Sydney, NS

Narrative Report
RCAF Station Sydney, NS
1 Jun 56 to 30 Nov 56

The AOC and his party departed this morning for Station Beaverbank by service air. All officers, excepting the Controller on duty, journeyed to Sydney airport to bid him farewell. The CO, S/L Lomas, accompanied the AOC to Halifax, then proceeded on to Toronto with the aircraft to attend his father’s funeral. S/L CA Brunger, CTSO, assumes temporary command. In spite of the gala celebration surrounding the AOC’s visit, word of the CO’s father’s death, which was received last evening just prior to the Mess Dinner, quickly traveled through the Station "grapevine" today and cast a pall over the Unit. This was as much in testimony to the esteem in which the CO is held, as is the loss felt most keenly by the "ham" radio fans on the Station who, almost to a man, were acquainted with VE3LL (LJ Lomas Sr.) a pioneer in Canadian amateur radio circles.

F/O AL Beals, our popular SAO, was today discharged from hospital, although he remains SIQ.

The Unit converted to summer working hours today. Many eyes were at half-mast this morning at 0800 hours when they reported on duty; but prospects were considerably brighter by 1630 hours when everyone knocked off, and the ardent Cape Breton fishermen took off for the fishing streams with a pleasant four hour’s daylight in the evening to seek the wily trout.
F/O Brian Wooding (AS/FtrC) arrived today on transfer from 1OS, London, where he had completed officers Indoctrination Training, subsequent to his appointment to the RCAF following a term of service in the RAF. His posting to this Unit is for on-the-job training, in the expectation that such familiarization may obviate the necessity of his attending the Fighter Controller Course in the USA.
Sgt. Boughen, the talented cook who has so ably directed activities in the Combined Mess for the past couple of years, departed today on embarkation leave prior to transfer to RCAF Support Unit, Metz. His departure, a blow to the Station gourmets and gourmands, will be keenly noticed on the next party when the tantalizing displays of food will lack the "Boughen" touch of which the Station has long been so justly proud. His family will accompany him on the oversea jaunt, and his wife Florence’s departure will subtract from the ranks of the WA one of its keenest supporters and most active executive members.

Air Force Day was quietly celebrated on the Station with dances in the NCO’s and Officers Messes attended by guests from Sydney and district. The Officers Mess dance was highlighted by a round of drinks purchased in absentia by a pre-signed bar card, by F/O John Richard whose marriage took place today in St. Lambert, PQ, to Miss Solange Trudeau, daughter of a prominent physician of that city. It must be recorded that a tidal wave (almost literally) of best wishes for the new benedict swept the Mess, hard on the heels of the round of fully-charged glasses. The financial result may well be a shock on next month’s Mess bill to the newlyweds, but sentiment ran high (sic!).

F/O Orm McNeill, who has been sojourning in the land of the "Georgia Peaches" south of the border for the past two months, returned to the Station today, sporting a becoming tan and just a trace of Southern accent.

F/O Jack Ferris ceased TD, and returned to ADCHQ today.

F/O Al Beals, our SAO, returned to duty today after a siege with the hepatitis bug.

F/C JE Broadbent (URTP - Pers/Admin) of the University of Toronto arrived today from CMR St. Jean, PQ for summer employment as CAdO.

School’s out for the summer, and the passel of dependent children who have been confined to Queen’s School during the past academic year (more or less against their will, as usual) greeted the day with delight. Feelings were a little mixed however, since today also signaled the departure of Ed Murrin, our popular School Principal, who is accepting a teaching post at Antigonish Rural High School next term. Ed and his wife, although relatively new additions to the Station fold, are held in high esteem by all Station personnel, from Kindergarten age up, for their contribution to the School in particular and Officers Mess and Station social activities as well.
Again, though, the blessings are mixed, since word was received today that F/O’s Howard Brooks and Gord Ker are granted Permanent Commissions effective 1 Jul 56. Needless to say, appropriate ceremonies celebrating these events were staged in close proximity to the Officers Mess Bar.

Officers Promotion Day - and even though Station Sydney was not honoured by any elevations in rank amongst its commissioned personnel, effective this date Cpl. DE Betts sports Acting Sgt. Stripes, and LAC’s AG Shepherd, CD Tucker, DW Morris and SL Smith (all FtrCops) hang up brand new Acting Cpl. hooks. These promotions, which are gratifying to the Unit as a whole are particularly well received in Operations where the added NCO’s will greatly simplify matters of having NCO’s available for all crews.

F/O Gord Ker was again lured "down the hill" to renew his lease on the CAdO’s office, while F/O Morgan is away on leave.
WO2 JA Cadieux, TelMSupt, arrived from Station Tofino and assumed duties as RadWO.

Cpl. HL King and LAC’s HJV Epton, RV Stokes, JC Bertrand commenced the Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructors Course being held at the YMCA. The Course continues through the week and we hope we will graduate four lifeguards for our swimming pool in the Rec. Centre which is under construction.
Another of the old "originals" departed today in the person of FS Roger Brazeau, Sup Tech, who is off for Upper Canada and a posy to Station Foymount. His departure is a distinct blow to Station Sydney Supply Section, which not long ago lost its SSO, as well as to NCO’s Mess and Station Bowling circles in which "Roger" was active.

F/L HB Robinson departed, returning to the "wheelhouse" at St. Hubert.

F/O LD Roche, of Station Beaverbank arrived today on TD for a two week period of cross training, and incidentally, to somewhat relieve the Controller shortage occasioned by the usual seasonal leaves etc.

Station Standing Orders received a major overhaul today, with the promulgation of a complete rewrite - the first undertaken since the Station opened.
F/O JF Coll, AS/FtrC, reported in today on transfer from Station Foymount, via the FtrC course at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

The Station was again called on today to pay the Service’s last respects to 244003 AC1 AJ MacDonald of Station MacDonald. A firing party, bearer party, and trumpeter (from the Canadian Army at Victoria Park, Sydney), commanded by F/O JO McNeill, participated in funeral ceremonies which took place in Glace Bay.

FS Ralph Giovenazzo, Cook, reported in today on transfer from 30 AMB Langar, and assumed duties as NCO i/c Combined Mess.
F/L Brunger, our CTSO, proceeded on leave today, and F/O Jean Richard CEO and most recent newlywed, took on a second hat as Acting CTSO for the next three weeks.

Another distinguished first for Station Sydney. The first of what is planned to continue as an annual event - the Royal Cape Breton Air Force Highland Games - was staged today. The area behind BB’s 4, 5, 6 and the Supply Section, transformed with sprint lanes marked on the most level 100 yards of turf, jumping pits, high-jump standards, whirling discus and soaring javelin, took on an Olympic Flavor and rocked with activity as Station personnel and dependents joined in a busy afternoon of track and field events. The longer sprints (220 and 440 yard) and distance events of 880 yard and 1 mile were staged on the roadway circling the PMQ area. After supper, an exhibition softball match was played between Sam Wareham’s All Stars (a 4 man aggregation of no mean talent from the local area) and a Station team, on the diamond behind BB 3, and an interesting exhibition boxing match between F/O Wooding and Cpl. Bob Johnson was staged in the ring erected on the Combined Mess parking lot. The day’s activities wound up with an old-time dance, featuring a step-dance contest amongst various spirited and keen, but not particularly talented, Station personnel, held in the Airmen’s Dining Room. The CO presented ribands and medals to winners of the various events and ribands to contestants placing second and third. In addition, an exquisitely wrought trophy, featuring a slightly modified Chevrolet hub-cap (not - as rumor would have it - stolen from the Staff Car), symbolic of the Section Championship in the "Games" was presented to Cpl. JG Despres, representing the Admin. Section, this year’s "Hub of Tireless Athletic Wheels".

Messrs. Standring and Pfeiffer of RCA Victor arrived for emergency repairs to the motor generator of the FPS-502 radar. Assorted difficulties in obtaining parts stretched out what otherwise might have been a one day job into three days. However, 5 Aug, again saw things back to normal with the radar shop.

The annual civic holiday was celebrated today - somewhat to the dismay of the natives for whom normal practice is to celebrate this occasion on 27 Dec, and thereby stretch out the Xmas holiday. However, the fresh-air fiends and the fishermen offered prayers of thanks since the day was a glorious one and, at least at present, much more appreciated than a post-Boxing Day holiday that might well be spent digging out of a "Blueberry Hill" blizzard.

The NCO’s, ever jealous of their prowess and reputation as the backbone of any Service, challenged the Officers to a softball game today. The Officers Mess, no less proud of their reputation as the "athleticest" Mess in the Service, triumphed in a hard fought match, which was not exactly a pitcher’s battle, when they nosed out the NCO’s 18-16. That’s right, it was softball - not basketball.

WO2 W (Bill) Baird, another of the indefatigable originals, departed today on transfer to 1 R&CS, Clinton, where the many clues he has amassed and so ably demonstrated during his tour here as RadWO, will be passed on to tomorrow’s telecom types in an instructional tour. His was an incomparable contribution to the Station, building the Radar Section from scratch to a point where our serviceability record is the envy of every radar chain. No less did "Bill" contribute to Mess activities and to Station affairs as a whole. F/L RE Waldron of ADC/HQ arrived on TD to substitute for our SAO, F/O Beals, who is off on a spot of leave and well earned rest and recuperation from his recent illness.

A crew from RCA Victor arrived today for the periodic overhaul of the Main Search and Height Finder radars.

Today saw a new departure in Station sports activities. Two teams each of Officers, NCO’s and AC’s journeyed to Seaview Golf Club, north Sydney, to indulge in a Monkey Golf Tournament. The four man teams, each man of which carried one club (respectively a #2 wood, #5 iron, #9 iron and putter) were to play the ball in strict rotation, regardless of lie, and equally regardless of the inappropriateness of the club due to play the next shot. All teed off in high spirits (and amid curious stares of the conventional golfers who were treated to sights like an obvious "duffer" tee-ing off on #1 tee with a putter - on a 400 plus yard hole). A most enjoyable, and frequently hilarious afternoon’s fun was enjoyed by all participants and again, the Officers proved their superior athletic abilities (or was it cheating?), when their #1 team holed out with a cool 120 for 18 holes.

As a result of sudden, sudden-death playdowns amongst the top four teams in the Station Softball League, the teams representing Operations "D" Crew flew to Summerside today for the regional playdowns in the RCAF Softball Championship. Although they acquitted themselves nobly, they bowed in the first round to the ultimate winners of the tournament. The trip, nevertheless, was enjoyed by all.

The CO departed on leave and F/L Brunger assumed temporary command.

Our radars again have a new lease on life. The RCA Victor overhaul crews departed today, leaving everything perking.

At 0035 hours today, just as the weekly Officers Mess stag night was drawing to a close, a call was received from Dr. D’Intino, attending physician, requesting emergency airlift for Diana Drover, a young girl from South Bar, who had been injured earlier in the evening in a highway accident near her home. She had suffered spinal injuries and immediate surgery which could only be undertaken at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax was held out as her only hope for recovery. RCC Halifax was contacted and arranged for a Canso aircraft from the S&R Flight in Greenwood to perform a mercy mission. HMCS Shearwater in Halifax was alerted to have an ambulance standing by to meet the aircraft. Canso VC-9830departed Greenwood at 0130 hours, local time, arrived at Sydney at 0327, departed again at 0420 with the patient and both her parents and landed at Halifax at 0545. Once again the RCAF Search & Rescue organizations prompt response to a request for aid had achieved the desired result, and later reports from Halifax indicate that the surgery was successful and that every hope was held out for an eventful full recovery of the child.
S/L Dale, ADCHQ/SOSec arrived this morning on a staff visit. After spending the day touring the Station, visiting local law enforcement agencies and making a quick trip to the RCMP Dog Training Centre at Sydney River, he presented the Unit with his piece de resistance. At 2200 hours, and without prior warning, S/L Dale contacted the CAdO and notified him that a vulnerability test was underway to test Station Security. An "alert" was immediately sound, the Station security flight was mobilized and deployed, and full emergency security measures were invoked to check identification of all personnel moving into the Station. Within a very few minutes after the "alert" was sounded, two of the three "agents" attempting to penetrate the Unit were apprehended, fortunately prior to inflicting any damage to Station facilities. The test continued until 2359 hours, when it was terminated by S/L Dale. Much was learned which will aid in tightening future security and at the debriefing held by S/L Dale and his team the following morning, it was established that RCAF standards had been gloriously upheld and that, in general, our defence against the posed threat had been commendable. Not content to rest on our laurels, the test did provide the first opportunity for a realistic workout of Station security under emergency conditions, and has done much to indoctrinate into all personnel the need for constant vigilance and an awareness of security measures.

S/L Dale and his team departed from the Station, taking with them F/O Wooding, FS JG Hopkins and Cpl. HL King on a "secret mission". (Subsequently the "secrecy" of the mission leaked out on return of the personnel, and the circulation of many stories, rumours and conjecture about a V-Test which was carried out at Station Beaverbank on the 25-26 Aug weekend. The participants confirmed that they, in company with other members of S/L Dale’s team had, indeed, "invaded" our neighbor Unit with considerably more success than had been achieved against our defences.

F/O HF Hull, ADCHQ/SOCE arrived for an overnight visit concerning the 1957-58 construction engineering estimate.
This evening F/L Brunger, CTSO and PMC Officers Mess, entertained at his PMQ in honour of F/O Wooding whose wedding is scheduled for 1 Sep. F/O Wooding was presented with a carving set, on behalf of the members of the Mess, accompanied by the best wishes of the assembled gathering for his and his bride’s health and happiness.

Once again the NCO’s challenged the Officers at softball, and once again the "flat-hats" triumphed by a 14-12 count.
Messrs. Standring and Parama of RCA Victor Company arrived to perform repairs to a motor generator for one of the radar sets.

Station Sydney’s first wedding took place today. F/O Brian Wooding was married at Christ Church in Sydney to Eileen Mathhews of Frome, Somerset, England. F/O Wooding, who is our newest arrival, and his bride both served with the RAF and he has only recently transferred to the RCAF. In the absence of relatives or close friends of the couple in Canada, Station Officers and their wives were the attendants at the wedding. F/O EW Fox gave the bride away; F/O HG Brooks acted as best man; Mrs. CA Brunger, wife of F/L Brunger, CTSO, was matron of honour; F/O TEG Ker and F/O KM Morgan were ushers, and Misses Lianne Morgan and Marilyn Brooks were flower girls. After the ceremony, a pleasant reception was held in the Officers Mess, attended by Mess members and associate members. The reception was complete to a piper, loaned by 2n^d Bn. NS Highlanders, who "piped in" the wedding cake, and a Scottish claymore, loaned by Lt. Col. CD Arnold, OC, 2n^d Bn. NS Highlanders, with which the cake was cut. These latter innovations lent a distinctly Cape Breton, as well as Canadian flavor, to the marriage of these two neophyte Canadians, and it is hoped, launched them in a happy and long marital career.

The CO returned from leave today and proceeded to Station Summerside for flying practice.
Mr. RB Abel of ADCHQ/DCEF arrived to take over the landscaping which has now been completed.

W/C W Rodger, CChap (P), arrived for a staff visit and remained overnight, proceeding to Station Beaverbank on 7 Sep 56.

The CO returned from TD at Station Summerside and resumed command.
F/O TEG Ker, who has been selected for duty with one of the MCL Units due to open shortly, departed on TD to a Book Cypher course at 1 R&CS Clinton, and MCL equipment training course at Ottawa Valley Test Line at AFHQ. He is expected to be gone for approximately three weeks.

F/O FA Creelman, SSO proceeded on TD to Halifax and Station Beaverbank to visit DDP, DPPS, and suppliers in the Halifax area, as well as to undertake a liaison trip to Beaverbank on Pinetree supply accounting. Mr. Swan of the Northern Electric Company visited regarding compilation of the FPS-3 checking list.

F/O Creelman and Mr. Swan departed.

"Battle of Britain" Sunday was observed on the Station by a church parade both for Protestant and RC personnel at the Station Chapel and in the School. The officiating clergymen conducted appropriate services for their respective faiths.

F/O AW Beals, SAO, departed on TD to ADCHQ for medical consultation.
F/O JC Richard, CEO, proceeded on TD to Station Beaverbank for a liaison visit concerning the new Rec. Centre and swimming pool construction and operation.
The Operations Softball League terminated today when "C" crew won the championship with a hard fought 5-4 win over "A" crew.

Another festive sports day! The "Indian Summer Games" were held consisting of track and field competitions, followed by a dance in the evening. This form of activity has proved very popular with Station personnel and the results of today’s games reflect a distinct improvement in performance over the Highland Games. Results from today’s events were submitted to ADCHQ for entry into the Command Track and Field Championships.
Construction ganges from MR Chappell Ltd., Sydney, moved onto the Station today to commence construction of the new Admin. Bldg., Dispensary, Fire Section, CE Section and 20 new PMQ’s. Station Sydney commences to boom!

The CO departed on TD for flying practice with an aircraft from Station Summerside on navigation exercises.
F/L WF Duerr of Station Chatham visited the Station today to undertake the annual ammunition and explosives inspection. All in order.

Cpls. Qualifying Exams were held today and loud sighs of relief could be heard from the two-stripers who have been busy boning up on GSK and English for the past months. Now the nail-biting commences until the results are received.
The first game of the Station Softball League Finals was held today when Combines met "A" Crew in a best-of-three series. Combines won handily and are confident of sweeping the series in tomorrow’s gam to make it a "two-straight" series.
F/L J Freebairn of ADCHQ/SOAF arrived to do a cash count and to conduct the end-month pay parade in F/O Beal’s absence.

Combines did it! A clean sweep in the Softball Playdowns and the first winners of the new Station Softball Championship Trophy.

The fall season opened officially in the Officers Mess with a well patronized and much enjoyed dance.
F/O JW Thompson, MACHQ/AWelO visited the Station, to conduct welfare investigations locally and on the Station.

F/O Beals returned today after a period of hospitalization in Montreal and proceeded on two weeks sick leave.

A banquet was held this evening in the AC’s Dining Room to mark the wind-up of the Operations Softball League, and was highlighted by the presentation to "C" Crew of a trophy donated, in concert, by the officers of Operations Branch.

F/L’s Kirkby, Gauthier and Shubaly 104 C&R Flight visited the Station today to conduct briefing on ECM.

The Officers Mess held a Mess Dinner this evening with WJ Atleen, an associate member and prominent Maritime Jeweler, giving an interesting speech on horology.
F/L JS Bonham, CChap (P) MACHQ visited the Station today on a liaison visit.

A mobile repair party from RCA Victor arrived today to undertake emergency repairs to the TPS-502 elevation gear box.

The "Tipsy" returned to the serviceable class today and the RCA Victor MRP departed to return to Montreal.
F/O EW Fox, Unit S&RO, led a party of eight personnel who departed today for a search & rescue practice exercise at the Station base camp which has been established on Lewis Mountain.

Thoughts of Halloween may be rifle among the younger generation, but nightmares commenced in earnest today for some Station personnel who underwent practical TE’s.
The CO proceeded on leave and F/L Brunger assumed temporary command. F/O LB Smith, Station Clinton, arrived for field familiarization in connection with his duties with the FtrCop training at 1 R&CS.

The rest of the painful process became history today as one of the largest groups in history of the Station wrote TE’s.
The S&R party returned to the Station after a very successful and profitable outing.

W/C EC Briese and S/L LD Codat, Sector Commander and CO, Station St. Margarets respectively, paid a neighborly visit to the Station for familiarization and liaison on operational matters.

W/C Briese and S/L Chodat departed, and F/O W Sinclair, ADCHQ/FPO arrived today on a staff visit and inspection of fire prevention protection facilities.

F/O Smith completed his field familiarization today and departed to return to 1 R&CS.

Another S&R party took off today on a training mission to the Lewis Mountain area, under direction of WO1 PA Thompson, Assistant S&RO.
F/O Sinclair departed to return to ADCHQ.

The CO returned to duty today and assumed command.

Mr. RB Abel of AFHQ/DCEF paid another of his frequent visits today and conducted a periodic inspection of the new construction.

F/O JW Thompson, MACHQ/AWelO visited the Station today on further local and Station welfare investigations.
The witches flew and the ghost walked tonight as the Officers Mess staged a Halloween Masquerade.
F/O P Engbrecht, AS/FtrC departed today on TD to Station Lac St. Denis for operational familiarization and intercept practice.

F/O HG Brooks, COpsO, departed today for 1 R&CS Clinton to undergo the Book Cypher Course in preparation for an MCL posting for which he has been selected.

Provincial Election Day - and a poll established on the Station in PMQ 26, and operated by LAC GE Dawson and his wife - was the centre of interest on the Station today. Results of the polling revealed tonight showed that the Station followed the local trend and solidly backed Mr. Percy (Pinky) Gaum, well known Whitney Pier merchant running as a Progressive Conservative. Mr. Guam, who is the first PC member elected in this area for some years is an ex-RCAF aircrew member who served in a POW camp in Germany with A/V/M Wray, our present AOC and his election was therefore widely hailed by Station personnel, particularly Officers Mess Members who are acquainted with "Pinky" through his numerous visits to the Mess as a guest.

All manners of queer beasties were abroad on the Station this evening as the PMQ children seized the popular Halloween "trick or treat" pastime. As an added attraction, a fireworks display was staged at the rear of the PMW area for Station residents.

F/O’s Brooks and Engbrecht returned from their respective TD sojourns in Upper Canada, and Operations now gets back to a normal manpower situation.

A Northern Electric Company MRP arrived to undertake peaking of the FPS-502. An F-89 from Ernest Harmon AFB in Newfoundland was weathered in here today and the crew, Lts. Jones and Phillips, seized the opportunity to visit the Station and meet, in person, the controllers who they so often work with on airborne intercepts.
F/O P Engbrecht departed for Moody AFB for cross training.

S/L JT Murchsion, ADCHQ/AJAG visited the Station today on a staff visit, and remained overnight.

F/L Johnson of AFHQ/DCED visited the Station today to inspect and consult regarding the water and sewage systems.

Remembrance Day comes again, and in this area, which boasts such a large contribution in Armed Forces service in both World Wars, heavy demands were made on the Station for participation in local celebrations. F/O EW Fox represented the RCAF at North Sydney Celebrations; F/O TEG Ker and :AC P Stokes participated in the dedication of a new memorial cross at Passchendaele Legion Hall; Cpl. GH Graham acted as a cenotaph sentry at the Westmount Legion service; F/O’s AW Beals and B Wooding attended a memorial window dedication at First United Church, Sydney; and F/O HG Brooks participated in Trinity United Church’s memorial service. The major contribution, however, fell at F/L Brunger and a 50 man flight who attended a tri-service and veteran’s parade and service held in the Pier Stadium, Sydney at which our CO, S/L LJ Lomas was the principal speaker.

The DM Audit Team arrived on the Station today - as usual unannounced - to undertake their annual audit of accounts.

W/C TH Spear and F/L Gtink of AFHQ/DPA accompanied by F/L GA MacInnes of ADCHQ/SOAP arrived on TD for a staff visit on personnel administration, welfare and associated subjects.
Another S&R party departed today on a training exercise.

F/O Brooks, COpsO, departed today to attend the Sector Conference of COpsO’s.

The S&R team returned this evening from their "bushwhacking".

W/C Spear and his party departed.

F/O Brooks returned from TD.

At the request of the RCMP Sub-Division HQ, search and rescue teams averaging 10-12 personnel participated daily in a search for Wiley Wood of Sydney (who lives close to the Station) who was lost in the Loch Lomond area while on a hunting expedition. In spite of most adverse weather, our team spearheaded the search through some of the ruggedest territory on the island but, unhappily without success. At the end of the 26 Nov day’s search, hope and search operations were abandoned since the combination of weather, terrain and lack of proper clothing and shelter is presumed by RCMP authorities to have caused the certain death of the lost hunter by this time.

F/O Beals, SAO, departed on TD to Montreal Military Hospital for another examination follow-up on his recent illness.

The DM Audit Team departed, after completing their operations, and again giving the Station a very high commendation for the fine condition of Unit accounts and the tight control that has been maintained on material, expenditures, etc. over the past year.

F/O Beals returned from TD at Montreal.

Signed by:
(GS Armstrong) S/L
Commanding Officer