Historical Record
61 Air Control and Warning Squadron
1 Dec 1962 to 31 Dec 62
On Disbandment
7 Dec 62
Last 61 Squadron ceremonial parade under command of the Commanding Officer, S/L RW Hill, is reviewed by A/V/M Wray at 1000 hours. W/C and Mrs. Yarnell as well as dependants of 61 Squadron personnel are in attendance.
An "Open House" is held from 1400 hours to 1600 hours for any personnel of 1 Air Div and Support Unit as well as dependants who wish to visit the unit. Conducted tours were provided for several groups who attended.
At 2030 hours a cocktail party sponsored by the CO and Officers of 61 Squadron was honoured by the presence of A/V/M and Mrs. Wray, A/C and Mrs. Bradshaw, G/C and Mrs. Bridgland,, W/C and Mrs. Yarnell as well as other guests. This was followed by a formal Farewell Ball in the Support Unit Recreation Hall. The latter function included excellent buffet supper, a highly amusing floor show and enjoyable dance music. Presentations were made by 61 Squadron personnel to S/L and Mrs. Hill.
12 Dec 62
At 0210 hours 61 Squadron is alerted for Exercise Quick Train (practice alert). Squadron personnel alert system is implemented and maximum control capability is achieved within 35 minutes.
14 Dec 62
1 Air Div Officer’s Mess held a "Farewell to 61" evening at which all departing 61 Squadron officers were presented with a parting gift from the mess.
16 Dec 62
On the morning of 16 Dec, the officers of 61 Squadron held a "Farewell" mixed cocktail party in honour of the Commanding Officer and Mrs. Hill. Immediately following cocktails in the Air Div Officer’s Mess, the party proceeded to a local hotel of gastronomic renown where a delicious French dinner "en famille" was enjoyed by all.
20 Dec 62
At 1449 hours Yellowjack radio monitor picked up a Mayday on emergency frequency from two USAF F-100s, call sign Vast Alpha. Vast Alpha Two is flamed-out attempting re-light. The Fighter Marshal established radio and radar contact with Vast Alpha section. At 1454 hours Vast Alpha Two reports he is bailing out. The scope position recorded the GEOREF as GF3510. Vast Alpha Lead, who has lost visual contact with his number two is directed to bail-out position and hold orbit over same while parent radar unit establish position for subsequent search. The pilot was found alive but suffering from back injury and exposure at approximately 2100 hours 21 Dec.
26 Dec 62
At 1436 hours, emergency SIF track picked up on radar. Sandal Bravo, two Canadian F-86s, under unit control are directed onto the emergency track and identify same as one USAF F-100. Emergency track is subsequently intercepted by two other USAF aircraft who complete the safe escort to home base.
31 Dec 62
CO, COpsO, Civilian Technical Representatives and a number of operations and technical personnel attended the ceremony of final equipment shutdown at 1200 hours. Actin AOC 1 Air Div A/C Bradshaw, Director of COC 1 Air Div, and CO’s of 1, 2, 3, and 4 Wing called the CO of 61 Squadron to thank the Squadron for a job well done and to wish the personnel every success in the future.
Message received from General Landon, Commander of 4 ATAF is quoted: "The high professional manner in which this unit has always carried out its task has been a pride and pleasure to me as COMFOURATAF. Please convey my sincere appreciation to the officers and men and tell them they will be missed. As they leave for new assignments, I bid them AUF WEIDERSEHN and GOD SPEED".
Signed By:
(RW Hill) S/L
Commanding Officer
31 Dec 62