Holberg, BC

Station Hospital

One female and seven male infants were delivered at the Station Hospital.

Two medical evacuations were carried out by 111 KU Albatross aircraft. Patients were picked up at the Holberg Dock and flown to hospital in Vancouver.

Surg. Lieut. JC Bruyere, RCN, assumed duties as permanent SMO on 16 Jul.

Staff changes included:

First Aid courses were conducted on a continual basis during this period.

F/L RH Howson’s last Sunday here in Holberg. He left to take up his new duties at Penhold, Alta.

F/L Gordon E Bonney’s first Sunday in Holberg, at which time the Sunday School Attendance Certificates were given out. Padre Bonney came from Centralia, Ontario.

A total of 17 children attended the Camp Henderson Junior and Teens Camp located at Quatsino Sound.

The Sunday School began its Fall and Winter session.

S/L JN Bracher, Supervisory Chaplain of the West Coast, visited our station and conducted one Communion and four Baptismal Services.

All new construction was suspended as part of the programme to meet Canada’s foreign exchange emergency which arose this summer. The paint bay for the ME was partially constructed but was deferred to future years due to the shortage of funds.

Regular maintenance of station roads, grounds and buildings was carried out by the project flight of the CE Section.

On 29 and 30 Sep, an unusually heavy rainfall occurred. The Goodspeed River rose to a height of 9 feet above normal giving a total depth of 10 feet 9 inches at the Goodspeed Bridge. This caused approximately 250 to 300 feet of access road between bridge 1 and 2 to wash out. The washout required approximately 3,500 yards of fill to repair, repairs being done by the CE Section.

During this flooding severe damage was done to Bridge 2 (Goodspeed River) by erosion of banks, scouring in front of piles, and damage to piling by floating debris. CEU estimated that $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 will be required to repair the damage. This project has been referred to CEU for action.

On the night of 30 Sep, a mud slide occurred just before the second switchback on the five and one half miles of road between the Domestic Site and the Operations Site. This slide consisting of approximately 60 cubic yards was composed of rock, trees, roots and mud and caused the road to be impassable for approximately 12 hours.

During August, a Vancouver rock-crushing crew were at Holberg. In two weeks, 11,000 yards of crushed gravel were produced. MSE personnel at the unit operated the ancillary equipment.

MSE heavy equipment crews carried out road maintenance during the period. Several curves were widened and gravel was spread over some of the twelve miles of road which connect the Holberg Dock, Domestic Site and Operations Site.

An unusually heavy rainfall during the period 29 and 30 Sep caused extensive damage to the road in several areas and weakened bridges. Road construction required a large amount of blasted rock and fill. Heavy equipment was also required to free log and debris jams and clean-up operations were not completed until the end of Oct.

On 27 Nov the first snowfall occurred. Chains were required on all vehicles operating between the Domestic and Operations Site.

On 17 Jun the MV "Nimpkish II" resumed service between Coal Harbour and Holberg Dock following her annual refit at HMC Naval Dockyard, Esquimalt.

At the beginning of this report period, F/L JJR Pomerleau was SGTO.

Intensified FtrCop TA programme introduced. Programme included new procedures training, self study assignments, and monthly examinations. Continued through 30 Nov.

NORAD wide "Desk Top V" simulated Air Defence exercise, co-ordinated and evaluated by Ground Training Staff.

NORAD wide "Shy Shield" live Air Defence exercise. Ground Training personnel participated in training and operational roles.

F/L AJ Fraser took over the duties of SGTO.

Station Library re-organized and moved to the present location in the Recreation Center. Reading and Study Room established in the Library.

Projectionist course held at this unit.. There were eight candidates. All completed the course successfully.

Unit Rehabilitation Employment Assistance Programme introduced, with the SGTO as Unit Rehabilitation Officer.

Airmen’s Oct Trade Examinations conducted under the SGTO’s supervision. Twenty-seven eligible candidates attempted the examination.

ADC Supervisor’s Management Correspondence Course introduced on the unit for NCO’s and Officers. Applications received and forwarded by the SGTO.

Through the period 1 Jun to 30 Nov, station personnel registered for eleven courses under DVA.

Management Analysis carried out through period 1 Jun to 30 Nov.

Arrangements were made with SEADS to take Height Finder 1 off the air on the 16^th and 17^th to allow for the radome caulking.

Radome not caulked. Rain on the 16^th, wet-foggy weather on the 17^th. Will try again on the 22^nd, 24^th and 25^th.

Mr. R Smith and Mr. E Lynn of Northern Electric arrived to install the SIF Overide modification.

Panels and scaffolding arrived for Radome repair. Morning was too wet to caulk. Start made to repair broken panels in Radome over zero. Mr. Keith Johnson of RCA doing the work.

Radome panels replaced and Radome caulked over Height Finder 0, Tower 2.

Both radomes caulked, tested and all OK.

S/L Sansoucy of SCESO ADC arrived on a Telecom Staff Visit.

CO signed 5 days "stand-by time" for RCA on Radome caulking because of rainy weather and operational requirements.

Mr. RC Winblad, ADES Coordinator, and Mr. Sensiba, Mr. Adams and Mr. Donatti of ADES Test, Seattle, visited the Radar Section to discuss the selection of a PE and SAGE north orientation.

Mr. Adams and Mr. Donatti made checks with the FPS-508, the FST-2 and the RAPPI.

Sixty PMQ children visited the section and were given a tour of the radar equipment.

A C-119 from EWU gave an ECM demonstration.

Painters arrived to paint Radome over Height Finder 0.

Radome ladder erected but too wet to paint.

Too wet to paint.

Four hours of painting.

Too wet to paint.

Painting completed.

FS Newman of AMCHQ arrived to install FPS-508 ECCM Equipment.

FS Jones of ADCHQ arrived to check into the difference between our electrical and mechanical zeros.

Mr. Moseley’s Radome equipment arrived. Moseley and two men arrived Friday to do the work. No work done on Saturday or Sunday due to heavy rain and high winds. They finally left because the weather was too bad to hope for dry conditions.

Mr. R Swain and Mr. J Wlasuk of CAE overhauled the 15J1D.

Radio Communications –

No major installation or facility changes were made during this period. Some UHF frequency changes were made to accommodate operational requirements. Some difficulties were encountered on the Domestic Site Telephone cable that placed an unwanted audio signal on the HF transmitters. This has been corrected by running separate pairs between the Administration Building and Comm Site #3. Additional facilities were installed in the Nuclear Defence position to provide CW communications from the HF installations.

Some work has been carried out to modify the AT 3 Transmitter for use on the broadcast band as authorized by ADC. No work has been done on the antenna or studio facilities as yet as BBG authority to operate has not been received.

Telephone Communications –

Considerable difficulties have been encountered on the main telephone cable. Arrangements were made with BC Telephone to re-work 17 splices on this cable and approximately 12 splices remain to be done. Other cable faults exist and some of these have been repaired.

Emergency telephone circuits have been installed at all Nuclear Defence positions at the Domestic Site. These installations consist of direct telephone connection from each shelter location to the Nuclear Commander and telephone communications through the PBX.

Teletype Communications –

No change of importance has occurred at the Message Centre over this period.

Manning General –

The normal turnover of personnel has occurred and strength at the various sections has been maintained at a satisfactory level except for supervisory personnel in the Comm Tech trade.

Contractual Installation –

Work at the GATR Site was stopped approximately mid-July 62 and has not yet been resumed.

Work on the Telco building and On Base installations began in mid-Oct 62 and is progressing satisfactorily.

Fire Prevention Week was observed during the period 7-13 Oct. A program was launched to familiarize service and civilian personnel with the necessity of being fire conscious. Literature and posters were distributed and posted throughout the unit. An open invitation was extended to all personnel to attend the Open House at the Fire Hall.

Following are general items of interest which have occurred during the period covered by this report:

The only major change to the Working Establishment was the deletion of the Air/P, F/L, CAdO position, and the upgrading of the Pers/Adm., F/O position to a F/L position. The incumbent of the Pers/Adm. F/L position will serve in the capacity of CAdO/PAdO. Then amendment was effective 1 Oct 62.

Many changes in personnel strength occurred during the period as a result of officers and airmen becoming tour expired. Approximately 48% of the total strength of the unit was involved in the change over.

The semi-annual promotion list for airmen effective 1 Oct included the names of two unit personnel, one in the trade of RefTech and the other a Fire Fighter.

In recent months it has become apparent that contract difficulties for the supply of the CD insignia have been surmounted. Fourteen presentations were made since 1 Jun.

In addition to the regular Commanding Officer’s Parade, a parade was held on Sun 16 Sep to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

A church parade was also held on 11 Nov. DND civilian employees on the unit who were former members of the Armed Forces were invited to participate.

On 4 Jul an application was forwarded to ADC for the operation of a radio station. Authority has been granted and an AT3 transmitter has been modified for use on the broadcast band. Plans have been completed to set up studio facilities in the Recreation Center. The purchase of additional operating equipment is being held in abeyance pending approval for operation by BBG. The station will be supported by Non Public Funds. If approved, it will operate on a frequency of 1350 kilocycles with a call sign of CFHG.

Prior to 22 Oct, this unit was serviced by a Dakota aircraft on Monday and Friday of each week between Vancouver, Comox and Port Hardy and service flight 45/46 operated Edmonton – Vancouver – Comox – Port Hardy – Vancouver – Edmonton on Thursday. The Dakota flights were provided by 121 KU Vancouver. All flights were met by Hole and Clark Transportation Company vehicles which provide freight and passenger transportation for the overland portion of the trip between Port Hardy and Coal Harbour. "Nimpkish II" transports freight and passengers from Coal Harbour to Holberg Dock, thereby completing the journey from Vancouver and Comox to Holberg. The Dakota flights were cancelled effective 22 Oct. The discontinuance of the Monday and Friday flights poses several problems. Under the present operating schedule, SF46 proceeds direct to Vancouver. There is, therefore, no way of transporting freight and passengers from Holberg to Comox other than by commercial means.

One other disturbing factor is that when SF45/46 is delayed enroute due to inclement weather or unserviceability (three cancellations and six delays have occurred since 10 Sep), and the flight can not be completed because of schedule commitments, this unit is without a service flight for at least two weeks.

In order to alleviate the problem of freight and personnel movement delays, authority has been requested to liaise with 5 Air Division Victoria or 11 AMU Vancouver to provide a special Dakota flight from 121 KU on a Saturday following SF45/46 cancellation.

Saturday 7 Jul marked the official opening of the newly established Hudson’s Bay Store at Station Holberg. Several "Bay" officials were on hand for the occasion of the opening of the 252^nd Hudson’s Bay Store in Canada. The ceremonial ribbon was cut and business commenced at 0900 hours.

The store stocks a good quality of merchandise which has been enthusiastically welcomed by residents of the unit. Grocery orders are delivered to PMQs by a company vehicle and stocks are replenished from Hudson’s Bay Warehouse in Winnipeg and Vancouver on a weekly basis. A permanent staff of five is augmented during busy periods by part-time employees.

The store provides all the necessities and many amenities which are normally expected only in less remote areas. The residents of Station Holberg and the Hudson’s Bay Company benefit mutually and it is anticipated that this relationship will endure for years to come.

A prolonged period of extremely heavy rainfall during 29 and 30 Sep resulted in very extensive property damage and caused the death by drowning of an airman on strength of Station Holberg.

A major land slide and several small slides occurred on the road between the Operations Site and the Domestic Site on 30 Sep. The road sustained only slight damage but guard rails were extensively damaged. Access to the Operations Site was completely cut off. Vehicular traffic resumed on a restricted basis approximately 10 hours after the slides occurred. A restoration program was necessary to repair eroded road shoulders and surfaces on the six miles of road.

Damage of a more serious nature was caused by the rampaging Goodspeed River. The river flows parallel to the road between the Domestic Site and Holberg Dock. This road is the only thoroughfare between these points. The large volume of water changed the course of the river bed and completely washed away the road for a distance of approximately 300 feet. A shuttle service was set up between the Domestic Site and the washout with a similar arrangement between the washout and Holberg Dock. Passengers and freight were transported over the washed out portion of the road in a boatswain chair. Temporary road repairs began as soon as the flood waters receded to a level at which men and machines could work in safety. The job of reconstructing the damaged road bed required almost a month to complete. A bridge on the road to the dock was also heavily damaged and a construction crew from 2 CMU Calgary is expected to commence shoring the bridge and replacing damaged piles early in the new year.

During the morning of Sunday 30 Sep, one of the airmen from Station Holberg was seen in the area of the washout accompanied by his three dogs. When he failed to return home by late afternoon a ground search party was organized to search the heavily wooded surrounding area and the banks of the river downstream. The search continued through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A helicopter from 121 KU Vancouver joined the search but rain continued to fall intermittently and hampered the air search. By Thursday the level of the river reached a level which permitted a thorough search of the banks. Two members of the search party found the airman’s body at a point about two miles from where he is presumed to have fallen into the river.

1 Jun 62

S/L Spiller assumes duties of COpsO.

A Region live exercise was held within 25^th NORAD Region. This unit took an active part controlling both American and Canadian fighters.

A "Big Blast" live exercise was conducted within 25^th NORAD Region. This is an ECM exercise involving SAC aircraft. This unit controlled American and Canadian fighters in an ECM environment.

A Region live exercise was held within 25^th NORAD Region, similar to 14 Jun 62.

A "Big Blast" live exercise similar to the 21 Jun 62.

"Desk Top V" a large synthetic exercise including the whole NORAD system was conducted. This unit took an active part.

"Sky Shield III" a large scale live exercise involving both NORAD and SAC was held. This exercise is the largest annual exercise and this unit played a very active part. The exercise is designed to simulate as accurately as possible a large scale attack on North America. It was a most useful training exercise for this unit.

"Green Giant", a tri-Region synthetic exercise was held within the 25^th, 28^th and 29^th Regions; this unit played its normal role.

Very heavy rain washed out the road to the dock and caused several mud slides one of which blocked the road to the Ops Site for over eight hours.

The crew which was working the midnight shift was not relieved until 15309 hours and the crew which relieved them worked until 0830 hours on 1 Oct 62. The rain abated somewhat and normal shift changes took place.

More heavy rain caused change of shifts to be restricted to daylight hours. This restriction lasted for 3 days.

This unit as part of NORAD was ordered to increased alert status of DEFCON 3 because of the Cuban crisis. Operations personnel commenced two twelve hour shifts per day with normal days off cancelled. Several measures were taken to improve our capability to operate under fallout conditions, such as, semi-permanent cement block and sand bag walls built around the Height Finder Room, which will make it possible for our Height Finder operators to maintain operation even under heavy fallout.

This unit released from DEFCON 3 status and returned to normal operations.