St. John's, NF

1959 - Additional Details - Ren L'Ecuyer

Construction began in 1951. The station was supposed to be a self-contained, self-supporting unit that would operate on a continuous basis. One of the first installations built was at Red Cliff, near St. John's in Newfoundland. This AC&W was a part of the Pinetree Line which was a back-up for the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line Project. The station had a fair size acreage, and all permanent buildings had to be constructed.

Being located so close to the water required the capabilities to operate in more than extreme cold conditions. Because of its open location and the proximity to the water, the station was subject to severe winds, excessive snow accumulations and extremely low temperatures. It was necessary to include structures such as barracks, shops, warehouses, dining halls, recreational areas as well as the operations centre.

Radar operators in the AC&W squadron tracked the movements of aircraft sighted and passed speed, height and direction information to "Direction Centres" (DC's) and fighter interceptor squadrons. Fighter aircraft were airborne in minutes after an alarm was given, and closed in on unidentified planes by means of radar detection equipment in the fighters. Another of their functions was furnishing navigational aid to friendly aircraft operating in the area. Their detection of "May-Day" calls contributed to quick search and rescue efforts.

-- Ren L'Ecuyer