Moosonee, ON

Introduction and Summary of Years Events

RCAF Station Moosonee is located on the south west end of James Bay. The role of 15 Radar Squadron is to collect and transmit radar data appearing within the area of coverage to our SAGE Centre.

During the year 1964, the perimeter fencing project was completed thus increasing the security of the unit in addition to providing an increase in safety for dependent children by restricting their movements.

The recreational facilities of the unit were increased by the erection of a Butler Building thus providing an indoor skating and hockey rink. In addition, plans were formulated to establish a Hobby Shop and a Rod and Gun Club both of which would be functional in 1965.

The changeover from manual to automatic necessitates the training of airmen so that they might become familiar with new systems and equipment.

One Radar Tech Senior NCO attended a Ground Radar Interrogator Course at Keesler Air Force Base. Three Radar Techs attended FPS-507A course at Clinton.

Unit was visited by an EMU Team who gave ECM lectures to all DMCC personnel.

During 1964 the 0A-3751 (SAT CU/ASTRA) ECM Strobe Determination Receiver was installed. It enables the passive tracking of jamming aircraft thus providing required information to North Bay Direction Centre for triangulation of jamming aircraft. The above enhances our capability in tracking aircraft during active jamming.

On 15 July 64 S/L EA Ireland CD arrived to assume Command of the 15 AC&W Squadron from W/C LL Nault CD transferred to NATO College Paris.

A Mixed Mess Dinner was held in the Officer’s Mess 1 Apr 64 commemorating the RCAF 40^th birthday.

LAC Guevin and LAC Henley were presented with Suggestion Awards at a Commanding Officer’s Parade.

On 14 Nov 64 the first signs of Freeze-up were evident necessitating the calling in of a doctor to RCAF Station Moosonee. On 16 Nov 64, F/L TM Murray MED/MO arrived from Station North Bay to cover period of freeze-up departing 1 Dec 64.

On 15 July 64, W/C LL Nault returned to Moosonee from Annual Leave to officially hand over the Station to S/L EA Ireland. Actual handover took place 17 July when S/L Ireland assumed Command of RCAF Station Moosonee.

F/L Steward ADCHQ arrived for CE Staff Visit.

A/C Pollard, Commander of Ottawa Sector, arrived with W/C F Colimone and Brigadier HR Thyng to conduct an inspection of Operations departing the same day for Great Whale.

A/V/M Hendrick, AOC ADC, arrived with G/C Cameron, G/C Olson, W/C Riddell and S/L Steene to conduct annual AOC’s Inspection.

F/O AJ Frass ADCHQ arrived to conduct Food Services Staff Visit.

Unit was visited by 54 students plus 4 school teachers from Cedar Brae High School Scarborough – visit lasted three days during which transportation and accommodations were provided. A tour of the Station was arranged in addition to making the recreational facilities on the unit available.

Forty-five Air Cadets from 632 Squadron Moose Factory visited the unit. A tour of the Station and a swim was made available to all visiting cadets.

Major Burgess of the Postal Corps arrived for a three day annual visit.

A/V/M Harvey (Commander NNR), G/C Matheson, W/C Yarnell, F/L Simonson and Mr. Laskoski arrived for a one day inspection departing 22 Jul 64.

G/C Schraeder, G/C Williams and S/L MacKay arrived to conduct annual Air Cadet Staff Visit at Moose Factory departing 12 Jun 64.

The sports program on Station Moosonee is quite extensive due primarily to its isolated position.

In Jan 64, RCAF Station Moosonee played their first hockey game against the Moosonee Bombadiers in the James Bay Hockey League. The hockey league was not too successful due primarily to climatic conditions plus the fact that only outdoor rinks were available.

Curling again dominated the field as the most popular past time sport. This unit had two leagues, a regular and a mixed league comprised of 16 rinks in each. In addition there were several bonspiels including an open bonspiel all of which were huge successes.

RCAF Station Moosonee played host to Canadair Variety Show which arrived on the eve of this Station’s first Winter Carnival. This unit plus the local population enjoyed themselves immensely.

In Mar 64, Station Moosonee held their first Winter Carnival. It featured skidoo and dog team races, ice sculptures, plus other related sports competitions for children.

Bowling is another popular sport supported by two leagues; an intersection and a women’s league. The season as a whole was a huge success with trophies being awarded at an overall Station Sports Banquet.

During the summer months Fastball and Fishing became quite popular. Both however, are restricted primarily to the large number of bugs that are predominate at northern posts. Most personnel, however, do support both.

We hope that in the next year the Fish and Game and Rod and Gun Club will become even more popular.

Public relations on an isolated unit are limited to national stories and hometown releases. There are no incidents of national interest in the past year other than the fact that the unit PRO arranged for dependent wives to make a tour of the Tower. In addition to this, the UPRO arranged a Station Tour for the 54 students and 4 school teachers from the Cedar Brae High School in Scarborough. Judging from the letters of thanks, the hospitality of the unit was appreciated by the visiting group.

In Sep 64, the Fire Hall answered a call to downtown Moosonee to fight a fire at David Wynne’s General Store.

In Dec 64, a PMQ fire occurred in G-14. Fortunately, no lives were lost other than two pet dogs.

On the 21 Dec 64, the Fire Hall again answered a call to assist in extinguishing a fire on an Austin Airway’s Norseman.

First league hockey game between Station team and Moosonee Bombadiers.

Austin Airways Dakota missing enroute from Moosonee to Rupert House. Aircraft sighted by another company airplane at approximately 1700 hours.

Crew of Dakota rescued – one member was badly injured. The others sustained only minor injuries.

Giant Bonspiel in which Station Moosonee, Moose Factory, Cochrane and New Liskeard teams participated. FS Marshall won the A Event honours with Mr. S Tometuk of Moose Factory winning the B Event.

Canadair Variety Show scheduled to arrive at 1600 hours was cancelled due to bad weather at Moosonee.

W/C LL Nault dropped the puck to officially open the Station Hockey Rink in a game with Moose Factory and Black Hawks.

Mixed Bonspiel at Station Moosonee with teams from Moosonee and Moose Factory participating. Mr. A Snyder of Moosonee and Mr. M Calaiezzi also of Moosonee won A and B Events respectively.

Canadair Variety Show re-scheduled for today was once again cancelled; this time due to a shortage of aircraft.

A/C Pollard, Commander Ottawa Sector, arrived with W/C Colismone and Brigadier HR Thyng. The party departed at 1430 hours en route to Great Whale.

Command Band arrived at 1630 to give a concert which was followed by a Station Dance.

First Station Winter Carnival held on Saturday morning – Children’s games, Snow Sculptures. In the afternoon Skidoo and Dog Team races. Evening – Canadair Variety Show with a dance afterwards. A huge success.

Visit by 54 students plus 4 school teachers from Cedar Brae High School in Scarborough. Visit lasted 3 days, during which transport and accommodation were provided. Students were given a tour of the Station plus being allowed the use of all recreational facilities.

Mixed Mess Dinner celebrating 40^th Anniversary RCAF at Officer’s Mess.

Visit by 45 Air Cadets – 632 Squadron Moose Factory. Tour provided plus a swim.

Officer’s Mess held a Formal Dinner Dance.

CO’s Parade – FS Knight presented with 22 year Clasp to CD.

Caterpillar Tractor authorized to dredge Butler Creek became stuck. Incoming tide covered the entire machine. Finally recovered with the aid of 3 civilian caterpillars. No apparent damage to unit Bulldozer.

Radio Station CHMO became operational.

W/C LL Nault returned with S/L Ireland for handing over of RCAF Station Moosonee.

Handing over Parade – S/L EA Ireland officially assumes Command of RCAF Station Moosonee. W/C LL Nault transferred to NATO College Paris.

A/V/M Harvey (Commander NNR), G/C Matheson, W/C Yarnell, Mr. Laskoski and F/L Simonson arrived for a one day inspection.

First CO’s Parade for S/L EA Ireland in Rec. Centre. Suggestion Awards presented to LAC Guevin and LAC Henley.

Firemen were called downtown for fire at David Wynne’s General Store – Nil Casualties.

Commanding Officer’s Parade.

Station Halloween Dance held with prizes awarded for best costumes.

Commanding Officer’s Parade – Remembrance Day.

River frozen solid and Moose Factory accessible by wheeled vehicles.

First game opening for the Curling Season.

PMQ fire occurred at 0910 hours at home of Sgt. Jacoby in G-14. Firemen were called and were in control of the fire by 1015 hours. No human casualties however, two pet dogs died.

Christmas party sponsored by the Community Council held this date for RCAF School children. Entertained by a Station Variety Show and Santa Claus.

Christmas Party sponsored by Station Messes and Institutes held this date for school children of Moosonee. Entertained by previous Variety Show and Santa Claus. Gifts and candy were presented.

Firemen were called at 1930 hours to assist Austin Airways in putting out a fire in a Norseman Aircraft.

New Year’s Eve Dance held this date in Recreation Centre. Station Band entertained.