DAILY DIARY
29 RADIO DETACHMENT - GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR
January 1, 1944 to November 30, 1944
1 Jan 44
Skelton crews on all day with Officers and Senior NCO's working during noon hours to replace operators and mechanics to enable them to attend New Year's dinner. Very little activity. 6 tracks plotted with one departure for Presqu'Isle, Maine. Airmen off duty can buy rationed beer. Skis are supplied to personnel wishing to go out on hikes while hockey equipment and skates can be obtained on request with hockey rink available.
2 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold. 37 tracks plotted with good local traffic. 1 track showed IFF to a range of 68 miles and continuous IFF for 47 miles. Maintenance in the afternoon.
3 Jan 44
Clear and cold all day. 85 tracks plotted during day with one track showing IFF at a range of 80 miles for a length of 35 miles. Replaced during maintenance period upper aerial switching diode. Calibration test flight with the help of Hurricanes was carried out in the morning and had to be recorded as unsuccessful as echoes of aircraft at 10,000 ft. were not persistent. Station Hockey League opened tonight and our Section lost the first game to Maintenance 6 - 1.
4 Jan 44
Longest continuous track today 165 miles, no IFF. Another calibration test flight with 130 Squadron pilots showed no improvement over yesterday. Off the air from 1825 to 1945 GMT for check on antenna switching. Average number of plots per track today 10. Regular maintenance in the evening.
5 Jan 44
On early morning watch, movement of 13 B-17's (Fortress) to Prestwick and these were showing on our equipment to about 80 mile from our station. S/L R Canning returned today from temporary duty to EAC, Halifax and to AFHQ, Ottawa, in connection with installation of various frequencies enabling us with our VHF to get in touch directly with aircraft in distress or requiring a homing. 4 new operators posted to this detachment, arrive this afternoon.
6 Jan 44
S/L R. Canning in hospital with influenza. Heavy traffic leaving for Overseas. Maximum range with IFF: 79 miles (2 tracks). Weather:clear and cold. 40 tracks plotted all day. Reception on equipment very good. Had another test flight this morning and we will carry on in future dates with interceptions. Maintenance of one hour in the morning.
7 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold all day. Passed plots to Control Tower on Canso overdue in afternoon and same was done in evening for 2 other aircraft which made instrument landings. One hour's maintenance.
8 Jan 44
Longest continuous track recorded in early morning: 175 miles. Period of one hour's maintenance worked while regular check and reading on ASV Beacon are done by the mechanics. Very little aircraft activity during daytime on account of low ceiling. Only 1 track plotted during latter part of the day.
9 Jan 44
S/L R Canning leaves hospital today. Weather: Overcast 10/10. Sleet in the evening. All incoming aircraft from Moncton had to return on account of bad weather. Normal maintenance from 1820 to 1920 Hr. Breakdown caused by arcing in transmitter at 1015 Hr. No activity recorded in evening.
10 Jan 44
Sgt. Walker and LAC Bright departed today to attend ASV Beacon course at Scoudouc. This course is to last approximately one week. 26 tracks plotted today with the longest continuous track: 69 miles. High winds and snow caused rather slight activity.
11 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold. 14 below zero at Detachment. Traffic of incoming aircraft from Presqu'Isle and from Dorval. 77 tracks plotted in from an average of 60 miles. Picked up local flying of Hurricanes. Maintenance on ASV Beacon done in the morning. Beacons in first class shape.
12 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold. Tracked aircraft from Crystal 1 and 2. Tracks were made of aircraft forced to return back to station. Reception on both PPI and HR tubes excellent. Hockey team lost 5-2 to Headquarters. Maintenance was postponed on account of heavy Overseas traffic.
13 Jan 44
101 tracks plotted this date and Control Tower gave us to understand most of these were proceeding Overseas. On early morning shift 2 outgoing aircraft were forced to return for unknown reasons. Constant watch was kept over these and plots phoned to Control Tower. Tracked 6 aircraft going to BWI (Greenland) and miscellaneous travellings were recorded from Moncton, Montreal, and Stephanville. Night flying was curtailed to Canso flying around station and one Liberator departing for Azores, latter tracked to a range of 93 miles.
14 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold. Airmen moved to new quarters in order to group personnel in the same barrack block. Tracked small movement of Cansos to Greenland. 1 Track gave IFF for a length of 50 miles at a range of 60 miles. Longest continuous tracks on a Canso showed 152 miles. Ski race held in evening with 12 competitors from the quarters to detachment site. Refreshments were served after meet and prizes given to winners.
15 Jan 44
Flight plans phoned in by Control Tower on B-17's proceeding to Iceland in the early morning. These were tracked to an average range of 73 miles. Passed plots over to Control Tower for B-24 supposedly in trouble on its way to Gander. Operating normally and off the air on night shift for one hour to carry on with maintenance on equipment. LAC's Mulligan and Filion left today to attend ASV Beacon course at Scoudouc.
16 Jan 44
Tracked on early morning watch aircraft going to the Azores and Prestwick, some to a maximum range of 93 miles. Percentage of IFF showing on these tracks is estimated to 15%. Weather clear and cold all day. Movement from Crystal 1 to Goose. Longest continuous track for day: 87 miles.
17 Jan 44
Weather: -26º. Normal activity with one hour's maintenance in evening. Incoming planes from Moncton, Presqu'Isle tracked from an average range of 57 miles and 2 track showed IFF at 50 miles.
18 Jan 44
Plane outgoing to Prestwick was plotted to 70 miles bu later returned and it was picked up at 48 miles on its way back and plots were phoned to Tower until plane landed. This was with regular traffic in early morning. Reception of echoes poor today. Plots passed to Tower on returning aircraft from 65 miles to base. Maximum range 80 miles and 57 tracks were plotted for the day.
19 Jan 44
Maintenance carried out in morning shift. Weather: clear and cold. Tracked a lot of local flying around station. Normal operations all day.
20 Jan 44
Tracked in first shift of day 2 aircraft going to Greenland. Mechanics work on regular maintenance from 0900-1000 hrs. Maximum range for day: 45 miles.
21 Jan 44
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Early morning activity gave tracks of aircraft going to Crystal 1, Crystal 3 and Iceland. Interception flight was carried out in afternon with the cooperation of 5 Hurricanes acting as fighters and 2 Harvards as bombers. (In section) This operation was successful. 2 contacts were made with S/L Canning acting as Controller. Tracked 1 aircraft from Stephanville in evening.
22 Jan 44
Ceiling very low on account of snowfall. Cpl Corner and LAC Emes leave today for instructions on ASV Beacon at Scoudouc, NB. Maintenance in afternoon. Movement of 18 B-17's to Nuts Corner tracked to a maximum range of 62 miles.
23 Jan 44
Plots passed to Control Tower on Lodestar which had left base going to Moncton and had to return on account of trouble. This aircraft was picked up at 26 miles and tracked to base. Normal operations with maintenance at night. 1 track showed IFF.
24 Jan 44
We had a practice interception in forenoon with aircraft from 130 Squadron. Operation successful. 46 tracks plotted during day with a longest continuous track of 105 miles. This longest track was for plane going from Iceland to Dorval and flying over base. Very slight activity during early morning watch.
25 Jan 44
Heavy movement of B-17's going to Iceland. Reception very good. Canso was followed on DF operations to form a track of 225 miles. Plotted aircraft going to Gander. Maximum range on day's tracks: 85 miles. Off the air for one hour in the evening for maintenance.
26 Jan 44
Weather: clear and cold. Practice interception carried out in afternoon; Canso of 116 Squadron and 6 Hurricanes from 130 Squadron taking part as bomber and fighters respectively. Visibility was unlimited and Hurricane made contact 4 times with bomber aircraft being vectored 60 miles in a triangle away from the station. 1 NCO and 6 airmen were permitted to travel with bomber to enable them to get instructions on the performance of radar apparatus in aircraft. It was interesting to note the showing on the trace of our ASV Beacon. This bomber aircraft was followed for a little less than 2 hours to produce a track of 205 miles. 12 tracks of aircraft leaving for Nuts Corner plotted in evening. Cpl Gendron on temporary duty to Dartmouth Hospital returned today.
27 Jan 44
Activity restricted today to local flying on account of snow with one C-47 going to Presqu'Isle. 18 tracks plotted with very good reception on both tubes. Break in Andrews Cable caused abnormal maintenance for 2 hours in evening.
28 Jan 44
Weather: Snow in early morning with overcast clearing. One track plotted for 141 miles with another showing IFF for 52 miles. Out of 74 tracks plotted during day, 40 of these were B-17's from Manchester and Presqu'Isle, balance being from Dorval and Moncton. ski race at night for personnel of detachment. 18 competitors' names were entered and this cross-country was followed by a get-together at the station. S/L Canning discussed with personnel of current matters and proposed the foundation of a "Snapshot Exchange Club". This last matter was agreed upon with each member contributing snaps of additional pictures to be printed on request. Meeting ended with a sing-song and serving of refreshments.
29 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cold. F/O BE Leighton posted to this detachment as Radar Officer and Technical advisor for 36 and 37 Radio Detachments arrived today. F/L Martin WS posted to No 1 Group Headquarters as scientific observer. LAC's Smith and Sissons were sent today to Scoudouc for attendance at ASV Beacon course. Practice interception in afternoon with Canso (same as on Jan 26 1944). Canso tracked for 210 miles and lost it as it went out of our range. Interception was successful. Plots passed to Sector Operations. Tracked a few aircraft going to Crystal 1 and incoming planes from Presqu'Isle.
30 Jan 44
Weather: light snow. Normal maintenance done in morning. Plots given to Tower on aircraft coming from USA and overdue. Intense activity caused by incoming planes from Dorval and Presqu'Isle. 57 B-17's left for Overseas and these were plotted to a maximum range of 85 miles.
31 Jan 44
Snow. Movement going to Prestwick with one aircraft returning to base. Mail from Monction came in despite low ceiling. Tower kept informed of any aircraft plotted. Tracked one from Mingan. Maintenance in evening. Longest track for day: 100 miles.
(R Canning) S/L
OC No 29 Radio Detachment
Goose Bay, Labrador
7 Feb 44
Aircraft activity, B-17's from Presque Isle with flights of C-47's from and to Moncton. 25, B-17's plotted from this station enroute to Nuts Corner, Ireland. One aircraft enroute to Moncton, plotted returning to base with engine trouble, it landed safely. Corporal Gendron gave trade test improvement lecture on RDF. Normal maintenance period in morning.
8 Feb 44
Aircraft movement from New Hampshire, USA, Dorval and Presque Isle. Early shift picked up aircraft 47 miles from base at 175 degrees which was identified as a B-17, part of the movement to Nuts Corner, returning to base, was in constant touch with tower on this aircraft. Aircraft activity very good today with 68 tracks plotted with good reception, max. range was 82 mile without IFF. Normal maintenance period one hour during morning.
9 Feb 44
Plotted 2 Liberators on search for lost aircraft. Trade tests were given to personnel seeking their "B" grouping. S/L Canning supervised the tests. Corporal Daeman gave lecture to NCO's on Administrative procedure of Detachment. LAC Fillion gave trade test improvement lecture to WEM's of 116th Squadron on ASV Beacon. Aircraft activity very good with heavy traffic of B-17's from New Hampshire, USA and Presque Isle. Few transports from and to Moncton with little local flying. 51 tracks plotted with max. range of 68 miles with IFF. Weather: clear, with unlimited visibility.
10 Feb 44
Aircraft movement to United Kingdom, one aircraft was plotted 30 miles from base returning to field, tower was notified and aircraft reached base safely. Aircraft activity slight with few from New Hampshire, USA Presque Isle and Moncton, also, local flying. S/L Canning commended the personnel of the Detachment for the efforts shown in maintaining the cleanliness of the Detachment and the barracks.
11 Feb 44
Plotted 3 departures, B-17's from this base to Greenland. Aircraft movement to Prestwick, Scotland and also Nuts Corner, Ireland. Plotted 6 aircraft returning to this base from movement. Tower was informed and aircraft returned safe. Max. range of aircraft in movement was 90 miles. Local flying very active with Hurricanes and Harvards on Army-Coop. and routine flying. Aircraft traffic from Crystal 1, Dorval, Moncton, and Presque Isle with departures to same. 63 tracks plotted for day.
12 Feb 44
Plotted 2 aircraft on search for lost aircraft. Overseas movement to Prestwick, Scotland and Nuts Corner, Ireland on evening shift. Plotted aircraft to max range of 112 miles. 6 - C-47's plotted enroute to Iceland. Little traffic from Presque Isle and Crystal 1. Weather: clear and cold with good visibility.
13 Feb 44
Small movement of B-24's plotted from New Hampshire, USA, Presque Isle and Dorval. Overseas movement plotted by evening shift to Prestwick, Scotland. Plotted aircraft from this movement to max range of 78 miles from station with good reception. Normal maintenance on evening shift. Personnel off duty took advantage of the nice weather today by hiking out to Alexander Lake on a little skiing and hiking party.
19 Mar 44
Four B-17's plotted from Presque Isle and one from Iceland. Plotted Canso's and B-24's on search for the missing Hurricane from this base. Weather clear and windy causing poor D/F-ing of aerial array. Also plotted aircraft from and to Moncton and Mingon, Labrador. Longest continuous track plotted without IFF was 97 miles. Beacon maintenance held during morning shift. Beacon is good working order.
20 Mar 44
Aircraft activity slight with aircraft plotted from Moncton, Presque Isle and Crystal 1. Plotted 3 Canso's on search for missing aircraft with good reception. Normal maintenance on evening shift. Beacon Maintenance crew from Scoudouc arrived this unit today for over-hauling beacon equipment.
21 Mar 44
Aircraft activity very good with aircraft from Presque Isle, Moncton, Iceland and Dartmouth. Plotted one out-going aircraft to Gander, Nfld. Longest continuous track without IFF plotted 112 miles. Normal maintenance period on morning shift. Beacon party commenced overhaul on beacon.
22 Mar 44
Plotted overseas movement of B-17's to Meeks Field, Iceland. Also plotted a movement to Greenland. Plotted 4 tracks showing IFF to max range of 90 miles, reception good afternoon shift plotted movement of B-17's from Presque Isle and New Manchester, USA. Normal maintenance held on late shift. No of tracks plotted for the days activity 77. Weather clear and cold.
23 Mar 44
Local aircraft plotted on search for lost Hurricane. Aircraft plotted from Moncton, Presque Isle, New Manchester, USA., Gander and Crystal 1, Labrador. Out-going aircraft plotted to Greenland, Presque Isle and on late evening shift, aircraft movement plotted to Meeks Field, Iceland. Weather clear and cold. Normal maintenance on morning shift.
24 Mar 44
Early morning shift plotted part of aircraft movement to Meeks Fields, Iceland. One aircraft returned from movement and was supervised by F/L Downing, aircraft landed safely. Reception of equipment at its best, PE's at 60 miles giving off strong returns. 6 Med bombers plotted to Dorval and Greenland. Afternoon shift passed plots of tracks to sector operations. Plotted local flying of Hurricanes and Harvard. Weather clear and cold. Normal maintenance on evening shift.
25 Mar 44
Aircraft activity nil due to blizzard. Maintenance held on afternoon shift.
26 Mar 44
Canso enroute to Gander, Nfld plotted returning to base, tower was informed who in return told us they were having engine trouble. S/L Canning supervised the returning of this aircraft which landed at base safely. Aircraft activity from and to Presque Isle and Moncton. Very little outgoing traffic plotted. Weather cold and clear. Nubmer of tracks for the day was 26 with max. range of 80 miles.
27 Mar 44
Aircraft activity very light due to heavy overcast and light rain. Plotted aircraft to Presque Isle, Moncton and Crystal 1. Very little out going traffic plotted. Beacon party from Scoudouc finished overhaul on Beacon. Equipment in good order.
12 Apr 44
Weather: Light snow in morning changing in afternoon to mild with scattered clouds. Sharp lookout kept for the search of two aircraft presumed to be off their course en route to this base fom Presqu'Isle and PEI No sign of them. With local Canso flights, plotted all day incoming and outgoing aircraft to Moncton, Presqu'Isle, Dorval and Crystal 1. Equipment giving good results.
13 Apr 44
Weather: Clear and cold during early morning with a change in afternoon to overcast with snow and fairly strong winds. Normal maintenance done during morning shift. Plotted a non-stop flight from Greenland to Presqu'Isle via this base. Local flights by Canso's of 116 Squadron plotted with traffic from Iceland and outgoing aircraft to New York and Prequ'Isle. Permission was granted by No 8 CMU to mix Shell SAE 30 and SAE 10 Oil for use in our Caterpillar Unit.
14 Apr 44
Weather: Heavy blizzard. Aircraft traffic - Nil. Maintenance period of one hour was extended by another hour of abnormal maintenance due to broken patch cord between Receiver and Calibrator Chassis. Personnel of detachment averaging better than 6 hours of outdoor physical training per man per week.
15 Apr 44
Weather: Light snow and overcast throughout the day. Aircraft traffic very light. Normal maintenance in morning. Detachment's bowling team in first place in league. Final play-off for first place in Station-league was bowled off this evening with our team losing first place by a margin of one point.
16 Apr 44
Weather: clear and mild. One hour's maintenance held in the morning. Good reception on equipment permitted tracking of aircraft from Greenland, Moncton and Presqu'Isle. Evening shift plotted part of movement of B-17's to Iceland.
17 Apr 44
S/L Canning left today on temporary duty to Canada for the purpose of purchasing equipment for Officer's Mess. Security at detachment is now taken care by Service Police who have been posted from parent unit at Goose Bay, effective this date. 6th Victory Loan campaign started today with F/L Downing and Sgt Tressam canvassers. Station Defence course started this date with 5 members of this detchment attending. Weather: Clear in early morning with a change during morning to overcast and snow throughout the day. Early evening shift plotted movement of B-17's to Iceland. Two of these were picked up returning and plotted safely to base. Local flyng very active during day.
18 Apr 44
Weather: Clear and mild. Normal maintenance period during morning shift. Aircraft activity plotted to Greenland, Presqu'Isle and Moncton. Reception was very good obtaining a maximum range of 94 miles.
19 Apr 44
Early morning shift continued plotting of movement started a little before end of last day. F/L Downing, Controller, was notified by Filter Operations that a B-17 had exploded in mid-air. Having one plot on this aircraft, we passed it to Tower notifying them of the exact postion of accident which was at 089º - 22 miles from base, time: 0012 GMT. 7 aircraft were picked up returning and plotted to base. Normal maintenance held during morning shift. Mail planes from 164 Squadron, Moncton were plotted with traffic from Presqu'Isle and Greenland.
20 Apr 44
Weather: Clear to overcast in evening. Maintenance on equipment carried out from 1130 to 1230 GMT. Maximum range of 1 aircraft with IFF: 100 miles. Traffic of planes going to Presqu'Isle and coming from Greenland tracked. Heavy movement of B-17's from Manchester, USA, plotted to base. S/L Canning, O.C. of detachment posted to No 12 RD Bagotville and F/L Downing, Controller to No 3 Group Headquarters, posting effective this date. Personnel of section attend clothing parade at parent unit.
21 Apr 44
Weather: mild and clear all day. Aircraft traffic plotted from Presqu'Isle and Moncton. Equipment tuned and calibrated at beginning of each shift. Maintenance of one hour in morning. 83 tracks with a maximum range of 98 miles tracked during day mostly of aircraft going to Iceland.
22 Apr 44
Weather: Clear all day. One hour off the air for maintenance. With aircraft leaving for Greenland and coming from Presqu'Isle, tracked heavy movement of B-17's, B-24's, B-25's to Prestwick Scotland. Also plotted aircraft coming from Iceland en route to Presqu'Isle. Skiing still good up this way. "Radar Rest" cabin at Alexander Lake is visited by personnel during weekends. Station Defence Course successfully completed by 3 NCO's and 2 airmen.
23 Apr 44
Weather: Clear and cool. Normal maintenance in morning. Heavy activity in afternoon shift with movement of aircraft from Presqu'Isle and during evening, Liberators moving Overseas. Filter identifies all tracks and give us warning of all incoming and outgoing flight plans. 80 tracks plotted with an average of 7.6 plots per track. 3 aircraft from this movement returned to base safely.
24 Apr 44 Weather: Clear and warm. Plotted local aircraft between Goose and Brig Harbour with regular traffic from Moncton and Presqu'Isle and Dorval totalling 59 tracks for day; 1 showing IFF at a maximum range of 59 miles. S/L Canning returned today from temporary duty in Canada. LAC Emes, Mechanic, now on annual leave. 25 Apr 44 Weather: High overcast with slightly colder. Telephones out of order all day, therefore no plots were passed to Filter Operations. Activity restricted only to local flying and a few planes leaving for Iceland. Normal maintenance in morning. In a farewell party, S/L Canning and F/L Downing expressed their regret of leaving this unit. The Officer Commanding could not find a better farewell speech than to give his comments on what will happen when time comes for rehabilitation. He advised the younger ones to get a College education if it was at all possible which would enable them, if the law is passed through Parliament, to benefit of this education as a gratuity. 26 Apr 44 F/O Leighton BE, C-20903, Radar Officer, now assumes command of No 29 Radar Detachment and is Inventory Holder with Sgt Walker as representative. Weather: High overcast to clear. Telephone connections restored in latter part of day with Filter Operations. Longest continuous track showed 152 miles for day. During evening shift aircraft activity to Iceland of B-17's; 2 of these returned to base safely. S/L Canning and F/L Downing left today on posting to Canada. 27 Apr 44 Weather: High overcast. Sgt Tressam EJ, posted to No 1 OTU Bagotville. 41 tracks plotted with 1 showing IFF at a range of 96 miles and a total of 365 plots for the day. Maintenance done by mechanics on duty. Personnel being prepared for coming trade test. 28 Apr 44 Weather: Clear and cold. A few of personnel help firemen on fire in civilian barracks at parent unit. Off the air for regular maintenance period of one hour. Plotted movement of 14 B-24's going Overseas with approximately 8 returning on account of bad weather. Echo shown at 117 miles from station with 2 tracks having IFF. NCO's attend pay and muster parade in morning while airmen are paid in afternoon. 29 Apr 44 Weather: Clear and warm. Plotted B-17 to Cape Harrison with regular saturday traffic from Moncton and incoming aircraft from Presqu'Isle. Usual maintenance in morning. 122 tracks plotted during day with 37 in a movement Overseas, 24 of these showing IFF. This is the highest number this Station has ever recorded of aircraft showing identification. Maximum range with IFF was extended to 118 miles. LAC's Huges, Ney, Richards, left today on annual leave while LAC Thomas went on 21 day's sick leave. Commanding Officer of Station had shoe and boot inspection in barracks and such footwear was found to be in good condition. F/O Leighton, OC of detachment attended CO's conference at parent unit this morning. 30 Apr 44 Weather: Slight overcast all day. Maintenance on equipment was done by Sgt Walker on the morning shift.
1 Jun 44
Weather: Heavy overcast. Filter requested us to be on search for Canso overdue. Picked it up at 0251 at 116º - 51 miles. Aircraft landed OK at 0319 Hours. Normal maintenance during morning shift. Tracking of two planes to Crystal 1 done after maintenance hour. Echoes weak beyond 50 miles although at saturation upon reaching 45 miles. Maximum range for day: 90 miles with a total of 35 tracks. LAC Bateman, Radar Operator and LAC Cummings, Diesel Fitter, promoted this date to the rank of Acting Corporal (Paid) while Sgt Daemen was promoted to his Acting rank (Paid). Cpl's Moore & Logan, Radar Operators left on Annual leave today.
2 Jun 44
Weather: Heavy overcast. Early morning shift picked up a C-47 going to Presqu'Isle from Greenland at 095º - 81 miles and it was found out from Filter that our first plot tied in with Brig Harbour's fading point. Plotted movement of 13 Mosquitoes to Greenland to a maximum range of 107 miles. Returning craft from this movement picked up at 1316 hours, landing at 1322 hours. Another Mosquitoe picked up at 060º 56 miles returning from movement, seemed lost for a while and sweep was confined to this particular area until aircraft reached 6 miles from base. A third Mosquitoe returned in the evening. It was picked up at 077º - 92 miles and followed to base. Afternoon shift plotted incoming movement of 44 aircraft from Presqu'Isle while evening shift worked on outgoing movement of 41 - B-24's to Iceland. Busy day with 107 tracks and a maximum range of 115 miles. Personnel off duty attend CO's parade in the morning.
3 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast. In early morning shift 3 aircraft returned from last night's movement as follows: 0307 hours, 140º picked up at 95 miles, 0528 hours, 152º echo showing first at 55 miles and the third one at 0937 hours, 091º seen first returning at 80 miles. All returning aircraft landed safely. Traffic from Crystal 1, Stephanville plotted to a good range. Worked on hour on maintenance of equipment from 1330 to 1430. Obtained maximum range of 110 miles for the day during morning shift on an aircraft en route to Dorval plotted to a range of 80 miles.
4 Jun 44
Weather: Heavy overcast all day. Moderate activity during early morning shift. Reception on equipment very good during movement of 58 aircraft to Greenland. Ratio of about 2 1/2 to 1 at 80 miles. This movement started at 1200 hrs. to end at 1840 hrs. 2 of these craft returned to base because of engine trouble. Maintenance on beacon equipment worked this evening by Cpl Filion. Little activity in evening. Total of tracks for today: 99, maximum length: 180 miles in one track not showing IFF. LAC Richards, Radar Operator, reporting late from leave, was awarded 28 days detention.
5 Jun 44
Weather: Broken overcast. Early morning shift tracked aircraft to a maximum range of 72 miles. After maintenance hour, picked up a B-24 at 75 miles - 235º which was followed out to a maximum range of 108 miles. Ratio of echo at this range was 2 1/2 to 1 which is considered exceptional. This aircraft on a height test was tracked for 222 miles. Plotted in the afternoon light movement of 15 aircraft from Bangor, Maine. Out of 48 tracks for the day, 4 showed an IFF signal. A few more of personnel attend Station Defence Course. LAC Hughes, Radar Operator, returned from leave on first available aircraft. Ball diamond now in use and ball team holds practise tonight.
6 Jun 44
Weather: Cloudy turning overcast with rain in the evening. Invasion of the European continent started this morning. We feel that we are playing a big part in the ferrying of aircraft overseas and are anticipating good results from this tremendous operation. Daily maintenance from 1100 to 1200 hours. 1 aircraft coming in to this base was forced to return to Moncton and plotted to a maximum range of 86 miles. Sweep directed to a certain variation in azimuth for the purpose of locating 3 incoming aircraft from Greenland. These were diverted to Stephanville and normal sweep was resumed after orders were received from Filter Operations to do so.
7 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast and light rain. Strato-cumulus 10/10. Nil activity during early morning watch. Plotted 9 aircraft on their way to Greenland before maintenance hour. Maximum range increased from 77 miles in the morning to 102 miles in the evening when plotting movement of 28 B-24's to Greenland. 2 of these returned safely to base. This detachment has now regular Duty Watches keeping off duty personnel in the afternoon for landscaping work. This is done in the same manner as on the parent unit. Cleaning of ground for grass-seeding completed and seeds put in same.
8 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast and rain all day. Early morning watch plotted only 1 departure to Mingan to a range of 52 miles. Particular interest was given to the tracking of a Spitfire accompanying a B-25 coming in from Presqu'Isle, picked up at 75 miles and plotted to base, both aircraft coming out of overcast over station. Ceiling closed at 1900 hours and RAFTC aircraft diverted to Mont-Joli. One hour maintenance worked in forenoon. 29 tracks plotted for the day with a maximum length of track being 133 miles.
9 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast. Obtained maximum range of 101 mile in early morning shift when plotting craft going to Prestwick. Maintenance from 1100 to 1200 hours. With local flying and aircraft leaving in direction of Crystal 1 and Greenland, plotted movement of 30 B-24's from Bangor, Maine. During night shift aircraft enroute to Dorval from Greenland was plotted for 147 miles, passing 24 miles from base. Personnel off duty attend Commanding Officer's parade at Main Station.
10 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast. Early morning watch busy plotting movement of 25 A-20's on their way to Greenland in formation of 3's to a maximum range of 80 miles. 4 craft of this movement were forced to return and picked up at a good range. They were all "watched" until fading from our tube, ie, they were approximatley at base.
19 Jun 44
Weather: Clear and warm all day. Good plotting although poor reception on movement of 25 B-24's proceeding to Nuts Corner, Ireland and 75 B-26's and A-20's leaving for Greenland; these latter in formation of 3 making a good size echo on our tube. This heavy activity was kept until 2000 hours when 55 B-24's came in from Manchester and Bangor, USA. Maximum range on these movements was 86 miles. Coronados incoming from Greenland, stopping at this base, were plotted in and out to Dorval. Canso over Lake Melville and 1 going to Brig Harbour plotted to a good range while aircraft from Moncton, Sydney and Gander came in during movements and plots were passed to Filter Room on these. This has been the busiest day since this unit began operating as far as aircraft movement is concerned. 167 tracks plotted with 41 showing IFF. Commanding Officer of Goose Bay Station visited our detachment this morning and commented on the good work which has been done both on technical matters and on landscaping. F/O Leighton, OC of this unit proceeded this afternoon to Brig harbour (37 RD) with Canso of 116 Squadron. LAC Emes, Radar Mechanic, attending instructions on Ground Warfare at parent unit. Softball team lost to Control Tower.
20 Jun 44
Visibility unlimited, ground temperature: 80º. 28 tracks which were plotted during the day consisted of traffic to Prestwick, Scotland; Meeks Field, Iceland; Bluie West 1, Greenland and Dorval, Que. Canso sent in this afternoon for calibration purposes; craft flying at 2000' and Radar contact was lost at 51 miles after 18 minutes plotting in the direction of Lake Melville. Maintenance worked as usual in the morning. In the evening watch, 1 aircraft leaving for the Azores was plotted to a range of 82 miles. Trade Test lectures given to one Radar Operator to prepare him for next Trade Test Board.
21 Jun 44
Weather: Clear and warm. Only 4 aircraft plotted during early morning watch. Normal maintenance worked from 1115 to 1215 hours. After this operation 2 Bostons and 2 Liberators were plotted to a range of 75 miles leaving for Overseas. Canso to Brig Harbour tracked to only 30 miles as plane was flying too low for greater range. During evening watch one aircraft on a Secret flight was plotted to 101 miles from base to the south-east. A report on Radar Operation in Labrador was sent to Command Headquarters. For 3 weeks operating, 1221 tracks were recorded.
22 Jun 44
Weather: Rain all day. Nil activity until maintenance hour when one craft was picked up at 46 miles incoming from Bluie West 8, Greenland. 3 planes leaving for Moncton "carried" to a range of 61 miles. Advantage taken of reduced flying operations and bad weather to test RF and IF tubes in Receiver.
1 Jul 44
Weather: Overcast in morning, clear and bright in afternoon. Mail planes in from Moncton. Canso tracked from Gander. B-24, 1223 returned to base with engine trouble. This track watched closely and plots were given to Tower in case assistance were required. 108 tracks plotted today with a maximum range of 99 miles. Sgt Daemen, Radar Operator, left on annual leave. Word received that Sgt. Walker, our Senior Mechanic is posted to No 12 Radio Detachment. F/S Middleton to replace him; Sgt Walker posting effective 7 July, F/S Middleton posting effective 19 July. New doorstep built in front of Operations building. LAC Finkel (Service Police) left to attend course at Trenton.
2 Jul 44
Weather: Cool but sunny in morning and early afternoon. Overcast in evening. Equipment unserviceable during early morning. Repaired by F/O Leighton at 8.30 AM. LAC Ricards back at work after completing his detention. At last, another victory at softball. 10-9 against Sergeant's Mess of Goose Bay.
3 Jul 44
Clear and visibility unlimited, but humidity and temperature both high. Painting of interior of Guard House started by Sgt. Martin. Beacon overhauled by LAC Emes. Maintenance done by Sgt Walker and F/O Leighton. Heavy traffic during afternoon with movement of 60 aircraft. Maximum range 86 miles. Softball team won against Filter Operations 16-12.
4 Jul 44
This has been the hottest day of the year. Some say 103º, others 99.8º in the shade. Our thermometer registered 110º. LAC Sissons and LAC Schwemler loaned to station to play softball against the Americans as part of their 4th of July Celebration. RCAF won. Fireworks during evening. Movement of 117 planes during morning with good range. Maintenance during evening. IFF Radar equipment arrived today.
5 Jul 44
Cooler today, slight rain during late afternoon. Aircraft activity fairly heavy with one track being that of aircraft bearing Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Leckie. One peculiar track of American a/c enroute to Crystal 1 followed to 101 miles then back to station after it had done much turning about. A boundary of rocks placed to outline roadway, all painted white. More landscaping done.
6 Jul 44
Ceiling and visibility unlimited. Aircraft carrying Chief of Air Staff and his associates tracked as it left Goose Bay. F/O Leighton salvaged remains of Airborne Radar Equipment from crashed Ventura 2171 of 145 Squadron, Dartmouth. Movement of 25 B-17's and A-20's plotted outgoing to Bluie West 1. Another of 50 B-17's, B-24's and B-25's from Bangor and Manchester, USA plotted to base.
11 Sep 44
Weather: Cloudy to clear. One B-17 dieverted to Goose was picked up at 165º - 48 miles and "carried" to base for a safe landing. In afternoon, movement of approximately 40 aircraft - many varieties - to Bluie West 1. Aircraft from 164 Squadron plotted incoming to base. Maximum range for the day was 62 miles. Normal maintenance worked in the evening. Started painting of beacon pole to protect it against frost. Personnel off duty held soccer practice on our field in the evening.
12 Sep 44
Weather: Clear and visibility unlimited. Early morning watch, busy with plotting of aircraft leaving for Bluie West 1, Greenland and maximum range obtained with IFF gear was 125 miles. Although only semi-operational, movement of A-20's and A-26's (30 to 40 aircraft) was followed to Greenland in the morning. 63 B-17's came in the afternoon from Bangor,Maine. RAFTC enquired about a Mosquito which as located over Lake Melville incoming from Dorval. Plots in the regular channel, were given to Flter and plane landed OK. 116 tracks were recorded today with an H/R maximum range of 65 miles. F/S Middleton worked on maintenance in the morning as soon as Filter told us no ETA were expected.
13 Sep 44
Weather: Scattered clouds and cool. Aircraft activity today: incoming from Moncton, Presqu'Isle, Dorval and outgoing to Crystal 1. Only 20 tracks plotted and reception on H/R not very good. Maximum range 56 miles over Lake Melville. Cpl Filion, Radar Mechanic, now on leave, was posted to No 501 PHU, Halifax, NS and will be proceeding to new unit, 6th October. Section soccer team defeated Service Police team of parent unit 1-0, LAC Turnbull scoring for our side. Painting of building framework started this afternoon.
14 Sep 44
Weather: Clear all day. In early morning, poor reception on H/R tube, echoes fading at 25 miles or less. We were forced to use IFF equipment almost entirely in order to establish definite and consistent tracks. Out of a movement of 130 aircraft leaving for Meeks, Iceland during 11 hours, 6 returned and it was difficult to follow at the same time returning and outgoing planes with H/R not giving good results. Plotted Mosquitoes leaving for Greenland and 2 C-46's to Crystal 1 to a range of 51 miles. In afternoon, 5 Lancasters came in from Dorval. For the day 125 trcks showed IFF and a maximum length of track of 110 miles was recorded during one of the movements.
15 Sep 44
Weather: Clear in the morning and slight overcast at night. Off the air from 0300 - 0400 hours due to broken feeder in gantry. Only 1 aircraft leaving for Prestwick, Scotland plotted in the early morning.
29 Nov 44
Weather: Clear and cold. reception on the IFF scope was good and showed an improvement when a signal appeared at 100 miles during movement of aircraft to the United Kingdom. Normal maintenance from 1615 to 1715 hours. Another movement was tracked in the afternoon. 31 Liberators and Fortresses were plotted incoming from Bangor, USA. C-47's from 164 Squadron were tracked incoming and outgoing. Equipment kept in good working order. Cpl Robichaud, Service Police, reported on posting today to this unit. Personnel attended regular monthy pay parade at main unit.
30 Nov 44
Weather: Clear. Before daybreak movement of B-25's and Mosquitoes started out for Greenland. Plots told to Filter of aircfraft on local flying. Mosquito flying in to base was picked up at a very low altitude 11 miles from base. Snow ceiling in the evening and flying was washed out. 1096 tracks were recorded this month; a decrease of 673 tracks from last month.
State of health of personnel: Good.
All times mentioned are GMT.
(EA Straight) P/O
OC No 29 Radio Unit
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Updated: April 8, 2003