape Canso tomorrow. 31 March 44 Calm sea, clear sky. Cape Canso arrived 8 am and unloading proceeded. ACs Tull, Erwin, Soutar arrived off of leave. Complete indent of rations was not received due to delay of rations arriving at Alliford Bay from Prince Rupert. Payroll was received and remainder of Red Cross returns forwarded to Alliford Bay along with money for payment of Canteen account. Passengers leaving this date, F/S Foster posted to No 3 RD, LAC W Thomas 1944-45 leave, LAC Gordon to Alliford Bay for dental work, LAC Barron posted to Comox, BC. Cape Canso departed 1 pm. STRENGTH: Officers - 3, Airmen - 65 (SA Clark) F/O
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Apr 44
Cloudy, very little wind in the morning. Emergency ration received yesterday, replaced in Emergency Ration House. Mess Committee meeting held at 6 pm.
2 Apr 44
Overcast, rain. General meeting held at 7:30 pm. F/O Clark, SA (C12596) lectured on security of the detachment emphasising necessity of secrecy regarding operational status of detachment. Plans for Volleyball court between hospital and Rec hall were left in the hands of entertainment committee.
3 Apr 44
Rain, overcast, difficulty in maintaining contact with #4 Group on R/T. Had to revert to C/W several times during the day. Modification on TX installed, two panels on the front with D205 fasteners giving quick access to relays. Routine normal.
4 Apr 44
Dull cloudy. Received signal from AY stating R59405 Cpl Poitras, AE at Prince Rupert for minor operation. Remaining chef staff, one Cpl & one LAC, Cpl due annual leave. This leaves the station with one LAC Chef. Signal sent to WAC regarding this situation requesting another chef posted this unit. Meeting held at 7 pm regarding station defence. Those present were Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596), Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272), Pilot Officer FE Parker (C39478), R130126 Sgt Rowett, C, and R176100 Cpl Wright, CS. Ground arms training is to be given to every one on the station. Station to be divided into 4 sections for defence; practice alerts to be carried out in near future. Also a Physical Training program has been formed whereas personnel will receive 1/2 hr PT four times per week. Another meeting to be held tomorrow with section heads of defence scheme present.
5 Apr 44
Dull in am, clearing up around noon. Signalled AY for Cape Canso to arrive with remaining rations on April 10. A meeting was held at 3.30 pm to discuss and organize a station defence program. It was decided to form 4 teams with appoximately 13 men on each. Ground defence schemes will be carried out in the near future and in the meantime the teams will be organized to dig gun pits around the island at strategic points. PT will also be brought into effect Monday, April 10, from 4:30 to 5 pm each day in the Rec Hall.
6 Apr 44
Cloudy with rain. Clean up started in Equipment Section. Station Equipment Assistant has been posted and this position deleted from our Establishment. Muster parade held in Rec Hall at 7 pm informing all personnel of new ground warfare and defence schemes. Also PT beginning April 10 at 4:30 to 5 pm.
7 Apr 44
Cloudy with occasional showers. Alliford Bay advised ETD of Cape Canso to be April 10, also asked for further requirements. Promotions on the weeks DROs; R152666 Cpl Houston, ER to Acting Sgt (paid) and the following LACs to Acting Corporal (paid) - R124209 LAC Giles, L, R98798 LAC Turnbull, JW, R129071 LAC O'Hara, TP, and R176100 LAC Wright, CS.
8 Apr 44
Bright, sunny day, very calm sea. Sand brought to island from beach on Kunghit, to be used for mixing cement. Exhaust valve burnt on engine used for pumping salt water supply. Inspection in am. Everything found satisfactory. Inspection made by Flying Officer Clark, SA (C12596) and Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272). Morale good.
9 Apr 44
Very strong west wind, very rough sea. Aerials lashed at 0830 hrs. Station routine normal.
10 Apr 44
Overcast, fairly calm sea. V8 motor repaired, (used to pump salt water). Much activity in operations between 2:00 and 22:30 hrs. Eighteen tracks plotted, also message picked up on telling circuit (2838KC) pertaining to a ship towing speedboat bearing license number 32495. This was passed to #4 Filter Detachment, with their permission, in clear at 0020 hrs (April 11).
11 Apr 44
Bright, clear with calm sea. Cape Canso arrived 09:30 hrs. Passengers Pilot Officer Simms DAPM AY, Lt Detweller, Cpls Banfield, Bibeau, Finigan, LACs Craig, Cooke, Gordon, Miller. DAPM and Lt Detweller came to sight 75 mm fieldpiece proposed for this detachment. Departure of Cape Canso 1400 hrs, passengers P/O Simms, Lt Detweller and P/O Pollock.
12 Apr 44
Cloudy with rain, incoming shipments unpacked, beacon TX and RX received, also frosted food cooler. Transformer spares and also beacon spares. Breakdown in Radar Equipment, faulty valve in power supply. R212061 LAC Blackwood. JR, fell on his back causing injury to right shoulder blade, treatments administered by hospital assistant. Accident occurred while descending from operations building.
13 Apr 44
Clear, sunny day, calm sea. Survey being made of potential Victory Bond subscribers. Station still without Equipment Assistant making it very difficult to keep accurate check on all accounting procedure of incoming and outgoing shipments. Entertainment Committee meeting at 6 pm. It was decided to arrange a schedule of at least three nights entertainment per week and put up a notice in the Rec Hall of coming features.
14 Apr 44
Overcast, raining, fairly calm sea, weather cleared later in the afternoon 1600 hrs. Two faulty valves found in modulator power supply unit through use of new tube checker. New distributor installed on winch motor at top of hill, trying to eliminate interference in operations. New distributor proved to be worse than ever, filtering circuit to be tried, very difficult to eliminate ignition interference. Fire Committee meeting held at 1900 hrs. New Fire Chief elected, R133463 LAC Jameson, JM, replacing Sgt Rowett. It has been decided a rotation scheme of Fire Committee personnel be inaugurated so as to increase familiarity with fire fighting.
15 Apr 44
Clear, choppy sea with fresh winds. Inspection of camp made in the morning by Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596) and Pilot Officer FE Parker (C39478). Condition of camp was good. General spring cleanup now in progress. Proposed fence to be built around operations building separating it from DOT property. Signal received informing this Detachment of a dory being shipped from 27 Detachment. Meeting of Mess Committee held at 1800 hrs. Signalled Cape Canso to leave AY on April 20.
16 Apr 44
Very bright day and calm sea. Auxiliary power supply for WT section installed between Admin building and Rec Hall. Tested and found to work satisfactory on AT3 transmitter. Three Ventura Aircraft passed over island at 1000 hrs headed North West. Routine normal.
17 Apr 44
Hazy, calm sea. Signal received from Alliford Bay advising ETD of Cape Canso April 20. Demands signalled to AY for canteen, carpenter, diesel supplies. Routine normal.
18 Apr 44
Raining, overcast. Leave rosters drawn up for Operators, Mechanics, SPs and WOGs. Signal from AY advise visit of Padre on this boat, also quarterly overhaul party. New platform constructed on Gantry with ladder. This will make the Andrews Cable and turning motor more accessible during DI.
19 Apr 44
Bright clear, calm sea. Beginning of fence construction around operations. Breakdown occurring in Operations at 2330 hrs. Arcing of dilectine support in slip ring compartment of Gantry. Replaced by piece of plexiglass. Canteen Committee meeting held in Orderly Room at 1830 hrs.
20 Apr 44
Very mild with clear sky. Alliford Bay advised ETA of Cape Canso 1000 hrs tomorrow. Shake up in Operators - crews reorganized so as to compensate for coming leaves. Letter written to WAC requesting extra sugar ration for baking bread. R212061 LAC Blackwood, JR now discharged from hospital, his back much improved. He is leaving for AY on next boat for dental checkup and will have MO look at his back.
21 Apr 44
Overcast, large swells on sea. Cape Canso signalled in the am on weather conditions for landing. Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596) advised suitable for landing mail and passengers. Weather turned worse and Cape Canso did not arrive.
22 Apr 44
Overcast, fairly calm sea. Cape Canso in sight at 0800 hrs. Passengers arriving at 0920 hrs - F/L McLennan Padre, P/O Pollock, LAC Baker, Boyko and Quarterly overhaul party. Service held in Rec Hall by Padre at 1300 hrs. Cape Canso pulled out at 1730 hrs. Pay parade at 1330 hrs. All personnel were given report on financial standing at Alliford Bay.
23 Apr 44
Fairly calm sea, clear, signals sent to WAC, 3 RD and #4 Filter Det requesting shut down of equipment to commence overhaul tomorrow beginning at 1200 hrs. Some victory gardens started around Operators Barracks and daffidols planted around barracks and admin building. Stock taking in Canteen at 2100 hrs. Those present Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272), Pilot Officer Parker, FE (C39478), R132046 Cpl Real, FR and R152984 LAC Greenstone, R.
24 Apr 44
Calm sea, bright sunny day. Quarterly maintenance began at 1200 hrs. Breakdown of TX, RX and Gantry units to date. Selsyn motor in Gantry overhauled. All reflecting screens being scraped with wire brush to remove accumulation of salt compount. Dipoles removed and steel wool applied to remove copper oxide. Entertainment committee meeting held at 1800 hrs and large variety show planned for April 29 in Rec Hall. LACs Peikoff and Greenstone in charge. Movie in Rec hall at 1900 hrs. Authority received from #4 Filter Det to go ahead with quarterly overhaul at 1200 hrs.
25 Apr 44
Calm sea, bright day. Overhaul proceeding satisfactory. Signal received from 3 RD promoting Cpl Wise (in charge of overhaul) to Acting Sergeant (paid), promulgated in #3 RD DR's April 1st. Signal received from WAC suggesting cancellation of Acting Cpl (paid) promotions promulgated in our April 1 DROs to LAC Turnbull and O'Hara. Two machine gun pits under way. Have obtained 1/3 of Victory Loan quota to date. Hospital now set up with 3 new hospital beds received on this boat. Rehearsal of glee club at 1900 hrs.
26 Apr 44
Calm sea and bright clear day. Still only one cook on the station, no reply from WAC on our signal requesting another cook. Fifteen hundred dollars subscribed to Victory Loan to date. Quota three thousand dollars. Gantry has been scraped and painted with red lead and camoflauge paint. All dipoles sandpapered and buffed and then another coating of beeswax applied.
27 Apr 44
Choppy sea, bright sunny day. Signal sent out requesting ETD Cape Canso May 1st. Victory Bond drive proceeding satisfactorily, amount received to date $2000.00, quota $3000.00. Four machine gun pits nearing completion. Work being done by section commanders and men on his crew. Movie at 1830 hrs.
28 Apr 44
Cloudy with rain. Signal received from WAC instruction cancellation of one of Radar Operators Promotions, due to the posting of Cpl Banfield to this detachment just after promotions of two Radar Operators to Corporal (Acting). Information of Cpl Banfield's posting to this Detachment was not received until after promotions promulgated in DROs. Cancellation of R129071 LAC O'Hara, TP promotion appears in this weeks DROs. Received signal from AY concurring on ETD of supply boat - May 1st.
29 Apr 44
Overcast with showers. Standing wave rations taken on feeders to aerials. Shorting bars adjusted and standing wave ratios lower as compared to last quarterly overhaul. Variety show commenced 19.00 hours, finished at 24.00 hours. Highly successful.
30 Apr 44
Bright day, calm sea. Potatoes ran out today. Twenty pounds of dehydrated potatoes and thirty pounds of dehydrated turnips drawn from Emergency Rations today. Meeting held at 20.00 hours to decide action to take regarding the remuster of security guard personnel. It was decided to interview the airmen and give them a test on information outlined by DAPS bulleting and forward results to WAC for action. Stocktaking in canteen at 22.00 hours.
STRENGTH: Officers - 3, Airmen - 61, Total - 64.
(FE Parker) P/O,
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 May 44
Calm sea, overcast sky. Back on the air at 1200 hrs. Equipment operating satisfactorily but many spurious echoes on PPI noted. Very difficult to distinguish between spurious echoes and echoes from aircraft. Spurious echoes have a definite beat to them and appear at ranges from 0 - 100 miles with s/n ratio of 5 and 6 to 1. Signal received from AY advising Cape Canso leaving AY on May 2nd. Was held there to assist the General MacKenzie.
2 May 44
Calm sea, overcast. Received signal from PR advising this detchment of discharge of R59405 Cpl Poitras, AE from hospital; expected to return on this boat. Remaining Security Guard interviewed and given a test on Service Police routine. Results to be forwarded to CTTB now at Alliford Bay.
3 May 44
Drizzlying with rain, fog, fairly calm sea. Signal from Cape Canso advising arrival at 1400 hrs. No sign of Canso so this detachment signalled AY and discovered the boat was not leaving until this pm so it wouldn't arrive here until tomorrow. Rations running low, have been eating dehydrated potatoes and turnips for four days and meat beginning to run low. Quarterly muster of Secret Documents completed and ready for mailing on this boat. First catch of fish made off the Cape by two DOT personnel. Catch amounted to 10 sea bass caught while trolling with a plug just off the point at Kunghit.
4 May 44
Clear sky, sea very calm. Cape Canso arrived at 9 am. Unloaded Rations and canteen supplies along with 40 barrels of oil. P/O Pollock received overseas posting, reporting date at #1 "Y" Depot being May 17. Other postings received were LACs Wiley, Warner, Brown and Berto posted to #26 Detachment, Langara. Cape Canso remained until 1800 hrs. Flying Officer SA Clark (C12596) left with boat along with Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272). Flying Officer Clark is taking annual leave. Remaining officer on Detachment is Pilot Officer FE Parker (C39478). Received educational films from U of BC. Movie at 1900 hrs.
5 May 44
Fresh breeze off ocean. Clear sky. Checked in all equipment received May 4. Leave schedule of Operators rearranged due to posting of 4 Radar Operators. Interviewed new men arriving on station - LAC R210058 Kumka, M, (diesel) and R164267 Hull, WE (Radar Mech). Spurious echoes disappeared and good results are being obtained on equipment. Aircraft passed over the island at 2400 hrs. DROs promulgated. Sgt Shear building hut to enclose auxiliary power unit installed between Rec Hall and Admin Building. LAC R261499 Boyko, A cut finger on meat slicer and is under care of Cpl Neufeld. Victory Loan returns has reached $2700 to date - quota $3000.
6 May 44
Calm sea, clear sky. Good reports on R/T with Prince Rupert lately. Inspection at 10 am until 11:30 am, barracks found in good order. Evaporator Room to be cleaned up and repainted. Showing of Educational films received from University of British Columbia. One film dealt with weather fronts and cloud formations, of interest to Radar personnel who report weather to #4 Filter every hour. More films have been ordered. Gardens started around Operator's Barracks. Flowers and vegetable seeds planted. Small outbreak of fire behind Ops Barracks. Put out with water extinguishers, earth turned over, no damage done.
7 May 44
Foggy and misty with strong west wind. Demonstration of Lewis Gun by Sgt Rowett held at 1530 hrs. Bursts were fired from South East corner of island into ocean. Handling of gun was described by Sgt Rowett and several men were allowed to shoot a few bursts (under supervision) so as to acquaint themselves with gun. General meeting in Rec Hall at 1900 hrs, P/O Parker informed those present the financial condition of Canteen, also repayment of Washing Machine Loan to be made. It was decided to construct a Volley Ball Court between Rec Hall and Hospital with driftwood and lumber laying idle around the detachment. Work will be done by personnel between 16:50 and 17:00 hrs daily in lieu of PT. Those present were informed of the new Coast Watch Unit Rations now made available to Detachments effective June 1st. Airmen were checked up on clothing apparel on station. Dress becoming too sloppy. NCOs to check on personnel. Personnel informed of clothing deficiency lists now at AY. To visit equipment stores at Alliford Bay when returning or going on leave to make handling of clothing at this detachment a lesser problem.
8 May 44
Fairly calm sea, overcast sky. Screens being painted prior to putting up on Mess Hall windows. All broken windows being replaced by Cpl Bibeau. Duty roster drawn up for General Duties Personnel. Signal received from F/O Clark at AY advising that examination papers will be forwarded next boat to trade test Sec Guard in remustering to Service Police. Also informed this unit he would look into the possibility of DOT personnel obtaining their rations through RCAF channels. Advised that present boat schedule will be adhered to.
9 May 44
Calm sea, few cumulous clouds in sky. All screens on Mess Hall windows. Review made of all kitchen equipment and demands made out for shortages to bring up to normal scale of issue. Signal received from AY advising this unit of Trade Test papers arriving next boat for trade testing Security Guard remuster to Service Police. Meeting of entertainment committee at 1800 hrs.
10 May 44
Calm sea with few clouds in the sky. Expedition to Kunghit Island, airmen returned with first catch of fish, Ling Cod. Have surpassed Victory Loan objective. To date our total is $3300 while quota is $3000. Spurious echoes returning again in last day or so. Routine normal. Visit of Navy Patrol Boat.
11 May 44
Calm sea, clear sky. P/O Parker and senior NCOs were instructed on the use and operation of a Sten Carbine Gun. Practise shots were fired on the range under supervision of Sgt Rowett, the defence NCO of this detachment. Aerial photographs of the island recently obtained show that the roofs of the water storage tanks show up very clearly from the air. Precautions have been taken and the roofs given a coat of camoflauge paint. Refrigerator in emergency ration hut has been cleared of kit bags and is to be put into working order so as to supply better storage facilities for our new rations of meat. This will prevent spoilage. Officers Mess has been moved and the old mess is to be used as a storage room for extra rations. Signal received informing Cpl Poitras he is winner of a $50 Victory Bond auctioned at Alliford Bay.
12 May 44
Fairly calm sea. Received signal advising arrival of Albernie Sunday May 14 and General MacKenzie. Many ground rays encountered in Radar Equipment with saturation returns at 75 miles and from 140 to 160 miles blacking out screen. Believe weather conditions the cause. Fire Committee meeting at 1800 hrs. New fire chief Cpl Giles. Routine normal.
13 May 44
Fair weather, calm sea. Alberni arrived 0700 hrs. Unloading proceeded with our personnel assisting with small boat and outboard. Seven bags of mail received from AY along with one film and several boxes of equipment. During unloading LAC Warner was injured in the groin, rushed to hospital immediately. Cpl Neufeld (hospital orderly) advised we send patient away to AY as soon as possible due to possible internal injuries. Unloading finished at 1630 hrs and patient was taken aboard Alberni accompanied by LAC Greenberg. Movie this evening at 1900 hrs.
14 May 44
Calm sea and clear sky. Shake up in GD roster. LAC Ferris is to report to Sgt Houston today for duty in the Diesel Section. Work commenced on Beacon today. Hole dug about 4 1/2' deep and pole put in. Stock taking in Canteen at 2100 hrs. Routine normal.
15 May 44
Fresh west wind, bright sunny day. Beacon equipment set up. Many u/s parts found. Signal sent to No 3 RD requesting same. Compartment built beneath the Mess Hall to accomodate airmen's kit bags when on leave. Door and lock protect personal belongings. Routine normal.
16 May 44
Strong south east wind with fog. Two position reports from General MacKenzie, the last one from Rose Harbour. Later signal received advising us General MacKenzie remaining at Rose Harbour awaiting for suitable weather. Condition of LAC MacDonald in hospital with sprained ankle is not improved, will be sent to Alliford Bay for proper treatment this boat. Beacon on the air at 1200 hrs today. PEs normal. Test set C28 output meter found u/s, is being returned, signal forwarded to #3 RD requesting replacement.
17 May 44
Strong south west wind with rain and fog. Landing conditions poor, not probable General MacKenzie will land today. Signal from #3 RD advising this unit of a standby beacon that was shipped May 15. Beacon to go operational 2359 hrs May 29th. Aerials lashed due to very strong easterly wind. LAC MacDonald's ankle is improving, was able to walk on it today. Routine normal.
18 May 44
Overcast, wind shifting to southwest, still very rough sea. Impossible to land any cargo at 1030 hrs. Officer's Mess moved to a larger room and re-decorated. Routine normal.
19 May 44
Cloudy, fairly strong south west wind. General MacKenzie arrived 0800 hrs. Passengers and mail unloaded. General MacKenzie lifted anchor and departed without warning, leaving without taking several passengers, mail and outgoing shipments. Signal received later from the skipper said a South East wind was blowing up making it impossible to continue in case a gale approached. The boat then returned to AY. Very little mail on board. No film arrived. Have received just one film this month so far.
20 May 44
Wind north west, sea quite calm, few clouds. Inspection carried out by P/O Parker, boat house untidy, everything else in good order. Sgt Idiens installing urinals in all barracks as well as supporting our main water line with guys. Intends to pipe the lower level toilets with salt water, calculations prove that this will save approxmately 7 gallons of fuel oil per day used for making fresh water. Spelling bee held at 1900 hrs, prizes for all.
21 May 44
Wind north west, sea quite calm, clear sky. LAC MacDonald discharged from station hospital, sprained ankle about 10 days ago, OK now. Stock taking in canteen 2100 hrs. Routine normal.
22 May 44
Clear sky, calm sea, wind north west. Sgt Idiens, plumber from AY, claims water line is slowing slipping on the side of the hill and took steps to correct this condition. Parts ordered for gasoline engines used in evaporator room. They will soon need a complete overhaul. Newspaper committee meeting was held at 1800 hrs discussing plans for the new issue.
23 May 44
Calm sea, clear sky. Aerials lashed for most part of day due to high winds from Northwest. Extra storage room in kitchen now in order with new shelves, in preparation for new scale of rations. New Officer's Mess also completed. Entertainment committee meeting at 1800 hrs.
24 May 44
Very foggy, wind not so severe, sea calm on East side of Island. Large rock in proposed Volley Ball Court was blasted with dynamite and removed. Project progressing satisfactorily. Breakdown in Radar equipment due to deflection coil on PPI tube breaking away from the micarta form and snapping the wires connecting it to the slip rings. Trade tests for WOGs held at 2200 hrs. routine normal.
25 May 44
Foggy early in the morning, slight SE breeze. General MacKenzie arrived 1400 hrs. Passengers F/L McDonnell from WAC on an inspection regarding canteen. P/O Pirie on an inspection trip, Cpl Bell on return from leave. Full months rations arrived, also canteen supplies, oil and lumber. Unloading operations lasted until 1930 hrs. No personal mail arrived or payroll due to oversight by Alliford Bay. One film arrived which had been shown previously. Tour of inspection completed. General MacKenzie departed at 2000 hrs. Spare beacon received.
26 May 44
Sea calm, foggy, fishing boat in harbour. Two airmen went out in motor boat and obtained 10 large halibut. Fish dinner enjoyed by all. Canteen committee meeting at 1800 hrs to discuss plans for constructing new canteen. Aircraft picked up on equipment with new IFF beating every 6 seonds.
27 May 44
Dull, calm sea. Aircraft reported by R/T re beacon calibration flight. Bench constructed in Admin building to instruct code. Received information regarding exchange posting of LAC Poole, posted to Toronto June 10. Also one GD posted to AY with no replacement coming in. Movie in Rec Hall at 1900 hrs.
28 May 44
Clear bright day, calm sea. Expedition left at 0800 hrs for Kunghit Island to start the construction of a log cabin. Spare beacon tested and is now serviceable. Auxiliary power unit tested during DI and was also found serviceable. New training scheme set up for Radar personnel. Exams to be tried for entrance to Clinton School re new equipment. Stock taking in Canteen at 2100 hrs.
29 May 44
Rain and fog, calm sea. Meeting held in operations building at 1600 hrs with radar mechanics. They were told of the new radar training policy and were provided with some technical books necessary for study. Large halibut fish received from fishing boat. Fresh fish for dinner. Routine normal. Beacon operational 2359 hrs.
30 May 44
Overcast, calm sea. General cleanup of lower level started. Burning of all scrap lumber, garbage and paper etc. Received signal from AFHQ posting F/O Clark to Ottawa. All inventories being checked at end of month to bring up to date.
31 May 44
Still drizzling, sky overcast. New sidewalk constructed between boathouse and Mess Hall. Gasoline Engine in evaporator hut broke down, new one installed. Bearings worn out on old engine. Expect delivery of electric motors in near future. Morse Code instruction classes commenced this evening at 1800 hrs. Glee club at 1900 hrs. Routine normal.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 48, Total - 50.
(FE Parker) P/O,
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Jun 44
Few clouds, calm sea. Routine normal.
2 Jun 44
Calm sea, west wind with showers. Routine normal.
3 Jun 44
Code classes innaugurated, fairly large attendance. Classes being held by WOGs. Bright day, showers later in the afternoon.
4 Jun 44
Cloudy, strong west wind. New platform constructed alongside trolly track to be used for storage of oil, wood, etc. Canteen stock taking at 2100 hrs.
5 Jun 44
Wind dropped, calm sea. Routine normal.
6 Jun 44
Very calm sea, sun bright, no wind. Cpl Poitras in hospital with stomach ailment.
7 Jun 44
Brisk west wind, overcast. General MacKenzie arrived 1900 hrs. W/C McCullogh, Command Padre on board, also F/L Chipperfield MO from Alliford Bay, and F/O Widsten Marine Officer from WAC. These three gentlemen inspected the station. MO held a sick parade for all members of the station. Marine Officer inspected Marine and landing conditions. W/C McCullogh conducted service at 2200 hrs. Pay parade held at 2000 hrs. Pool table received, but 2 slates broken, awaiting arrival of new ones. W/C McCullogh complimented CO of Detachment on cleanliness of unit. Sgt Suddaby in to check and adjust all refrigerators.
8 Jun 44
Clear bright day, slight breeze. Water line broken at barrack level, shut off at tank. Canteen completed and now in use. Movie at 1900 hrs.
9 Jun 44
Clear day, choppy sea. One month's coal supply remaining, signalled Alliford Bay to this effect enquiring as to arrangement made re delivery. Signal received cancelling posting of F/O Clark to AFHQ. No information as to replacement or change of posting yet received. Mess Committee meeting held at 1800 hrs.
10 Jun 44
Very strong north west wind about 40-45 miles per hour. Gantry lashed for two hours in the am. Sea choppy. Inspection at 10 am held by P/O FE Parker. Everything in good order. Barracks especially in very good shape.
11 Jun 44
Wind still quite strong and sea very choppy. Platforms alongside duckwalk to the dock. Canteen stock taking at 2000 hrs.
12 Jun 44
Cloudy with strong westerly winds in the morning, clearing up in the afternoon. Oil storage tanks painted with camoflauge paint. Entertainement committee meeting at 1830 hrs.
13 Jun 44
Calm sea, fog banks to the west of the island. A mist being blown from that direction. Reline up of leave roster for operators. Movie at 1900 hrs.
14 Jun 44
Brisk north west wind blowing fog and mist over the island. Antenna broke due to shrinking of guy ropes caused by dampness. Leak in salt water line on first level, repaired by Cpl Giles.
15 Jun 44
Sea calm, very foggy, wind not as strong as yesterday. Two rope nets constructed in preparation for landing of supplies from boat.
16 Jun 44
Sea choppy, fog lifted. Navy patrol boat paid a visit. Brought a two week old faun ashore, picked up on Kunghit Island. Some magazines and papers also landed ashore. All platforms alongside of dock now completed. Movie at 1900 hrs.
17 Jun 44
Clear bright day, calm sea. Inspection held by P/O Parker; everything in good clean order. Rations checked in root house and found 150 lbs of vegetables short from June rations. Alliford Bay was signalled requesting reimbursement next boat. Security Guard sat for remuster trade test to Service Police.
18 Jun 44
Sea calm, no wind, quite misty. Volley Ball court opened today for first game. General MacKenzie arrived at 2000 hrs. Passengers on board were F/O clark, F/O Ball, P/O Dyk, Cpl Good, Cpl Robinson, LAC Moorehead. Cpl Robinson had to return to Alliford Bay for medical reasons. Pay parade held at 2200 hrs by F/O Ball. All personnel were advised of their account as of June 18. All supplies unloaded by large scow in harbour. Buoy lowered in harbour by crew of General MacKenzie. Large scow anchored to this during unloading operations. General MacKenzie was loaded with outgoing shipments and returned with large scow to Rose Harbour at 0100 hrs June 19. Stocktaking in canteen at 2300 hrs.
19 Jun 44
Sea calm, sky overcast. General MacKenzie returned to this detachment at 0930 hrs picking up passengers and mail, then returning to Alliford Bay. All canteen supplies checked and found OK. All rations checked and found 150 lbs short on potatoes, Alliford Bay informed. Movie at 1900 hrs.
20 Jun 44
Sea choppy, sky overcast. Breakdown in Radar equipment, condenser shorted in AR section. Some kitchen equipment received this boat - knives, pots. Two field telephones received for use in Operations and Gantry.
21 Jun 44
Overcast, sea calm. Fourteen bags of sand obtained from Kunghit Island for mixing cement. Screens fitted to all windows of Admin building, hospital and Rec Hall.
22 Jun 44
Foggy, sea calm, building for auxiliary power unit completed next to Operation building. One Beacon u/s due to valve gassy in power supply. No spares of this type on hand, replaced with interchangeable type, now serviceable.
23 Jun 44
Overcast, wind north west. Transmitter valve of beacon found u/s and replaced, one spare remaining. Routine normal.
24 Jun 44
Sky clear, few clouds, wind strong from North west. Fishing boat off east side of island. Inspection carried out by F/O Clark at 1000 hrs.
25 Jun 44
Very little wind, calm sea. General meeting 2000 hrs, F/O Clark presiding. Personnel were warned abut secrecy of mail and censorship. Also that the consumption of water was beyond the safe supply grounds and much more water is being used than is necessary. Discussion was opened on the spending of $175.00 profit account now at Alliford Bay. It was decided to pay off the Washing Machine debt and allot definite amounts to Book-of-the-Month Club and for rental of recordings. New members to Mess, Entertainment and Canteen committees were elected. Meeting adjourned at 2230 hrs. Canteen stock taking at 2230 hrs.
26 Jun 44
Light fog, sea choppy. Fault found on beacon. PT4 connection u/s. Meeting of Canteen and Entertainment held at 1800 hrs to decide arrangements for smoker held out of canteen profits.
27 Jun 44
Sky overcast, wind North West. Kit inspection held at 1400 hrs for all personnel on station. Hinges and hasps installed on all lockers on station. Bearings and drive shaft of diesel starting motor found baldly rusted due to water in lubricating oil. Unit torn down and letter forwarded for replacement parts. Movie at 1900 hrs.
28 Jun 44
Sea quite calm, foggy. Wooden huts for APU completed and Pyrene fire extinguishers installed. Field telephones now in operation between operations and gantry. Fire committee meeting held at 1800 hrs. It was decided to try and obtain rust inhibitor for 5 gallon water extinguishers, several extinguishers are u/s due to rusting and others are in very poor shape. It was also decided to install a hydrant on the top level for hose connection in case of fire. Two new members wee added to committee due to postings out.
29 Jun 44
Overcast and raining, no wind. Running low on potatoes due to short shipment last boat. Two valves found u/s on beacon, these were replaced and beacon put back in operation. No spares available on 4 different types of valves for beacon. No 3 RD has been signalled re spares and advise their stock is NIL and are awaiting spares from 17 ED. Volley Ball schedule organized with 5 teams, schedule opened at 1900 hrs this evening.
30 Jun 44
Strong North west, sea choppy. Rations in emergency hut were rotated with current stock so as to keep fresh supply of emergencies on hand. Stock taking in Canteen at 2030 hrs.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 65, Total - 67.
(SA Clark) F/O,
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Jul 44
Sea calm, mild wind, clear sky. Inspection carried out by F/O Clark at 1000 hrs. Bed Lamps in barracks were confiscated. Locks installed on ration storage room. Mess Hall floor scraped and varnished. Routine normal.
2 Jul 44
Overcast, slight north west wind. Fishing boat sighted east of island. Rash broke out on Cpl Bell's (Chef) hands, this man now supervising cooking in Mess, not allowed to handle food under present condition.
3 Jul 44
Cloudy sky, kit bags of outgoing personnel checked. Entertainment committee meeting at 2200 hrs. Routine normal.
4 Jul 44
Strong north west wind, fog. General Mackenzie arrived at 2130 hrs bringing following passengers, S/L Foy from WAC, F/L McLennan from Alliford Bay, F/S Williamson and LAC Gould - diesel overhaul party, Cpl Robinson, LAC Greenburg, LAC Keir, Sgt Houston, Cpl Wright. Entertainment facilities were discussed with S/L Foy. Much official mail and stationery forms were not on board General MacKenzie. Boat departed 2330 hrs.
5 Jul 44
Wind still quite strong from North west, overcast. Canteen supplies from boat checked, also rations for period July 15-31 received and checked. Test set C28 for beacons received along with some spare valves. Movie at 1900 hrs.
6 Jul 44
Cloudy, warm. WAC advises that year's coal supply and 500 drums of oil are arriving at Rose Harbour July 12/44. Alliford Bay is to produce supply vessel for necessary transportation from Rose Harbour to this Detachment. Improvement in condition of Cpl Bell's hands, rash is disappearing, expect replacement next boat. Routine normal.
7 Jul 44
Clear sky and very warm. Cpl Robinson elected fire chief replacing Cpl Giles who is proceeding on leave next boat. A meeting was held at 1800 hrs to organize discussion groups so as to include all station personnel in a plan whereas they participate one hour per week in an organized discussion.
8 Jul 44
Foggy, mild. Inspection held by F/L Clark at 1000 hrs. Twin Lewis anti aircraft guns installed on a rack in Service Police hut so as to be available for anti aircraft mount on SE corner of island.
9 Jul 44
Very stron west wind. Aerials lashed in the morning. Two diesel units overhauled, new rings required for third unit, WAC advised. Stock taking in Canteen at 2000 hrs.
10 Jul 44
Wind dropped, slight mist and fog. Inventory of secret and wireless equipment checked. Two new rope nets made to be used in unloading coal. Large shelves over serving counter in mess hall removed and installed in emergency ration hut.
11 Jul 44
Raining, overcast, wind blowing from north west. Received word that scow with 500 barrels of oil, 2 tons of coal would arrive Rose Harbour July 14. Asked Alliford Bay for boat for that date.
12 Jul 44
Fair, clear. MV General MacKenzie arrived in afternoon with payroll and passengers, also some supplies. Will return to Rose Harbour and bring scow, which master of GM reports is at Rose Harbour now.
13 Jul 44
Fair, clear. Scow not at Rose Harbour. General MacKenzie will await its arrival.
14 Jul 44
Weather failing, wind, fog. Large numbers of a/c being plotted at operations this week. Equipment operating well, but beacon causing some trouble. Fault believed to be located and cured now. From direction of many tracks, it is obvious that this beacon is much used.
15 Jul 44
Weather unsettled. Still no scow so General MacKenzie unloaded supplies and returned to Rose Harbour to await its arrival. All Security Guards posted to Alliford Bay, F/L Clark also posted, eff July 19th to No 7 detachment. Station strength will be low after this boat due to postings and leaves.
16 Jul 44
Foggy, cool, slight SE wind. MV General MacKenzie appeared in morning with scow load of coal and oil. Unloading commenced at 1030 hrs and continued till 0400 hrs next day, using all available manpower on station. Coal very difficult to handle, but progress being made.
17 Jul 44
Weather still misty but clearing. Scow still being unloaded by personnel working in shifts. F/L Clark and F/O Parker working with the men. Work continued till 2130 hrs, men too tired to work longer. Total weight of coal and oil approximately 325 tons, total personnel available for unloading approximately thirty.
18 Jul 44
Weather clear, fine. All coal and oil unloaded and stowed by 1530 hrs. Boat left with scow, empty drums, passengers, by 1630 hrs. Call sign on R/T now Ebdin, replacing Triad, and 4 Detachment changed to Cosine, instead of Bosco. F/O Parker departed on leave.
19 Jul 44
Weather fine, fairly clear. Operations normal. Communications good. Signal message from WAC re serious illness of wife of LAC Moorehead, suggest despatching Moorehead on leave at once. Attempt being made to arrange transportation.
20 Jul 44
Weather fine, clear. Operations normal. Alliford Bay has arranged for a Navy boat to pick up Moorehead tomorrow.
21 Jul 44
Weather foggy, little wind. Operations normal. Navy FY14 picked up LAC Moorehead. F/O Dee, ADC, visited DOT. Lt Patterson, RCN, also came ashore.
22 Jul 44
Weather still foggy. Normal routine. Fire Committee meeting at 1800 hrs.
23 Jul 44
Weather clearing. Church service held in rec hall by LAC Kumka at 1900 hrs.
24 Jul 44
Weather clear, fair. Canso sighted circling island in afternoon, probably picked up Moorehead at Rose Harbour as advice later received shows airmen reached Alliford. Work proceeding on construction of IFF tower foundations, lack of cement holding up job. Fire hoses tested at barrack level. Operations normal, equipment operating satisfactorily.
25 Jul 44
Weather fine, clear. Normal routine.
26 Jul 44
Weather clear in morning with strong winds turning foggy at night. Some good tracks plotted on 3 DC3 aircraft which approached from south and returned. Regular record being kept of anamolous propagation, distant PEs and abnormal ranges on aircraft. Tracks at ranges of 145 miles are now not uncommon, an almost daily occurrence.
27 Jul 44
Weather fair. Routine normal.
28 Jul 44
Fair, strong SE wind. MV General MacKenzie arrived with scow in afternoon at 2100 hrs. Unloading completed after dark. Overhaul party from 3 RD also LAC Morrison from Accounts section at Alliford Bay, bringing pay and canteen records. Rations and canteen supplies received and some of IFF equipment. Operations normal.
29 Jul 44
Weather fair. Routine normal.
30 Jul 44
Weather fair. Commenced quarterly overhaul at 0930 hrs on authority from #4 Filter Detachment.
31 Jul 44
Weather fine.Overhaul proceeding satisfactorily. Administrative point to point frequency changed from 3925 KC to 2870 Kc at 0001 GMT. Experiencing bad interference from telling frequency of 2838.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 59, Total - 61.
(SA Clark) F/O,
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Aug 44
Weather misty in morning, clearing later. Overhaul progressing. Concrete being poured for legs of IFF tower. Requested tests on lower telling frequency to avoid blocking new present on admin circuit.
2 Aug 44
Weather fair. No outstanding faults being discovered in overhaul. Situation normal.
3 Aug 44
Weather fine. Situation normal. Personnel taking boat to next island and bring back sand for concrete work.
4 Aug 44
Weather fair, clear. Overhaul nearly completed. Equipment found in good shape. Tests made on 1775 KC instead of 2838 KC for A channel telling circuit, no contact made in two hours operation. Test abandoned.
5 Aug 44
Weather fair. Further test made on 1775 KC, still no contact. Overhaul virtually complete.
6 Aug 44
Weather fair. Resumed operations at 0930 hrs PWT. Results normal.
7 Aug 44
Weather cloudy, mist and fog. Normal routine. Three footings of IFF tower now complete, awaiting arrival of cement to pour fourth.
8 Aug 44
Wind, scattered fog and mist. Little operational activity. No 4 Filter Detachment asked for test on 2627 KC at 0945 hrs PWT for one hour. Contact established, performance improved over 2838 KC, continued on 2627 KC all night.
9 Aug 44
Weather fair. MV General MacKenzie arrived at 2030 hrs with rations, canteen supplies, and party from 3 Repair Depot to erect IFF tower. Quarterly overhaul party departed. Cement for completion of tower foundations also arrived. Mr Mathison, DOT arrived.
10 Aug 44
Weather fair. Operations normal. Remaining on 2627 KC for "A" Channel telling frequency. Proves less inclined to block point-to-point receiver. WAC letter received commends Detachment for anomolous propagation reports forwarded.
11 Aug 44
Weather fair. Operations normal.
12 Aug 44
Weather fair. Normal routine. Canteen committee meeting held to discuss and approve statement received from Alliford Bay Accounts. Work on IFF tower continuing. All IFF equipment uncrated and inspected.
13 Aug 44
Weather fair. Normal routine. Mr Matheson, DOT, reports that weather reports from here need no longer be passed to Filter. Awaiting confirmation.
14 Aug 44
Weather misty, damp. Situation normal. Inventories being checked prior to turning over to new OC on arrival.
15 Aug 44
Weather clear, fair. Normal routine. IFF tower almost complete. Apparently will interfere with DOT light to some extent.
16 Aug 44
Weather fine. Normal routine.
17 Aug 44
Weather fair. IFF tower completed. Operations normal.
18 Aug 44
Fair and clear. RCN patrol boat FY13 called in, crew and officers invited to visit Detachment. Volley Ball game between Navy and Air Force resulted in win for Navy. Mail and two 3 RD Radar Mechs left by Navy boat at 2030 hrs.
19 Aug 44
Weather remains fair. Weekly inspection omitted since OC busy checking inventories. Tests on "B" Channel twice daily started.
20 Aug 44
Weather fair. Operations and routine normal. Fault in ASV beacon discovered and spare beacon put into use. Both beacons can still be used by switching power supplies.
21 Aug 44
Weather fair. Normal routine.
22 Aug 44
Weather partly cloudy and fair. Normal routine.
23 Aug 44
Weather mostly clear. MV Seton arrived at 1930 hrs bringing F/L Naylor and calibration party from 3 RD. Also relief DOT operator W Osborne, replacing Mr Birkett, who left on same boat at 2130 hrs. No air force personnel departed. Frosted food cabinet, full of fozen meat, not operating properly, two weeks meat supply endangered if temperature cannot be maintained.
24 Aug 44
Weather cloudy, overcast and some rain and fog. Communications giving some trouble. No calibration flights attempted.
25 Aug 44
Weather foggy, rain intermittently. Communications somewhat poorer, tests being made to provide for communication with calibration a/c when weather suitable.
26 Aug 44
Weather still poor. Calibration impossible.
27 Aug 44
Weather clearing somewhat. Light observed at sea, approx NE by E, about seven miles off shore, at 0130 hrs of 28th, remained until 0200 hrs. Impossible to determine nature of source. Reported to Filter.
28 Aug 44
Weather much improved, calibration started. Boat did not arrive, no word from Alliford as to its ETA.
29 Aug 44
Weather still fair, calibration being carried out from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boat arrived Rose Harbour 2000 hrs, advised us that it will remain there overnight.
30 Aug 44
Weather fine, wind from NW. Boat arrived (General MacKenzie) at 0830 hrs, bringing 3 months reserve rations, and a supply of lumber for maintenance and repair purposes. F/L Naylor departed, F/O Parker arrived. Calibration continuing. Only one film received, making two for August all told.
31 Aug 44
Weather fine, calibration continuing during daylight. Normal routine otherwise.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 53, Total - 55.
(SA Clark) F/O,
OC #28 R Det,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Sep 44
Weather fair. Operation normal. Communications giving trouble, difficulting in maintaining contact with Rupert, both R/T and C/W being experienced.
2 Sep 44
Foggy and overcast. Normal routine.
3 Sep 44
Overcast. Normal routine.
4 Sep 44
Weather cloudy. Normal routine.
5 Sep 44
Weather clearing. Meeting of NCOs held to discuss organizing station for clean up campaign.
6 Sep 44
Weather fair. Normal operation. All personnel drafted for two hours daily for purpose of station clean-up.
7 Sep 44
Normal routine.
8 Sep 44
Weather fine. Normal routine. Boat expected tomorrow.
9 Sep 44
Fine clear weather. Normal operation. MV Babine arrived 0830 hrs. First appearance of this boat. F/O Kehoe, personnel counsellor, arrived; Mr Matheson, DOT, departed.
10 Sep 44
Clear and fine, no wind. Normal routine.
11 Sep 44
Cloudy, cool. WAC authorizes cessation of weather reports hourly to Prince Rupert, 4 Det.
12 Sep 44
Stormy, heavy seas. Operations normal. Clean up campaign continuing.
13 Sep 44
Strong wind still blowing, foggy. Entertainment committee meeting 1800 hrs. Routine normal.
14 Sep 44
Cloudy with strong winds. Rec Hall cleaned and floor varnished. Clean-up campaign still under way.
15 Sep 44
Very windy, rain in the morning. Routine normal.
16 Sep 44
Sea calm, slight west wind. MV Babine arrived 1900 hrs. Passengers on board S/L Young CHO, S/L Hansen, R01, F/L Whiting (W&B), F/O Fox, EW, (C24450) CAN R63904 Sgt O Neill, PJ, R221503 Cpl Neufeld, JH, R124109 Cpl Giles, L, R150977 LAC Bellamy, TF. Cargo partially unloaded by 2130 hrs. No films on board.
17 Sep 44
Clear sky, sea calm. Camp inspected by S/L Young, S/L Hansen, F/L Whiting. Inventories signed over to new OC, F/O Fox, EW (C24450). Personnel off duty were assembled in Rec Hall 1300 hrs for address by S/L Hansen and F/O Fox. Visitors departed with F/L Clark, Cpl Henderson, LAC Kumka, LAC Tyreman via MV Babine at 1900 hrs.
18 Sep 44
Sea choppy, strong north west wind. Requested return of MV Babine Wednesday Sept 20. Canteen Committee meeting at 1800 hrs. Routine normal.
19 Sep 44
Overcast. WAC Headquarters signalled advising Lieut MacDonald and three (3) ratings arriving Friday Sept 22. Entertainment committee meeting at 1800 hrs. Showing of Educational Films in Rec Hall at 1900 hrs.
20 Sep 44
Bright day with calm sea. Operations abnormally active with several good track lengths and ranges. Notified by Alliford that MV Babine unable to make trip until Saturday at earliest. Routine normal.
21 Sep 44
Very wet day with driving rain and heavy winds. Medical, canteen and equipment needs sent to Alliford Bay to be shipped next boat.
22 Sep 44
Another damp day although wind had somewhat abated. Ford V8 pump motor unserviceable due to piston trouble. Signal dispatched for necessary replacements. Meeting was held at 1800 hrs for those interested in development of Hobby Shop. Ideas were discussed and plans made to begin construction of shop under Rec Hall.
23 Sep 44
Light rains, overcast, sea somewhat calmer. Work was commenced on clearing site for Hobby Shop. Considerable advance made and shop is already for laying of floor. Routine normal. Norified in evening that MV Babine would arrive Monday, Sept 25.
24 Sep 44
Clear day with some light south east winds. Routine normal.
25 Sep 44
Fog and south easter blowing. Fog settled very heavy in evening. MV Babine arrived at 1130 hrs. The Command Padres, W/C McCullagh (P) and S/L Clinton (RC) were aboard and each held a short service after lunch. The boat also brought in billiard table, phonograph-radio, films and mail. Big Day!!! Boat departed 1430 hrs but was forced to tie up at Rose Harbour overnight due to conditions.
26 Sep 44
Fog with light drizzle. Naval FR Boat, Merry Chase, arrived with installation party and equipment for naval beacon. Party remained here whilst boat proceeded to Rose Harbour. Installation completed late this evening. Signal dispatched to Alliford Bay asking directions on the case of Sgt Houston, who has a badly infected thumb.
27 Sep 44
MV Babine expected to arrive 0300 hrs Sept 28 to pick up Sgt Houston. Naval party departed 2100 hrs. Heavy fog and rain all day. Routine normal.
28 Sep 44
Haze and light rain. MV Babine, held in Rose Harbour due to fog, arrived here at 1130 hrs. Delivered mail and left immediately with Sgt Houston for Alliford Bay. The Sgt's condition much improved. New R/T telling antenna erected to contact Cape Scott and plots passed to #2 Filter. This method should make for better contact during winter months.
29 Sep 44
Cool day, some winds, foggy towards evening. Fatigues party disposed of rubbish on Volleyball Court which had been cleared from under Rec Hall. Work on hobby shop progressing very well. Normal station routine carried out. Rupert, WAC, and Alliford Bay notified of inability to use new code the beginning of Oct, due to this unit not having received same.