CHAPTER SIX
THE COLD WAR PERIOD AND UNITED NATIONS SERVICE
1946 - 1989
(continued...) 13 April 1973 was the first invitation to tender for SAMSON.
On 25 October 1973 a second United Nations Emergency Force Egypt - UNEF II was authorized to supervise the cease fire and disengagement of Israeli and Egyptian forces in the Sinai Desert.
On 2 November 1973 OPERATION DANACA was initiated. This was the deployment of 1 Canadian Signal Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel G.E. Simpson, to Egypt (on the ground 11 Nov) as part of United Nations Emergency Force II (UNEF II). Later the Signals component was redesignated 73 Canadian Signal Squadron and the unit was assigned responsibility for communications within UNEF II (Sinai Desert) and, from 31 May 1974 until 1977, UNDOF (Golan Heights).
In 1974 the Air Transport Command Band reverted to the Canadian Forces Vimy Band and was relocated to Kingston
In 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus following a Greek-Cypriot coup d'Ttat attempt which began on 15 June 1974. United Nations forces, including Canada's contingent, remained in place during the war. A cease-fire went into effect on 16 August 1974.
On 1 January 1974 the Commander Canadian Forces Communication Command position was upgraded to Brigadier-General. Prior to 1974 this was the only command in the Canadian Forces without a General in command.
On 31 May 1974 the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Golan Heights - UNDOF was authorized to supervise the cease fire between Israel and Syria. Canada provided a Signal Troop.
The International Commission for Supervision and Control (ICSC) - ICSC ceased operations on 17 June 1974. The last RCSIGS cryptographer returned home in July 1959.
On 27 June 1974 a $6,300,000 contract was awarded to Teletype Corporation for 600 terminals for SAMSON.
On 18 October 1974 the SAMSON contract worth $24,000,000 was let to Burroughs Business Machines Limited for the backbone system.
On 22 November 1974, "Begone Dull Care", the march of the former RCSIGS, was granted as its official march to 1st Canadian Signal Regiment.
On 2 September 1975 Air Command Headquarters formed at Winnipeg. The C & E staff remained at North Bay until July 1977.
On 21 June 1975 1st Canadian Signal Regiment was granted the Freedom of the City of Kingston.
On 2 September 1975 Canadian Forces Training Command to which the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics Engineering was assigned was downgraded and became Canadian Forces Training system (CFTS).
In the summer of 1975 1 Line Troop was assigned to 70 Communications Group, Trenton.
1976, OPERATION GAMESCAN, communications support to the Summer Olympics at Montreal and outlying sites such as Kingston.
In 1976, following the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, 644 Signal Troop, Royal Corps of Signals was redesignated 254 (UNFICYP) Signal Squadron. Canadian Signals officer, radio operators and linemen served in this primarily British unit until 17 December 1992.
On 28 January 1976 1st Canadian Signal Regiment rebadged to the C&E badge.
On 18 June 1976 the RCSigs Cairn was rededicated at the Royal School of Signals, Blandford UK. It was originally located at 1 Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit at Southwood Camp in Cove, Farnborough, Hampshire.
On 26 June 1976 Brigadier J.E. Genet died at his home in Belleville.
On 28 October 1976 Brigadier M.H.F. Webber was appointed first Colonel of the Regiment, 1st Canadian Signal Regiment.
In late 1976 UNDOF Signal Troop based on the Golan Heights became an independent unit after four years of being a sub unit of 73 Canadian Signal Squadron which then became responsible for UNEF II communications only.
On 15 November 1976 the name of the RCSIGS Museum was changed to the Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Museum to reflect the expanded mandate of the new Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces of which the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals was a founding component- Message DSRO 4271 162000Z Nov 76.
In 1977 the Supplementary Radio System portion of CFS Gander was designated 770 Communications Research Squadron. In 1970 the unit moved to the airport from its previous site. Air units shared the airfield site hence the need to distinguish the unit as distinct from the station itself.
On 1 January 1977 Brigadier R.E. Mooney, CMM, CD replaced Brigadier Clement as Colonel Commandant.
On 7 June 1977 Her Royal Highness, the Princess Anne, was appointed Colonel in Chief of the Communications and Electronics Branch.
On 18 August 1977 CFS Sydney, the last long range radar station to operate two height finder radars, operated its second height finder for the last time.
On 8 September 1977 1st Canadian Signal Regiment moved into its new purpose-built building (E-30 McNaughton Barracks).
In December 1977 the Regimental Badge for 1st Canadian Signal Regiment was approved by Director Ceremonial in Ottawa and by Queen Elizabeth II.
On 24 February 1978 Canada Hall, US Army Signal Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia was dedicated.
On 19 March 1978 the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon - UNIFIL was authorized.
13 April 1978 saw the start of OPERATION ANGORA. 82 members of 1st Canadian Signal Regiment deployed to Lebanon and relieved elements of 73 Canadian Signal Squadron in providing communications for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (on the ground 21 April). Hand over to UN civilians was on 1 October 1978 followed by return to Canada.
On 21 October 1978, 763 (Ottawa) Communication Regiment received the freedom of the City of Ottawa. Formed as 3rd Battalion, Canadian Corps of Signals in 1921 it became 3 Division Signals in 1925, 703 and in 1970 received its current title.
16 November 1978, 1st Canadian Signal Regiment's new Regimental flag was paraded for the first time.
In 1979 the older, tube technology computer system in North Bay was replaced. 900 pounds of high technology replaced 350 tons of the old.
In 1979 Canada ceased providing observers for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan - UNMOGIP. Canada had provided observers since the mission was authorized on 21 April 1948.
On 1 January 1979 NORTHWESTEL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian National Telecommunications became responsible for northern communications, direct descendants of the old NWT&Y Radio System and Yukon Telegraph Service. In 1989 NorthwesTel, now owned by BCE Incorporated (formerly Bell Canada Enterprises), began taking over communications for the entire Canadian north. This was approved by the Canadian Radio/Television Commission (CRTC) on 1 May 1992. The company provides leased communications services for many military requirements.
On 26 March 1979 the Multinational Force and Observers Sinai Peninsula Egypt - MFO was authorized to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai and to monitor Egyptian and Israeli compliance with the 1979 Peace Treaty. this was not a United Nations body.
On 14 July 1979, Colonel J.G.B. Knowlton, CD replaced Brigadier Webber as Colonel of the Regiment 1st Canadian Signal Regiment.
On 28 September 1979 an alliance between 1st Canadian Signal Regiment and 1 (British) Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment, Verden West Germany was approved by the Colonel in Chief.
On 13 November 1979 Her Royal Highness, The Princess Anne, Colonel in Chief, visited Kingston Communications and Electronics units.
Portions of the Pinetree system were incorporated into the new North Warning system in the mid 1980s.
In 1980 the Canadian Forces AttachT to Korea was appointed the additional duty of Canadian member on the United Nations Command Military Armistice Committee - UNCMAC. Since 1954 Canada had provided a separate liaison office to UNCMAC and this separate agency was then closed down.
15 August 1980, OPERATION Delilah. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Ramsay Withers, formally commissioned the automated message switching system (SAMSON) at 706 Communication Squadron, CFB Borden. It had been turned over by the contractor on 23 July.
On 21 September 1980 Brigadier-General D.P. Harrison sent a "stop Traffic" service message from 743 Communications Squadron Penhold to 740 Communications Squadron Nanaimo and 731 Communications Squadron Shilo to symbolize the cut over from torn tape to computerized message switching. Actual time of the cut over to Automated Defence Data Network (ADDN) was 220001 GMT. By April 1981 the system was fully automated.
In 1981, in a further realignment of CADN/PINETREE radar stations, western Canada commenced reporting to North Bay rather than to the previous (American ) sector stations.
On 1 January 1981 Major-General L.H. Wylie, CD replaced Brigadier-General Mooney as Colonel Commandant.
On 8 April 1981 CFSCEE dropped " Engineering" from its name to become CFSCE. This was in recognition that engineering training was not done there.
On 12 May 1981 EXERCISE RENDEZVOUS 81 started in Gagetown, New Brunswick. The largest divisional exercise held in Canada since 1958.
On 2 July 1981 a Signal Transmit Receive And Distribution (STRAD) decommissioning ceremony was held at Carp. This system operated for 17 years and passed 61 million messages.
On 6 April 1982 the Museum was granted federally registered charity status, number 0621474-50-11.
A 1983 DEW Line refit cost $600,000,000.
On 17 June 1983 Colonel P.H. Sutton, CD replaced Colonel J.G.B. Knowlton, CD as Colonel of the Regiment, 1st Canadian Signal Regiment.
On 1 July 1983, 1 Line Troop was transferred to 76 Communications Group, Ottawa.
In August 1983 the concept of a reserve component Electronic Warfare (EW) Squadron was developed. This squadron would provide support and augmentation to the Regular Force EW squadron. In October 1985 Treasury Board approved the formation of the unit. On 1 July 1986 the Reserve Electronic Warfare Squadron, 763 (Ottawa) Communications Regiment was established in Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Forces Organization Order 10.67 was amended to reflect this addition of the squadron within 763 Communications Regiment.
In September 1983 a Branch Reunion was held in Kingston. 1200 attended. This celebrated 80 years of military C & E.
In May 1984 an AN/FPS 26A height finder antenna, an AN/FPS 27 search radar antenna and a small cairn were mounted at the McNaughton Barracks site later designated for the new C&E Museum in Kingston. The antennae had been donated to the Museum on the closure of CFS Raymore in 1974. Official unveiling ceremonies took place on 25 May 1984.
In 1984 the first Air Force Telecommunications Reunion was held at Kingston. Over 200 attended.
In 1985 the new North Warning System became operational. It comprised 13 long range radar sites (11 in Canada of which 8 were old sites) and 39 short range radar sites (26 in Canada).
1985 EXERCISE RENDEZVOUS 85. Divisional exercise at Camp Wainwright, Alberta.
In 1985 Canadian Forces Base Kingston Officers' Mess was officially designated the "Home Station Officers Mess of the C & E Branch by Colonel Kevin Troughton, Commander CFB Kingston. This mess was the original Signals' Home Station Mess from 1937 to 1968 when Signals was disbanded as part of Canadian Forces integration.
On 25 June 1985 a Federally Registered Non Share Capital Charitable Corporation called "The Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Museum" was incorporated under the authority of Revenue Canada, Letters Patent dated 25 June 1985. Ownership of the corporation is vested in the Government of Canada through Revenue Canada. It functions as the Museum's "Friends of the Museum" agency which operates as a financial arm outside the limitations of Department of National Defence (DND) regulations. On incorporation the Corporation assumed responsibilities of the Royal Canadian Signals War Memorial Trust which was then disbanded.
On 1 October 1985 the HOME STATION FUND for the Communications and Electronics Branch as a Museum Corporation administered project was created for the purpose of increasing the profile of the Branch at Canadian Forces Base Kingston, the designated Home Station of the Branch. 
In 1985 the Air Force Telecommunications Association was formed.
In 1986, CFB Kingston officially became the "Home Station" of the Communications and Electronics Branch with responsibilities for home station matters assigned to Commandant CFSCE.
In 1986 Major-General Ian Alleslev was appointed as the first Branch Advisor. Previously DGCEEM and DGCEO were co-advisors representing air and land interests respectively.
On 1 July 1986 Reserve Electronic Warfare Squadron, 763 (Ottawa) Communications Regiment was established in Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Forces Organization Order 10.67 was amended to reflect this addition of the squadron within 763 Communications Regiment. This squadron would provide support and augmentation to the Regular Force EW squadron. The Squadron later became, for all intents and purposes, an independent unit. reporting to 76 Communications Group Headquarters in Ottawa. The official birthday of the unit was 18 September 1986.
In October 1986 the renovated entrance to the CFB Kingston Officers' Mess was officially opened by Colonel G.L. Coady, Commandant CFSCE, and Colonel J. Fleming, Base Commander. Redesign of the entrance, to provide a C & E presence, was done by Capt J.A. MacKenzie. The three 3/4 inch smoked glass windows bearing C&E Branch badges were provided by the C&E Museum's Home Station Fund at a cost of $2,200.
1987 RENDEZVOUS 87. Divisional exercise at Camp Wainwright.
On 5-7 September 1987 a Branch Reunion was held at Kingston. This celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school, 35th anniversaries of 1 Line Troop and the soldier apprentice program. 2400 attended.
The United Nations Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan - UNGOMAP was authorized on 25 April 1988 to assist the Secretary-General's representative in ensuring the Agreements relating to Afghanistan and to investigate and report on violations regarding the Agreement. UNGOMAP ceased operations 15 March 1990 and was replaced by a planning cell called Office of the Secretary General in Afghanistan and Pakistan - OSGAP in anticipation that further UN operations in the region would be necessary.
On 24 June 1988 Brigadier-General G. Simpson, OMM, CD replaced Colonel P.H. Sutton, CD as Colonel of the Regiment, 1st Canadian Signal Regiment.
On 9 August 1988 the United Nations Iraq Iran Military Observer Group - UNIIMOG was authorized to verify, confirm and supervise the cease fire and withdrawal of all forces to the internationally recognised border between Iran and Iraq. From August 1988 to December 1988, 88 Signal Regiment, formed by C&E personnel from Petawawa and Kingston, provided UNIIMOG communications. There was a squadron of the Regiment located on either side of the cease fire line. Negotiations were hampered by the refusal of the antagonists to allow any direct UN cross line communications.
The United Nations Angola Verification Mission - UNAVEM was authorized on 20 December 1988 to verify the redeployment northwards and phased and total withdrawal of Cuban troops from the territory of Angola in accordance with the timetable agreed to between Angola and Cuba. Canada provided 15 observers for the Mission commencing in June 1991.
1989 saw a new C & E Branch structure with formation of a newly reorganized and expanded C & E Association to replace the former C & E Association, C & E Institute, Branch Fund. Formal recognition of Kingston as the Branch Home Station was also affirmed by the Branch.
The United Nations Transition Assistance Group (Namibia) - UNTAG was authorized on 16 February 1989 to assist the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to ensure early independence of Namibia through elections under the supervision and control of the UN. UNTAG ceased operations on 21 March 1990.
The Central America United Nations Observer Group - ONUCA was authorized on 7 November 1989. Its mandate was to play a part in the demobilization of the Nicaraguan Resistance and to monitor the cease-fire and repatriation of forces. ONUCA ceased operation 31 January 1992.