DAILY DIARY
28 RADIO DETACHMENT - CAPE ST JAMES, BC.
August 26, 1943 to December 31, 1943
No. 28 Radio Detachment was formed under authority of Secret Organization Order No 91
26 Aug 43
F/O SA Clark, OC No 28 R Det, arrived on M/V "Cape Canso" at 0800 hrs. Also arrived Sgt Foster, CO, senior RDF Mechanic, and AC1 Baker, F, WOG, on posting to No 28 Det, and FS Laidlaw, Diesel Fitter, to instal Diesels. FS Saunders of No 2 MU and party of three arrived for installation work, of which one, Cpl Stevenson, RW is to remain at No 28 Det as RDF Operator.
Work on unloading equipment from scow and transporting gantry steel up to site proceeded. Inspection of station made by F/O SA Clark, construction practically complete, held up for lack of pumps and storage tanks for distillation plant. Work on installation of Diesels progressing.
Shipment arrived of some barrack equipment, 3 Diesel generator and spares, gantry steel and turntable, gantry hut, switch board and dist board for power house.
P/O Hummel, i/c No 9 CMU party during construction work showed great readiness to co-operate with station personnel. Many valuable additions have been made to the camp site in the way of board walks, stairways to quarters, etc on P/O Hummel's own initiative.
M/V "Cape Canso" left for Bella Bella to get rations for crew, returning immediately.
27 Aug 43
Completed transporting steel for gantry up hillside to site. Heavier pieces caused some trepidation, as winch operated railway had not been used for such weights before, but all were successfully taken up.
Signal from WAC advising arrival of tanker with fuel oil early on Aug 28. Every effort being made to get either M/V "Gull" or "Cape Canso" here to transport crew to Rose Harbour for unloading. Signal received at 1745 hrs making it difficult to arrange boat passage, as neither "Gull" nor "Cape Canso" will make trip down here at night, and to reach Rose Harbour early tomorrow should leave here by daylight.
Weather cloudy with light winds in am, blowing up to rain in afternoon.
28 Aug 43
Bright clear day, some wind. F/O SA Clark and 11 men including whole installation crew from No 2 MU left via "Gull" for Rose Harbour. Several hours delay caused by rope fouling propellor of M/V "Gull". On arrival at Rose Harbour at 2100 hours found tanker "Mastodon" had not arrived. Whole party spent night in shack at Rose Harbour. F/S Laidlaw has almost completed installation of Diesels.
29 Aug 43
Fine clear day. Tanker "Mastodon" arrived at Rose Harbour at 0830 hours, was all unloaded by 1200 hours, 208 drums on scow and 302 on dock. "Gull" arrived from Cape St James, bringing No 9 CMU men who are returning to Vancouver via SS "Camosun". Too late to return to Cape St James tonight.
30 Aug 43
Fine clear day. Unloading party left Rose Harbour aboard "Gull" at 1330 hrs, arrived back at Cape St James 1630 hrs.
Power house completed, awaiting diesel parts and lubricating oil. Eavestrough on nearly all buildings. Distilling units completed, but installation crew unable to operate them. At present, all water must be brought in via M/V "Gull" in steel barrels at no more than ten per trip. This does not provide enough for more than drinking and cooking purposes. Signal sent to WAC requesting operator for distilling apparatus be sent immediately.
31 Aug 43
Clear and no wind in am, light rain in pm "Cape Canso" arrived, towing drums on scow. Unloading took whole personnel of camp busy until dark. "Cape Canso" left for Rose Harbour to get gravel and will return tomorrow - also bringing coal. Motor winch at operations site rigged to pull turntable over to foundation of tower. Work interrupted to unload oil. LAC McQuiggen, from Bella Bella reported, to instal remote lines.
STRENGTH: Officers - 1, Airmen - 3
(SA Clark) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 28 Radio Detachment, RCAF,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Sep 43
Overcast but otherwise fair. Work proceeding as fast as possible. "Cape Canso" brought down load of coal (approx 25 tons). All hands called in to unload. F/O SA Clark boarded "Cape Canso" to go to Alliford Bay. Left Cape St James 2130 hrs.
2 Sep 43
Work proceeding, steel work on gantry tower being executed. Power house installations completed. Weather fair during day, heavy rain at night.
3 Sep 43
F/S Laidlaw left detachment on "Gull" to catch SS "Camosun" at Rose Harbour. F/O Clark aboard "Cape Canso" arrived at Rose Harbour at 1200 hrs. "Camosun" did not arrive today.
4 Sep 43
Fair, clear day. SS "Camosun" arrived at Rose Harbour and brought 6 security guards and Sgt Hicks, who is to install the R/T equipment. Also on the "Camosun" was a quantity of equipment and rations. By the time all the freight was unloaded from the "Camosun" on to the scow, it was too late to make the trip to Cape St James and unload, as both "Gull" and "Cape Canso" remained at Rose Harbour. The newly arrived personnel slept in the hold of the "Canso" after dining on freshly caught salmon.
5 Sep 43
Fair, clear, some wind. F/O SA Clark and newly arrived personnel arrived at Cape St James at 0830 hrs. All personnel were set to work unloading equipment from the scow. Some rations were lost when swell caused scow to lift just as loaded hook was lifting tray from scow deck. Security Guards housed in new quarters. Canteen opened with supplies purchased from RCAF Station, Alliford Bay. Administration building almost finished, other buildings likewise.
6 Sep 43
Weather clear, fine. Work on gantry proceeding well. Pulled transmitter up to site, also remainder of technical equipment. Opened temporary canteen wiht supplies bought from Alliford Bay. Several long signal messages in RAF cypher received and decoded.
7 Sep 43
Weather clear and fine. Transmitter and receiver installed in Operations bldg, not wired. Gantry hut erected. RDF personnel succeeded in operating evaporators and producing a limited amount of distilled water. The only other water supply at present is that brought in steel drums from Rose Harbour, 17 miles distant. Lack of proper pumps makes regular operation of evaporators impossible. F/O Mudrick, Group Radio Officer, No 4 Group, flew over the detachment in a Stranraer and signalled that he would land at Rose Harbour and come up by boat. He did not arrive however. P/O Hummel and his crew left via "Cape Canso" for Huxley, to catch SS "Camosun". Two security guards volunteered to take on duty of cooking.
8 Sep 43
Weather clear and fine. MV "Gull" arrived bringing F/O Mudrick, who made a tour of the Detachment. Trouble developed in the kitchen when the two volunteer cooks had a disagreement and came to blows. Both declared they would cook no longer but after talking the matter over with the OC agreed to patch up their troubles and difficulties and remain on duty. First steps being taken to organize correspondence and files. Mail has been accumulating since early last spring. Equipment has been transferred from beneath mess hall to recreation hall for sorting. Rifles and ammunition issued to all personnel.
9 Sep 43
High winds all night, but clear, fine day followed. Sea fairly calm. "Cape Canso" was signalled last night to pick up F/O Mudrick before leaving for Bella Bella but skipper decided rations were too low to delay and proceeded without him. MV "Gull" arrived with barrels of water, and brought back Sgt Hicks who had gone up with the No 9 CMU men to see if any of his signals equipment was still aboard the "Camosun". A GR10 RX was recovered. Cpl Oakley, RJ, WOG reported on posting from No 2 Group HQ. Work proceeding well on gantry. Security guards set to work building latrines, necessary because of lack of water to operate plumbing system. Sgt Foster, CO spent all day operating evaporators and succeeded in producing about 500 gallons of water. Nominal roll cyphered and signalled to Bella Bella making a message of over 200 groups.
10 Sep 43
Clear fine day, sea very calm. F/O Mudrick left via MV "Gull" for Rose Harbour to enplane for Bella Bella. Signal received from WAC sending "Gull" to Vancouver for overhaul. One of the two cooks volunteered for several days duty on "Gull" to replace No 9 CMU man who has left. Other cook still on job, but fears he has scabies and was, therefore, prohibited from handling food, remaining in a supervisory capacity only. Sgt Hicks is installing new R/T and W/T aerials. Cpl Oakley assisting. AC1 Bruce and LAC Downey, WOGs, returned to Bella Bella via a/c with F/O Mudrick. Work proceeding on gantry very well. F/L Clark having officer's quarters prepared for his use.
11 Sep 43
Weather clear and fair. Work proceeding on installation of secret equipment and communications equipment. Security Guards being used as carpenters, cooks etc in addition ot their regular duty. Rifles distributed to all personnel. Signals equipment moved from temporary quarters to permanent home in Admin Bldg. Circuit established with Alliford Bay, BC on 3925 KCs.
12 Sep 43
Weather dull and hazy in am, clearing later to a bright fine day Warships or other large vessels, seen on horizon to westward proceeding south. "Cape Canso" arrived about 1600 hrs bringing coal from Bella Bella. Some of No 9 CMU equipment loaded on scow after coal removed. All personnel worked until 1730 hrs with unloading. F/O Simpson, skipper of MV "Cape Canso" reported that F/L Lee-Warner, Bella Bella, had informed him that BA was now parent unit of the Detachment. Signal at once sent to Bella Bella and Alliford Bay to confirm this. Alliford Bay replied that they were still parent unit.
13 Sep 43
Weather continues fine and clear. Locks installed on all doors in operation bldg now that equipment is uncrated. Gantry completed, feeders installed, wiring to gantry proceeding. "Cape Canso" arrived with scow and coal. Coal unloaded and some No 9 CMU equipment loaded on scow. F/O Simpson, master "Cape Canso" reports that vessel must take No 9 CMU equipment to Bella Bella immediately, although detachment needs rations and has not drawn any since Sept 2/43.
14 Sep 43
Rough sea and fair wind in morning, calming down later in day, sky clear. "Cape Canso" and "Gull" arrived from Rose Harbour with rest of coal cargo, had to lay to in near bay until seas subsided and tide rose. All hands took part in unloading scow and loading No 9 CMU equipment aboard. Coal storage building threatened to capsize with weight of coal, so several final tons were stacked outside. "Cape Canso" and "Gull" left 2200 hrs taking LAC Craig to Bella Bella for medical attention and Cpl Rowett out on posting. F/O Clark made every effort to persuade master of "Cape Canso" to make trip to Alliford Bay first, but was informed that definite orders has been received to take No 9 CMU equipment out first to Bella Bella en route to Vancouver. It appears likely that "Cape Canso" will be gone for a week, before it can return here to start for Alliford Bay to draw rations and pay for detachment personnel, etc. Unloading and loading operations continued until 2200 hrs as tomorrow has been declared a holiday.
15 Sep 43
Work started on transferring emergency rations to proper building (previously used by No 9 CMU as an equipment stores) also all bedding and other equipment being centralized in the Rec Hall. Notice posting re censorship of all outgoing mail. Ration situation reviewed, very little sugar, bacon, and meat left. Bread that is unused is becoming mouldy. "Cape Canso" and "Gull" returned at 1700 hrs bringing mail from Rose Harbour, some equipment, and three airmen Cpl Mccoll & LAC Halowaty, Diesel Fitters, and LAC Shear, WM. Boats left at 1830 hrs to go to Bella Bella and Vancouver.
16 Sep 43
Fine weather continues. Work very well advanced in installing RDF Equipment, TX and RX turned on. Aerial rotated, trace obtained. Telling R/T aerial also successfully installed, only needs new lead in, wire for which arrived yesterday. Evaporators run again today, some difficulty found in starting second unit, but success finally acheived. Emergency rations all moved to proper bldg and stock list made. Signal received from WAC granting our request that "Cape Canso" take No 9 CMU equipment to Alliford Bay, too late, as "Cape Canso" already left for Vancouver. Signal sent to WAC asking use of "Midnight Sun" for one trip, as fuel oil at Rose Harbour should be brought down while weather permits.
17 Sep 43
Weather still fine and clear. Meeting of all NCOs called. Various departments of endeavour allotted each, such as Defence, Safety, Fire Prevention, Sanitation etc. Sanitation situation regarding outside toilets reviewed. One at lower camp cleaned out with fire hose and gas pump, will be moved to new location. Diesel men installed work bench and started cleanup of evaporator house. Combination to safe received by secret signal and put to use. Rations now consist of eggs, corned beef, potatoes and carrots. Bread nearly all gone, fresh meat finished, bacon finished.
18 Sep 43
Weather somewhat deteriorated, misty, slight rain, low ceiling and visibility. Work of installing RDF equipment pretty well finished, only tuning up and checking now to be done. R/T RX aerial installed, no antenna wire for TX yet. Diesel men checking spare parts for power house and evaporator plant, building benches, lockers etc for tools and equipment. NCO's i/c fire prevention, sanitation, etc started check-up of camp, some improvements made. Telephone installed at lower, second and top camps. Secret documents transferred from lower camp to operations bldg. File cabinet fitted with lock.
19 Sep 43
Weather still foggy, light intermittent rain, cool but little wind, sea fairly smooth. Two masted steamship sighted on horizon to east, proceeding north, at 1130 hrs. Cpl Selinger i/c demolition discussed plan of action with F/O Clark and will draw up a schedule from the results of the discussion. R/T aerial blew down last night, wire used not strong enough. One Diesel unit in power house u/s due to defective governor.
20 Sep 43
Weather clearing slightly. Four airmen took rowboat to next island for a hunting expedition but failed to find any game. Heating system at operations site found to have been poorly installed. Work of making it right begun. Window screens converted into blackout blinds by covering with tar paper, for barracks. Alterations in evaporator set-up being made to convey exhaust fumes outdoors. Telephone sysem nearly complete. Cpl Selinger, FA volunteered to attempt to bake bread, since all bread is now used up. Results fair.
21 Sep 43
Weather wet and misty with rising wind, temperture moderate. Blackouts installed on all barracks. Evaporators run and fresh water to the limit of our storage capacity, about 500 gals was made. Plumbing changes made in heating system at operations site, and fire started. Equipment being run in and minor faults adjusted. Signal received giving ETA of "Cape Canso" from Vancouver as Sept 25th. Office organization now completed, incoming and outgoing secret and non-secret files, and registers of same, secret document register, miscellaneous signals files etc. Signals section fairly complete.
22 Sep 43
Weather still foggy, damp, wind rose during night from west, but fell during day. Small fire broke out in peat behind security guard barracks, due to hot ashes being dumped. Fire put out and watch kept all night to ensure safety. Precautions against recurrence taken. RDF equipment being run in, five type 5 valves were found to be defective on unpacking, apparently due to rough handling at some time. Equipment being operated 24 hrs daily starting today for thorough breaking in. Equipment being checked and vouchers made out. One small gasoline auxiliary pump burned out a bearing, a new one was located in spare parts stock, and installed.
23 Sep 43
Weather clearing slightly. Fuel oil transferred from one 5000 gal tank to one with proper plug. Docks cleared and washed down with fire hose. Equipment at operations being run in, fault developed in Andrew's cable, moisture apparently penetrated tube.
24 Sep 43
Weather clear, fine little wind during day, rising in evening. Attempt made to dry out Andrew's cable by passing high voltage through lne. Drawers for small spare parts stock being made, logs and records being lined up. No word of boat with rations, expected tomorrow.
25 Sep 43
High wind sprang up during night, weather bad. Party of men had to go to work late last night putting empty oil drums out of way of sea. Weather too bad for work out of doors. All available men put to work in kitchen and mess, floors scrubbed and varnished, table tops painted. No word of "Cape Canso".
26 Sep 43
Weather moderating but seas still heavy. "Cape Canso" had to anchor near Bella Bella and ride out storm, so won't be here for some time. Sanitation squad flushed down garbage disposal point on rocks, chute to be constructed to avoid refuse piling up. Much work done at operations site on lining up spare parts stock, making bins, shelves etc. Emergency rations being used for some commodities, bacon, jam, etc.
27 Sep 43
Weather wet in am, clearing, fine and calm at sunset. Signal received from Bella Bella informing that they are responsible for rations, query on this score signalled to WAC. All available men divided between making new landing raft (old one smashed in rough weather) and clearing up garbage situation. Blasting resorted to in clearing away accumulated refuse and allow clear sweep for fire hose. Raft built and ready for launching. Evaporators run and 800 gals of water produced. Fault in aerial at ops site developed, feeder broke loose.
28 Sep 43
Weather worsened during night, heavy seas and high winds all day, clearing towards night. Concrete for gantry locking blocks poured, garbage disposal chute being made, evaporator house being cleared of heavy spare parts. Trouble being experienced with Type 5 tubes in RDF Transmitter, five of original dozen spares were damaged in transit and several others are proving "soft" after about 100 hrs running. Andrew's cable still shows low resistence between conductors, when weather relaxes intend removing and baking. Extra storage shelves being built in operation building. Tally cards being made out for spare parts. Signal received from MV "Cape Canso", "bound for Huxley Island".
29 Sep 43
A clear fine day, no sign of a boat yet. It is exactly two weeks since a boat of any kind has been to this Detachment. Word received in pm that Canso is at Rose Harbour. Should be down tomorrow. Work on concrete continued and finished, dock tested and found to be too narrow, so additional width built on. Telephone box installed at Power House. C12596 Flying Officer SA Clark and R80458 A/Cpl Selinger, FA and R101447 Cpl McColl, J made an attempt to use a small auxiliary gasoline pump as a marine engine and results not particularly impressive. Wireless reception poor, difficulty experienced in making contact with any other point.
30 Sep 43
Slightly overcast and misty, but calm. Word received from Canso that she was proceeding to this Detachment from Rose Harbour at 1630 hrs, but evidently fog sent her back. Later signal gave 0700 hrs tomorrow as ETA. Trip to Alliford now imperative, rations getting low, as are canteen supplies (exhausted), clothing replacements etc.
STRENGTH: Officers - 1, Airmen - 13
(SA Clark) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 28 Radio Detachment, RCAF,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Oct 43
Calm sea, slight mist. Cape Canso arrived with coal on scow and rations. C12596 Flying Officer SA Clark and four radio mechanics, members of installation party boarded Canso and left for Bella Bella. R106613 Sgt Laverick, WL left at 28 Detachment to check evaporators.
2 Oct 43
Weather still poor. Work being done on secret equipment, removed and shortening of Andrew's Cable going ahead.
3 Oct 43
No data
4 Oct 43
Normal routine. Fresh deer meat a present from Cape Canso, much appreciated. All meat in rations was bad and had to be destroyed.
5 Oct 43
Normal routine. Fender for scow built. Morale good.
6 Oct 43
Normal routine. Andrew's Cable now in proper condition and re-installed. Immediate improvement in reception noted.
7 Oct 43
Weather calm and fairly clear. Cape Canso returned, having been to Bella Bella and Alliford Bay, bringing rations for 30 days and coal, coal stove, rain barrels, outboard motor etc, and personnel as follows: Six RDF Mechanics, one diesel fitter, one WOG, one cook, one Security Guard, one Clerk. R106613 Sgt Laverick, WL left at 28 Detachment to check evaporators, departed on "Cape Canso" for Bella Bella as did R162194 LAC Kester, WR, No 2 MU man.
8 Oct 43
Weather wet, gusty winds. New cook installed in kitchen, schedules of work made for new men. First beer in canteen much enjoyed by all personnel. Recreation Hall opened and furniture set up for occasion.
9 Oct 43
Weather fine in am, some rain and overcast in pm. New clerk R178930 LAC Wilson, JF busy organizing Orderly Room. Lack of typewriter handicap. Sgt Hicks, ER (R66178) has now completed installation of telling circuit aerials and is ready for test with Prince Rupert.
10 Oct 43
Weather fine, windy. Normal working day. R101447 Cpl McColl, J, and R152666 Cpl Houston, ER, Diesel Fitter, set up pumps and pumped salt water into fresh water storage tank to swell it up and close leaks, partly successful. One of the W/T aerials came down due to broken insulator, replaced with stronger one. New RDF mechanics working shifts. Equipment fairly satisfactory, a/c picked up at 50 miles and followed for track of about 40 miles. Armament section set up in Administration Building.
11 Oct 43
Weather fair, windy in am, calmer in pm. Started compilation of first official DRO for this Detachment to be out Oct 12/43. Wireless section making final preparations for test with Prince Rupert on telling circuit tomorrow. Anchors and guy cables for locking gantry in gales completed.
12 Oct 43
Weather overcast, very high wind. "Cape Canso" heard from, arrived at Rose Harbour from Bella Bella. Testing begun on telling circuit to Prince Rupert on 2620 KC, results: No 28 Det received about R4, falling off as day wore on; Prince Rupert had even greater trouble, failed to get through at all after about 1030 hrs. Tests continuing, expect better results from higher frequency. Reception much improved after 1700 hrs. Strong local interference from Government Radio Beacon here. Canteen stock checked and surplus fund taken over.
13 Oct 43
Weather windy and overcast, heavy seas. Testing on telling circuit continued, with improved results. "Cape Canso" unable to bring scow down on account of weather.
14 Oct 43
Weather slightly modified during day but wind reached great violence during night. Having great difficulty keeping doors on buildings and glass in doors. Forty foot breakers seen on west side of island.
15 Oct 43
Weather somewhat modified again during day but wind and rain during night. Thunder and lightning occurred about 0400 hrs. "Cape Canso" was ready to attempt bringing scow in if weather fair enough but was asked to wait another 24 hours. Canteen committee elected.
16 Oct 43
Weather still poor, high wind and heavy seas. Compelled to allow "Cape Canso" to proceed to Alliford Bay without coming to this Detachment first, two personnel here, posted, cannot be taken off until weather allows. Barrack inspection made at 1000 hrs, conditions in 3 blocks good, in fourth, poor. Tests with No 4 Group Filter room discontinued for present, while new arrangements are made at No 4 Group. New work schedule begun to provide all personnel with equal share of fatigues.
17 Oct 43
Weather fine, clear, seas calm. Normal routine (a seven day week is in effect at this Detachment). Navy Patrol boat passed very close off shore going south west at 0900 hrs. Installation of RDF equipment completed. Handing over certificates made out. Now awaiting RDF operators and establishment of telling circuit to commence operations.
18 Oct 43
Weather remains fine, clear. At 2350 hrs Oct 17/43, the wireless operator going on duty reported that he had seen what might have been a distress flare to the south west. The RDF section was advised to look for any indication in that direction, but reported nothing until 0200 hrs today when something was seen at 22 miles range bearing south west. A signal was despatched to the Controller at Alliford Bay and nothing more was heard of the matter. Evaporators run and fresh water produced. At 1030 hrs a deer was seen swimming from the nearest island to the southern point of this island. It came ashore there, and as the Detachment is short of meat, was shot and prepared for the kitchen. Many geese and ducks are seen flying south, but are too high to shoot. RDF operators and mechanics are plotting everything that can be seen, so a general idea of range and performance can be obtained. Canteen supplies completely exhausted, new shipments expected tomorrow or next day.
19 Oct 43
Weather fine but deteriorating. "Cape Canso" arrived 0900 hrs with scow and 40 tons of coal, canteen supplies, cooler unit, four RDF personnel, 1 guard, 1 equipment assistant, 8 No 9 CMU men. Unloading hastened as sea threatened to become rough. 9893 F/S Saunders, EB, and R66178 Sgt Hicks, ER, 2 security guards posted boarded "Cape Canso" to return to Vancouver also one diesel fitter to go to Alliford Bay for medical examination. If weather does not prohibit "Cape Canso" will return tomorrow with 100 drums of oil from Rose harbour. 100 empty drums taken from here.
20 Oct 43
Weather fair in early morning, becoming worse as day progressed. "Cape Canso" left Rose Harbour for Alliford Bay. No 9 CMU men started work on erection of salt water storage tank. Refrigerator motor u/s, connecting rod gone. Auxiliary water pump converted to drive unit.
21 Oct 43
Weather fine but windy. Work now begun on salt water storage tank and installation of salt water pump. Station routine now fairly well established.
22 Oct 43
Weather fine, calm, visibility unlimited, situation normal. Plans made to commence operations with RDF personnel available, even without telling circuit in operation, for practice.
23 Oct 43
Weather failing, wind rising, sea rough, situation normal. General meeting held in Rec Hall to elect entertainment committee.
24 Oct 43
Weather poor, heavy wind, high seas. "Cape Canso" was signalled that weather was unsuitable for landing.
25 Oct 43
Weather fair, windy. Normal routine.
26 Oct 43
Weather fair, wind lessening. "Cape Canso" arrived without detachment's rations. (C12596) F/O SA Clark left Detachment for Alliford Bay.
27 Oct 43
Weather still fair. Victory Loan drive begun, quota for detachment $1500.00. $800.00 subscribed today. No 9 CMU proceeding with installation of pump and tank for salt water.
28 Oct 43
Stormy, high wind and rain. Oil transferred from barrels to storage tanks.
29 Oct 43
Unsettled weather, fair in am becoming worse toward night. Rations becoming low, fresh meat exhausted. "Cape Canso" delayed at Alliford Bay due to ration boat from Prince Rupert being two days late.
30 Oct 43
Weather fair. A deer (buck) was shot by R172922 LAC Fraser, MR, on the shore of Kunghit Island and brought to camp, helping considerably in ration situation. No word yet of departure of "Cape Canso" from Alliford Bay. Work proceeding, routine normal.
31 Oct 43
Weather bad, extreme wind and rain, heavy seas. Little outside work possible. Station routine normal. R156167 LAC Craig, TH, Security Guard confined to hospital with skin eruption.
STRENGTH: Officers - 1, Airmen - 31
(SA Clark) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 28 Radio Detachment, RCAF,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Nov 43
Weather continues bad. Situation normal.
2 Nov 43
Weather still poor. "Cape Canso" departed from Alliford Bay bound for Rose Harbour. No further sales of Victory Bonds. Water system completed and tried out. High winds make operations impossible at RDF site, aerial must be locked large part of time.
3 Nov 43
Weather stormy, high wind. "Cape Canso" at Rose Harbour awaiting better weather. Signal received from No 4 Group HQ suggesting commencement of RDF telling, reply: awaiting return of OC and operator personnel.
4 Nov 43
Weather continues windy and rough. "Cape Canso" made two attempts to reach Cape St James but was turned back by heavy seas. Water system cannot be further tested until the boat arrives with gasoline for pumps.
5 Nov 43
Weather fair, clear. "Cape Canso" arrived with C12596 F/L Clar, SA, returning from Alliford Bay, and ten new personnel. Final shipment of oil brought down from Rose Harbour and unloaded, 152 empty drums returned. Only partial rations brought.
6 Nov 43
Weather deteriorating again, usual high winds and rain. New schedules drawn up to make use of newly arrived personnel. Meeting called in Rec Hall to elect Airmen's Mess committee.
7 Nov 43
Stormy rough weather. Emergency rations checked. Rifles issued to all personnel not now holding them. New shift system begun at opertations in preparation for beginning telling on Monday.
8 Nov 43
Windy, rough sea. "Cape Canso" still anchored, weatherbound, between this detachment and Alliford Bay. No 4 Group HQ suggests Nov 10 as date to commence telling. Difficulty experienced in operating water system, consumption greater than can be accounted for. One man hospitalized for skin eruption. Meeting of Canteen Committee held.
9 Nov 43
Weather clearing, sea fairly calm. Situation normal. Mess meeting held.
10 Nov 43
Weather fine, clear, calm sea. R/T telling commenced with No 4 Group Filter room, on 5577.5 KC. Results fairly good on higher frequency until after nightfall, heavy interference on lower frequency traced to RDF transmission. Contact lost on R/T at 2000 hrs, resumed on C/W and maintained for next twelve hours. Contact made at 1500 hrs with Group Radio Officer at No 4 Group and it was determined that tracks plotted were satisfactory and signals good. Entire diesel section employed in effort to build up water supply to point where plumbing can be turned on, but various difficulties continue to beset their efforts.
11 Nov 43
Weather fine and clear. Detachment now fully opertional 24 hours daily. Some difficulty experienced in R/T telling during certain hours but contact fairly well maintained. Lack of full complement of operators hinders good operation, mechanics being used as operators.
12 Nov 43
Weather continues fair. Situation normal.
13 Nov 43
Weather deteriorating, heavy fog most of day. "Cape Canso" came down from Rose Harbour but could not put in on account of fog so returned to Rose Harbour. Work started on installing metal rain water tanks, interrupted by breakdown of hoist. Inspection by OC revealed conditions generally good, rifles good. Operations normal, poor signal on telling circuit during night, contact lost for several hours.
14 Nov 43
Weather clear but windy, sea only fairly rough here, but too heavy for "Cape Canso" to come in. Two attempts were made during day, forced to turn back each time. Winch at top camp level repaired, eavestroughs and tanks being set to collect more rain water. Rations again getting low, due to fact that approximately only 1 weeks suply was drawn on Nov 1, whole months ration due Nov 4, now on "Cape Canso", feared that meat on board will be too far gone to use when it arrives. Canteen supplies also nearly gone. R80458 Cpl. Selinger, FA, RDF Operator, confined to hospital for treatment and is responding well.
15 Nov 43
Weather rough and windy. "Cape Canso" still at Rose Harbour awaiting better weather. Operations continuing normally, aerial locked in high wind, poor communications at night. Fire committee met and discussed fire precautions and general situation. R147783 Cpl Shear, MH, WM, admitted to hospital, severe pains in back and legs, also R276215 AC2 Coutts, GP for skin eruption.
16 Nov 43
Weather clear, rising wind from west. "Cape Canso" arrived from Rose Harbour without scow. C12596 F/O SA Clark, R101447 Cpl McColl, J, and R166411 LAC Eynon, JE, put out in rowboat with outboard motor, reached "Cape Canso" with some difficulty due to high wind. The two airmen attempted to take a load of fresh meat to shore in rowboat, outboard failed, and boat shipped a quantity of water. "Cape Canso" came to rescue, took men and meat aboard, rowboat capsized while being brought aboard and five planks were broken by hoisting sling. Impossible to return to shore as wind had increased to such a pitch, so "Cape Canso" returned to Rose Harbour to await better weather.
17 Nov 43
"Cape Canso" returned from Rose Harbour, weather fine, sea fairly calm, scow unloaded without difficulty. Months rations, due Nov 4th, received in fairly good shape. Several newly posted personnel arrived. Operations continued as usual. Communications biggest trouble. Refrigerator man arrived to instal new unit.
18 Nov 43
Weather fair, clear in am, turning cloudy and windy in pm. Work proceeding on installation of refrigeration units. Information signal received from WAC at 0930 hrs addressed to Alliford Bay, that a party of DOT engineers were flying to Rose Harbour. "Cape Canso" to meet plane at 1200 hrs. Signalled "Cape Canso" immediately to wait until noon before departing, so that Alliford Bay would contact them before starting, but at 1500 hrs no word had been sent to the "Cape Canso" from Alliford Bay and no plane had arrived, so the boat proceeded to Alliford Bay. At 2200 hrs a signal received addressed to Rose Harbour enquiring if "B696" was there, signalled No 4 Group "unable to deliver message to Rose Harbour". Alliford Bay was heard working "Cape Canso" at about this time with "no message for you". Operators in RDF building had been instructed to watch for plane from east, from 1200 hrs on, nothing seen.
19 Nov 43
Weather cloudy with light rain and intermittent wind. Normal operations. Poor communications continue to be troublesome, telling circuit especially. Refrigerators installed in emergency rations hut and OR mess kitchen, all units working.
20 Nov 43
Weather unchanged. Station u/s for several hours due to moisture penetrating a circuit and causing a short circuit of turning motor. Communications still poor.
21 Nov 43
Weather cloudy, windy, some rain and mist. Changing power house wiring to put fresh water pump motor on different circuit caused shut-down for three hours.
22 Nov 43
Weather still cloudy and windy. Normal operations continued.
23 Nov 43
Weather unchanged. Normal routine. R128626 Cpl Bell, SC, chef, reported sick, cooking done by GD personnel. Evaporators started at 1500 hrs to be run until 5000 gallon tank is filled.
24 Nov 43
Weather unchanged, very little rain, much wind. Communications poor. Normal routine. Distilled water for 36 hours to fill tank.
25 Nov 43
Weather same. Situation normal. Wind causes much time off air due to gantry lashing.
26 Nov 43
Weather clearing but still cloudy. "Cape Canso" came within sight in am but turned back on account of rough water. Much activity in operations bldg today, large number of tracks plotted. R/T failure caused early part of exercise to be logged without passing to Filter room. Water consumption between 1700 hrs yesterday and 1700 hrs today is 1000 gals.
27 Nov 43
Weather fair and clear in am and sea rising and light rain in pm. "Cape Canso" arrived at 1230 hrs, brought rations, canteen supplies, and personnel. Only personnel and meat could be unloaded due to heavy sea. Remainder to be brought back in better weather. Mr Oliver Goldsmith, YMCA supervisor, arrived to spend some days here and ascertain problems of recreation etc. Mr Sidney Smith, lighthousekeeper's son, also arrived to visit parents.
28 Nov 43
Weather fair. "Cape Canso" arrived again, sent balance of mail, perishable rations, and payroll ashore, then left for Rose Harbour to await calmer seas. Water consumption appears to be about 500-600 gals per day, which is the result of strict economy, limited bathing, and general care in the use of water.
29 Nov 43
Weather slightly rougher. Boat did not attempt to come in. Leak somewhere in plumbing system drained 3000 gals of fresh water away overnight, stuck valve in toilet on lower camp suspected. Communication still very poor with No 4 Group, neither R/T or C/W can get through for a period each day.
30 Nov 43
Weather fair and clear, little wind. "Cape Canso" arrived, with scow, bringing month's rations and extra emergency rations. C12599 F/O Mudrick, J, No 4 Group Radio Officer, arrived to spend 24 hrs. Pay parade held.
STRENGTH: Officers - 1, Airmen - 49
(SA Clark) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 28 Radio Detachment, RCAF,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.
1 Dec 43
Weather windy, light rain and mist. "Cape Canso" unable to return for C12499 F/O Mudrick, J. Inspection of camp made, and various suggestions made. C12599 F/O Mudrick, J, talked to RDF personnel. R268384 AC1 Ferris, J, GD, granted leave ahead of time on compassionate grounds.
2 Dec 43
Weather still windy with light rain. Too rough for "Cape Canso" to return.
3 Dec 43
Situation unchanged.
4 Dec 43
Weather slightly improved. "Cape Canso" arrived at 0830hrs and took off C12599 F/O Mudrick, J, and Mr O Goldsmith, YMCA supervisor.
5 Dec 43
Weather cool and windy. Communications still poor. R76665 F/S Foster, CO, interviewed with a view to applying for a commission.
6 Dec 43
Weather unchanged, situation normal.
7 Dec 43
Weather clearing, situation normal. Unusual activity in this area shown by number of tracks plotted in pm. Some were labeled spurious echoes by filter room. Some improvement in interference on R/T but no improvement in signal strength. No contact possible during hours of darkness.
8 Dec 43
Weather clear, fine, some wind. Normal routine. Morale good.
9 Dec 43
Weather fair, sea calm. Normal routine. Break discovered in salt water line to storage tank, repairs being made.
10 Dec 43
Weather still fine, smooth sea, some sunshine. Normal routine.
11 Dec 43
Weather remains clear, fine, calm. Sea is calmer than has been in past three months. Barrack inspection shows buildings being well kept. Communications still make operations very difficult. R/T and C/W both fail during night. Some good tracks plotted cannot be passed due to this trouble. Alaco and Airmetco weather codes received and hourly reports being coded for immediate transmission if requested.
12 Dec 43
Weather fair, clear in am, becoming windy in pm, slight mist. Hunting party secured two grouse from Knughit Island. Second break discovered in waterline, near lower hydrant on barrack level. 20,000 gallons of salt water lost.
13 Dec 43
Weather windy, slight rain, sea rising. Normal routine.
14 Dec 43
Stormy, high wind, heavy sea, wind from SE. Communications improving somewhat.
15 Dec 43
Weather clearing, sea subsiding. Message from Canso (intercepted) shows her to be at Port Louis. It appears doubtful that boat will arrive here by Christmas.
16 Dec 43
Weather deteriorating. High wind from west and rain. Communications still poor, from 8th to 14th contact was possible only 50% of the time. Approximately 16% of plots could not be passed. R178503 LAC Day, RC, R/M cut right hand badly on window glass in barracks, immediate treatment given.
17 Dec 43
Weather windy, heavy sea. Gantry locked nearly all day due to gales. Communications poor.
18 Dec 43
MV Amarylis arrived at 0830 unannounced, bringing personnel, canteen supplies, etc. Weather fair, unloading accomplished in good time. Kandi (No 11 Det) heard calling Vassar (2 Group Filter) at 1700 hrs describing an attack being made on that detachment by a 100 foot, two masted vessel. Shells landing 100 yards off shore. Approximately 20 shells fired. At 1810 vessel was still off shore. This detachment went on alert, guards were doubled. No 2 alert announced over telling circuit at 2200 hrs. Lighthouse blacked out on OCs orders until 2330 hours, at which time DOT station at Digby Island informed DOT Operator here that alert was for Air Force only. No 2 Alert with blackout signalled from Alliford Bay at 0100 hrs Dec 19. 029272 Pilot Officer Pollock, DH, arrived via Amaryllis.
19 Dec 43
Weather fair, clear, sea calm. Alert lifted at 0900 hrs. Situation normal.
20 Dec 43
Weather fair, clear, sea calm. Talked to No 4 Group on R/T in afternoon concerning frequency changing tests, and January false grid. Salt water pipe line cracked on 2nd level. Communications fair. (line fixed in PM).
21 Dec 43
Weather calm in am, windy, raining in pm. Frequency conversion tests started 0800. Results generally were quite unsatisfactory, no improvement in signal strength and much more interference from RDF TX. General meeting held at 8 pm in rec hall. Discussion held re Christmas dinner, newspaper, and possibility of taking a special group picture in the mess.
22 Dec 43
Weather slightly windy, "Scotch mist". Sea ruffled. New frequency tests continued. No improvement (am or pm) over December 21st. Talked to F/O Mudrick re tests via R/T. Routine normal.
23 Dec 43
Wind heavy, rain, sea heavy. Worked on further attempts to decrease interference on R/T, W/T etc. No sign of Christmas turkeys which were hoped to be dropped in containers from plane. Routine normal.
24 Dec 43
Weather slightly windy, fine mist at pm. Sea ruffled. Faults on RX necessitated going off the air. Finally located as being a u/s plug socket on rear of HIR CRT. Christmas Eve......routine normal!
25 Dec 43
Slight wind in am, heavier in pm with rain. Sea ruffled. Catalino from Alliford dropped Christmas message in small container. Christmas supper started 1700 hrs. Mr and Mrs S Smith with D Burr invited as guests. Some snaps taken in mess hall. Adjourned to Rec Hall to continue festivities which progressed until the am. Barrack Inspection undertaken by remainder with admirable results.
26 Dec 43
Windy heavy (estimated 60 mph), strong rain, sea heavy. Gantry locked for large portion of day. Took stock of Airmen's Canteen in Rec Hall. Routine normal.
27 Dec 43
Weather calm, sea slightly ruffled. Power off for a few minutes due to fan on diesel generator catching. Routine normal. Morale good.
28 Dec 43
Weather fair, sea calm. Communications improved slightly during night. Routine normal.
29 Dec 43
Weather fair, scattered rain, sea ruffled. Three or four tracks picked up almost at same time, but plots fading quite quickly. Foggy days seem to have this effect.
30 Dec 43
Weather calm, light intermittent showers, becoming very strong in early am. Pilot Officer DM Pollock (C29272) and three Airmen took boat to Kunghit for hunting trip, also re beacon sighting. Prospects turned out unsatisfactorily for both. Routine normal.
31 Dec 43
Weather quite rough, sea choppy. Routine normal.
STRENGTH: Officers - 2, Airmen - 48
(SA Clark) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 28 Radio Detachment, RCAF,
CAPE ST. JAMES, BC.