Tofino, BC

Routine. Weather still unsettled. Minor accident with bus transporting dependents to Tofino on shopping run.

The rain is with us again. Normal quiet day.

Rain. Commanding Officer returned from annual leave.

Clearing – sunny intervals. F/O Robinson returned from TD. Excellent Scout, Cub and Brownie banquet held in Recreation Hall. F/L MJ Hoffart Tech Tel – Inspection Telecom.

Unsettled. Cpl. Klassen arrived by sked with family. Sgt. Hughes moved into second TMQ suite – Bldg 32. F/L Hoffart departed.

Unsettled. Routine.

Cloudy – rain in evening. Unit visited by WO1 Roy, AFHQ/DCED, who was checking the building details of Building 11 for addition to the Recreation Hall, and construction of proposed swimming pool.

Air Force Day. Rain in the morning – clearing in the afternoon. Children’s sports held in morning with full participation by all ages. Prizes were provided by PTA. A 3-team softball tournament was won by the RCAF. Kennedy Lake Logging Co. and Native Sons (Indians) were the other teams. The celebrations concluded with a beach party for all personnel. A CF-100 from 409 Squadron Comox provided thrills for station personnel and visitors alike with performance of low flying and aerobatics. Perhaps the best show of the afternoon was that put on by a native eagle which wheeled and soared over the sports field for a good part of the afternoon.

Weather improving – sunny. F/C Colbourne conducted Services. Very disappointing congregation – 2!

Sunny. Quiet – normal routine.

Clear with showers. Normal routine – Ball game in the evening.

Reasonable day. Sked in. Cpl. Olson departs after three years. LAC O’Hara departs after one year. Month end will see how many old timers remaining.

Clear – but promising rain. Usual drill parade in the morning. Guard of Honour in afternoon. FS Fairchild caught 39 lb. Spring salmon.

Fair Day. Ladies Auxiliary "stag dinner" at Clayoquhot Hotel, Clayoquhot Island. Ladies transported by bus and boat. NPF boats receiving plenty of use. Another large salmon caught – approximately 37 lbs. by Mr. Zelowski, BC Power Commission employee.

Reasonable day – clear in afternoon. F/O Harvey from SOCE Branch from ADC HQ in on TD. N/S Phinney in for 10 days TD. Contract training.

Fair day. Sunday routine - the beaches are becoming very popular.

Routine. Weather still unsettled.

Raining again. Commander’s Inspection now scheduled for 5 Jul. P/O Phinney, N/S under training – reported to unit for one week contact training.

Sked in. N/S Taylor out on TD. N/S Gauthier from Station Vancouver in for one week TD. Captain Taylor RCDC arrived for usual period of dental service.

Weather fine. F/O Berube in on TD from Station Vancouver re cash count. Drill today – Ceremonial shaping up reasonable well. S/L Martin 5 ADCHQ Supply visited on Supply liaison – returned same day.

Clear and bright. Airmen’s Dining-in Night. Excellent party. F/C Colbourne arrived to conduct Protestant religious services, and F/L Cote arrived to conduct RC services.

Rain in the morning, cleared to a lovely clear day. Station Picnic at Singing Sands – well organized, huge success. Softball games for parents; races for children.

Clear and bright. Normal Sunday routine. F/C Colbourne conducted Protestant Services in Chapel. F/L Cote conducted RC Services.

Rain – rain. Normal routine.

Clearing. Normal routine. S/L Poirier arrived to conduct RC Services. NPF boats very popular with all personnel.

Clear and warm. Normal routine.

Warm. Promotion day – F/O AV Robinson promoted to Flight Lieutenant, F/O Fenwick – Permanent Commission. Work parade – grass cutting, painting of playground in preparation for inspection.

Clear and warm. Normal Friday routine. F/C Millman on unit for services on Sunday.

Sunny and warm. CAS, A/M Slemon and wife arrived in North Star. Normal work routine. Picnic luncheon on beach in early afternoon for officers and A/M and Mrs. Slemon. Mrs. Slemon presented with Indian basket. Dinner in evening with CO. CAS to stay for a few days rest.

Sunny and warm. CAS still here – away alone for day – apparently explored the beach area.

Cloudy. Dominion Day celebration in Ucluelet – F/L Robinson requested to judge floats. RCAF participated in softball tournament and lost. CAS departs late afternoon – presented with 15 lbs. salmon on ice, by CO.

Clear and bright. Normal routine. P/O Macklin of 30 Wing HQ (Aux.), Calgary, reported in for two months continuous duty as assistant to Adjutant.

Cloudy, rain in afternoon. Drill parade and practice commences in the morning. CO well satisfied. Sked in. Five FtrCop replacements, Cpl. Clark (Accounts0, LAC – Rec. Spec arrived on TD as replacement for Cpl. Howis. Regular routine.

Weather clear. Group Commander’s Inspection Day. A/C Orr and Rev. JW Robinson arrived Service aircraft 105 hours. Ceremonial parade very successful. A/C began annual inspection. Obviously pleased. Entertainment in Officer’s Mess during evening.

Clear and bright. Group Commander completed inspection. A/C Orr, Rev. Robinson departed for Vancouver 1000 hours. Routine – normal.

Fine weather. Normal Saturday routine. Swimming classes at Kennedy Lake commenced today under guidance of RCAF instructors. Some 125 children from Ucluelet, Tofino and this unit will participate.

Clear and bright. Sunday routine. Many family picnics organized.

An accommodation team from Ottawa composed of the following personnel, arrived Tofino 1445 hours to conduct a survey of accommodation requirements: A/C Whiting, Mr. Bush of AFHQ, Mr. McDonald of Treasury Board and Mr. Davis, an assistant Deputy Minister. G/C Jardine, Commanding Officer St. Hubert, visited the station while on leave in this area. Station routine – normal.

Fine weather. A/C Whiting and party departed service aircraft for Holberg and Comox.

Weather – bright. Sked in at 1015 hours; otherwise normal routine.

Reasonable day. CO called Station stand-down as reward for efforts of Station personnel in preparing for AOC’s visit.

Foggy – clearing toward afternoon. Normal routine. P/O Robson reported to unit as new Controller.

Fair weather. Saturday routine.

Weather clearing slightly toward evening. Normal routine.

Clear and cool. F/O Nesbitt departed via PWA Ucluelet for Holberg, on TD.

Clear and bright. CO’s conference called this morning. Naval Expeditor landed Tofino and requested information regarding cannon located off Long Beach. Chief Petty Officer Drew called F/O Fenwick and received available information. Cannon not located.

Continuing clear and bright. Sked in with thirteen passengers, eight departing. Normal routine.

Exceedingly bright and clear. Temperature 82 degrees. Normal routine.

Continuing clear, but cooler. F/L Cote (RC) and F/C Millman (Protestant) Padres arrived for weekend religious services.

Clear and cool. Saturday routine.

Clear and cool. Normal Sunday routine. N/S Gibb arrived on TD for one week.

Clear and bright. Sgt. H Lewis, new NCO i/c SOR replacing Sgt. G Fisk, reporting on TD Tofino for familiarization.

Clear and bright. Expeditor from Comox arrived in later afternoon. Sgt. Fisk and Sgt. Lewis departed this unit for Comox.

Cloudy and cool. Clearing towards afternoon. S.L Laithwaite (MATP) Rec. Spec, F/O Jacobs, 5 Air Div. Welfare Officer, and Cpl. Maletta, AFPmn, arrived. F/L Robinson departed on sked on leave. S/L Laithwaite had long discussion with recreation committees. P/O Macklin – Acting/Adjutant.

Continuing cloudy and cool. F/L McDonald, Protestant Padre, in for weekend services. Sgt. Sheppard, 5 Air Div. Hygiene Inspector, carried out inspection of Station and departed PWA in afternoon. Offered several suggestions for improvement, but stated he found the unit in excellent condition. S/L Laithwaite inspected unit. Very satisfied with recreational arrangements.

Clear and bright. S/L Laithwaite, F/O Jacobs, departed via PWA. Expeditor in from Comox; F/L Eddy reported on board, failed to arrive.

Clear and bright. Normal Saturday routine.

Continuing clear and bright. At 0630 hours, a fire alarm was sounded signifying an outbreak of fire in the Combined Mess. Bacon which was being prepared for breakfast caught fire. The Fire Department responded. The fire was controlled, and the all clear was sounded shortly after. The original fire had spread to the upper section of the kitchen. Minor damage resulted before the Fire Department again sounded the all clear at 0910 hours.

Clear and bright. CO commenced investigation of fire 29 Jul. CO called conference regarding new Establishment RCAF Station Tofino. Station Tofino to be reduced to EW status.

Clear and bright. CanAirVan advised unit role reduced to Early Warning effective 1 Aug 56.

Clear. Role of RCAF Station Tofino changed to Early Warning, and establishment reduced accordingly. Sgt. Lewis arrived as NCO i/c SOR. Sked in. Normal routine.

Clear and bright. Routine.

Clear and bright. Normal routine.

Clear and bright. F/C Colbourne arrived to conduct Sunday Services. Salmon Derby commenced 0800 hours – ends 2200 hours 12 Aug 56. Normal Saturday routine.

Fine weather. Normal Sunday routine.

Foggy in the morning, clearing towards afternoon. Aircraft from Abbotsford arrived to pick up F/C Colbourne, Protestant Padre.

Foggy in the morning, clearing towards afternoon. CO’s conference held. Events resulting from new EW status discussed by CO and Section Heads.

Clear and bright. Sked arrived. Sgt. Montgomery returned from PSU, London – awaiting results from officers selection.

Clear. F/L Southward and WO2 Campbell – Supply – arrived on TD. Normal routine.

Fine weather. F/L Southward and WO2 Campbell depart. Liaison visitors from Comox and Vancouver – visitors include S/L Cook, S/L Sheahan, F/O Papp, S/L Alliston, F/O Page, F/O Johnson, F/O Glover, F/O Farmer. Weekend entertainment planned for visitors.

Fine weather. Normal Saturday routine.

Perfect weather. Normal Sunday routine. F/C Colbourne held Protestant Services – 9 in attendance. Cpl. Horsfall winner of Salmon Derby – salmon weighed 33 lbs. 4 oz.

Cloudy and cool. Routine – normal.

Cloudy and cool. Routine – normal.

Continuing cloudy and cool. Sked cancelled. W/C and Mrs. Turner departed Tofino for Vancouver via MV Uchuck. F/L DL Bell assumes temporary command. S/L McGillivray, Accountant Officer, arrives from 5 Air Div. For a cash check. F/L Robinson returned from leave.

Rain in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. Softball team departed for Comox for 5 Air Div. Championship. Normal daily routine.

Clear and hot. Normal routine.

Clear and hot. Normal routine – swimming classes as usual. F/O Gallant departs after one year on unit. Bob Douglas – long time employee – married this date.

Clear and hot. Rev. Leighton conducted Services in Chapel. Many personnel visiting the beaches today.

Foggy in morning, hot in afternoon. F/L Eddy, new COpsO arrives. CO returns to unit. F/O and Mrs. MacGregor visiting on unit. Ball team returned from Station Comox complaining against unorganized tournament.

Foggy in the morning. Clear and bright towards noon. G/C Weston from Comox arrived at noon in liaison visit. Departed 1400 hours.

Fine weather. Sked run in. N/S Taylor returned from TD at Abbotsford. Station ball team to depart from Port Alberni via MV Uchuck to participate in BC Senior Championship Softball playoff.

Cooler. F/O Manly, Controller, arrived on unit. Normal routine.

Rain – the first in almost two months. S/L Ashworth, former CO RCAF Station Tofino expected this day on visit. F/L McDonald, Protestant Padre, due in.

Foggy in the morning. Clearing. Routine – normal.

Cloudy in the morning. Clearing in afternoon. Protestant Service. Normal routine.

Cool and overcast. Routine. F/O Fenwick, COpsO, departs after two years at Tofino. Station ball team returned, having lost to a team in Alberni.

Cool and overcast. Routine.

Clearing – fog in morning. Sked in. U/S on departure – aircraft had to remain for servicing. P/O Macklin, A/Adjt (Aux.) returned to Calgary. Personnel returning from leave.

Clear and warm. Routine.

Raining. Many personnel depart for Vancouver to attend PNE. Windbreak for search radar completed and accepted from local contractor.

Clear and warm. Weekend routine. Station beach party as Labour Day celebration not too successful. Swimming classes completed at Kennedy Lake, with presentation of crests and Red Cross buttons. Instructors received presentations from PTAs.

Clear and warm. Weekend routine.

Labour Day. Clear and warm. Weekend routine – most people relaxing on beach.

Clear and warm. F/O Tippett reports for duty as Controller. TMQs are now filled after much unsettling.

Clear and warm. School commenced – 39 students registered. Mrs. Peterson, senior teacher, returning for another year. Miss Campbell, the new teacher reported in. Both teachers are residing in Building 41 MIR until teacherage (Building 19) is ready for occupancy.

Clear and warm. Normal routine. Committees and clubs preparing for coming season, organizational meetings being held.

Clear and warm. Normal routine. Usual rush for Boat Day. NCOs and Airmen’s Games night postponed.

Clear and warm, to overcast in afternoon. Normal routine. Mercy flight for Indian child from Tofino – 121 S&R Flight Dakota made night landing and takeoff. Child died later in Vancouver hospital.

Clear and warm – rain in evening. Sunday routine.

Cloudy – foggy in early morning. Normal routine. Boat Day.

Foggy to clearing. Normal routine.

Weather fine. Routine.

Foggy in the morning to clearing in the afternoon. Routine.

Clear and warm. Games night in Club 52 very successful. NCOs declared winner.

Clear and warm. First Bingo of season – sell out crowd in the Recreation Hall. This looks like the big entertainment feature of the season.

Clear and warm. Officer’s – NCOs annual softball game – NCOs winners. Skeet shooting commencing with attendance over 20. CO caught a 42 lb. Salmon.

Clear and warm. Weather still with us. First PTA meeting of year. F/L FW Eddy new Chairman.

Cooler with rain. F/L Bateman, S/L Woodman, ADCHQ Telecom officers visited the unit. Choral Group formed, comprised of male and female voices. First turnout of 12 very encouraging, with more interested.

Rain. F/O Jacobs – Welfare Officer on monthly visit. S/L McGillivray, 5 Air Div. HW, W/C Kent, ADCHQ, F/L Meller, 5 Air Div., S/L Poirier, 5 Air Div., arrived this date. W/C Kent, SOPA ADCHQ, was impressed with unit, especially Hobby Shop and Library. He commented that the Library was the best he had seen.

Rain. S/L Martin, S/L Lee – 5 ADCHQ, arrived on TD. Supply liaison. F/O Jacobs departed this date. W/C Kent departed via SA.

Dull and clearing. S/L Martin, S/L Lee departed via CAL.

Weather dull. Saturday routine.

Foggy with intermittent rain – bad flying weather.

Heavy rain. F/L Robinson, FS Bell, LAC Elder to Vancouver on TD re Gift Shop purchases.

Clearing. New Fire Truck FWD received. Shipped by Naval vessel from Vancouver. An excellent piece of equipment.

Clear and warm. Normal routine.

Cloudy and cool. TMQ elections. Results and responses indicate a great deal of interest. At least one member of every family voted. Routine.

Cloudy and cool. Routine. TMQ dance celebrating election – well attended and well enjoyed by all. Station Band makes debut using a set of drums recently purchased by NPF.

Warmer - clear. S/L Poirier arrived to conduct services today, Sunday and Monday. Reverted to Pacific Standard time at midnight.

Rain to clearing in afternoon.

Rain and fog. F/L Eddy departs on TD to Station Comox. Normal routine. PTA meeting.

Rain and fog. Normal routine. Station organizations functioning well.

Rain to clear. Routine. First shipment arrived for gift shop.

Clear and sunny periods. Alert today - Security Plan put into effect without a hitch. F/O L Herrmann and F/O W Sinclair arrived to discuss and train Fire personnel on new FWD fire truck.

Clear and warmer. F/O Arnold, SSO, reported. Chapel redecoration completed. Colour "Heavenly Blue" certainly adds a background to the blue hangings. LAC Botting and Gail Warren (telephone operator) married in Ucluelet.

Clear, bright and warmer. Another successful Bingo held in the Recreation Hall with attendance even greater. Considered that the cash jackpot is an attractive item.

Clear, bright and warmer. W/C Rodger, Chaplain Protestant ADCHQ and S/L Fee, Chaplain Protestant 5 Air Div HQ, conducted Service in Station Chapel - 30 in attendance. W/C Rodger was impressed with progress in Chapel.

Cloudy - dull. Aircraft in for Chaplains. Father Pruner, officiating clergyman, also departed by sked due to sad news of parent’s death in Ottawa.

Dull - rain holding off. CO’s conference.

Clearing to sunny. A Sports Banquet for all service personnel and guests held this evening. Annis Stukus, noted football player and sports writer, guest of honour. This visit arranged by S/L Laithwaite and through courtesy of "Vancouver Sun". One hundred and eight personnel enjoyed this evening immensely. W/C Turner and Mr. Stukus presented sports trophies to teams and individuals. See attached newspaper account. Major Andrews and Captain Taylor, RCDC, arrived for dental services.

Foggy - rain in morning, clearing by noon. Annis Stukus departs by Service aircraft.

Rain to clear. Normal routine.

Clear to rain. Millionaires Night - reasonably successful. Sufficient funds made to cover part cost of children’s Christmas Party.

Weather unsettled - heavy rain late evening. Sunday routine. LAC Gould missing on fishing trip to Indian River since Saturday 13 Oct 1700 hours. Search party discovered fishing tackle, but no success as far as Gould himself.

Torrential rain today. Searching continued this morning. LAC Gould walked out of bush at 1200 hours - search parties called back. Gould hospitalized.

Clear to rain. F/L Cavanaugh, SOSEC 5 Air Div, visiting. Gift shop opened and the response most gratifying. Most customers very pleased with variety.

Weather still bad. LAC Gould in hospital. Major Andrews, RCDC, departed after completing much needed dental treatment.

Raining. Normal routine. F/L Cavanaugh departs.

Clearing. Normal routine. F/O McKnight departed on TD - Controller course, Yuma AFB, Arizona.

Bright and clear. Successful Bingo held in Recreation Hall - well attended, with a still larger crowd. The variety of gifts is excellent, especially since the Committee have the choice of all items in the Gift Shop.

Fair weather, cloudy and foggy.

Raining - chilly. Weather rough - gale force winds. First frost. F/O Arnold on TD to Vancouver.

Rain - chilly. Normal routine.

Clearing. Routine. Sked arrived late.

Cloudy. Routine.

Rain, clearing, rain to fog. Routine.

Clear and chilly. Farewell party for F/L Roberts in Officer’s Mess. All institutes busy with entertainment.

Clear and bright. Sunday routine. Sunday School.

Rain - high ceiling. First snowfall - very light. CO and Mrs. Turner departed on leave. F/L Bell Acting CO. Engineers in from Vancouver to take soil tests for Swimming Pool.

Rain. Normal routine.

Rain to clear. Halloween party for children in Recreation Hall, with prizes for best costumes. In addition, hot dogs, candies and pop given free to children of all ages. Excellent fireworks organized by Committee. F/O Montgomery, replacement for F/L Roberts reported.

Rain. Routine. F/O Jacobs is on monthly welfare visit.

Rain to clear. Halloween Dance in Recreation Centre for all ranks - enjoyed by all who participated. Station orchestra provided music. F/L Roberts departs unit after two years.

Misty. Normal Sunday routine. Successful Bingo in Recreation Hall. Cash Jackpot now at $100.00.

Rain. Sunday School as usual. Protestant Service cancelled. Father Pruner conducted Service in Chapel - filled to capacity.

Clear with foggy patches. Honour Guard practicing all this week for Nov 11 Parade, and in anticipation of AOC’s informal inspection.

Rain. Normal routine.

Rain. Normal routine.

Torrential rain. Odd spot around station flooded through plugging of storm drains.

Clearing. Routine. Work progressing on concrete sidewalks in MQ area.

Clear and bright. Quiet weekend. No organized entertainment.

Clear and bright. Remembrance Day - Honour Guard of 30 men to Tofino; F/L Bell A/CO and F/L Robinson, Officer’s representatives. The efforts of the Guard were much appreciated by the local populace. The guard were well turned out and executed all movements smartly. Much credit is due to FS Fairchild, NCO i/c Guard.

Clear and bright. Normal routine. Many personnel attended annual Legion Banquet in Tofino.

Clear. Station cleanup in preparation for informal inspection of A/C AD Ross.

Clear and bright. A/C Ross, Division Commander - 5 Air Div, arrived for informal inspection. W/C and Mrs. Turner returned from leave. Inspection of domestic site carried out in a.m. and inspection of Operations site carried out after an informal luncheon in the Officer’s Mess, at which time, all officers were introduced to the Commander. The Commander departed at 1500 hours. W/C Turner, F/L Eddy and F/O Meyer departed on TD to Comox.

Clear and bright. Normal routine.

Clear and bright - heavy frost. Normal routine. Found Airmen’s Mess Dinner great success as usual. F/L Bell represented CO.

Clear and bright - frosty. Normal Saturday routine. CO returned from Comox. Another capacity Bingo - the obvious attraction is the growing jackpot.

Clear and bright. Debriefing on exercise. Security team departs. Cpl. Maletta AFP with team for experience.

Clear, bright - and foggy. Routine.

Clear and bright. F/O Jacobs in on special case. CO out on TD.

Fog in morning - clear and bright in afternoon. Normal routine. Indications are that Vancouver is subject to worst fog conditions in the past eight years.

Clear and bright - foggy. Routine.

Clear and bright - then frosty. CO expected in off leave. Aircraft grounded by fog at Vancouver. Aircraft from Port Hardy with Holberg basketball team grounded at Tofino with engine trouble. Security team also on a/c, and personnel forced to stay overnight. Sadie Hawkins dance not too successful. Obvious from attendance that all-rank functions do not receive the support of personnel unless they are very special occasions.

Clear and bright. CO has still not returned due to fog conditions. Grey Cup Day in Toronto. TV reception good at Club 52 and various private residences. Holberg personnel still at unit.

Clear and bright. Fog still heavy in Vancouver. Normal routine.

Fog in the morning - clear and bright in the afternoon. CO returned. Recreation Specialist in from Comox to replace Cpl. Cloutier on course. Annual maintenance of radar equipment commenced this date by crew from CAE.

Clear and bright. CO’s conference. Busy day with Station Fund arrangements.

Clear and bright. Normal routine. Choral Group practicing for Christmas concerts to take place at Ucluelet, Tofino and Christie School.

Cloudy. Normal routine.

Overcast - threatening snow, chilly wind. Busy day with administrative details. Mrs. Hughes, Admin. steno resigned. Mrs. Edwards took over.

Signed by:
(SD Turner) W/C
CO, RCAF Station Tofino, BC