Historical Narrative
RCAF Station Falconbridge
28 May 55 to 30 Nov 55
28 May 3 Jun 55
23166 WO1 HL Mayhew was posted to RCAF Station Parent, effective 23 Jul, reporting 25 Jul; 23310 FS WJ Blackman posted to RCAF Station Foymount, effective 20 Aug, reporting 22 Aug; 12696 Sgt D Bevan-Pritchard posted to RCAF Station Senneterre, effective 23 Jul, reporting 25 Jul. As replacements, 22612 WO2 JHJ Steele posted from RCAF Station Parent, effective 20 Aug, reporting 22 Aug; 22040 FS W Smith posted from RCAF Station Senneterre; and 32944 Sgt WH Cooke posted from RCAF Station Senneterre. This provides a certain amount of organizational chaos for the radar section. Landscaping of station commenced and progressing satisfactorily.
1 Jun 55
Earlton radio advised Bonanza CF HUW enroute Nakina to North Bay short of fuel and requested a vector to the nearest airport. Vector of 240 degrees 30 miles to Sudbury passed to aircraft from this unit by Earlton radio. Aircraft landed safely at Sudbury. Violation report filed against civilian Stinson CF-IBN. Intercepted by fighters from Kinross AFB when pilot failed to file a flight plan.
2 Jun 55
Ten GCI interceptions completed with 419 Squadron aircraft.
3 Jun 55
Three ADCC advised Bell Helicopter CF-HDO lost on flight from Chapleau to a fire area 40 miles north of Chapleau. A Search and Rescue Dakota from Trenton began search.
4 Jun 55
Search and Rescue detachment conducting search for missing helicopter from Kapuskasing with two Dakotas.
5 Jun 55
Routine surveillance.
6 Jun 55
Six Dakotas, one helicopter and one Otter based at Kapuskasing were employed in search for missing helicopter near the Chapleau area.
7 Jun 55
Seven interceptions carried out by 419 Squadron on flights of B-47s flying through our area at 35,000 feet heading west.
8 Jun 55
F/O Green, a pilot of 445 Squadron flying from North Bay to Ottawa reported to 32 AC&W Squadron Foymount that a forest fire was burning approximately 150 miles east of Falconbridge. Foymount advised 3 ADCC Edgar who requested F/O Chisholm, the Duty Controller of this unit, to advise the OPP. However, F/O Chisholm realized that GObC North Bay would have more rapid means of advising Dept. of Lands and Forests and relayed all information to GObC accordingly. GObC advised the local Department of Lands and Forests who were able to pinpoint the fire and dispatch men and equipment to the scene immediately as a result of the pilots report being relayed so rapidly by RCAF units. The Dept. of Lands and forests were pleased to the extent that a letter of commendation was dispatched to GObC North Bay for forwarding to this unit.
9 Jun 55
3 ADCC advised only one Dakota now searching for missing helicopter.
10 Jun 55
USAF B-29 flew about in our area for two hours on practice jamming mission of airborne radar; no aircraft scrambled to intercept. The AOC, ADC, visited this station 10 Jun 55 on informal visit.
11 Jun 55
Routine.
12 Jun 55
Routine.
13 Jun 55
35 USAF B-47s overflew our area from St. Hubert to Detroit.
14 Jun 55
USAF B-47s overflew our area again from St. Hubert to Detroit.
15 Jun 55
Mechanical and communications jamming experienced from aircraft on a jamming exercise.
16 Jun 55
Aircraft on a jamming exercise caused mechanical and communications jamming.
17 Jun 55
Jamming again experienced from an aircraft on a practice jamming flight.
18 Jun 55
A farewell dinner party was held for W/C and Mrs. Stroud with most honourary members and wives present. CTSO handed over to F/L HW collard, since S/L CH Markham was departing on leave until 25 Jul 55.
19 Jun 55
Routine.
20 Jun 55
F/L WA Smith CommsO, transferred to RCAF Station Rivers, Manitoba, WO1 KE Saddlemyre appointed CommsO.
21 Jun 55
Routine.
22 Jun 55
Routine.
23 Jun 55
Routine.
24 Jun 55
Routine.
25 Jun 55
Sgt. Lank and Mr. Kitson of the Power Plant overturned their boat on Lake Wanapitei. Mr. Kitson ended up in the hospital suffering shock and exposure, but Sgt. Lank is missing.
26 Jun 55
Otter VC 3674 arrived in the area from Trenton to assist in search for Sgt. WM Lank of this unit. Over 100 persons from this unit, and additional civilians, Provincial Police, Lands and Forests people, spent seventeen hours searching the shore line of the lake, the surrounding bush, and dragging the bottom of the lake where it was thought Sgt. Lank may have gone down. Nil results.
27 Jun 55
F/O Loney, LS&RO, in charge of further search today.
28 Jun 55
F/L Collard, RadO, on TD to ADCHQ for Radar Maintenance Conference.
29 Jun 55
Routine.
30 Jun 55
Navigational assistance give to a USAF C-124 enroute from Goose Bay to Toronto. Aircraft compasses were unserviceable.
28 Jun 4 Jul
F/O Wann was acting CTechO while F/L Collard was absent on Radar Officers Conference at CHQ.
1 Jul 55
Ramore advised that an American civil Piper TRI-PACER is overdue at Timmins, with two aboard after leaving for a fishing trip. Sector was advised and it was found that the pilot, Mr. Winter, did not file a flight plan. At 2245Z 3 ADCC advised that the Piper had landed at South Porcupine. F/O CT Swann, SSO, was promoted to F/L.
2 Jul 55
Routine.
3 Jul 55
Routine.
4 Jul 55
S/L JA King was Acting CO while W/C Stroud was on leave.
5 Jul 55
Routine.
6 Jul 55
3 ADCC message AO545 dated 4 Jul lays down a firm policy that height finders will be operated 24 hours a day while this only slightly increases the load on the radar maintenance staff, it creates a problem re critical spares for the TPS-501 e.g. the magnetron is in short supply. Four practice intercepts carried out with 445 Squadron aircraft from Uplands. Five USAF B-47s overflew our area in "Exercise Picket Fence". Total of five aircraft scrambled out of Uplands from 419, 428 and 445 Squadrons. Three successful intercepts carried out.
7 Jul 55
No trace found of Sgt. Lank. Dragging operations discontinued, but a daily search of the shoreline by air and sea laid on.
8 Jul 55
Three aircraft of 419 Squadron were scrambled after B-47s of "Exercise Picket Fence". Scramble was too late for successful interceptions.
9 Jul 55
Routine.
10 Jul 55
Total of six forest fires were reported by two aircraft passing through our area. Positions of the fires were passed to Dept. of Lands and Forests who advised that they had the fires pinpointed.
11 Jul 55
F/L Collard was appointed President of a Committee of Adjustment for the personal effects of Sgt. Lank this date; F/L McKenzie and F/O Chisholm members. The board was completed this date.
12 Jul 55
C-47 in our area on a jamming mission. Electronic and communications jamming encountered.
13 Jul 55
Vehicle 471A10-D55, was transferred to RCAF Station North Bay, Ontario. Seven intercepts completed by controllers of 2400 Squadron (Auxiliary) with Harvards of 400 Squadron.
14 Jul 55
Ten intercepts by 2400 Squadron controllers with Harvards of 400 Squadron. Electronic and communications jamming encountered originating from C-47 665 in our area.
15 Jul 55
Routine.
16 Jul 55
Routine.
17 Jul 55
Routine.
18 Jul 55
F/L Swann was appointed President of a Committee of Adjustment for the personal effects of Cpl. Smith with F/O Gendron and F/O Blackburn members. "Big Noise" in effect as at 2030Z. Exercise "Deep Rock" commenced, USAF aircraft will penetrate the AC&W System between 18 and 29 Jul. CF-100s will be available to scramble from each AW Squadron. Condition "Big Noise" in effect as at 2030Z.
19 Jul 55
GObC North Bay report an unknown flying object sighting in KE5913. Check revealed no weather balloons in that area. Report passed to ADC. Intercepts completed by controllers of 2400 Squadron (Auxiliary) with Harvards of 411 Squadron. 0030Z Cocked Pistol, 1215Z Snowman, 1449Z Lemon Juice, 1600Z Snowman.
20 Jul 55
Eighteen intercepts completed by 2400 Squadron (Auxiliary) controllers with 411 Squadron Harvards.
21 Jul 55
0555Z Lemon Juice, 0650Z Snowman, 1130Z Exercise "Deep Rock" stood down for thirty hours.
22 Jul 55
Routine.
23 Jul 55
"Lemon Juice" in effect as at 0330Z. Condition "Apple Jack" in effect as of 0358Z. Condition "Lemon Juice" in effect as at 0555Z. Condition "Apple Jack" in effect as at 1133Z. Three intercepts carried out by 419 and 445 Squadrons against 7 USAF B-47s. 1420 Lemon Juice, 1425 Snowman, 1507 Released from "Big Noise".
24 Jul 55
Routine.
25 Jul 55
Several forest fires were reported by aircraft flying through the area and all details were passed to Department of Lands and Forests. Two practice intercepts carried out with CF-100s of 428 Squadron.
26 Jul 55
Routine.
27 Jul 55
Routine.
28 Jul 55
Routine.
29 Jul 55
All personnel who could be spared from work paraded to witness the handing over/taking over of the station from W/C Stroud to W/C Berg.
30 Jul 55
Routine.
31 Jul 55
Routine.
1 Aug 55
Routine.
2 Aug 55
Routine.
3 Aug 55
Routine.
4 Aug 55
Four intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron.
6 12 Aug 55
Mr. DC Adams of RCA Victor Ltd., Montreal, visited this unit 9 and 10 of Aug for a pre-overhaul inspection of the AN/TPS-501 height finder radar.
8 Aug 55
ECM aircraft in the area caused VHF and mechanical jamming. 419 Squadron aircraft were scrambled to intercept by Foymount and controlled by Foymount.
9 Aug 55
Mechanical jamming experienced from ECM aircraft in the area. No aircraft available to scramble.
10 Aug 55
Routine.
11 Aug 55
Routine.
12 Aug 55
Routine.
13 19 Aug 55
Both AN/TPS-501 height finders were off the air this week for a semi-annual overhaul. Number 2 equipment was successfully overhauled, but Number 1 had to be returned to the RCA Victor Plant in Montreal for a rebuilding of the transmitter-receiver unit. Thus equipment will be unserviceable for an indefinite period.
18 Aug 55
Five intercepts carried out with 419 Squadron CF-100s. Mechanical jamming experienced in our area. Aircraft AF6080 reported fire at KC2510. Dept. of Lands and Forests advised.
19 Aug 55
Mechanical and communication jamming again experienced.
20 Aug 55
Routine.
21 Aug 55
Electronic jamming experienced from ground based jammer (call sign RHOMBIC). Condition I from 268 degrees.
22 Aug 55
More jamming from RHOMBIC. Ground based jammer located by search party from this unit headed by F/O Gendron.
23 Aug 55
Five intercepts completed with 419 Squadron. Jamming experienced from C-47. #665 VC 474 reported three forest fires near Piscotasing. Dept of Lands and Forests notified.
24 Aug 55
RHOMBIC carried out several jamming exercises.
25 Aug 55
Vehicle 94A26-F55 bus, 15 passenger, was transferred from 6 RD to RCAF Station Falconbridge, Ontario. Thirteen intercepts carried out with 419 Squadron.
26 Aug 55
Eight intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron. RHOMBIC again giving us jamming.
27 Aug 55
Routine.
28 Aug 55
Routine.
29 Aug 55
Routine.
30 Aug 55
Twelve intercepts carried out with 419 Squadron.
31 Aug 55
Routine.
1 Sep 55
Routine.
2 Sep 55
Routine.
3 Sep 55
Routine.
4 Sep 55
Routine.
5 Sep 55
Routine.
6 Sep 55
Routine.
7 Sep 55
Thirteen intercepts carried out with 419 Squadron.
8 Sep 55
Five intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron. Station ME Rodeo was run off. LAC SB Anderson took first place.
9 Sep 55
Eleven intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron.
10 Sep 55
Sgt. WL Panton and LAC SB Anderson went to ADC, LAC SB Anderson to compete in the ADC Rodeo, and Sgt. WL Panton as one of the judges. Eight B-47s passed through area on "Exercise Devil Dog".
11 Sep 55
Routine.
12 Sep 55
Routine.
13 Sep 55
Five intercepts carried out with 419 Squadron.
14 Sep 55
Five intercepts carried out with 445 Squadron
15 Sep 55
Six intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron.
16 Sep 55
Six intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron. Landscaping project was completed this date.
17 Sep 55
CF-100 scrambled to intercept unknown aircraft, which turned out to be an RCAF Canso #QX047.
18 Sep 55
Routine.
19 Sep 55
A crew from Northern Electric Co., arrived to install some pads in the main radome to support jocks for raising the AN/FPS-3 antenna. This installation was completed in one day the radar being "off the air" for eight hours.
20 Sep 55
Mr. James and Mr. Wamboldt of Northern Electric Co., arrived for a pre-overhaul inspection of the AN/FPS-3 Search radar. Eight intercepts completed with 419 Squadron aircraft.
21 Sep 55
W/C Berg departed on TD to Tyndall AFB where he will take the Controllers course. S/L JA King will be Acting CO during his absence.
22 Sep 55
Six intercepts completed with 445 Squadron aircraft.
23 Sep 55
Six intercepts completed with 445 Squadron aircraft.
24 30 Sep 55
Mr. Monier Williams and Mr. Bradley of Decca Radar (Canada) Ltd., arrived 27 Sep to commence installation of the Decca Universal Indicator. This is AFHQ project W434.
25 Sep 55
Routine.
26 Sep 55
Routine.
27 Sep 55
As part of the station beautification program, 166 trees averaging eight to ten feet high were planted around the station. The trees, purchased by Station fund, cost $8.00 each for a total of $1,328.00. In addition to this the Dominion Experimental Farm at Ottawa donated some 73 small trees and bushes which were also planted. These trees were selected for their ability to transplant and thrive in this particular climate and soil and include Mountain Ash, Laurel Leaf Willow, Norway Maple, and American Elm. This project has added considerably to the appearance of the station and PMQ area and it is expected that even greater results will be evident by Spring 56. F/L Borse SOVME and WO2 Grovestine carried out an inspection of Mobile Equipment Section on the 27 Sep 55.
28 Sep 55
Five intercepts completed with 445 Squadron aircraft.
29 Sep 55
Four intercepts completed with 445 Squadron aircraft.
30 Sep 55
Routine.
1 7 Oct 55
Mobile Repair party from CAEL arrived at this unit to affect modifications and repairs to UHF antennae.
2 Oct 55
Routine.
3 Oct 55
F/O FW Myers arrived on transfer from RCAF Station Clinton to assume duties of CommsO. Solar interference noted on PPI at 080 degrees to 090 degrees at 150 miles range for about twenty-one minutes starting at 1330Z.
4 Oct 55
Seven intercepts completed with 428 Squadron aircraft.
5 Oct 55
Fourteen intercepts completed with 428 Squadron aircraft.
6 Oct 55
Routine.
7 Oct 55
Routine.
8 14 Oct 55
Cpl. McIntosh, RdrTech(G) selected to attend a course on the UPA35 Universal Indicator at the Hazeltime Corp, Little Neck, Long Island, USA dates TBA AFHQ.
9 Oct 55
Routine.
10 Oct 55
Routine.
11 Oct 55
Six intercepts completed with 445 Squadron aircraft.
12 Oct 55
Eight intercepts completed with 428 Squadron aircraft. CF-100 of 433 Squadron crashed into Lake Nipissing enroute from Cold Lake to North Bay, pilot and navigator did not survive.
13 Oct 55
Routine.
14 Oct 55
Routine.
15 21 Oct 55
An Northern Electric crew of 10 men, in charge of Mr. C Young, arrived 20 Oct 55 to commence the annual overhaul of the AN/FPS-3 search radar. The first part of this overhaul was carried out without shutting down the equipment.
16 Oct 55
Routine.
17 Oct 55
Twenty-one practice interceptions carried out with 419 Squadron.
18 Oct 55
Twenty-five practice interceptions carried out with 419 Squadron.
19 Oct 55
Twenty practice interceptions carried out with 419 Squadron. C-47 AF665 intercepted while carrying out a jamming mission in NC 0124. Six practice intercepts carried out with 428 Squadron aircraft.
20 Oct 55
Routine.
21 28 Oct 55
Twenty-six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.
22 28 Oct 55
The second part of the annual overhaul for the AN/FPS-3, wherein the equipment had to be shut down, was commenced 25 Oct. G/C Gwinn, ADCHQ STelSO, and F/L Robinson ADCHQ STelSO/Rad 3 arrived for a telecommunications staff visit. This visit was sought by this unit, in particular because of the report received from RCA Victor re the AN/TPS-501 height finder radar. Also visiting this week were S/L EW Smith of AFHQ and Mr. Partridge of AMCHQ. Their main concern was the Decca indicator installation, but they were also mildly interested in the overhaul being carried out on the AN/FPS-3 by Northern Electric.
23 Oct 55
Routine.
24 Oct 55
Routine.
25 Oct 55
Routine.
26 Oct 55
Routine.
27 Oct 55
Routine.
28 Oct 55
Routine.
29 Oct 55
Routine.
30 Oct 55
Routine.
31 Oct 55
Routine.
1 Nov 55
Northern Electric Co., completed their overhaul of the AN/FPS-3 fourteen hours later than planned. Eighteen practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.
2 Nov 55
Twenty-six practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.
3 Nov 55
Twelve practice intercepts with 419 Squadron.
4 Nov 55
JE Rumball Co., of Sudbury came out to do the installation of a pressure gland for the AN/GPX-7 radar in the main radome.
5 11 Nov 55
A Cessna 170 (CFGBS) enroute from St. Jovite, PQ to Amos, PQ, reported missing. A DC-3 and an Otter from Trenton were dispatched to Val dOr for conducting a search. The radar maintenance section gradually returned to normal this week, so that it was possible for several technicians to participate in the Armistice Day parade in Sudbury.
6 Nov 55
Routine.
7 Nov 55
Twenty-four practice intercepts completed with 419 Squadron. Three practice intercepts completed with 433 Squadron.
8 Nov 55
Twelve practice intercepts completed with 419 Squadron.
9 Nov 55
Nineteen practice intercepts completed with 419 Squadron. Four practice intercepts completed with 433 Squadron.
10 Nov 55
Twenty-two practice intercepts completed with 419 Squadron
11 Nov 55
The station provided a squadron made up of one flight of airwomen and one of airmen, for the Sudbury Remembrance Day parade and sentries for the cenotaph.
11 18 Nov 55
Mr. G Wilkins of Sonograph Engineering Corp., arrived 17 Nov to install Tape Recording Equipment.
19 Nov 55
Routine.
20 Nov 55
Mr. Wilkins of Sonograph Engineering Corp., finished the job and returned to Toronto.
21 Nov 55
Routine.
22 Nov 55
W/C Berg returned from Tyndall AFB and resumed duties of Commanding Officer.
23 Nov 55
Routine.
24 Nov 55
Routine.
25 Nov 55
Routine.
26 Nov 55
Routine.
27 Nov 55
Routine.
28 Nov 55
Routine.
29 Nov 55
9E60-C54 truck arrived 6 RD Collins Bay, Ontario, on 29 Nov 55. (by rail).
30 Nov 55
Routine.
(VL Berg) W/C,
CO, RCAF Station Falconbridge, Ontario.