DAILY DIARY
#7 DETACHMENT - PATRICIA BAY, BC
1 Jan 44 to 31 Dec 44
1 Jan 44
Little activity in the air. Quarterly overhaul underway.
2 Jan 44
Clear day with considerable air activity. The overhaul crew is progressing favourably.
3 Jan 44
The various weekly, bi-monthly and monthly reports have been completed and submitted. Overhaul of equipment is well under way.
4 Jan 44
Clear but cold up until 1600 hours with normal air activity. High wind reaching gale proportions from 1600 hours on, subsiding before midnight with some rain and sleet. Cpl Pearce R162560 from Works and Buildings was admitted to check over the switch board in the diesel hut. Number two diesel was disconnected and replaced by number three. Squadron Leader GJ Elliot was admitted on pass to look over the equipment. He was particularly interested in the need of this station going off the air for seven days for quarterly overhaul. It is felt that he now recognizes the need for such an overhaul. The transmitter and receiver are now completely overhauled. Aerial is now to be done and feeders etc tuned.
5 Jan 44
Acting OC, F/L IM Mawdsley received posting notice and is to report to AFHQ eff 12th Jan 1944, reporting date 18th Jan 1944. A substitute is to be provided by WAC.
6 Jan 44
Still off air. Overhaul will be completed by tomorrow.
7 Jan 44
Quarterly overhaul complete and back on air at 1700 hours. It is felt that a thorough job was done. Reception has improved considerably.
8 Jan 44
Equipment working very satisfactory after quarterly overhaul. Overcast but considerable air activity.
9 Jan 44
Took stock of all radio repairs and equipment listed on inventory 15 in preparation for the taking over from F/L Mawdsley. Clear and bright. Operations normal.
10 Jan 44
Operations normal.
11 Jan 44
Rain all day. No aircraft activity. Receiver trouble in the evening resulting in 3 1/2 hours off the air. On authority of AOC a group of 12 officers from BR controller visited the station. They were shown the equipment and given a general outline of its working principles.
12 Jan 44
Overcast and continuous rain. Six officers (students on No 6 course at No 1 School of Flying Control) visited the Detachment for approximately one hour during the afternoon.
13 Jan 44
F/L GF McCurhay C5008 and F/L JH MacLachan C1838 (32 OTU Pat Bay) visited this detachment during the morning. F/O Wilcox RO, WO1 St John KL (course No 6 - No 1 School of Flying Control) visited the detachment during the afternoon. Overcast.
14 Jan 44
Overcast, intermittent showers. Six Sgts of course No 1 School of Flying Control visited the detachment this afternoon.
15 Jan 44
Overcast, rain in pm. Five Sgts Course No 6 - No 1 School of Flying Control visited the detachment.
16 Jan 44
Overcast, rain. Normal operation.
17 Jan 44
Overcast, intermittent rain. Normal operation. Five Sgts. of course No. 6 - No. 1 School of Flying Control visited the detachment from 1400 - 1500 hours. Capt. HH Usher, Capt. OS Lorsey, Lt. DM Philips visited the detachment from 1530 - 1630 hours. (Army)
18 Jan 44
Overcast. Fair for two hours in pm. Then overcast and rain.
19 Jan 44
Overcast to fair. Normal operations.
20 Jan 44
F/L Sherk paid a brief visit to the detachment during the am. Fair. Operations normal.
21 Jan 44
Normal operations.
22 Jan 44
Overcast, rain. Minor difficulty with receiver. DI 2 1/2 hours.
23Jan 44
Fair. Normal operations. Off air until 5 pm due to failure of tuning unit of aerial.
24 Jan 44
Fair. Normal operations.
25 Jan 44
Sgt. Beach #9 MU admitted to make some modifications on the diesel.
26 Jan 44
Clear. Normal operations.
27 Jan 44
Clear. Normal operations. F/L McKinty visited the detachment during the morning for the purpose of trade testing Radar Mechanics. Radar operators were trade tested in the afternoon. F/L OL Walsh; F/O JW Moseby; P/O GB Tait, 32 OTU Pat Bay visited the detachment during the morning.
28 Jan 44
Clear. Normal operations.
29 Jan 44
Fair, clear. Normal operations.
30 Jan 44
Bright, clear. Normal operations.
31 Jan 44
Overcast, no rain. Normal operations.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT JANUARY 1 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 1
Officers (Admin)(On Sector Operations) - 3
Officers (Admin)(At No. 7 Detachment) - 1
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 15 (3 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 25 (1 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 5
Airmen (Guards) - 9
Total - 59
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational - 527 hrs 18 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 22 hrs 40 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 24 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 9 hrs. 2 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul 161 hrs 00 minutes
Total - 744 Hrs.
(W BLACK) F/O
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Feb 44
Overcast normal operations. Detachment visited by F/L Dolphin J (C6906) during the afternoon.
2 Feb 44
Overcast, normal operations.Diesel overhaul in progress.
3 Feb 44
Overcast, normal operations. Inventory check (station) by F/O Harris.
4 Feb 44
Overcast and rain. Normal operations. F/O Bates Tech Officer reported from No 13 Detachment for duty at No 7 Det. Diesel overhaul still progressing.
5 Feb 44
Normal operations. Diesel overhaul progressing. New turning gear for aerial received to be installed 6th Feb if weather permits.
6 Feb 44
Normal operations for first few hours. Necessary to shut down and lock aerials at 1045 hours due to high winds. Wind and rain clearing approx 1600 hours.
7 Feb 44
Bright and clear. Off air 0900-1700 attempting to install a new reduction gear in the aerial. Difficulty encountered and the job was not completed. Old gear was put back and normal operations resumed at 1700 hours.
8 Feb 44
F/L Steward JD and F/L Naylor BW arrived at the Detachment for the purpose of arranging for and completing "calibration".
9 Feb 44
F/S Michael #3 Repair Depot arrived at the Detachment for the purpose of assisting in the replacement of the reduction gear in the aerial.
10 Feb 44
Installation of new reduction gear in the aerial completed and normal operations resumed. Fair and clear.
11 Feb 44
Normal operations, bright and clear. F/O McGovern LW and F/O Brown TH 32 OTU Pat Bay visited the Detachment during the morning. F/L Farley and F/O Barrett returned to the Detachment off temporary duty at Sea Island Fighter Control School.
12 Feb 44
Clear, operations frequently interupted due to thyratron difficulty.
13 Feb 44
Overcast, rain in morning. Ceiling lowering during the afternoon with intermittent rain. Operations normal.
14 Feb 44
Clear and bright, operations normal. Arrangements made in the afternoon for a practice interception, however there was no R/T communication available. Signal section is to check the line and see that communications are restored as soon as possible.
15 Feb 44
Overcast, light drizzle in the early afternoon. F/L Bentley KH and F/L Burnard 32 OTU visited the detachment during the morning. Signals checking the R/T line, communications restored. Work has commenced on the digging of holes for the cement base of the new IFF tower which is to be installed shortly.
16 Feb 44
Overcast in morning. Bright and clear in the afternoon. Operations normal. F/O Carlisle (J8803) 32 OTU paid a visit to the Detachment during the afternoon.
17 Feb 44
Clear, normal operations.
18 Feb 44
Overcast, rain in morning, then bright and clear. Normal operations. F/L Sherk visited the Detachment to carry out GCI exercise. Target too late in getting into position, not carried out.
19 Feb 44
Bright and clear, normal operations. Classes for Radar Mechanics commenced in the morning.
20 Feb 44
Overcast, unusual maintenance from 0900 - 1530 hours due to difficulty with the receiver unit.
21 Feb 44
Bright and clear, normal operations.
22 Feb 44
Bright and clear. During the afternoon a practice interception was carried out using two sections of Kittyhawks. The first run was controlled by F/L Sherk and was successful. The second was run by F/O Black and was successful. F/O Jones and Sgt Patterson of Sector visited the Detachment during the interceptions. Classes in D/R navigation for operators commenced in the morning from 0900 - 1000 hours during DI.
23 Feb 44
Fair and clear, normal operations.
24 Feb 44
Fair and clear, normal operations. Minor difficulty in the pm corrected quickly.
25 Feb 44
Overcast and rain. Normal operations.
26 Feb 44
Fair and clear during the morning breakdown in pm.
27 Feb 44
Fair and clear. F/O Shaw 32 OTU visited the Detachment during the morning.
28 Feb 44
Overcast and rain. Requested by group to stay on the air for Ventura exercise.
29 Feb 44
Rain with hail during the morning. Off air two hours in the evening to install new motor. F/L Walsh, F/O Roger, F/O Farholme, F/O Wagner 32 OTU visited the Detachment.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT FEBRUARY 29, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 2
Officers (Admin)(On Sector Operations) - 1
Officers (Admin)(At No. 7 Detachment) - 1
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 9 (2 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 26 (1 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 6
Airmen (Guards) - 8
Total - 53
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -619 hrs 43 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 25 hrs 09 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 28 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 22 hrs 33 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 35 minutes.
Total - 696 Hrs.
(W BLACK) F/O
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Mar 44
Fair and clear. F/L Walsh and party visited the Detachment (32 OTU) Installation of new turning motor and pre-amplifier completed in gantry.
2 Mar 44
Fair and clear, normal operations.
3 Mar 44
Normal operations. Holes for base of new IFF tower completed.
4 Mar 44
Normal operations. Arrangements made to put in concrete bases for new IFF tower.
5 Mar 44
Normal operations. Fair and clear. F/L CHE Gilbert and party. Provost and Defence Inspection during the morning.
6 Mar 44
F/L Walsh and party of two (32 OTU) visited the Detachment during the morning. Clear at first, becoming overcast to broken before noon.
7 Mar 44
Sgts Payne, Green, Haynes, No 3 RD Vancouver, arrived at Detachment for repair purposes. Carpenters from W&B installing forms for cement pouring (new IFF tower). Clouded to overcast, some rain. Normal operations.
8 Mar 44
Rain overcast. Normal operations. Weather prevented Radar men from doing work (Mar 7). Gravel and stone for new aerial base arrived. Road partly resurfaced.
9 Mar 44
F/L Naylor made arrangements for calibration flights to be conducted. Repair crew #3 RD to complete pre-calibration adjustments on the equipment. Clear. Normal operations. F/O Bates returned from leave.
10 Mar 44
Pre-calibration adjustments completed. Fair and clear. Normal operations. F/L Scherk to resume command of No 7 Detachment.
11 Mar 44
Fair and clear. Normal operations. F/O Bates visiting Army GCI at Sea Island in the afternoon.
12 Mar 44
Fair and clear, normal operations.
13 Mar 44
Fair and clear. Off air due to communications failure with filter. F/O Jones reported for duty at this Detachment.
14 Mar 44
Bright and clear, normal operations.
15 Mar 44
Bright and clear. Cement poured for base of IFF tower.
16 Mar 44
Overcast. Monophone for HF R/T installed in Ops Room to use in the control of proposed Calibration flights.
17 Mar 44
Clear and bright. F/L Naylor arrived to conduct calibration flights.
18 Mar 44
Cloudy becoming overcast. F/O Black proceeded on two weeks. Cal flights cancelled owing to WX.
19 Mar 44
Bright and clear, becoming cloudy in the afternoon. Afternoon flight cancelled owing to WX.
20 Mar 44
Fair, partly cloudy. Cal flights carried out in morning and afternoon. OC and F/O Bates conferred at #2 Group with S/L Mills and F/L McKinty re time of daily maintenance. It was decided this would be carried out from 1145 hrs to 1245 hrs.
21 Mar 44
Overcast, some rain. Lieut Commander Hurley visited Detachment to test Navy Beacon for interference between the two types of equipment. F/L McKinty visited Detachment.
22 Mar 44
Heavy rains all day preventing any calibration flights. Very little flying activity. The weather cleared during the night with high winds of near gale strength. F/L Scherk and F/O Jones left on local 48s.
23 Mar 44
Repairs were completed to the three generators. F/S Brett of 9 CMU arrived from WAC to discuss supply, maintenance and possible inventory action re diesel spares. Calibration flights carried out morning and afternoon.
24 Mar 44
Weather fair and clear. Impossible to have calibration flight in the morning as aircraft u/s until too late to complete run before DI period. Panel truck u/s and so difficulities experienced transporting personnel back and forth to station.
25 Mar 44
Bright and clear. Calibration flights carried out in forenoon.
26 Mar 44
Bright and clear. Calibration flights carried out in afternoon.
27 Mar 44
Bright and clear. Calibration fligh held off while height switches etc were dismantled in an effort to discover the cause of poor echo ratios. No use making height charts unless height ratios are 100% correct.
28 Mar 44
Bright and clear. Calibration carried out in morning. Three flights successful. The cause of the poor echo ratio has been traced to a faulty lead in the RX height switch and better results should be expected from now on. F/L Naylor was recalled to 3 RD to re-investigate the loss of a motor. He left detailed instructions as to flights and these calibration flights will be carried out by F/O Bates until his return.
29 Mar 44
Overcast. No calibration flight owing to WX.
30 Mar 44
Partly overcast. No calibration flight as aircraft u/s. F/O Hartree reported, supernumerary to Radar establishment.
31 Mar 44
Bright and clear, later becoming partly overcast. No calibration flight owing to WX.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT MARCH 31, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 2
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 3
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) -7
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 25 (1 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 6
Airmen (Guards) - 10
Total - 53
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -686 hrs 55 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 10 hrs 20 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 31 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance -15 hrs 45 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 744 Hrs.
(RHV SCHERK) F/L
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Apr 44
Bright and clear. Calibration flights carried out in morning and afternoon. No DI owing to fighter wing exercises.
2 Apr 44
Bright and clear. No cal flights as a/c u/s owing to oxygen apparatus being installed.
3 Apr 44
Overcast. F/L Naylor returned from No 3 RD.
4 Apr 44
Partly overcast, some rain. No cal flight owing to WX.
5 Apr 44
Partly overcast. Cal flights carried out in afternoon.
6 Apr 44
Four Naval Ratings from Esquimalt reported for 5 days instruction. F/O Good and party from No 1 Flying Control School visited the detachment 1350 to 1520.
7 Apr 44
Partly overcast to overcast by 1400 hours. No rain, normal operations. Naval ratings put on all duties in Ops room.
8 Apr 44
Partly overcast, bright and clear later. Cal flights carried out morning and afternoon.
9 Apr 44
Bright and clear. Cal flights terminated and DI not carried out as Command instructed we track a special interception exercise.
10 Apr 44
Bright and clear. F/O Black struck off strength on posting to No 23 PAED Toronto. No cal flights today and tomorrow as F/L Naylor on 48.
11 Apr 44
Bright and clear. OC and F/O Jones visited Ops Room of HMS Rajah at Esquimalt.
12 Apr 44
Partly overcast, clearing in afternoon. Cal flights carried out in afternoon.
13 Apr 44
High winds, partly overcast. No cal flights owing to weather. F/L Weaver no 32 OTU visited Detachment.
14 Apr 44
Partly overcast. Calibration flights carried out in afternoon.
15 Apr 44
Partly overcast. No cal flights due to WX.
16 Apr 44
Overcast, light rain in am, clearing in pm. Cal flights carried out. Calibration flights completed.
17 Apr 44
Partly overcast.
18 Apr 44
Partly overcast. WAC advised Cal flights completed and quarterly overhaul can now be carried out.
19 Apr 44
Partly overcast. F/O Bates advised of overseas posting eff 15th May.
20 Apr 44
Partly overcast becoming overcast about 1640 hours. Quarterly overhaul party arrived 1530 by boat and were picked up in 7 RD panel truck at Victoria. LAC Larson JM placed under close arrest by Cpl Millar RLS. Held in detention at main station guard house.
21 Apr 44
LAC Larson, orderly room case this am. Changed from close to open arrest. Remanded for disposal by OC of this unit. Quarterly overhaul party commenced work on equipment 0830 hours. Station off air.
22 Apr 44
Bright and clear. LAC Larson awarded admonishment.
23 Apr 44
Overcast. Quarterly overhaul proceeding.
24 Apr 44
Overcast, rain.
25 Apr 44
Partly cloudy, some rain, later clearing.
26 Apr 44
Bright and clear.
27 Apr 44
Bright and clear.
28 Apr 44
Bright and clear. Quarterly overhaul completed, operational 1200 hours.
29 Apr 44
Overcast. Since overhaul the time base on H/R tube is flashing and broadening out to the point where rations are unreadable.
30 Apr 44
Bright and clear. Overhaul crew still unable to locate cause of trouble in H/R tube.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT APRIL 30, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 1
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 2
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) -6
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 26 (2 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 6
Airmen (Guards) - 10
Total - 51
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -525 hrs 25 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 1 hrs 15 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 21 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 2 hrs 20 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 170 hrs 20 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 720 Hrs.
(RHV SCHERK) F/L
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 May 44
Bright and clear.
2 May 44
No 2 Filter requested DI be carried out from 1100 to 1200 hours. F/L Farley WHC, Controller phoned re Sector interception Exercise with a Ventura, giving details of proposed track of Ventura. No 7 was not requested to concentrate solely on target. A number of plots were passed but not a continuous track. Shut down 2220 hrs to repair u/s pulley on reduction gear. On air 2335 hrs.
3 May 44
Bright and clear.
4 May 44
Bright and clear. F/O Parsons reported for duty. Fifty minutes of abnormal maintenance 1300 to 1350 hrs additional to DI. Off air 1200 to 1350 hours.
5 May 44
Bright and clear. F/O Jones posted Tofino effective 1st June.
6 May 44
Clear and bright. Victoria Service Police report re alleged purchase of two liquor permits by Cpl Gregory referred to local DAPM.
7 May 44
Partly overcast.
8 May 44
Overcast, some rain. Detachment visited by F/L Skaros of No 6 Audit Group.
9 May 44
Overcast. Air Force Act read to personnel.
10 May 44
Overcast, clearing later.
11 May 44
Partly overcast. Air Force Act read to remainder of personnel. Shipment of U/S CR Tubes returned to No 3 Repair Depot. F/S Langford and Cpl Chapman accompanied same as guards. F/O Parsons instructed to make periodic inspections fo Barracks 6A.
12 May 44
Bright and clear.
13 May 44
Bright and clear. Cpl Fosbery of Station Defence instructed personnel in Lewis gun. Sector unable to supply a/c for practice interceptions as local fighters are not yet operational and Sea Island (133)F a/c are engaged on other exercise. F/S Langford returned from No 3 Repair Depot.
14 May 44
Partly overcast. An interception exercise carried out with two sections of 133(F) Sqn. Sector controlling the target section. Not very successful. For a time we could not contact the fighters as we were not put on button "C" by the transmitter personnel. Also a good deal of the airborne time of the target was spent in the PE's. Cpl Chapman returned from No 3 Repair Depot.
15 May 44
Overcast, heavy rain, clearing later. Pulley on reduction gear loose again. Efforts being made to secure same permanently fast.
16 May 44
Partly overcast. No a/c available for practice as 133 (F) Sqn engaged on other exercises.
17 May 44
Overcast.
18 May 44
Overcast. F/S Langford posted to Marble Island effective today. Annoying interference on PPI and HR tubes varying in azimuth from 050 to 330 at approx 30-35 miles, proved to be IFF in fighter switched on "G" band. Plane advised through sector to switch off. Interference disappeared. "A" crew operators taken to rifle range for instruction on sten gun 0900 to 1045.
19 May 44
Bright and clear.
20 May 44
Partly overcast.
21 May 44
Bright and clear, later becoming overcast. An interception exercise attempted with two sections of 133 (F) Sqn. R/T trouble experienced, unable to establish contact with fighters. Station Signals officer given this detail in a memo.
22 May 44
Bright and clear. During the forenoon prior to an interception exercise it was found that satisfactory R/T contact could not be established, so exercise was cancelled. In the afternoon, following a satisfactory R/T check, two sections of 133 (F) Sqn were ordered airborne by Sector for this Detachment to carry out a GCI exercise. The exercise was finally cancelled after inability to establish R/T contact with the a/c.
23 May 44
Overcast. R/T test calls made with Homer 15 and Homer 40 while airborne. Both transmission and reception loud and clear.
24 May 44
Overcast.
25 May 44
Overcast, clearing later. F/L Scherk controlled a section of fighters in practice interceptions.
26 May 44
Bright and clear. Two a/c of 135 (F) Sqn controlled by OC in a practice interception. During the afternoon two a/c of 135 Sqn controlled by F/O Parsons in practice interceptions.
27 May 44
Bright and clear. No a/c or pilots available for interception exercises.
28 May 44
Overcast.
29 May 44
Bright and clear. No a/c available for practice as engaged on other exercises.
30 May 44
Bright and clear. Detachment visited by the Adjutant and 6 students of the School of Flying Control.
31 May 44
Fair, later becoming partly cloudy, some rain. Detachment visited by the Adjutant and 6 students of the School of Flying Control.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT May 31, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 1
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 3
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 4
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 28 (4 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 6 (1 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Service Police) - 9
Airmen (Equipment Assistant) - 1
Total - 52
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -708 hrs 04 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 2 hrs 40 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 31 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 2 hrs 16 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 744 Hrs.
(RHV SCHERK) F/L
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Jun 44
Overcast with rain. LAC Maglio EA placed under close arrest, 2315 hours May 31st, by F/S Taylor, Insubordination and failure to produce identification card. Orderly room held by F/O Hartree at 1530 hrs today. Case remanded to the CO RCAF Patricia Bay. Adjutant, F/O Good, and five students of Flying Control School visited Detachment.
2 Jun 44
Partly overcast. LAC Maglio EA awarded 21 days detention by CO Main Station.
3 Jun 44
Fair. F/O Parsons instructing several Operators in D/R Navigation.
4 Jun 44
Bright, some cloud.
5 Jun 44
Bright and clear. F/O Parsons instructing several Operators in D/R Navigation.
6 Jun 44
Partly cloudy. A section of 135 (F) Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
7 Jun 44
Partly cloudy. F/O Lees (DAPM Def) and Sgt Fosberry visited the Detachment in the afternoon and discussed a defence plan for the Unit. A twin Lewis and mount were also obtained. A complete defence scheme was outlined.
8 Jun 44
Bright and clear. F/O Parsons, Sgt Seale and 5 Operators & Mechanics carried out Sten gun and rifle practice at Pacific range.
9 Jun 44
Very hot, bright and clear. An interception exercise was arranged, but as R/T trouble developed after a/c had been handed over, the exercise was cancelled and the a/c turned back to Sector. Later R/T checked OK.
10 Jun 44
Bright, some smoke haze. Aircraft airborne for practice interception but exercise had to be cancelled owing to R/T failure. R/T serviceable later and Signals believe trouble corrected.
11 Jun 44
Partly cloudy. A new Modified type "F" VHF phone has been installed. This unit is equipped with a "transmit" switch and also a volume control for reception.
12 Jun 44
Partly cloudy. A section of 133 (F) Sqn controlled by F/O Parsons in practice interception. F/O Given, 8 BR Radar Officer and Cpl Shannon, Radar, 135 Sqn visited station.
13 Jun 44
Overcast, rain.
14 Jun 44
Overcast, rain. F/O Parsons inspected Barrack Block A and found all in order. Phoned Works and Bldgs to repair oil pipes or cover them which they said they would do right away. These pipes orginally fed the oil stove in barracks.
15 Jun 44
Overcast and mist. Sgt Brumer and Sgt Smith reported for duty.
16 Jun 44
Overcast. Commercial power failed 0830 hours. Switched to diesel. Returned to Commercial at DI 1200 hrs. WO1 Bates, Command Diesel Fitter, visited Station, found all in order at diesel power house.
17 Jun 44
Overcast, some rain, clearing later.
18 Jun 44
Partly overcast, clearing later. A practice exercise was carried out in the afternoon with 2 tallyhoes resulting. The exercise was very satisfactory.
19 Jun 44
Bright and clear. Practice interceptions carried out by F/O Parsons. IFF Signals from a/c failed to show on equipment here. F/O Hartree investigating.
20 Jun 44
Overcast, clearing later. Crew of three from #3 RD erecting IFF aerial tower.
21 Jun 44
Overcast, clearing later. A shorted condenser in Thyratron Unit blew out a valve causing a shut-down of approximately 50 minutes.
22 Jun 44
Clear & bright. A sector of 133 (F) Sqn controlled in a practice interception.
23 Jun 44
Overcast, clearing to partly cloudy.
24 Jun 44
Overcast. No practice interceptions as WX unsuitable.
25 Jun 44
Overcast, clearing later. No practice interceptions as WX unsuitable.
26 Jun 44
Clear & bright. S/L Smith of 135 (F) Sqn had planned to have some of the pilots visit during an interception exercise, but advised later that none would be free to come today. A practice interception exercise was attempted. It was unsuccessful principally owing to poor R/T.
27 Jun 44
Bright and clear. F/O Clarke (Detachment Technical Officer) reported for duty.
28 Jun 44
Bright and clear. No a/c available for practice interceptions.
29 Jun 44
Bright and clear. A section of 133 (F) Sqn controlled in a practice interception.
30 Jun 44
Bright and clear.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT JUNE 30, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 2
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 2
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 4
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 29 (4 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 5
Airmen (Service Police) - 9
Airmen (Equipment Assistant) - 1
Total - 52
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -687 hrs 15 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 1 hrs 30 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 30 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 1 hrs 15 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 720 Hrs.
(AN PARSONS) F/O
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Jul 44
Broken overcast all day. S/L Connor phoned that he would visit this Detachment July 3rd.
2 Jul 44
Scattered clouds all day. Requested Sector to arrange for exercise July 3rd. Sector officers receive promotions but 7 RD not among chosen few.
3 Jul 44
Bright and clear. OC F/L Scherk proceeded on two weeks annual leave. F/O Parsons assumes temporary command of the Detachment. Successful practice interception carried out in the afternoon with two tallyhoes resulting. S/L Connor and F/L Edwards from Station Ops visited the Detachment.
4 Jul 44
Bright and clear. At 0415 we went off the air and were off 2 hrs and 55 minutes due to breakdown in equipment.
5 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Sgt Dixon reported for duty; on attachment to this unit. Quarterly overhaul party arrived on afternoon boat from 3 RD.
6 Jul 44
Clear to partly cloudy. Went off air at 1200 hrs to commence Quarterly Overhaul. F/O Clarke cleared from Station on embarkation leave.
7 Jul 44
Bright and clear.
8 Jul 44
Bright and clear. F/O Parsons and Sgt Smith lectured in Recreation Hall in the morning. Five Crew members were taken to Sector in the afternoon.
9 Jul 44
Bright and clear.
10 Jul 44
F/O Parsons & F/O Hartree lectured in Rec Hall in the morning. Trip to Sector in afternoon. Bright and clear. Cpl Millar's remuster came through.
11 Jul 44
Cool and cloudy. F/O Parsons and Sgt Seale lectured in the Recreation Hall in the morning. Visited by Lieut McLennan and party from Esquimalt fortress.
12 Jul 44
Bright and clear in the morning clouding over in the afternoon. F/O Parsons and Sgt Brumer lectured in Rec Hall in the morning. Trip to Sector in the afternoon for five personnel. Telephone line from 7 RD to Sector u/s and reported to Telephone Co.
13 Jul 44
Cloudy and cool. Back on the air after quarterly overhaul at 1200 hrs.
14 Jul 44
Bright and clear.
15 Jul 44
Rain in morning, clearing in afternoon. Asked Sector to arrange interception exercise for tomorrow.
16 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Practice interceptions were carried out with 135 (F) Sqn. F/O Parsons and Sgt Brumer acting as controllers. Three tallyhoes resulted from these trial runs. All equipment worked well.
17 Jul 44
Bright and clear.
18 Jul 44
Bright and very hot.
19 Jul 44
Overcast.
20 Jul 44
Overcast. Arranged with Sector for exercise tomorrow afternoon.
21 Jul 44
Exercise with Sector postponed till July 22nd because DI period changed to 1530 hrs. Bright and clear.
22 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Works and Buildings whitewashed boiler room.
23 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Exercise with Sector cancelled.
24 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Interception exercise carried out in afternoon resulting in two tallyhoes. Station was visited by a group of students from Flying Control School.
25 Jul 44
Bright and clear. F/L Scherk returned from annual leave.
26 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Detchment visited by a group from the School of Flying Control.
27 Jul 44
Bright and clear. Very hot. Sector advise that no a/c available this morning for interception exercises.
28 Jul 44
Bright and clear.
29 Jul 44
Bright and clear. #3 RD advise that F/O Goldenberg (Signals-Radar) is posted on attachment for a period of approximately one month reporting 30th July.
30 Jul 44
Partly overcast.
31 Jul 44
Overcast in morning, clearing in afternoon. WIT cancelled. F/O Hartree (Radar) cleared station for transfer to #3 RD.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT JULY 31, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 2
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 2
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 5
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 30 (4 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 5
Airmen (Service Police) - 9
Airmen (Equipment Assistant) - 1
Total - 54
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational -549 hrs 05 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 3 hrs 55 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 23 hrs 00 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 168 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 744 hours. Hrs.
(RHV SCHERK) F/L
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Aug 44
Bright and clear. A section of 135 (F) Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
2 Aug 44
Partly cloudy.
3 Aug 44
Overcast, some rain. The OC attended a luncheon at the Mess, held for the CAS, A/M Leckie CB, DSO, DSC, DFC. The CAS asked a number of questions in connection with the operations of the Detachment.
4 Aug 44
Cloudy in morning, clearing in afternoon.
5 Aug 44
Overcast, later partly cloudy, clearing in afternoon. A section of 135 Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
6 Aug 44
Bright and clear. At 0900 hours we had trouble with H/R tube and requested immediate DI from Filter which was granted. A section of 133 (F) Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
7 Aug 44
Overcast, some rain, later becoming partly cloudy.
8 Aug 44
Overcast in morning, clear in afternoon.
9 Aug 44
Overcast, rain, later becoming partly cloudy.
10 Aug 44
Overcast, clearing later.
11 Aug 44
Bright & clear. Impossible to get aircraft for exercise.
12 Aug 44
Overcast.
13 Aug 44
Overcast, rain, clearing later.
14 Aug 44
Fog, clearing later. F/O Solomon #2 Detachment visited here in connection with inquiries regarding inability to read heights when IFF showing. F/O Solomon also discussed the variation in the positions of plots passed by this Detachment, and those passed by #8 Detachment on the same aircraft. Differences of as much as 5 miles have been noted, and attempts are being made to determine which of the two Detachments is "out" in their plots. W&Bs commenced construction of partition to form new office.
15 Aug 44
Overcast. In afternoon F/O Parsons gave Navigation lecture in Recreation Hall. Diesel Mechanics from #3 Rd called to get generator to take away.
16 Aug 44
Overcast, clearing in afternoon. F/O Barrett reported on posting, he will be attached to Pat Bay Sector.
17 Aug 44
Overcast, light rain in afternoon. F/O parsons gave navigation lecture in Recreation Hall.
18 Aug 44
Partly cloudy, overcast.
19 Aug 44
Bright and clear. Tried to get a/c for exercise but was unsuccessful. F/O Parsons gave DR Nav lecture in afternoon. A crash occurred on the midnight MT run to change crews. Another RCAF vehicle is reported to have failled to observe a stop-sign in coming on to the through highway upon which our truck was travelling. Both vehicles were damaged. No injuries to personnel.
20 Aug 44
Bright and clear. Sector advise that no a/c will be available for pactice interceptions for several days.
21 Aug 44
Clear and bright.
22 Aug 44
Bright and clear. An attempt to check the azimuth of the aerial, but it was not possible to make an accurate enough check, due to lack of proper communications or signalling equipment. It was decided to make a further attempt within a day or so, using Aldis lamps.
23 Aug 44
Bright and clear.
24 Aug 44
Bright and clear.
25 Aug 44
Locally clear. Interception exercise carried out with two tallyhoes resulting. Tests carried out during the day by F/O Goldenberg and Sgt Rutledge show that the azimuth readings are as accurate as can be checked with instruments available. Further checks will be made with Filter in an endeavour to determine the reason for discrepancies in plots passed to Filter by this Detachment and by #8 Det. F/O Slack reported on Duty as Controller.
26 Aug 44
Cloudy, beoming overcast in forenoon, clearing later. Detachment visited by W/C MacNeil (APM) and F/O Lees, Station Defence Officer. W/C MacNeil discussed Detachment security and advised of a forth-coming reduction in Service Police personnel on the strength of Detachment.
27 Aug 44
Bright and clear.
28 Aug 44
Bright and clear. A section of 133 (F) Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
29 Aug 44
Bright and clear. A section of 132 (F) Sqn controlled in practice interceptions.
30 Aug 44
Bright and clear. Practice interception carried out with a/c of 135 (F) Sqn.
31 Aug 44
Partly overcast in morning. S/L Canning Fighter Controller of EAC visited Detachment.
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT AUGUST 31, 1944.
Officers (Radar) - 2
Officers (Admin)Operations) - 4
Airmen (Radar Mechanics) - 5
Airmen (Radar Operators) - 28 (4 away on temporary duty)
Airmen (Diesel Fitters) - 5
Airmen (Service Police) - 8
Airmen (Equipment Assistant) - 1
Total - 53
SERVICEABILILTY SUMMARY
Total hours station was operational - 711 hrs 55 minutes
Total hours station was u/s due to breakdowns - 0 hrs 50 minutes
Total hours off the air for normal maintenance - 30 hrs 45 minutes
Total hours off the air for abnormal maintenance - 0 hrs 30 minutes
Total hours off the air for quarterly overhaul - 0 hrs 0 minutes
Total hours aerial locked for gales - 0 hours 0 minutes.
Total - 744 hours. Hrs.
(RHV SCHERK) F/L
OC No 7 Detachment,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Sep 44
Bright and clear. At 0930 very strong interference was noticed at some azimuths. It became very strong, blotting the entire H/R tube at azimuths of about 220, 030, 020 and a few moments later at 360 degrees. Filter was notified. By 0945 the interference had disappeared. It was established that this interference was caused by an external source. The various Radar Sections at the Station were contacted, but with no clue found as to the source of the interference. The interference did not re-occur.
2 Sep 44
Overcast, clearing later.
3 Sep 44
Clear locally.
4 Sep 44
Bright and clear. Interception exercise held with 133 Sqn. OC made trip to Colwood Hospital to visit Cpl O'Neill who has been hospitalized due to fractured ribs. 6 a/c from #8 BR and 18 Kitties in all from 135(F), 132(F), 133(F) were a/b shortly after 1330 hours rendezvousing at Victoria, thence they proceeded to Cape Flattery, thence across the Island to Vancouver and back to Pat Bay. The Vents flew at 10,000, the Kities at various higher altitudes. One of the Kitties was using IFF though this was unnecessary as the formation made a fine track and rapid accurate plot information was told to Filter. Upon the exercise concluding F/L Garland O i/c Filter called No 7 Detachment complimenting the personnel on their operating efficiency. F/O Parsons accompanied flight on Ventura aircraft.
5 Sep 44
Bright and clear, very hot. No a/c available for practice interceptions as they will be engaged throughout the day on air firing. A track was plotted with a maximum range of 95 miles.
6 Sep 44
Bright and clear. Practice interceptions carried out in forenoon and afternoon.
7 Sep 44
Bright and clear. F/O Mullins from #3 RD visited the Detachment.
8 Sep 44
Bright and clear, somewhat smoky. Interception exercise with Ventura 2177. Obtained two tallyhoes.