SECRET
Appendix A to
Historical Report
Major Functions of the Unit.
The primary role of the unit during 1963 was support, maintenance and operation as a fighter Wing. This was comprised of two squadrons (439 and 441) equipped with the famous F-86 Sabre day interceptor aircraft. These squadrons were tempporarily deactivated in the autumn. The squadrons will be reactivated and equipped with Mach 2, CF-104 aircraft in 1964. The first of the CF-104s has already arrived on the unit.
The secondary role of the unit is that of the primary overseas transport terminal.
Operations
During the period 1 Jan 63 - 31 Dec 63, 9,230 sorties totalling 11,047 hours were flown by 439 (F) Sqn, 441 (F) Sqn, and Wing Instrument Flight.
Of these figures, 3,603 sorties were of an operational nature and accounted for 4,214 hours of flying time. The remaining 5,627 sorties totalling 6,833 hours were flown in training, proving and evaluation and testing missions.
Important flights during 1963 included two squadron exchanges, one with the Royal Danish Air Force at Skrydstrup, the other with the German Air Force at Leck.
This period also witnessed the flights of CF-100 and F-86 squadron aircraft to Prestwick, Scotland, for final disposal by Scottish Aviation Ltd.
Early December saw the arrival by C-130 aircraft of the first CF-104 for 1 Wing.
On 16 May, aircraft number 23419 had a nosewheel collapse on landing. The aeroplane was a complete write-off. Pilot was uninjured.
On 10 Aug, a 441 (F) Sqn F-86 was a complete write-off when pilot was forced to abandon when control problems occurred. Pilot suffered a sprained ankle.
On 30 Dec 63, a Bristol Freighter aircraft on final approach to Runway 12 under radar control crashed slightly more than a mile from the runway killing eight, including four crew members. One crewman and two passengers were injured.
Training
Transistor Training WGTO's Section - Jan to May 63: Four Courses - Total 36 airmen in Electronics trades.
Driving Training - One day per week for 30 weeks: Average of 5 weekly totalled 150 personnel.
Lifesaving Course for all Wing Swimming Lifeguards - one week long with 24 in attendance.
Routine Trade Advancement for ComOps on Morse training approximately three nights per week for nine candidates.
Informal lectures and quiz sessions on trade advancement were held for all relevant sections. There were 72 TE candidates.
Two solid weeks of lectures in preparation for Corporals' Qualifying exams with 24 candidates attending.
Nuclear Defence:
Specialist Airmen: 239
Annual Continuation Training: Officers 40, Airmen 444
Security Training: 350 attendance at lecture series
Weapons Training: 1200 officers and airmen requalifying.Technical
Mobile Rapcon installation completed and officially accepted 15 Feb 63. In June the Receiver Site was relocated and a 10 KW SSB to Trenton was installed.
In Dec TACAN was installed at this Wing, and a new antenna system was installed at our transmitter site by an MRP from 6RD.
On 1 Jun, an accident occurred in Germany involving a DND vehicle from 1 Wing in which a fatality occurred. Records indicate that this was the first fatal accident with a DND vehicle for this Wing which for the past three and half years has averaged 100,000 miles of operation per month.
The Wing Armament building (Bldg 12) renovation progam continued during the summer to provide three laboratories, Instrument, Telecom Air and ArmtSystems. A forward electronic supply facility was established in the building.
During the summer and fall a large number of technicians attended the CF-104 courses at 3 Wing FTTU.
Maintenance activity decreased steadily as the Sabre inspections were finished in July. The main activities of Maintenance during the latter part of this period was in preparation for the CF-104 program.
Official Visits and Inspections
1 Air Division supply inspection team carried out an inspection of the Wing's Supply Section 26 Mar 63.
A/C Bradshaw, Deputy AOC, conducted the annual AOC's inspection in April.
1 Air Division explosives inspector carried out the annual inspection of stocks and facilities in August.
Recreation
The sports and recreation programme was active and varied. One Wing hosted a number of Air Division events. Included in available leisure activities are hockey, skating, curling, golf, softball, badminton, bowling, swimming, judo, hobby shop, crafts, mess activities, skeet, auto club, squash, theatre and amateur dramatics. The PMQ recreation programme also included Teen Town, bridge, sewing classes, Scouts, Guides, Brownies and square dancing.
1 Wing "Arrows" won the Air Division Hockey Championship.
Public Relations
The Public Relations programme at 1 Wing RCAF consists of visits to the base by French and Belgian groups, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, school groups and church organizations, etc.
1 Wing permits the French Gendarmes and the Montmedy school children to use the station swimming pool on a regular schedule and other groups have been allowed to use the pool on request. Local French and Belgian residents are also allowed to attend 1 Wing hockey games and have become very enthusiastic spectators.
Possibly the greatest single contribution to Public Relations in Air Division comes from the 1 Wing Pipe Band. The Band receives numerous requests from large and small communities including Brussels and Paris and do their best to accept as many invitations as possible. They continue to be a complete success whenever they perform.
Administration
Handing-over Ceremony of Commanding Officer's duties from G/C DP Hall to G/C AF Avant took place on station parade, 2 Aug 63.
Air Terminal
During 1963, there were 29,318 passengers and 7,604 tons of freight processed through the unit's overseas air terminal.
(AF Avant) G/C
CO 1 Wing RCAF