Parent, QC

On the first of June, unit Fighter Control Operator strength was 63.

F/O Torseth arrived back from Moody AFB Georgia where he had attended a Controller’s Proficiency Course. During the last week of June two reserve controllers arrived on the Station for summer training. Total practice intercepts for the month were 545. Northland Construction Company of Val d’Or, Quebec, started construction on the following buildings: Administration; Ten room addition to Quarters; Swimming Pool; Ten PMQs; new ME building; Fire Hall and Guard House. As of 30 Nov 56, this contract is approximately 60% complete.

An AMCHQ party carried out test flights. (Projects CTelC518) to determine the requirements necessary for a five-channel FM communications link to be subsequently installed for use between this unit and Station Casey.

The unit took part in a Sector exercise. Twelve T-33s simulated an attack from the north and Scooter was assigned six CF-100s from Uplands and six from St. Hubert to attack the friendly Fakers. Excellent result were obtained as all fighters reported mission accomplished.

Project C409 completed. LAKey telephone equipment gave the duty controller at this Unit direct communication with DC’s at Stations Lac St. Denis, 1 ADCC, and Mont Apica (Later Senneterre).

A/G/A Communications were lost to the Ops Building when a bulldozer severed the communication cables to the receiver and transmitter sites.

A Cessna Crane a/c CF-EWC had to ditch while under Scooter surveillance. F/O Guylar as Duty Controller accurately marked the ditching position, 17 miles north-east of here on Lac Declare. Three hours and fifty minutes later, an Otter VC 3697 from Ottawa landed on the Lake, picked up the survivors and flew them to hospital at RCAF Station Parent.

Vehicle 393B45-B53 (Used) was received from Station St. Sylvestre.

Vehicle 598A10-D56 (New) was received from SR 6RD.

The unit took part in another Sector exercise, with twenty T-33 a/c from the north as targets. Fighters assigned were five CF-100s from Uplands and six from St. Hubert. Five if the fighter a/c reported mission accomplished.

During the month, Vector Code Chart evaluation was carried out during practice intercepts. 432 AW(F) Squadron requested practice intercepts with wider height separation between fighter and target. The unit’s CGI effectiveness with 425 AW(F) Squadron was reported at 75%. Total practice intercepts for the month were 305. AFHQ authorized the erection by civilian contractor of three 120 foot masts at the VHF transmitter site to overcome the operational "blind" area at this unit. Target date 30 Sep.

F/O Vincent and F/O Winslow returned to the unit from the Controller’s training course at Tyndall AFB Florida.

Seven FtrCops were given a formal Trade Advancement course as per ASI 3/4/7. The course percentage was 69.5.

Sector informed the unit that at least one friendly Faker a day would be sent through the sector to keep everyone on their toes.

F/O Boudreau returned from Tyndall as a trained Controller.

The month opened with a Sector exercise on 1 Aug. An Alert was called, and one friendly faker CF-100 was intercepted by a CF-100 from Uplands under the control of this unit.

Four ROTP Flight Cadets arrived on the station this month for controller training. This was their first taste of air force life on this type of unit. During the month, a number of aircrew members from 425 AW(F) Squadron St. Hubert visited the unit and combined business with pleasure. An experiment in training FtrCops for controller work was started during this month. Sgt. Dewling and A/Cpl. Fredette were picked by 1 ADCC headquarters for this unit to train. Definite progress was made in this training by both NCOs. 347 practice intercepts were run during the month. During the month of August this unit completed a survey to facilitate the pending conversion of A/G/A Communications to UHF. Paquin Construction Company started work on the landscaping, roads and guard rail. As of 30 Nov 56, contract is 30% completed. All Search and Rescue equipment was moved from the basement of the Station Headquarters to a room in the right tower of the main Operations Building.

Another alert was called on 2 Aug when four friendly fakers penetrated from the north. This unit attempted intercept action with three CF-100s from St. Hubert. Due to late scramble and height error no intercepts were completed against this attack. At 2352Z on 2 Aug a Security Alert was called by the Commanding Officer on information that a team of intruders may test the unit security. At 0505Z on 3 Aug two intruders were caught by fire escape guards at the rear of the operations building. At 0645Z on 3 Aug all intruders were caught and the all clear was given. Station Defence organization was well tested. Although a very good report was received on the effectiveness of our ground defences, certain weaknesses were revealed which have now been strengthened and suggestions for improvement have been incorporated in our local plans.

Another Sector exercise took place. Again six target CF-100s penetrated from the north and this unit controlled four CF-100 fighters from St. Hubert against the attacking force. Of the four fighters, three reported "mission accomplished" and the fourth had airborne equipment failure.

104K Flight (ECM) from St. Hubert, with two C-47s and one C-119 flew an ECM mission against this unit. Communications jamming, electronic jamming and mechanical jamming was experienced by this unit. Two intercepts were completed against the jamming aircraft by CF-100 fighters under the control of this unit. This exercise had an extremely good training value.

There was a B-47 overfly and this unit was assigned six CF-100 a/c from Bagotville to intercepts the B-47s. The fighters reported five "mission accomplished" and one missed intercept due to airborne equipment failure. Scooter was given the scramble prerogative for this exercise and it worked satisfactorily.

Because of the steady increase in FtrCop personnel, it was found that a change could be made in the work schedule. Instead of nine on and three days off schedule which was presently in practice, it was found that a six on and three off schedule was workable. The new schedule was put into effect early this month. F/O Birch returned from Yuma, Arizona, where he had attended the Controller’s Proficiency Course. F/O Rae who had arrived on the Station in August for controller contact training, left for Officers School in London, to commence his formal training. During the month a total of 290 practice intercepts were run by the unit. During September Hose Reel huts and an inflammable stores building were erected. Two members of the Search and Rescue team, Cpl. MacRae and LAC Loma, went to Trenton for a one week course in Summer bush life.

COC called an Alert and the attacking force was B-47s. Scooter was assigned three CF-100s to intercept and all fighters reported "mission accomplished".

Formal Trade Advancement Training was given to 17 FtrCops according to ASI 3/4/7. The course percentage was 72.9.

F/O Allard, the Station Radar Officer completed his tour of duty on this unit and was replaced by F/O Bonneau, previously of Station Lac St. Denis.

During the month, further Vector Code Chart evaluation was carried out and did not appear too successful. There were 291 practice intercepts run by the unit during Oct. The interior painting of all PMQs, exterior painting of PMQs and all Air Force buildings with the exception of the Operations Building was completed in Oct 56. The lounge in the Airwoman’s quarters was built.

This unit experiences its first B-52 overfly. Eight CF-100 fighters from Bagotville were assigned to this unit for LCC attacks on the B-52s. This exercise met with good success and at one time, Scooter had eight fighters attacking a single B-52, with all the fighters spread out on their attack vectors.

There was a B-47 overfly and during this period the unit was assigned eleven CF-100s for intercept action. There were 9 missions accomplished, 1 missed intercept "controller error", 1 missed intercept "airborne equipment failure".

The Northern Electric Company Peaking Team arrived. The team, headed by Mr. DE Fort, completed the AN/FPS-3C peaking on 17 Oct 56.

This unit completed an electronic and telephone cabling and equipment records project for the Ops Building, to enable AFHQ to plan the installation of additional radars and equipment.

The units new height finding equipment, the AN/FPS-6 was being installed. This high-powered equipment will definitely increase the efficiency of the unit.

Vehicle 467B20-A56 (New) was received from SR 6RD and 301H33A53 (New) was received from SR Lincoln Park.

Seventeen FtrCops wrote the Trade Board examinations; 13 wrote for their group 2 and two of these failed; four wrote for their group 3 and one of these failed. With fourteen passes and only three failures, results of the trade board could be termed reasonably successful.

RCA Victor Company Limited Overhaul Team directed by Mr. RJ Maltby on the unit and completed the overhaul on the two AN/TPS-501s and one 15J1D trainer on 3 Nov 56.

The unit took part in a Sector exercise called "Chancelight II". This exercise simulates a stream attack from the north by multiple targets and Scooter controlled 9 fighters against this attack. The results were 5 Class II attacks (LCC) and 4 Class I attacks (fly through, target stream).

During this month F/O Eckley and P/O Kipp arrived on the unit for Controller contact training. F/O Barnett arrived as a newly trained controller to further augment our staff. Operations Building and general security was tightened due to the present Middle East situation. During the month F/O Torseth and F/O Birch attended a short ECM familiarization course at the new ECM flight at Station St. Hubert. At the end of this period our Controller strength was 15 trained and 2 on contact training. There were 85 FtrCops on strength. Total practice intercepts for the month were 301. During November, a three day Search and Rescue exercise was held with a party of five members. Members were trained in navigation, winter bush travel, winter camp cooking, shelter building and general winter survival in the bush. Members were: F/O RJ Ball, SARO, Sgt. Todd, LAC Loma, AC1 Zanth and AC1 Reimer.

Sector informed that 2 AW(F) CF-100s will be scrambled against unknown tracks with speeds over 200K. Sector also instructed units to use Broadcast Control procedures on practice intercepts and intercepts to be carried out at 40,000 to 45,000 feet. During this month practice intercepts were run with mild evasive action and height alterations.

Twelve FtrCops were given formal trade advancement lectures as per ASI 3/4/7 and the course percentage was 67%.

The AN/FPS-6 was completely installed and calibration flight trials were commenced. On this date the unit technicians started to maintain the AN/FPS-6.

This unit took part in Chancelight IV Sector exercise. Again there was a multi-target stream attack from the north, consisting of 12 CF-100s. This unit controlled eight fighters against this attack and the results were as follows: two fighters aborted the mission; two reported Class I intercepts (LCC); four reported Class I intercepts (fly through, target stream).

The COpO carried out controller evaluation as per ASI 34/5 para 6. A Northern Electric mobile repair party consisting of twelve men arrived this unit to carry out overhaul of all communications equipment.

Accommodation - Messing -The new Guard House is at present still under construction. It is considered to be inadequate but should prove satisfactory when the extension to Stage 2 has been constructed, presumably next year.

Several units of additional single and married quarters are under construction. When this accommodation is available for occupancy the local housing picture will be brightened considerably.

The airmen’s quarters have been furnished through NPF with window drapes.

The present organization for combined messing is proving satisfactory. The standard of meals and service is very good. Few legitimate complaints were received during this period.

The appearance of the airmen’s/airwomen’s dining room has been considerably improved with the installation at NPF expense of a screening wall covered with room-width picture mural.

Entertainment - A change-over from 16mm to 35mm projection equipment was made during the period. The expense to NPF has been more than justified and films are screened to capacity audiences at all times.

Several successful "all ranks" dances including a Gala Halloween masquerade were held and several more have been included in the planned social entertainment program for the winter period. The Station Bingo schedule is also under way.

Messes and Institutes have been very active during the period. Mess Dinners, Formal Dinner Dances, Cocktail parties, Casino nights, bridge tournaments, inter-mess sports competitions, informal dances, members nights, etc., all have combined to bring people together in their various social centres to promote the spirit of camaraderie so important at remote units.

Religion - Spiritual ministration continues to be supplies to Protestant personnel on a "week about" basis by sharing the services of a Regular Force Chaplain with Station Senneterre.

RC personnel have been provided with a "full time" Chaplain by the expedient of enrolling the village vicar in the Supplementary Reserve.

Both committees are active and the present organization is considered highly satisfactory. Our "temporary" log cabin Chapel continues to serve its purpose admirably.

Sports - Despite a rather wet, cool summer the sports program for the station went ahead as scheduled.

Softball - Five section teams were fielded and formed a league of six with the Parent Village team. The winner in league play, Station Parent "Monarchs" went on to play in the ADC Championships at St. Hubert and lost out to Station Uplands.

Water Sports - Making good use of the mountain lake which lies within the station boundaries, participation in all types of water sports was encouraged. A speed-boat complete with 25 HP motor was purchased together with water-skiing equipment. This venture was enthusiastically received and at times the lake resembled the famous Cypress Gardens. The area of the bathing beach was doubled to a frontage of over 400 feet. Beach chairs and gay umbrellas were purchased and added the "summer resort" touch. A large raft was constructed, fitted with regulation diving board and anchored about 50 feet off shore. Fishing in the trout-stocked lake from NPF rowboats and private craft was a popular pastime. The prize rainbow landed was slightly over 15 inches in length. Several fishing trips were organized to "off station" lakes and many desperate tales were recounted.

Miscellaneous - Hiking, camping, bicycling, archery, small-bore rifle shooting, barbecues, hunting, tag-football, were other outdoor pastimes enjoyed by many throughout the season. The Ladies Auxiliary sponsored a successful track and field meet in July for the children. Again in July, a sports weekend was organized and teams from Station Senneterre were invited to compete in a variety of sports. The Parent teams carried the day. The meet was highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.

Winter Sports and Hobbies - With the advent of colder weather, attention turned toward winter sports. Bowling leagues were formed. The badminton enthusiasts flocked to the courts. A curling rink is being rushed to completion financed by NPF. A crafts department has been set up in the Hobby Shop. The ski tow has been rebuilt, the ski slope smoothed, a toboggan slide constructed, rinks are being prepared and a hockey league is being formed.

Teams from this unit visited Station Mont Apica for a sports meet at the end of November. A good time was enjoyed by all but when the points were totalled up Station Mont Apica emerged the victor.

Signed by:
(AG Lawrence) W/C
CO, RCAF Station Parent