Narrative Report
RCAF Station Gander
1 Dec 55 to 31 May 56
1 Dec 55
47282 F/O S Marchini, CAdO, proceeded to Army Headquarters, Quebec Command, to attend a Current Affairs Conference.
1 – 6 Dec 55
This unit took part in Exercise "Cracker Jack" (RCAF/USAF).
3 Dec 55
F/L G Pilon and F/O M Lesaunier arrived on this unit from ADCHQ for the purpose of Security Staff Visit.
14 Dec 55
F/O Armstrong, SSO, proceeded on TD to ADCHQ on a Supply Officers Conference. F/O J Thompson arrived this unit from MACHQ for Welfare Duties.
26 Dec 55
One of the worst snow storms in the history of RCAF Station Gander left the Transmitter site inaccessible by road. Personnel on duty at this site were running short of rations by 26 Dec. This situation was further complicated by civilians who were also stranded on the Trans Canada Highway and used the TX Site as a refuge.
The situation was relieved after a USAF aircraft dropped rations and cigarettes to the site on the afternoon of the 26th of December. Snow plows finally made their way through to the site on the afternoon of 27 Dec.
Dec 55
The Honorable Mr. LB Pearson, Canadian Minister for External Affairs, and Mrs. Pearson and party, were entertained during a stop over en route to Europe.
1 Jan 56
A Levee was held in the Combined Officers and NCO’s Mess which was attended by 75 guests which included officials of the Department of Transport, Customs and Immigration, RCMP and managers of 30 commercial Airlines. F/O EA Thompson, STelO was promoted to Flight Lieutenant effective 1 Jan 56.
3 Jan 56
F/L J Bonham SORA(P) arrived this unit for Chaplain Staff Duties.
4 Jan 56
36884 F/O J Cathcart SOS this unit and was replaced by 34099 F/O S Burrows, AFC.
10 Jan 56
A/S/L H Pledge, CO, departed for a Commander’s Conference at 64th Air Division Headquarters (USAF) at Pepperrell.
22 Jan 56
F/O CF Sole, AS/FtrC was posted to Middle Wallop, England, on RAF Fighter Controller course.
24 Jan 56
34099 F/O S Burrows, AFC, proceeded on TD to Government House, Ottawa, for AFC Investiture for Meritorious conduct while flying in Germany. W/C W Kent, SOPA, visited the station to discuss personnel matters.
31 Jan 56
S/L F Sarty, Pers/Edu, ADCHQ, visited the station to confer on Ground Training. Radar overhaul party visited this unit 31 Jan – 8 Feb 56.
2 Feb 56
F/L J Bonham SORA(P) visited the station for Chaplain and Personnel matters. F/O W Armstrong, SSO, proceeded on TD to ADCHQ for Supply Officers Conference.
10 Mar 56
26155 S/L D Bullock, DFC, CD, arrived at RCAF Station Gander to assume duties of Commanding Officer. Commanding Officers Handing-Over Parade held and A/S/L HE Pledge officially handed over the Command of this Unit to 26155 S/L D Bullock, DFC, CD.
11 Mar 56
A/S/L HE Pledge SOS this unit to RCAF Station Edgar.
12 Mar 56
20608 F/O L Elliott TOS this unit as STelO.
13 Mar 56
F/O W Armstrong, SSO, proceeded on TD to Rome NY for Supply Officers Conference.
17 Mar 56
F/L EA Thompson, STelO, SOS this unit to ADCHQ.
21 Mar 56
S/L D Bullock, CO, and F/O T Butt, COpsO, proceeded on TD to 64th Air Division HQ, Pepperrell AFB on a Liaison visit.
6 Apr 56
F/O CF Sole, AS/FtrC, SOS this unit to RCAF Station Falconbridge.
7 Apr 56
S/L D Bullock, CO, proceeded on TD to ADCHQ, to attend Commanding Officers Conference.
9 Apr 56
F/O A Becker, AS/FtrC, SOS this unit to RCAF Station St. Marie.
11 Apr 56
240234 F/O CV Starks, AS/FtrC, TOS this Unit off Fighter Controllers Course at Tyndall AFB, Florida.
30 Apr 56
S/L D Bullock, CO, proceeded on TD to Harmon AFB, Stephenville for liaison visit.
7 May 56
F/O L Elliott, STelO, proceeded on TD to 64th Air Division Headquarters, (USAF) for Liaison visit.
8 May 56
S/L D Bullock, CO, proceeded on TD to RCAF Station Torbay for Liaison visit.
10 May 56
The Honorable Mr. LB Pearson, Minister for External Affairs, Mrs. L Pearson and party were entertained during a stop-over en route to Europe.
15 May 56
F/L J Bonham SORA(P) visited Gander on Welfare and Chaplain duties.
16 May 56
F/L C Brookes, Per/Sec, arrived on TD from ADCHQ on Security Inspection. F/O L Elliott, STelO, proceeded to ADCHQ on Telecom Conference.
30 May 56
Radar overhaul team visited this unit 30 May – 3 Jun 56.
31 May 56
AOC ADC, A/V/M L Wray and party paid this unit a visit and inspected buildings and installations. A Mess reception was held in his honor.