The Wrath of Mother Nature
It was not unusual to experience damage at Pinetree Line radar stations due to high winds. What is unusual is the apparent lack of a compiled documentation that provides details indicating "what happened, where, and when". This file contains a summary of "significant" Pinetree Line radar station "wind damage" that is known, and documented, to have occurred in Sydney, NS.
The following detail has been taken from the Narrative Reports for RCAF Station Sydney.
17 Aug 58
An unseasonably heavy rainstorm in the early morning hours today caused the inundation of the Airmen's Club. Repairs to the roof were already underway, but the protective tarpaulins were no match for the deluge of rain and high winds. As a result, the Airmen's Club was temporarily closed and the NCO's dining room was forced into service as a temporary lounge for the ACs. All concerned were greatful however, that the newly remodelled bar did not suffer any damage and that the most heavily damaged parts of the Club were those which were already earmarked for early re-vamping.
28 Sep 58
The tail end of hurricane "Hilda" swept through Sydney today bringing heavy rain and high winds.
21 Oct 74
Extract from 25 year "Jubilee Booklet" - Bud Holgate
There is no doubt in my mind that there have been other examples of "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage" which has taken place. As an example, I keep hearing about the Saglek situation – where their height finder was an apparent victim. This unit was located at the edge of a 1,800 foot cliff – so you can imagine the damage to any radar equipment that "went over the side". I continue to hope that some day, some one will provide some "official detail" – and then we will be able to add this occurrence to our list.
If you have any knowledge of other "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage", please help us out and pass the detail to us – via an email message. Many thanks.
