If you look at this particular photo, you will see what appears to be a white cross, tied to a tree stump (for support). There has been rumour to the effect that this cross was located at the spot where an American serviceman committed suicide. We also have a few other photos of the cross in the 1963 photo area.
I have attempted to verify this situation for a number of years – all in vain. Aside from the story or the rumour, no one seems to know anything about an apparent suicide or an accidental death of a USAF serviceman from this location.
I recently sent an email message to over a dozen USAF and RCAF service personnel who have indicated they were in Armstrong in either 1961 or 1962. I regret not being able to substantiate the "suicide story", and the more you read, the more reasonable it appears that the "suicide story" is nothing more than a "myth".
Comments from Charlie Melanson (RCAF – 1962-1963) – The facts (as I know them) differ a bit from what I just read about "suicide cliff". The cross was erected by a Catholic Priest, Father Hawkins, as a make-work project for the Ojibway Indians - ca 1957. Incidentally, Father Hawkins played in one hockey game for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1940s.
My wife (Barbara) who worked at Cameron's Store from 1958 to 1961, then at the base, doesn't know of anyone who either fell or committed suicide there. Most USAF were exceedingly fond of the base, as a matter of fact.
Comments from John A Clarke (RCAF – 1962-1963) – I remember that story and I believe it was only a story about a USAF person committing suicide prior to the RCAF arrival in Armstrong. The locals that were there never mentioned it as anything other than an accident. The cross was there when we arrived in 1962 up behind our MSE garage. I remember asking about it and been told about an accident.
Comments from Ken Jones (USAF – 1961-1962) – This is the same cross (which was electric by the way) atop the cliff overlooking the headquarters area, which included the dining hall, the clubs, and the barracks.
Comments from Dennis Le Drew (Civilian – 1960-1962) – The incident you referred to, if it ever did happen, did not I assure you, happen in 1961 (I was there that year). There was a "death by drowning" at the old logging camp (I forget what they called it, something like Camp 9 or something like that) that the base maintained as a recreation camp, and that occurred in 1961, but certainly no one committed suicide from the cliff near the operations area in 1961. The crosses were there when I got to Armstrong, and I have no recollection of what prompted them.