DAILY DIARY
27 RADIO UNIT - MARBLE ISLAND, BC
January 1, 1945 to August 20, 1945
1 Jan 45
Cloudy and cool. New Years dinner was served in the Mess Hall at 1330, with an abundance of turkey, nuts, candy, Xmas cake, etc. Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely. The remainder of the day passed quietly. Operations and routine normal.
2 Jan 45
Cloudy. Ocean too rough to effect a landing at either beach. The Seton left Alliford Bay and proceeded to Canoe Pass with the hope of being able to make a landing to take on a passenger for medical attention at Alliford Bay. Landing conditions did not improve so it was decided that the Seton should return in the morning. Operations very quiet and routine normal.
3 Jan 45
Cloudy with intermittent light rain. The Seton arrived approximately 0930 hrs. The landing on the north beach was very good. One trip was made out to the Seton with the mail and patient. The Seton departed immediately. Interuption in FM, landline trouble from Prince Rupert to No 2 Filter Detachment Victoria. Operations and routine normal.
4 Jan 45
Cloudy and milder with light intermittent drizzle. F/M working again very clear. Operations and routine normal.
5 Jan 45
Cloudy with light drizzle. Landings quite good as ocean was comparatively calm. Operations and routine normal.
6 Jan 45
Cloudy with intermittent rain. Operations and routine normal. Seton left Alliford Bay and contact was made with it. As the landings were very poor it was decided to wait until 1330. Landings continued to be unsuitable and a trip out to the Seton could not be effected, it was decided to put off further attempts until the next day.
7 Jan 45
Cloudy with intermittent rain throughout the day. The Seton arrived approximately 1100 hrs at the south landing. Several trips were made out to the Seton taking out three passengers and bringing in four including our new Officer, F/O Takefman. One film was shown in the Rec Hall in the evening. Operations and routine were normal.
8 Jan 45
Cloudy with intermittent rain and very high winds. A film was shown in the evening in the Rec Hall to everyone's enjoyment. The gantry at Operations was locked a portion of the day owing to gales. Otherwise Operations and routine were normal.
9 Jan 45
Cloudy with rain and high winds. Rough seas. Operations and routine normal.
10 Jan 45
Cloudy with rain throughout the day. Ocean still quite rough. Operations were quiet and routine normal. One of the films was shown again in the Rec Hall for the benefit of those who hadn't seen it.
11 Jan 45
Cloudy with heavy rain during the night and intermittently throughout the day, ocean comparatively calm. Operations and routine were normal.
12 Jan 45
Overcast with rain and sleet, heavy seas and high winds. The F/M was out the latter part of the evening with Operations using R/T. Weekly Inspection carried out be the CO. Trouble was experienced with drain off piles from the Septic tanks. This condition was rectified. Other wise operations and routine were normal.
13 Jan 45
Heavy winds with intermittent rain. Several trees were blown down along the walk to Operations. All personnel were warned to keep a sharp lookout. Owing to the heavy winds, operations were shut down but were back on the air in the evening. Routine normal.
14 Jan 45
Heavy winds died down during the night. Clear and bright day with unusually calm sea. The Seton was contacted early in the morning and arrived at 1630. Three trps were made out to the boat bringing in considerable rations, plenty of mail for every one which created a very cheery atmosphere about the camp. F/L McGuigan RC Chaplain arrived for visit from Alliford Bay. It is hoped he will stay for at least 3 or 4 days, a good morale booster. As a result of the storm the main water line was destroyed and necessary arrangement have been made to have it quickly repaired. No movie came on the boat, this was disappointing. Operations and routine were normal.
15 Jan 45
Early morning mass was held by F/L McGuigan for all RC personnel. It was a clear bright day with calm seas with only occasional showers. Operations and routine were normal.
16 Jan 45
F/L McGuigan held early morning mass for all RC personnel. The seas were calm during the early part of the day with ground swells increasing towards evening. The Seton was contacted and is expected tomorrow. A meeting of the Hobby Club was held and an order made up for more leather to be used in leathercraft. Operations were quiet during the day, routine normal.
17 Jan 45
Mass was held in the morning by F/L Mcguigan RC Padre. It was clear most of the day with occasional rain. Increasing winds along with large ground swells made the boat landings dangerous and the Seton did not attempt a trip over. The boat will try again tomorrow. Operations were quiet and routine normal.
18 Jan 45
Clear with a fair wind and moderately rough sea. The Seton arrived at 1130 hrs and one trip was made. F/L McGuigan returned to Alliford Bay and one man reporting back off leave. Another trip was attempted but the sea was getting rougher and after the boat was nearly upset and a dangerous spill was narrowly averted, it was decided to try later in the day. At 1400 hrs with both landings still treacherous, the Seton returned to Canoe Pass. Operations and routine were normal.
19 Jan 45
Overcast with intermittent rain and increasing wind. The Seton attempted a trip out but turned back to base because of heavy seas. The chain saw used for cutting logs for firewood broke down and was found to be unserviceable. Until necessary part can be procured it will be a difficult job keeping enough wood available by means of using crosscut saws. Operations and routine normal.
20 Jan 45
Overcast with fine rain during the day. The sea was heavy enough to make both landings dangerous. Operations and routine normal.
21 Jan 45
Rain and high winds. Precautions were taken and everything made fast. Operations and routine normal.
22 Jan 45
Rain and high winds. Seton to stay at Canoe Pass this evening for possible run tomorrow. Everything normal.
23 Jan 45
Weather clearing, decreasing wind. Seton contacted and is expected tomorrow. Operations and routine normal.
24 Jan 45
Clear bright day. Seton at Canoe Pass but unable to have run in because of dangerous condition of north and south landings. Operations and routine normal.
25 Jan 45
Clear and bright during the day with rain towards evening. The Seton came over from Canoe Pass and five trips were made. Five men went out on leave and posting including F/O Campbell, Commanding Officer enroute to Commanding Officer's Conference and the leave. Seven men came in returning from leave and new postings. New films came in and also the pay which did much to creat a happy atmosphere about the camp.
26 Jan 45
Clear, with moderately heavy seas running. Operations and routine normal.
27 Jan 45
Continued good weather, clear and bright. Heavy seas on both landings. Everything normal.
28 Jan 45
Clear and cold with moderately heavy seas. Operations and routine normal.
29 Jan 45
Clear and bright with decreasing winds. The Seton left for Prince Rupert and is expected back at the end of the week. Plans are progressing to have a rifle competition on Sunday. The GDs barracks is being painted by the occupants who are taking a keen interest in their work. Everything normal.
30 Jan 45
Clear and bright. Ocean calm. Operations and routine normal.
31 Jan 45
Clear and bright. Sea very calm. Routine normal.
Unit Strength: Officers - 2, Sr NCOs - 5, ORs - 46, Total 53.
(AA Takefham) F/O
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Feb 45
Clear with increasing winds. Routine normal.
2 Feb 45
Clear and bright. Seton expected back at Alliford Bay from Prince Rupert today. Operations and routine normal.
3 Feb 45
Overcast with heavy seas, high winds and rain. A meeting of all station personnel nominated a Canteen and Messing Committee and a Recreation Committee. Routine normal.
4 Feb 45
Overcast with intermittent rain. A station rifle shoot was held in the afternoon with a large part of station personnel participating. A bingo game was held in the evening and proved to be very popular. There were prizes for both afternoon and evening entertainment. The Seton is expected tomorrow. Operations and routine normal.
5 Feb 45
Overcast with continued rain. The Seton arrived and with a fairly calm sea on the north landing, several trips were made. Five airmen went out and six came in. The YMCA representative came in and will probably be here for a week. With the coming of mail and new movies the morale of the station was definitely higher. Everything normal.
6 Feb 45
Heavy seas and high winds with rain. Operations and routine normal.
7 Feb 45
Clearing with moderate seas. Seton expected on special run in the morning. Operations quiet. Routine normal.
8 Feb 45
Clear and bright with heavy seas running. Seton made trip out but after several unsuccessful attempts to launch rowboat the Seton returned to Canoe Pass. Everything normal.
9 Feb 45
Rain and increasing winds. Because of heavy seas Seton returned to Alliford. Operations and routine normal.
10 Feb 45
High winds and heavy seas. Gale warnings were received and precautions taken. Operations quiet and routine normal.
11 Feb 45
Winds reached gale velocity. The entire island took a terrific pounding from high seas. Part of the board walk in front of Admin Building washed away by the waves. Water pipe line from pumphouse to water storage tanks badly broken in four or five places. Repairs impossible to be made until storm abates because of trees continually being blown down along the path. Walk from diesel house to operations badly smashed in several places due to falling trees. An attempt was made to use the distillation unit until repair could be made to the water line. This proved impossible because the intake pipe for sea water was continually washed in due to the high seas. It is hoped that the wind will die down so that an estimate of damage can be taken and repairs started at first light in the morning. Operations quiet.
12 Feb 45
Rain, sleet and snow during the day with high winds and rough seas. All available men worked on repairs to water pipe line. Work completed in late afternoon and water pumped. A whist drive was held in the evening and proved very successful. Operations quiet.
13 Feb 45
Increasing winds making further repairs to damaged areas around camp impossible because of falling trees. Operations very quiet.
14 Feb 45
Clear and bright with calm seas. Large crew of men started clearing the walk to operations and making repairs. The Babine made the run out from Alliford Bay bringing in movies, mail and supplies. Among the passengers were F/L Burchill, Protestant Padre and F/L Kelly, Independent Inventory Checker. A Corporal Diesel Fitter also arrived to start overhaul job on all units. Operations quiet and routine normal.
15 Feb 45
Clear with calm seas. Work on walk to Ops completed and now serviceable. Quarterly Overhaul party arrived on the hospital boat which came over on a special run. A general cleanup of the station will be effected while the overhaul party is here. Everything normal.
16 Feb 45
Clear and bright. General cleanup work done around station. Operations off the air starting quarterly overhaul. Routine normal.
17 Feb 45
Continued good weather. Operations on quarterly overhaul. Routine normal.
18 Feb 45
Weather fair with increasing winds. Services were held by F/L Burchill, Protestant Padre, in Rec Hall. All off duty personnel attended. Routine normal.
19 Feb 45
Increased winds and heavy seas with intermittent rain and sleet. Quarterly overhaul nearly completed. Routine normal.
20 Feb 45
Overcast with rain. North landing fair. Expect Seton to make run out tomorrow. Quarterly overhaul completed and operations back on the air. Stock taking by Independent Inventory Checker progressing. Routine normal.
21 Feb 45
Rain with high winds. Seton attempted run out but weather turned worse and the boat returned. Operations quiet and routine normal.
22 Feb 45
Continuing poor weather. Seton returned to Alliford Bay. Overhaul on all three diesels nearing completion. Inventory still in the process of being checked. Everything normal.
23 Feb 45
Mild and overcast. Seton arrived and although conditions of sea were only fair, four trips were managed and all supplies brought ashore. Quarterly overhaul party left having completed their work here. Overhaul on diesels also completed and Corporal Diesel Fitter here doing the repairs returned to Alliford Bay. Operations quiet. Routine normal.
24 Feb 45
Clear with moderate winds. Stock taking nearing completion. Everything normal.
25 Feb 45
Fair and mild. Inventory completed and signed. F/L Kelly and assistant were to leave on the hospital boat but both Alliford Bay and this Unit were unable to contact boat. Operations and routine normal.
26 Feb 45
Clear with high winds. Hospital ship made run out from Canoe pass but unable to get passengers out to her. Everything normal.
27 Feb 45
Mild with intermittent rain. Repairs were started on the pumphouse which was damaged by a falling tree. Hospital ship returned to pick up F/L Kelly and Equipment Assistant. Operations quiet and routine normal.
28 Feb 45
Turning colder with north easterly winds. Everything normal.
Unit Strength: Officers - 2, Sr NCOs - 5, ORs - 45, Total 52.
(AA Takefham) F/O
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Mar 45
Rain with increasing winds. Repairs to pumphouse were delayed because of dangerous winds. Operations quiet and routine normal.
2 Mar 45
Exceedingly high winds with occasional rain. Whist drive held in the evening which proved very popular. Everything normal.
3 Mar 45
Mild with wind changing to the south. Seton arrived in late afternoon and five passengers were taken off. The boat left to anchor at Van Harbour to return in the morning with load of oil. Everything normal.
4 Mar 45
Overcast with occasional rain. Seton came over from Van Harbour and boat made one trip out on the north landing. because of treacherous conditions of the sea no attempt was made to return to shore and seamen and rowboat went back to Alliford Bay on board the Seton. Routine normal.
5 Mar 45
Clear and bright. New carpenter started work on necessary repairs around the camp. MMMT man inspecting all motors on the Unit and servicing them. Operations quiet and routine normal.
6 Mar 45
Rain with increasing wind. General repairs around the camp continuing. Operation and routine normal.
7 Mar 45
Rain and sleet with south east wind. General meeting of all personnel held. Several topics of Unit interest were discussed also talk on Red Cross appeal now in progress on this Unit. Everything normal.
8 Mar 45
Continuing poor weather. Seton at Canoe Pass but unable to complete trip because of poor landing conditions. Operations quiet, routine normal.
9 Mar 45
High winds with rain and hail. Repairs made to F/M aerials, damaged by wind. Operations quiet and routine normal.
10 Mar 45
Clear with high winds and rough seas. The F/M off the air, repairs being made to transmitter. Operations and routine normal.
11 Mar 45
Winds decreased but seas still rough. Seton attempted trip out but turned back. This Unit's F/M now serviceable but trouble existing at Alliford Bay keeping F/M off the air. Routine normal.
12 Mar 45
Overcast with rain and sleet, clearing up towards evening. Seton unable to come out because of landing conditions. F/M back on the air. Routine normal.
13 Mar 45
Continued poor weather conditions with heavy seas. Routine and operations normal.
14 Mar 45
Overcast with high winds. Routine and operations normal.
15 Mar 45
Clear and bright with calm seas. Seton made run out from Alliford Bay with rations and seven trips were made. Among incoming personnel were F/L Campbell and F/L Garnett, Personnel Counsellor from Alliford Bay. Everything normal.
16 Mar 45
Clear and bright with calm seas. Seton arrived with load of oil which was brought ashore. In the evening F/L Garnett gave a talk on post-war rehabilitation to station personnel. Everything normal.
17 Mar 45
Cold and clear with calm seas. Operations and routine normal.
18 Mar 45
Overcast with increasing wind from the south west. Seton attempted trip late in the afternoon but turned back because of high seas. Routine normal.
19 Mar 45
High winds with stormy seas. Routine normal.
20 Mar 45
Overcast and stormy. Routine normal.
21 Mar 45
Stormy with heavy seas. Painting of Operations building progressing. Routine normal.
22 Mar 45
Continued bad weather. Routine normal. Operations quiet.
23 Mar 45
Stormy with heavy seas. Routine normal.
24 Mar 45
Strong south winds with high seas. Operations quiet. Routine normal.
25 Mar 45
Decreasing winds but landings still poor. Expect Seton tomorrow. Routine normal.
26 Mar 45
Clear day, north landing good. Seton arrived in early afternoon and new Commanding Officer arrived to take over from F/L Campbell. Routine normal.
27 Mar 45
Increasing winds, moderately rough seas. Routine and operations normal.
28 Mar 45
Seton arrived in early afternoon and one trip made in rough seas. F/O Takefman left the Unit. Routine and operations normal. Two Sergeant Radar Mechanics arrived on posting.
29 Mar 45
Increasing winds. Seton made trip out but landings impossible. Operations and routine normal.
30 Mar 45
High winds. Routine normal. Operations quiet.
31 Mar 45
Bright clear day with strong north-west winds. Beacon overhaul continues. Operations quiet, routine normal.
Unit Strength: Officers - 1, Sr NCOs -8, ORs - 45, Total 54.
(WT Oughtred) F/O
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Apr 45
North west wind, moderately high. Good south landing. Seton in with oil and one Sgt mechanic. Operations normal. Beacon party of 2 departed.
2 Apr 45
North West wind diminishing. Routine and operations normal.
3 Apr 45
No wind. Routine and operations normal.
4 Apr 45
Little wind. Routine and operations normal.
5 Apr 45
Little wind. Routine and operations normal.
6 Apr 45
Boat in with oil and supplies. No rations. LAC White out on posting abroad. Sgt PTI arrived.
7 Apr 45
No wind. Routine and operations normal.
8 Apr 45
Wind increasing from NW. Routine normal.
9 Apr 45
Wind still increasing. North landing very rough. Routine normal.
10 Apr 45
Wind still increasing. North landing rough. Routine normal.
11 Apr 45
Wind abated in evening. South landing good. Normal routine.
12 Apr 45
No wind. Both landings OK. Routine normal.
13 Apr 45
Seton in. Cpl Normal to Alliford Bay. Normal routine.
14 Apr 45
No wind. Routine and operations normal.
15 Apr 45
No wind. Everything normal.
16 Apr 45
No wind. Everything normal.
17 Apr 45
No wind. Everything normal.
18 Apr 45
Seton in for last trip. F/L Beaumont arrived.
19 Apr 45
Wind still low. Routine normal.
20 Apr 45
Routine normal
21 Apr 45
Routine normal
22 Apr 45
Babine in. Cpl Norman returned with stores from Alliford. Sgt Radul "Admin" arrived.
23 Apr 45
Victory Loan #8 commenced. First days sales short of quota by small amount. Huron in with mail forgotten previous day. F/L McGuigan RCAF RC Padre arrived.
24 Apr 45
Victory Loan quota on top. Routine otherwise normal.
25 Apr 45
Routine and operations normal.
26 Apr 45
Wind slightly increased. North landing fairly rough.
27 Apr 45
Babine trip postponed due to lack of boats at Alliford.
28 Apr 45
Routine normal.
29 Apr 45
Babine in. Landing good. Three men in. Jollimore out to Dentist at Alliford.
30 Apr 45
Babine returned to unload lumber. Sunny and warm. No wind.
Unit Strength: Officers - 2, Sr NCOs -13, ORs - 42, Total 57.
(WT Oughtred) F/O
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 May 45
Cloudy and rainy. High winds. Routine normal.
2 May 45
Cloudy and rain. Routine normal.
3 May 45
Windy and rain.
4 May 45
Babine arrived. Sunny.
5 May 45
Sunny. Routine normal.
6 May 45
Babine in. Sunny.
7 May 45
"Cease Fire". Warm and sunny.
8 May 45
VE Day.Warm and sunny.
9 May 45
VE Day. Rainy.
10 May 45
Babine arrived with oil but too rough to land. Back to Canoe Pass for night.
11 May 45
Huron came out today with LAC Eyford and took off 4 men. Seas still rough.
12 May 45
Sunny and warm.
13 May 45
Sunny and warm. Babine in with oil.
14 May 45
Rain.
15 May 45
Rain. Babine in with 84 barrels of oil. S/L Brown and F/L Burns in.
16 May 45
Sunny.
17 May 45
Sunny. S/L Brown and F/L Burns out on Huron.
18 May 45
Foggy.
19 May 45
Babine in. Overcast, foggy.
20 May 45
Overcast all day.
21 May 45
Overcast, high winds.
22 May 45
Babine in. Windy but bright and sunny.
23 May 45
Windy. Cloudy.
24 May 45
Windy. Cold and cloudy.
25 May 45
Clearing and sunny.
26 May 45
Babine in.
27 May 45
Very warm and sunny.
28 May 45
High winds and foggy.
29 May 45
High winds, 50% sun. Huron in.
30 May 45
Windy, chilly.
31 May 45
Partially cloudy and windy. Huron and Babine in.
Unit Strength: Officers - 2, Sr NCOs -12, ORs - 39, Total 53. (2 Sr NCOs, 5 ORs not yet reported.)
(WT Oughtred) F/O
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Jun 45
Sunny and windy. Huron in.
2 Jun 45
Sunny and windy. Huron in.
3 Jun 45
Sunshine, no wind.
4 Jun 45
Babine in. Calm and sunny.
5 Jun 45
Babine in again. S/L Brown out.
6 Jun 45
Clear and bright.
7 Jun 45
WAC Inspection party arrived in Huron. Party included A/C Smith, G/C Secord, W/C McFadgen, S/L Limbrick, S/L Burridge. Babine also in. Weather fair.
8 Jun 45
Rain and cloudy. Babine in. Three men in.
9 Jun 45
Routine normal.
10 Jun 45
Routine normal.
11 Jun 45
Routine normal.
12 Jun 45
Babine in. F/L Beaumont leaves.
13 Jun 45
Routine and operation normal. Weather dull and windy.
14 Jun 45
Routine normal.
15 Jun 45
Routine and operations normal.
16 Jun 45
Babine in. Weather good.
17 Jun 45
Routine and operations normal.
18 Jun 45
Huron in. Alliford Bay SMO, F/O Galbraith, Armament. Dynamite dump blown up.
19 Jun 45
Routine normal.
20 Jun 45
Babine in. Weather too bad to land all rations.
21 Jun 45
Routine normal. Weather bad.
22 Jun 45
Routine normal. Weather improving.
23 Jun 45
Routine normal.
24 Jun 45
Babine in, 7 men arrived. F/L Pitchard, new CO arrived.
25 Jun 45
Babine in. 1 man left.
26 Jun 45
Routine. Sunny day.
27 Jun 45
Huron in. F/O Oughtred left unit. Mr A Richardson, Dept of National Health Inspector, arrived on Huron.
28 Jun 45
Mr Richardson left on Huron at 1400. Routine normal.
29 Jun 45
Fair for greater part of day, then rain. Babine arrived. Pay parade held.
30 Jun 45
Raining steadily. F/S Beach (Alliford Fitter Diesel) commenced overhaul of No 1 Diesel.
Unit Strength: Officers - 1, Sr NCOs - 11, ORs - 37, TD - 3, Total 52.
(EW Pritchard) F/L
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Jul 45
Cloudy and dull. Both landings in rough condition. M/V Babine expected at 2000 but purposely delayed until 2200. Sgt Radul, Sgt Granthan and Cpl Marin left on posting. Sgt Krupa left on leave. F/S Beach returned to Alliford Bay. Sgt Lysyshyn returned from leave. Greater part of monthly reports completed and mailed. Bingo game played in Rec Hall in the evening.
2 Jul 45
Dull and chilly for the time of year. Routine normal. Volleyball played in the afternoon. Picture show in the evening.
3 Jul 45
Weather dull. Normal day, nothing further of interest.
4 Jul 45
Calm. Arrangements made for Trade Test Board and Medical Exmaination of Pacific Volunteers. Volleyball played. Posting signal for Cpl Smith and LAC Harper received. WOG section given new life!
5 Jul 45 Dull, but a calm sea. G/C Schroeder, S/L Stevens and four others inspected unit. F/L Mathieson (Personnel Branch of WAC) and the Protestant Padre from Alliford Bay remained overnight to talk to the boys and to hold a service. Cpl Adams left on leave. LAC Ray returned from leave. 6 Jul 45 Fair. M/V Huron in at 1000 hr to take F/L Mathieson to Alliford Bay. Party for trade test left island (LAC Dupee, Charettem, Bysouth, Buebert, Van de Veen, Street). Fire Fighting equipment checked. Volleyball and educational films for recreation. 7 Jul 45 Chilly. M/V Huron arrived 1230. Trade test party of Dupee, Guebert and Van de Veen returned. Cpl Fonseca and 1 AC of 2 TSU arrived to carry out modifications on technical equipment. 8 Jul 45 Calm at sea. Babine in at 1445. Following left for Pacific Medical examination: Smith, Harper, Lissel, Johnson. Following returned to unit: Cpl Bagutti off leave, Cpl Sandy off leave, LAC Street and Bysouth from Trade Test. Sgt Moore and FS Crowston reported in on posting. Two relief WOGs arrived from Alliford Bay. No 2 TSU party returned to Alliford Bay. Rations and canteen supplies unloaded. Film shown in the Rec hall in the evening. 9 Jul 45 Fair and calm. M/V Huron in at 1430 returning Sgt Johnson, Cpl Smith, Cpl Lissel and LAC Harper from Medical Board. Two relief WOGs left. FS Crowston busy organizing the Orderly Room. Carpenter started on shed for storing pipe. Picture show in the evening. 10 Jul 45 Fair weather. Routine normal. 11 Jul 45 Dull. Nothing unusual. Signals received re posting of Cpl Smith and LAC Harper, LAC Morrison and Cpl Norman. 12 Jul 45 Windy. Normal routine. Septic tanks flushed and now runs freely. 13 Jul 45 Dull but calm. Babine arrived at 0800 hrs. Sgt Johnson, LAC Vass returned from leave. Sgt Fitzgerald from 9 CMU arrived to inspect pumphouse. LAC Hokenson, Seaman from Alliford Bay arrived on attachment. Cpls Osborne, Meier, and LAC Meier left on leave. LAC Jollimore ceased attachment from Alliford Bay on proceeding on leave. Sgt Fitzgerald inspected chlorination devices, pump and evaporator. Pay parade held. Educational films shown in the evening. 14 Jul 45 Raining all day. Bare routines. Whist drive held in the Airmen's Canteen. 15 Jul 45 Dull at first, then sunshine. M/V Seton made its first run after overhaul replacing M/V Babine. F/L Pearson and F/O Richardson arrived at Unit. Cpl Morris left on leave. Rowboat 658 arrived. Sgt Fitzgerald having completed his inspection left the island. Picture show in the evening. 16 Jul 45 A grand change to have a full day of sunshine, even though it was windy. F/L Pearson and Mr Richardson carefully inspecting the unit prior to taking over duties. 17 Jul 45 Dull. M/V Seton in at 0810. LAC Langpap arrived on posting. LACs Harper, Shore and Maglio left on posting. First installment of winter fuel oil brought ashore, 31 barrels. Check of equipment inventory commenced. Picture show in the evening. 18 Jul 45 Overcast. Checking of inventory continued. Voluntary party cutting wood. Volleyball games held. 19 Jul 45 Raining during morning, cloudy but calm. Fuel oil taken up hill to diesel house and dumped into storage tank. Table tennis and snooker tournament held. 20 Jul 45 Overcast, gale warnings received, but not much wind noted. Huron in 0900. F/L Pritchard left on posting to No 8 RC for retirement. Picture show in the evening. 21 Jul 45 Rainy, then cleared a little. M/V Seton in at 1400 hrs. Too much surf to permit landing of 1500 pound generators. Seton returned to Canoe Pass. Picture Show in evening. FS Moisey and Cpl Hamilton, 9 CMU, arrived for Diesel overhaul. 22 Jul 45 Rainy in morning. Weather at south landing too rough at 0800 and 1000. Finally called M/V Seton over from Canoe Pass at 1500 and managed to land one generator about 1730 hrs. M/V Seton returned to Canoe Pass for the night with two generators still aboard. 23 Jul 45 Dull, showers. LAC Armstrong taken by Huron directly to Sandspit to catch plane (father seriously ill). Seton in 1100 hrs. Tried to get generator on to scow but the water was too rough. Rope caught in Seton's propellor. Seton returned to Canoe Pass, returned at 1610. One generator brought in through east channel, but it was a difficult manoeuver. Seton returned to Alliford Bay with one generator still aboard. Picture show in evening (Second showing). 24 Jul 45 Fairly calm day, some sunshine. M/V Seton in 1600 with Diesel spares, generator, rations, etc. Cpl Smith and LAC Street left on posting. LAC Grabowsky returned from leave. LAc Charette returned from Hospital, Alliford Bay, and LAC Wilson and AC1 Levasseur arrived on posting from Alliford Bay. Educational films shown in evening. Beer ration arrived. 25 Jul 45 Bare routine. South landing rough. Seton stayed at Alliford. 9 CMU phoned, no woodcutters coming for some time yet. Checking over tech site in PM. No rain to speak of. 26 Jul 45 Raining heavily until evening. Table in kitchen and mess hall being painted with white enamel. Seton in with 25 barrels 1845. LAC Baker, ROG, left for discharge. Cpl Collett, Hosp Assistant, arrived. 27 Jul 45 Some rain, then let up but still dull. Seton in about 1400. 40 barrels in, 30 empties taken away. South landing fair. Cpl Moreau, Hosp Asst, left on leave and posting. 28 Jul 45 No boat today. Raining in morning. Bright and windy in afternoon. Trolley jumped track, being repaired. Diesel overhaul concluded. "Cindy", the camp mascot, had 10 pups. 29 Jul 45 Seton arrived 0930. FS Moisey and Cpl Hamilton left. LAC Jones, Fitter Diesel, arrived on posting. 18 barrels of oil and 7 of asphalt brought ashore. Seton left around 1600 hrs. 30 Jul 45 Routine. Weather calm. No boat in. 31 Jul 45 Weather calm. Volleyball games held in afternoon. Routine normal. Unit Strength: Officers - 3, Airmen - 45, Total 48. (JRH Pearson) F/L
CO No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC
1 Aug 45
Clear day. Windy in afternoon. Normal routine.
2 Aug 45
Clear weather. Seton in at 1130 hours. F/L Wellwood, SMO, and N/S Bradley-Dyne from Alliford Bay inspected Station. Five Radar Mech. left on posting to Alliford for reposting to Release Centres. Nine airmen proceeded to Canoe Pass to see a concert party and returned at 1800 hours. LAC Cutler, Radar Mech arrived on posting. Picture show held in evening, the first show in 10 days. An earth tremour was felt about 1345 hours.
3 Aug 45
Clear weather. Usual routine. Picture show in evening.
4 Aug 45
Clear weather. Usual routine. Picture show in evening.
5 Aug 45
Clear weather. Seton arrived 1230 hours. Sgt. MacAurthur, Cpl Conrad, LAW Gibert and LAC Miller visited station. F/L Pearson, LAC Hokenson, and LAC Bysouth went to Alliford Bay on temporary duty. Picture show held in evening.
6 Aug 45
Clear. Ceased operations at 1530 hours on signalled authority from WAC. Began dismantling radar gear. Educational films shown in evening.
7 Aug 45
Rain in morning, clearing in mid morning. Work continued on dismantling of equipment.
8 Aug 45
Seton arrived 1515 hours with rations and crating lumber. F/L Pearson returned. Second showing of film in evening. Dismantling of technical gear continued. Weather clear.
9 Aug 45
Seton in 1745. FS Grabler, 9 CMU, and six airmen arrived. LAC Coleman, seaman from Alliford arrived. These men are to assist in closing of station.
10 Aug 45
Weather clear. Packing up continuing. Picture show in evening.
11 Aug 45
Weather clear. Windy. S/L Nesbitt, F/L Hansen, 9 CMU, and FS Peel, 3 RD, arrived. S/L Nesbitt returned.
12 Aug 45
Weather clear and windy. Packing continued.
13 Aug 45
Seton in 0745 with log raft. Five 9 CMU men arrived. Operation Order No 60 received ordering disbandment received effective 10 August, 1945.
14 Aug 45
First raft left unit this date. Everyone feels that disbandment is really progressing and we will be out in a very short time.
15 Aug 45
F/M dismantled. Only communication now by wireless. Cpl Kirby, Equip Asst, and Sgt Chenery, F/M Mech, arrived to assist in disbanding. Seton arrived with raft during a heavy sea and some trouble was encountered in fixing the raft in a good position for loading.
16 Aug 45
Plans had called for loading a raft today and getting everything off the island that was to be taken. The sea was too rough and no loading was attempted. The clear weather broke and rain came at intervals during the day. The Huron was scheduled to arrive in the evening but had to turn back because of poor landing conditions. During the night the cable snapped on the raft.
17 Aug 45
A great deal of work and time was spent in securing the raft after breaking loose during the night. The Seton arrived but as it was too rough to load it took Sgt Chenery, Sgt. Bolton, Cpls Parent, Drost, and LACs Bower and Vogler out.
18 Aug 45
Personnel tired of waiting for weather to clear and loaded raft in heavy seas. Seton arrived in evening and took raft out. 1 9 CMU departed on posting, and 1 9 CMU and 1 27RU went with Seton to unload raft.
19 Aug 45
Seton arrived with raft and S/L Nesbitt. S/L Nesbitt returned to Alliford. The last raft was loaded with three Diesels and all remaining equipment. The Seton returned in the evening and took off the raft and 18 men.
20 Aug 45
The Seton arrived in the morning and took off the remaining 14 officers and men. Remainder of personnel were picked up at Canoe Pass and all returned to Alliford on the landing barge. This is the last of No 27 RU as a separate unit, all future closing operations will be handled by RCAF Station, Alliford Bay.
(JRH Pearson) F/L
Commanding Officer,
No 27 Radio Unit,
Marble Island, BC.