Hopedale, Labrador

1964 - Memories of Hopedale - Tony Boyle

I was stationed at Hopedale, Labrador from September 1964 through September 1965. I was a USAF 1st Lt. at the time. I was a Weapons Controller and controlled USAF and Canadian AF fighter interceptor aircraft on practice and active Air Defense missions. Though it's been many years, I have many fond memories of this assignment. We had movies every night, a two lane bowling alley, a gym and a sauna bath. We also had a small Officer's club and an NCO club. There was an internal radio station that played music which was provided by the Armed Forces Radio Services. As I recall, there were two Royal Canadian Mounted Policemen assigned there. There was a husband and wife team that ran a trading post and a marine radio station. The school and the dispensary were operated by Canadian school teachers and nurses. Everything (people, mail, movies, pay, fresh fruits and vegetables, spare parts etc.) came in via choppers out of Goose Bay. Sometimes, Otters on skis or floats would visit. We also had a group of civilians who, as I recall, worked for the Canadian Marconi Corporation maintaining the BMEWS site on the next hill over from us. I managed to participate in seal and duck hunting during my tour at Hopedale. I also fished for Arctic Char. We would periodically go to Goose Bay for rest and relaxation. One of the big events of the year was when the ice broke up and the supply ship arrived. It became a site holiday and everyone pitched in to help unload the ship.

-- Tony Boyle (February 1998)