DAILY DIARY
26 RADIO DETACHMENT - LANGARA ISLAND, BC
January 11, 1943 to December 31, 1943
11 Jan 43
F/L Nesbitt arrived today. All personnel and equipment were moved to the camp site. A week and a half involved to make the barracks, mess hall, etc a suitable accomodation for the Airmen, weather being extremely cold with heavy snowfall.
15 Feb 43
Sky-line rigged up to facilitate handling of equipment and supplies with safety during rough weather. The road is badly in need of planks with which to complete it down to the RDF site area, which is being bull-dozed and cleared. A considerable depth of earth, averaging from 15 to 20 feet is to be moved, and progress in this respect is excellent.
15 Mar 43
Work on the Power House and Operational Building is in full swing and F/L Nesbitt estimates that the construction on these, should be completed within a period of three weeks. RDF site was finally complete on April 15th.
19 April 43
F/O Meltzer, DB arrived here on posting from Western Air Command as Officer Commanding. He was accompanied by seven Security Guards who were also here on posting from Western Air Command, and the RDF Equipment. The main bulk of the RDF including Diesel power generators, were soon unloaded without mishap, onto the dock. Two members of the Installation Party from No 2 Maintenance Unit, Vancouver, were already present. It was found that up to date, the construction was approximately 90% complete.
STRENGTH: of No 26 Detachment to date: Officers - 1 (posted), Other Ranks - 7 (posted), Other Ranks - 2 (Attached).
20 Apr 43
Though the weather today was cold with scattered showers, the remaining portion of the original shipment of the RDF Equipment was removed from The Cape Canso (RCAF Boat). The Rx, Tx, and spare parts were removed to the Operations Building, and spotted into place. One Diesel power unit was damaged while unloading, and several repairs had to be effected. Work on construction is progressing favourably.
21 Apr 43
The remaining two Diesels units were removed from the dock to the Operations Building without mishap. Slight repairs were made to the plank road. Personnel of No 9 Construction & Maintenance Unit stationed here, were of great help in moving the RDF equipment. This detachment was visited by a representative of the YMCA and a movie projector with some film was presented.
22 Apr 43
The Gantry still was moved from the Dock to the Operational area and Installation members started work on it. Diesels were spotted into position in the power house, and work commenced on installation of switch panels. An emergency visit was made by F/L Nolan, Medical Officer from RCAF Station at Alliford Bay, who was called upon to visit a member of #9 CMU here who was suspected of having an infected appendix.
23 Apr 43
Good Friday today, and was observed in a small measure by all personnel. The Medical Officer was forced to remain here due to the absence of aircraft. One further case of mumps developed, but the Medical Officer is of the opinion that the condition is not endemic.
24 Apr 43
Considerable progress is being made in erecting gantry and installation of Diesel Electric plants. No 9 CMU was visited by the Officer Commanding (their) W/C Dumbrille, and F/L Robertson, who were on an official tour of inspection. Instructions on Sten Gun were given the security guards by a #9 CMU Armourer. Range shooting followed. Gun pits were sited near Operations for twin-fire Lewis Guns, so chosen as to give complete coverage of coastal approaches.
25 Apr 43
Cape Canso came in today from Prince Rupert with rations, equipment and mail.
26 Apr 43
Weather is clear and cold, with heavy seas all round. Dry weather has given considerable aid to the construction work, and No 9 CMU expect to leave the Island on or about the 15th of May. The seas are too heavy for the Cape Canso to make further unloadings. The "Gull", a 40 foot vessel used for towing scows close to the dock, is broken down and must await repairs from Vancouver.
27 Apr 43
Fair and mild today. Cape Canso (M-426) arrived at 0500 hrs. bringing with it a scow, which due to the absence of the "Gull", had to be towed in to the dock by hand. The installation of RDF equipment will be held up one week at least, due to the lack of electrical conduit. Installation of a permanent water supply will be held up for approximatley two months by a lack of piping material. However, a temporary installation is being made. Due to several cases of "Mumps", this station was quarantined by the Commanding Officer of Prince Rupert, and no personnel is to leave the Island until further notice. Work commenced on camouflaging the buildings, etc.
28 Apr 43
Fair weather permitted the final unloading of the scow. Construction of Switchery hut in gantry commenced today. A large shipment of barracks room equipment, as well as kitchen supplies were received today. Advice was received from No 4 Group, that the parent unit for this detachment is RCAF Station, Prince Rupert.
29 Apr 43
Cape Canso (M-426) departed today for Prince Rupert. Construction of Switchery hut is already 50% complete, and prefrabricated switching panel is installed within. The reflecting screen is in place and trough for conduits is 50% complete. Painting of Operations Building, 50% complete - and the Plumbing in the town site is 95% complete with closets now connected to the cesspool and at present are operational.
30 Apr 43
Weather today is clear and warm with a slight shower coming at 1400 hrs. Work on all projects is progressing favourable. The strength increase remains unchanged, and up to date is still - Officers 1 (posted), Other ranks 7 (posted) and Other ranks 2 (attached).
(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 May 43
Switching hut is now 75% complete. The two members of the Installation Party attached here from No 2 Maintenance Unit, Vancouver, were given a trade test. Other projects are all progressing favourably in view of the fact that the weather conditions as of late have been very bad.
2 May 43
The MV Cape Canso arrived today at 1900 hrs, with a large supply of rations, and a good quantity of mail. These were unloaded by means of a dinghy because of low tide. No 26 Detachment strength was increased by the arrival of four personnel, a hospital assistant, a Security Guard Corporal, and two LAC Security Guards who reported here on this boat.
3 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool, high winds, and rough seas. MV Cape Canso returned and left behind her complete load. Since no rations have been provided for No 26 Detachment personnel, the Cape Canso will return to Prince Rupert to bring further rations. Only a small amount of equipment was brought.
4 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with scattered showers. Work progressing favourably on all projects.
5 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with scattered showers throughout the day. The Canteen was taken over completely by No 26 personnel from #9 CMU. A moving picture was given the personnel in the Mess Hall. The picture "Sez O'Reilly to McNabb" was one presented to us for several days by the YMCA. Wired #2 RDF MU for parts short shipped of RDF equipment. The lack of these parts is holding up installation.
6 May 43
Weather fair and mild. Heavy seas and fairly high windage. The work on the dam for temporary water supply is 50% completed now. The emergency rations hut, 60% complete.
7 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool, with fairly high winds. A concrete base is being made for the fire pump, which as yet has not been provided although requisitions have been made. Present water pressure is definitely inadequate for fire protection. The MV Cape Canso arrived from Prince Rupert at 1400 hrs bringing in rations for #9 CMU including 30 cases of beer. 900 feet of #9 wire arrived and will allow the RDF installation to be considered furthered. Posting notice of 1 RDF Operator and 12 RDF Mechanics (G) was received.
8 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with scattered showers all day. All work is progressing favourably. Feeder system and switchery on gantry is now complete up to the trough. Lack of conduit will hold up "trough completion". Bulk of materials for a pump house at the "Lake" for a permanent water supply was transported by all personnel here. The first swim of the year was taken there today by the Officer Commanding, F/O Meltzer, DB who stated that the water was very cold as yet.
9 May 43
Weather fair and mild today, with a high windage at the operations site. The day closed with no unusual occurences.
10 May 43
Cloudy and cool, with scattered showers today. RDF RX & Tx were wired in completely, and circuits checked pending installation of modifications. A pole line to the townsite was surveyed and work on rigging poles commenced under the supervision of F/S Pye of the #9 CMU. The MV Cape Canso departed with mail etc for Prince Rupert at 1700 hrs.
11 May 43
Weather fair and mild. The pouring of concrete for the plug at the landing dock was completed today. (25 tons in 6 hrs). The feeder system from the Tx was also completed, and fully installed. The installation will be complete when 3/4" conduit arrives.
12 May 43
Cloudy and cool. Posting notice of an adjutant, P/O Davies, JH was received, and also a posting notice of 3 RDF Operators. The power line is progressing satisfactorily. The dam for a water supply is completed. A sale of Victory Bonds is progressing fairly well with both #9 CMU and No 26 Detachment contributing.
13 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool, with scattered showers and clearing up late in the afternoon. All work progressing favourably, with no unusual occurences.
14 May 43
Fair and warm today. MV Cape Canso arrived at 1100 hrs, bringing rations, some RDF, and barracks equipment. F/S Doutre and two LACs RDF Mechanics (G) reported for installation, and LAC Doherty arrived, being posted here as Senior RDF Mechanic (G).
15 May 43
Weather fair and mild. MV Cape Canso returned with loaded scow, including 4000 gallons of Diesel fuel and a small amount of lumber and coal. MV Huron, a Hospital boat, arrived today at 1100 hrs, bring S/L Brthwich (#9 CMU), F/L Prowse, F/L Ellis, and F/O Lovegrove, all of Seal Cove. The Station inventory was taken over by F/O Meltzer. F/O Lovegrove inspected the sanitary conditions of the camp and took samples of the water. The quarantine for mumps was removed. F/L Prowse conducted a pay parade for personnel of #9 CMU only, and later officiated the handing over of the canteen to No 26 Detachment. A complete stock inventory was taken. Later on in the evening, a banquet was held in honour of #9 CMU and a merry time was enjoyed by all.
16 May 43
Cloudy and cool today. Visiting party from Prince Rupert departed for Alliford Bay on the MV Huron. The Ensign was raised for the first time on this Island today by the Officer Commanding No 26 Detachment, F/O Meltzer, DB.
17 May 43
Weather is fair and mild. The Diesel generating equipment was started today for the first time. The wireless installation commenced by RDF personnel pending arrival of wireless personnel. The power line is now 40% complete.
18 May 43
Weather today is cloudy and cool with slight precipitation. Power to the filaments of the Transmitter was turned on for the first time today, at 1600 hrs. Work commenced on installing conduit in feeder troughs. Two Diesels were placed into position.
19 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with light rain all day long. Erection of poles for the power lines is 60% complete today. Modification as order by "S RDF O's" is being installed by RDF installation party under the supervision of F/S Doutre.
20 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with scattered showers. Modification on RX now complete, and cleaning up operations of #9 CMU are proceeding rapidly.
21 May 43
Cloudy with light rain all day and a heavy windage. Reporting on posting here, 1 Sgt Diesel fitter "A", 10 RDF Mechanic (G), 10 RDF Operators (G) and 1 Cook "B". Rations, canteen supply, and some barracks equipment were also received. Work commenced on wiring of the pole line. AT2 Transmitter now erected and we are able to contact Prince Rupert directly by WT. Voltage applied to filament of RDF Receiver.
22 May 43
Weather cloudy with rain all day. #9 CMU have commenced loading "out" operations. Plug inserted in "gut" at the dock will help hold back the surf during unloading operations etc. AT3 Transmitter received R5 at Prince Rupert and Alliford Bay. Wires for the power line were strung out. Storage space at water dam (emergency supply) was increased, and there is now storage for approximately 400,000 gallons. F/L Nesbitt estimates that this supply will be adequate for any exigency.
23 May 43
Cloudy and cool today with rain all day. No 9 CMU loading "out" operations continued, and installation on power line is 90% complete, with step-up and step-down transformers "hooked up". The RDF equipment was on the air for the first time today at 2000 hrs (PWT) and gantry revolved, results are very satisfactory. "PE's" picked up at a range of 60 miles and a boat at 58 miles. Radio Section of Rx performing excellently.
24 May 43
Weather is cloudy and cool, the sea is calm, and #9 CMU loading operations are continuing. There are no unusual occurences today.
25 May 43
Weather is cloudy with rain all day. P/O Davies, JH arrived on posting from No 8 Detachment Sea Island. F/L Prowse of the RCAF Station, Prince Rupert conducted the pay parade for #9 CMU and No 26 Detachment personnel, after which #9 CMU loaded out completely and left for Vancouver. The power line was completed at 1000 hrs and townsite completely lighted by the Diesels at operations site.
26 May 43
Weather cloudy and cool with rain all day. Personnel installed in barracks and the cleaning up around camp commenced. "PE's" observed on HR tube at 90 miles. A meeting of airmen was held in the mess hall and officers were elected for various committees.
27 May 43
Cloudy and cool with rain throughout the day. MV Reel Fisher (RCAF boat) arrived, with mail and rations. A bingo game was held at the Airmens Mess during the evening.
28 May 43
Weather still cloudy and cool with rain all day. Sgt Greenside arrived by Air from Alliford Bay to survey W/T installation, leaving 1 LAC to commence this installation.
29 May 43
Cloudy and cool all day with occasional showers. The W/T installation commenced by LAC Pepper (attached here from Alliford Bay). The clearing up around camp is proceeding along nicely. Ohmite switch on panel in the power house was found to be defective. MV Reel Fisher departed for Prince Rupert at 0900 hrs with 4 members of the RDF installation party. F/S Doutre is to remain here to supervise the initial operations.
30 May 43
Weather today is fair and warm. Three more members of the W/T installation party arrived by air from Alliford Bay, bringing a supply of necessary installation equipment
31 May 43
Weather today is partly cloudy and mild. W/T installation is proceeding. AT3 Transmitter moved into the Administration Building and the antenna set up. Work commenced on procuring a supply of fuel for the winter months, locally.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 35 (posted) and Other ranks - 10 (attached). Total strength - 47(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. No unusual occurences.
2 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. MV Reel Fisher arrived from Prince Rupert with considerable supplies, including water pump, 40 rifles, 2 sten guns, and miscellaneous kitchen equipment. Also on board were the following, on posting from various units: 1 RDF Mechanic (G), 4 RDF Operators (G), 3 Fitters, Diesel, 1 WEM, 2 WOGs, 1 Carpenter W&B, and 2 landline maintenance men (on TD).
3 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with scattered showers. Work commenced by Station personnel on installation of water pump at the dam. R/T tested with No 4 Group, Prince Rupert, at 1500 hrs. Reception R5 here, R3-4 there. Schedule commenced on hour through night, and strength good throughout.
4 Jun 43
Weather: Fair and mild. Pipe line connected from Emergency Dam, motor installed, and 10,000 gallon storage trank filled in two hours. Word received that MV Walter M (RCAF Vessel) assigned to this station, is not arriving and no notification of replacement has been received.
5 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. Due to unserviceability of aircraft, F/O Meltzer was forced to remain at Henslung Bay overnight.
6 Jun 43
Weather: (no entry)
7 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. F/O Meltzer still at Henslung Bay due to unserviceability of aircraft. No unusual occurences at the unit.
8 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. F/O Meltzer finally departed for Prince Rupert by aircraft. Water supply at unit was cut off due to failure of motor for the pump. The motor had been in used for only eight hours when it became unserviceable.
9 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. A small motor was installed as a temporary measure and the water supply was resumed. Wing Commander Douglas of Operations, S/L Ness of Works and Buildings, F/L Elliot of Command Medical Office, arrived at the Detachment on an inspection visit. F/O Meltzer accompanied them. They arrived by aircraft and departed the same evening.
10 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. M/V Walter M which was to have arrived here yesterday, has proceeded to Prince Rupert instead. Equipment from No 2 Maintenance Unit is waiting to be picked up at Masset. Equipment is under escort.
11 Jun 43
Weather: Clear and cool. M/V Walter M arrived this morning from Prince Rupert, and after unloading departed immediately for Masset, to pick up equipment there, and returning later in the day. Personnel who were to have arrived on it, remained in Prince Rupert, as the Medical Officer had condemned the boat for passengers. These men arrived by aircraft late at night. The party consisted of 3 RDF Mechanics (G), and 6 RDF Operators (G).
12 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Remainder of personnel, one WOG and one RDF Operator (G) arrived this morning by aircraft. On instructions from F/O Meltzer, the MV Walter M was held at Henslung Bay.
13 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with some precipitation. No unusual occurences today.
14 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with showers. MV Walter M departed today for Prince Rupert, taking along mail and several other items.
15 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with some showers. Notified by signal today that W/C Tennant and party are arriving from Seal Cove. Due to weather conditions, aircraft was forced to turn back.
16 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with heavy showers. No unusual occurrences.
17 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with showers. MV Walter M arrived from Prince Rupert with mail and supplies. F/O Meltzer returned from temporary duty at Prince Rupert, accompanied by F/S Jurmain, and F/S Gold to help organize an orderly room, PPI Mask and Compass Rose arrived today with F/O Meltzer.
18 Jun 43
Weather: Fair and warm. PPI tube now in use. P/E pattern excellent. Outboard motor lost whilst boat out to sea for fish.
19 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with slight precipitations. Contact made with Filter Room at 1130 hours. Commenced telling 1330 hrs. R/T frequency changed 2100 hrs by order from #4 Group. Reception R4 both ways. Word received today that P/O Davies is posted to #9 Detachment, Spider Island. F/O Nielsen, Accountant Officer of #2 RDF MU, Vancouver, arrived on Temporary Duty to make up inventory of technical equipment here.
20 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Some R/T trouble through the day, but found to be some fault at #4 Group, R5 both ways during evening. Posting notice received today of 1 Radio Officer.
21 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with fog during the am. Considerable trouble with R/T in telling. Faulty PPI tube removed after 1 hours use. Word was received from Prince Rupert that an aircraft had landed at Henslung Bay, but due to fog, a boat was unable to call here, so personnel were again forced to remain. An aircraft from Alliford Bay landed, and P/O Matheson C25111 (Radio) was transported by Navy Patrol boat to the dock. The A/C had landed at Henslung Bay at 1730 hrs. A/C from Prince Rupert droppped a Questionnaire for the Inspector Generals visit from air. The Questionnaire was completed at 0300 hours the following day.
23 Jun 43
Weather: Fair and mild with slight precipitation through the night. Fishing boat arrived from Henslung Bay at 0830 hours to pick up P/O Davies, leaving on posting, and 6 airmen, and Inspector Generals Questionnaire. Two members (#2 Maintenance Unit) arrived at 1800 hours by air craft, from Alliford. (Demolition party).
24 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Advice received of intended visit of CO No 4 Group. Posting notice of one cook received.
25 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with slight precipitation. F/O Nielson and members of the demolition party departed by air from Henslung Bay. Test flight arranged for at 1500 hrs, but not carried out. Several plots received today.
26 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with rain all day. Posting notice on clerk-steno received. Walter M proceeded to Masset to pick up passengers on advice from No 4 Group. Very heavy seas all day so loading out postponed one day.
27 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Walter M returned from Masset at 2130 hours with two passengers (No 9 CMU, Refrigeration Installation party). The boat was loaded with empty oil drums, mail etc and proceeded to Prince Rupert.
28 Jun 43
Weather: Mostly cloudy and cool with two minutes of sunshine at 1500 hours. Walter M arrived Prince Rupert at 2100 hrs PWT. Convoy of small ships plotted at ten miles range due west proceeding north.
29 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cold. Range of 78 miles on Aircraft obtained.
30 Jun 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with slight precipitation all day. No unusual occurences.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 59 (posted) and Other ranks - 5 (attached). Total strength - 66
(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Jul 43
Weather: Partly fair and warm. Walter "M" arrived at 2100 hours with mail, rations and equipment. No 1 DRO published on this date. New Call Signs and Syko cards in use.
2 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with some precipitation during am. No unusual occurences.
3 Jul 43
Weather: Partly fair and mild. F/S Doutre, F/S MacMillan (latter, #9 CMU refrigerator man) and 4 airmen departed for Prince Rupert by air, at 1900 hrs.
4 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with heavy rainfrom 1630 - 1930 hrs. Posting notice of 5 General Duties from #9 CMU received. Walter M arrived 1300 hrs, was "loaded out" and returned to Henslung Bay with excursion party, returning to camp at 1900 hrs.
5 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with rain during evening. Walter M departed for Prince Rupert 0630 hrs.
6 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with scattered showers. New Shift Schedule drawn up for RDF personnel involving weekly changes rather than daily ones. Room seniors appointed in each barrack hut, and marked improvement shown in state of barracks.
7 Jul 43
Weather: Sunshine for two hours in am. Cloudy and cool remainder of day. Word received that MV Walter M delayed at Prince Rupert for at least one day with clutch trouble.
8 Jul 43
Weather: Partly cloudy and cool. Range of 110 miles obtained today.
9 Jul 43
Weather: Rain in early morning. Balance of day fairly clear. No word regarding arrival of MV Walter M as yet. Small breakdown of one diesel. Difficult to repair due to lack of tools.
10 Jul 43
Weather: Coudy and cool, rain in early morning. No news from Walter M.
11 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Walter M scheduled to pick up passengers (5 GDs) at Masset 1600 hrs arrived there 1730 hours and proceeded for Langara.
12 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Walter M arrived here 0045 hrs and unloaded mail, meat and passengers and returned to Henslung Bay at 0115 hours. Walter M returned at 0930 hrs and was completely unloaded. Load included six barrels of beer two of which were completely broken. Lighthouse Ship "Alberni" arrived 0830 hours with supplies for lighthouse, and also lighthouse keepers wife and two young daughters. Meat on board Walter M found to be very strong and Medical Officer advised that it not be used.
13 Jul 43
Weather: Partly fair and cool. Walter M loaded out at 0830 hrs, seas very rough, boat put in at Henslung Bay overnight. Station party held and three barrels of beer consumed. Good time had by all!.
14 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool all day. Message from WAC that Walter M to meet Sekani at Masset but unable to contact Walter M. Group Radio Officer called over telling circuit, also wished Walter M to meet him at Masset, but as rations low and boat couldn't be contacted, it is to proceed on schedule. No 4 group wired to Walter M, repeated here that boat is to proceed to Masset immediately but it is not known whether or not this message was received on the boat. Cancellation of posting of one GD from Smithers, BC cancelled by WAC.
15 Jul 43
Weather: Clear till 1900 hours changed to rain and cooler. One sergeant and two aircraftsmen arrived from Prince Rupert. Due to no notification to this Unit of their departure they were unable to proceed here from Henslung, having been ther since Sunday, July 11th, 1943. First copy of local newspaper "Bah Wilderness" issued this date. Copy is attached.
16 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy with rain. Word sent for MO to attend airman with abscessed jaw.
17 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with rain. Word received MO will arrive first plane. Walter M arrived at 1945 hours with chef (on posting), also rations and mail.
18 Jul 43
Weather: Rain in morning followed by cool and cloudy in pm. Walter M departed for Masset at 1000 hrs with five personnel of No 26 Detachment on leave, one airman on posting, No 9 CMU painters and F/O Meltzer on board. Signal received that the DIG would not visit this Detachment. Walter M returned at 2100 hrs.
19 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with rain all day. MO from Masset arrived at 2100 hrs on board Montaganis (hospital boat) and removed airman with infected jaw to Prince Rupert.
20 Jul 43
Weather: cloudy and cool with rain all day. Commenced loading-out Walter M at 1630 hrs; departed for Masset at 1715 hrs with P/O HH Matheson and Cpl White proceeding on TD for medical treatment and Ground Warfare Training respectively.
21 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with no rain. Range of 114 miles achieved. Sky line for landing freight tightened and markedly good results achieved.
22 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with no rain. Considerable work done towards improving safety measures on plank road. Track of 100 miles obtained.
23 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with no rain, sun shone for three hours in late afternoon. Word received that Walter M delayed at Prince Rupert one day with engine trouble. Word received that a drag saw is being sent from No 9 CMU, Vancouver, and the refrigerators and refrig mechanic coming to do permanent installation.
24 Jul 43
Weather: Clear and warm. CO, RCAF Station, Wing Commander Tennant, MO and pay arrived. Faults developed on HT Variac on RDF Tx. Pay Parade held at 1800 hrs. New Syko card series "B" 3541 arrived. Innoculation parade held by MO and sanitary inspection. Complete station inspected by W/C Tennant. Word received that MV Sekani has been assigned to this Unit for transportation purposes to make trips to and from Prince Rupert at least every ten days. Two airmen reported on posting here including equipment assistant. Walter M arrived 2000 hrs but due to rough seas only meat and mail were unloaded.
25 Jul 43
Weather: Fair and warm. Walter M returned and was unloaded 1700 hrs. American PBY flew overhead with machine guns blazing. Considerable number of plots this day.
26 Jul 43
Weather: Fair and warm to 1400 hrs, heavy fog through to 2200 hrs. Walter M loaded out at 1800 hrs and departed for Henslung Bay. No 1 alert in effect from 0400 hours to 0445 hours. All guards posts doubled and machine gun emplacements doubled. Word received on telling circuit that Group Radio officer arriving this day. Message from Group that Walter M to meet MV Sekani at 1800 hours at Masset port, presumably for exchange of passengers.
27 Jul 43
Weather: Foggy in am, clearing off at 1200 hrs. Normal routine.
28 Jul 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool, with fog during most of the day. Walter M arrived 1100 hrs with Group Radio Officer, Padre and 7 airmen (on posting and off leave). Church service and communion held at 1900 hrs, after which tea was served in the Officer's Mess, visitors included light-housekeeper's wife and two daughters.
29 Jul 43
Weather: Mostly cloudy and cool. No transport available for Group Radio Officer and Padre, however the extended stay has permitted of further church services and communion.
30 Jul 43
Weather: Partly fair and mild. Word received of posting out of sergeant Security Guard, no replacement supplied. Padre and GRO still held up. MV Montagnis (hospital boat) ordered to come here to pick up the two officers and proceed with them to Prince Rupert, but no word received from boat.
31 Jul 43
Weather: Partly cloudy and warm. Montagnis (hospital boat) arrived at 1500 hrs to transport Group Radio Officer and Padre, five airmen on leave and one on posting to Prince Rupert. DRO #4 issued.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 73 (posted), Total strength - 75
(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Aug 43
Weather: Mostly cloudy and cool. Posting notice one cook received. DRO #5 issued. Promotions included 2 A/Cpl (Paid), one Sgt (Paid). MV Walter "M" arrived at 2130 hrs, with rations, mail, equipment and two passengers, refrigerator man from #9 CMU and MT F/Sgt from WAC to inspect MT and W&B vehicles. Loading in completed 2300 hrs.
2 Aug 43
Weather: Fair and warm all day. Sun shining most of the day. 0235 hrs. guard patrol at dock spotted submarine suspect approximately 400 yards off shore. General alarm raised and No. 1 alert in affect. Whole camp awakened, and men deployed along plank road, demolition prepared. Evidence of jamming of R/T reception at this hour. Vigil maintained until 0600 hours. 0735 hours. RCAF Canso aircraft seen 1/2 mile out to sea, it dropped 8 depth charges - results not known. Complete report wired to CO No 4 Group. Electrical refrigerator installed in walk in box in kitchen. Walter "M" proceeded to Masset at 1330 hours to pick up passengers from MV Montagnis (hospital boat). Boat returned at 2200 hours, with F/L Fuge (group Intelligence Section) and three airmen off leave. At 2000 hours, Naval patrol vessel FY22 landed skipper and mate at RDF site. After first sending Aldous signal, he desired information on submarines. At 2030 hours a US fast naval patrol vessel GG62008 came alongside FY22 and soon both departed in a northerly direction. Double patrols maintained on all posts that nite. F/L Fuge investigated story regarding submarine report and interviewed the two security guards who spotted the "sub".
3 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy during AM clearing after 1200 hours. F/L Luge continued investigation. Word received from No 4 Grp to send Walter "M" with F/L Fuge to Masset for onward transportation to Prince Rupert. F/L Fuge and F/Sgt MT inspector departed on Walter "M" at 1350 hours. Hearing held by OC on airman charged with neglecting his duties whilst on the "Tube". Case remanded to CO, Prince Rupert.
4 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with heavy fog until 1100 hrs. Walter M loaded out at 0600 hours and departed immediately for Prince Rupert; on board were #9 CMU refrigeration man, airman under arrest and Cpl Pollock, equip assistant here. Fire broke out in the kitchen oven at 1100 hrs as a result of the igniting of some grease which was in the oven being melted down. Fire completely extinguished at 1115 hrs, no great damage done.
5 Aug 43
Weather: Clear and warm. Drag saw obtained from C&MU in action and four cords of wood cut for the day.
6 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Chapters 1 & 2 SD(C) 01 & initial diagrams destroyed by authority WAC. At 2330 hours a guard reported sub 300 yards off shore at dock. No 1 alert raised immediately and visual plot passed to Filter Room. All gun pits were manned and road completely patrolled. Secret documents prepared for rapid destruction, demolition prepared.
7 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with slight precipitation in early am. Message received from No 4 Group asking for particulars of Sub. Full details sent immediately. Vigilance relaxed at 0700 hours and part of camp retired. Walter M arrived at 1100 hours with rations and equipment. Boat unloaded and departed to Henslung Bay at 1145 hrs. Second issue of station paper "Bah Wilderness" issued. Copy enclosed.
8 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with drizzle all day. Naval boat SY16 arrived at 0900 hours with 6 pound gun, 3 field telephones and a party of 6 Army men including one Sgt to bolster station defences. Phones, spot light and gun were set up. At 1159 interference on R/T experienced. Yogi calling someone that sounded like basso was on the same channel "B". At 1310 hrs G/C Foss, S/L Jones, S/L Watson and S/L Frume arrived from No 4 Group by aircraft regarding recent station activity and station defence departing at 1600 hours.
9 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with intermittent showers. Several test shots fired from 6 pound field piece and found satisfactory.
10 Aug 43
Weather: Cold with frequent showers. Walter M returned from Masset at 1200 hrs bringing in a crew of four to locate site and lay out telephone line for UHF Teletype system. FY20 fisherman's Reserve patrol boat put in and reported they would be in this vicinity for approx seven days. Walter M departed for Rupert at 1430 hrs with F/O Meltzer on TD, two airmen on leave, and an RCOC Private.
11 Aug 43
Weather: Frequent showers throughout the whole day. FY20 reported when passing by on patrol. At night spotlight used in conjunction with 6 pound gun was tested out and found to be of very little use, will not focus to a small enough beam to cover any distance. Work done on defence system.
12 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Received work water chlorinating system was shipped on Aug 6 from Vancouver. AT3 shut down from 1015 to 1120 for abnormal maintenance.
13 Aug 43
Weather: Cool with showers throughout the day. A package of mail was dropped by a plane from Annette Island. The 9 CMU cut a path through the bush to the UHF teletype site and are surveying the pole line.
14 Aug 43
Weather: Quite warm and clear all day. Work on winter wood supply and also on station defences progressing favourably. A successful program was put on in the recreation hall by No 1 Barracks.
15 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool and rain in forenoon changing to warm and clear. Word received the Walter M arrived at Masset at 2055 PWT and would proceed the following morning.
16 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with intermittent showers. MV Walter M arrived at 1230 hrs PWT, was unloaded and proceeded to Henslung at 1530. Wordreceived from No 4 Group that the Sekani would drop off passengers at Masset on the 17th Aug at 0900 hrs PWT. Walter M proceeded to Masset. Movie projector arrived on this boat but without films.
17 Aug 43
Weather: Cool, rain in the morning changing to warmer and clear in the afternoon. Walter M arrived at 2200 hrs PWT with six passengers, three back from leave, two on posting, one on TD. Two films arrived from YMCA Services, Prince Rupert and a feature "Sea Wolfe" was shown at 2230 hours. FY20 reported it was returning to Rupert.
18 Aug 43
Weather: Colder with rain most of the day. Walter M was loaded out and proceeded for Masset at 1600 hrs PWT. A movie "The 49th Parallel" was shown commencing at 1930 hrs.
19 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and showers. A good supply of wood was cut and brought into camp. At 2300 hours word was received from 4 Group submarine sighted approx 100 miles NE of Langara heading south.
20 Aug 43
Weather: Clear and warm. Two attached army men got lost in the bush and ended up at Henslung. Word received by phone they would be unable to return until Sat. DRO No 6 issued.
21 Aug 43
Weather: No rain, fairly clear and cool. In the morning supervised target shooting practice held. W/C Dumbrille of No 9 CMU arrived from Masset staying an hour regarding installation of Teletype system.
22 Aug 43
Weather: Clear and warm. Target rifle shooting held on the range in the morning. No other unusual occurences.
23 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy, rain and cool. Word received that officers from Rupert would visit us today but weather was unsuitable for flying. F/O DB Meltzer appointed A/F/L effective 1st August. MV Walter M should have arrived at 1800 hrs PWT but has not shown up.
24 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool, no rain. W/C Tennant, the Medical Officer, Accounts Officer and assistant, the Equipment Officer and the Padre, all of Seal Cove, Prince Rupert, arrived at 1330 hrs PWT travelling by plane to Henslung Bay, then via MV Walter M to Langara. W/C Tennant and party departed via MV Walter M at 1630 PWT for Henslung. Word received from Rupert the Sekani would arrive at 1800 hours PWT but did not arrive.
25 Aug 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. MV Sekani arrived at St Margarets Bay at 1400 hrs PWT, unloaded lumber and supplies and returned to Masset. The MV Walter M brought in eleven 9 CMU personnel for supper and the nights lodging, returning them to St Margarets Bay the next morning. Three films for movie projector arrived via Sekani. Church service was held by F/L Springborn at 1900 hours and a movie at 2100 hours.
26 Aug 43
Weather: Cool, cloudy and rain most of the day. Sekani was to return frm Masset but no sign or news about its position. The MV Walter M brought in the 9 CMU party from St Margarets Bay and was loaded out at 1800 hrs returning to Rupert via Henslung.
27 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Sekani arrived from Masset with four passengers at 0100 hrs departing for St Margarets Bay at 0130 hrs for unloading 9 CMU supplies.
28 Aug 43
Weather: Clear and fairly warm. Sekani unloaded five thousand feet of lumber at 0130 hrs departing for Prince Rupert at 1530 hrs with F/L Srpingborn and five airmen as passengers. Movie picture shown at 1900 hrs.
29 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool with a few light showers. Movie picture shown at 1400 hrs. Muster parade and kit inspection held at 1815 hrs.
30 Aug 43
Weather: Cloudy with showers. Deerleap arrived at 1330 hrs with thirty-four 9 CMU personnel for construction work in connection with teletype system.
31 Aug 43
Weather: Partly cloudy and warmer. Word received the Sekani was proceeding to Langara via Masset, ETA at Masset 1900 hours PWT. DRO No 7 issued.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 78 (posted), Attached - 4, Attached (Army) - 6, Total strength - 90
(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Sep 43
Weather: Clear and warm. Sekani arrived at 1400 hrs PWT with rations, F/L Meltzer, F/L Stewart, 5 #2 MU airmen for quarterly overhaul and six airmen back from leave. A piano was received today from the YMCA War Services, Vancouver, and unloaded without mishap. One of the five new films was shown at 1930 hrs. Sekani departed for No 9 CMU site Langara at 1600 hrs.
2 Sep 43 Weather: Rain all day and fairly windy. RDF equipment shut down at 1020 hrs for commencement of quarterly overhaul. Work on overhaul progressed rapidly today. No word received from the Sekani as to its ETA from Masset. 3 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy, cool and rain most of the day. Sekani arrived from Masset at 1130 hrs bringing F/L Armstrong, Station Defence Officer from WAC, and departed immediately for No 9 CMU site to unload supplies. F/L Armstrong checked over the station defence and recommended improvements. Sekani arrived back from No 9 CMU site at 1700 hrs, was loaded out and departed at 1730 hrs with five airmen on leave and F/L Armstrong for Prince Rupert via Masset. 4 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with very little rain. Home Oil Distributors Oil tanker arrived at 0930 hrs with one hundred barrels of diesel oil. Unloading lasted until 1700 hrs then the tanker departed for Masset. The MO arrived from Prince Rupert via plane and hospital boat at 1430 hrs departing immediately by the same means with an appendix case, an attached airman of No 2 MU quarterly overhaul unit. 5 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with periodic rain. Word received from WAC that the MV Sekani would be the only supply boat plying between Prince Rupert and Langara three times per month until another boat can be supplied. Quarterly overhaul unit finished the RX and Tx. 6 Sep 43 Weather: Clear, sunshine and warm all day. Pay parade held at 1630 hrs by OC for station personnel. F/O Abbot, OC No 9 CMU, Raff Bay walked into camp to discuss construction and administration with the OC here. The height of the operations bldg above sea level at high tide was taken by F/L Stewart and found to be 108 feet. 7 Sep 43 Weather: Clear, calm, and warm. Full advantage was taken of the weather in that a goodly amount of wood was cut, split and brought into camp. Word was received from WAC that the Kanawaka was hired to service this Detachment temporarily. 8 Sep 43 Weather: Clear, sunshine and warm all day. Official word received re capitulation of Italian forces, camp personnel very pleased. No unusual Detachment occurences today. 9 Sep 43 Weather: Clear and warm, highest temperature approximately seventy degrees above. This is the fourth day of this weather. Very unusual. OC proceeded by trail to No 9 CMU site at Raff Bay to converse with F/O Abbott. 10 Sep 43 Weather: Clear, warm and sunshine. MV Midnight Sun arrived at 1800 hrs bringing three airmen back from leave and one airman on posting, rations and supplies. A new drag saw arrived. Unloading was carried out until 2100 hrs. The MV Midnite Sun proceeded to Henslung Bay for the night with the view to returning the next morning to pick up passengers and mail and proceed to Prince Rupert. AT 2030 hours a large boat was seen on the horizon travelling from east to west. 11 Sep 43 Weather: Clear and warm. At 1000 hrs the MV Midnite Sun arrived back from Henslung Bay to unload the balance of supplies. The water was very rough, great difficulty was experienced in the unloading resulting in three cases of insulators being lost. At 1800 hrs the quarterly overhaul was finished, the equipment turned on and regular contact and duties resumed with Filter Room. The Midnite Sun departed at 1200 hrs for Masset with three airmen proceeding on leave and one airman off TD. 12 Sep 43 Weather: Clear most of the day, sunshine and fairly warm. No unusual station occurrences today. Third issue of "Bah Wilderness", station paper produced today. 13 Sep 43 Weather: Clear and warm. First calibration flight was to be at 1430 hrs but was cancelled. Woodpile increasing at a good rate. 14 Sep 43 Weather: Clear and warm. Word received the calibration aircraft had not left Vancouver as yet for Annette. The MO from Rupert arrived at the 9 CMU site at 2030 hours departing immediately with an injured airman for Rupert via the FY22 to Henslung Bay, from there to Rupert via aircraft. 15 Sep 43 Weather: Clear and warm. The Deerleap arrived at 1030 with 7 No 9 CMU personnel, departing immediately for Sandspit. The FY22 stopped in at 1035 letting off F/L Meltzer who had spent the night at the 9 CMU site, Raff Bay. The Montagnais arrived from Rupert at 1100 hrs with three airmen back from leave departing immediately for Masset. The new drag saw caught fire this morning. The hose connections and some of the tank soldered joints melted. The fire was quickly extinguished and damages were repaired this afternoon. 16 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy most of the day but no rain. The first plane arrived at 1500 hrs for the calibration but the sky was overcast not permitting it to rise to 19,000 feet and proceeding on a direct bearing from this Detachment. Word was received the Kanawaka would arrive tomorrow. 17 Sep 43 Weather: Clear most of the day. A calibration craft was to arrive at 1100 hours but never showed up. Considerable number of aircraft flying around station today. No news as to arrival of our supply boat. 18 Sep 43 Weather: Fairly cloudy and periodic light rain. Supply boat Kanawaka arrived at 1230 hours. No official or personal mail or films sent from Prince Rupert. Camp very disappointed. Calibration flights cancelled until further notice. 19 Sep 43 Weather: Heavy rain in forenoon changing to clear and warmer. No unusual occurences today. 20 Sep 43 Weather: Very unsettled and changeable. Periodic showers, clear and overcast sky. Calibration flight cancelled for today. No other unusual occurences. 21 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy and cool. Supply vessel Kanawaka arrived at 1500 hrs with mail, films, rations and three personnel back from leave. Difficulty was experienced in unloading of lumber. Vessel departed at 1700 hrs for Masset. 22 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy, cool and periodic heavy showers. Kanawaka arrived at 1630 hrs with entertainment party from Vancouver. A very excellent performance put on at 2100 hrs by this group. Calibration flights have been postponed until weather permits. 23 Sep 43 Weather: Very overcast all day with little rain. An afternoon performance put on by the entertainment party and also one at 2000 hours. Kanawaka arrived at 1000 hours with barge from Henslung Bay and balance of lumber unloaded. 24 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with drizzle of rain all day. Instructions received for F/L Stewart to proceed to Masset for conference with Group Radio Officer. MV Kanawaka arrived 0930 hours for loading out, entertainment party, F/L Stewart, P/O Matheson and one airman on leave departed with it at 1000 for Masset. Calibration flight scheduled for 1500 hours cancelled due to weather. Movie presented during evening,"Between Us Girls". 25 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with light rain all day. No calibration flight. Normal routine all day. 26 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with light rain all day. Monthly meeting of Airmen's Mess held. No calibration flight due to weather. 27 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy with showers all day. No calibration flight due to weather. 28 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy, cool with high winds and rough seas. MV Kanawaka arrived at 1900 hrs with some personnel from leave, and on posting to No 9 CMU, also Sgt O'Brien of No 9 CMU who is to install local switchboard. Meat, mail and passengers only were removed as seas were too rough and dangerous for further unloading. 29 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy and cool, high winds prevalently south west. Boat arrived at 1500 hours but seas were still too rough for further unloading. F/O Abbott conducted survey inspection of pole line to PCP site from Raff Bay to townsite. Fourth edition of station newspaper "Bah Wilderness" put out today. 30 Sep 43 Weather: Cloudy and cool with rain all day. MV Kanawaka arrived at 1000 hrs was completely unloaded, and departed 1400 hrs, with airmen proceeding on leave, for Masset. Supplies included considerable extra messing, and billiards table supplied by YMCA War Services. Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 78 (posted), Attached - 1, Attached (Army) - 6, Total strength - 87 (DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Inspection parade held at 0800 hrs. CD 0251 "E" in force at 0001 hrs. Considerable trouble with RDF Tx due to arcing in HT Variac. Replacement ordered by signal. Monthly stocktaking of canteen carried out.
2 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and cool. Navy patrol FY16 arrived at 1100 hrs to remove army personnel and gun. All complete at 1400 hrs despite rough seas. Standing lookout placed at Dock to replace army personnel.
3 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and cool. Calibration flight arranged at 1330 hrs cancelled indefinitely, despite good weather. Matinee movie presented in canteen.
4 Oct 43
Weather: Partly cloudy and overcast. Security guard on duty, fell and broke tip of fourth finger, requiring stitches. MO called from Alliford Bay arrived 1700 hrs. Airman transported from here by dinghy with outboard motor, to meet plane. Calibration flight scheduled for 1630 hrs cancelled.
5 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and overcast.Calibration flight for 1130 hours cancelled.
6 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and warm. Calibration flight held at 1630 hrs but was only partially successful due to low ceiling and a/c unserviceability. Seas very rough with breakers 50' high.
7 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly cloudy with showers. MV Kanawaka arrived at 1000 hrs with rations, mail and men. Owing to very rough seas only meat, men and mail removed. Boat returned 1530 hrs and was unloaded with calm seas prevailing; boat departed for Henslung Bay at 1730 hrs to pick up scow which is loaded with lumber for construction work, and 40,000 gal prefabricated tank, and pump motor for fire protection. Home Oil Tanker delivered 6000 gal fuel oil at Henslung Bay for our consumption.
8 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy with heavy rain until 1400 hrs. Major naval vessel plotted near island showing RDF identified by Filter Room as such. MV Kanawaka arrived at 0930 hrs with scow, seas very calm. Scow unloaded and return equipment loaded out. Boat departed at 1500 hrs for Henslung Bay. Large group of No 9 CMU men moved in from Raff Bay camp (12 in all).
9 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and mild. MV Kanawaka departed for Masset at 0900 hrs with 9 passengers. Telephone switchboard in complete operation at 1200 hrs. Calibration a/c arrived over Station at 1400 hrs but no R/T contact was made and a/c departed at 1415 hrs.
10 Oct 43
Weather: Fair and cool with high winds, sea very heavy. Calibration flight carried out at 1400 hrs was partially successful.
11 Oct 43
Weather: Fair and cool. VT 98's in transmitter changed, results much improved. Calibration flight scheduled for 1430 hours cancelled by No 4 Group in favour of No 27 Det Marble Island.
12 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool with showers. Calibration flight scheduled for 1400 hrs cancelled due to weather. Routine normal.
13 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and cool. Calibration flight scheduled for 0900 hrs cancelled due to weather. Extremely high east wind thru nite, blew tree on to telephone lines from operations bldg causing shut down of R/T remotes for 25 minutes. Large dead tree fell on main tight line to aerial hoist causing cable to become dangerously frayed so that splicing is being carried out.
14 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy, with rain all day, fairly high wind still prevailing. Damage by gale checked over and repairs effected. MV Kanawaka arrived from Henslung Bay at 1500 hrs but seas were too rough for unloading so boat returned to Henslung Bay. Oil leak discovered in HT Transformer of RDF Tx, repairs effected and new part ordered.
15 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and cool, high winds all day quietening towards evening. MV Kanawaka arrived at 1000 hrs for unloading but seas still too rough and boat returned to Masset. MV Deerleap arrived at 1445 hrs from Masset with passengers for Langara, and to remove No 9 CMU personnel, however seas were still too rough for row boats and Deerleap returned to Henslung Bay.
16 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy with rain throughout the day. Seas still very rough at dock. MV Deerleap attempted to unload at 1430 hrs but heavy gale forced her to turn back. Kanawaka started out from Henslung Bay for here but was also forced to return. Calibration flight scheduled for 1430 hrs postponed to 1500 hrs and finally cancelled, due to weather.
17 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with scattered showers. MV Deerleap and Kanawaka arrived at 0830 hrs. Both were unloaded and loaded successfully, meat received was in a very strong condition. MV Deerleap departed at 1000 hrs for Prince Rupert with 19 men from No 9 CMU and 3 from this Unit. WO2 Johns arrived to take charge of No 9 CMU personnel here.
18 Oct 43
Weather: Mostly fair and cool. WO2 Johns made complete review of power wiring on station and commenced maintenance repairs of lines, etc. Victory Loan Drive introduced by special speech given by OC personnally at 1900 hrs, all personnel off duty present on muster. Calibration flight carried out at 1600 hrs was successful and ranges found to be correct within at least one mile.
19 Oct 43
Weather: Fair and cool during am, cloudy with showers during afternoon. AT3 overhauled under supervision of Senior WM from Seal Cove Station, commenced at 2000 hrs 18/Oct and completed 0500 hrs today, no undue trouble found. Communication with Filter Room maintained on C/W using AT1 Tx. Sales canvassing for Victory Loan drive commended personally by OC and quota of $4300 completed at 1600 hrs, with $400 over by 1800 hrs. Quiz contest held in Rec Hall with F/L Stewart as MC "Mech" vs "HQ", "Mechs" won.
20 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Calibration a/c arrived over station at 1100 hrs but had to turn back due to bad weather. Victory Bond sales at $4900 at 1700 hrs. Congratulatory wire received from W/C Brooks, CO, RCAF, Seal Cove.
21 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with scattered showers. MV Midnite Sun arrived at Henslung Bay from Masset at 1000 hrs and owing to rough seas was unable to unload at dock here. CD 0251 "B" #3541 destroyed this date, authority WAC.
22 Oct 43
Weather: Clear and mild. Successful calibration flight held at 1140 hrs. MV Midnite Sun arrived at 0900 hrs and discharged wire for No 9 CMU and departed for Raff Bay where FM Transmitter was unloaded without mishap and part of camp removed. Mr CH Brereton of RCA Victor Corp arrived to install FM circuit and conducted field instensity test, average reception 40 microvolts. MV Midnite Sun departed 1730 hrs for Prince Rupert.
23 Oct 43
Weather: Clear and cool. Successful calibration flight held during am. Word received the civilian boat Haida Girl is to service this Station, and that she is to arrive on 25th with paymaster, Padre and airmen off leave.
24 Oct 43
Weather: Clear and cool. Successful calibration flight carried out at 14,000 feet, range of 122 miles obtained with gaps as predicted.
25 Oct 43
Weather: Clear and cool. Haida Girl arrived at 1600 hrs with supplies, five airmen on posting, five airmen back from leave, F/L Springborn the Padre, F/O Smith the Accounts Officer, Seal Cove and P/O Matheson. The supply vessel was unloaded by 1900 hrs and departed for Masset.
26 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1700 hrs with F/S Pearce and party of 9 CMU who are to install an emergency water tank. A church service was held at 1900 hrs by the Padre and a movie picture shown at 2000 hrs.
27 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool with periodic showers. Word received from Prince Rupert to keep a watch on 500 KC due to a Ventura missing from Annette Island. The Haida Girl arrived from Henslung Bay at 1300 hrs with scow, the tractor, lumber and cement was unloaded. The Haida Girl departed immediately for Henslung Bay to meet an aircraft coming from Prince Rupert with W/C Brooks. The aircraft never arrived and the Haida Girl came back here to take the scow back to Henslung Bay. The OC talked to Prince Rupert on our new FM equipment, the signals being clear and loud both ways. F/O Smith spent the day auditing the NPF account. The Victory Loan sales are $6100 being well above the quota of $4300.
28 Oct 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool with heavy mist all day, high winds from west prevailed and gantry locked from 0730 hours to 1330 hours. Further tests carried out with FM Equipment, and attempt to contact Filter Room were complete 2130 hours and plotting commenced on that circuit.
29 Oct 43
Weather: Fairly clear with occasional showers. The Haida Girl arrived from Henslung Bay at 1800 hours departing for Masset with F/S Pearce and party. The FM equipment is being used for R/T communicatios with Filter room and working very favourably.
30 Oct 43
Weather: No rain, fairly clear and warm. A calibration test flight commenced at 1200 hours.
31 Oct 43
Weather: Rain and cool all day. A church service was held at 1400 and 1830 hrs.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Officers -1 (attached), Other ranks - 83 (posted), Total strength - 86
(DB Meltzer) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool, with an odd shower. No word received today regarding our supply boat.
2 Nov 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The MV Deerleap arrived at 0900 hrs PWT with mail and money for pay parade, departing for Masset at 1100 hrs with F/O Smith and F/L Springborn of Seal Cove and five airmen aboard. The Haida Girl arrived at 1600 hrs GMT with mail, films, supplies and rations and F/O Moss of Masset. It was unloaded and departed for Henslung Bay at 1800 hrs. A movie picture was held in the Rec Hall at 2000 hrs. The skipper of the Haida Girl reported that he had seen and positively identified part of the BC Star. Pilot House washed up on shore near Henslung Bay. This was reported to No 4 Group and F/O Moss is to investigate.
3 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1000 hrs but the water was too rough and the station personnel were unable to load out the supply boat so it departed for Henslung at 1100 hrs. Great difficulty was experienced in handling the row boat in the water but there were no serious results. The MV Deerleap arrived at 1500 hrs but they departed before an attempt could be made to row out to them.
4 Nov 43
Weather: Cool with high winds approx velocity 45 mph. The Haida Girl came from Henslung Bay but the water was too rough to go out in the row boat to meet it. Four RDF Officers were to arrive from Masset today but the water was too rough for the boats to travel. F/O Moss walked to Egeria Bay hoping to get picked up by the Haida Gril but was unsuccessful, and walked back to Raff Bay awaiting calmer weather. A movie picture was shown at 2000 hrs.
5 Nov 43
Weather: Cool, no rain and fairly windy. The Haida Girl picked up F/O Moss and was despatched for Masset to pick up RDF personnel.
6 Nov 43
Weather: Cool, cloudy and fairly windy. Word received that the RDF officers were still at Alliford Bay.
7 Nov 43
Weather: No rain, partly cloudy. No unusual occurences today.
8 Nov 43
Weather: Little wind, calm seas and rain from 1600 hrs to the end of the day. No unusual occurrences today.
9 Nov 43
Weather: Periodic showers, calm sea. The Deerleap arrived at 1000 hrs bringing in mail from Prince Rupert and departed for Masset with F/L Stewart, five 9 CMU personnel and mail.
10 Nov 43
Weather: Fairly clear with an odd shower. The Haida Girl arrived at 1030 hrs PWT, loaded aboard returns to Prince Rupert from Langara and also 9 CMU equipment from Raff Bay. It departed at 1630 hrs for Masset via Henslung Bay with F/L Meltzer and one airman aboard proceeding on leave.
11 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy, cool with showers. No unusual occurrences today.
12 Nov 43
Weather: Showers and cool. Word received from Prince Rupert that the Amaryllis and Sea Mew would arrive at 0900 hrs PWT but they never arrived. The Haida Girl arrived at 1800 hrs, personnel and meat were unloaded and the boat left for Henslung Bay. The balance of the rations could not be unloaded due to low tide and rough water. The MV Amaryllis arrived at 2300 hrs PWT with the CO, SMO, SAO of Seal Cove, F/L Meltzer and No 26 Det personnel back from leave.
13 Nov 43
Weather: Infrequent showers, cool and cloudy. The CO of Seal Cove inspected the Detachment, the SMO completed his work and they together with the SAO and F/L Meltzer departed for Masset via Henslung at 1300 hrs PWT. Word received today of postings for twelve guards, six on exchange.
14 Nov 43
Weather: Rain most of the day. No unusual occurrences.
15 Nov 43
Weather: Frequent showers and cool. No unusual occurrences.
16 Nov 43
Weather: Cool and rain. Word received the Haida Girl departed from Masset on Monday but has not arrived here.
17 Nov 43
Weather: Calm seas, no rain. The Haida Girl arrived at 1100 hrs PWT with some official mail. Was loaded out and departed for Masset at 1130 hrs PWT. The Sea Mew arrived at 1130 hrs PWT, made a trip to Raff Bay and back departing for Henslung Bay at 1900 hrs with diesel fuel barrels to commence hauling oil from Henslung to Langara.
18 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Seas fairly calm. No unusual occurrences today.
19 Nov 43
Weather: Cool with frequent showers. The Sea Mew arrived at 1500 hrs with oil but the water was too rough to unload. Sea Mew departed for Henslung at 1600 hrs.
20 Nov 43
Weather: Showers and cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1430 hrs departed at 1545 hrs for Masset with eleven guards on posting. The water was too rough to load out equipment being returned to Vancouver and Prince Rupert. Two airmen back from leave and a diesel Sgt on posting arrived on the Haida Girl.
21 Nov 43
Weather: Not much rain with rough seas. An airmen fell off the truck onto his back, cracked ribs are suspected and Prince Rupert informed. A signal informed us to proceed to Masset with the airman, that a plane would be there by 2300 hrs PWT, but the weather was too rough to load him out. F/L DB Meltzer, the OC, has been posted to No 10 Detachment and P/O HH Matheson to take over effective 23/Nov/43. F/L DB Meltzer presently out on leave has been informed.
22 Nov 43
Weather: Rain, cool and rough seas. The Sea Mew has been trying to get in to take out patient for Prince Rupert but has been unsuccessful. The Haida Girl arrived from Masset at 1900 hrs PWT but was unable to unload and proceeded to Henslung.
23 Nov 43
Weather: Little rain and a lot calmer weather. The Haida Girl arrived at 1015 PWT with the Protestant Command Chaplain, F/O Moss of the 9 CMU, a diesel sgt, a diesel cpl, and supplies. No rations were received on this boat. The Sea Mew arrived at 1045 and departed with two patients, the airman with suspected cracked ribs and another with an infected throat. It lay at anchor till 1700 hrs PWT at Henslung for an aircraft and was then ordered to proceed to Masset but the water was too rough. Arrangements were made for the FY27 to take the patients to Masset the following morning.
24 Nov 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The Haida Girl was to return today but was held up at Masset for repairs. The diesel party installed the governor modification.
25 Nov 43
Weather: Cool with little rain. The Amaryllis was to arrive today to take S/L McCullagh and F/O Moss to Masset but was unable to make the trip. The diesel overhaul party found the main bearings badly worn in one of the diesels and are held up for parts.
26 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1700 hrs PWT with one airman on posting, one on TD, and seven 9 CMU personnel from Masset. The supplies, gravel and cement could not be unloaded due to rough weather, the Haida Girl departing at 1745 for Henslung to lay over the night and continue unloading the following day.
27 Nov 43
Weather: Periodic light showers, cloudy. The Haida Girl arrived at 1015 hrs PWT, unloaded and departed at 1200 hrs PWT for Masset with S/L McCullagh, F/O Moss and one airman aboard. The Sea Mew arrived at 1100 hrs PWT, five barrels of oil were unloaded and it departed for Henslung Bay after picking up rations and mail.
28 Nov 43
Weather: Cloudy and cool. No unusual occurrences.
29 Nov 43
Weather: Cool, water fairly calm, little rain. The Haida Girl arrived from Masset at 1030 PWT. Fifty empty oil drums were loaded onto the boat. Haida Girl departed at 1300 hrs for Henslung to fill barrels with oil. The 9 CMU personnel are making good progress in putting up the 50,000 gallon reserve water tank.
30 Nov 43
Weather: Calm seas, cool, no rain. The Haida Girl arrived at 1100 PWT with 51 barrels diesel oil, was unloaded and departed for Masset at 1600 hrs.
Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 78 (posted), Other ranks - 7 (attached - 9 CMU), Total strength - 87
(HH Matheson) P/O,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.
1 Dec 43
Weather: Cool, little rain and fairly rough seas. The Haida Girl arrived from Henslung Bay with 53 barrels of oil aboard. Only eight were unloaded due to the condition of the water. Haida Girl departed for Henslung at 1645 hrs.
2 Dec 43
Weather: Cloudy, periodic showers. The Haida Girl arrived at 1230 hrs. Fifteen barrels of oil were unloaded before conditions got too rough. The Haida Girl departed for Masset at 1645 hrs, to meet the Cassiar on Friday, Dec 3. Great difficulty was experienced today trying to get oil ashore. One boat was damaged so that it cannot be used.
3 Dec 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The F/M Tx has been off most of the day due to a breakdown, came back on air at 1930 hrs temporarily repaired. Supplies should come tonight on the Haida Girl but nothing has arrived.
4 Dec 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The 50,000 gallon water tank has been completed by the #9 CMU but they are held up with the boxing of the pipe line. The lumber has not arrived.
5 Dec 43
Weather: Showers, cloudy, rough seas. The Haida Girl arrived at 1300 hrs from Masset with rations, supplies, three airmen on posting, one back from leave and a 9 CMU plumber. Unloading was started but had to be discontinued. One of the row boats tipped over while hauling in the mail and movie films. The two airmen rowing the boat swam and were washed up on the rocks, receiving minor cuts and bruises. The mail was retrieved out of the water but the films were lost. The Haida Girl departed for Henslung Bay at 1630 hrs letting off three airmen and the OC at Raff Bay where it was calm enough to land.
6 Dec 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The Haida Girl arrived at 1330 hrs, but only one boatload of mail was brought in due to rough weather, the boat departing for Henslung at 1630 hrs.
7 Dec 43
Weather: Cool and cloudy. The ocean was rougher today than it has been this winter. Part of the dock was washed away and the Hyster cable system was partly damaged. A bridge tournament was held in the evening. Three airmen walked into camp tonight from Henslung Bay. They are new postings to this unit, were awaiting at Masset for transportation to Langara, caught the FY27 but it was too rough to unload them here so they were disembarked at Henslung Bay, nine miles distant.
8 Dec 43
Weather: Cloudy, showers and cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1200 hrs. Unloading commenced but with difficulty. The water was fairly rough. One airman was dumped out of the boat into the water. Two others were able to get him onto the shore after he had taken a rough beating on the rocks. Most of the supplies were unloaded. The Haida Girl departed at 1600 hours for Masset, the balance of the load was left on to be unloaded the next trip. The Sea Mew arrived at 1400 hrs for rations departing at 1500 hours for Henslung Bay.
9 Dec 43
Weather: Cloudy, no rain, cool, calmer seas. The Haida Girl arrived at 1930 hrs with the paymaster but he could not be brought ashore due to rough weather. The Haida Girl departed for Henslung at 2000 hrs.
10 Dec 43
Weather: Cool, clear. The Haida Girl brought the paymaster up to Raff Bay, he walked the balance of the way, arriving here at 1500 hrs. A pay parade was held immediately paying the personnel for November and December. The 9 CMU attempted to load out supplies to the Haida Girl at 1630 hrs but ceased when one of the row boats was washed up and broken on the rocks and a large quantity of their tools and effects were lost overboard. The Haida Girl departed for Henslung Bay at 1800 hrs.
11 Dec 43
Weather: Rain, cool. The Haida Girl arrived at 1100 hrs. Eight 9 CMU personnel, two airmen on leave, one on posting, one on TD, and F/O Smith were able to get aboard, the Haida Girl departing for Masset at 1200 hrs.
12 Dec 43
Weather: A very nice clear warm day for this time of year and this station. The Haida Girl arrived at 1330 hours and accomplished a feat which was previously thought impossible. The skipper backed the boat into the gut so that it touched our dock. This facilitated a rapid unloading and loading that could not have been done otherwise. At 1430 hrs the Haida Girl departed for Masset with nine airmen aboard proceeding on leave.
13 Dec 43
Weather: Cool and fairly clear. No unusual occurrences today. The Haida Girl should have arrived today with supplies.
14 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, cool with odd shower. No unusual occurrences. 15 Dec 43 Weather: Rain practically all day. Word received the Haida Girl is held up at Masset and may leave for Langara tomorrow. 16 Dec 43 Weather: Cool, rain and rough water. Haida Girl arrived at 1530 PWT with P/O Bolstad, four airmen off leave and one on posting. Personnel were brought ashore but supplies and rations could not be unloaded due to sea conditions. A movie was held in the recreation hall at 2030 hrs. 17 Dec 43 Weather: Cool, with showers. Haida Girl arrived from Henslung at 1400 hrs departing as 1430 hrs for Henslung. Unable to contact or unload anything due to sea conditions. 18 Dec 43 Weather: Clear, with bright sunshine, quite calm. Haida Girl and Sea Mew arrived from Henslung approximately 1330 hrs PWT. Sea Mew obtained some rations from the Haida Girl and departed for Henslung at 1530 hrs. Sea was quite heavy and the Haida Girl lay over for two hours before attempting to unload any cargo. Finally a small part of the cargo was unloaded and the Haida Girl departed for Masset at 1630 hrs to refuel. 19 Dec 43 Weather: Clear, with bright sunshine and calm. Sea Mew arrived from Henslung at 1230 hrs and departed at 1430. One of the films was recovered from the sea in the afternoon and was shown in the recreation hall in the evening. 20 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy and calm. Haida Girl arrived from Masset at 1315 hrs. F/L Springborn was aboard and disembarked to pay the station his Christmas visit. The Haida Girl also brought in a large supply of Xmas mail. The complete cargo was unloaded and the boat returned to Masset at 1700 hrs carrying Sgt Laidlaw, who is returning to WAC, Vancouver. A movie was shown in the recreation hall at 2030 hours. 21 Dec 43 Weather: Low clouds, raining slightly off and on. Light breeze from West. Christmas service conducted by F/L Springborn in recreation hall at 1900 hrs. Moving picture shown at 2030 hrs. 22 Dec 43 Weather: Low clouds, raining intermittently. Slight west wind. No events of unusual occurrence today. 23 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, light breeze from the west. Intermittent showers. Haida Girl arrived from Masset 1610 hrs PWT and departed 1700 hrs. Padre Springborn returned on it to Prince Rupert and one airmen departed on posting. 24 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy in the morning and clear in the afternoon. Cooler with west wind. Haida Girl arrived from Masset at 1600 hrs PWT bearing mail and one airmen returning from leave. Haida Girl departed for Henslung at 2000 hrs PWT. 25 Dec 43 Weather: Partly cloudy, cool, strong south wind. Haida Girl arrived from Henslung 1100 hrs PWT and departed for Masset 1300 hrs PWT. Officers and three Sr NCOs served a very fine Christmas dinner to the Detachment personnel. A community sing followed by a movie was held in the recreation hall at 2000 hrs. 26 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, strong south wind. No unusual occurrences. 27 Dec 43 Weather: Partly cloudy, light breeze from south. No events of unusual occurrence. 28 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, mild, slight easterly breeze. Clearing started today for site for the woodhouse. New stove installed in the kitchen. 29 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, mild, light westerly wind. No unusual occurrences. 30 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, mild, light westerly wind. Haida Girl arrived from Masset at 1715 hrs PWT bringing mail and rations. The mail and part of the rations were unloaded. The Haida Girl departed for Henslung Bay at 1815 hrs. A considerable bit of stump clearing for the woodhouse was accomplished. 31 Dec 43 Weather: Cloudy, with sleet showers, cooler. Strong south west wind. Sea too heavy to attempt unloading Haida Girl. It arrived from Henslung at 1300 hrs PWT and departed for Masset at 1330 hrs PWT with rations still aboard and carrying one airman from this station who is suspected to have had an attack of appendicitis. Strength: - Officers - 2 (posted), Other ranks - 75 (posted), Other ranks - 1 (attached), Total strength - 78 (HH Matheson) P/O,
Officer Commanding,
RCAF Detachment No. 26,
Langara Island, BC.