DAILY DIARY
13 RADIO DETACHMENT - AMPHITRITE POINT, BC.
January 1, 1943 to December 31, 1943
1 Jan 43
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 71, Total - 74
Hard frost at night. Clear with scattered clouds - unlimited visibility. A turkey dinner was enjoyed by all personnel in the Airmen's Mess. The YMCA donated a package of cigarettes, chocolate bars, and oranges sufficient for each man. Some of the personnel were able to attend a special moving picture show at the Parent Unit at night.
2 Jan 43
Rain in the morning but sun shone by 1100 hrs. Clear and cool in the afternoon.
3 Jan 43
Dull with intermittent showers in the morning. Cleared by noon. Bright sunshine in the afternoon. Church service was held in the Recreation Building at 1430 hours, conducted by the Station Chaplain, assisted by S/L McCullough.
4 Jan 43
Dull and cloudy in the morning with strong SE wind blowing. Scattered showers in afternoon.
5 Jan 43
Cloudy and dull, some rain.
6 Jan 43
Steady rain throughout the night and all during the day.
7 Jan 43
Mostly bright and clear with scattered clouds.
8 Jan 43
Light frost at night. Bright sunshine all day.
9 Jan 43
Bright sunshine all day. Unlimited visibility.
10 Jan 43
Hard frost at night. Bright sunshine all day.
11 Jan 43
Light frost at night. Low clouds in the morning. Bright sunshine all afternoon. F/L Hansen, F/O McKinty and F/O Potts visited the station on official business.
12 Jan 43
Light rain throughout the day. F/L Hansen of WAC Hqtrs., accompanied by F/O McKinty and F/O Potts inspected the station and remained all day on official duties.
13 Jan 43
Rained almost continuously all night and part of the morning. Cleared by 1100 hours with improved visibility in the afternoon. F/L Hansen and F/O McKinty spent most of the day in the Operations building.
14 Jan 43
Rained steadily all day. F/L Hansen, F/O McKinty and F/O Potts departed by boat.
15 Jan 43
Strong westerly wind developed during the night. Frost in the morning. Bright sunshine with good visibility throughout the day. A majority of those not on duty took advantage of the visit of the RCAF Band from Patricia Bay to attend the Band Concert in the Recreation Hall at the Parent Unit.
16 Jan 43
Hard frost early in the morning. Bright, clear and cold all day.
17 Jan 43
Heavy frost during the night. The intake water pipes in every building were frozen and it was necesary to thaw them before the washrooms could be used. In the Airmen's Mess the long supply pipes to the various sinks were found to be frozen and it was only after two hours work was it possible to obtain water. During the night over one inch of snow fell and despite the fact the sun shone brightly most of the day the snow did not melt. Protestant Church Service was held in the Recreation Hall at 1430 hour with F/L Ashford of the Parent Unit officiating. The attendance was smaller than usual as the majority of the personnel were still busy thawing out frozen water pipes.
18 Jan 43
Continued cold and frost. Despite every effort some water pipes continued to freeze and great difficulty experienced in keeping the flush toilets operating in the WC Building. Snow fell during the night and throughout the morning and part of the afternoon.
19 Jan 43
Severe frost during the night and feeder line to WC Bldg frozen solid where exposed. All flush toilets out of commission. During the morning the temperature started to moderate and by the middle of the afternoon all water lines were free from frost. Some minor damage was found but normal water pressure was restored to all buildings with the exception of the WC Building.
20 Jan 43
Very early in the morning the temperature dropped very rapidly and all exposed water pipes were found to be frozen solid by 0700 hours. Despite every effort it was found impossible to restore water to any of the buildings and all water for use in the Airmen's Mess and kitchen had to be obtained from a small nearby well. All available buckets were needed to keep the kitchen supplied. Every flush toilets was completely out of commission. Some snow fell during the night. Bright with scattered clouds during the day.
21 Jan 43
Cold with bright sunshine throughout the day. Water supply still frozen and adequate means could not be found to thaw out the feeder lines and well water had to be carried in buckets to keep the kitchen supplied and operating.
22 Jan 43
During the night the temperature dropped to 10º above zero (F), and upon examination the gate valve at the base of the Water Twower was found to be cracked completely across by the frost and unserviceable. Apparently the outlet from the Water Tank is blocked with ice as the tank still has over four thousand gallons of water in it and repairs to the main and feeder pipes cannot be effected until the whole system is thawed out. This cannot be done until the temperature moderates. One well is already showing signs of running dry and unless a sudden thaw occurs it may be necessary to find another water supply. A truck was borrowed from the Parent Unit and thirty drums of oil were delivered to the power plant despite the fact the plank road was covered with snow and traction poor. Continued cold with scattered clouds.
23 Jan 43
Bright sunshine most of the day but cold. No signs of a thaw.
24 Jan 43
Clear with sunshine in the morning. Clouded over in the afternoon. Further damage discovered in the main feeder line. One length of three inch pipe will have to be replaced. Continued cold.
25 Jan 43
Temperature moderated slightly. Heavy wet snow fell throughout the morning turned to rain in the afternoon.
26 Jan 43
Milder and overcast, rained at night. Water pipes still frozen except to barracks.
27 Jan 43
Mild rain during the night improved the water situation. Pipes thawed out showing split pipes in several locations, had welder over from Ucluelet, have water on to all buildings except Stores.
28 Jan 43
Bright sunny day. Welder completed job on pipes on wharf. Water scow being filled preparatory for filling tomorrow of station tank.
29 Jan 43
Heavy frost overnight, day turned out a bright sunny day.
30 Jan 43
Bright sunny day. Water system now back to normal.
31 Jan 43
Cloudy and mild at night. Church service was held by Padre. A few new attendants. The general health of the Detachment is still very good despite the fact the Water distributing system was unserviceable for ten days and all water for use in the kitchen had to be obtained from wells.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 66, Total - 69
(HW Bishop), Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Feb 43
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 66, Total - 69
Rained steadily all day with a strong south east wind. Shortly after sunset wind dropped but rain continued most of the night.
2 Feb 43
Bright sunshine with scattered clouds. Somewhat colder.
3 Feb 43
Intermittent rain showers throughout the day.
4 Feb 43
Scattered clouds, somewhat colder.
5 Feb 43
Rain fell most of the night and continued throughout the day.
6 Feb 43
Clear with bright sunshine throughout the day.
7 Feb 43
Cloudy and dull in the morning. Snow started falling about 1300 hrs and continued for the balance of the day.
8 Feb 43
Dull and cloudy all day. Temperature down to freezing and snow did not melt.
9 Feb 43
Snow fell continuously during the morning. Changed to rain in the afternoon. Very wet underfoot.
10 Feb 43
Scattered clouds with sunshine in the morning. Some rain fell intermittently in the afternoon.
11 Feb 43
Clear with bright sunshine in the morning. Clouded over by noon. Intermittent showers in the afternoon. Some trouble developed in the transmitter and the Detachment was off the air for an hour.
12 Feb 43
Light rain fell in the morning clearing by 1100 hrs. Sun shone brightly all afternoon.
13 Feb 43
Bright sunshine all day, somewhat warmer.
14 Feb 43
Bright and clear, good visibility. Protestant Church service held in the Recreation Bldg at 1100 hrs with the Chaplain from the parent Unit officiating.
15 Feb 43
Bright and clear most of the day with some scattered clouds.
16 Feb 43
Dull and cloudy all day with a cool wind from the south. Flying Officer FC Dickins posted from this unit to WAC, Vancouver.
17 Feb 43
High winds prevailed all day with intermittent heavy showers. OC visited CO, Ucluelet for weekly conference. Dance in evening at Recreation Hall at RCAF Station, Ucluelet. Some #13 Detachment personnel attended and an enjoyable time was had.
18 Feb 43
Dull and inclined to rain. Slight fog blew in around 1600 hrs. Soon disappeared.
19 Feb 43
Dull and cloudy in the forenoon. Brightened into a clear fine afternoon.
20 Feb 43
Warm and clear in the forenoon. Cloudy in the afternoon. Great activity in camp during fine weather. All personnel not on duty engaged in sawing and splitting wood for barracks, Mess Hall and Admin Building.
21 Feb 43
Sharp and clear in the morning. A fine sunny day all day. Water scow brought down from Ucluelet and tank filled.
22 Feb 43
Sharp frost in the early morning, another bright clear day. Warm throughout.
23 Feb 43
Warm clear day, frosty in the early morning. Plans being drawn up for an addition to Mess Hall to be used for garbage cans.
24 Feb 43
Good weather continues to hold out. Cool in the mornings with warm, cloudless weather throughout the day. Two medical officers, F/L Elliott; S/L Hessian; and two United States Army Officers arrived from WAC for a short visit. OC went to Ucluelet for weekly conference with CO of parent Station.
25 Feb 43
Warm clear day with slight frost in early morning. Water scow brought down again from Ucluelet. CO of RCAF Ucluelet accompanied by Adjutant made a tour of inspection of the camp here. Covers have been completed for the tanks on the Water Scow thus preventing contamination by Sea Gulls and other birds.
26 Feb 43
Bright clear day. Orderly Officer from RCAF Ucluelet made first tour of inspection. Lumber and supplies arrived for garbage room and transported from dock by MT vehicle.
27 Feb 43
Warm spring weather continues. Water Scow brought down and tank filled.
28 Feb 43
Dull and cloudy all day with a light mist in the morning. Church service held in the Canteen at 1100 hrs. YMCA presented first shows in the Canteen at 1400 and 1930 hrs. Pictures to be shown here on Thursdays and Sundays. The general health of the establishment is very good. The fine weather has enabled the station to get back on its feet again after handicaps caused by the freeze-up of last month and poor weather at the beginning of this month.
(HW Bishop), Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Mar 43
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 2, Airmen -7 5, Total - 77
Dull and misty during the early forenoon. Mist cleared around 1000 hrs and sun shone brightly. A calibration flight was carried out between 1430 and 1700 hrs.
2 Mar 43 Sun shone brightly all day. Another calibration flight was carried out between 1330 and 1630 hours. 3 Mar 43 Sun shone brightly all day. Another calibration flight was carried out in the afternoon. Inspector General arrived at Ucluelet. 4 Mar 43 Another Calibration flight was carried out during the afternoon of another sunny day. Works Construction party began work on the addition to the Mess Hall. 5 Mar 43 Much cooler, partially cloudy all day with only intermittent sun shine. Light wind sprang up and continued throughout afternoon. 6 Mar 43 Bright sunny day throughout. Squadron Leader Eaton and F/L Hansen arrived by plane from WAC and made a tour of the camp here accompanied by S/L McNee from RCAF Ucluelet. 7 Mar 43 Cloudy and somewhat cooler. Officer Commanding left on annual furlough and F/O JAR Cann took over his duties during his absence. 8 Mar 43 Bright sunny day throughout. Cleaning up the camp site and planting of flowers around buildings continues during fine weather. 9 Mar 43 A sharp frost during the early hours of the morning. The sun shone brightly all day. WC party finished addition to the Mess Hall. 10 Mar 43 Dull and cooler. A light breeze sprang up in the late afternoon but subsided at sunset. 11 Mar 43 A light rain fell during the morning. Dull and cloudy with intermittent showers. 12 Mar 43 Dull and cloudy with intermittent showers all day. 13 Mar 43 Cloudy and cool in the morning. The sun shone brightly in the afternoon. A cold wind sprang up from the northwest and continued until sunset. 14 Mar 43 The sun shone brightly all day. A Church service was held at 1400 hrs in the Recreation Hall. 15 Mar 43 Another bright, clear day. WC party putting doors on garage. 16 Mar 43 Sharp frost during early hours of the day. Bright and clear in the morning. Clouds gathered in the afternoon and a light rain fell. 17 Mar 43 The sun shone brightly all day. The Marine Section from the parent Unit installed a buoy in the bay to be used for anchoring the water scow at Spring Cove. 18 Mar 43 The sun shone brightly all day. 19 Mar 43 Another bright sunny day. Activity in beautifying grounds around the barracks still continues. P/O Beckett arrived from Cape Scott. 20 Mar 43 A bright sunny morning. Cloudy and cool in the afternoon. Works Construction party finished hinging doors on the garage and other small repair jobs. 21 Mar 43 Rained steadily all day. 22 Mar 43 A steady drizzle. 23 Mar 43 A steady rain continued all day. Enlargements to the storeroom in the Airmen's Canteen were begun. 24 Mar 43 A steady rain fell all morning. The clouds cleared away in the afternoon and a cold north wind sprang up, continuing until sunset. 25 Mar 43 A cool dull day with intermittent spells of sunshine. A Calibration flight was carried out between the hours of 1330 and 1530. 26 Mar 43 A light but steady rain fell all day. A wandering herd of cattle is causing considerable damage to trees and flowers planted in front of the camp buildings. 27 Mar 43 A heavy rain fell all morning. Clouds clear partially by noon and there were short spells of sunshine throughout the afternoon. 28 Mar 43 A cool and showery day. Divine Service was held in the Airmen's Canteen in the afternoon. Store room in the canteen has been completed. A hole was cut in the wall to provide for setting up moving picture projector outside the main room and thus increase seating capacity in the Canteen. 29 Mar 43 Cool and showery. All outgoing mail from Detachment to be censored. 30 Mar 43 Rained steadily all day.Orders given for a complete blackout for Coastal Stations. 31 Mar 43 Dull cloudy day. Heavy showers in early morning. Road from Spring Cove to Village of Ucluelet practically impassable even for pedestrians. General health of the Detachment is very good. Spring rains make it very difficult to keep an adequate supply of dry wood on hand as there are no woodsheds in which to store it. The morale of the Detachment has been lowered by the shortage of beer and by the new system of weekend passes which only allow six days every three months. RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 74, Total - 77 (HW Bishop), Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Apr 43
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 76, Total - 79
A heavy rain fell all day and was accompanied by a strong south wind.
2 Apr 43
A heavy rain fell during the early hours of the morning but by noon the clouds had cleared and the sun was shining. Sea still very heavy.
3 Apr 43
A bright and clear day.
4 Apr 43
The sun shone brightly all day. S/L Eaton and party paid a short visit to the Detachment in the morning.
5 Apr 43
A bright sunny day throughout. Gravelled paths were made connecting the various camp buildings. New system of week-end passes now in effect.
6 Apr 43
Rained steadily all day. F/L Roberts accompanied by F/L Hansen visited the Detachment. The whole Detachment was placed under a No 2 Alert, which was lifted by 2100 hrs.
7 Apr 43
A steady rain fell all day. F/O Cann left to assume command of No 11 Detachment.
8 Apr 43
Cool and showery all day.
9 Apr 43
Bright and sunny all day with a strong breeze blowing in from the ocean.
10 Apr 43
A bright sunny day throughout.
11 Apr 43
The sun shone warmly all day. Personnel off duty took advantage of the warm weather to go swimming.
12 Apr 43
Another warm bright day. F/L Cannings and F/O Crump of Public Relations Branch, WAC, paid a short visit to the Detachment in the afternoon.
13 Apr 43
Early part of the day was bright and clear. A heavy fog blew in at 1000 hrs and remained until the following day.
14 Apr 43
The fog lifted in the early afternoon and the remainder of the day was bright and sunny.
15 Apr 43
A cool dull day with no sunshine.
16 Apr 43
Cool and showery.
17 Apr 43
A heavy rain fell all day accompanied by a strong wind. Entire camp out of water owing to the unserviceability of the water scow. Water being carried from surrounding wells.
18 Apr 43
Rained steadily all day. Divine Service held in the Airmen's Canteen. Considerable difficulties experienced in obtaining fuel for the Mess Hall as whole Detachment is out of coal.
19 Apr 43
A small water pump was borrowed from the Parent Unit and by means of this the water tank was filled from the surrounding wells. A cool day with scattered showers. A heavy wind sprang up at dusk and continued throughout the night.
20 Apr 43
Rained intermittently all day. Barbed wire was strung around the camp boundaries and a gate was built across the plank walk in order to keep stray cattle from the camp area..
21 Apr 43
Dull and cloudy with scattered showers in the forenoon. A bright sunny afternoon. A concert was held in the Recreation Hall at the Parent Unit. Some #13 Detachment personnel participated. F/O Corner arrived to assume duties of Administrative Officer.
22 Apr 43
A generally bright day with intermittent cloudy spells. Several tons of coal arrived and relieved the fuel situation greatly.
23 Apr 43
A bright sunny day throughout.
24 Apr 43
A bright clear day with a cool west wind.
25 Apr 43
A bright clear day. Divine Services was held in the Airmen's Canteen at 1415 hours.
26 Apr 43
Sun shone brightly all day. F/L Hansen from WAC, and Dr Leggatt from Ottawa arrived at the Detachment at 1500 hrs.
27 Apr 43
Cool and showery. F/L Hansen and Dr Leggatt spent most of the day in the Operational Building.
28 Apr 43
Dr Leggatt and F/L Hansen left the Detachment on their return journey at 1300 hours. A cool showery day.
29 Apr 43
A light rain fell during the early hours of the day. The sun came out at 1100 hrs and shone brightly all day. Group Captain Luke and party from WAC paid a short visit to the Detachment in the afternoon.
30 Apr 43
The sun shone brightly all day. The addition of a carpenter to the Establishment of the Detachment has resulted in a great improvement in camp buildings. The health in general is good.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, Airmen - 73, Total - 76
(HW Bishop), Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 May 43
A light rain fell all day.
2 May 43
A bright sunny day throughout. Divine Service was held in the Airmen's Canteen at 1415 hrs.
3 May 43
A bright sunny day throughout.
4 May 43
A bright clear morning. Clouds gathered in afternoon and a light rain fell which continued intermittently throughout the night.
5 May 43
A steady rain fell all day. Clouds cleared at sunset.
6 May 43
A bright clear day.
7 May 43
The sun shone brightly all day. Two boat loads of Officers and airmen left the Parent Unit to attend the Policemen's Ball in Port Alberni. Several #13 Detachment personnel were in the party.
8 May 43
A light rain fell all day.
9 May 43
A bright sunny day with a cool north wind.
10 May 43
Bright and sunny throughout the day. F/L McKinty arrived on TD from #2 Group HQ.
11 May 43
Bright sunny day. Barbed wire being strung in forest surrounding the Operational Buildings.
12 May 43
Cool and cloudy throughout the day.
13 May 43
Bright and sunny throughout. F/L Mitchner and F/L Sheppard arrived on TD from #2 Maintenance Unit.
14 May 43
Bright sunny day throughout.
15 May 43
Cool and cloudy. Sale of Fourth Victory Loan campaign came to a close. #13 Detachment bought a total of $1500 in bonds.
16 May 43
The sun shone brightly all day.
17 May 43
A cool cloudy day.
18 May 43
A bright sunny day. Work parties still continue to string barbed wire, make gun emplacements, etc around the Operational building.
19 May 43
A cool dull day with scattered showers. F/L McKinty returned to #2 Group HQ.
20 May 43
A cool cloudy day.
21 May 43
A steady rain fell all day. F/L Sheppard returned to #2 Maintenance Unit.
22 May 43
A dull cloudy day.
23 May 43
A bright sunny day. Divine Service was held in the Airmen's Canteen.
24 May 43
Cool dull day. A light rain fell during the evening.
25 May 43
Dull cloudy day.
26 May 43
Cloudy with intermittent spells of sunshine. OC went to RCAF Station, Ucluelet for Commanding Officers Conference.
27 May 43
A bright sunny day throughout. Plans underway to enlarge the canteen for the purpose of installing a refrigerator. F/L Wellwood, Medical Officer at RCAF Ucluelet, made thorough inspection of the camp and building.
28 May 43
A dull cloudy day.
29 May 43
A steady rain fell all day.
30 May 43
Rained all day.
31 May 43
Warm and sultry. Heavy showers during the day. The health of the Detachment is very good. Lack of building materials hampering construction of woodsheds for the storage of winter's supply of wood.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, RDF Personnel - 31, Security Guards - 15, Headquarters -25, Total - 74
(HW Bishop), Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Jun 43
Heavy showers throughout the early hours of the day. The sun came out at noon and shone brightly the rest of the day.
2 Jun 43
A bright sunny day. The WAC Concert party arrived at the Parent Unit and a concert was held in the evening. Several #13 Detachment personnel attended. F/L Hansen and party from WAC paid a short visit to the Detachment. F/L McKinty and F/L Sheppard arrived on TD.
3 Jun 43
A bright sunny day. The Medical Officer from RCAf Station, Ucluelet made his weekly visit.
4 Jun 43
A light fog blew in at 1000 hrs and remained throughout the day. F/L McKinty and F/L Sheppard left for Ferrer Point.
5 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day.
6 Jun 43
A cool cloudy day. Divine Service was held in the Airmen's Canteen, with F/L Daniels, the new Padre officiating.
7 Jun 43
A heavy fog blew in at 1000 hrs and remained throughout the day.
8 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day but was overshadowed at times by spells of heavy fog which blew in from the ocean.
9 Jun 43
A bright clear day. Business section of canteen being enlarged.
10 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day. Personnel busy constructing volley ball court for use in off-hours.
11 Jun 43
Another bright sunny day.
12 Jun 43
Dull cloudy all day.
13 Jun 43
Dull and cloudy all day.
14 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day. A load of lumber arrived at the Parent Unit to be used for barrack improvements at #13 Detachment.
15 Jun 43
Bright and sunny during the forenoon. Cool and cloudy in afternoon.
16 Jun 43
Dull cloudy day. Dance to be held in the Recreation Hall of the Parent Unit.
17 Jun 43
Sun shone brightly all day. Lumber arrived from Parent Unit.
18 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day. F/L Armstrong from WAC, and Col Kingham from Joint Services HQ visited the Detachment regarding the disbanding and remuster of the Security Guard personnel.
19 Jun 43
Another bright sunny day.
20 Jun 43
A bright sunny day. Divine Service held in the Airmen's Canteen.
21 Jun 43
A light rain fell all day.
22 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day. A small space has been cleared and levelled and is now being used as a volley ball court by personnel in their leisure hours.
23 Jun 43
A warm cloudy day.
24 Jun 43
A bright sunny day. F/O Clarke arrived on TD to replace F/L Bishop during his confinement in hospital.
25 Jun 43
A cool cloudy day. Whole camp preparing for visit of Inspector General.
26 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day.
27 Jun 43
A bright sunny day.
28 Jun 43
A light fog blew in during the early hours of the morning but dispersed by noon.
29 Jun 43
The sun shone brightly all day.
30 Jun 43
A bright sunny day throughout. The Deputy Inspector General visited and inspected the parent Unit. A light fog blew in toward evening. The general health of the Detachment is excellent. Leisure time is spent outdoors during the summer months. A concert held at the Parent Unit on 28 June attracted a large number of #13 Detachment Personnel and was thoroughly enjoyed.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, RDF Personnel - 38, Security Guards - 14, Headquarters -24, Total - 79
(SA Clark), Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Jul 43
A dull day. A kit inspection of all the personnel on strength of the Detachment was held, and in spite of the fact that the Detachment is divided into so many shifts, it was completed by early afternoon.
2 Jul 43
A steady rain fell all day. Wood for the Barrack Blocks and other buildings present a great problem which is particularly noticeable on wet days. There are no woodsheds in which to store the wood, and no power machinery to drag the logs from the forest and beach and saw them up.
3 Jul 43
A steady rain fell all day. Despite the rain, rifle inspection of all personnel was carried in the Recreation Hall. The NCO i/c Security Guard, who has recently completed a course at Gordon Head, is giving all ranks valuable information in warfare training, regarding use, and care of service rifle and other weapons.
4 Jul 43
Sun shone intermittently. Divine Service was held in the Airmen's Canteen.
5 Jul 43
A clear day with bright sunshine.
6 Jul 43
The sun shone brightly all day. A fire alarm has been set up in the camp area. All fire fighting equipment is being given a thorough check. A Fire Committee consisting of the Admin Officer and two NCOs has been formed. Plans for a shed in which to store fire equipment are under way.
7 Jul 43
Another bright sunny day. A firing range is being built in order that all personnel on this Detachment may become proficient with the service rifle. The film "In Which We Serve" was shown at the parent station. A special marine run was made to #13 Detachment by the Marine section of parent unit and many from this Unit attended the picture.
8 Jul 43
A steady rain fell all day. A meeting of the Airmen's Mess Committee was held to discuss suggestions to improve messing here. Several useful suggestions were put into practice.
9 Jul 43
Dull and cloudy with intermittent showers. Work parties being organized to get in the winter's supply of wood for the camp. Lack of power machinery greatly handicapping the work.
10 Jul 43
A bright sunny day with a strong South East wind. Personnel now being given target practice on the rifle range. This range is less than half a mile from the Camp buildings and is situated on a strip of land known as "The Meadows". Six men use the range at a time, and strict range discipline is enforced. The Medical Officer from RCAF Station, Ucluelet, inspected the Camp.
11 Jul 43
A warm, sunny day. Personnel off duty took advantage of the first warm weather for some time to go swimming, fishing and boating.
12 Jul 43
The sun shone brightly all day. A strong, cool breeze blew from the north. A large percentage of the personnel took advantage of the mid-month clothing parade for the Detachment, to draw clothing etc from the Equipment Section at the Parent Unit. Wind Commander Winny, CO of RCAF Ucluelet, paid his first visit to the Detachment. It is anticipated that the American USO concert to be held at the Parent Unit this evening will be well attended.
13 Jul 43
Another bright sunny day with a strong cold wind. Nearly all the personnel off duty attended the USO concert at RCAF Ucluelet. Those attending reported a very enjoyable evening. Lectures on poison gas and hand grenades were given by the NCO in charge of the Security Guard at the Parent Unit. Another party of six men went out on the range for target practice.
14 Jul 43
A warm bright sunny day. Pre-Aircrew classes are being held by the Educational Officer at Ucluelet. Some #13 Detachment personnel are attending.
15 Jul 43
Another bright sunny day. F/L Carter from RCAF Station, Tofino visited the Detachment. Mid-month pay parade was held in the Airmen' Canteen. F/L Bishop resumed his duties as Officer Commanding after three weeks confinement to hospital. F/O Clark returned to WAC HQ.
16 Jul 43
A dull cloudy day. A light fog blew in but dispersed by noon. A rifle inspection of all personnel on Detachments strength was held. Lectures given at these inspections on the care of firearms.
17 Jul 43
An anchor was made for the garbage scow. When the box on the scow is full the scow is launched and emptied. All unburnable garbage is disposed of in this manner. Rifle practice and instruction given in the afternoon on the rifle range. A hot, sultry day with fog banks rolling in intermittently.
18 Jul 43
Warm sunny day with light breeze. A COs parade was held at 1400 hrs with all personnel off duty in attendance. Dress - Summer issue. Orderly Corporal handled the parade. Protestant personnel paraded to Church. Movie shown in Canteen in evening. Supper at Mess Hall included some lettuce from the Detachment's own garden.
19 Jul 43
Heavy mist this morning. Rolled away by 10 am leaving a bright summer's day.
20 Jul 43
A bright sunny day. Morning work parades organized daily. These parades are comprised of personnel whose shift begins at 1300 hr and are used for camp maintenance, etc.
The Detachment now has the Marine craft "MV Plover" with a driver on loan from the Marine Section at the Parent Unit. This greatly minimizes the transportation problem as well as being more economical as fewer runs are made.
21 Jul 43
A bright sunny day. Light fogs rolled in intermittently. All the personnel on strength with the exception of those on TD have been on the rifle range at least once.
22 Jul 43
A dull cloudy day. Weather in general very cool for month of July.
23 Jul 43
A light fog rolled in from the ocean but dispersed by noon. A parade of rifles was held in the afternoon. F/L McKinty arrived on TD from #2 Group HQ.
24 Jul 43
A dull cloudy day. Parties of six airmen taking range practice daily, weather permitting. The object is to have every man on strength take range practice at least twice a month.
25 Jul 43
A dull day. A heavy fog blew in during the early hours of the day and did not disperse until evening.
26 Jul 43
A dull cloudy day. End-of-month clothing parade for Detachment held at Parent Unit.
27 Jul 43
A dull cloudy day. A parade with rifles was held during the afternoon. Rifle drill given for a half-hour.
28 Jul 43
A bright sunny day. The Equipment Section at this Detachment is being moved into the Administration Building. The former stores room has been turned into quarters for the Senior NCOs.
29 Jul 43
A heavy fog blew in during the early hours of the morning and did not disperse until evening. S/L Ness and WO1 Bates paid the Detachment a visit and inspected the Power House. The first dance in the history of the Detachment was held in the Recreational Hall. Various committees looked after decoration, lunches, etc. A very enjoyable time was had.
30 Jul 43
A fog blew in and continued intermittently all day. Dr Leggatt and Dr Spinks visited the Detachment in the morning. The Stores Room in the Administration Building is now nearly completed. Considerable work is being done on the Sergeants Quarters.
31 Jul 43
A bright sunny day. The YMCA travelling Art Exhibition was shown in the Airmen's Canteen. This exhibition consists of about 60 framed pictures of various subjects.
The health of the Detachment is generally very good. Great interest is being taken by all personnel in the rifle range.
A great deal of constructional work remains to be done in preparation for the coming winter. The Standard General Duty strength is now up to Establishment, which will greatly facilitate the work. The chief handicap is the lack of a power saw with which to supply wood for the camp. The efficiency of the Marine runs has been greatly increased by the acquisition of the MV Plover from the Parent Station. The Security Guard section is considerably understaffed. One man is in Hospital and one man has been posted pending discharge. Three NCO's are attending a ground warfare course at Gordon Head, BC.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, RDF Personnel - 37, Security Guards - 14, Headquarters - 26, Total - 80
(HW Bishop), F/L,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Aug 43
A dull day. Being Sunday, the RCAF marine craft 432-PLOVER, which has been attached to us this past two weeks left for Maggie Lake with some of the RCAF Station, Ucluelet, personnel. No airmen from this detachment took advantage of this trip. The padre came down from Ucluelet at 1400 hours and we had a Divine Service. The exhibition of photographs, 60 in all, was shown for the second day.
2 Aug 43
Day fairly dull. We hear that the "Wee MacGregor" saw has been shipped. The CO and Administrative Officer looked over the site for the new road from the point road to where there is a considerable supply of drift wood. Some hundred odd logs 30 to 60 feet long, 1 to 3 feet in diameter were at this site. This will be a truck road; we will start on it tomorrow.
3 Aug 43
Usual "summer" (?) weather again. Who says we should not wear blues? He should have to spend a "summer" here. The road got a good start today; felled trees and had the brush cleared its full length of 50 yards. Arranged for those who will be on shift 1700 hrs till 2300 hrs Thursday to go to Tofino to attend the RCAF show, "Blackouts".
4 Aug 43
Weather a little better, at least we saw the sun for an hour or two. Started removing the tree stumps out of the new road. Letter came in stating saw was on its way - Cheers! Little worried about Orderly Room staff. Cpl Taylor left three days ago. LAC Arrol leaves the day after tomorrow. As yet, no replacements. Cpl Ryley, the chef, posted; hope the new one is as good, we need good food here.
5 Aug 43
Rained during the night and all day today, still everyone is happy and looking forward to the show at Ucluelet, tonight.
6 Aug 43
Just another day. The show last night was very good and everyone on the station saw it either at Ucluelet or Tofino. LAC Arrol left so we have no Orderly Room staff here now.
7 Aug 43
Bright and sunny today. Saturday but no ball game. The lack of space prevents any type of sports at this station except fishing. A few (very few) brave souls have had a dip in the Pacific Ocean, but it never seems to warm up.
8 Aug 43
Today is Sunday again, so we lose our boat for the day. So far, none of the personnel of this station have taken advantage of this trip. Letter to state one LAC clerk on way from #3 RD, Vancouver.
9 Aug 43
Still bright and sunny. Work in the orderly room is piling up for the "Joe" on the way from #3 RD. The CO of RCAF Station, Ucluelet, came down and looked over the camp. Letter from WAC stated have C of I regarding canteen shortage.
10 Aug 43
Still bright and sunny. Some of the airmen have gone down to wearing only one sweater now; seriously this is a cool spot and so far not one day that one could call hot. The "logging" road is being built of logs cross-wise laid and it is about 2/5ths completed. Got a plan of a new incinerator we have to erect here; the top part is on its way, the lower part we build. One wonders who thinks these things up for us. Wonder what folks figure we have been using up till now. F/O Dobbins and P/O Campbell came down to site a place for the erection of a Radio Beacon for RCAF Station, Ucluelet.
11 Aug 43
Another nice day. W/C Winny, CO of RCAF Station, Ucluelet, came down again, this time with the W&B officer, F/O Griffiths. The lack of drains and cupboards for the airmen was the reason of their visit.
12 Aug 43
Still good weather. Obtained picture and blueprints re cupboards and got first one built (less doors) Looks OK. Had meeting of the NCO's re the PT or organized sports. Decided to put the show back till 8 pm (2000 hrs) and have this parade daily at 1900 hrs. F/O Neilson from 2 MU arrived to assist with the secret inventory.
13 Aug 43
And a Friday, too, but not too black, in fact, a fair day. F/O Neilson still here and P/O Campbell with F/Sgt Metcalf came down again. Canteen meeting held at 1830 hours.
14 Aug 43
Summer arrived today. A real, good, bright day. Signal from WAC to say F/O Bates was relieving F/L Bishop as OC, effective 15/8/43.
15 Aug 43
Good weather continues. Quiet Sunday. CO's parade for church at 1400 hrs. New cook arrived from Pat Bay.
16 Aug 43
Little cooler today. Started PT. Boys do a little grousing, but that is to be expected. Road is about 2/3 built now representing a lot of work.
17 Aug 43
Weather good; usual routine.
18 Aug 43
Still fine weather and usual day. Had eight salmon given to us ranging from 10 to 30 lbs. Some fish!
19 Aug 43
Fair day, slight rain in the morning.
20 Aug 43
Weather dull. PT every morning at 0830 hrs. Going OK. Road for lumber more than 1/2 finished, but no sign of saw yet. One barrack block has the lockers in now but without doors, etc. So far we cannot obtain wood screws, pipe for clothes rods or 3-ply for shelves in lockers.
21 Aug 43
Another fair day, still cool, that is, too cold for summer uniforms. OC went up to Ferrier Point by air and OC of Ferrier Point returned with him. P/O Campbell and a Sgt and an LAC here from #2 MU.
22 Aug 43
F/O Cann, Ferrier Point, and P/O Campbell (#2 MU) are still here. Day is fair, a quiet Sunday.
23 Aug 43
Very misty today, but the sun is trying to get through. The road is being neglected these last few days what with the shipping of diesel oil to the operational point and the erection of a pole for a beacon being put up by P/O Campbell, from #2 MU.
24 Aug 43
Another misty morning. New OC, F/O Bates, arrived from Marble Island. Cpl Martin, the equipment assistant, brought his bride with him from a 48 hr pass and all the detachment attended the marriage held on the station at 1900 hrs. A dance was held in their honour at 2100 hrs. At the turnout to the wedding the polished boots and buttons were a sight; this is one way to get a shine on.
25 Aug 43
Fair day. F/O Bates and F/L Bishop began the process of handing over.
26 Aug 43
Misty morning, but cleared later in the day. A bear has been seen in the vicinity, but the BC police said not to shoot it as it is quite harmless. Dance in honour of F/L Bishop's departure was held. W/C Winny came down to it.
27 Aug 43
Fair day, usual routine.
28 Aug 43
It rained all night, and kept up all day. At last an orderly room clerk arrived. We have been three weeks without one.
29 Aug 43
Bright sunny day. Church service at 1400 hrs today.
30 Aug 43
Rain again. P/O Campbell and party finished beacon, but staying to make test flight in aircraft. F/L Bishop and P/O Bates still chekcing the inventories. Road almost completed but left to complete other work piling up.
31 Aug 43
Beautiful day, sunny with morning mist. All cupboards up but waiting for material for doors and clothes rods, etc. Got a present of $100 for the Airmen's Comfort, meeting Saturday.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 4, RDF Personnel - 34, Security Guards - 15, Headquarters -22, Total - 75
(GF Bates), F/O,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
(via Ucluelet, BC)
1 Sep 43
Beautiful day, slight fog in early morning. Eight Hurricanes from Tofino made a low level attack on both the quarters and the operational point. We were asked to plot them but at that time we were to go off the air for maintenance. F/L Bishop left at 3 pm for #2 MU. F/O Bates now OC. F/O Neilson accounting officer from #2 MU came to fix up the secret inventory.
2 Sep 43
Another fine day. F/O Bates and F/O Neilson straightening out the secret inventory. P/O Campbell, OC, No 1 Beacon party for #2 MU, getting weary of waiting for test flight in a Canso before returning to #2 MU. Capt Armitage, Dickens Impersonator, gave a two hour show in the Rec Hall; very good, too.
3 Sep 43
Dull day, fog out at sea. Held rifle inspection. Altered the Admin Building inside to make a room for the OC; adopting the filing system as laid down in AFAO.
4 Sep 43
Bright, sunny day, just right for the beginning of a Labour Day week-end, but don't do us any good. Coal situation looking grim; fatigue parties cutting wood for kitchen. Oh, hurry on that drag saw! Yes, the road is just about completed, but the day the saw arrives will the weather hold out? Airmen's Mess meeting from 1800 hours until 2130 hours; talked plenty and ironed out a lot. New sports committee formed and committee elected to fix up the Airmen's lounge.
5 Sep 43
Sunday, bright and sunny, quiet, except for fairly large turnout for church in Rec Hall. Remembrance service.
6 Sep 43
Monday morning, but bright and sunny. Drag saw arrived and was soon in operation. What a monster! A very powerful single-cyclinder engine on a very flimsy frame. The whole affair will have to be rebuilt..
7 Sep 43 Still bright days. Saw worked all day but falling fast to pieces. 8 Sep 43 As we thought, the clutch gave out, water tank sprung a leak, all need fixing. So it is out of commission already. 9 Sep 43 Weather still good though misty today. Cupboards in all barrack blocks, doors on all, but waiting for rods to hang the clothes on. F/L McKinty from #2 Group arrived and stayed overnight. 10 Sep 43 Still good weather. F/L McKinty left after dinner. F/L Daniel, the padre, from Ucluelet came down with Bill Gordon of the "Y". We hope to get a little more equipment for the airmen's lounge. We received a gift of $100, so asked #2 Group to get us a combined radio and record player. We would pay the balance from the Canteen profits. 11 Sep 43 Fair day, started cleaning up the thistles. At least, we have been able to borrow a sickle, seems a pity we can't get one of our own. 12 Sep 43 A new schedule for the RDF personnel was put into operation today. Night shift just do 8 hours now, and the 2 hr fatigue period is in the afternoon at the end of the day off. The meal hours have been tightened somewhat, so the cooks can get the place tidied and spend more time cooking. 13 Sep 43 Wet, misty day. Yesterday the equpiment at the Point completed 10,000 operational hours. Fatigue parade turned out at 1315 hours; this is the shift that just came off the long lie-in. 14 Sep 43 Bright, sunny day. The five foot thistles around the station are being mowed down by the fatigue party. Place looks better already. The Sergeant's quarters is looking well these day, what with the new paint and new curtains. The security of the operational point was gone into, and the wire put up by former personnel is considered to be of nil value as it is too far away, not complete, and not covered by rifle or MG fire. A new wire enclosure is to be made just out of the hand grenade distance and on higher ground, so as to be easily covered from one of the two MG posts to be erected to make full use of the old Anson turret we have had shipped to us. 15 Sep 43 Another good day. The skipper of the inspection boat at the mouth of Ucluelet inlet gave us a visit and asked could his lads make use of our Rec Hall and showers, etc. He and his crew were made very welcome. He is interested in helping us build a new rifle range and then taking advantage of it for the training of his crew. We like the idea. 16 Sep 43 The drag saw as supplied has proven to be too light in construction, and as most of the wood is a little on the small side we have semi-permanently attached the saw to a very heavy log on the "Meadows" (a beach some 1/4 miles away where the logs drift in each year), and it has become a regular saw mill. A crew of four men is detailed each fine morning or afternoon and in about a month we expect to have a good supply of wood piled up. We are waiting for the wood to build the wood storage shed, now. W/C Winny, OC of RCAF Station, Ucluelet, came down yesterday and inspected the station. He let us know that he was very pleased with the improvement that has taken place these past few weeks. The partition in the airmen's canteen is of shiplap, and we are promised a little wallboard to cover it. Also some of the finish on one side of the room where canteen supplies are kept, could use some wall board. 17 Sep 43 Not too bright a day. The lads got the water scow (our water is brought from the cannery some 3 miles away) out at high tide and had the bottom scraped and copper painted, before the tide reclaimed it. The scow is 20 X 60 X 5 feet. 18 Sep 43 Fair day, a little cold for a change. The truck got caught by the tide while bringing out wood; a stone bent the fan, which carved a neat slice out of the radiator. 19 Sep 43 Real wet, miserable day; lets one see what to expect this winter. Let us get a lot more wood cut. How about the wood for the wood shed? 20 Sep 43 Wet in forenoon, but clearer later in the day. Got working on the rifle range. Built up the butts on rising ground some four feet high to a total of 10 feet. This we made of four logs at the base each about 2 feet in diameter. The next three on top of that were slightly larger girth, two more on top of these then finally one extra large one of top. This finds the front fairly straight. The whole reinforced front and ends are well filled in with sand from the beach to half of its full height. Behind the butts generally is a high rocky cliff some thirty feet high grown over with turf, shrubs and trees, and behind all this, the open sea. With sentries posted, the site is as near perfect as is humanly possible to obtain. At 2100 hours, we held a dance for the airmen in the Rec. Hall, and along with the wives of some of the airmen who live in the neighbourhood and local cannery and village girls, the two nursing sisters for Ucluelet, we brought down the CO and the SMO. 21 Sep 43 A nice sunny day again. From the look of the "WRECK" Hall, this morning, the party last night was a success. We cut more wood today, and the saw goes all day now, weather permitting. Placed two small logs 6 feet in front of the butts and filled in between with coarse sand. Targets are placed on a square log in centre of this sand pile. S/L's Fry and Stewart from AFHQ and WAC respectively came at 1900 hours and stayed till 2100 hours. Much was discussed regarding the station but mostly along the lines concerning the recreational comforts for the airmen. Now we are hoping. 22 Sep 43 Cold during the night, but no frost as the sweet peas in area around the Admin Buildings are still blooming. We tried out the new range and 9 men fired 10 rounds each. It was very successful. After every man gets through some 20 or 30 rounds and can hit the target fairly well, we hope to get everyone through some LMG training and firing. The boat we have attached to us from the marine section, Ucluelet, (the Plover, a converted Jap fishing vessel) is having its bottom scraped and repainted. We had the CHO, W/C Chalk down with S/L Dick to look over the sewer system, which has been broken and promised to be repaired since January. The question of putting the toilets in the barrack blocks instead of in a building some 60 yards from the nearest barracks was again brought to their attention. F/Sgt Jones, of Security Guard, Ucluelet, came down and looked over the wire at the point, and promises to return with more wire and men and help us to put up a better fence around the operational building. The Armourer Sergeant from Ucluelet came down and checked rifles; they have now been turned over to this detachment. In other words they are now on our charge. 23 Sep 43 Bright sunny day. The range was in use again today. This time four of the Navy personnel from the examination boat brought their rifles and joined in with us. Work was started at the operational point in regards to the wire enclosure. 24 Sep 43 Still extra warm and sunny. We increased the number of firing from 9 to 12, this morning. F/O Briggs, the Signals Officer, from Ucluelet, came down to try to find out and remedy the cause of the cross modulation between the telephone and the R/T. 25 Sep 43 Slight rain today. Kept on cutting wood in spite of this. Extra messing has been purchased out of the profits of the canteen. If we run out of funds, a levy of $1.00 per head per month has been authorized by the airmen at the general meeting. Today we had fresh peaches, went well with the evaporated milk. There was a show at the other station and some of the lads attended. 26 Sep 43 Looks as if the weather has broken at last. The night was stormy, and this morning the waves were quite high. One of the two rowboats owned by the canteen broke its moorings and was washed up on the rocks; damages were slight. 27 Sep 43 Wet day. Arrangements were made to get an oil stove for the Sergeants quarters. 28 Sep 43 Still wet. The two 16 gallon are being removed and one tank of 92 gallon capacity is being installed. A NCOs meeting was held in the Sergeants lounge and the station generally was discussed with the accent on duties and responsibilities of NCOs and the backing they would get all down the line. The meeting appeared to be successful. We will be able to tell better in due course. 29 Sep 43 Bright sunny day, and Pay day. We used the range again today, both for rifle and LMG. The guard hut was pulled down prior to building a new one to serve both as a guard hut and gate to sign in and out of the operational area. 30 Sep 43 Another bright day. New tank in laundry room holding 60 gallons intead of the old one holding 16. The health of the detachment is good. RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 3, RDF Personnel - 35, Security Guards - 13, Headquarters - 21, Total - 72 (GF Bates), F/O,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
(via Ucluelet, BC)
1 Oct 43
Fair day. The range was in use again from 10:00 to 12:00 hrs., both rifle and LMG were used. The wiring around the operational point is going on well now, some 5 strands all the way around, Today 2 LACs became corporals, and two corporals became sergeants.
2 Oct 43
Fair but cold. Two line men down from Ucluelet are looking again for the cause of the poor modulation in the telephone circuit. It is found it can be reduced considerably by shooting the telephone line out for some distance from the administration building at right angles to the aerials.
3 Oct 43
Wet again and most of station activity indoors. Files brought up to date in the Orderly Room and fatigue party worked in garage. F/L McKinty phoned from #2 Group to say F/L Hutchison on way here.
4 Oct 43
Stormy all day. F/L Hutchison arrived from #2 Group. This officer quite interested in the detachment. He is posted to EAC and looks over WAC before going out there. Have a letter to say paint is on its way. Wonder if we get enough dry weather now at any one time to do any painting.
5 Oct 43
Started where it left off yesterday, rain, but after noon the sky cleared. F/L Hutchison still with us, he has just returned from overseas and gladly gave us a little advice on one or two matters. Seems though that his interest is more than that of a casual visit, he wouldn't be fooling us would he.
6 Oct 43
Fair today. F/L Hutchison left at 04:00 hours for #2 Group and F/L McKinty phoned to enquire of his visit. The F/Sgt fire chief came down from Ucluelet and checked over all the equipment today and will be down again tomorrow with red paint for hydrant and alarm. Got at the scow with paint, did all but the tanks.
7 Oct 43
Fine again. As the coat of paint on the scow was dry the tanks were painted this morning. Afternoon saw the woodpile mounting up again. F/O Steele, the Armament Officer came down and inspected the range and armament section. He was very satisfied with the stop butts and also thought that the armament room was looking in good shape. He checked the condition of several rifles and LMGs. At 20:00 hours a weiner roast was held in the Meadows. This had been thought out and arranged by the Sports Committee since noon hour and was very successful.
8 Oct 43
Fair day. Sgt Payne and party of 7 arrived from #2MU to do quarterly overhaul of secret equipment.
9 Oct 43
More rain today. We got a 45 gallon barrel of light green paint so should be able to get started with the inside of the buildings. Wood stave pipe arrived for sewer. This took 6 months to come.
10 Oct 43
Another wet day. OC Inspection of camp, not very satisfactory. Church parade not held due to bad weather, service fairly well attended though. Basketball team began new season with their first game at Ucluelet at 20:00 hrs.
11 Oct 43
Extra cold wind from the north today. All fires on; used a weeks supply of wood in 24 hours.
12 Oct 43
Very wet, wind shifted from the usual SW again. F/O Bates, OC, left for TD at WAC. Operators and Mechs doing a little painting in barracks as equipment is closed down for overhaul.
13 Oct 43
Fair again. The Guard House is almost completed and a nice looking place it is too. The wire has two rolls of concertina in front of it. F/L CHE Gilbert DAPM (Defence) from WAC visited the Detachment in the afternoon. Seemed very satisfied with progress being made in regards to security of the operational point, range and armament section.
14 Oct 43
Fair day again. F/O Bates arrived back from WAC at noon. F/S electrician came down from Ucluelet with a flood light to mount on the guard house at the operational point. This light is controlled to any direction by the guard inside.
15 Oct 43
Rough during night, scow took quite a beating against the dock. Fatigue party in full swing owing to equipment being off the air for quarterly overhaul. Wood cutting in the morning, but tide too high after dinner. Painted reel house a dull colour with camaflage paint. Cleared all cans and refuse from north and south beaches. The civilian surveyor from W&B, Ucluelet, laid out the site for the new sewer pipes. Three trees to come down. Mr Lee, YMCA representative of Ucluelet paid us a visit.
16 Oct 43
Very rough wind storm during the night, buildings rocked a little but no damage done. Sun came out in morning and fatigue party got busy with wood cutting, painting and brought down three trees. A bingo tournament was held in the reading room at 20:00 hrs and was attended by about 40 of the airmen and was voted a success.
17 Oct 43
Fair day, but the sea still rough. F/L Daniels, the Chaplain, came down from Ucluelet to assist with the organization of a discussion group. Some 35 airmen were present and were very interested in the idea.
18 Oct 43
Slight frost overnight, but day turned out very fine. F/L McGee, AR RO2 came from WAC. Airmen held a dance in the rec hall at 21:00 hrs.
19 Oct 43
Quarterly overhaul completed and detachment operational again at 0800 hrs. Work began on new sewer.
20 Oct 43
Weather fair, with intermittent showers. F/L McGee made a thorough inspection of the detachment and seemed very pleased with what he saw. The guard hut and the operational point and armament section here seems to appeal to everyone. Sgt Payne and overhaul party left for No 11 Detachment.
21 Oct 43
Station Defence Officer from Ucluelet F/O Dexter and F/Sgt Jones came down on the request of the RO2 and agreed that good work in the defense plans here was well under way. F/L Griffin W&B Officer of Ucluelet came down to see how the new sewer was coming along. The AOC #2 Group AC McLeod and S/L Lorrie OC of #4 BR came down and gave us a pep talk on the 5th Victory Loan.
22 Oct 43
Weather still part fine, part rain. F/O Bates OC proceeded on Td to WAC along with F/L McGee at noon, the latter returning from TD.
23 Oct 43
Cold raw morning, rain during night. F/Sgt Forrest came down for a few days to supervise laying of the new sewer. It is of wood stave pipe and needs to be joined with blocks of concrete.
24 Oct 43
Wet stormy day. Church service at 14:00 hours. Basket ball team went to Ucluelet and won.
25 Oct 43
Still stormy. Boat from Port Alberni did not arrive.
26 Oct 43
Bright day after the storm. Most of the airmen that can be spared from other duties are working on the new sewer. This is a job that has been waiting for a long time and now every effort is being made to have it completed.
27 Oct 43
Slight rain most of the day. F/L Griffiths came down from Ucluelet and inspected the progress being made on the sewer. Was quite pleased.
28 Oct 43
Wet day. W/C Martin, OC of the RDF School, Clinton, and W/C Fawcett, RDF Technical Officer, came from AFHQ with four F/L's and inspected the detachment. These officers made a very complete tour of the Detachment.
29 Oct 43
Day fair. P/O Murray arrived from WAC. This officer is to be attached as supernumerary.
30 Oct 43
Local showers. F/O Bates returned from TD, with F/O Beckett. The latter is to be cleared and is reporting for duty to No 2 Group. Sewer pipe completed. Kitchen and Mess hall has had two coats of paint.
31 Oct 43
Fine day. F/O Cann, OC of No 11 Detachment visited the station. Airmen held meeting to elect new president of their canteen and messing committee as old one posted.
RCAF Personnel:- Officers - 4, RDF Personnel - 32, Security Guards - 13, Headquarters - 21, Total - 70
(GF Bates), F/O,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No 13,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
(via Ucluelet, BC)
1 Nov 43
Wet day. Scow with supplies for new operational building arrived and was unloaded in afternoon. Another scow arrived at 1800 hrs with 13,000 board feet of lumber, this was also unloaded before midnight.
2 Nov 43
Still wet. Scow left in early hours but had broken the fuel line from the Standard Oil Store to pump on wharf. Record player and $50 worth of records received for Airmen's Canteen.