EXTRACTS FROM GOOOSE BAY FILTER ROOM REPORT
GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR
30 Apr 44 - USAAF, B17 #2423
The aircraft made a normal approach until 1756Z when it failed to turn to the right and come into the station. At 1800Z, it was definitely off course and USAAF Operations were so advised. Plots were passed to USAAF Operation giving position (Magnetic) and steers (Magnetic) to bring it into base. At 1810Z USAAF Operations were notified that this aircraft was lost and in trouble. Operations advised us that they were unable to contact aircraft. At 1815Z aircraft again headed north, between 1815Z and 1819Z aircraft showed a sudden increase in speed fading at 1819Z at 96 miles from base indicating a loss of altitude. Magnetic bearings and steers continuously passed to USAAF Operations who contacted this ship approximately at 1820Z and steer as provided by Filter Room to aircraft. The aircraft re-appeared on Filter Board at 1856Z, landing at 1917Z.
1 May 44 - USAAF, B24 #5086
This aircraft was part of overseas movement and was picked up 75 miles NE of base at 0118Z. USAAF Operations notified. At approximately 0123Z this aircraft contacted USAAF Operations and reported his position as due East of base, 40 miles out. Filter passed correct position and steer at 0124Z and as plots appeared on Filter table thereafter. This aircraft was away north of normal course - should have been over Lake Melville. This aircraft wandered badly and undoubtedly the passing of the first correct postion by Filter and almost minute by minute positions and steers thereafter had a great bearing on the safe return of this aircraft.
1 May 44 - USAAF, B24 #1088
This aircraft reported to Cape Harrison radio that it was returning due to engine and radio trouble. Aircraft being part of overseas movement. Aircraft appeared on Filter Table at 0305Z, 65 miles out and far north of normal course which would have brought it in over Lake Melville. Positions and steers passed to USAAF Operations as they appeared on board. Close watch kept on this aircraft until it landed at 0423Z.
8 May 44 - USAAF, B24 #0418
Ths aircaft was part of incoming movement, faded into base but failed to land and at 2207Z re-appeared NE of station at 26 miles. Filter called Tower for information. Approach Control (Voice) handling aircraft. At 2208Z it was obvious something was wrong. Succeeding positions and steers on aircraft passed to Tower. Aircraft faded 62 miles from base at 2212Z heading East. At approximately 2213Z aircraft contacted and given new steer, re-appearing at 2217Z , landing at 2244Z. Duty Flying control Office in Tower informed Filter that this aircraft had apparently been given a wrong steer at 2207Z causing it to head away from station. Filter complimented for promptness in calling attention to this aircraft.
8 May 44 - USAAF, B17 #7720
The story re this aircraft is the same as for B24 #0418. At 2255Z instead of landing it had continued East passing 25 miles North of Goose Bay. From 2159Z until 2221Z this aircraft obviously was searching for base. Positions and steers continuously passed to Tower from 2157Z. Aircraft contacted by voice at approximately 2220Z and landed at 2239Z.
14 May 44 - USAAF, B24 #879
This aircraft picked up a a bearing of 173 magnetic at 51 miles from base - far off normal course and overdue. Position of aircraft and suggested steers passed to Tower and USAAF Operations as plots appeared. Aircraft landed at 0417Z.
17 May 44 - USAAF, C46 #636
This aircraft was first picked up by #37 RD at 0249Z, off course for Goose. Positions passed to USAA.F Operations from 0249Z until 0258Z when aircraft faded. USAAF Operations attempting to contact aircraft. At 0320Z, aircraft re-appeared over Lake Melville and asked for position check. Plotted from 0320Z to 0344Z aircraft failed to land and Tower asked for position at 0347Z having lost contact. Aircraft picked up at 0350Z - position passed to Tower. Aircraft instructed to proceed to Mingan, faded from Filter Table at 0425Z on course.
26 May 44 - USAAF, B24 #1180
The track of this aircraft had been carried overland for approximately 45 miles disappearing into the permanent echoes over the Mealy Mountains. At that time the aircraft was slightly north of the normal route. At 2354Z, track faded 93 miles southeast from #37 RD and 204 miles from Goose Bay. Rechecking all tracks, it has been established, based on time of take-off, ground speed and distance flown, that this Filter Room track is B24 #1180 - the aircraft lost somewhere at sea enroute to the United Kingdom. It is understood that instructions have now been issued in USAAF Operations to establish contact with all such aircraft reported to Filter and check their course.
3 Jun 44 - USAAF, B24 #5195
At 0415 American Operations re aircraft returning that took off at 2333, 2 June/44, for Preswick. Ford Radio in touch with it spasmodially, but unable to get position and aircraft lost. 29 RU informed to sweep carefully. At 0524 plot from 29 RD on aircraft heading NE at 45 miles from Goose Bay identified as B24 #5195. Aircraft then turned and headed west. Positions passed to Ford Radio which gave aircraft QDM 290 degrees. At 0535Z plots from 29 RD showed aircraft headed for base. At 0553Z aircraft landed safely.
23 Jun 44 - USAAF,C47 #6029
During inbound movement from the west, one track was far north of route. Tower notified and 29 RD asked to hold track. Track faded at 1950Z at 71 miles from coast. At 1951Z Tower had call from C47 #6029 asking for its position. Tower based on Filter's estimates gave aircraft a QDM. At 2010Z, 29 RD picked up aircraft and carried the track into base. Aircraft landed safely at 2032Z.
5 Jul 44 - USAAF, PV1 #29851
Aircraft departed base for Crystal 2. It was faded by 29 RD. approximately 64 miles from base at 1328Z. At 1349Z aircraft re-appeared 11 miles from fade heading towards base. At 1354Z it turned and headed NE again and flew a very irregular course until 1412Z when aircraft flew a very ragged box. Information was passed to Flying Control who were trying to get in touch with aircraft. At 1417Z No 29 RD faded track 84 miles from base. At 1425Z aircraft informed tower that it was returning to base. Track re-appeared 17 miles from base. Aircraft landed safely at 1441Z.
20 Jul 44 - RAF, C47 #731
Aircraft picked up 50 miles from base apparently off course identified as either B24 or C47. American Operations and tower informed. RAF gave QDM to C47 #731 of 210 degrees Magnetic at 1815. At 1833 an A20 was scrambled to intercept and guide to base. Track re-appeared at 1842Z. At 1847 A20 intercepted C47 and identified it and gave it steer for base. Aircraft landed at 1922Z.
24 Jul 44 - USAAF, B26 #4331
American Operations informed us that they had a lost aircraft. 29 RD picked up aircraft approximately 48 miles from base. 29 RD were instructed to stay on aircraft until we were sure he was out of difficulty. At 2141Z aircraft turned towards base and landed at 2157Z.
4 Aug 44 - USAAF, B17 #8246
Took off for a movement overseas at 0540Z. At 0953Z #29 RD plotted this aircraft returning 42 miles SE of base, definitely off course. American Operations and Tower were immediately notified of the aircraft's position. At 1002Z radio contact was made with the aircraft and a QDM given by filter as a steer passed on. by 1009Z aircraft gave satisfactory evidence as having corrected its course. Aircraft landed safely at 1041Z.
6 - 7 Aug 44 - USAAF, B24 #1358
At 0635Z August 7th, a plot was given on B24 #1358 an aircraft returning from an outbound movement at 2324Z August 6th. American Operations and Tower were notified that an aircraft was returning, at a bearing of 080 degrees Mag. at approximately 200 miles. Track of the aircraft was irregular and plots carefully watched and reported. At 0658Z, position of aircraft passed to American Operations enabled them to identify it through radio contact at Cape Harrison. #37 RD plotted aircraft's irregular track to within 65 miles of base. #29 RD picked up the target at 42 miles and carried it into base. Aircraft landed safely at 0808Z, August 7th.
14 Aug 44 - USAAF, A20 #353
At 1405Z a peculiar track appeared on Filter Table bearing approximately 220 degrees T at 120 miles from base. As the plots continued the irregular track gave every indication that the aircraft was uncertain of its position. Every effort was made to identify this track but as the event took place a heavy inbound tactical movement was on and there being so many aircraft coming into base from that direction, radio contact with the aircraft was not feasible. At 1433Z the track turned and headed towards base in its erratic course. Finally at 1500Z it reached a position of 20 miles from base bearing 070 T, then for 11 mnutes it proceeded to fly in tight circles, then flew a box, the returned to circling again; then faded out at 1519Z.
This track was carried over an hour. A20 #353 was suspected but when finally called did not answer. A B17 #8138 which landed an hour over its ETA was also suspected but not checked by US Operations. After further checking all aircraft were accounted for except A20 #353. This aircraft was originally due at Goose Bay but diverted to Mingan due to weather. Later a report was received that A20 #353 had landed at Mingan, having flown around lost between Mingan and Goose Bay with the Navigator and WAG finally baling out half-way between Goose Bay and Mingan with ceiling zero. The pilot of this aircraft eventually admitted having been close to this base and it seems reasonable that this was his track before he returned to Mingan at low altitude.
14 Aug 44 - USAAF, B17 #8150
B17 #8150 was first picked up bearing 065 degrees true at approximately 100 miles NE of base at 1913Z. Due at base at 1900Z this aircraft had overshot and was flying away from base obviously lost. American Operations and Tower were informed that radio contact was not successful. At 1918Z the aircraft turned about and headed apparently for base but then faded out immediately after. No contact was made until 1940Z when #37 RD turned in three plots indicating aircraft over Sandwich Bay. At 2050Z aircraft finally off the coast.
From 2034Z to 2052Z #37 RD plotted aircraft along coast towards Brig Harbour and faded it near Hamilton Inlet. At 2111Z # 29 RD picked aircraft up at 110 miles on IFF. (Aircraft was showing BIF on request from Filter Room). Track was carefully followed and positions passed to American Operations and Tower. Aircraft now headed for base but followed Double Mer instead of Lake Melville. QDM again passed by Filter and received by aircraft from Ford Radio. Aircraft altered course for base and finally made a safe landing at 2156Z.
15 Aug 44 - USAAF, B17 #8353
This aircraft having been cleared by Ford Radio to Tower for a landing (ETA 1754Z) overflew base and was lost. American Operations informed Filter Room at 1825Z that aircraft believed to be in vicinity of Sandwich Bay. At 1836Z Operations reported aircraft at 50 miles SE of base. At 1854Z #29 RD plotted aircraft at 40 miles flying NE and off course for base. At 1847Z a QDM was passed by Filter to American Operations and they contacted aircraft by radio and gave it a steer. By 1849Z track indicated that aircraft had turned and was headed straight for base. Plots carefully watched until faded at 1859Z with aircraft in the circuit. Aircraft landed safely at 1908Z.
16 Aug 44 - USAAF,B17 #8059
At 0200Z #29 RD picked up a track of a returning aircraft. Just at that time American Operations contacted B17 #8059 by Ford Radio and it was reported to be returning. At 0204Z Filter reported aircraft's position to Tower and American Operations. At 0208 Filter warned American Operations and Tower that aircraft was on course that would take it south of base. At 0212 position again given to Tower and American Operations. QDM passed. At 0216Z aircraft on good course to base. At 0228Z track faded out, aircraft approaching circuit and landing safely at 0244Z.
29 Aug 44 - USAAF, #8183
This aircraft departed at 0127Z and was faded out at 0214Z. About the same time Ford Radio reported that an arcraft was returning with airspeed indicator, altimeter, gyro and other instruments unserviceable. #29 RD picked up the track on IFF and carried it steadily to base. Positions were passed to the aircraft but it was eveidently able to transmit but not receive. Calling mayday, uncertain of course, position, altitude, and horizon, the aircraft passed safely over mountains and as it neared base it was guided in by an American AT-11. Filter was able to keep US Operations informed of the wherabout of the aircraft in distress and passed positions on request every minute. Aircraft was landed safely at 0316Z.
4 Sep 44
Goose 285 from Torbay to Dartmouth via Sydney, with Air Commodore Morfee on Board. Asked for position reports which were passed. Goose landed at Sydney for refuelling and later took off for Halifax. This aircraft was unable to land at Dartmouth due to weather. Filter followed track and aircraft landed at Pictou harbour.
10 Sep 44
Flying Control reported an Anson from Summerside in difficulties, and flying on one engine. No 24 RD Tignish plotted on aircraft going south-west approximately 70 miles north-east of the Detachment. Flying Control notified of fade position of aircraft. Aircraft found near last position and crew of four rescued.
12 - 13 Sep 44
2310Z - Argentia advised Filter Officer that a Catalina was overdue. Argentia unable to contact same. Call sign of aircraft - 150 D. Argentia believed last known position of a/c to be 4430 - 52W, and that a/c should be approaching base from bearing of 135 degrees.
2312Z - Filter Officer alerted St. Brides, Allen Island to sweep in search of Argentia Aircraft. Advised DSO at Group and requested a D/F if possible. NBC advised.
2330Z - Filter Officer passed position of Target 278 going SE to Argentia. Although this position did not tie in with Argentia's previous position on overdue Catalina, Filter Room has no proper identification for Target 278 and believes it to be Argentia aircraft. Plots of radar station Allen Island on track of Target 278 passed to Argentia.
0010Z - Allan Island reported a visual on Target 278 as follows: A/C is a Catalina. Target 279 identified on Filter Table as K278. Argentia informed.
0011Z - Allan Island reported two red flares at 110 degrees and range of 10 miles. Argentia informed as flares fit in with track K278. NBC advised.
0105Z - Allan Island advised unexplained red flares sighted at sea between 220 degrees - 240 degrees and 10 to 12 miles range. Passed to Argentia.
0150Z - Allan Island advised that a/c heard overhead between 0049Z and 0010Z had landed at St. Pierre.
0305Z - Argentia advised that a/c which landed at St. Pierre was the missing Catalina.
0307Z - Filter Officer cancelled alert sweep of Cape Spear, St. Brides and Allen Island.
18 Aug 44
Filter Room reported a lost aircraft to No 32 Detachment, Port Aux Basques. Four minutes after this lost aircraft was reported, the Detachment began plotting on it at a range of approximately 140 miles. The aircraft was contacted and given a steer back to base, and an excellent track of this assist was supplied by No 32 Detachment.
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Updated: April 8, 2003