DAILY DIARY
13 RADIO DETACHMENT - AMPHITRITE POINT, BC.
January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944
1 Jan 44
Weather - light showers. Everybody enjoyed the New Years party and while the shifts had to go on duty as usual, everything was very satisfactory. The dinner equalled that of Christmas with lots of turkey and trimmings.
2 Jan 44
The rains stopped and the weather turned clear and cold. The month-end reports are nearly completed and ready for typing.
3 Jan 44
There is snow on the hills this morning. The air is much colder and it feels like winter. The Christmas decorations were taken down and packed away for another year.
4 Jan 44
Weather clear all day. The New Years leaves being over, the lads are back on the job catchng up on fatigues and the wood supply.
5 Jan 44
Weather - at noon overcast with wind and rain. At midnight clear. Manufactured new coupling from rubber belting and installed in Gantry.
6 Jan 44
Weather - clear all day. The camp was inspected by S/L Elliot and F/L Stevens from Command.
7 Jan 44
Fair weather, overcast with slight rain at noon. New Rx arrived on scow with two mechanics from #3 RD acting as guards. This was loaded on the truck and taken to the point amidst the pouring rain.
8 Jan 44
Weather - overcast all day. The WEM Cpl and Orderly Room Clerk completed the new record cards for NCOs which were forwarded to WAC.
9 Jan 44
Clear all day. Padre Brownlee held service. Telephone lines to Victoria down because of heavy snow. Made special trip to Ucluelet to pick up Secret wire re frequency change.
10 Jan 44
Overcast all day. Clear at midnight. Quarterly Overhaul Party arrived. Changed R/T frequency to 3045. Shingles arrived for wood shed.
11 Jan 44
Rain all day. Quarterly overhaul party started work at the Operations Building. F/S Fennell, W&B Electrician has been installing new immersion heaters for hot water in barracks. The water scow broke away in the high wind but no damage happened as Cpl Peterson and his boys were right on the job.
12 Jan 44
Heavy rains all day. Beacon went unserviceable for lack of replacements, but the mechanics shorted out the missing valve and got it going again. Overhaul progressing favourably. F/O Patrick of 9 CMU inspected building supplies and site and discussed plans for erection of new Operations Building.
13 Jan 44
Still raining. A W&B Sgt inspected stoves and made a list of recommendations as to necessary repairs. New Rx has been installed at the Point and the old one stored in garage awaiting shipment.
14 Jan 44
Weather fair and cool. A small radio missing from the barracks. A search failed to find it. Foundation for wood-shed excavated and one log drawn from the bush for a sill.
15 Jan 44
Weather - light rain in afternoon. Another log was snaked out of the bush and hauled to the site of the new building. New tractor is proving very handy. Pay parade at 1400 hrs. Cy Lee, YMCA man visited the camp and stayed for dinner. OCs inspection.
16 Jan 44
Heavy rain all day. Day was spent applying finishing touches to equipment, as quarterly party caught morning boat to Ferrer Point. Sgt payne and installation crew to remain until Tuesday or so.
17 Jan 44
Weather still bad with heavy rainfall. Returned to air at 0800 hrs after Quarterly Overhaul. Overseas posting notice received for one chef, AC1 Funk, who is busy obtaining his clearances. Failure of last 2V3G at Point. Substituted 2X2.
18 Jan 44
Raining all day. Sgt Payne of #3 RD left to go back this morning. Direct line went out during early hours of morning, necessitating use of R/T. Check showed all wires to Victoria were out of order. Probably result of a windfall.
19 Jan 44
Weather cleared. Trouble at Point at 0500 hrs. Set off the air for about 3 hrs. Scow carrying cement for new Operations building and flooring for mess hall arrived today.
20 Jan 44
Day beautiful, clear and bright. Gathered several hundred beer bottles around camp and neighbouring establishments to reduce our shortage. Ended up with a surplus.
21 Jan 44
Weather, still fairly clear. Had trouble unloading 9 CMU compressor as one wheel went through the ramp. However, men raised it with a jack and removed it satisfactorily. The surveyors are at the point laying sight of new building.
22 Jan 44
Weather still clear. F/O Fox, the OC succeeding F/O Bates, arrived. Both he and F/O Bates are very busy looking after the details of Inventory transfer.
23 Jan 44
Weather fair. Padre Brownlee arrived for Divine Service. Uncertainty of his being able to come as responsible for the poor turn-out. Moving Picture well attended.
24 Jan 44 Very bright weather. Two more cases of stealing reported, this time money, sums of $7 and $8 from AC1 Berg and AC1 Driedger. Investigations are being made in such a way as to avoid frightening off the culprit. F/O Bates left at 0830 hrs to complete some business in preparation for leaving on noon boat. 25 Jan 44 Fine weather. The day was spent attending to correspondence that had been carried over during the transfer. 26 Jan 44 Fine weather. LAC Beaudoin designed blackout shields for new blinds, conforming partially with submitted blue-prints. Wood sizes listed unobtainable. Beacon not picked up by 3 Ucluelet craft but its operation apparently normal. Test Craft from Vancouver received us. 27 Jan 44 Fine weather. Visit of F/O Dobbins of Ucluelet Radar Section, who checked operation of our Beacon, because of apparent poor output as indicated by inability of ASV Equipment at Ucluelet to receive our signal. F/O George Dupres, Intelligence Officer at Ucluelet, provided an evening of excellent instruction and entertainment with his talk on his operational experiences in England. Almost 100% of the available men were present. Canteen was changed over from 10 KV transformer to 7 1/2 KV. 28 Jan 44 Fine weather. Reorganized Command Instructions into two books as more space was required. Very successful test flight made between 1400 and 1700 hrs. Operators and Mechanics who have been on the station for long periods declare it the best they have seen here. 29 Jan 44 Weather fine and mild. Received posting of Equipment Assistant. AC1 Bohemier (GD) is to be trained to do his work. A Stag Bingo was enjoyed in the Recreational Hall. 30 Jan 44 Fine weather. One boatload of #13 Det men went to Ucluelet to attend a Variety Show played by a Victoria troupe. 31 Jan 44 Slight rain. Thyratron broke down at noon for a short time. Pay parade was held at 1400 hrs. Moving pictures shown Monday instead of Sunday evening. Strength: Officers - 2, Radar Operators and Mechs - 32, HQ - 32, Total - 66 (EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Feb 44
Weather - dull with light rains. Another case of stealing reported by AC Berg who lost $20 from his wallet during the night. His jacket, with his wallet in the breast pocket, was hanging under his locker. Service Police at Ucluelet were notified and investigations are being made.
2 Feb 44
Very stormy with heavy rain. P/O Fink arrived from Coal Harbour as a second supernumerary officer. S/L Hansen and F/L McKinty came by aircraft to Ucluelet. Spent afternoon talking over the general situation here with F/O Fox.
3 Feb 44
Heavy rain continued. S/L Hansen and F/O McKinty proceeded to the point at 0830 hrs to examine the operational site. At 10:30 they made a tour of inspection of whole camp. Expressed satisfaction with findings. Afternoon was spent discussing plans for landscaping the camp area and reviewing proposed technical modifications and additions. MO (F/L Wellwood) inspected camp. Padre came for supper and stayed for evening.
4 Feb 44
Rain continued but much lighter. Day was spent clearing up correspondence. F/O Patrick (9 CMU) was here to see OC regarding operational building progress.
5 Feb 44
Very heavy rain with driving wind. F/O Fox went to see S/L Lowry at Ucluelet in the morning re Beacon. In the afternoon, P/O Murray went to Ucluelet to see F/L Griffin regarding blackout shields for blinds, fire ladders, paint and cement for IFF tower base.
6 Feb 44
Dull day with little rain until a shower fell about 1800 hrs. Padre's visit for Divine Worship cancelled because of his disposition after dental visit.
7 Feb 44
Fair weather. 9 CMU, who are awaiting supplies to continue with new operations building, commenced building our wood shed.
8 Feb 44
Fair weather. Wood shed is going up very rapidly. Cpl Reid and crew cleaned up area around garage and built new vegetable bins in the root house. LAC Phenix did a very fine job of the carpentering. F/O Fox went out with F/O Dobbins on a Beacon Test Flight.
9 Feb 44
Weather fine. Test run conducted on Beacon.
10 Feb 44
Fine weather. Padre down for supper and attended the discussion meeting.
11 Feb 44
Fine clear weather. All personnel of this Detachment were invited to a dance held at the parent station with 35 girls of the Adanac Ria Club of Vancouver in attendance.
12 Feb 44
Very clear warm weather. A very successful dance was held in the Canteen with 35 lovely young ladies of the Adanac Ria (Canada Air) Club of Vancouver in attendance. The new CO (S/L Beardmore), F/L Walker and Mr Cy Lee of the YMCA were in attendance.
13 Feb 44
Weather dull but no rain. F/O Fox, who had the day off, went to Tofino to play basketball for Ucluelet team. Victorious! P/O Takefman, new Supernumerary in Radar Section at Ucluelet paid a visit to this Detachment.
14 Feb 44
Alternately bright and dull all day. St Valentines day. Drew logs for cribbing in front of garage, fatigue crew making a very unsatisfactory start in the morning and several volunteers producing much better result in the afternoon.
15 Feb 44
Light rain. Pay parade at 1400 hrs. Commenced cribbing of area in front of garage for purpose of leveling. General Airmen's Mess Meeting at 1830 hrs. Received Weekly Operations and Monthly Technical forms from Command. Apparently we went to a great deal of unnecessary trouble in making the stencils.
16 Feb 44
Fine weather.LAC Murray, Carpenter of #9 CMU reported loss of $4 from his locker, between 0800 hrs and 1700 hrs. Three one-dollar bills were marked and placed in the wallet of AC1 Bohemier, who was to display them and leave the wallet in his coat behind his bed. Marking was witnessed by Cpl Thorington, LAC Murray and P/O Murray.
17 Feb 44
Fine weather. AC1 Bohemier reported at 0830 hrs that the bills were still in his wallet. At 1145 hrs he returned from his barracks to say that the bills had been taken. Immediately, all men in his barrack block were searched, also their lockers, kit-bags were thoroughly combed without trace. It was very difficult to understand what opportunity the thief had to dispose of the bills.
18 Feb 44
Fine weather, warm sun. S/O Jeffes and F/O Britton of AFHQ and WAC, respectively visited the camp to investigate messing and canteens. Their pilot accompanied them; also F/L Walker of Ucluelet. P/O Firneisz, Observor from Ucluelet visited point with Astrol Compass to check the Azimuth of our aerial. His check indicated that all bearings are correct. F/L Mills of #2 Group conversed with P/O Murray re this check, stating that the evidence clearly indicated an error of 8º in our readings. He predicted his intention of going into the matter more fully with F/L McKinty, RO at Group. Posting came in for Cpl Peterson. New Beacon arrived in three packing cases with two escorts who are to return Saturday.
19 Feb 44
Bright weather. Cpl O'Byrne re-checked fire extinguishers and the shortage now is only 2 quart pyrenes and 2 red axes. LAC St-Amant injured finger chopping wood. He was rushed down to Ucluelet in a dinghy where F/L Wellwood placed several stitches in an effort to save the finger. St-Amant placed on an attend C, until Monday when F/L Wellwood will decide whether or not part of the finger is to be removed.
20 Feb 44
Overcast, no rain. Church attendance disgraceful once again, a total of ten men, officers and civilians. P/O Murray intends to talk with the men about their neglect in this regard. Evening show well attended, Educational films were included.
21 Feb 44
Very fine weather with frost. Morning spent on correspondence. F/O Fox returned from "48". #9 CMU who are held up through lack of supplies are doing odd jobs about the camp. Anticipate arrival of supply barge on Monday next. During afternoon, P/O Funk Cpl Brisco and LAC Holloway rearranged the Equipment Section.
22 Feb 44
Fine weather, heavy morning frost. P/O Murray received $25 from Accounts at Ucluelet as a Petty Cash Imprest, to be used for entertainment, books, music and any other petty cash expenditures connected with the Canteen or Messing Committees. P/O Fink has assumed responsibility for it supervision. F/O Fox and helpers strung a new aerial for the RT. As the landline was u/s and R/T contact was not being made this was imperative. With the new aerial, we established contact immediately. At a special muster parade, P/O Murray talked to the men regarding drinking when going on duty, Thursday fatigue parades, picking up the mail daily, complaints to the cooking staff and attendance at church services.
23 Feb 44
Fine warm day; spring is here? F/O Fox and P/O Fink re-situated the HF RT antenna in order to make a shorter feeder possible. P/O Murray had the day off duty.
24 Feb 44
Fine day; warmest this year. Inaugurated 1 hr fatigues for all personnel. Well spent or as evidenced by windows, floors and buildings througout. Very busy day at operations site. Continual plotting all day and well into the night. #9 CMU laid fir floor in kitchen during the night. Great Improvement and would be advisable for Mess Hall itself to be done likewise. #9 CMU waiting on barge load of materials to continue work on new operations site.
25 Feb 44
Light rain all morning which cleared away soon after noon hour. F/O Fox left for Vancouver for basketball game at the request of the CO at Ucluelet. Tried, unsuccessfully, to contact Cape Scott at the request of Group Filter. P/O Fink started to take day off but gave up and worked instead. Notice of posting for LACs Anderson, Willis and Holloway to #1 "Y" Depot for overseas arrived. Rushed their clearances and had them ready for the 4 AM boat Saturday. LAC Edwards, Radar Mech, posted to #3 RD.
26 Feb 44
Fine warm day. F/O Fox still in Vancouver. Installed new beacon at the Point. Seemed to work quite well and Ucluelet picked up our signal. An aircraft was supposed to take off from Ucluelet to test the strength of the signal in the air but all aircraft were grounded. LAC Edwards, Radar Mech, was cleared and left the station en route to #3 RD. Received a signal advising that LAC McMurchy, Radar Mech was posted to this Detachment. Busy day at the Point. P/O Fink, Cpl Berrington and Sgt Doherty met in the evening to discuss plans for the Red Cross Campaign.
27 Feb 44
Quite cloudy and dull in the morning but cleared up nicely in the afternoon. F/O Patrick (#9 CMU) from Tofino spent the afternoon here. The scow arrived from Vancouver at 15:30 hrs, loaded with lumber and gravel needed for our Operational Site. F/O Fox returned from Vancouver by aircraft but spent the night at Ucluelet. The regular show for Sunday night was cancelled, but is to be shown on Monday Night.
28 Feb 44
Fine warm day. F/O Fox arrived at the Detachment early in the morning. P/O Murray started his 48. The dump truck from Tofino arrived on a scow about 16:00 hrs. The tide was not high enough to beach the gravel scow, so it was securely tied and left for early Tuesday morning. F/O Fox spent a busy day at the Point. Reeived a signal advising up that LAC McMurchy's posting was cancelled as he was being posted Overseas. Four new #9 CMU arrived on the station to assist in building the Operational site. A Red Cross collection was made at both the afternoon and evening performances of the show.
29 Feb 44
Fine warm day. From 03:00 to 05:00 hrs were spent in beaching the gravel scow, so that we might unload it. F/O Fox spent a busy morning at the Point, while P/O Fink assisted the men in unloading the scow. All the lumber was unloaded. The bulldozer was also taken from the scow and used in clearing and levelling our new road in front of the garage. At 14:00 hrs F/O Dickson arrived from Ucluelet for the Pay Parade. P/O Fink and P/O Murray accepted contributions from the men for the Red Cross Fund. The entertainment committee held a meeting at 1500 hrs to discuss plans for a variety show to be held on March 18, proceeds to the Red Cross.
Strength: Officers - 3, Radar Operators and Mechs - 27, HQ - 28, Total - 58
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Mar 44
Beautiful weather. Month-end reports kept all the Administrative and Technical Staff busy. Continued grading the roads with the bulldozer. #9 CMU truck is causing serious damage to road planking. Continual repair necessary.
2 Mar 44
Rain all day with high winds. A combination of the rain, soft earth after the grading and the heavy truck wrought havoc with the area in front of the Administration Building.
3 Mar 44
Rain all day. Road secured further damage from trucks heavily loaded with gravel. Received delayed notification to post all Security Guards not remustering to Service Police. All expressed desire to leave. Dispatched signal to WAC requesting further instructions. F/O Dobbins and P/O Tohefman visited Detachment to help celebrate OCs birthday.
4 Mar 44
Lovely bright day. CO of Ucluelet advised immediate clearance and posting of Security Guards. An all time clearance record was established at this Detachment and at Ucluelet, when 8 men were cleared between 09:30 and 11:45 hours. A Bingo and Dance held for the Red Cross netted $30. #9 CMU commenced pouring cement at Operational Site.
5 Mar 44
Beautiful warm day. Operations busy from 06:45 hours because of reported sighting of submarine by Cape Scott. Church Service which was held at 1500 hrs was well attended, but request was made that it be changed to 11:00 hours. Show - For Me and My Gal.
6 Mar 44
Beautiful warm day. First sunbathing of the year enjoyed by personnel. Complete Messing and Entertainment Committees resigned, because of feeling that they were not receiving the support of the men. At a muster mess meeting at 19:00 hours (OC in chair) complete new committees were elected. New administration represents both the originals and those newly posted to the Detachment. The result should be a greater unity. Figurez-vous. We are back on beer rationing again.
7 Mar 44
Very wet weather. Fatigue crew installed a heater from storage in the Orderly Room as the one removed became unserviceable.
8 Mar 44
Heaviest rain for months, without let-up. Rearranged WAC Instructions and housecleaned all files in the Orderly Room. P/O fink and Cpl Brisco dismantled the new AT3 to give it a thorough cleaning. Received Postings for Jebson and Ferguson to Ferrer Point, eff 13-Mar-44, reporting 21st at #3 RD. Entertainment Committee worked the entire evening on a play to be used in the Red Cross Benefit show.
9 Mar 44
Weather extremely changeable, alternating between rain, hail, snow and sunshine for full 24 hours. Sgt Beach arrived to put modification on the Diesels. Breakdown occurred at Point at 03:00. Temporary repair made by Sgt Doherty, without notification of the OC. F/O Fox requests notification in every case of breakdown henceforth, whether fault located or not. Cpl Light reported from #2 Group.
10 Mar 44
Bright clear warm day. Fatigue crew commenced painting the Orderly Room. Very busy day at Operations.
11 Mar 44
Bright but cool weather. Commenced building protective sand wall around 7 1/2 KVA Transformer similar to that around 10 KVA, but using lighter lumber for cribbing. Planned redesigning of facilities in RT room. LAC Phenix placed new shelves for equipment. P/O Murray discussed balance sheets for Canteen with LAC Mulhall. Decided to consult Ucluelet Account section on Monday, regarding $342 deficiency shown on Balance Sheets.
12 Mar 44
Fine but cool weather. F/O Fox went to Tofino to play basketball for Ucluelet. F/Sgt Locke of #3 RD arrived with a crew of two to supervise Beacon Aerial installation. The Sunday evening show, The Human Comedy, was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed.
13 Mar 44
Very bright weather with slightly higher temperatures. Now that the end of the wood-chopping season is approaching, the axe-handles have finally arrived; also the rubber boots which were so badly needed during the winter. Order to cease collecting Extra Messing were received. Unless some compensations are made immediately in the scale of ration issue, all coastal stations will be uncomfortably, although not vitally affected. The additional comfort provided through the priviliege of extra messing is one of the few important mediums of bolstering morale. The argument seems to be that since all but 22 stations in the RCAF are operating without extra messing for ranks below that of Sergeant, these twenty two stations should also be able to provide adequately without it. However due consideration may not have been given to the fact that many of the 22 stations criticized are so located that many commodities available in or near urban areas are entirely unobtainable. Further, when messing of any type is tolerated, whether for Officers or men, it is an admission that the food quantities and variety provided by the ration scheme leaves something to be desired. If this is not the case, then extra-messing of any type for any rank may well be entirely dispensed with both in Training and Operational Commands, including headquarters messes, for all personnel of the RCAF, regardless of rank. P/O Fink went up on a Beacon Test Flight.
14 Mar 44
Weather cool but bright. 1st Lieut Crowther of RCASC visited the Detachment for lunch in order to discuss a minor change in procedure for drawing rations. We are now to indent daily to Ucluelet for exactly one week ahead so that we may draw exactly the type and quantity of rations we desire and so that we may know in advance what we are drawing. F/Sgt Locke and party left for #3 RD by aircraft at 1730 hours. F/O Fox, P/O Fink, Sgt Doherty and LAC Szabo went to Ucluelet this evening to run off the first issue of the new station paper, called Thirteenth.
15 Mar 44
Very wet and foggy all day. Station Paper met with approval of entire station. Very little work at Operations site due to the weather. Some reports as to unserviceability of beacon but everything satisfactory - reports more than likely due to poor operating on part of air crew. Much discussion about camp on subject of extra messing. Very poor show in the opinion of majority.
16 Mar 44
Another day of rain. Cpl Riach arrived from Ucluelet SP Section. Discussion Club meeting in the evening - relatively poor turnout. Some thought of disbanding the club if attendance does not improve. Discussion as to method of improving turnout led to many suggestions - eg Debates, Speakers and post war topics.
17 Mar 44
Very fine weather. Beacon u/s Friday noon. Standby put into use. Faulty VT90s caused CW oscillation resulting in damage to several components. 23:00 hrs CHL went u/s. Replacement of all valves in Calibrator section did not eliminate fault. Quartet practice was held in Orderly Room during station show to prepare for Monday Dance program.
18 Mar 44
Dull weather, light rain. CHL unserviceable until 13:45 hours. Time unserviceability increased because one of the valves replaced was u/s. Much time was wasted checking circuit components which were serviceable.
19 Mar 44
Clear and windy. Beacon fault was rectified during the afternoon shift, a new pair of VT90s were installed. Show "Cabin in the Sky" was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After the show, P/O Murray held a rehearsal of the "Quartet Party".
20 Mar 44
Dull day. Cabaret dance held in evening proved very successful. New removable stage constructed by 9 CMU proved satisfactory. This dance was last Red Cross effort bringing subscription to $115. Cy Lee, YMCA man, was present during evening. Skits were exceptionally good.
21 Mar 44
First day of Sprig - Rain. Guards (Warren, Snoxell, & Hayden) arrived from #3 RD. Very slow day at Operations due to inclement weather. Cy Lee called regarding the orchestra and quartet taking part in the Ucluelet Station Show. Shift schedules interfered and it was impossible to comply with his invitation.
22 Mar 44
Extremely heavy rain all day. New cook, AC1 McLeod and Sgt Muir of #9 CMU arrived at noon. F/L Fox and P/O Murray cleaning up all loose ends in Administration end. P/O Murray and Cpl Donson and Cpl Riach took part in Ucluelet station show. "Dr Broadway" was shown at station theatre and enjoyed by all.
23 Mar 44
Lovely bright day, cool. F/O Walmsley phoned regarding borrowing the services of Cpl Tupholme posted to our unit. Cpl Tupholme is an experienced gardener and was being used to advantage at Ucluelet. All fatigues confined to outside work on the grounds and exterior painting of buildings. The garage was almost cleared of wood which was transferred to the wood shed. Discussion club met in evening. Topic "Ecomonic and other advantages of Eastern and Western Canada". Meeting fairly well attended and interesting discussion held.
24 Mar 44
Fine bright day. Posting notice for LAC Pakarinen to Ferrer Point received. Signal dispatched requesting islolation leave for Pakarinen. Command Hygiene Officer accompanied by F/L Sharpe MO at Ucluelet, visited Detachment. Inspection carried out and many instances of uncleanliness found. Improvements suggested in Mess Hall and Canteen especially. Inspection of remainder was fairly satisfactory. Evening movie "Cinderelly Swings It" was as usual well attended and seemingly enjoyed.
25 Mar 44
Bright day, warmer. Posting notice for Cpl McLeod to Ferrer Point received. Electrician from #9 CMU Tofino arrived and commenced installation of electric wiring in new operations building. Inaugurated a system of admission to prohibited area by pass only to replace admission by nominal roll. Gate installed in barbed wire fence at guard house at operations point. Very busy day at Operations. Tracks running all day and into the evening.
26 Mar 44
Extremely bright warm day. A great many tracks were plotted and the entire day was quite busy at the operations site. First snakes began appearing around the Unit. Church service held in rec hall in morning. Breakdown occurred at operations in the late afternoon but was quickly located and rectified by replacing modulator unit. Evening show "Reunion in France" was exceptionally good and enjoyed by the personnel.
27 Mar 44
Bright warm day. LAC Pakarinen left on Isolation leave, preceding departure on posting to Ferrer Point. S/L Beardmore called on the matter of Cpl Tupholme being loaned to Ucluelet Station. A suitable agreement was reached by sending him to Ucluelet every other day, commencing today.
28 Mar 44
Another sunny warm day. F/O Patrick and S/L Nesbitt of 9 CMU Tofino, arrived at noon to inspect progress on new Ops site. Had lunch in Mess. Rifle practice for all personnel commenced under supervision of P/O Fink. Records were made of score and plans for continued practice were laid. Cpl Tupholme commenced landscaping area in front of Admin building. Grass is to be planted in this area. Operations had another busy day. General Mess Meeting held in Rec Hall in evening to discuss ways and means of increasing Canteen profits in order to maintain present standard of extra messing. Serving of coffee and donuts suggested and endeavours are to be made to secure a Silex coffee maker. Beer situation again thrashed out and by all appearances finally solved. F/O Fox and Cpl Brisco went up to Ucluelet to stencil some much needed Daily Recording sheets for the Operators.
29 Mar 44
Cloudy, warm day. Beacon Test Flight carried out in afternoon and Sgt Dohery of this unit who was present in aircraft reported very excellent results on both beacons. F/L Walker visited unit in afternoon to help in rectifying faults found by Command Hygiene Officer. Methods worked out by F/L Walker and P/O Murray are to be carried out immediately. Sewage disposal pipe lengthened to conform with orders of the Command Hygiende Officer. Due to lack of personnel, F/O Fox deems it inadvisable to grant Xmas leave to personnel unable to enjoy same at Xmas. Also 5 men who have not as yet had 1942 leave will be unable to take it at present. Rifle practice again carried out.
30 Mar 44
Cloudy day, rain in evening. Morning fatigue parade assisted by Cpl Tupholme in landscape project and started pouring sand into upper Transformer cribbing. During afternoon most of unnecessary articles around the grounds were gathered together for disposal. Then regular barrack fatigues were commenced, emphasis being laid on necessity for general improvements. At a meeting of the Station Discussion Club - ?. F/O Fox and P/O Murray checked kitchen after fatigue parade. Although there was improvement there remained many points for criticism.
31 Mar 44
Early part of the day dull without rain; latter part bright and warm. Morning fatigue crew mustered all paint equipment and stored it in one place, until the erection of new paint shack. Several more loads of earth for landscaping project were drawn and the washing machine was given a grease and oil change. Disciplinary problem arose over Cpl Hart who failed to appear on fatigues and who defaced a signed duty bulletin with sarcastic comments which reflected upon those in authority. Severe action must be taken although shortage of Diesel men presents a difficulty. Pay parade was held at 14:00 hrs followed by rifle practice for nine men including P/O Murray conducted by Sgt Frith. Sgt Frith and P/O Murray inspected the Airmen's quarters finding considerable improvements. Air crew selection notices received for Sgt Doharty, LACs Pakarinen, Edwards, and Munro.
Strength: Officers - 3, Radar Operators and Mechs - 28, HQ - 25, Total - 56
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Apr 44
Very warm and bright day. Morning fatigue crew helped Cpl Tupholme with landscaping, also cleared around garage. Marine men pumped bilge water out of the water scow to bring it to an even keel again. Orderly room was extremely busy preparing month-end reports. Lieut Eric Crowther of the RCASC called to say that he was sending a parcel for the Officer's Mess. We suspect April Fool treachery. A Stag Smoker was held in the evening, with games, a sing-song and a fair supply of auburn liquid refreshments.
2 Apr 44
Warm, fairly bright day, with much air activity. Away from the operational point, there was little done, although remained several month-end reports to be completed. Sunday evening show "Mr Big" was very much enjoyed. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy (wholly free from work).
3 Apr 44
Drizzling rain with a high wind velocity. Fatigue party cleaned area around the ramp and dug the victory garden. F/L Walker of Ucluelet (SAO) came for a second inspection. Although he found many improvements, he was still not satisfied with the condition of the kitchen particularly. He is obviously quite unaware of the few men available on the Detachment and of the difficulties imposed by shift work. However, he seems to realize we are trying hard. The show "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" was one of the best of the season. P/O Murray worked in the kitchen during the evening installing new cupboards.
4 Apr 44
Continued wind and rain until noon. P/O Murray and LAC Kinahan worked all day on the new shelving in the kitchen. The fatigue crew worked cleaning up odds and ends outside, especially the kitchen wood-pile and the wood shed. Kitchen was measured for linoleum and the area telephoned to F/L Griffin. Both the RT and the direct line were unserviceable for a period just at 1800 hrs. F/O Fox and Cpl Brisco worked on the apparatus. They finally made contact by RT at 1830 hrs and concluded the trouble was in Victoria. Contact remained in all night. Rain and wind again resumed in the evening.
5 Apr 44
Sun and clouds alternately held sway. Wind decreased considerably from previous day's tempest. LACs Kinahan and Corbett continued work on shelving in Mess Hall. Both were excused duty at operations in order to continue carpentry. Somewhat busy day at the operations site with great difficulty in communication with Victoria. The land line was very intermittent in operation and the RT was practically useless due to atmospherics. Contact was entirely disrupted for a period of about 15 minutes. P/O Murray departed for Vancouver for a well-earned week-end - his first off the station for some months. Movie was "Palm Beach Story" and was enjoyed by the usual full attendance. Cpl Berrington received word that his wife was dangerously ill and was granted his 1944 leave in order to be with her.
6 Apr 44
Another unsettled day - windy and some rain. Fatigue party completed painting of Admin building, cleaned the grounds of some odd carpentry jobs. F/O Fox and Cpl Brisco installed new ground connections by means of a length of pipe sunk in the bay. Dohorty left station en route to #3 "M" Depot for aircrew training. Weather also caused some trouble at the operations site when accumulated rain water caused numerous shorts in antenna feeder system. New coatings of waterproof putty were put on all joints and trouble cured.
7 Apr 44
Rain all day accompanied by high winds. Fatigue crew cleaned canteen and also assisted in handling of water scow. OC's inspection very favourable but several windows broken need replacing and some of the barracks could do with repainting. Very quiet day at operations site due to inclement weather. Notice of Cpl Tupholme's cancellation of posting from Ucluelet to this unit received. As he was doing our landscaping and gardening, his loss will cause a temporary hold-up in the beautifying of the station. Water scow broke mooring line but was quickly brought under control and remoored. A new hawser will be necessary for a satisfactory and safe repair. Evening movie very mediocre and poorly attended.
8 Apr 44
Weather unsettled in the morning but cleared nicely in afternoon. Fatigue crew carried out minor painting jobs about camp and stored old plywood blackout blinds in the carpenter's shop. Station routine was normal. New system of canteen orderly corporals inaugurated to ensure cleanliness in Canteen. Beer quota received for April - 62 gallons.
9 Apr 44
Dull with rain in the afternoon. Morning church service and Communion well attended. Roman Catholic personnel proceeded to Ucluelet by crash boat to take part in Easter Sunday church parade. Padre had lunch at Unit and picked the right day as steak was the order of the day. Work is almost completed on the second issue of the station newspaper under the quidance of LAC Mulhall. Normal routine at Operations with very few aircraft out. Movie this evening postponed until Monday. Ucluelet had need of the equipment.
10 Apr 44
Very high winds throughout Sunday night which necessitated locking the aerials for several hours. Some rain this morning which stopped the work of unloading the barge of coal. The fatigue crew started the unloading but the rain was too heavy and they were forced to do some inside painting instead. The rain stopped shortly before noon and the weather became sunny and warm for a change. P/O Murray returned aboard the MV Uchuk after a business and pleasure week end. Evening movie "Jack London" was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
11 Apr 44
Rain and wind finally were absent for an entire day. Some trouble experienced at Operations after DI. Jittering of the trace and loss of calibration were the symptoms. Several tubes were replaced and the trouble cleared away. Preparatory work on the camp paper was carried on during the day and in the evening F/O Fox, Sgt Donson and LAC's Mulhall and Szabo printed the paper at the main station. P/O Murray assisted by Sgt Firth and Cpl Battram made a good start on the new paint storage shed. This, when completed, will house all the paint on hand and will allow more room in the garage and equipment section. the coal barge was unloaded by the fatigue crew this morning.
12 Apr 44
Sunny and warm in morning but clouded up with some rain in afternoon. Routine day in all respects. Approximately 12 men proceeded to Ucluelet station to attend a band concert being held there under auspices of the YMCA. Because of conflicting entertainments, the regular Wednesday movie was cancelled and will be shown tomorrow evening.
13 Apr 44
Unsettled weather with both rain and sunshine. Several reports from Ucluelet as to aircraft unable to pick up our beacon. Cpl Donson and F/O Fox worked all day but found nothing amiss with either beacon. The 9 CMU men poured the new IFF Tower today. Posting notices arrived with LACs Crozier (deceased 26 January 2004 - age 88) and Wilkin going to Ferrer Point on the 19th and four operators posted here from Langara Island. Evening movie "The Avengers" was well attended and enjoyed as usual.
14 Apr 44
Another unsettled day with heavy rain in the afternoon. Cpl Battram admitted to hospital for a check-up on his throat and tonsils. Cpl O'Bryne still confined to hospital and will be there for some days. Sergeant and 2 LACs arrived from 9 CMU for overhaul on the Diesel engines. Fatigue crew shingled the roof of the new paint shed and completed routine cleaning jobs. Concrete bases for auxiliary gasoline power generators were poured by 9 CMU. All cement mixing is completed now. Evening movie cancelled due to unserviceability of the projection equipment. Pay parade was held at 1400 hrs in the Rec Hall and, as usual, was well attended. OC's inspection carried out and was very satisfactory. There was a definite improvement in all barrack blocks and the canteen. The kitchen was not up to scratch but this was due to the pay parade interfering with cleaning-up after the noon meal.
15 Apr 44
Uncertain weather with some rain. Routine station duties carried on. F/O Dobbins arrived at the Detachment from Ucluelet to check over the beacon. He also inspected the kitchen and canteen. Both favourable. Evening entertainment of Bingo and Bridge was attended by 30. Prizes, sandwiches and coffee were included and a very pleasant evening was the result of the good work by the entertainment committee.
16 Apr 44
Lovely warm day. Routine duties at administration site. Beacon antenna removed and tested with no faults found. Beacon declared u/s for a period of 3 hours during aerial overhaul. Evening movie well attended and enjoyed. Practice interception carried on in evening at operational site and very well conducted.
17 Apr 44
Another summer-like day. Beacon was overhauled and receiver section sent to Ucluelet for tuning. Several tube replacements found necessary. Very busy afternoon with a record of 54 tracks with an hour off the air for DI. Cpl Carson (SP) arrived from Coal Harbour but left immediately on posting to EAC. Fatigue crew completed several needed repair jobs about station and did some gardening. Evening movie very well attended and enjoyed by all.
18 Apr 44
Wet, windy day. Newly tuned receiver section replaced in spare beacon and immediate increase in performance resulted. Receiver section in second beacon taken out and also sent to Ucluelet for retuning. New file jackets and index tabs being put into service and resulting in a much neater and much more satisfactory file system. Sgt Lemna (SP) reported in from Trenton. Posting notice for LACs Woolfe and Partyka to Jordan River received. Very little activity at operations site due to weather.
19 Apr 44
Another very wet day. Normal station routine. F/O Murray cleaned up nearly the whole of adminstrative duties which had accumulated. Operations site was quite busy at noon hour but outside of this, the day was very quiet. F/O Fox and Sgt Donson worked till 23:59 hours attempting to get both beacons serviceable. One, of course, is serviceable but the fault in the other was not found. A flight has been arranged for tomorrow to run a test on the beacons. A lost aircraft (US DC3) was picked up about 20:30 hrs on the Radar Equipment and followed for about one hour at which it disappeared into the land returns. It was later learned that the aircraft had crashed in the vicinity of Port Hardy.
20 Apr 44
Lovely, sunny warm day. F/O Guppy from Command phoned in the morning to say he would be down on a visit this evening. Beacon flight was very unsatisfactory due to interuption of flight in order to search for the lost DC3 aircraft. However, the beacon is getting out as some tests were carried out. Fatigue parade in the afternoon cleaned barracks and other buildings and also constructed additional equipment stores space in unused section of the garage. Very busy afternoon at operations due to good flying weather. F/O Guppy and P/O Takefman arrived about 21:30 hours and discussed several station problems with F/O Fox and F/O Murray. F/O Fox and F/O Guppy visited the Operational area later.
21 Apr 44
Fine weather. F/O Fox and Sgt Donson spent morning at Point searching for fault which produced peculiar symptoms, without success. Dinner was served between 11:30 hrs and 12:30 hrs to allow men to prepare for half-holiday sports day. The number of men interested in the event was disappointing. Only four went to Ucluelet station. The shift system is largely responsible for the poor showing. Evening show, "Bataan", gruesome but revealing.
22 Apr 44
Dull, cool weather without rain. Sgt Donson who worked the midnight shift discovered the fault in about one hour off the air. Condenser fault proved to be cause of difficulties. Morning spent doing admin work and supervising fatigues. During meeting of Entertainment committed. F/O Scott of Ucluelet arrived to look over the defence situation. He promised to return for a period of 2 or 3 days in a few weeks to help us organize our program. In the meantime he wants our Op-Order revised and two gun replacements erected. Evening entertainment consisted of ping-pong, billiards and cribbage tournaments.
23 Apr 44
Clouded over without rain. Church at 11:00 hrs poorly attended as many away on leaves and 48s. Sgt Donson and F/O Murray worked on Beacon at Operational Area. Movie in evening "They got me Covered".
24 Apr 44
Fine weather. SS Maquina arrived at Ucluelet carrying new GCI equipment. Two men from Detachment went to Ucluelet to help transfer the equipment from the steamer to a scow on which it was transported to this Unit.
25 Apr 44
Very bright, warm day. The caterpillar tractor was used to drag the new GCI equipment to the Operational Site under the supervision of F/O Fox. About 15:30 hours, the CO of Ucluelet,(S/L Beardmore) arrived on inspection visit. Most features were satisfactory, but tops of lockers required attention; also Mae Wests are to be demanded for use with our Marine Craft. CO will attempt to have something done about Mess Hall and Kitchen flooring. General Mess Meeting was held at 19:30 hrs in the Airmen's Canteen.
26 Apr 44
Fine morning, dull afternoon without rain. Five visitors from Ucluelet arrived,sent down by the CO as a follow-up of his tour of inspection - F/Sgt Weir (AID), F/Sgt Olsen (Fire), F/Sgt Bartlett (MT), Sgt Westover (W&B), Cpl Henderson (Armament). Many suggestions were made and plans for carrying them out initiated.
27 Apr 44
Brightest, warmest day of the year this far. 9 CMU high-line expects aparatus for constructing heavy gantry. F/O Patric and P/O Rutherford of 9 CMU arrived to inspect Operations Site progress. Nuts and bolts previously thought lost were discovered at Tofino and brought to this Unit. Very few pieces were missing. F/O Fox went to Ucluelet at 13:30 hrs for a conference with S/L Beardmore where he learned he was to go on a visit to Ferrer Point, for the week-end.
28 Apr 44
Bright warm weather. LAC Driedger has been away 21 days today without leave; therefore his R155s are being sent out in tonights mail. Also a Court of Inquiry consisting of the following: President - F/O Murray, Member - P/O Leavitt, Member - P/O Westphal, is called for 09:00 hrs Monday 1-May-44. F/O Fox left at 08:30 hrs for Ferrer Point. Evening Show, "Andy Hardy" enjoyed.
29 Apr 44
Fine weather except for a morning shower. Received instructions from F/O Walmsley regarding care required in conducting Court of Inquiry for LAC Driedger's AWL. F/L Chaston of WAC (ADC) paid a visit to the Detachment at 1330 hrs, arriving in an Army boat. A Stag game night was enjoyed by personnel in the Recreation Hall. F/O Fox returned from Ferrer Point.
30 Apr 44
Alternating clouds and sunshine with a cold north wind. Final preparations were made regarding witnesses to appear for Court of Inquiry 1-May-44. F/O Fox worked on Station Defence Plan and LAC Szabo and F/O Murray prepared several month-end reports.
Strength: Officers - 2, Radar Operators and Mechs - 28, HQ - 26, Total - 56
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 May 44
Bright but cool weather. Court of Inquiry occupied full morning, necessitating approval of 7 witnesses. Five copies of preceedings were forwarded to Ucluelet for review. During afternoon, more reports were typed. At 1400 hrs F/Sgt Olsen of Ucluelet Fire Section spoke to all except those on duty at Ops Site about fire prevention and control.
2 May 44
Very warm, bright day. F/O Murray proceeded to Ucluelet to discuss Court of Inquiry with Adjutant of Ucluelet. Also discussed Defence Plan with DAPM (Def) and ironed out item problem with W&B (F/L Friffin). Afternoon spent getting out month-end reports.
3 May 44
Another warm, sunny day. Morning spent revising Court of Inquiry form, a very tedious job for the Orderly Room Clerk. Remaining reports were put into mail during afternoon. Report that explosion resembling that of a crashing aircraft heard and seen at the Point at about 1330 hrs. Show "Siege of Stalingrad".
4 May 44
Fine warm weather. F/O Fox went to Ucluelet for a Beacon run at 0830 hrs. F/O Patrick of #9 CMU Tofino visited Operational Point at noon. At 1430 hours W/C McCullagh arrived with F/O Brownlee, Padre at Ucluelet. F/O Murray showed them around the Detachment until 2000 hours when they returned to Ucluelet.
5 May 44
Warm, bright weather. #9 CMU plumbers arrived to transfer heating equipment at Operational Point. Cpl Fleming, Beacon man from #3 RD left for Ferrer Point, and another Beacon installation party arrived from #3 RD. Movie "Foreign Correspondent" enjoyed by a large audience.
6 May 44
Wood Weather. Commenced construction of Auxiliary Power Unit Building at Operational Point. "Quiz" show in evening enjoyed by all.
7 May 44
Dull, warm day. Auxiliary Power Unit building completed. Twelve men proceeded to Indian Village where they defeated the redskins 15 to 4 in a game of softball. Church service was held at 1100 hrs with Mrs Frith at the piano in the absence of Sgt Donson. Humphrey Bogart in "Sahara" was enjoyed by all.
8 May 44
Dull and cool. Installation party making rapid progress. Gantry nearing completion. F/O Nickell, Auditor, arrived and found Inventory in good shape. Volleyball court is receiving regular use these fine evenings.
9 May 44
Rain all day. Redecoration of Mess Hall and Kitchen rapidly being completed. Station Defence Plan finally completed and typed; also new filing index. Operations very slow because of inclement weather. Sgt Donson's posting notice to Ferrer Point received.
10 May 44
Bright warm day. Establishment analysis forms made out and summarized for submission to WAC. OC took shift at the point because of shortage of mechanics. Picture on VD (No Greater Sin) tolerated by personnel. LAC Garbula removed to Tofino Hospital with terrific headache, probably of over exposure to the sunlight.
11 May 44
Fine weather. Routine work being done during morning. In the afternoon the Detachment was visited by A/C Smith and G/C Luke. They confined their visit to the Operational site where they spent considerable time. Four LAC Operators arrived from Langara Island on posting at 1800 hrs.
12 May 44
Weather very bright with rain in the evening. LAC Hanna, Radar Mech arrived on posting from Pat Bay. Plumbers completed work at Operations Point. Breakdown at 0900 hrs lasted until 1014 hrs caused by shorting of IF Can to filament terminal. Evening movie postponed until Monday in favour of show presented at Ucluelet Station by Massey Harris Co of Toronto. Thirty men attended.
13 May 44
Weather fine and warm. Breakdown of R/T occurred during morning. In absence of WEM on "48", F/O Murray made temporary adjustments and summoned a WEM from Ucluelet who arrived in the evening to effect repairs. Sgt Young (DI Educ Sgt) from Prince Rupert, friend of F/O Murray arrived for a brief unofficial visit enroute to Camp Borden, Ont.
14 May 44
Warm, clear weather during morning with threatening rain in the afternoon. Abnormal maintenance 1 hr and 8 min to affect repairs in badly worn portion of pulse lead from Receiver to Transmitter. Church Service cancelled in favour of funeral services at Ucluelet for Cpl McKay whose death resulted from serious injuries received during an explosion in the armament section at that Station. F/O Fox accompanied the staff of the 13TH to Ucluelet to publish this month's edition of our Detachment paper. Show - Jean Arthur in "The Lady Takes A Chance" enjoyed by all.
15 May 44
Weather dull with intermittent rain. Notice received of arrival at Ucluelet of LAC Driedger. Period of absence at time of apprehension (2350 hrs 6 May) was 28 days 11 hrs 50 miniutes, which stands as 29 days upon the charge sheet. Driedger will arrive 0800 hrs 16-May-44 to be placed on charge and to receive his first hearing. F/S Armstrong and Mr Robb, a civilian, both employed in connection with landline maintenance and installation arrived to check on telephone requirements, and promised immediate expansion of present facilities. Show - "Crystal Ball" well received.
16 May 44
Light rain but cleared before evening. Routine station activity. Progress on outside work on new Operations building delayed by weather. Equipment running but temporary power only. Very good progress has been made to date on the installation and calibration should start about May 24. Posting notice received for LAC Gage and LAC Kinahan to Ferrer Point. LAC Wilkin left on Maquinna for Ferrer Point. Fertilizer, grass seed and radio equipment arrived on Maquinna. LAC Driedger remanded to CO of Ucluelet.
17 May 44
Dull day with light rain. Morning spent in routine administration. LAC Driedger returned from Ucluelet to pick up articles of his kit which he required. He requested to be placed under Open Arrest, instead of Closed Arrest. F/O Takefman of Ucluelet Radar Section arrived on 1600 hrs boat to talk over Beacon problems. He remained for dinner and show.
18 May 44
Heavy rain which did not clear until midnight. Continual wet weather interferring with outside work at new operations site. F/O Murray proceeded to Ucluelet station to check the items of kit which LAC Driedger brought back with him when apprehended. A pile driver and workmen arrived to remove the Standard Oil Docks and close up the agency. Some difficulty may be encountered in future oil and gasoline deliveries but a satisfactory system should be possible.
19 May 44
A bright clear day with a stiff breeze. A Beacon test flight was run today by Sgt Murray of the Beacon installation party with very excellent results. At no time on the flight was the becon absent from the tube. #9 CMU electricians arrrived to make final installations at new site. The Sergeant in charge of the party fell while working and suffered a severe cut on the palm which necessitated 4 stitches. The evening show "I Married a Witch" was enjoyed by a somwehat small attendance than usual.
20 May 44
Rain again this morning but cleared up for several hours in the afternoon. Fertilizer and lumber which had been brought down yesterday from Ucluelet was stored away. The lumber is to be used for the construction of fire ladders for each building. F/O Murray was removed to the Hospital at Tofino suffering severe chills and fevers and an upset stomach. A bridge tournament was conducted in the evening and several tables of players enjoyed a well spent evening.
21 May 44
Bright day but very chilly with a cool breeze. A church service was held in the morning by F/L Brownlee of Ucluelet. The Padre's sermon was very excellent and well received by the few who attended. F/L Brownlee stayed at the Detachment for lunch and returned to Ucluelet about 1330 hrs. Refrigeration men arrived from Ucluelet and repaired the Canteen refrigerator. The evening show was well attended.
22 May 44
Sunny day, fairly warm but cool in evening. Very little aircraft activity despite weather. Installation party just about ready to leave. The new equipment is performing fine and should prove quite an improvement. Telephone men arrived from Ucluelet to complete the telephone installation at new site. Inventory check was made on the new equipment by F/O Fox and only minor shortages were noted.
23 May 44
Sunny and warm. Mr Cy Lee, the "Y" representative from Ucluelet arrived to talk over arrangement for the proposed visit of the girls of the Adanac Ria Club of Vancouver who are to be here on June 4th. The pile-driver, which has been removing the Standard Oil docks, drove three poles for the mooring of our water scow which will facilitate handling and pumping of water. LAC Driedger was awarded 28 days detention and costs of apprehension by the CO of Ucluelet Station. He is to serve his detention at Patricia Bay. A muster mess meeting was held at 1900 hrs and new officers were elected. The Messing and Canteen Committee now consists of President - LAC Hanna, Secretary - LAC Bohemier and Members Cpl Hayden and LAC Wilkins. Entertainment Committee: President - LAC Schaefer, Secretary - F/O Fox, Members - LAC's Wilson, Rochon and MacDonald.
24 May 44
Cloudy and cool. F/Sgt Foster and installation crew departed for Vancouver on completion of installation. The work done by this crew has been very satisfactory. A Sports Day was held at Ucluelet in the afternoon and the team representing this Detachment finished in fifth place. In the evening the Detachment softball team won their first game 4-2. A concert party presented a show at the Rec Hall at Ucluelet which was enjoyed by a large number of the personnel of the Detachment who made the trip up by boat. 60 drums of oil were unloaded in the late evening and early morning from the Standard Oil tankers. This should be sufficent until the next visit of the tanker.
25 May 44
Weather cool but bright. F/O Murray returned from Tofino Hospital. Thursday fatigue period spent cleaning barrack blocks. #9 CMU paint crew arrived to paint the new operational building. They intend to paint the new wood shed while they are here. The removal of the Standard Oil dock has greatly facilitated the water pumping procedure, as the scow does not have to be moved but is left moored within reach of pump hose.
26 May 44
Fair and bright. F/O Fox left by aircraft on a "48". F/O Murray went to Ucluelet station to discuss procurement of new books for the Detachment library and to have the Station stamp fund audited and replenished. Friday evening show was well attended. At a meeting of the Entertainment Committee (1400 hrs) program for visit of Adanac Ria Club was discussed.
27 May 44
Weather dull and cool. It is decided to erect a swinging gate across the plank road to the Operational site, in order to keep out the many cows which are considered a nuisance around the camp site. Received signal freezing of promotions in many of the trades. Sergeant Frith made necessary overhaul of the Wee MacGregor power saw, which will soon be required to commence cutting winter wood supply.
28 May 44
Weather bright and warm. Operational area very busy but administrative work very quiet. Application for commission of LAC Wilson, HE forwarded to Ucluelet for approval of CO. Sunday evening show "Stage Door Canteen" very much appreciated by a fairly large attendance.
29 May 44
Dull weather without rain. Posting of LAC St-Amant to Pay Bay received. Spring Cove ball team defeated Ucluelet Signals Section with a score of 12 to 4. Received long distance call from F/L McGee, RO2 at Command who requested information regarding the activity of this station during a test flight carried out on May 22. Records showed that the station was off the air for maintenance at the time of the flight.
30 May 44
Weather mild with light drizzling rain. F/O Murray and LAC Downie made trial run with new outboard motor finding performance very satisfactory. F/O Fox returned from "48" at 1200 hrs. At a meeting of the Entertainment Committee, plans were made to provide entertainment for both the afternoon and the evening of Sunday June 4th. The Padre has requested that Church Service be held as usual on that day.
31 May 44
Weather drizzling rain. Painting at Operational site nearing completion. S/L Ingles and F/O Patric arrived to investigate condition of Kitchen floor. Decision made to either lay a new floor or re-lay the present flooring. Pay parade held at 1400 hrs. F/O Fox went to Ucluelet at 1430 hours to prepare for visit of Adanac Ria Girls.
Strength: Officers - 2, Radar Operators and Mechs - 28, HQ - 26, Total - 56
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Jun 44
Dull without rain during the day, clearing toward evening. Cleaning and decorated being carried out in preparation for girls of Adanac Ria Club who are visiting the Detachment Sunday 4-Jun-44. Books belonging to Ucluelet Library were returned. There were 44 books found here with the Ucluelet Station Library stamp inside the cover. F/L Naylor made preparations for Calibrating the new station at the Operational Point. Spring Cover ball team defeated Ucluelet Marine Section 21 to 1.
2 Jun 44
Weather bright and sunny. Normal station activities during morning. Screens were installed on kitchen and mess hall windows. F/L Naylor, assisted by F/O Fox measured standing wave ratio and all feeders and transmission lines of new equipment. In all cases the ratios were found to be better than 1 1/2 to 1. The power distribution in antenna was also quite good. The height above sea level of the array was also measured and found to be 93 feet. All month-end reports, excepting the MT report were completed today to leave on Saturday's mail. Friday show "Hi Diddle Diddle' not greatly enjoyed.
3 Jun 44
Weather fine and warm. #9 CMU Carpenter and helper removed kitchen floor during night. Floor which was laid by 9 CMU several months ago opened up into wide cracks as the floor was damp and green when laid. Carpenter had been instructed by 9 CMU to re-lay the same wood, but he discovered that this would be foolish, as well as almost impossible, as the wood was thoroughly soaked from mopping, and not fit to be re-laid, and the wood was damaged taking it up. F/O Murray telephoned P/O Patrick to ask permission to dispose of the old flooring as scrap. Permission was granted after discussion with LAC Murray, the Carpenter. Most of the day was spent waxing floors, gathering ferns and flowers, decorating and cleaning. Saturday evening was spent quietly.
4 Jun 44
Beautiful warm wether. Twenty six ladies of Adanac Ria Club arrived at 1100 hrs with Cy Lee (YMCA) and F/O Brownlee (Padre). Divine service was commenced immediately, the "Y" room being crowded with girls and airmen. The first sitting for dinner commenced at 11:50 hours when a delicious turkey dinner was served in the mess hall. S/L beardmore and W/C Thomas, the future CO of Ucluelet, were present at the dinner. The afternoon was spent on the beach and the lovely weather and warm sun made the afternoon a very grand holiday for all concerned. The Calibration Crew commenced calibration of the new equipment and a flight was flown in the morning and afternoon. There was some difficulty experienced in R/T communication but fairly good contact was maintained. The old equipment had to be closed down due to interference. After evening meal of cold meat and salad, a dance was held in the YMCA Room with the Detachment Orchestra of 4 pieces providing the music. At 2200 hours the lads brought coffee and doughnuts for the ladies after which the dance continued until 2359 hours to accommodate the men who came off shift at 2245 hours. The whole day was an undoubted success,
5 Jun 44
Weather fine and bright. Two calibration flights were completed, one in morning and one in afternoon. LAC St-Amant left for #7 Detachment, Patricia Bay. LAC's Murray and Needham of 9 CMU left at 0830 hrs and returned at 1800 hrs with new flooring for the kitchen. Arcing occurred in Lecher compartment of old transmitter and great difficulty was experienced in setting it on frequency. Final result of today's calibration definitely established that the old gantry was affecting the lobe pattern of the old equipment. At an exciting game held at Ucluelet at about 1830 hours, Spring Cove defeated the Officers 6 to 5.
6 Jun 44
Fine weather. Four calibration flights were run, one in AM and two in PM. LAC Campbell, Diesel Fitter and LAC Edgar, Radar Operator, arrived on posting to this detachment. Grass plot was fertilized, radishes were thinned out and gun mounts for twin air machine guns were assembled. WO1 Bates visited the Detachment to inspect the Diesel Hut. F/O Fox went to Ucluelet at 2000 hours to get hold of some insulating material from which to have a dialectine screw turned, for use in the old transmitter. Experiment with a new material proved successful. Divine Service was held by F/O Murray (in absence of Padre) at 1900 hours, to pray for the success of the allied troops in the European Invasion. Service was over at abut 1930 hrs.
7 Jun 44
Very bright weather with a high wind. F/L Watt of #3 RD arrived to investigate possibilities of using Island to the South East for ASD landing equipment. Exchange was made of rowboats between Ucluelet Marine Section and this Detachment. Although the Marine Section were on the better end of the deal the boat we received will be satisfactory for our purposes. Calibration flights continued.
8 Jun 44
Unusually hot day without breeze. We have been exceedingly fortunate with the weather for our Calibration flights. F/L Naylor expects to be ready to leave by Sunday. Fatigue crew started to fill sandbags for a rifle barricade to be erected just at point of Junction of the path to Ucluelet and Salisbury sidewalk. Breakdowns - trouble experienced in Thyratron unit or motor circuit in old equipment. To remain operational, an immediate switchover was made to the new equipment. Thyratron unit overhauled and all apparently OK. Darkness prevented motor inspection. It would be possible to inspect motor, but with new equipment operating, it was decided to wait till morning.
9 Jun 44
Another very hot bright day. Terrific explosion was heard by whole camp at about 0700 hours. At 0900 hours, Sgt. Lemna reported that an aircraft from Ucluelet, when landing, had exploded killing all on board except one, whose escape was miraculous. It was later reported by an airman from Ucluelet that there had been nine men on board all told. Trouble at Point with the turning motor is still present and new equipment is still operating. Motor was taken down with considerable difficulty. Busy day hampered work on motor as well as insufficient data pertaining to this old type motor. The motor is now being overhauled at Ucluelet but as no DC source is obtainable there, the job will not be fully done.
10 Jun 44
Another warm bright day. Motor was again tried with no results. The gantry turns but very slowly. No calibration flown during morning but the final flights were run off in the afternoon and evening. New equipment still in use. Routine administrative duties were carried on. F/L Naylor was not feeling very good due to a sore shoulder which he had wrenched when he slipped on a loose board. He has attended the MO at Tofino and has it taped up.
11 Jun 44
Warm sunny day. F/L Naylor and crew departed at 0830 hrs for Tofino to board an aircraft to Vancouver. The new equipment was officially put into service at 11:45 hrs by authorization of S/L Hansen of WAC who was contacted by telephone. Evening show was poor due to the projector which is a small type. Requisitions for additional library books were submitted to EO at WAC.
12 Jun 44
Warm sunny day. Operational Point was very busy and some very good tracks were plotted. Posting of LAC Hanna was received. He is to proceed to No 5 Radio School, Clinton, Ont. This posting will necessitate a three 8 hour shift day for the mechanics starting tomorrow. The station newspaper staff spent the day editing and typing out material.
13 Jun 44
Rain which cleared in late evening. New shift for mechanics inaugarated. It is not as convenient as the 4 shift day but it will be quite satisfactory until further mechanics are posted here. Operations was very slow today due to weather. New equipment working very well. Routine administrative duties carried out. Notice was received that in future only one bush leave per year will be granted. The plumber arrived from Ucluelet to install and inspect traps and pipe in barrack urinals and showers. There was considerable digging necessary.
14 Jun 44
Rain intermittent during day and somewhat clearer at night. Posting notices for LACs Rochonk, Neill and Decker were received. They are to proceed to flying stations in the prairies to undergo training for subsequent remuster to Flying Control. Extensive excavation was necessary to place traps and piping under BB#1. Plumber returned to Ucluelet to await completion of excavation. LAC Hanna departed for No 6 Radio School. The evening show was again marred by the very poor reproduction and quality of machine.
15 Jun 44
Rain most of the day accompanied by fog. During the entire day, only two aircraft were plotted at the Operations point. A fault developed on the equipment which has not as yet been cleared. The equipment is still operational but not in very good condition. The fault is in the H/T circuit and is characterized by poor DCR. Cpl Hart left his post at the Diesel Hut before being relieved because his relief was late. He was put on charge and will be tried tomorrow. The station ball team lost their second game in seven starts to Headquarters of Ucluelet 4 to 3.
16 Jun 44
Weather dry and dull, with fog closing in during early morning. Cpl Battram, SP on duty in Orderly Room discovered LAC Bohemier, GD, in act of attempting to enter Canteen window at 0515 hours. LAC Bohemier denied that this was his purpose, stating that he was merely investigating why window was open. However, Cpl. Battram had heard the window open immediately prior to his arrival. It is unfortunate that action was not delayed until entry had been affected as evidence is not sufficient to lay a charge under anything but Sec. 40. However, the Officers and men are satisfied that this man is responsible for a series of thefts which have occurred since Bohemier's arrival at this Detachment. F/O Fox heard case of Cpl Hart and remanded him for trial by W/C Thomas, CO of Ucluelet.
17 Jun 44
Weather dull and cool but dry. Sgt. Bowman and Cpl Essex of 9 CMU landline maintenance, went to Point to look into cause of trouble on telephone line No. 19. Cpl. Hart tried by CO of Ucluelet at 1400 hours. Given Admonishment. He was cautioned that further trouble would lead to Court Martial action. SS Nora arrived a day earlier than scheduled. Since we were not notified, three men waiting here to go to Ferrer Point missed the boat. It is hoped that aircraft transport may be obtained. Sgt. Donson and Cpl Mulhall found fault in equipment at point which has been giving us trouble for two days. It was a condenser fault across DC Restorer.
18 Jun 44
Weather clear over land but foggy over sea. Padre was disappointed with poor turn out at church service. Are church parades the answer? Certainly, it is not possible to create the desire to attend divine service simply by making attendance compulsory. Received call from Ucluelet that A/V/M Heakes would pay a visit during the morning. He arrived at about 1105 hours just as divine service was about to start. F/O Fox looked after A/V/M, who was accompanied by G/C Bennet and W/C Thomas, CO of Ucluelet. Visit of A/V/M Heakes proved to be merely a tour of good will, and an inspection was not carried out. Movie, Primitive Man, enjoyed.
19 Jun 44
Weather dull with very light misty rain. BC Standard arrived at 0815 hrs. with badly needed Diesel oil supply. Fatigue crew went to Ucluelet at 0830 hours to load 5 tons of coal from dock to scow for transportation to this detachment. Only two tracks were recorded during the day at the Operations Site. The work of moving the old spares from the original building to the new site was started and good progress was made. Also a new form of running inventory is being inaugurated which will greatly help in maintaining sufficient quantities of replacements.
20 Jun 44
Dry weather, alternating between sunshine and clouds. Fatigue crew moved 5 tons of coal from scow to coal shed. Sgt Frith and helpers worked whole day erecting shack for AP Unit. Another day should finish the job. Cpl McDonald and LAC Johnstone of 9 CMU arrived to lay linoleum in new Operations building. Dismantling of old Mark V Gantry was commenced according to WAC signal. Dipoles removed and screen partially dismantled. Continual change of azimuth for no apparent reason was experienced. Fault occured in PPI tube. Unit was removed and replaced by old unit. From the symptoms it would appear that either the time base is not being produced or is being grounded out somewhere in the final circuit.
21 Jun 44
Dull cool weather. During midnight shift, F/O Fox found fault on equipment. The fault was temporarily repaired and equipment worked satisfactorily. The Time Base coils in the PPI unit are shorting intermittently and may have to be replaced. Very few tracks due to dull weather. AP Unit shack completed. Sgt Donson and LACs Kinahan and Gage proceeded to Ucluelet to take possible aircraft to Zeballes, enroute to Ferrer Point. It was later learned that no aircraft were available and they then proceeded to Tofino to endeavour to board the MV Arrow which was down from Ferrer Point picking up a barge. The evening show was enjoyed by all and the new screen surface proved a decided improvement.
22 Jun 44
Warm with mixed sunshine and cloudiness. Two observers from Ucluelet came at noon to check aerial, results of check were not too convincing. If correct they would indicate our Azimuth had been 10º out since the station was opened. Sgt Frith, Sgt Lemna and Cpl Battram used a block and tackle to lower the old aerial from the top of the Gantry. It is planned to use top of gantry for a mounted twin air Lewis for station defence.
23 Jun 44
Cool and cloudy. Operations became busier today. Gantry which had been lowered was dismembered for shipping back to #3 RD. Third coat of dull white paint on screen brought about great improvement in brightness of movie. AP Unit shack was given coat of camouflage. Move "Twin Beds" appreciated.
24 Jun 44
Weather dull and cool. Almost entire day spent arranging matters arising out of Diesel breakdown. Diesel maintenance party, Sgt Moisey, Cpl Pankewicz and LAC Payne found that the Generators of Diesels I & III supposedly checked and OK'd by Sgt Moisey on a recent visit, were in very poor condition due to twisting and lossening of bearings. Conditions of two generators was so bad, that it was considered necessary to fly a new generator in immediately. S/L Ingles of 9 CMU was contacted by telephone and authority obtained to send unserviceable generator out. Contact was made with both Ucluelet and Tofino Operations, but fog made prospect of plane to Vancouver very unlikely until F/O Patrick of 9 CMU Tofino who gave considerable assistance, received word that plane carrying new generator would arrive at Ucluelet at 1730 hrs, to pick up u/s Generator. Old generator was removed to Ucluelet at 1330 hrs. At 1800 hours Sgt Frith with Cpl Pankewitz went to Ucluelet to load new Generator from Tofino truck to scow, which they towed to Spring Cove. Sgt Moisey accompanied old generator to Tofino and then to Vancouver. Spring Cove lost a well played ball game to Sr NCOs of Ucluelet 10 to 8.
25 Jun 44
Dull weather in morning, brightening at noon. No church service as Padre on leave. Operations fairly active, as is usual in fair weather. It would be a tremendous stimulant to all detachment personnel if the occasional enemy ship or plane would appear along the coast. Many men have had two years on the coast without a sight or sign of enemy activity. 9 CMU men installed new generator. Evening show "Mrs Miniver" thoroughly enjoyed.
26 Jun 44
Morning dull but afternoon and evening bright and clear. Ucluelet telephone men installed branch lines from Orderly Room to Sgts quarters and Airmen's Canteen. A system of coded rings is required. Dr Wilhelm, of AFHQ a physicist connected with Operational Research, and Dr Leggate, in the same branch at Command, visited Detachment in order to observe facilities at Radar Detachments for obtaining information which would be valuable in compiling statistics which are required in a study of the vital question of transmission and reception, and meteorological conditions. The problem is involved and must be tackled as a long term project. Unfortanately it is very difficult to obtain anything remotely resembling laboratory conditons in such a set-up as is possible on these Detachments.
27 Jun 44
Weather dull until 1400 hrs when it brightened up. Difficulty is being encountered getting chlorine for water purification. #3 RD returned our demand date 7-Mar-44 stating that if it was still required, it should be remanded. A reply in the form of a stiff blast was despatched. F/O Fox returned from his 48 at 1600 hours. Sgt Crocker and Cpl Britton of #3 RD arrived to commence installing the new IFF equipment and also to tear down the old Operations building.
28 Jun 44
Weather was bright and warm until evening when heavy ground fog began rolling in from the sea. The washing and initial waxing of the linoleum at the new Operations building has been started and proved an easier job than expected. Operations were quite busy today and good flying weather resulted in a greater than usual number of tracks. The equipment is working quite well although the Central Unit of the receiver has developed a fault resulting in time base jitter on the H/R tube. The IFF Equipment arrived and was brought down to the Detachment by scow. It has been unloaded and will be trucked up to the Point in the morning. This evening after the movie, the regular monthly Mess Meeting was held and LAC Jopson was elected as President.
29 Jun 44
The weather was very dull and intermittent rain and fog was present. The Operations point was quiet due to the weather and general cleaning of new buildings was continued. The dismantling and packing of the old equipment by the party from #3RD was commenced. The party intends to distribute their time between the dismantling of the old station and the installation of the IFF gear, depending upon weather conditions. Posting of Cpl Read to #11 Detachment was received along with the posting from Cape St James of Cpl Turnbull. Cpl Read will be a welcomed addiion to #11 and it is hoped that his replacment will be as well liked and as a good an NCO as Cpl Read has been. The station ball team lost a very close game 6 to 5.
30 Jun 44
The weather bright and mild. Trouble was experienced during the ealy hours of the morning with the equipment at the Operations point. F/O Fox proceeded to the Point but the fault had cleared itself. No reason for either the appearance or disappearance of the fault has been forthcoming. The Operations point was not very busy at any time during the day but a few tracks were plotted. The installation party commenced working on the antenna installation for the MK III IFF gear. F/S Foster arrived to take charge of the party.
Strength: Officers - 2, Radar Operators and Mechs - 24, HQ - 26, Total - 52
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Jul 44
Weather very mild and bright. Orderly Room was very busy with month-end reports. Mr Saggers, who has been Standard Oil Agent at Spring Cove for a number of years came in to say that he would be leaving for good tomorrow, July 2/44. Negotiations for transfer of property have lasted over a year in this case. He left the keys to the buildings with F/O Fox, which means that we shall have the use of the Standard Oil storage shed until furhter notice from Command or the Oil Compnay, for storage of our oil and our beer and Coca Cola empties. F/O Fox and LAC Sanders took stock in the Canteen at 10:00 hours. Movie "Yankee Doodle Dandy" was enjoyed by all. This movie was also shown after midnight for the evening shift.
2 Jul 44
Very fine weather, clear and bright all day. Padre did not appear very pleased at the poor turnout at Divine Service at 1100 hours. The midnight show, which was not out until 0300 hrs interfered to some extent. Padre remained for lunch. For several weeks F/O Fox has been taking regular mechanic shifts in order to allow leaves and 48s. The installation party are proceeding quite well with the MK III IFF installation. They have nearly completed the antenna installation and are beginning the wiring. The movie audience was subjected to another storm of propaganda in "The Purple Heart".
3 Jul 44
Another fine warm day. the longest stretch of nice weather since February. The Operations Point was busy and several very nice tracks wee plotted. Shortly after going off the air for DI, we were notified by Filter that there was an exercise being run and we were forced to come back on the air. Three Radar men from Ucluelet were down to look over the equipment. Notification was received from WAC that we were to supply a chef to Tofino for a period of two weeks. LAC McLeod will proceed to Tofino tomorrow. The Detachment ball team won a game 13 to 7 from the Armament Section at Ucluelet in seven innings. Normal routine was carried out at the Administrative Site. The end of the month reports all mailed out.
4 Jul 44
Again today the weather has been bright and warm although it is now blowing up to a storm by the appearance of the sea. F/O Murray proceeded to Port Alberni at 0400 hrs to do some buying of sheet music, records and other entertainment needs. The morning fatigue party spent their time bringing the lumber, left over from building at the Point down to the lumber pile by the Carpenter shop. LACs Jantz and Garbula completed a good portion of the walk which is to be constructed around the new operational building. The operations point was very busy all day and some very good ranges up to 130 miles were obtained. The new equipment seems to be working in quite nicely, and results were very satisfactory. LAC McLeod proceeded to Tofino at 16:30 hours for a period of two weeks attendance.
5 Jul 44
Weather warm and bright. Dr Spinks and Dr Soper of WAC visited this Detachment to observe Operational activity at Amphitrite Point. A Signal from WAC provides the required authority. A start has been made toward remodeling the laundry room. A cement floor is to be laid, and the heater and water tank in more convenient positions. Further work was done on the board-walk around the operational building, and the remaining fire ladders were painted red. Evening movie "Time To Kill" was fairly well enjoyed.
6 Jul 44
Warm bright weather. At 1500 hours several of the airmen's wives met at the home of F/O Murray where they prepared sandwiches for a stag party to be held at 2000 hours in honour of F/O Fox who is to be married on July 12/44. At 1900 hrs at a special Muster Meeting of the Airmen's Mess, a motion was passed adopting a set of regulations governing extra-messing and ration allowance for married personnel with wives living in the community. Men receiving ration allowance 50 cents per day are to return $10 a month to the airmen's mess to be used to purchase extra messing to make up the reduction suffered through decrease in ration strength. The stag party was a great success. RC padre came for lunch and stayed for the afternoon to visit the lads.
7 Jul 44
Another warm bright day. Routine duties performed. Operations busy, as has been usual during the clear days of spring and summer. F/O Fox was busy completing his duties at the Point in preparation for Annual leave. Evening show "Murder on the Waterfront" fairly well enjoyed. It was decided to send LAC Snow as a substitute for LAC Neill to Queensport, NS.
8 Jul 44 Extremely clear, warm weather. Large shipment of goods for this Detchment arrived at Ucluelet on SS Norah. A barge transported shipment to Spring Cove and was unloaded immediately upon arrival. LAC Taylor was assigned to duty of proceeding to Ucluelet on Sunday morning to make a drawing, by means of projecting a negative in an enlarging machine of the Permanent Echo pattern of the PPI taken from a picture taken by the Ucluelet Photographic section, at midnight 7-July-44. This drawing was urgently requested by signal from WAC. 9 Jul 44 Dull, without rain. LAC Taylor made a very successful job of the Permanent Echo Pattern drawing of the PPI tube. The ball team proceeded to Ucluelet at 1345 hrs to play the Signals Section. The score was 10 to 4 in our favour. F/O Murray and LAC Szabo cleaned up the equipment section to assist LAC Downie, who is very busy working his shift as a mechanic in addition to doing to equipment work. Movie "Harvest Moon" with Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan almost made up for the two preceding efforts. 10 Jul 44 Weather cloudy and cool without rain. Program for obtaining supply of winter fire wood was commenced. The tractor was used to drag logs down to the vicinity of the wood-shed where the power saw is at present located. It is intended to try this method for a week or two in order to compare it with the previous method of taking the saw from log to log and then trucking the firewood to the shed. The extra flooring in the laundry room was laid in preparation for pouring cement.This was covered with a wire mesh for reinforcement. Ball game Spring Cove vs Army was 6 to 1 in our favour. 11 Jul 44 A persistent, fairly heavy, drizzling rain, which blows into all corners fell the whole day. Gravel and sand, taken from a source well above high water level, was screened, bagged and taken to the camp for use in cement floor in laundry. Wood cutting was continued in the woodshed during the rain. F/L Whiting of WAC & F/O Griffin of Ucluelet paid a visit to both Spring Cove and Amphitrite Point to inspect conditions of buildings. An effort will be made to secure us a carpenter. 12 Jul 44 Continued rain prevented continuation of work on laundry. F/O Murray made two trips to Ucluelet to place generator on SS Maquinna; first with Sgt Frith to pick up LAC Downie at 1400 hrs. As Maquinna had not yet arrived, Downie's work was not completed, but he returned with Murray and Frith to see show and returned later with F/O Murray when loading of equipment was arranged. 13 Jul 44 Weather improved but still damp. LAC's Garland, Edgar, Campbell and Robertson mixed and poured cement for the Laundry floor. Pouring of two coats of different textures took best part of morning and afternoon. Plumbing still remains to be re-installed. Cpl Maxey (MMMT) claims disability; that is, refuses to do any lifting. Will be sent to Hospital for inspection tomorrow. 14 Jul 44 Warm and bright weather. Pay parade was held at 1200 hrs, paymaster remaining for lunch. Operations busy. Normal routine at Admin site. Large number of men and wives visited Ucluelet station to see RCAF show "Joe Boys" which was one of the finest stage presentations ever to visit that Station. 15 Jul 44 Alternate sun and clouds without rain with fog now and again. Leave for LAC Sanders refused by #5 OTU. Canteen will be handled by LAC Garbula. F/L Bishop phoned regarding inspection of CHL equipment. We are to go off the air on morning of Sunday the 16th. At same time IFF is to be calibrated. F/L Bishop intends to visit the Detachment on Wednesday 19th. Ball team lost to Sr NCOs by 6 to 1. Cinema "Gentleman Jim" thoroughly enjoyed. Water tank and heater were replaced in Laundry room, which is serviceable again. 16 Jul 44 Fine weather. Notice of posting of F/O Murray as OC #26 Detachment received during the night. Signal sent to WAC requesting amendment to effective date to read 1-Aug-44 instead of 19-July-44 as F/O Fox does not return to this Detachment until 29-July-44. Padre arrived for service at 1100 hrs. He remained for lunch at the home of F/O & Mrs Murray, remaining to talk over several personnel problems of mutual interest. Evening show "Destination Tokyo" very interesting and well directed. 17 Jul 44 Unusually bright weather. Received phone call from F/L Bishop regarding Overhaul Party; also from F/O Beckett regarding Beacon. F/L Bishop had said that party were to move on to Ferrer Point on Wednesday. F/O Murray called back in afternoon to see if F/L Bishop wanted party to wait for his arrival and then take the maquinna on 29th but S/L Taylor who spoke to Murray said the party should not wait. This turned out to be contrary to F/L Bishop's instructions, as he wished to use field strength meter on equipment and instruct men in its use before they went to Ferrer. However it was decided to send meter and instructions to Ferrer by phone. 18 Jul 44 Dull, foggy weather. LAC Downie (Radar Mech) spent whole day and evening preparing various aspects of equipment section before taking 7 days leave. LAC Sanders Canteen Steward left taking Bush leave to report Boundary Bay 28-July-44. LAC Garbula takes over Canteen. LAC McLeod, Chef, who returned from attachment to Tofino Hospital 16th left on annual leave. F/O Murray proceeded to Operations at 1900 hours where he and Cpl Hayden cleaned up Operational area in preparation for visit of F/L Bishop. 19 Jul 44 Cool, dull weather. F/L Bishop of 3 RD arrived on the Uchuck to look over new Operations site. S/L McNeish, F/L Campbell and F/L Hogg of WAC arrived to inspect work of 9 CMU as far as the telephone installation was concerned. The visit was very brief. Evening show rather poor. F/L Bishop witnessed destruction of a Secret & Confidential publication. Fatigue crew cleaned up grounds at operations point. 20 Jul 44 Weather cool with alternate sunshine and clouds. F/L bishop and F/O Murray proceeded to Operational point to inspect new Interrogator installation. F/O Murray made appointment with CO of Ucluelet to discuss possibility of obtaining leave. W/C Thomas telephoned S/L Hansen, RO1, of WAC who promised that F/O Murray would be granted leave from Langara in the fall. All CHL equipment was loaded on the scow to be transported to Ucluelet for loading on Maquinna. 21 Jul 44 Weather bright and warm. Rifles and other armaments were taken to I&R for shipment. Fatigue crew went to Ucluelet to get 500 ft of lumber from dock also exchanged laundry and brought back repaired boots. Both afternoon and evening shows were complete failures because of unserviceability of projector unit. F/O Beckett of 3 RD arrived during evening show. 22 Jul 44 Very hot weather. F/O Beckett and Sgt Blouin of #3 RD installed new aerial on Beacon as meggering of one recently installed had dropped to less than one megohm. Installing aerial presents quite a problem because of the awkward position and the weight. F/O Beckett left maintenance instructions which he believes will prevent lowering of resistence again. F/O Beckett and F/L Bishop went to Ucluelet station for a dance during the evening accompanied by few of the personnel of this detachment. 23 Jul 44 Dull with roving fog. Sunday morning was spent writing routine personnel letters. Difficulty was again experienced during afternoon show when movie machine made same terrific noise. Finally it was decided to shut it off and make a search for the trouble. F/Sgt Foster and Cpl Britton of #3 RD found that an u/s 125J7 was causing the noise. This was replaced from a YMCA radio and the show continued. During the evening show, no noise was experienced. Ball team defeated Combines of Ucluelet in a play-off game 15 to 14. Spring Cove team now enters semi-finals. 24 Jul 44 Bright dry weather. F/L Bishop of 3 RD left on morning boat to go to Ucluelet to catch aircraft. F/O Beckett left at noon for Beacon test and flight back to Vancouver. Sgt Seigman and LAC MacKenzie arrived on posting from Queensport NS. Afternoon fatigues commenced making reducers to be used on new stoves with 7" openings. Operations quite busy. 25 Jul 44 Fairly bright day. Morning fatigues cleaned up camp area. Routine administration carried on. Operations very busy. Spotted Dog demanded by WAC is being carefully done and plots are entered daily. Oil Tanker arrived 1900 hrs with 16 barrels Diesel Fuel; just in time. F/O Murray visited Operations at 2100 hours to see about filing and correspondence. Spoke with Filter Officer (WD) regarding IFF Codes. Those in our Technical Book are identical with those held at Filter. 26 Jul 44 Day very foggy during morning, clearing during afternoon. During morning, partition between Orderly Room and R/T Room was removed. After lunch it was rebuilt in a new position to increase size of R/T room. (About 5 feet). Linoleum from old operation buidling is to be laid in bare space in R/T room. This change was made to accomodate new ADC equipment. All five new stoves were moved to the barrack blocks. Two were completely installed. Excellent acting in the evening show "Moontide", well enjoyed. 27 Jul 44 Dull morning without rain, brightening in afternoon and evening. Carpentry in Orderly Room completed and is now ready for painting. F/O Murray went to Ucluelet in afternoon to commence his clearance. War news very encouraging. People on every side are saying "another two months will do it". This optimism is not confined to the ranks, by any means. Every man's hope is also a prayer in tht regard. Normal routine in Administrative site. Operations slow in morning but busy in the evening. 28 Jul 44 Bright warm weather. F/O Murray went to Ucluelet to continue clearances. AFM 76 for Cpl Britton of #3RD was obtained and his R47 returned to WAC. Pay Master arrived at 1130 hours, paid the men and returned at 1230 hours. All men were present or accounted for. Operations fairly busy. 29 Jul 44
30 Jul 44
Cloudy but flying weather not too bad. The midnight crew had a very busy shift. In the first two hours they had passed 200 plots and at one time were running 17 tracks at the same time. This served to further confuse #2 Filter Detachment who seemingly were being run off their feet. There was both an RC and Protestant Church service held in the morning. Both services were well attended. This is the first RC service ever to be held on this Detachment. F/L Ramsay, the RC Padre, is going to try to get down once each month. The afternoon and evening show were both well attended. The station ball team played the first game in the semi-finals in the evening. They ended up on the short end of a 13 - 9 score. F/O Murray departed in the evening on posting to #26 Detachment, Langara Island. Woe is him...........
31 Jul 44
Somewhat cloudy in early morning but clearing by noon into a real summer day. F/O Ward and party arrived from WAC aboard an Army vessel. They are to install a receiver and transmitter at this unit which will act as a control station for ADC reports. Observers will pass information here via radio field sets and thence by direct line to #2 Filter Detachment, Victoria. The oil tanker BC Standard arrived at noon with 34 drums of Diesel Oil, which were unloaded by a volunteer party. The boys here are a good bunch of lads and do not mind the odd bit of exra work. The operations site was fairly busy as is usual on these fine days. This detachment is handling as many, if not more, plots that any other detachment on this Coast. Normal administrative duties were carried out and a start was made on the numerous month-end reports. These reports should all be finished in good time.
Strength: Officers - 2, Radar Operators and Mechs - 22, HQ - 25, Total - 49
(EW Fox) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Aug 44
Lovely bright day but becoming foggy in late evening. F/O Ward's installation party completed installation of new ADC radio equipment. It seems rather a waste of money but perhaps it will do some aircraft a good turn. The operators for it are to be sent from WAC and they will be broken down WOGs. This will make many a headache for the OC of the Detachment. Operations were somewhat inactive due to the fog but several tracks were carried during the day. F/O Fox and LAC Szabo made good headway on the month-end reports and should clear them up by tomorrow. A mess meeting was held in the evening and nearly developed into a good rousing argument. And so to bed.
2 Aug 44
Fog persisted all day and extreme dampness in air soaked everything and everyone. Operations point had 4 plots only - on the evening shift. The month-end reports were completed and mailed. Thank goodness, that is over for another month. The new cook LAC Van Ness arrived and seems to be a very capable man. He is a Vancouver man and is happy coming to this Coast. Previously he has served on the East Coast. The afternoon and evening shows were well enjoyed, "This Above All", though not new, was still well received. F/O Ward and party departed up coast for installation of field radio sets. They are to be back in a week for testing purposes.
3 Aug 44
Fog and cloudy all day with a fine drizzle in later afternoon and evening. Operations were again very quiet. There were no plots obtained at all today. Normal station routine was carried out. The afternoon fatigue parade carried out a thorough cleaning of the barracks. The ball game scheduled was cancelled.
4 Aug 44
The sun finally broke through today and it was a grand warm summer's day. In spite of fine weather, Operations were quiet with only four or five tracks on each shift. Purchases were made by the Entertainment Committee for weiner roast to be held Saturday. The movies were well attended and enjoyed by all. The station ball team evened up the semi-final series with a 10 to 8 win over Armament. LAC Yates sustained a ruptured kidney due to a collision during the game. It is expected to be only a minor rupture but he will be hospitalized for some time.
5 Aug 44
A cloudy day but quite warm. Operations were moderately busy. A new grid square map drawn up by the Sgt Operator was put into use and is a vast improvement over the old one which was badly faded. Normal station routine was carried out. The morning fatigue crew cleared out a spot for the evening weiner roast. The weiner roast turned out quite well and was enjoyed by all. Beer, cokes and cigarettes were on sale and a plentious supply of weiners and buns were consumed. The party broke up about 0030 hrs.
6 Aug 44
Cloudy but warm. the Command Padre, W/C McCullough paid a visit to the Detachment and spent the entire afternoon here. He stayed for the evening supper and then returned to Ucluelet. He did not hold a service but just mixed with the fellows and chatted. The movie "Coney Island" in technicolour was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed.
7 Aug 44
A sunny hot day. A very normal routine day with the operation point fairly busy. The fatigue crew assisted in a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and mess hall. The station team lost the third game of the semi-finals and finished the season. It was a very poorly umpired game but Armament took advantage of our bad breaks and entered the finals. The ball season provided some very good fun for all concerned.
8 Aug 44
Foggy and very cloudy. Rain is still holding off but should fall soon. Another more or less routine day. LAC Szabo, the clerk, had a day off and very little was accomplished at the Admin site. F/O Ward paid a return visit for a few minutes on his way up the Sound to install more ADC field sets. LAC Yates who was injured during a ball game is still in hospital and will be for a week or more. Arrangements were made by the MO at Ucluelet so that Mrs Yates might visit her husband.
9 Aug 44
Very damp day. Intermittent rain and fog. Operations point had only two tracks all day. Cpl Pilkington returned form Trenton where he successfully completed his SP Course. The morning fatigue crew prepared the Rec Hall and Canteen for the dance which is to be held this evening. The dance went off very nicely despite the scarcity of the weaker sex. Several of the girls working at the Cannery finally appeared and all in all it was an enjoyable evening for all.
10 Aug 44
Rather cloudy but warm. Fair amount of traffic at the Operations Point but no real busy times. The air activity seems to be slowing down on this coast lately. The weather has been somewhat bad, but even on the few nice days there is not much flying. The morning fatigue party spent the entire time cleaning and polishing up the canteen after last evening's "blitz". Nothing out of the way occurred although a party was held at one of the airman's home in honour of his wife's birthday and another thoroughly "wet" night was the result. Even though we may be an "outpost of Empire" we still seem to get our share of fun.
11 Aug 44
Cloudy day with some rain. The midnight crew were instrumental in bringing in a lost aircraft. This is the first real proof on the Coast that IFF is something which should interest the aircrew to their advantage. An American aircraft became lost about 00:30 this morning and the pilot turned on his distress IFF signal. Filter and air to sea rescue were immediately notified by the crew at the Operation Point. The US authorities in turn were notified by Filter and RT contact was made with the aircraft. He was given his position and immediately he was able to head for home. The ceiling at the time was only 200 ft and he was unable to come down to get a bearing. The morning fatigue party commenced painting the laundry room and tomorrow's party should finish the job. The evening show "Thank Your Lucky Stars" was a complete flop in the opinion of all. W/C Thomas, CO of Ucluelet, and the new Padre F/L Birchall paid a visit to the Detachment in the afternoon. F/L Birchall just talked among the boys and became acquainted. W/C Thomas and F/O Fox visited the operations site and talked over several problems present on the station.
12 Aug 44
Cloudy with intermittent rain. Operations had very little traffic but more than was to be expected in such weather. Morning fatigue crew completed painting of laundry and the room is greatly improved. Posting of Sgt Seigman to #11 Detachment was received. Sgt Stieman of Spider Island is the replacement. Another mechanic (Radar) has been posted here. He is U/T Pilot and is awaiting SFTS. ADC communication were NIL today.
13 Aug 44
A beautiful sunny day. The new Padre, F/L Birchall, held his first service and it was a very fine service. The turnout was also very good with a great number of the women attending. The Padre remained for lunch and promised to pay us another visit during the coming week. He seems a very competent man and is quite interested in the men. In the afternoon, F/O Fox, Sgt Siegman, Cpl Paine and LAC Szabo went to Ucluelet and ran off the station newspaper. This edition is, as have been all editions, a very good and very humourous effort. The evening movie was enjoyed by an extra large attendance. We shall have to enlarge our capacity if this continues.
14 Aug 44
Foggy day with some light rain in evening. Normal routine carried out. Fatigue crew commenced clean-up and painting of unused Barrack Block. Operations point was somewhat busy in evening despite light rain.
15 Aug 44
Bright sunny day, clouding up somewhat in evening. Evening fog still persists each day about 1600 hrs. No contact having been made with any ADC posts or F/O Ward for several days. F/L Chasson at WAC was contacted. While talking to him on the telephone, F/O Ward called from PQ52 and informed us he would be in tomorrow if all went well. His installations are practically finished. A general cleaning up of all administrative duties was carried out. No word from F/O Bolstad as to when he will arrive. Operations were very busy with a great many learners out, presumably Beachcraft. All equipment is working very well.
16 Aug 44
Bright sunny day. The usual evening fog was not present this evening. The operations point was quite busy all day and most of the night. The few mid-month returns were all finished up by the clerk here. F/O Ward and his party aboard the Army Service Vessel arrived in the afternoon en route to Ferrer Point, where they will install another ADC control unit. They were here only a very short while. LAC Hodgins, the Radar Operator who is to look after the ADC equipment here, arrived in the evening and will commence work in the morning. The evening movie was well attended but not enjoyed as much as others.
17 Aug 44
Bright sunny day, quite warm. The ADC plots were very numerous today and good contact with all but two stations was maintained. We are to begin hour 24 operations on this equipment beginning tomorrow. The night watch will be taken by the SP on duty in the Orderly Room. A general station clean-up was organized in the afternoon. All windows were thoroughly cleaned and all buildings swept and dusted. Operation Point was quite busy and along with ADC plots the filter phone was going all day and most of the evening. No word as yet on the time of arrival of F/O Bolstad.
18 Aug 44
Lovely bright day and Operations as well as ADC was quite busy. The two are sometimes interfering with each other but in most cases the time difficulty can be cured. In any case, radar plots are to be passed in preference to ADC plots, even if it should mean a slight delay in the passing of the ADC plots. The painting of the unoccupied Barrack Block was completed today all but the trim for windows and baseboards. The evening show was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed ("Princess O'Rourke").
19 Aug 44
Again the weather has been grand. The usual morning and evening fogs did not come up. The evening however brought quite chilly weather. Routine work was carried out in the morning. The fatigue crew waxed and polished the Rec Hall floor and gave the canteen a good clean-up in preparation for this evening's dance. In the afternoon, the Detachment enjoyed a visit from Air Commodore Cockram (AFHQ Padre), W/C McCullough (WAC Padre), W/C Thomas and F/L Birchall. The Air Commodore addressed the boys briefly and then the party just wandered about chin-wagging with the fellows. The evening's dance was marred by the absence of the girls from the Cannery who were unable to attend due to work. However, the presence of a goodly number of the airman's wives helped matters and a good time was seemingly had by all.
20 Aug 44
Another bright sunny day. F/L Birchall conducted Divine Service in the morning and remained for lunch. Operations was quite busy. Administration site was deserted as Orderly Room clerk took the day off. Evening show not good but not too bad.
21 Aug 44
Lovely warm day. F/L Daly arrived from #2 Filter Detachment to investigate suspected azimuthal error in plots passed by this Detachment and #11. He will proceed then to #11 to investigate conditions there. F/O Fox accompanied him to the Point in the afternoon. Very little information was obtained which would throw any light on the suspected error. In the morning a great deal of trouble was experienced in coming back on the air after DI. The time base coils in the PPI had become loose and were slipping. They were reglued and so far have given no further trouble. The incident caused a period of 1 hr and 25 minute abnormal maintenance. Normal admin duties up to date pending arrival of F/O Bolstad, new OC.
22 Aug 44
Another bright sunny day. Morning fatigue crew cleaned all windows in the Kitchen and Mess Hall. F/O Fox and F/L Daly spent the entire day at the Point. The IFF Transmitting aerials were taken down, cleaned and shellaced to protect them against the weather. In the evening, a fault developed in the ADC Transmitter. After examination, F/O Fox and F/L Daly found the main HT transformer had broken down. A signal was dispatched to F/O Ward and a phone call put into command. No answer on either as yet.
23 Aug 44
Cloudy weather but quite warm. Trouble was experienced at Operations in obtaining correct tension on IFF antenna feeder lines. Each time tension was put on, one line would break at the solder joint. Turnbuckles were loosened finally and a thorough job of soldering was completed. This seemingly is satisfactory as no further breaking has occurred. LAC Graham.(Radar Mech) reported in from Cape St James. Routine administration was carried out today with the fatigue crew cleaning up the canteen and grounds. F/O Bolstad, the new OC reported in this evening and was in time to see the evening movie which was enjoyed by all. A dance held at Ucluelet station was attended by several airmen from here.
24 Aug 44
Somewhat cloudy during part of the day but still warm. The morning fatigue party cleaned windows in the newly painted barracks. The afternoon fatigue parade was entirely barrack clean-up. F/O Bolstad and F/O Fox began inventory check of the Secret equipment and progressed quite nicely. F/L Daly and Sgt Siegman began to redraw the PPI grid mask. The one in use has straight grid lines which are not correct as curvature of both tube and earth must be allowed for.
25 Aug 44
Cloudy with light rain all day. F/O Fox and F/O Bolstad completed inventory check-up of the Secret Equipment. F/L Daly through close check-up of PE formation and maps discovered an apparent -6º error in azimuthal settings of the antenna. This is contrary to the results obtained by astral compass readings taken but appears to bear out the reports of error received from Filter. A correction has been made and results of the next few days will show which is the correct bearing. The evening show enjoyed by all.
26 Aug 44
Cloudy, fog in morning and evening. F/O Folstad and F/O Fox continued inventory check. F/L Daly spent day supervising a new procedure in plotting. The procedure is to read the Grid reference directly off the tube rather than converting as is normally done in Canada. This speeds up the passing of plots. LACs Sargent and Driedger won the horseshoe tournament and took the $2.50 prize money. Normal Admin routine.
27 Aug 44
Another cloudy, foggy day. F/L Birchall conducted Divine Service at 1100 hrs and remained for lunch. A communion service was held after the regular service. In the evening, a dance was held following the movie. The movie was a very poor form of entertainment, however, the dance was quite successful and enjoyed by all. In the late evening, the Operations Point called to notify us that they had brought another aircraft home. It had been lost south of us. That is two in two weeks and the boys feel quite good about it.
28 Aug 44
Cloudy, but no rain fell. The fog again came up in the evening. F/O Fox and F/O Bolstad took Inventory check in the Canteen and found it was down $4.80 which couldn't be located. This is the first time the canteen stock has ever failed to come out even at $500.00 plus or minus a few cents. F/L Daly had finished his work here but is forced to remain until Wednesday for transportation. Posting of LACs Yates and Wilson to Ferrer Point received today.
29 Aug 44
A very grand day, the best in months. Operations were busy all day and during the night, also with 250 plots on the midnight shift. Inventory work was held up by routine administration duties that had to be performed. The evening show was very crowded and enjoyed greatly by the packed house. A naval picture "Stand by for Action". Cpl Brisco with the aid of another WM corporal from Ucluelet completed an overhaul on the AT3 transmitter. During the movie, the projection machine broke down and repairs were made by F/L Daly and Sgt Webster. The people waited patiently and nearly everyone remained until the end.
30 Aug 44
Another lovely bright day but fog and clouds rolled up in the late afternoon. F/L Daly departed for Ferrer Point via the SS Norah. He was accompanied by Sgt Seigman who was proceeding on posting to #11. F/L McGee called from WAC re an aircraftsman Radar Mech for overseas posting. LAC Graham's name was submitted.
31 Aug 44
Weather cloudy all day. Inventory check was completed this day and F/O Fox and F/O Bolstad visited Ucluelet station during the morning to make the sign-over of the Detachment. C29271 F/O HO Bolstad assumed command of the Detachment this date vice C24450 F/O EW Fox.
Strength: Officers - 1, Radar Operators and Mechs - 24, HQ - 28, Total - 53
(HO Bolstad) F/O,
OC #13 Detachment RCAF,
Amphitrite Point, BC.
1 Sep 44
Clear and bright with stiff NW wind. F/O Fox and Wife bid farewell to the Detachment today leaving by the speed boat from Port Alberni. Two airmen reported in on posting, Sgt Steiman to take charge of the Operators and LAC Ferguson, a radar Mechanic undergoing aircrew training. An invitation was received from Ucluelet Station for the airmen of this unit to attend their smoker in the evening. About ten airmen attended. The Standard Oil Tanker arrived at 2030 hrs and unloaded 100 drums of Diesel fuel for this unit.
2 Sep 44
Bright and clear, quite warm, wind abated. The night crew reported a busy time, having plotted tracks on more than 40 a/c with one track over 350 miles in length. No unusual occurrences during the day.
3 Sep 44
Foggy in the early morning, clearing about 0800 hrs to a clear warm day with light NW wind. The Unit was visited during the day by several airmen from Ucluelet station and F/L Burchill, the padre, who came during the afternoon to say farewell. He is leaving during the week for Alliford Bay. The movie held at 1930 hrs, "In Our Time", was well attended and enjoyed.
4 Sep 44
Clear, quite warm and calm. F/L Daly returned from his trip to Ferrer Point at 1000 hrs. He intends to stay a couple days here to continue his study of the operational set-up. His long experience in England and Africa should have a very beneficial effect on the efficiency of the operators. An extra movie was shown during the evening to make up for the one that was missed last Friday. The Station was visited during the afternoon by Mr G Woodcraft, the YMCA representative, investigating the wants of the Unit in entertainment requirements. F/L AR McGee of WAC called on long distance to advise on the proper method of passing ADC plots.
5 Sep 44
Clear, calm and very warm. Operations very busy due to the fine flying weather, more than a thousand plots a day being recorded. Normal routine in Administration site.
6 Sep 44
Calm with heavy fog all day. Considerably cooler. F/L Daly left for #2 Filter at 1600 hrs. There is a noticeable speed up in passing of plots due to his efforts with the operators. The picture show held in the evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.
7 Sep 44
Heavy fog continued, calm and cool. No unusual occurrences.
8 Sep 44
Foggy, calm and cool. Personnel of this Unit moved a new ping pong table and billiard table down from Ucluelet station. These are very welcome as the old ones were getting into bad shape. The station was inoperational for 45 minutes in the afternoon due to a fault in the receiver. The motion picture "Phantom Lady" was shown during the evening.
9 Sep 44
Clear, calm and quite warm again. A strictly routine day.
10 Sep 44
Calm and warm with heavy fog. Work was begun on repairing the ADC equipment in the Monitor Room by an airman sent in from 3 RD. The equipment was back on the air at 2100 hrs. "Random Harvest" was very well attended in the Rec Hall in the evening and thoroughly enjoyed.
11 Sep 44
Clear calm and warm. No unusual occurrences.
12 Sep 44
Cloudy and cool with stiff SW wind blowing up about 1500 hrs. and bringing in a steady rain. C.39176 F/O JE Anderson arrived from Vancouver on posting as supernumerary Signals-Radar Officer. The Station Paper "The 13th" was published in the evening by its 7th editor LAC Szabo.
13 Sep 44
Rain continued in the morning with strong west winds. In the afternoon the clouds were broken with intermittent periods of sunshine and showers. The Station was visited by S/L Gilmour the CO from RCAF Station Ucluelet at 1330 hrs. Difficulty was experienced in contacting Filter by landline from 1600 hrs. to 2300 hrs. Difficulty was encountered in contacting the ADC substations as the receiver on that equipment is not operating well. The motion picture "A Yank at Eton" was shown in the evening to a particularly large audience and was much enjoyed. A short dance ending at 2300 hrs. was held in the recreation hall after the show.
14 Sep 44
Cloudy and cool with occasional showers, light west wind. No unusual occurrences.
15 Sep 44
Continued cool weather, cloudy with occasional showers, light west wind. Operations quite busy considering poor flying weather. The move "Hey Rookie" was well attended in the evening and thoroughly enjoyed.
16 Sep 44
Clear and calm in the morning with clouds and rain coming in at approximately 1500 hrs. in the afternoon. The unit was visited by W/C Creed the APM and WO1 Jago of AFHQ on their inspection tour of the Service Police. W/C Creed outlined the new Service Police policy and explained the necessity of cutting down the strength at all units. Mid-month returns completed and mailed.
17 Sep 44
Clear and calm, quite warm. Operations reported a very busy night, upwards of two hundred and fifty plots being recorded. Some difficulty was experienced in picking up a flight of Liberators that filter considered should have been plotted by this station. The aircraft were contacted but not until they were quite far out to sea. A very large crowd attend the Olsen and Johnson movie in the evening.
18 Sep 44
Calm clear and warm. A new move was made in providing recreation for the Unit personnel when use of the gymnasium at Ucluelet Station was obtained for Monday nights. A large number of the men availed themselves of the opportunity to visit the gym during the evening to play basketball and badminton. It was found necessary to send R165281 Cpl Mulhall, KSC to Tofino Hospital at 2100 hrs by ambulance. Pneumonia is suspected to have set in as a result of a bad cold.
19 Sep 44
Coudy and calm with some light rain towards evening. Very little activity at operations, 11 plots in the morning. In the afternoon and unknown and powerful carrier blocked the ADC receiver (GR10) for some ten minutes. A monthly mess meeting was held at 1900 hrs and a new president, Sgt Lemna,was elected, also some new members were elected to the Mess and Entertainment Committees.
20 Sep 44
Raining most of the day, fog towards evening. One of the mooring ropes of the water scow caught on the shoreward piling and as the tide came in the piling was lifted out. The show "War Against Mrs Hadley" was shown in the afternoon and in the evening about thirty six in all, personnel and wives, went to Ucluelet Station to see the Shell Show which was much enjoyed.
21 Sep 44
Sunshine in the morning, heavy rain and some fog in the afternoon and evening. The OC F/O Bolstad was ill in the morning, perhaps stomach flue. Operations was very quiet due to the poor flying weather. LAC Chaldecott left on his Isolation leave on posting to WAC HQ.
22 Sep 44
Foggy and calmer, a heavy sea runnint outside. When it came light this morning, the water scow was found to have come adrift and beached itself halfway betwen Norm's pier and the Japanese pier. It was floated off in the afternoon and was found to have sustained very little damage considering the circumstances. A very mystifying fault developed on the Radar Equipment and caused the station to be off the air for some hours. The picture "They Shall Not Escape", was shown and moderately enjoyed.
23 Sep 44
Sunny and warm for this time of the year. In the afternoon F/O Bolstad and F/O Anderson tried their hand at the fault on the equipment but as it could not be shut down, no very detailed check could be made. In the evening a Bingo session ws much enjoyed, some dozen prizes were given away. Following this, there was a small dance with late lunch of coffee and donuts. A very successful evening.
24 Sep 44
Sunny, very calm and very warm. The day was purely routine. In the evening the very popular movie "Intermezzo" was much enjoyed by all personnel.
25 Sep 44
Sunny in the morning, clouding up in the afternoon with some rain in the late evening. The very troublesome fault in the Radar Equipoment was finally corrected by LAC Jopson. F/O Bolstad left on his Isolation leave, F/O Anderson was left in charge. In the evening, the Badminton and Basketball players, about twelve in all, went to Ucluelet to use their Rec Hall.
26 Sep 44
Fog in the morning, sunny and warm in afternoon. Routine day, only moderately busy at Operations. In the evening, trouble was experienced with trespassers (Indians) who only left hurriedly when threatened.
27 Sep 44
Fog in the early morning, sunny forenoon, cloudy with rain in the late evening. F/L McGee phoned in the afternoon to ask us to check the beacon frequency. This was done and the frequency checked OK. The other beacon was put on the air immediately after the call. The show "Panaman Hattie" was well enjoyed.
28 Sep 44
Partly cloudy and cool, occasional showers. Received notice of F/O Bolstad's posting which was a distinct surprise to all