Narrative Report
RCAF Station Gander
1 Jun 54 to 30 Nov 54
6 Jun 54
64th Air Division put RCAF Station Gander on a status of 24 hour Ground Controlled Intercept.
11 – 13 Jun 54
His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland, Sir Leonard Outerbridge, CBE, DSO, and Lady Outerbridge, A/C C Annis, OBE, CD, CStaffO ADCHQ, and W/C JA Wiseman AFC attending the opening of the Gander Ground Observer Corps Filter Unit. At the conclusion of the opening ceremonies a buffet supper of lobster was held in the Officers Mess.
24 Jun 54
22067 Sgt. JJCR Lesieur was presented with the Canadian Forces Decoration.
1 Jul 54
Two flights participated in the annual "Forget-Me-Not" Memorial Day Parade which is held annually on July 1st in Newfoundland to commemorate the 1st World War Battle of Beaumont Hamel in which the Royal Newfoundland Regiment suffered loss of the majority of the Regiment.
F/L HE Pledge CD was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader while so employed.
29 Jul 54
The CNR, at 2320hours, requested aid in removing injured passengers from a head on collision between a freight rain and an express train near Glenwood. The RCAF Ambulance and bus, complete with blankets and medical supplies were dispatched to the scene of the wreck. Injured and uninjured passengers were transported to Gander.
19 Sep 54
A church parade was held to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
20 Sep 54
D/L DI Williamson attended the CE conference at ADCHQ St. Hubert PQ.
10 Oct 54
G/C DS Willis DGC CD SPSO-ADCHQ arrived at RCAF Station Gander to meet the Honorable Mr. Campney, Minister of National Defence on his return from a NATO conference in Paris at which West Germany became a member of NATO.
Included in the party of 15 who were aboard the RCAF’s C-5 on arrival in Gander were the Honorable Mr. Pearson, Minister of External Affairs, Mrs. Campney and Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Drury, Deputy Minister for National Defence.
The Honorable Mr. Campney inspected the RCAF Guard of Honour. After a short tour of Gander Airport and Gander townsite the party were served breakfast in the Lounge of the GObC filter Unit.
During the visit the Honorable Mr. Person and Honorable Mr. Campney made a national press release to press representatives of the CBC and press wire services.
6 Nov 54
36884 F/O Cathcart was TOS as a replacement for 209066 F/O EJ Richardson in the Operations Section.
11 Nov 54
RCAF Station Gander participated in the Memorial Day Parade. A/S/L HE Pledge, CO, placed a wreath on the cenotaph.
Signed by:
(HE Pledge) A/S/L
Commanding Officer,
RCAF Station Gander
