Memories of Red Cliff
I arrived at the Red Cliff long range radar station in March 1957. I was an Airman 3rd Class at that time and was trained as a Radar Operator - sometimes referred to as a "Scope Dope".
Prior to my arrival at Red Cliff I had been stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. I had volunteered to go to Red Cliff because the USAF "Travel Guide" said that here was skiing in Newfoundland. (Not a ski to be seen - certainly not in the St. John’s area). I arrived in Newfoundland on a MATS flight from Fort Dix, NJ after a brief leave at home.
I was employed in the 642nd AC&W Squadron operations area as a Radar Operator during my tour at Red Cliff. I don't really remember the frequency of the rotation here although it was all scope work. I seem to recall that we made use of the CPS-6B as our primary search radar equipment. We also had the TPS-14 which functioned as our height finder. Most of the air traffic which we handled was civilian because we were in the corridor to and from Europe. We probably averaged 75 to 150 tracks a day (on average). Most of these entered our zone as unknowns until they were identified. Very, very few, if any were true "Unknowns", although we did scramble occasionally to be sure. We did handle the entrance of Khruschev into the NADIR on his way to a "shoe-banging" visit to the United Nations. His pilot "cat and moused" with our escorts until we stayed with him, no matter what he did. Exciting!
I seem to recall that there were about 250 USAF and about 20 civilian personnel on strength at Red Cliff. Unlike most of the other Pinetree Line radar stations there were no covered catwalks to offer protection when moving between buildings during periods of inclement weather.
My first duty at Red Cliff was KP, not the marathon kind of boot camp, rather a regular but long work day. I recall that upon my arrival, I was chewed out for being AWOL by the First Sergeant, only to find out that a Robert Dougherty should have been the subject of that chew. The officers and NCO staff seemed to be pretty understanding while not bending military discipline.
I have many memories of jouncing around on the bus back and forth from the cliff to the main base. I guess the Logy Bay Road hasn't been improved much. I also recall that an unmarked sub appeared offshore near the base of the cliffs and we were dispatched with unloaded M-1 carbines along the rim of the cliff to "repel" the intruders. When asked the whereabouts of our ammo, the Adjutant asked, "What do you want to do start a war?" The RCAF sub chasers drove them off.
It seems that the main recreational facilities was the Airmen's Club on site. We went into St. John's whenever possible during our off duty hours. We would go to the movies or church and we often walked through the park or the waterfront area. Occasionally, we would go to a movie at Pepperrell AFB. I remained in Newfoundland during my entire tour of duty - and this included a year at the Gap Filler site which was located at Elliston Ridge.
I remember the weather as dark, cold and rain in the early spring; cool and sunny in the summer; and windy all the time. The food was standard USAF fare: not bad, but not great, except for special meals. The cook staff tried hard to do the best they could. Alcohol did not appear to be considered as a problem? There were no USO shows at Red Cliff during my tour of duty - but there was enough entertainment at Pepperrell or in St. John’s to keep you occupied.
I eventually left Red Cliff in August 1957 and headed for the Gap Filler site which was located at Elliston Ridge. I departed on the overnight train (Newfie Bullet) from St. John's to Bonavista and proceeded to Elliston Ridge.
From Mike Dougherty
3358 Plantation Place
Sarasota, FL 34231-8539
mdoughe900@aol.com