DAILY DIARY
41 RADIO DETACHMENT - ST. BRIDES, NEWFOUNDLAND
August 1, 1945 to September 30, 1945
1 Aug 45
Breezy day, clear with strong south-west wind. Temperature at 1530Z - 61º. The monthly cheques were received on the 31 July, but unable to cash these until the 2 August owing to a general holiday at Placentia. The show at night was "GI" and "What a Blond". A signal was received from EAC substituting R148117, Cpl Morrow for R121896, Cpl Hutton, LK, Radar Mechanic, to be posted to No 41 Radio Unit. (EAC M485, dated 1 August, 1945.)
2 Aug 45
Sunny day with moderate south-east wind. Temperature at 1530Z - 59º. R63864, Cpl Storm, AA, R95783, Cpl Hill, TR, R128679, Sgt Corvin, GE and R141461, Sgt Horlock, A returned to the unit from leave. A party from No 8 CMU arrived to check the telephone lines. Show at night was "GI" and "Leave it to Blondie".
3 Aug 45
Sunny day with fresh south south-east breeze. Temperature - 63º. The telephone lines were repaired and both circuits out from the Unit are now okay, but as soon as possible No. 8 CMU intend putting in open wire links between the Domestic and Technical Sites. Two aircraft flying on parallel course from No. 10 BR Squadron at Torbay enroute to Canada were picked up over Torbay and plotted as follows: S223, first plot 1624Z in RA7815, last plot 1759Z in QM0070 at a range of 220 miles. S225, first plot 1632Z in RA6719, last plot in 1758Z in QM4276 at a range of 210 miles. (The width control on the radar receiver was altered so that our range could be extended from the normal 200 up to 220 miles.) Abnormal propagation was much in evidence at the time these extreme ranges were obtained. Shows at night, two "GI" films. The unit truck left for Torbay to pick up rations. Driver: Cpl Hill, TR, passengers: R161533, Sgt Legault, JPA, on unit duty, R282504, AC1 Massa, P, proceeding on leave. A signal was received from Torbay cancelling all annual leave except for Pacific Volunteers. (Torbay Signal, M.668, d/3 Aug., 1945). Discharge instructions were received for R61280, F/S Ring, AH who is at present on leave. (EAC Letter, 16-3-5/41 (SPSO/ADI), d/28 July, 1945.
4 Aug 45
Weather sunny with light showers, moderate south south-east wind. Temperature - 60º. A secret message was received from Torbay, over the filter line, advising approximate closing date of 41 RU as being set for 1 November, 1945. Eight hundred gallons of fuel oil for the technical site were delivered from Torbay. Two large sacks of private and official mail were received. This is the first mail for over a week. Show at night, two "GI" films. One hundred and fifty new library books were received from Torbay. Rations for the month of August were also received.
28 Sep 45
Fine sunny day. Light west south-west wind. Temperature: 50.1. Canteen inventory and Secrets documents handed over to F/O H.M. Wilton by F/L MS Killen. Eight hundred gallons of diesel fuel were ordered by signal at Torbay. Mail was received from Argentia. The show was "Greenwich Village". The RCAF and USCG played a double header softball game in the afternoon. No 41 Radio Unit was handed over to the Command of C28806, T/F/O HM Wilton, by CAN C15264, T/F/L MS Killen. The latter left for Torbay by unit jeep for retirement action.
29 Sep 45
Cold raw day, strong wind from the west south-west. Temperature: 55.9. Heavy rain and high wind in the evening. The unit was host to the YMCA Supervisors, Mr C Nexble and Mr W Trafford and USN Special Service Officer, Lt Wogle. Bingo and general day room activity in the evening.
30 Sep 45
Moderate north wind. Temperature: 49. The antennae turning gear broke down at 1430Z hours. The new pinion lasted eleven days. The worm is in worse condition than ever. The last remaining spare pinion was installed and estimated to last six days. The health of the unit is excellent with no cases of sickness being reported this month. The morale has hit its highest level since this unit was opened with receipt of the signal from EAC ceasing operations here on the 1st of October and disbandment on the 7th.
(HM Wilton) Flying Officer
Commanding Officer, No 41 Radio Unit,
St. Brides, Newfoundland.
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