Pinetree Line Miscellaneous

On Sunday, 13 September 1959, it started to snow. It was a wet snow, almost rain. It continued to snow all day and the following night. During the night the wind began to rise and by Monday morning when the day shift went to work, it had reached gale force. At first no one thought much about it as high winds are not too uncommon at Saglek and especially in the vicinity of the Polevault buildings. This is due to the proximity of the buildings to the sheer 1800 foot cliff. The winds sweep in from the sea to the north and strike the cliff where they are channeled upward and concentrated at the top edge where the buildings and antennas are located.

The interconnecting corridor between the two Polevault equipment buildings is built in two sections. One section extends at right angles to the Polevault 1 building for a distance of some seventy feet and is parallel to the edge of the cliff. The second section extends at an angle from the first section until it reaches the Polevault 2 building. This configuration of the corridor is important only to the extent of the position of the sections in relation to the predominant wind direction. Most of the high winds are from the north. The first corridor section runs east and west and therefore is broadside to the wind. The second section, being at an angle, is less vulnerable.

By mid-morning the winds had increased to such a velocity as to cause concern for the corridor. The section broadside to the wind had been considerably weakened during previous storms and now the sides were bulging inward and the entire structure was tending to lean to the southward. Timbers were then brought in and the corridor was shored up on the inside at the weaker points. This action appeared to strengthen the structure considerably and fortunately the corridor weathered the storm. However, it is believed the corridor was further generally weakened during the period of the storm and cannot be expected to withstand many more onslaughts of this nature.

During the morning of the 14^th, the following message was drafted for transmission to the squadron headquarters at Pepperrell AFB, Newfoundland. This message was not transmitted, however, due to poor circuit conditions on the squadron teletype circuit.

TTY LTR
SUBJ: - WEATHER
TO: RRSQ

SNOW SUNDAY 13 SEPT AND MONDAY 14 SEPT. WIND INDICATOR INOPERATIVE DUE TO ICE. ESTIMATED WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 KNOTS AND RISING. BUILDINGS VIBRATING. ICING SEVERE. CORRIDOR BETWEEN PV ONE AND PV TWO DANGEROUS.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO EIGHT

At mid-day, the Squadron Commander was contacted by telephone and advised of the conditions up to that time. He asked to be kept informed throughout the course of the storm and expressed concern for the antennas.

Prior to the storm our antenna locations and types were as follows:

POLEVAULT ONE:

North: One ruggedized 30 foot Kennedy dish antenna. One 6 foot horn, mounted on a platform level with the roof and at the south end of the Polevault one building. One BMEWS interim 30 foot steel dish antenna under construction and approximately 75% completed.

South: One 60 foot Kennedy aluminum dish antenna. One 6 foot emergency horn mounted on a platform adjacent to the north emergency horn.

POLEVAULT TWO:

North: One 30 foot Kennedy dish antenna. One BMEWS interim antenna under construction. This antenna had the concrete base poured and the dish had been assembled face down on the ground. No steel of any kind had been erected up to this time..

South: One 60 foot Kennedy aluminum dish antenna.

All during the afternoon the wind increased in velocity. By 1700 hours, it was estimated that gusts were exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Both Polevault equipment buildings each have two exhaust ports high up in the north wall near the ceiling. Warm air within the buildings is exhausted through these ports by means of large fans driven by one third horsepower electric motors. These ports in the Polevault 1 building were covered on the outside by sheet metal covers, hinged at the top that were pushed outward and upward when the fans were in use. The ports in the Polevault two building were covered with tattered remains of metal louvers. The louvers had been severely damaged during previous storms.

During the afternoon of the 14^th, the winds were gusting to such a velocity as to stop the exhaust fans in Polevault 2 and cause them to "windmill" backward against the forward force of the motors. Wind driven snow was being forced through the ports and the pressure inside the buildings was increasing, thus increasing the danger of losing the roof or side panels. To counteract this danger, the fans were stopped by cutting off the power at the peak of a wind gust and ramming a board into the blades at the instant they stopped revolving. The motors and fans were then removed and plywood covers were forced into the openings. These covers were held in place by wedging wooden blocks between the plywood and the motor mounts.

No attempt was made to cover the exhaust ports in Polevault 1 on the inside as the sheet metal covers were clamped down on the outside and were considered adequate. This proved to be a mistake. During the night, they were ripped off from their fastenings and destroyed.

Since the corridor that once extended from the AC&W buildings to the Power Building and Polevault 1 had been destroyed during a previous storm, it was necessary to go outside in order to reach the dining hall and sleeping quarters. A rope safety line had been stretched, previous to the storm, from the nearest sleeping wing to the Polevault 1 building. At approximately 1700 hours all personnel except three men on the evening shift left the Polevault buildings and made their way in pairs along the path of the safety line to the barracks.

The evening shift had been briefed regarding the situation up to that time and were instructed not to expect relief at midnight if the winds increased. They were also instructed to keep the Squadron Commander and the Detachment Commander informed of the situation and of any destruction.

The evening shift was composed of A2C John F Wilson, shift supervisor, A2C Burton L Oliver and A2C Lawrence E Morgan.

The station was operating normally until 1830 hours local. At that time Airman Wilson, checking and alarm signal from Polevault 2, found the north klystron arcing badly. He switched to the spare klystron and it too arced. The arcing was obviously caused by tremendous backpower from the waveguide and antenna system. Wilson correctly concluded that the antenna had been severely damaged and consequently shut down the Polevault 2 north equipment. The north circuits were then patched over to spare channels in Polevault 1.

At 1925 hours local, while talking to Hopedale on the local circuit, shift personnel suddenly lost contact. Investigation revealed the 60 foot Polevault 2, south antenna was down.

At 1950 hours local, Lt. Gantt, Squadron Operations Officer, called on the 8840 administrative circuit. (This circuit works through Polevault 1 and was still operative). He queried shift personnel concerning the situation and was briefed on the status of the station up to that time. At this point the buildings were vibrating badly. Heavy equipment was moving an inch or two up and down the wind driven rocks, ice and debris were hammering the building walls. The Polevault 1, 60 foot south antenna could be observed from the vantage point of the doorway. The entire antenna was vibrating badly and twisting at each fresh onslaught of the wind.

At 2007 hours local, shift personnel attempted to call Goose Bay. The circuit was dead. Shift personnel again checked the Polevault 1 south antenna from the shelter in the doorway. In the dim, shifting light they could see that it was now a twisted, broken mass of aluminum, scattered across the snowdrifts. Oddly, the south klystron did not trip and no alarm was sounded. Apparently the break in the waveguide had been sharp, quick and clean and the load change had not been sufficiently large to detune the klystron.

Duty personnel immediately shifted transmission to the south emergency horn, Polevault 1. Earlier, at the direction of Goose Bay Control, Polevault 1 north transmission had been shifted to the emergency horn. This was at 1835 hours local.

At this point all transmissions were via emergency horns. As the emergency horns had been installed just prior to the storm, the installation of the styroflex receive cables had not been completed. Therefore only transmissions could be made.

During the time that the foregoing events were occurring, shift personnel were kept constantly busy in their attempts to maintain communications. Quick changeovers of equipment and channel pitching were done in a commendable manner. Their quick thinking and rapid action was instrumental in maintaining circuitry up to the very moment all antennas were lost.

In spite of rapidly deteriorating circumstances, duty personnel found time to keep the detachment commander almost continuously advised of each event.

During the early evening hours, when it became obvious that the storm was of unusual intensity, the 64^th Air Division Emergency Sideband Amateur Radio Net was activated. TSgt Charles L McMahan, Detachment 8, served as Saglek operator and manned this post for twelve hours. After the loss of the Polevault antennas, this net was the only means of communications for Saglek Air Force Station for twenty-four hours.

The danger of fire in the Polevault buildings became a matter of increasing concern as the intensity of the storm increased. After it became known that Polevault 2 antennas were lost, power to the Polevault 2 building was cut off at the main power plant. Since power to Polevault 2 is fed through separate lines and different routing, this shutdown did not affect Polevault 1.

At 2154 hours local, Airman Morgan reported a fire alarm in Polevault 1. Shift personnel made a quick but thorough check but could find no fire. It was assumed that the alarm was a result of a malfunction of the fire alarm system due to vibration. This assumption later proved to be correct. However, needless to say, this alarm was cause for considerable concern at this time.

As the storm increased in intensity, there was increasing concern for the safety of the three airmen in Polevault 1. There was some discussion of a rescue operation, using a weasel or caterpillar tractor. However, due to flying debris, it was felt that such an operation would be extremely hazardous and therefore it was decided not to attempt it except as a last resort.

As the AC&W buildings were at a higher elevation than the Polevault buildings, some observations could be made although the light was very poor. At approximately 2230 hours, flashes of blue light could be seen coming from the Polevault Emergency Power building. This indicated the power lines were shorting out. The danger of fire had suddenly become acute. It became imperative to cut off all power to the Polevault area. This would leave the airmen in Polevault without heat or light, although telephone contact could be maintained. The airmen were fully appraised of this new development and given a few minutes to make such preparations as they could. They were instructed to make a call to the amateur radio station every half hour and report their condition. To their credit, they took the loss of heat and power calmly and without complaint. Power was then pulled at the main switchboard in the power plant.

Major McKay and squadron personnel were kept informed of developments throughout the night by means of the Sideband emergency net.

The storm continues to rage throughout the night, gradually diminishing toward dawn. At 0600 on the 15^th, it had subsided sufficiently to allow detachment personnel to make their way down the rope safety line, through the wreckage to the Polevault buildings. There they were greeted by the three cold but still cheerful airmen.

An inspection of the area was then made. The following message describes the main damage:

TO: COMMANDER, 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
PEPPERRELL AFB, NFLD

FIRST VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF POLEVAULT DAMAGE. ANTENNAS AS FOLLOWS: NUMBER ONE SOUTH AND NUMBER TWO NORTH DEMOLISHED. POSSIBLY A FEW SALVAGEABLE PARTS. NUMBER TWO NORTH CENTRE AND HORN DESTROYED. NUMBER ONE NORTH LOOKS GOOD EXCEPT FOR STYROFLEX AND APPROXIMATELY THIRTY FEET OF WAVEGUIDE. BOTH EMERGENCY HORNS LOOK GOOD. BMEWS APPEARS UNDAMAGED. BUILDINGS AS FOLLOWS: APPROXIMATELY ONE THIRD OF POWER BUILDING ROOF GONE. DOOR GONE. DAMAGE TO OTHER BUILDINGS APPEARS SUPERFICIAL. POWER: NO POWER TO EITHER BUILDING AS YET. WILL ADVISE WHEN RESTORED. AM DIRECTING ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES TOWARD RESTORATION OF COMMUNICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE VIA EMERGENCY HORNS.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE 1213Z Dividend

The storm was over. The long hard road to recovery lay ahead.

Power was restored to Polevault 2 almost immediately after it was ascertained that the power line had suffered no damage.

Power to Polevault 1 could not be restored for a number of hours. The switching gear in the emergency power building was wet and had to be dried out. This was done by covering it with canvas and blowing hot air into it with a Nelson aircraft engine heater. In addition, the power line from the main power plant to the emergency power plant had been damaged. After a previous storm, temporary repairs had been made but the line ran partly through old, unsecured conduit and partly in the open on the ground. The current storm had further damaged this line and it was grounded. It was necessary to make extensive repairs before service could be restored.

The first action by Detachment 8 personnel was to complete the installation of the styroflex to the emergency horns. This task was completed in short order.

The wind had ripped the metal covers from the north wall vents. Wind driven snow had poured through the openings throughout the night. Consequently nearly all of the equipment in the building (Polevault 1) was wet. After the installation of the styroflex, the vent motors and fans were removed and the openings were blocked off with plywood. The mopping up and drying out process then began.

The following messages were transmitted via the Sideband net on 15 September:

TO: COMMANDER, 187^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
PEPPERRELL AFB, NFLD

POWER RESTORED TO POLEVAULT 2. ESTIMATE POWER TO POLEVAULT ONE BY 24OO LOCAL.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE 1317Z - Dividend

TO: COMMANDER, 187^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
PEPPERRELL AFB, NFLD

POWER RESTORED TO POLEVAULT ONE AT 1655 HOURS LOCAL. CONSIDERABLE MOISTURE IN KLYSTRONS. WE ARE BRINGING THEM UP SLOWLY. UNLESS UNFORSEEN DIFFICULTIES ARISE, WE EXPECT TO BE OPERATIONAL ON HORNS BY 2100 HOURS LOCAL. WILL KEEP YOU ADVISED.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE 2137 to Dividend via Tollhouse

By 2030 hours local on the 15^th, communications both to the north and to the south had been re-established on a limited basis. Polevault 1 was back in operation on emergency horn antennas.

Although it was not possible to re-establish Polevault 2 at this time, most of the circuits in Polevault 2 were patched over to spare channels in Polevault 1. Saglek had received a crushing blow but had managed to stagger up out of the rubble and wreckage in less than twenty-four hours!. Full recovery was yet to come after many days of cold hard work!.

The next step towards recovery was to improve the quality of the circuitry that we had re-established and to devise a workable recovery plan. The following message was transmitted to Squadron Headquarters at 1445 hours on 16 September 1959:

DTG: 1445/160959
SUBJ: RESTORATION
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

GOOSE PSE PASS COPY TO MAJOR MCKAY IN TRANSIT TO SAG. PRESENT EFFORTS BEING DIRECTED TOWARD IMPROVEMENT OF PRESENT POSITION. DIVERSITY RECEPTION SOUTH FIRST STEP. SMALL HORN PV2 SOUTH SECOND STEP. STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING RESTORATION PROCEDURE: GIVE HORTON STELL ALL POSSIBLE SUPPORT TO EXPEDITE COMPLETION OF BMEWS NORTH. NUMBER ONE BMEWS NORTH LACKS ONLY WAVEGUIDE AND STYROFLEX TO BE OPERATIONAL. NUMBER TWO BMEWS NORTH CAN BE COMPLETED IN MINIMUM TIME. NUMBER ONE KENNEDY NORTH STILL IN RELATIVELY GOOD CONDITION. RECOMMEND MARCONI TEAM MOVE IT TO NUMBER ONE SOUTH. NUMBER TWO KENNEDY ANTENNA NORTH HAS CENTRE AND HORN CONE. RECOMMEND IT BE MOVED TO NUMBER TWO SOUTH POSITION AND REHABILITATED.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

The following message was received at 1803 hours, 16 September 1959:

DTG: 1615/160959
SUBJ: RESTORATION OF SITE
TO: DET 8
FROM: OPERATIONS

PRESENT EFFORTS TOWARD RESTORATION OF YOUR SITE INCLUDES (A) COORDINATION WITH BMEWS AND EFFORTS TOWARDS EXPEDITIOUS COMPLETION OF BMEWS NORTH. (B) RIGGERS SHOULD ARRIVE YOUR STATION O/A 17 SEP TO MOVE PRESENT NORTH TO SOUTH POSITION. (C) TWO ANTENNAS WILL BE SHIPPED FROM GOOSE ON 23 SEP ON THE BOAT SAGITTA. (D) STYROFLEX WILL BE SHIPPED 17 SEP BY BOAT TO ARRIVE GOOSE O/A 20 SEP. STYROFLEX WILL BE SHIPPED YOUR STATION ON SAGITTA OR WILL BE AIRLIFTED UPON EMERGENCY NEED.

SIGNED: LT GANTT, OPERATIONS OFFICER

When communications were re-established to the south, many telephone conversations ensued. Personnel in the Squadron Headquarters were eager to help in any way they could. It was recognized that spare parts and equipment would be needed. Consequently a flood of questions concerning requirements poured in. In the excitement of the first few hours, an attempt was made to answer each question. However, after sober reflection, it was realized that only confusion, duplication and chaos would result unless a careful evaluation of requirements were made and an orderly system of procurement was established. Therefore the following message was transmitted to Squadron Headquarters:

DTG: 1405/160959
SUBJ: IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENTS
TO: 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

IMMEDIATE REQUIRMENT IS AS FOLLOWS:
8 EACH RECEIVE PROBES
2 EACH HIGH BAND HORNS (DUPLEX)
3 ROLLS STYROFLEX

DISREGARD ALL PREVIOUS TELEPHONE LISTS OF REQUIREMENTS. WE WILL ADVISE YOU OF ADDITIONAL NEEDS WHEN FIRM DECISIONS REGARDING RESTORATION ARE MADE. ALL FUTURE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE MADE VIA TELETYPE IF POSSIBLE. APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN AND DESIRE TO HELP BUT ABOVE PROCEDURE WILL AVOID CONFUSION AND DUPLICATION.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

On 16 September, Major McKay arrived and made an inspection of the storm damage and an evaluation of the restoration action. After expressing satisfaction with the action being taken, de departed. The following message describes the situation up to that time:

DTG: 1830/160959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

MAJOR MCKAY ARRIVED 1200 HOURS LOCAL. DEPARTED 1515. WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A LIMITED DIVERSITY TO THE SOUTH BY USE OF PROPPED UP CENTRE SECTION AND HORN. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO IMPROVE. OUR SMALL HORN INSTALLATION ON PV2 TO THE SOUTH IS PROCEEDING. WET SNOW. WET CLOTHING. NUMB FINGERS. SKINNED KNUCKLES. MORALE HIGH BUT WE HAVE KNOWN BETTER DAYS.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

Detachment personnel spent 16 and 17 September cleaning and drying out equipment and effecting repairs caused by dampness and cold. In addition, a four foot emergency horn was connected and placed into operation to the south from Polevault 2. This was done by erecting one of the aluminum antenna work platforms and using this for support for the horn. The waveguide to the number two south antenna was disconnected at one of the turns. A ninety degree "H" bend section was then connected to turn the waveguide upward. A ten foot straight section was then connected and then another ninety degree "H" bend. Finally the horn, resting on the platform, was connected. This gave the horn an approximate elevation of fifteen to twenty feet. This elevation was necessary to minimize any possible radiation hazard as the horn was located within thirty feet of the main road. In addition, the elevation gave us the added advantage of placing the horn in a better transmitting and receiving position.

Although we had obtained limited reception from the propped up center section and horn, results were not too encouraging. It is believed this was due to the awkwardness and difficulty experienced in shifting the screen and horn to the proper focal relationship and the extreme difficulty in changing the proper azimuth.

The four foot horn replaced this apparatus and proved to be far more effective. Therefore the feed horn and screen arrangement was abandoned.

DTG: 1820/180959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: 1876^TH RADI RELAY SQUADRON

WE ARE RECEIVING DIVERSITY PV2 ON 4 FOOT HORN WITH REASONABLY GOOD RESULTS. WE ARE TRANSMITTING SOUTH PV2 ON 4 FOOT HORN AT 5.8 KW AND EVALUATING RESULTS. PROP VERY POOR NORTH AND DROPPING SOUTH. WE ARE NOW EXPLORING VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES TO IMPROVE OUR SITUATION NORTH. NO TEAMS OR EQUIPMENT HAVE ARRIVED AS YET. OUR IMMEDIATE NEED IS FOR RECEIVE PROBES AND ELBOWS PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED. PLEASE ENSURE THAT ELBOWS COME WITH PROBES. WEATHER IS GOOD BUT OVERCAST. WE ARE TIRED.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

During the afternoon of 18 September, Mr. Clarence C Pike, Marconi Company Antenna Erection Team Leader, and eight men arrived from Pepperrell AFB, Newfoundland. The team immediately started clearing the wreckage from the number one south antenna bases while Mr. Pike determined the parts requirements. These requirements are listed in the following message:

P 161900Z
TO: 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
UNCLAS FROM ALOR 1346
SUBJECT: ANTENNA PARTS
THE FOLLOWING PARTS FOR SWITCHING THE NORTH PV ONE ANTENNA TO SOUTH PV ONE ARE NEEDED IMMEDIATELY.

THREE EACH 10 FOOT SECTIONS D-45-89-501 WAVEGUIDE ASSEMBLY
ONE EACH 8 FOOT SECTION E-45-99-501 WAVEGUIDE ASSEMBLY
ONE EACH 53 ½ DEGREE BEND 5-45-97-501 53 PERCENT ½ DEGREE
H-PLANE B ASSEMBLY
ONE EACH 127 DEGREE BEND R-4593-501 126 ½ DEGREE H-PLANE
B ASSEMBLY
ONE EACH BRACKET 375-170G1
ONE EACH BRACKET 375-170G2
ONE EACH PLATE 375-212-1
ONE EACH CLEAT 375-171-1
ONE EACH CLEAT 375-171-2
ONE EACH CLAMP 375-194-G1
TWO EACH HANGER 375-175-G1
TWO EACH TORQUE STRUT 375-211-G1

ANTENNA CREW HAS ARRIVED AND READY TO START WORK. THESE PARTS WILL BE NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE CHANGEOVER.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8
18/2111Z SEP

By the 19^th we were transmitting from Polevault 1 to the north on the six foot duplex emergency horn and to the south on another six foot duplex horn, as previously described. Transmission to the south had been established from Polevault 2 with the four foot duplex horn. This gave us diversity reception from the south but as yet no diversity to the north. As the waveguide that had served the Polevault 2 north antenna was undamaged up to a point near the base of the antenna and was pointing northward at this point, we removed the damaged part and connected a diversity feed horn. The styroflex was undamaged up to this point, so it was cut and connected to the horn. Since the horn was near the edge of the 1800 foot cliff, very satisfactory results were obtained and we now had diversity reception from the north as well as the south.

At this time there was some consideration given to transmitting north from Polevault 2, using the small feed horn. However, construction of the BMEWS interim steel antennas was progressing rapidly. The number 2 BMEWS north antenna was being erected to the front and one side of the small feed horn. It was felt that, should we transmit with this arrangement, we would unduly expose the workmen to a possible radiation hazard. Therefore transmissions north were not made with this emergency setup.

DTG: 1500/190959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

DET 1 PLEASE PASS TO COMMANDER AND SUPPLY. MR PIKE AND TEAM HAVE CLEARED NUMBER ONE SOUTH WRECKAGE AND LOWERED CENTER SECTION OF NUMBER ONE NORTH. THEY HAVE COMPLETED ALL PREPARATIONS FOR LOWERING RING BUT WINDS THIS AFTERNOON HAVE SUDDENLY INCREASED TO AN ESTIMATED 40 MPH AND PROGRESS HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SLOWED. WE HAVE INCHED FORWARD ANOTHER STEP TOWARD COMPLETE RECOVERY BY ESTABLISHING DIVERSITY RECEPTION NORTH. THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES WILL BE REQUIRED:

EIGHT EACH STYROFLEX ADAPTERS 13-520
EIGHT EACH COUPLING, STYROFLEX 4-520

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

In the meantime, Squadron Supply was experiencing some difficulties in obtaining some of the parts requested. This was evidenced by the following message:

(Received from Squadron Supply as relayed from Goose via telephone).

HORN, DUPLEX, HIGH BAND NOT AVAILABLE FROM STOCK.

375-175-01 HANGER NOT AVAILABLE FROM STOCK AND TWO ONLY PROBE ASSEMBLY IN STOCK. BALANCE OF ORDER REQUESTED COMPLETE. ABOVE ITEMS ON ORDER SINCE JANUARY. WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH MONTREAL IN HOPE OF GETTING THESE ITEMS SHIPPED THROUGH US ON URGENT BASIS. IEMS ON HAND BEING SHIPPED TO YOU WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER BY C-47 FROM TORBAY. AWAITING ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOU.

SIGNED: MONOHANS

Our message to the Commander on 21 September indicates the situation at that time:

DTG: 1100/210959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

WEATHER: TEMPERATURE 26 DEGREES. SNOWING. FREEZING FOG. VERY SLICK. BMEWS NORTH ONE: WORK SLOWED DOWN DUE TO WEATHER. CAN BE OPERATIONAL IN ONE WEEK DEPENDING ON WEATHER AND RECEIPT OF WAVEGUIDE DRAWINGS AND DETAILS. DRAWINGS NOT YET RECEIVED BY HORTON. WAVEGUIDE AND STYRO RECEIVED FRIDAY 18 SEPT. KENNEDY NORTH ONE: MR PIKE CURRENTLY MOVING SECTIONS ACROSS CORIDOR TO SOUTH ONE POSITION. FIVE ADDITIONAL MARCONI PERSONNEL ARRIVED ON SAGITTA SUNDEY 20 SEPT. TOTAL TEAM STRENGTH NOW FOURTEEN.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

On 22 September, considerable progress was made. By welding damaged wave guide and hangers, Mr. Pike and his team had salvaged enough parts to complete the re-assembly of the north 1 antenna in the south 1 position.

DTG: 1535/220959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

WEATHER: BRIGHT SUNSHINE, TEMPERATURE 40 DEGREES. ESTIMATED WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. HORTON RECEIVED WAVE GUIDE DRAWINGS. CONSTRUCTION BOTH ANTENNAS PROCEEDING RAPIDLY. MR PIKE HAS NORTH ONE ANTENNA REASSEMBLED IN SOUTH ONE POSITION AND IS PROCEEDING WITH HORN AND WAVEGUIDE ASSEMBLY IN PREPARATION FOR HOISTING ANTENNA INTO VERTICAL POSITION. MR JOHN LOCKWOOD, WECO ENGINEER HAS ARRIVED TO MAKE PRELIMINARY PREPARATION FOR CUTOVER.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

At the time the duplex horns were requested from Squadron Supply, it appeared that the ones that crashed with the antennas had been too severely damaged to be of use. However, subsequent and more detailed inspections indicated that damage was superficial and the units could be salvaged. One or two receive probes were also salvaged but it is very difficult to remove them from the feed horn without breaking them. For a while it appeared that we would be unable to complete our various reception assemblies because of the shortage of probes. This difficulty was overcome by careful removal of old probed from salvaged horns and by making good probes from parts of two broken probes.

DTG: 1130/220959
SUBJ: UNAVAILABLE ITEMS
TO: 1876 RADIO RELAY SQUADRON

REFERENCE YOUR TELEPHONE MESSAGE 21 SEPTEMBER. HORNS, DUPLEX, HIGH BAND AND HANGERS 375-175G1 AND RECEIVE PROBES SALVAGED FROM OLD ANTENNAS. HOWEVER, DUE TO HIGH PERCENTAGE OF BREAKAGE, PARTS LISTED ABOVE SHOULD BE OBTAINED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. PROBES ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND MOST NEEDED ITEM.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

The antennas are assembled on the ground, face up. When assembly has reached a nearly complete stage, they are pivoted up to a vertical position by means of a gin pole. The back braces are then attached and assembly completed. However, it is extremely hazardous to perform the hoisting operation if the winds exceed fifteen miles per hour. This message tells the story on 23 September:

DTG: 2030/230959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY STATION

THIS IS FOLLOWUP TO VERBAL MESSAGE TRANSMITTED TO GOOSE FOR RELAY TO YOU THROUGH DET ONE. MR PIKE DELAYED ALL AFTERNOON DUE TO WINDS. STARTED HOISTING AT 1800 HOURS LOCAL. ANTENNA NOW IN PLACE WITH BACK LEGS ATTACHED. FORCED TO STOP DUE TO DARKNESS. EXPECT TO BE OPERATIONAL AFTER TWO HOURS WORK TOMORROW ATTACHING WAVEGUIDE AND STYRO.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

Meanwhile, the Squadron Supply Section was experiencing difficulties in obtaining some items but were successful in effecting shipment of others.

DTG: 1330/230959
SUBJ: UNAVAILABLE ITEMS
TO: COMMANDER DETACHMENT 8
FROM: SUPPLY

REFERENCE YOUR MESSAGE 1130/220959 SUBJ: UNAVAILABLE ITEMS. PROBES 3 EACH SHIPPED TO YOUR UNIT BY CMC ON VO 60-2105 24 AUG 59 AND TWO EACH PROBES INCLUDED IN SHIPMENT LEAVING TORBAY FOR SAGLEK VIA GOOSE 23 SEP 59. HANGERS HAVE ESTIMATED DATE OF DELIVERY OF 8 WEEKS FROM MANUFACTURER TO CMC. HORN HAS SAME DATE OF DELIVERY AS HANGERS.

SIGNED: ROBERT L FINE, MSGT, SUPPLY NCOIC

DTG: 1640/240959
SUBJ: SYTROFLEX
TO: 1876^TH RADI RELAY SQUADRON SUPPLY

WE HAVE RECEIVED ONE FULL ROLL AND TWO PARTIAL ROLLS OF STYROFLEX FROM HOPEDALE SHIPPED VIA THE C-50. THIS IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET OUR PRESENT AND FORSEEABLE REQUIREMENTS. THANK YOU.

SIGNED: SMSGTMCGHEE, DETCO 8

Weather was favorable during the next few days and encouraging progress was made on all projects,

DTG: 1540/250959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
INFO: COMMANDER DETACHMENT THREE

RECAP OF TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION FOLLOWS:
PV ONE: TRANSMITTING SOUTH ON 30 FOOT KENNEDY RECEIVING DIVERSITY.
TRANSMITTING NORTH ON 6 FOOT EMERGENCY HORN RECEIVING DIVERSITY.

PV TWO: TRANSMITTING SOUTH ON 4 FOOT EMERGENCY HORN RECEIVING FROM NORTH BY USE OF FEED HORN AND PROBE ON END OF WAVEGUIDE.

MR PIKE HAS LOWERED REMAINS OF NORTH TWO AND IS DISMANTLING AND STORING FOR PARTS. WRECKAGE CLEARED FROM SOUTH TWO.

BMEWS ONE: FOOTINGS DUG FOR WAVEGUIDE SUPPORTS. ANTENNA CONSTRUCTION NEARING COMPLETION.

BMEWS TWO: DISH UP AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEEDING RAPIDLY.

WEATHER EXCELLENT FOR LAST THREE DAYS.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

The poor condition of the buildings had been a cause for considerable concern for some time. Previous storms had weakened the structures and this last storm had caused additional weakening and damage. A contract had been negotiated during the early summer for the strengthening and repair of the buildings and for replacement of a portion of the inter-connecting corridor between the two buildings. This contract also called for the construction of a new corridor between the AC&W buildings and the Polevault buildings. The original corridor had been destroyed during a storm in November 1958. The contractor started work on 30 September. In the meantime the ship Sagitta had arrived from Goose Bay with two new antennas.

DTG: 1545/300959
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
INFO: COMMANDER DET 3

CONTRACTOR STRENGTHENING AND REPAID OF BUILDINGS TODAY. NO CHANGE IN TRANSMISSION OR RECEPTION SETUP. OFF-LOADING OF ANTENNAS FROM SAGITTA PROGRESSING. BMEWS ONE EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR TESTING BY END OF WEEK AND BMEWS TWO EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR TESTING BY MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK, WEATHER PERMITTING. THREE WECO PERSONNEL ARRIVING FIRST AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT AFTER SUNDAY TO PERFORM CHECKOUT.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

Upon completion of the off-loading of the two new antennas shipped from Goose Bay aboard the Sagitta, Mr. Pike and his team proceeded with the erection of the number two south antenna. The crates containing the second new antenna were placed in open storage, lashed together for possible future use.

DTG: 2350/031059
SUBJ: PV TWO ANTENNA
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
INFO: COMMANDER DET 3

THIS IS FOLLOWUP TO TELEPHONE MESSAGE. DET ONE PLEASE PASS TO SQN. ERECTION OF NUMBER TWO SOUTH COMPLETED. PLACED IN OPERATION AT 2330 HURS LOCAL.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

By 5 October 1959, construction of the Interim BMEWS #1 north antenna was nearing completion and the #2 MBEWS antenna construction was progressing at a satisfactory rate. The #1 antenna waveguide had been installed so the decision was made to place power on the antenna and obtain preliminary evaluation. This, of course, was done with the full knowledge and concurrence of the contractual representatives.

DTG: 1430/051059
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY STATION
INFO: COMMANDER DET THREE

SWITCHED TO BMEWS ONE NORTH TRANSMIT ONLY AT 1150 HOURS LOCAL. 1.05 TO 1 VSWR INDICATED ON KLYSTRON METER. RESOLUTION REPORTS 30 DB GAIN OVER HORN AS INDICATED ON ANCUS. HELIAX NOT YET INSTALLED. THIS IS TRIAL BASIS ONLY. MUST RELINQUISH AND RETURN TO HORN WHEN CONTRACTOR DESIRES AND FOR TESTING.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

By 9 October, the engineers who were to test the BMEWS antennas had arrived. The BMEWS #2 antenna was nearing completion.

DTG: 1400/091059
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
INFO: COMMANDER DET THREE

MR ROBERT VUONO, MR RICHARD LEGER, WECO AND MR JOHN ANNETT, ANSREWS COPR ARRIVED 7 OCT 59 AND ARE NOW CONDUCTING TESTS ON BMEWS ONE. SHIFTED TRANSMISSION BACK TO HORN FROM BMEWS ONE AT 1730z 6 OCT 59 TO ALLOW INSTALLATION OF HELIAX. SHIFTED TO RECEIVE BMEWS ONE AT 1615Z 7 OCT 59 BUT MUST RELINQUISH FOR TESTING WHEN ENGINEERS DESIRE. WAVEGUIDE AND HELIAX INSTALLATION ON BMEWS TWO EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TODAY. WILL SHIFT TO TRANSMISSION NORTH ON BMEWS TWO AND PATCH OFF AS REQUIRED UNTIL COMPLETION OF TESTING BMEWS ONE. HAVE ENGINEERS CONCURRENCE ON THIS. CONTRACTOR NEARING COMPLETION OF OVERLAY PLYWOOD PV ONE BUILDING. CORRIDOR TO AC&W PROCEEDING WITH ESTIMATED TWO ZERO PERCENT COMPLETION. MUCH CONFUSION AND MUCH ACTIVITY BUT WE HAVE THE TOP OF THE HILL IN SIGHT.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

Hopes ran high that we would be able to have both BMEWS antennas in operation during the weekend of 10-11 October but a combination of bad weather and a series of exasperating delays prevented these hopes from being realized. Finally during the evening hours of 12 October, we completed the transition from emergency equipment and limited status to full pre-storm operational status.

DTG: 1505/131059
SUBJ: SITUATION REPORT
TO: COMMANDER 1876^TH RADIO RELAY SQUADRON
INFO: COMMANDER DET 3

CHANGED FROM EMERGENCY HORN TO BMEWS ONE AT 1700Z 12 OCTOBER. PLACED BMEWS TWO IN OPERATION TRANSMIT AT 2239Z 12 OCTOBER. NOW TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING ON BOTH BMEWS ANTENNAS. NO POLEVAULT TWO CIRCUIT PATCHES PULLED AS YET AS RESOLUTION IS SETTING LEVELS WITH CAPE DYER. WE ARE READY AND WILL ATTEMPT USE OF KLYSTRONS IN PV 2 ALTHOUGH THERE IS CONSIDERABLE CAVITY GLOW IN EACH ONE. BUILDING REPAIRS PV ONE CONTINUING. NO PROGRESS ON OUTSIDE OR ON CORRIDOR FROM AC&W LAST TWO DAYS DUE TO SNOW AND ICE.

SIGNED: SMSGT MCGHEE, DETCO 8

After twenty-eight days of cold, hard work, Detachment Eight had, once again, demonstrated its ability to recover from adversity. Although our troubles were not over we were fully operational and well on the road to being in a much stronger position than before the storm. We had plumbed the depths! The only road left was up!

It has been said, "It is an ill wind that blows nobody some good"! It would be an ill wind, indeed, if we did not heed the lessons taught us during this period of misfortune.

There were a number of deficiencies that had long been recognized and corrective action was in the process of being taken or was pending. Among these were the strengthening of the building; construction of a new corridor to the Polevault buildings and reconditioning of the power distribution system. These projects were under contract and scheduled for completion during the 1959 construction season. No action had been taken prior to the storm. The storm served as a "kickoff" point for an accelerated program.

The construction of the new BMEWS interim antennas were also a result of a long recognized need for stronger antennas. These antennas weight 55 tons each and rest on concrete bases weight 300 tons each. They are designed to withstand 200 mile per hour winds with 8 inches of rime ice clinging to them. Each antenna is heated by hot air, one million BTU oil burning heating system. We feel that no major difficulties will be experienced with these antennas.

When the Kennedy antennas were being erected to the south to replace those which were destroyed, we were faced with a major decision. Where 60 foot antennas had been used before, it now seemed the wise course to erect 30 foot, ruggedized versions. Although this point of view took into consideration the wind withstanding capability of the 30 versions vs. that of the 60 foot versions, there remained the question of antenna gain. Due to the poor transmission path conditions to the south, every bit of antenna gain possible was needed to maintain optimum circuit conditions. We were now "caught on the horns of a dilemma". In its simplest terms, the decision that had to be made was whether to furnish a higher quality of customer service for a short period of time or a lesser quality for a longer period. This decision could not be made at detachment level but we were strongly in favour of the 30 foot version. Our recommendations were made known to the Squadron Commander. Subsequently this message was received:

DTG: 1600/290959
SUBJ: INSTALLATION OF PARABOLIC ANTENNAS
TO: DETACHMENT EIGHT
FROM: MAINTENANCE

REFERENCE TO INSTALLATION OF POLEVAULT PARABOLIC ANTENNAS AT DET 8 SAGLEK. ALL PARABOLIC ANTENNAS WILL BE 30 FOOT DIMENSION.

SIGNED: CWO SHERLOCK, ASS’T MAINTENANCE OFFICER

Although the decision for the 30 foot version placed a great burden of responsibility on detachment personnel to maintain receiver sensitivities at maximum levels to offset the loss in antenna gain, we feel that this is the better of the two alternatives.

The exhaust ports in the north walls of the Polevault buildings have proved to be a source of trouble and concern. Some consideration has been given in moving the ports to the east and west walls. Another suggestion has been to install ducts and exhaust the hot air through the floor. Both of these suggestions have merit. Although these ports are presently boarded up for the winter, it is strongly recommended that a decision be made as to position and action to be initiated to effect the change.

During the storm when power to the Polevault buildings was pulled, personnel were left without lights. Such conditions as existed were conducive to panic. To the credit of the personnel on duty at that time, they neither panicked nor were they lacking in resourcefulness and ingenuity. They rigged several 1 ½ volt batteries in parallel and then connected to a flashlight bulb. Thus they had light throughout the night. However, this incident pointed out the need for an emergency lighting system of one kind or another, preferably from a battery source of power. It is recommended that a standardized system of emergency lighting be devised to offset such contingencies.

Prior to the storm, the two six foot emergency horns were assembled and secured by numerous guy cables to the top of the horn platform at Polevault one. Since one emergency horn had been badly damaged during a previous storm the year before, the assembling of these horns was done as a calculated risk. Fortunately neither of them suffered any damage and their being up prior to the storm enabled us to resume operation within twenty-four hours. As the risk of losing the BMEWS antennas facing to the north is almost nil and as the danger of losing the Kennedy Antennas facing south is still a possibility, we have constructed a second horn platform at Polevault 2. Present planning is to move the north facing horn at Polevault 1 to the new platform at Polevault 2 and position it facing south. Thus we will have backup emergency equipment at both Polevault locations. Once again, this is a calculated risk but the danger of loss or damage to the horns is minimized by maximum guying and the fact that the small ends of the horns will be facing into the wind.

When power was lost during the storm, heat was also lost. This cased considerable personnel discomfort as an insufficient number of blankets were on hand. Consequently a number of blankets and comforters have been drawn from the host AC&W Squadron and are now kept on hand for use during emergencies.

This storm marked a low ebb in the fortunes of Detachment Eight. However, we have emerged from the wreckage in a stronger position than before, better able to furnish our service and carry out our assigned mission.