HISTORICAL SUMMARY
RCAF STATION ST. SYLVESTRE
1 January 1964 to 20 July 1964
Introduction:
This period has been for RCAF Station St. Sylvestre a period of great change and activities. In March 64, announcement was made that this unit along with three others would close during the summer months.
Summary of Unit Activities:
16 Mar 64
Mr. Hellyer, MND announced closing of four radar sites of the Pinetree line, stations: Beaverbank, Parent, Edgar and St. Sylvestre.
1 Apr 64
The effective date of disbandment. The unit becomes a self-accounting Rear Party.
29 Apr 64
Ceremonial parade to mark the closing down of this unit. Reviewing Officer is A/C AC Hull DFC, CD, Chief of Staff ADCHQ assisted by S/L DA Reid, ADCHQ. At this parade three Canadian Forces Decorations were presented. The Fire Chief, FS Bellefleur with Cpl. Bedard and Cpl. Burelle were given a certificate of merit for the good work achieved by the Station Fire Prevention Team. The Parade was followed by cocktails and supper in the Officers Mess for A/C and Mrs. Hull and other guests with station officers and wives attending.
Operations:
29 Jan 64
Exercise "Cree Feather I" 29/23:10Z to 30/20:20Z
12 Mar 64
Exercise "Cree Feather II"
20 Mar 64
17:00 hourrs local. Station St. Sylvestre goes off the air forever. The only Technical sections still operating are ADCOM, TELCO, PBX, Tower Power Plants and Message Centre.
Training:
Besides TA programmes going on full time in the Technical Sections, a formal course was given from 10 Dec 63 to 20 Mar 64 on Digital Techniques and FST-2 operations in SAGE system. The FST-2 was studied in its Technical and Operational sides.
Technical:
25-26 Mar 6
F/O Orford from ADCHQ visited this unit to find out the areas of problems expected during operation "Phase-Out".
28 Apr 64
Arrival of two GEEIA representatives. They expect to be at this unit for approximately 45 days. They are responsible for overall supervision during dismantling, packing and shipping operations.
1 May 64
Antennas of the FPS-6Bs and FPS-20 are being dismantled. USAF personnel are expected to arrive in a few days to dismantle the radomes.
5 May 64
Arrival of USAF Radome crew.
1 Jun 64
Tower all cleared of business.
15 Jul 64
PBX and Communications Center ceases operation at 16:00 hours local time.
Administration:
31 Mar 64
00:01 hours local, Station St. Sylvestre becomes Station St. Sylvestre Rear Party. The station is still self-accounting.
6 Apr 64
Station St. Sylvestre is notified by message that transfers for all personnel will be received before 1 May 64 and that all PMQs are to be vacated by 15 Jul 64.
13 Apr 64
Public inventories are being checked. Equipment is being
27 Apr 64
Most transfers have arrived. The general reaction of personnel is good.
25 May 64
Beginning of M&I disposal through ADCHQ.
4 Jun 64
All M&I equipment not allotted to other units or Navy and Army is offered to station personnel.
10 Jun 64
Combined Mess ceases operation.
19 Jun 64
RC and Protestant schools closed.
20 Jun 64
Unit ceases to be self-accounting. Last DRO issued.
Organization:
22 Jun 64
19827 W/C EW Smith DSO, CD, relinquishes command of RCAF Station St. Sylvestre.
23 Jun 64
39605 F/L NJ Coles, DFC, CD, assumes command of 13 Radar Squadron St. Sylvestre Rear Party.
Official Visits and Inspections:
8 Jan 64
A/C M Pollard and W/C Colosimone from Ottawa NORAD Sector visited this unit to find out if any operational problems existed at this station and inspect our facilities.
9 Jan 64
Dr. Couturier, Minister of Health and Welfare of Province of Quebec and other officials visited this unit, to investigate the possibility for their department to use this unit if it closes.
20 Mar 64
Visit by officials of the "Protection Civile de la Province de Quebec" to investigate the possible use of the station for their organization.
May & June 64
More visits from Province of Quebec officials to investigate on possible use of the Station.
Recreation:
3-8 Feb 64
Winter Carnival The Queen, Claire Bourgault, Civilian personnel representative is elected on the 8 February. The Airmen team wins the Sports Competitions. It is everybodys opinion that 1964 Winter Carnival was the most successful of all.
3 Apr 64
Mess Dinner in the Officers Mess to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the RCAF. Honored guests are:
G/C Tacherau Lt. Governor Aide de Camp
W/C Dupuis CO Lac St. Denis
S/L Jean CO Recruiting Unit, Quebec.
Public Relations:
Since this unit is closing, PR has been kept to the minimum during the year 64. However, news reporters were present at the final parade and afterwards wrote in the local papers some very interesting articles.
Other:
23 Apr 64
Funeral at Lambton, PQ for LAC JLG St.-Pierre, who dies at Ste-Foye Hospital. LAC St.-Pierre was from 6 RD Trenton. This unit provided an attending party.
14 May 64
Funeral of Sgt. JPGG Lavoie from Quebec City who died at Station Cold Lake on 8 May 64. This unit provided six Senior NCOs as pallbearers.