28 Radio Detachment - Cape St. James, BC.

January 1944 - Peat Pile News - National Archives of Canada

Published with permission of F/O Clark, C/O #28 Detachment, RCAF, Cape St James, BC

Cover Page

Volume 1 - Number 1
January, 1944

EDITOR - LAC Jameson
ASS'T ED - LAC Gyles

Page One

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR C/O

There must, I suppose, be an official beginning for all things, whether the appropriate ceremony consists of cutting the ribbon, firing the gun, or smacking the bottom sharply with the hand. I am happy to have the opportunity, therefore, of smashing the figurative bottle of champagne on the bow of our new vessel - a newspaper of our own, and declaring the PEAT PILE NEWS officially launched. The first consideration here must be, of course, the proper operation of the Detachment, and in spite of the many problems encountered in attaining that end, all concerned have done a splendid job. I should like to express my appreciation for the co-operation and willingness of all ranks in overcoming the difficulties and disadvantages naturally found in such an isolated spot. If this new venture, the station paper, will in any way make life more interesting, or help the inmates of our island become better acquainted with each other - yes - even if, in a strictly censored manner, it will allow some outlet for the pent-up feelings engendered by our exile, then ...more power to the PEAT PILE NEWS.

AND A FEW FROM OUR ADJUTANT

There is not much that can be added to the (bottle) smashing introduction put forth by Mr Clark, but since the newspaper committee has vetoed the suggestion of putting these openers on the "loose" page, I am very happy to welcome the creation of this, our first station newspaper. The idea of such a publication is basically identical with that of a station itself - to provide a common medium of ideas, composed by and contributed by all personnel concerned; with a view to making the various sections conversant with one another, and with the stress on humor. Of course, peoples definitions of humor are many and varied, and therefore it is essential that contributions be many and varied. With such a goal in mind, our paper cannot fail to be a success, consequently, since there is always a great diversity of ideas in Airforce detachments (as noted at our Discussion Groups and especially on Xmas Eves), I'm sure we can confidently look forward to this first issue as being only a forerunner of one of the best in station publications. Good luck.

EDITORIAL

Well, fellows - here it is! The first edition of the PEAT PILE NEWS. We hope you like it.

To start with, it is not our intention to achieve any great heights of literary stardom. Nor is it, we might say, our ambition. However, if we can give you a few laughs and maybe sling a little "dirt" we will feel that we are perhaps getting somewhere near our goal. Due to the lack of duplicating material, this issue will be very limited in number. Next month though, we hope to have a copy for each and every person on the station, including our good friends "up top". I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed and helped to get this first edition out. It is only with the co-operation of everyone that we will be able to make the PEAT PILE NEWS the success it should be.

It has been impossible to use all the material that has so far been handed in. So for those who have given us copy and it fails to appear in this number, please rest assured that it will most certainly make the next edition. Regarding the PERSONALITIES notes - it was first our intention to cut them down and make them as brief as possible. But on reading them over they were found to be so amusing that it was decided to give them to you complete - a few each issue - which we hope will meet with your approval.

Just before I sign off I would like to say that if ANYONE has ANYTHING at all that they figure might be of interest to our readers, don't hesitate to turn it in - either to LAC Wilson in the Orderly Room, or to any member of the staff or myself.

ED

Page Two

VOX OP

Barrack #4 by LAMP

CPL WM (ALIAS "WILL") STEWART MOIR

Who is supervising Operator in charge here, having been posted from Sea Island. In pre Air Force days he farmed near Criswold, Man. He intends to major in bookkeeping and maths in the post war era. Bon Voyage, Bill.

CPL. FREDERICK ROBERT REAL

"PAPPY" is the 2nd in command, to the boys who have known him in his long years of service in the forces, he known s just "Pappy". Also from Sea Island. It was interesting to study the expression of his face at the moment of the day he landed here. In better days he was interested in farming operations at Swan River, Man. He is a philospher, deep thinker, realist and concientious searcher after truths. Is not quite sure of what he is going to do after all this is over. His favourite expression "Anytime you want me you know where my bunk is".

LAC KENNETH WORTHINGTON KEIGHLEY (B GROUP)

There is a story behind the middle monicker. It is believed that he is heir-presumptive to a wealthy estate on his father's side. Ask Ken how to get that way. KWK is considered the most married man of the OPS hut (at least 9 years). Before making his vows to the service Worthington operated a Roller Rink in Edmonton. His hobby 'ad nauseum' is Hearts at any time of the day or night. Always a rival of O'Hara and Wyndy of the Wireless Section. (Get it?).

LAC (ALGERNON) R MOOREHEAD

Better known to all as Al. He hails from Sea Island where he served close to a year, but says he never enjoyed a minute of his posting there, for the ever present fear of being posted here - a bad dream come true. Now, he says, nothing matters but victory. The other day on account of his b------g (boasting?) qualities he was elected by acclamation to a membership in the Messing Committee. A truly worthy representative. His last residence was Vancouver. His hobbies ...daydreaming of a wet Xmas and African Dominoes of an evening.

LAC D JAMES KEIR

From Sea Island also. Residence in peace time, good old Winnipeg. A dapper gent beloved by all females in the cities and towns he left behind him. Very much is not known of Jimmy as he doesn't talk much. His famous, or should we say favourite, rendezvous - The Angelus in Vancouver.

LAC WM J VANS

Known as 'Mother' Vann to all who have known him more intimately - (probably because of his pronounced maternal instinct). He was a school master of Estevan, Sask. Rumor has it that he is writing a book. Anyway, his spare time (and all of it) is spent in incessant typing. When asked if that is so he give one the polite brush-off that it's merely a letter to his wife. We refuse to believe this for three reasons, in the first place these "letters" appear to be too lengthy. In the second place they are typewritten, and in the third place we doubt him in the first place.

CLIFFORD BAIRD (NO LESS) GORDON

From Marble Island (Oh! That place). Formerly from Unity, Sask. Student. To those who are his friends, he is known as FLASH, DOG, TARZAN, ICKIE, and STINKS. To the writer he is FLASH. His hobby - later hours. He says he likes to be alone, especially when his sweetheart is with him. He's the first in a discussion of the fair sex and the last to tell the best stories.

LAC JACK N ILLMAN

He won't tell us his middle name but you can wake him at any time of the night, and he'll tell you all about STRATFORD-IN-THE-PAST. Intends to resume radio announcing after the duration,and to continue courting his gall (should be gal) from where he left off.

LAC WM WARNER

From Rainy River, Ont in beautiful Lake of the Woods. He didn't tell me so himself, but it is said he was a Canadian Customs Official. You needn't worry about your Form H hereafter, boys if your going Bill's way. 'Spent time' in Pat Bay.

LAC JAMES GORDON WILEY

Posted here from Spider Island. As a civilian he was a precision machinist for Canadian Acme Gear Co in Toronto. When you know him better you may call him 'Jim McWiley. Hobby - waiting patiently for news from home. Confidentially, very much in love with his better half.

WM 'HUNTER' BROWN

Player extraordinary in shuffleboard, checkers and table tennis, and an ardent Hearts (card) addict. He's married you know. Before raising his right hand, he was Pricer and Stock Controller and Assistant Market Gardener. Done time at Marble Island and therefore was glad to be posted here, as his hobby is mountain climbing. Civvy residence is Winnipeg - but formerly of Alberta.

Pagr Three

OVERHEARD IN THE REC HALL
by: Big Joe

LAC BARRON: Why is Hitler like Santa Claus?
LAC WILSON: Dunno.
LAC BARRON: They both have long whiskers except Hitler.
LAC WILSON: Oh!.

CPL ROWETT was instructing the fire picquet in the use of the various extinguishers. He approached the Carbon Dioxide container and gave an eloquent description of how to use it on oil fires. Concluding, says he "there is only one way to describe an oil fire, it's a ..........(censored). He then turned and placed his hand on the extinguisher and said, "and that's the CO2!" AC Miller says it's mutiny.

THIS AIN'T 28 DETACHMENT!

CPL BELL - "Help yourself to the doughnuts, boys. There's plenty more where they came from".

CPL MCCOLL - "I wish some of you fellows would bathe more often".

CPL ROWETT - ""Climb aboard, men, I'll let the car down".

LAC KOYLE - "You're perfectly correct."

SKIPPER OF CAPE CANSO - "One of you lads can have my bunk".

F/O CLARK - "How much would a round-the-world cruise cost?"

LAC SAMELS - "Sure, there's always someone listening out at the other end".

CPL MASON - "Chocolate bars two for a nickel - got to get rid of 'em".

HOW TO BE HAPPY AT CAPE ST JAMES
by: J Neufield

What is the main object in life? That is a question which nearly everybody will have answered for himself, and I think that everybody will agree with me that the object is to be "happy". We here on this Island are deprived of the usual channels through which pleasure and happiness is derived. So we have to adapt ourselves to a different environment. We have no bowling alleys, dances, theatres, not mentioning companionship with the fairer sex. But, we have nature. So it is in nature that we must find happiness. (we look on people who are attached to nature and loving it as people who are not verya great thinkers, and would call them "bushed"). No matter where a person is he has his happiness in his own hands. If his mind is not open to beauty and charm around him, he will be unhappy. However, if he has inclination and enough thought to examine the products of the universe, he will find the unpromising appearances in the results of Nature not without charm. One that is thus prepared will find pleasure in watching the sea otter, or the sea gulls, as they follow a boat or soar around for food. Or, they may derive pleasure from watching that stupendous creation of nature - "the ocean". It is cruel, and yet at times very gentle. It's moods vary and change as quick as a flash. It can swallow and destroy life - while at the same time sustain life. All this is enough to marvel at, and when one is trained to it, he can learn to like it. And anyone doing so can indeed not be classified as one who doesn't think, or one who is "bushed". But rather, he will be one who has a sound philosophy in life, and one who is happy.

THE SOLITARY HAIR
Annon's

Behold it standing on his head,
That solitary little hair.
Waving and bobbing by itself,
Tell one please, how came it there?

Alone it stands upon his head,
Just like a weed in a flower bed;
But it shouldn't be long before it's dead-
Did that guy Sigg hear what I said?

But Cheer up Sigg 'cause when it's gone,
You'll always have a happy thought,
That when that hair has passed away
A wig for Sigg can soon be bought.

The day, it seems, is near enough
When you must purchase wax and stuff;
To put a glitter on your knob -
"Old English" does a darn nice job!.

-0-

The other evening at supper time I was aware that something was radically wrong with the line-up. The other lads were feeling a bit uneasy too - but none of us could quite just put our finger on the cause of the uneasiness. Suddenly, however, there was a terrific commotion, and we quickly realized what the trouble had been. Sure enough - Messrs WILSON and BARRON had come in late for the first time since they arrived here, and were trying to force their way to their usual place - the head of the line.

Page Four

A RARE ASSORTMENT
by: Sid Greenbergh

"BLACKIE" BLACKWOOD

The Marble Island Kid. Comes from Edmonton. Always beefing why we don't do this or that like they did at Marble. Someone ought to present him with a medal - he an certainly sling the baloney. Very restless and gives one the appearance of being a good worker. Has hopes of he and JJ winning the shuffleboard tournament.

SIDNEY "THE GREAT" GREENBERGH

Mr Five by Five. Not much is known about this bloke. He says he comes from Winnipeg but I sometimes wonder. Is an Op but as yet no one quite seems to know when or where he works. Married - the better half living in Vancouver.

TE "WOLF" CRAIG

Is our glamour boy with the lustrous golden hair. Must use Fitch Shampoo. Claims he "worked' Toronto before he joined up. That we can quite believe, always talking about his "babes'"and each eve before retiring he kisses all of his pick - I mean pin-up gals good night. Bushed!!

DANNY DOWNY

Hails from the wide open spaces somewhere in good old Saskatchewan. At present is a guard. Studies and sleeps a lot - hopes to get into Diesel work. Hope you make it Denny!

CPL. CLIFF WRIGHT

"How's my mustache growing, fellas?" Used to be an upholsterer in Regina. Recently completed an SP course at Trenton. Quite an authority on First Aid, policing, and how to train a dog. Maybe he could do a job on Toots and Blackie. Doesn't like the coast.

CPL. JACK MCCOLL

One of our Diesel men. Was formerly a garage man in Victoria. Swears that there is no salt taste to the water. He might add "what water". Knows his job and can turn his hand to most anything. Keeps a big black Tom Cat down in the Vap Room. The same cat they tell us that stuck his nose in a few thousand volts.

CPL. HEC WHYNOTT

He's our W & B section. Believe it or not he was a carpenter before he joined up. Comes from Liverpool on the east coast of Nova Scotia. Likes Calgary - perhaps it's because his wife is there. Also likes his sleep.

CPL. CLIFF ROWETT

Officially greets all new comers. Was a hard rock miner from Timmins Ont. Has too many titles to remember, such as DAPM, Conductor of the Suicide Express, Dog-Catcher, etc. He guarantees to give you a thrill on the Express, but take our advice and don't let him lure you anywhere near it.

LES "WE FORGET" GYLES

Another Diesel man. Was a "tiller" of the soil near Minnedosa, Man., and is now also chief engineer of all our motor boats. (every ONE of them). Likes his beers in small quantities ????? - but that we find quite hard to believe.

BOBBY "MR. TOOTS" GREENSTONE

Was a "joe" in Winnipeg before he turned patriotic. He's taking very good care of his hound these days. Pregnant, you know. We mean the dog, not Bobby. Seems that some one ate all of his peanuts one night and left him only the empty shells. "Tis a cruel life."

CPL. RAE HOUSTON

What? Another Diesel man? Sure enuff. In civvy life followed the plough near Dominion City, Man. Is rather a quiet chappie so we must make a mental note to dig a bit into hs past for next issues.

DAVE BURR

The wireless man from "up top". A frequent visitor to our barracks. We believe he is from Vancouver - age unknown. We have to keep on his good side as he will very likely know months ahead of us when the war ends.

CPL ROY MASON

Station Sergeant Major - Canten Steward, and what have you. Was a butcher in Vancouver between service in two wars. He is the "Daddy" of the camp and chief Dockmaster when the boats come in.

MR & MRS SMITH AND SID

They run and operate the lighthouse and doing pieces "up top". Not much is known of them by yours truly, but we always like to see them at our too few movies, etc.

Page Five

A NEWCOMERS IMPRESSION ON POSTING TO CAPE ST JAMES
by: F/O Pollock

1. LEAVING YOUR LAST UNIT: People raising their eyebrows and swallowing their Adam's apples on finding out your new station. Then going out of their way to be nice to you, ie speaking in a low voice - patting your head - passing you the last piece of butter at a meal, etc.2. THE BOAT TRIP OVER: (a). The weather. Quite smooth for most of the way outside of the first half and the last half. However, one gets used to it rather quickly, and in almost no time can find one's way to the railing with the wind blowing away from it. (b) Meals. Interesting while they last. Quite a gamble though, ie, Always a toss up to see who kept them. I usually lost (double or nothing). (c) Gulls. Probably my closest friends on route. Always recognizing me with loud squawks of joy. - probably know a soft touch for a meal when they saw me. (d)Medical. Discovered a radically new cure for sea sickness (tho indoubtedly it will be opposed by the medical society). Formula for same: bring along two 26's of Gin and Rum (preferably both), and each night before retiring drink as much as is possible. Followed quickly with a salted ham sandwich and a dill pickle. In the morning your stomach (if still there) is doing a heave and a toss all of its own, thereby - A: neutralizing the action of the boat. B: cause you to disregard almost anything else in the world. However, it is understood that this method is unsatisfactory in the Pacific Command, since whoever hear of anyone having a 26 of Gin and a 26 of Rum at the same time in B.C. (e) Stops en route. Mostly smelled before sighted. What a perverted sense of humour the man had who name Rose Harbour.

3. ARRIVAL: (a) First mistake. Looking through binoculars at CSJ and being overjoyed at the beautiful trees, flowers, shrubs etc. and then having someone tell you that you picked up a stereoscope by mistake and were looking at a view of California. (b) Second mistake. Picking up the correct glasses and taking a real look. (c) Disembarking. Starting off on the wrong foot (by not looking close enough when I stepped onto the pier). Looking at the suicide express and saying, "It's a lie". Then I wanted to go home when I heard some airman ask another airman what the time was. The second airman looked at his watch and said, "Thursday".

4. AS TIME GOES BY: (a) Experience. Being able to walk from the admin. building to the mess hall at nite ON the sidewalk all the way. (b) Barter system. Being able to swap your chocolate bar ration for Cpl Gagne's beer coupon. (c) Evenings. There is much more here than what first meets the eye. One can stay indoors and guess at the wind velocity. Or try to go to sleep by counting raindrops, etc. I have heard one airman suggest to another that they imagine they are back in Sunnyside, Toronto, and try using the suicide express as a roller coaster, but this is frowned upon by the C.O.

XMAS: (deleted by censor).

-0-

ONE SERIOUS NOTE

A station is what you make it, and those personnel who have been here before have done a very good job. May the future newcomers feel the same way about us.

-0-

CORN - PURE - SIMPLE

A pilot has the misfortune to bail out over the "Cape" one day. He was merrily coming down (not knowing what was in store for him at the bottom.) when he was amazed to see an airman (B Group) with a parachute coming up. "Hi, there!" he shouted, "what's happening to you?" "It's all right, old man," came the reply. "Mine's a tent. It's a bit windy down below".

***********

This airman had been stuck in the bush for over two years, finally ending up at CSJ. One day he was stupified to see a gorgeous young damsel floating shoreward on a barrel. "Hello there" she said, "and how long have you been here?"."Over two years" replied the amazed but intrepid Airman. "Gracious" said the gorgeous creature. "Then I shall give you something you haven't had for a long long time". "Holy Smoke" yelled the Joe, "Don't tell me you got beer in that there barrel".

***********

CPL RIGHT: Why is a mouse when it spins?
CPL. WHYNOTT: The higher the fewer.
Wonder what they'll be like after six months.

Page 6

THE FIRE FIGHTERS
by: J Neufeld.

I am sure that everyone on this detachment after reading this conglomeration of petty sentences (which I have the nerve to call a report), will rest assured and be without fear that any fire, no matter how great, will be dealt with effectively. The Fire Committee is headed by a man without fear, a man that can be depended upon in the most critical minutes. Namely: Cpl Rowett (Fire Chief). Next in Command are Cpl Henderson and Cpl Houston. They are also men who will not fail. And last is the sec'y, yours truly, who is going to catch merry h--l for this write-up. We all know that prevention is safer than cure,and the committee has been very active in training fire picquets, and checking fire-fighting equipment, until we feel that our efficiency is unparalleled anywhere on the coast. A few of the laws to adhere to are listed below:

1. Smoking is tolerated in the following areas - everywhere gasoline is kept, close to oil tanks, and in the power house.

2. When smoking a cigarette be sure the live butt lands on some dry peat.

3. Be sure to throw butts in a coal box which has lots of paper and wood on top of it.

4. On a windy day be sure to leave dampers on the stove wide open, so that you may enjoy the sight of flames running all the way up the chimney.

"FIRE - THE SECOND CALL"...the words come from the man in the W/T Section who has just answered that fifteen second ring. (meaning about after half an hour). there is action taken. The fire picquets are lined up - the Chief gives clear concise orders. The hospital assistant with stretcher-bearers, first-aid material, are all lined up in readiness for the chief to give the signal.

"Forward" come the command. And now the fire fighters are in action. They race down to the dock, hitch themselves to that marvelous contraption on two wheels that was so gallantly sacrificed for this Detachment. No more is seen - only the rumbling of the cart is heard as it speeds up the hill making one think of Thor and his chariot riding across the sky.

The rumbling stops and out of the cloud of dust emerge the sturdy fire fighters armed with fire axes, fire extinguishers and plenty of hose. It is barrack block 2 they are after. In a twinkling all the windows are smashed and a steady dribble of water is pouring into the building. But hark! What was that sound? The fire chief listens and now can distinguish a whimpering sound. "It's Toots", he yells, and immediately rushes into the burning mass, timbers following on either side of him - flames enveloping his body. But the dauntless chief rushes on until he comes to the damsel in distress. For a few seconds nothing is seen or heard, then from out of the side window (Ed. note: Doubtless the Chief had had former experience in getting out of side windows) emerges our hero, in his arms a bundle of black. "Toots" was saved along with her whole family. After an hour or so the fire is out and there is only the smell of smoke in the air. After this demonstration you can clearly see that the efficiency of the fire-fighters on this detachment is beyond reproach.

-0-

Below is a paragraph from a letter received by this detachment from the ADAMAC-RIA-GIRLS CLUB in Vancouver. They seem to be only too anxious to help the fellas in these isolated spots in any way at all. The letter is signed by Audrie Vincent, President of the Club and her address is 150 Robson St., Vancouver.

Here's the excerpt:

"But the sending of books seems so little, that I am anxius to know if we can do anything else. Please do not hesitate to say. Anything from shopping for you here in Vanouver to sending you boxes like you get from home will be alright with us".

P/O Pollack can perhaps give you some additional information on this club.

-0-

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Amongst the many and varied forms of recreation going full swing in this thriving metropolis, perhaps the best known are shuffleboard and table tennis.

So far, the first round of the suffleboard tournament has been played off. The competition has been keen but as yet, no casualties have been suffered.

The table tennis ladder competition is also in full swing, with LAC BROWN heading the list and LAC's CRONE and JAMESON battling it out for second spot.

Two shows a wek have been planned on - with perhaps an aeroplane silhouette contest to be held on one of tte show nights.

Another evening of entertainment is being planned for Saturday nights.

Page 7

BARRACKS NUMBER TWO
or
HIGH UP ON A HILLTOP
by: Bud Crone