Narrative Report
RCAF Station Tofino
1 Dec 56 to 31 May 57
1 Dec 56
Clear day - muggy in afternoon. Toy Bingo drew large crowd because of $175.00 jackpot.
2 Dec 56
Rain. Normal Sunday routine.
3 Dec 56
Substantial fall of snow which soon deteriorated to slush.
4 Dec 56
Snow on ground. CO’s conference this date - otherwise normal routine.
5 Dec 56
Rain - snow disappearing. No sked this date. Combination of rain and snow makes freighting from Ucluelet difficult.
6 Dec 56
Rain - ground clear of snow. Normal routine.
7 Dec 56
Raining. Normal Friday routine. Officer’s Mess dinner. Farewell party in Sgt.’s Mess for FS Hunt on transfer to North Bay after two years.
8 Dec 56
Cloudy and Cool. Normal weekend routine - no activity on Station. Most personnel glad of opportunity to relax after busy November. Normal informal Messes and Club 52 Saturday nights.
9 Dec 56
Gale this date. Station Choral group attempted to go to Christie School to put on concert but prevented by storm. Very heavy rain caused flooding in some station areas.
10 Dec 56
Clear during day - rain at night. Volleyball league still going strong with very good spirit of friendly rivalry between teams. Ladies’ Auxiliary held Christmas party with buffet supper in school auditorium - attended by over 30 ladies - very popular.
11 Dec 56
Clear and bright. Normal routine. SAC B47 sighted over unit at approximately 30,000’. Coordination meeting of all Station Committees to tie up loose end of Christmas arrangements.
12 Dec 56
Rain and mist - to clear in afternoon. Normal routine. Station Choral Group held successful concert in Ucluelet.
13 Dec 56
Heavy rain. Normal routine.
14 Dec 56
Alternately clear and raining. CE commenced to set up Christmas outdoor lights - trees erected at entrance to station, entrance to Recreation Hall, Administration building and entrance to Club 52 - large lighted decorative plaques at main gate and above entrance to Club 52 - coloured lights strung in strategic positions across the road. Sgt. Ward, NCO i/c AFP reported in.
15 Dec 56
Raining heavily. Turkey Bingo and $200.00 jackpot tonight - very large crowd attended. Jackpot won by needy civilian guest. Bingos to commence again approximately 19 Jan 57.
16 Dec 56
Raining heavily. Sunday routine. Rev. Leighton conducted Protestant Services in Station Chapel. Choral group proceeded to Christie School to put on concert for Indian children.
17 Dec 56
Raining heavily. Station Gift Shop now open afternoons and evenings. Christmas arrangements progressing. Choral group to Tofino for concert to help Canadian Legion to raise funds for children’s playground - well received.
18 Dec 56
Raining to clear. Station decorating team completed decorations in Club 52, Recreation Hall and exterior decorations. Christmas tree sked arrived and departed - picked up a load of trees for personnel at RCAF Station Sea Island.
19 Dec 56
Raining. This date authorized by CO as section party day - all sections held Christmas parties. CO held a Christmas party for the officers in his home.
20 Dec 56
Christmas sked day - dawned clear and bright. First sked flight departed at 1100 hours with 22 passengers. Second sked flight departed at 1420 hours with 18 passengers aboard.
21 Dec 56
Frosty morning - some fog - otherwise clear. Aircraft in from Sea Island for more Christmas trees.
22 Dec 56
Early morning rain - weather cleared later on with occasional sunny periods during the rest of the day. S/L Poirier, RC Chaplain from 5 Air Div., arrived for a 3-day period to conduct RC services. Children’s Christmas party held in the Recreation Hall with Cpl. Maletta playing the role of Santa Claus - free candy and gifts were presented to all children on the station.
23 Dec 56
Cloudy with occasional sunny periods throughout day.
24 Dec 56
Christmas Eve. Rain in morning - cloudy with some fog. Institutes very quiet this evening.
25 Dec 56
Christmas Day. Cloudy - with rain later in the afternoon. Officers entertained in Sgts. Mess at 1200 hours - very good turn out - Officers and NCOs proceeded to Airmen’s Mess Hall to serve Christmas dinner. AC1 Semon, youngest airman, was made CO for function. S/L Poirier, RC Chaplain from 5 Air Div., was present. Christmas dinner was excellent - all personnel were very contented after same. Good crowd out at Christmas movie at 2000 hours - this top quality movie was provided free for the entertainment of all personnel on the Station by Station Fund.
26 Dec 56
Weather overcast. Station very quiet - skeleton staff on the job.
27 Dec 56
Sked day - weather bright and clear. Personnel returned from Christmas leave - personnel departed on New Year’s leave. CO on leave - F/L Bell acting CO.
28 Dec 56
Clear and bright - heavy frost. Very, very quiet.
29 Dec 56
Wet and chilly. Normal Saturday routine - very quiet. Apparently personnel saving up for New Year’s Eve Frolic in Recreation Hall.
30 Dec 56
Rain. Normal Sunday routine. Final preparations for New Year’s Eve Frolic completed.
31 Dec 56
Rain - New Year’s Eve. Extremely successful New Year’s Eve Frolic held in Rec. Hall. Bouquet to Entertainment Committee for their efforts - a fine end to a very successful entertainment year. It was gratifying to note that no unpleasantness marred the evening.
1 Jan 57
Clear and bright. Station very quiet - unit settling down - personnel recuperating from celebrations.
2 Jan 57
Rain. Back to work routine - otherwise normal.
3 Jan 57
Rain to clear. Skeds in from Vancouver. W/C Turner returns - took over as CO.
4 Jan 57
Rain. Normal routine. All personnel back to work - no AWA.
5 Jan 57
Dull with no rain. Normal routine. Messes & Institutes very quiet - seems to be a lack of money.
6 Jan 57
Raining. Sunday School commenced after holiday. Protestant portion of Choral Group sang at St. Columba’s church in Tofino. Fire alarm at 0715 hours. Mattress in Building 33 (Civilian quarters). Fire answered well by staff - still concerned with MQ personnel turning out.
7 Jan 57
Raining. Back to normal routine. Volleyball League commenced second half - Officers won first half. Sgt. Ward - AFP, and Sgt. Sheard - FF, carrying out investigation of fire which occurred on 6 Jan.
8 Jan 57
Colder - threatening snow. Scouts, TMQ Council met tonight after holiday break. Investigation re fire completed.
9 Jan 57
Cold - snowing - turned to rain in evening. Dentist and staff expected in by sked but bad weather prevented their arrival.
10 Jan 57
Cold - rainy - cloudy - even a little sun. S/L Fee arrived via PWA to conduct services - 37 Protestant personnel attended this service.
11 Jan 57
Rain - chilly. Usual Friday routine. Choral Group held general meeting and party this date - decided that group would continue to function and put on Spring concerts in various localities.
12 Jan 57
Brilliant day - clear and cold. Farewell parties in Officer’s Mess for F/L Bell and in Club 52 for Cpl. Brymer, both of whom have completed 2 years at this unit.
13 Jan 57
Clear and bright - sun warm. Many personnel on beach today - some found glass balls.
14 Jan 57
Rain to sleet. Culprit in fire a week ago apprehended but departed voluntarily rather than be dismissed - paid for damages. Cpl. Brymer departs after 30 months service at Tofino for Station Vancouver.
15 Jan 57
Clear and bright and colder. Normal routine.
16 Jan 57
Clear and bright and cold. CO and Mrs. Turner depart on TD. F/L Bell and family depart after 2 years. F/L FW Eddy acting CO.
17 Jan 57
Cloudy with snow - approximately ½ inch. Choral group commences practice of selections from "Mikado".
18 Jan 57
Clear - bright and cold. Bi-monthly Airmen’s party in Club 52. F/L Mason, new CTSO, and family reported in this date.
19 Jan 57
Clear and bright and cold. Usual Saturday Bingo starts again in Rec. Hall for Spring season - $50.00 per week giveaway.
20 Jan 57
Clear, cold and bright. Many families at the beach on this glorious day.
21 Jan 57
Cleat and cold - temperature in some parts of lower mainland at zero - West coast VI warmest spot in country.
22 Jan 57
Clear and cold - weather causing delay in laying of concrete sidewalks. New Current Affairs programme under guidance of F/O JK Arnold started this date.
23 Jan 57
Clear and cold. Normal sked day. Roads solid - skating is becoming a popular pastime.
24 Jan 57
Clear and cold. Normal routine.
25 Jan 57
Sked day - still clear and cold. New TMQ nearing completion - anticipate departure of civilian workmen in not too distant future as projects are completed. Combined Mess finished with exception of clearing up small jobs such as stainless steel work. Volleyball, basketball and badminton teams - 25 members - departed for Comox.
26 Jan 57
Clear and cold - clouding - seems to be a trifle warmer. Skeet shoot between NCO’s Mess and associate members well attended.
27 Jan 57
Clear and cold. Normal Sunday routine.
28 Jan 57
Clear and cold - but warming. Father Hennessey arrived to conduct RC Mission for 3 days. Volleyball, basketball and badminton teams returned from Comox with loud praise for excellent sports weekend.
29 Jan 57
Cloudy - warmer. RC Church Parade at 0800 hours - RC service in evening for dependents.
30 Jan 57
Rain - the first fall for some time. Sked did not arrive - W/c Turner did not return. RC Mission continues.
31 Jan 57
Cloudy to rain. Sked U/S at Vancouver - W/C Turner did not return. RC Mission continues.
1 Feb 57
Cloudy to rain. W/C Turner returning via MV Uchuck.
2 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Bingo in Rec. Hall - very good attendance. Farewell party for Mr. MacDonald - CPO.
3 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Many on beaches.
4 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Mr. T MacDonald - CPO, departed for new job as personnel officer for Fisheries Dept. in Vancouver - Mr. Floyd Blank assumes position of CPO.
5 Feb 57
Cloudy and warmer. Normal routine.
6 Feb 57
Cloudy and warmer. Normal routine.
7 Feb 57
Cloudy and cold. Normal routine.
8 Feb 57
Cloudy. F/L Mason occupies first suite in Building 1 - new Offers TMQ.
9 Feb 57
Cloudy. Normal routine.
10 Feb 57
Cloudy - Normal routine.
11 Feb 57
Monsoon-like rain in morning. W/C Turner departs on TD to Vancouver re x-ray. F/L Eddy acting CO.
12 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Normal routine.
13 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Sked in late afternoon. W/C Turner returns to unit. Sked departs late afternoon.
14 Feb 57
Showery. Normal routine. F/L Robinson departs unit on leave - F/L Mason acting PAdO.
15 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Nurses Valentine Ball in Rec. Hall sponsored by Tofino Hospital Society - success - 13 airwomen from Station Comox arrive via MV Uchuck to spend weekend. Hospital made approximately $400.00 for new furnishings and TV.
16 Feb 57
Clear and warmer. Comox girls taken on tours of Long Beach, villages and entertained in Canteen. Bingo in Rec. Hall not too well attended due to very active weekend.
17 Feb 57
Clear and chilly. Sked in to transport girls to Comox - most appreciative of excellent entertainment at this unit. Rev. Father Oliver arrived from Vancouver to conduct RC services.
18 Feb 57
Clear and cold. Normal routine. Mr. Bob Hay, CPO 5 Air Div. HQ, on unit to assist Mr. Floyd Blank, new CPO.
19 Dec 57
Clear and cold. Normal routine.
20 Feb 57
Clear and cold. W/C Gallagher, ADCHQ, S/L Poirier, 5 Air Div. HQ, F/L Lewis, 5 Air Div., and Captain MacKay, AJAG Jericho Beach, visit unit.
21 Feb 57
Cloudy and cold. Visiting party returned to Vancouver.
22 Feb 57
Cloudy and very cold - snow expected and came late at night but turned to rain early in the morning. Officers’ Dining-in Night for Officers, guests and ladies - enjoyed by all - farewell to F/O McKnight. F/L Robinson returned.
23 Feb 57
Raining. Normal weekend routine.
24 Feb 57
Clear and bright with cold wind. Many on beaches. Father Oliver arrived to conduct RC services.
25 Feb 57
Raining - stormy - heavy winds in evening. Aircraft delayed. Volleyball series won by Officer’s team.
26 Feb 57
Cloudy with rain - clear in the evening. Big Day - 15 transfers of FCOps this day. Badminton tournament started today.
27 Feb 57
Cloudy with rain - clear in the evening. Normal routine. Badminton tournament continues.
28 Feb 57
Cloudy with rain - clear in the evening. Normal routine. F/O Montgomery’s family arrives.
1 Mar 57
Fairly nice day - March came in like a lamb. Normal routine. CO’s conference arranging for informal visit by AOC ADCHQ. F/O McKnight departed after 2 years.
2 Mar 57
Rain. Normal routine. Bingo in Rec. Hall. F/O and Mrs. Montgomery welcomed to Officer’s Mess. Farewell party for FS and Mrs. Bell and FS and Mrs. Fairchild in Sergeant’s Mess.
3 Mar 57
Weather fair. Reasonably quiet day. Sunday routine.
4 Mar 57
Clear and bright. CO departs on TD with F/L Mason, CTSO. F/L Eddy acting CO. Preparations under way for AOC’s visit.
5 Mar 57
Clear and bright. Normal routine. Sections working and cleaning up.
6 Mar 57
Dull to rain. Station work parade covered all of Station area. Rain commenced at noon. Work ceased - job well done.
7 Mar 57
Dull to clear and bright. CO returned.
8 Mar 57
Dull to rain. Due to weather, AOC’s aircraft could not get in to Tofino. CO departed on MV Uchuck for Vancouver.
9 Mar 57
Clear in the morning with sunshine. Cloudy and rain later in the day.
10 Mar 57
Weather good until the afternoon when it became overcast - rain and wind throughout the remainder of the day.
11 Mar 57
Weather overcast with sun coming clear at times. AOC and party arrived consisting of A/V/M Wray and Mrs. Wray, A/C Ross and Mrs. Ross, F/L Schmidt, F/O Godard. Informal luncheon was held in Officer’s Mess for A/V/M Wray and A/C Ross - Mrs. Wray and Mrs. Ross were entertained by Mrs. Turner and officer’s wives at CO’s residence. AOC carried out inspection and departed later in the day. CO departed on TD. F/L Mason acting CO.
12 Mar 57
Dull with a fair amount of snow on the ground - continued rain and snow. F/L Robinson departed on TD for Admin Officer’s Conference at Sea Island.
13 Mar 57
Overcast with sunny periods - unseasonable snow still on ground. S/L HEC Deane-Freeman arrived from 5 Air Div SPSO Branch for a visit, via sked.
14 Mar 57
Dull and continuous rain. S/L HEC Deane-Freeman departed by PWA from Ucluelet - the direct flight from Tofino was cancelled out due to weather.
15 Mar 57
Some overcast - sun shining. Normal routine. FS G Shaw granted permanent commission in Telecomm Branch w.e.f. 1 Apr 57 - small celebration.
16 Mar 57
High overcast with some sunshine. F/O Betty Taylor, N/S, and Mr. Wilf Bredy, civilian employee, were married today in Station Chapel by Rev J Leighton - beautiful and well ordered wedding - reception was held in Sergeant’s Mess.
17 Mar 57
Dawned bright and beautiful. Normal Sunday routine. Many on beach.
18 Mar 57
Rain - after Sunday’s weather quite a surprise.
19 Mar 57
Fine day - cloudy in evening. Normal routine.
20 Mar 57
Clear to cloudy. Sked in. CO returned from Vancouver.
21 Mar 57
Clear to rain. Choral practices - otherwise normal routine.
22 Mar 57
Cloudy to rain. F/O Arnold returned from leave with new bride - occupying new TMQ. F/O and Mrs. Maxwell and family arrived from Beaverbank - occupying new TMQ. F/L Eddy moved into new TMQ.
23 Mar 57
Torrential rain - heaviest rainfall of year. Normal routine. Party in Officer’s Mess to welcome Mrs. Arnold and F/O and Mrs. Maxwell.
24 Mar 57
Clear to rain. Station Choral group and RCAF flight attended 25th Anniversary. Civic Service in Tofino - celebration of village incorporation. CO departed on TD. F/L Eddy acting CO. Navy aircraft (Avengers) in and out all day - routine naval exercise.
25 Mar 57
Rain. Normal routine.
26 Mar 57
Clear to rain. Normal routine.
27 Mar 57
Clear to rain. Airmen’s promotions announced this date after duty - FS Sheard and Ward, Sgt. Klassen, Cpls. Elder, Wagner, Salvail, Miller, Michie and Wright. CO returned from TD.
28 Mar 57
Rain. Normal routine. Choral group practice. Very quiet after promotional celebrations.
29 Mar 57
Clear to cloudy. Normal Sunday routine. Show tonight. Final Officer’s Mess Dinner of the year.
30 Mar 57
Rain and more rain - almost torrential. Very, very quiet on unit.
31 Mar 57
Bright sunshine all day - very cool breeze on beach. Usual skeet shoot this afternoon. Rev. Oliver conducted Mass.
1 Apr 57
Cloudy with sunny periods. All promotions effective this date. Celebration in Officer’s Mess for F/O G Shaw newly commissioned this date.
2 Apr 57
Cloudy to clear. W/C Tett, recreation director from AFHQ arrived via PWA accompanied by F/O Tatachuck, 5 Air Div. HQ. F/O Jacobs, ASWelfare, arrived for visit - interviewed two airmen. 3 crews from 409 (AW) F Squadron Comox arrived by Expeditor for liaison visit.
3 Apr 57
Visitors departed via sked. Captain McGinnis, RCDC, and staff arrived for week’s treatment. 4 more crewmen fro 409 Squadron arrived for liaison visit.
4 Apr 57
Rain. S/L Fee’s trip postponed. Weather bad all up and down coast.
5 Apr 57
Clear and bright - first westerlies of year - Spring in the air. F/L Parent, Command N/S, arrived on TD. Normal routine - Sked in.
6 Apr 57
Beautiful clear day - certainly signs of Spring. N/S Parent departed. Very successful Bingo this evening.
7 Apr 57
Clear and bright again - warming. Normal Sunday routine.
8 Apr 57
Cloudy - rain in the evening. S/L Fee, Protestant Padre arrived for services - visited and conducted services in evening.
9 Apr 57
Clearing. CO’s conference advised Commander’s Inspection set for 6 Jun 57. S/L Fee departed.
10 Apr 57
Clear. Sked in. Dental clinic departed. Painting of exterior buildings commenced this date. Station Disciplinarian arrived.
11 Apr 57
Raining. CO’s parade and inspection. Normal routine.
12 Apr 57
Clear day. Normal routine.
13 Apr 57
Rain. Final organized entertainment of season in Officer’s Mess in the form of a Hard Times party, and was probably the most successful event of the season.
14 Apr 57
Clear. Many out playing ball as weather warms and evenings grow longer. RC service by Father Oliver.
15 Apr 57
Clear and bright. Volleyball finals started tonight.
16 Apr 57
Clear and bright. Station Volleyball league won by Officer’s team - large cheering sections at Rec. Hall for final game of very successful season.
17 Apr 57
Cloudy. No sked this date due to special Easter sked on 18 Apr.
18 Apr 57
Clear and bright. First CO’s drill parade this date. Sked in - full load out for Easter holidays.
19 Apr 57
Clear, bright and warm - Good Friday. Protestant evening service only will be held - no RC service. Very quiet evening.
20 Apr 57
Clear, bright and warm. Softball started this date big work party out on diamond.
21 Apr 57
Rain - Easter Sunday. RC and Protestant services in afternoon. Station Choral group sang at. Columba’s church, Tofino, with Rev. Leighton officiating - CO and Mrs. Turner attended with other Station personnel - Church was filled to capacity.
22 Apr 57
Rain to clearing. First practice softball game rained out. Very quiet evening.
23 Apr 57
Rain to clear and bright. Sked in with personnel off Easter Leave. F/L Cavanaugh in on TD. F/O and Mrs. Meyer depart after 20 months. F/L Mason on TD. W/C Turner on TD - AOC’s conference. F/L Eddy acting CO.
24 Apr 57
Clearing. Normal routine - boat day. F/O Shaw departs after 22 months on course to Clinton, Ontario. Mrs. Shaw remains - to follow at end of school term.
25 Apr 57
Rain. Drill parade postponed until weather improved later in day. Alert this day at 0945 hours - all clear at 1610 hours - Security plan in effect.
26 Apr 57
Clear. Normal routine. F/L Mason returns - assumes command of unit.
27 Apr 57
Reasonable weather. Officer’s and Sergeant’s Messes and Club 52 entertained crew of HMCS James Bay visiting Ucluelet, BC.
28 Apr 57
Beautiful clear day. Officers visit HMCS James Bay at Ucluelet as guests of Ship’s officers. Station Choral group present concert in Station Rec. Hall - very well received - approximately 100 persons attended.
29 Apr 57
Clear, bright. Painters are taking every opportunity to complete exteriors of buildings.
30 Apr 57
Rain in morning. Drill parade postponed again. Station Choral group presents concert in Tofino.
1 May 57
Showery. Station personnel are still working to get the NPF boats in the water.
2 May 57
Dawned dull but cleared to bright. Station Choral group traveled to Bamfield BC by MV Melvin Swarthout, UC Mission - Choral group sang in British Cable Station Hall - well received by all - This will be a well remembered outing.
3 May 57
Dull. Painting continues. Normal routine. Choral group to Ucluelet - 125 persons in High School Gym.
4 May 57
Bright, clear and warm. Many at beaches.
5 May 57
Bright, clear and hot. Many at beaches. Rev. Howie from Bamfield conducted Protestant service - 20 in attendance.
6 May 57
Bright, clear and hot. Work parties out this date. W/C Turner returned to unit with news of change in Station role.
7 May 57
Foggy in morning and cool. Drill parade and Guard of Honour.
8 May 57
Foggy in morning and cool. Drill parade. Usual sked day. G/C Miller, CStaffO 5 Air Div., visited unit.
9 May 57
Clear and bright. Drill parade and Guard of Honour as usual.
10 May 57
Clear and bright. Normal routine - boat day. Station Ball League going full blast.
11 May 57
Clear and bright. Normal weekend routine.
12 May 57
Cloudy to clear in afternoon. Choral group to Christie School to put on concert. Native Lads softball team visited unit.
13 May 57
Rain. Normal routine.
14 May 57
Dull and foggy. Drill and Guard practice - drill shaping up well as is the Honour Guard. Otherwise normal routine.
15 May 57
Clearing. Normal routine. Boat and sked flight arrived.
16 May 57
Clear and bright. Full Station work parade this date - much progress obvious. TMQ clean-up this date. Ball game - Navy and RCAF - HMCS Fortune and James Bay docked in Ucluelet - Officers entertained Naval officers.
17 May 57
Rain. Drill and Guard practice postponed. Usual boat day.
18 May 57
Dull - clear by 1500. Sea Lion reported on beach - object of much looking.
19 May 57
Clear, bright and warm. Usual weekend routine.
20 May 57
Victoria Day holiday. Rain, cloudy and chilly.
21 May 57
Clear and dull. Drill and Guard of Honour. First day of #6 summer uniform. HMCS Fortune and James Bay in - Softball game. Officers entertainment in Officer’s Mess.
22 May 57
Cloudy with sun breaking through. Station work parade.
23 May 57
Sunny - cool breezes. Guard of Honour and drill parade.
24 May 57
Sunny and warm. F/C CA Dunn, Protestant Chaplain from Sea Island arrived for religious services. Station work parade.
25 May 57
Dull to clearing - misting rain. Many personnel fishing.
26 May 57
Dull - sunny and warm in afternoon. Station Softball team played Ucluelet team - our team the winner.
27 May 57
Sunny - cool winds. F/L Robinson advised of transfer to AFHQ. F/L Rutherford, SOGT, 5 Air Div, F/L Proud, AS/FTAC ADC and F/L Hack, Pers/Ed ADC, arrived by boat for staff visit.
28 May 57
Clear and bright - cool wind. F/L McKenzie, Tech CE 5 Air Div., here on staff visit. S/L McGillivray, Accounts 5 Air Div., on audit.
29 May 57
Sunny and warm. Station Work Parade - appearance of Station excellent - only final touches necessary for inspection by A/C Ross on 6 Jun.
30 May 57
Overcast with thin fog. Drill parade and Honour Guard.
31 May 57
Foggy and cool. Drill parade and work parade. Station Choral group assisted at Graduation ceremonies in Ucluelet Jr.-Sr. High School - well received. Full dress rehearsal on Monday should go over well. It is considered that unit will display a high standard of drill on the day of inspection.
Signed by:
(SD Turner) W/C
CO, RCAF Station Tofino, BC