DAILY DIARY
5 RADIO DETACHMENT - QUEENSPORT, NOVA SCOTIA
1 Mar 1944 to 23 Dec 1944
1 Mar 44
The weather is very unsettled, with a heavy wind plus rain and wet snow. This combination froze the turntable solidly. The first Education Film was shown here tonight and was much appreciated. Aerial Bolted due to very high winds.
2 Mar 44
The worst storm of the year caused considerable damage and discomfort by breaking two power lines poles and disrupting that service for most of the day. Then only temporary lines were installed for the urgently needed points. Aerial bolted due to very high winds.
3 Mar 44
The storm has continued unabated. Further lines were temporarily installed for the pump house, Admin. Bldg., & Guard House. The W/T must be used as the carrier telephone system is out of order on an outside circuit. The turntable has been freed of ice and is rotating. 6 tracks. T31 plotted for 70 miles, Range 54 miles.
4 Mar 44
The plow was used to open roads which turned out to be surprisingly light - only a few cuts being heavy. The storm has died down, but it is still windy. 28 tracks - all test a/c. T8 max. range 87 miles plotted for 15 miles.
5 Mar 44
Though the weather is still rough the emergency Repair Crew under Sgts. R224337 Lalonde, GP and R223105 Baird, JK, started work on the power lines and telephone circuits. The Quarterly Maintenance Crew also arrived under R250107C Sgt Nowak, S crowding our quarters considerably. 1 track - T1 plotted for 109 miles, max. range 109 miles.
6 Mar 44
Despite the weather, which makes outside work very difficult, operations are proceeding quite well. No plots, as off the air due to Quarterly Overhaul.
7 Mar 44
Another snow storm caused apprehension, but little trouble. The show as scheduled from Mulgrave wasn't available much to the annoyance of the men. Still no tracks, as off the air due to Quarterly Overhaul.
8 Mar 44
Rain, under freezing conditions, has made the roads very dangerous. Except for small item in wiring, the emergency repair work is almost complete. Back on air at 1915 GMT 8 tracks, U106 plotted for 74 miles, range 42 miles. L139 max range 78 miles, plotted for 15 miles.
9 Mar 44
Though weather again unsettled, with snow and wind, the station is almost back to normal operation, both parties having completed very satisfactory work. 2 tracks, K117 plotted for 58 miles, range 45 miles.
10 Mar 44
Both parties departed in surprisingly nice weather - clear, warm and little wind. 12 tracks, K123 plotted for 100 miles, max range 58 miles.
NOTE: From this point on No. 5 is referred to as Cole Harbour, Guysborough County, NS
18 Dec 44
16 Tracks. Maximum range 82 miles on K134. Longest track 95 miles on K134.
19 Dec 44
Clear in morning, becoming overcast with full blizzard in evening. quarterly overhaul started today. No show tonight due to poor condition of film. Stake truck failed to return to Unit due to snow storm. After taking 2 1/2 hours to go 16 miles through 4 foot drifts, driver stayed at a farmhouse approximately 19 miles from Station. No mail received tonight due to storm. 3 tracks. Maximum range 119 miles on K112. Longest track 126 miles on K112. Off for Quarterly Overhaul at 0920 hours.
20 Dec 44
Weather clear but roads badly snowed in. Panel and party of men proceeded to Queensport with shovels etc. to clear road. Stake truck left Queensport for routine ration run. Panel returned to station at approximately 1600 hours. At approximately 2000 hours received report of accident to Army Truck in Half Way Cove, about 25 miles from station, which involved a number of RCAF personnel, who were passengers in the truck. Later received report that one airman, R282593 LAC Flower, EJ had been killed in the accident, and others suffering from shock. Next of kin advised, notification was signalled to Eastern Air Command and Air Force Headquarters. Unit Hospital Orderly remained in Guysborough with personnel concerned to assist in case of shock. Inquest held immediately after accident found death to be accidental. Airman's belongings collected and held for Committee of Adjustment. Nearby army detachment attempted to tow this Unit's 4 X 4 truck back, without success. Quarterly Overhaul proceeding.
21 Dec 44
Weather good, but cold. CO proceeded to Antigonish with stake truck to make necessary funeral and transportation arrangements, to obtain the death certificate and to obtain a burial permit. Notified SMO at Sydney by telephone of death of airman. Other airmen involved were taken to St. Martha's Hospital in Antigonish for complete examination. Dr. McKinnon examined all others and released them as uninjured. Contacted RCASC Depot in Sydney in an attempt to obtain wrecker to get this Unit's 4 X 4 truck back to the Unit. Quarterly proceeding.
22 Dec 44
Weather good, continuing extremely cold. Remains of LAC Flower shipped to Toronto under escort of LAC Chisholme of this Unit. Moving picture tonight was "Life begins at 8:30", enjoyed by personnel. Helped raise camp from blanket of gloom surrounding it. Canadian Press phoned and the Commanding Officer made statement on death of LAC Flower. Quarterly Overhaul continuing.
23 Dec 44
Weather good with cold temperatures. Truck proceeded to Mulgrave. Roads improving but slippery. Mail very late again tonight, nearly mid-night before it arrived. Truck proceeded to Mulgrave. Chesterfield suite from Canadian Legion arrived and was installed in Canteen. Also received some fruit from Legion.
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Updated: March 28, 2003