DAILY DIARY
3 RADIO DETACHMENT - TUSKET, NOVA SCOTIA
25 Jan 1943 to 31 Dec 1943
25 Jan 43
Gas engine in W&B's department on main water pump vibrating excessively. Trouble apparently caused by two loose bolts in the base of the motor. Bolts were tightened and vibration was eliminated. D McLean, plumber i/c contract, entered the Station at 1430 hours to check the steam heat system. PO Mathews reported on temporary duty from Brooklyn, NS, arriving at 1830 hrs. 25-1-43 and leaving 0800 hrs. 26-1-43. Educational classes were conducted from 1400 hrs to 1530 hrs.
26 Jan 43
Weather mild and dull. Snow melting. Maintenance was carried out today as usual. Equipment running normal except for a large amount of interference. Selsyn motors and generators were checked and it was found that they could not be causing the trouble. Outside of the above, operations carried out as normal.
27 Jan 43
Weather dull and cool. Operations considerably limited due to trouble caused by Turning Gear. Transmitter, receiver and telephone service all quite normal. The moving picture 'One Foot in Heaven' was well attended by all personnel. F/O Scott from EAC visited the Station at approx 1445 hours.
28 Jan 43
Weather, light snow and blowing. East wind. Operational equipment working quite normally except for the persistent interference of the past few weeks. The fault in turning gear of yesterday was localized and remedied during the night shift and has shown no signs of recurrence. Test flight was held today and was very unsatisfactory as maximum range proved to be about 55 miles. However maximum range for the day was over 70 miles and the tracks and plots were more plentiful than usual. Sergeant Wright from the Armament Section at RCAF Station Yarmouth arrived on Station to instruct the Security Guards in the use of the newly acquired Sten guns.
29 Jan 43
North-east wind. Seven inches of snow fell. Operations today, especially during the afternoon, have been quite heavy with good results. Trouble was experienced in passing information to Filter Room as identification was not coming through fast enough to keep the tracks easily distinguished. Equipment is not yet working exactly as normal; but mechanics have been busy trying to localize the trouble. Leaking pipe in Works & Building's Department in septic tank located and replaced with new pipes. Bingo game in the evening, held in Airmen's Mess - 18 attended.
30 Jan 43
Weather: East North-east wind. Highest temperature was 22.2 degrees at 1530 hours and lowest .04 at 0930 hrs. Maintenance from 1200 to 1300 hrs GMT and several tests were made to try and eradicate interference. Operational results were heavy during afternoon and evening but with no exceptionally great range. During the afternoon and also in the morning, test flights were carried out for Brooklyn Station. The afternoon flight was quite good from our standpoint, but the morning flight was no good beyond 55 miles. RCAF Chaplain, F/L McIntosh, from RCAF Station, Yarmouth, NS visited the Station.
31 Jan 43
Weather cloudy. One inch of snow. East to North-east wind. Operational results were none too good today but equipment, aside from interference, seemed to be working normally. P/O DR Clark commenced work on PPI tubes making Grid Reference Maps in attempt to speed up operations.
STRENGTH - 1-1-43
Officers - 3
Airmen - 72
Personnel other than RCAF - 00
Civilians - 00
Total - 75
STRENGTH - 31-1-43
Officers - 3
Airmen - 75
Personnel other than RCAF - 00
Civilians - 00
Total - 78
HEALTH - No major illnesses have occurred during this month. The health of the Station has been generally good with only a few cases of common cold.
(JC Houston) Pilot Officer,
Officer Commanding,
No 3 Radio Detachment, Tusket, NS
12 Feb 43
Fog and rain until 0200 hrs. Snow - 0800 to 1700 hrs. Wind - West, 15 to 25 mph. Temp. - max 42, min 26. Maintenance crew are still working on the equipment making minor adjustments and tests, but they have not taken the equipment off the air. Equipment is working quite normal except for persistent interference from turning gear on to the receiver. A board of Officers assembled at this Station for the purpose of inspecting all buildings prior to the Air Force taking over from the Stewart Construction Company, and was composed of the following members:- S/L HD Dewar, President, F/O DL Lloyd-Smith, F/O DM Vye. In attendance - Mr CE Simms. RDF Operators trade tested today by Sgt Anderson from No. 4 Radio Detachment, Brooklyn, NS
13 Feb 43
Snow began at 2250 hours. Wind - West North/West. Temp - min 15, max 30. Maintenance overhaul crew completed work today. Fault is still prevalent on receiver but remainder of equipment is in very good condition. Station has been operational the greater part of the day. Ranges have only been average, but flying was quite extensive locally. Two more mechanics and two more operators arrived on Station today.
14 Feb 43
Overcast, some snow. Temp:- max 36.3, min 26 degrees. Maintenance schedule for day was carried out at the regular time. Flying Officer J Gordon from EAC visited the Station and left us with several very good suggestions. The equipment is working quite normal except for H/R section of receiver which is still troubled by interference. Church Parade to Yarmouth at 1100 hours. Moving picture show in evening in the Airmen's Mess.
15 Feb 43 Weather conditions near zero all day with snow. North-west wind, 15 to 25 mph. Operations were again back to normal except that weather prevented much flying. Flight Lieutenant Scott's test flight was cancelled because of snow. New maintenance schedule was put into effect, and with 3 mechanics on duty, can just barely be carried out in the allotted time; leaving no time for discrepancies from regular maintenance routine. Educational study period held during afternoon. 16 Feb 43 Overcast at 2000 to 3000 feet. Light wind, variable, 3 to 10 mph. Test flight was carried out for Brooklyn today which was followed to 85 miles. It was picked up at 18 miles but could not be DF'd until it reached a range of 59 miles as the azimuth echo showed continuous through 360 degrees. Maximum range for day was 85 miles with a normal day's operation. Maintenance was carried out as usual. Pilot Officer JP O'Donnell (C22921) was TOS from EAC HQ, Halifax, NS effective 16-2-43.
11 Mar 43
Weather: Fog and rain. South wind. In the early part of the day and up until mid-afternoon the RDF Section was quite busy. Operations were quiet after this due to fog and rain which curtailed flying activity. The weekly operational report for the period March 4th to March 11th was forwarded to Command today, showing a total of 2,200 plots for that period. Flight Lieutenant MacIntosh, Padre from Yarmouth, was on the Station today.
12 Mar 43
Weather: Zero conditions throughout the day with fog and rain. Operations today were limited owing to poor flying weather. The maintenance was performed satisfactorily at the usual hour of 0900 to 1000. During the day, a track this Station plotted was identified as being a Liberator Bomber carrying Mr Anthony Eden to the United States for his meetings with officials there.
13 Mar 43
Weather: High overcast. Surface winds West becoming Southwest. Operations today were highly successful, particularly during the afternoon watch. During maintenance period a modification was made in the Calibrator Unit. The Aerial Turntable Assembly was grounded as an added precaution against electric storms. A general cleanup was inaugurated in anticipation of a visit from the Air Officer Commanding.
14 Mar 43
Weather: Overcast at 5000 feet becoming clear at 0400 hours. Visibility 2 to 3 miles during early morning ground fog; 5 to 6 miles in haze remainder of day. Northwest winds. Equipment working very satisfactorily, and particularly during the daylight hours the operators were very busy. 744 plots were passed from 0730 hours in the morning to 1800 hours at night and a maximum range of 145 miles was plotted. Hot water heater returned, installed and tested OK. This makes hot water available in the Airmen's and NCO's Quarters.
15 Mar 43
Weather: Overcast with high clouds all day. Visibility unlimited. Surface winds variable - Northwest to East 6 to 12 mph. During maintenance period the gridded PPI Tube was removed and another without a grid map installed. For this reason it was necessary during the day to go back to the old method of plotting, i.e. converting the range and bearing to a plot before passing same to Filter Room. It is interesting to note that working with a gridded PPI Tube is much faster and much more interesting than the old method. For the above reason operations for this day was somewhat limited. A Commando Party of 15 men from RCAF Station Yarmouth, under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant LR Freeman, made an attack on this station today.
15 Apr 43
Squadron Leaders Parker and McNeil reviewed the Security Guard situation here in view of the forthcoming changeover from Security Guard to Service Police. The proposed establishment would consist of 1 Sergeant, 2 Corporals and 6 LAC's (Service Police). Some of the guards were interviewed as to their suitability for Service Police and it was decided that 5 were suitable. Flight Lieutenant Neilson inspected the kitchen and set forth some very good suggestions well worth adopting at this Unit. The party stayed for supper which was enjoyed by all. Squadron Leader Parker showed good form in pouring.
16 Apr 43
Weather: Scattered and broken clouds 3000 to 4000 feet. Visibility unlimited. Surface wind Southwest. Operations for the day were exceptionally good. Equipment was operating well and good flying weather resulted in a large number of tracks and plots. The "spotted dog" map of total plots is still in progress and gives an indication of a good display of horizontal gaps. Maintenance was performed according to schedule.
17 Apr 43
Weather: Overcast. Rained during day. Southwest wind. Operations for today have been very limited due to poor flying weather. Equipment has been working very efficiently and maintenance was carried out as per schedule. The "spotted dog" was completed today. From it, this Unit has 2 horizontal gaps. One inland, around 30 degrees, the other out to sea at around 27 degrees. We are now looking forward to calibration to substantiate these results.
18 Apr 43
Weather: Scattered clouds. Northwest to North wind. Due to fine weather the Radio Section enjoyed a busy day today during which time they picked up a test flight showing continuous IFF at approximately 64 degrees azimuth at a range of 138 miles. It was followed in to a range of 125 miles and out again to a range of 148 miles.
19 Apr 43
Weather: High broken clouds. Visibility generally unlimited. Some sleet and rain. Northerly wind veering to Easterly. Operations for today have been rather limited, due to poor flying weather.
20 Apr 43
Weather: Overcast. Visibility poor. Rain occasional and moderate. East wind. Operational results today have been very limited due to rain and foggy weather. Maintenance was carried out as usual with no difficulties arising. Classes were held for the radio mechanics during the afternoon, at which time both the PPI and the power units of the RX were discussed. A maintenance crew arrived on temporary duty from Scoudouc to check the diesels. The crew consisted of 1 civilian and 4 airmen.
21 Apr 43
Weather: Overcast, slight drizzle. Light variable winds. Operations today have again been very limited because of weather conditions. Maintenance was carried out according to schedule and after maintenance permission was obtained from Filter Room to go off the air long enough to install and check our new grid reference plate for the PPI tube.
14 May 43
Weather: Clear. Westerly wind. Excellent flying weather prevailed throughout the dog watch (0030 to 0730 hours) and 235 plots (a record for the dog watch) were recorded. The results continued throughout the day. At approximately 1900 hours a fault developed in the Transmitter. The Officer Commanding and Senior Mechanic investigated and the trouble proved to be in the 1000v. power supply. On closer examination the secondary of the high voltage transmitter was found "short". As no spare was available an urgent signal was sent to No. 1 MU requesting replacement as soon as possible, as the Station was U/S. As No 4 Detachment was also off the air with the same trouble, the Filter Officer requested any sort of emergency repair. The Officer Commanding contacted Mr L Smith, owner of commercial station CJLS Yarmouth, with a view of to borrowing a transformer. Mr Smith advised that he had a transformer that would deliver 300 watts at 1000 volts. Although there are no meters in the circuit, and U/S transformer was not marked, the Officer Commanding decided the circuit would not draw more than 200 watts, and we therefore accepted Mr Smith's offer as it looked as if it would "fill the bill".
15 May 43
Weather: Ceiling and visibility unlimited. Light Westerly wind. The borrowed transformer received at about 0130 hours and installation began. Leads had to be extended as the transformer was too large to fit in the chassis. The primary was fused with a single strand of copper wire from an ordinary lamp cord. The whole circuit was carefully checked before the mains were switched on, with a view to seeing if there was any fault which might have contributed to the failure of the original transformer. However, all the associated circuits appeared normal and at 0530 hours normal operation of the Station resumed with the borrowed transformer in circuit. The maintenance was performed as usual from 0900 hours to 1000 hours and operations continued normally. At 1440 hours the transmitter again became U/S and the transformer in question was found to be excessively hot. A primary fuse had blown, thus "tripping" the Transformer off. On examination the transformer proved to be "short" (about 8000 ohms) from secondary to ground, and therefore U/S. Filter Room was advised that the Station was definitely U/S until a replacement transformer was obtained.
16 May 43
Weather: Overcast. Visibility unlimited. Light variable winds. Th equipment was not in operation pending shipment of the transformer from No. 17 Equipment Depot. Work continued on the aerial and the painting was practically completed. The boys turned out in force for the first soft ball practice of the season. Everybody is enthusiastic and there are quite a number of good ball players. It is planned to have one "1st" team and 3 others besides, in order to give every one a chance to play if they wish.
1 Jun 43
Light clouds to clear. Visibility unlimited. Light Northerly wind. Operational results have been greatly improved over the results of the past few days, with a total of 850 plots for the day. Maintenance carried out as per schedule and all equipment working very satisfactorily.
2 Jun 43
Light rain. Overcast to zero-zero conditions. Southerly winds. Operational results for the day were limited due to rain and poor flying weather.
3 Jun 43
Zero-zero conditions and dense fog at first, lifting to 1500 feet and 3 miles early in period. Ceiling becoming unlimited until last quarter, falling to 5000 feet. Operational results for today below average with a total of 420 plots. Land line connection with Filter Room was U/S for 6 hours and 40 minutes due to a severe electrical storm. For part of this time a public long distance line was used.
4 Jun 43
Clear to high broken. Visibility unlimited. Light Northerly wind at first becoming West and then Southwest. S/L GM Fawcett, S/L GE Brandon and F/L D Varey from AFHQ visited the Station today. These Officers and the Officer Commanding spent the greater part of the day inspecting the technical equipment. Many interesting points were discussed and the Unit will benefit from their visit. At about 1500 hours the Officer Commanding drove the party to No. 21 Detachment, Plymouth, NS to inspect the progress at that Unit. Results today were exceptionally good as excellent flying weather prevailed. In accordance with the new EAC policy, maintenance was carried out in the evening, when there is less flying activity.
5 Jun 43
Occasional heavy rains. Zero conditions to high scattered broken. Due to poor flying weather the operational results were very limited during the morning and early afternoon but improving during the afternoon and evening. A bus service was inaugurated today by Wagner Tours between this Unit and the Town of Yarmouth. This was welcomed by personnel as it enables them to visit Yarmouth any night in the week for a small nominal cost.
6 Jun 43
Unlimited visibility. Surface wind Northwest. Operational results for the day were very good. Equipment worked quite normally until 1900 hours, when the thyratron became unstable due to overheating. It was necessary to fade tracks, shut off equipment and allow it to cool. Equipment was set up and working normally again after 12 minutes. Maintenance was carried out as scheduled at 2300 hours. This new policy is not satisfactory, as it is impossible to do any work on the Aerials or Coupling Unit after dark.
27 Jun 43
High Overcast to zero conditions after 2100 hours. Occasional light rain and drizzle in the morning. Southeast wind becoming Easterly. Operational results today have been very limited due to poor flying weather. Maintenance was carried out according to schedule between 0300 and 0400 hours. Entertainment: The usual Sunday evening picture show was held on the Station and was exceptionally well attended.
28 Jun 43
Zero-zero conditions in fog all day. Light to moderate thunder storms in morning with heavy rain all morning. Light Southerly wind. Due to very poor weather, operational results for today were rather limited. As a result of a severe electrical storm, several of the phones on the Station became U/S and were repaired by the telephone company. At approximately midnight a fault developed in the Receiver, and the Station was off the air for 12 minutes for inspection of the control circuit.
29 Jun 43
Zero-zero in fog first half clearing about 1030 becoming unlimited ceiling in afternoon and lowering to 5-1000 in evening. Light surface wind. The fault, which occurred just before midnight yesterday was cleared. It proved to be the anti-jitter valve in the power supply. Throughout the day the rain and fog continued and few tracks were recorded.
30 Jun 43
Overcast. Occasional light rain and drizzle with light fog. Surface wind light variable becoming West. Due to the weather being overcast, few tracks were recorded. In the afternoon an aircraft track was followed for 223 miles with a maximum range of 150 miles. Softball: Yarmouth Station League. Accounts Section vs Tusket Tintypes. The Tintypes proved to be the superior team and held the play throughout the game as evidenced by the score 28 to 2 in favour of the Tintypes.
HEALTH - The health of the Station has been very good this month.
STRENGTH 1-June-43
Officers - 2
Airmen - 96
Personnel other than RCAF - 00
Civilians - 00
Total - 98
STRENGTH 30-June-43
Officers - 2
Airmen - 88
Personnel other than RCAF - 00
Civilians - 00
Total - 90
(JC Houston) FO
No. 3 Det, Tusket, NS
1 Jul 43
Zero conditions in fog at first becoming high scattered to low scattered with visibility unlimited rest of day. Light surface wind. Due to good flying conditions there was normal operational activity. At the radio lecture, trade test questions were discussed by Sgt Cunningham and Cpl Moore. F/L N Estey, Protestant Padre, and F/L AJ Richard, Roman Catholic Padre, of RCAF Station Yarmouth visited this Unit and interviewed available Protestant and Catholic personnel.
2 Jul 43
Clear to scattered clouds. Visibility unlimited. Light surface wind. Rather unusual interference was noticed in the evening. Filter Room advised that the other detachments were also having the same trouble. Due probably to temperature inversion. The direct pulses from No. 4 RD, and the RDF Station at Boston were displayed as "rails" on the tubes over the complete coverage of 360º. This condition continued until the early morning of the 3rd. Permanent echoes were strong even to the extreme range of the tube.
3 Jul 43
Clear to high broken. Visibility unlimited all day. Surface wind West to South-west. The interference observed last night and early this morning were made the subject of a report to EAC Sketches were forwarded and the writer's opinion as to the causes discussed. Comments were requested from the CRO Maintenance period for the past few weeks has been held late at night, or early in the morning. This system of maintenance is very unsatisfactory from our point of view.
4 Jul 43
Scattered to high broken. Ceiling and visibility unlimited. Surface wind South. In an effort to improve ventilation of the Operations Room, the Receiver was turned around and the screens which darken the tubes were revised. By this change, there is more working room and it is hoped the ventilation will be improved.
5 Jul 43
Clear at first becoming zero zero. Surface wind South. Operations proceeded normally with all equipment working satifactorily. Maintenance held from 2000 to 2100 hours.
6 Jul 43
Zero zero in fog until 1000 hours with light rain and drizzle. Ceiling and visibility unlimited thereafter. South-west wind becoming North-west. Maintenance period from 2100 to 2200 hours. All the technical gear working well. The Station Dance was held this evening. It was the fourth and without doubt the best and most successful dance. The decorations were exceptionally well arranged and very attractive. One of the features which contributed greatly to the success of the evening was the improvement in music for dancing. Mr Walter Nelson of Yarmouth loaned his best PA system and records for the occasion.
10 Aug 43
During the day the conduit was taken down and two new cables, one with three conductors and the other with five were drawn through the conduit, and will be connected as soon as time off the air during daylight is obtained.
11 Aug 43
Visibility and ceiling unlimited. NE wind becoming SW Maintenance was carried out as per schedule from 2100 to 2115 hours and from 2200 to 2245 hours as at special request of Filter Room. We came back on the air after maintenance was first started. New time base pickup fingers were installed in PPI chassis. Equipment normal. Operational results for the day were very good.
12 Aug 43
Cloudy or partly cloudy all day. East wind becoming Westerly. Maintenance period from 2000 to 2100 hours, during which time a Grid Cap, engraved with the new air defence grid was installed on the PPI tube. After maintenance period strong PE's were noted out to a range of 65 miles. These PE's faded after a short time and all equipment was back to normal. F/L Penney and F/S Lewis of W&B Yarmouth visited this Unit and checked various W&B items. They also brought a sludge pump to be used at the septic tank. Softball: Yarmouth Station League: Tusket vs. Admin. Yarmouth. Yarmouth did not show up so they lost by default.
13 Aug 43
Overcast all day. Some rain. SW wind. Maintenance carried out in the hour before midnight, during which time the new Turning Motor and Selsyn Motor leads were connected and the temporary wiring removed. During the day all shifts were checking the accuracy of the new grid cap. Arrangements have been made whereby talented personnel of this Unit may have the opportunity of broadcasting every Thursday evening for 15 minutes at 2000 hours over radio station CJLS Yarmouth. The broadcast goes under the name of the "Tusket Tintypes". There is some very good talent on the Station and it is considered that it will be greatly encourgaged by such an opportunity. Septic tank pumped and about 3" of sludge to be removed.
14 Aug 43
Zero zero all day in fog and rain. SE wind. Maintenance was carried out from 2200 to 2300 hours with all equipment normal. Due to poor flying weather the operational results were limited.
15 Aug 43
Zero zero at first clearing before noon to ceiling unlimited. West wind. Weather conditions have improved somewhat and operational results have shown an increase over yesterday. The accuracy of the grid cap is still being checked and appears to be quite good.
12 Nov 43
There was no regular maintenance period taken today due to quarterly overhaul just being completed. Equipment quite normal. Station came back on the air after quarterly overhaul at 0132 hours. Due to poor flying conditions there were limited results today and operational results showed only 3 plots for the day. P/O Brooks, RDF Officer from #21 Det. Plymouth, visited this unit. The Regular Bingo game was played this evening.
13 Nov 43
Overcast 8000 first half reduced to 500 - 1000 second half in light rain. Visibility unlimited 1st quarter dropping to 2-5 miles in light rain. Wind W at 10-15, 1st quarter then S at 5-10 second quarter. WSW at 10 last half increasing to 25 and gusty. Max. temp. 44.0º, Min. temp. 40.0º. Todays maintenance was carried out as per schedule from 2200 to 2300 hours. Equipment quite normal. At 0030 hours an attempt was made to improve our standing wave ratio and a stub was soldered in the transmission lines. This improved Rx results. Standing wav ratio 3-1. During maintenance intensifier potentiometer was changed. P5 - 5000 ohms. Due to unfavourable flying conditions this evening operational results were limited with a total of 108 plots for the day. The longest track for the day was 302 miles and greatest range was 141 miles.
14 Nov 43
Ceiling and visibility unlimited all day. Wind WNW at 10-15. Max. temp. 44.5º. Min. temp. 41.0º. Today's maintenance was carried out as per schedule from 2330 to 0030 hours. Equipment quite normal. During maintenance HT variac was removed and checked. It was found brushes of rear variac were not making good contact. Brush holder was moved closer to windings. Today being Sunday flying was limited and operational results showed a total of 169 plots for the day. W/C CL Ingles and W/C GM Ritchie both of Eastern Air Command along with F/L Penny of Yarmouth, RCAF Station visited this Unit.
15 Nov 43
Ceiling 3000-5000 all day. Visibility unlimited. Wind W to NW at 8-12. Max. temp. 43.0º, Min. temp. 39.8º. Today's maintenance was performed as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. HT Variac was checked during maintenance and new brushes were installed in rear variac. Thyratron Unit Tubes were firing but array was not turning normally. Rubber coupling between gear unit and turning motor thought to be U/S. Main fuse in switch box (Deisel) went U/S at 2230 hours. Both Rx and Tx spark gaps were changed during maintenance due to low resistance. Due to unfavourable flying conditions this evening operational results showed only a total of 471 plots for the day. Mr. Surrette, contactor for building a recreation hall this unit, arrived with several men who commenced construction of this building.
16 Nov 43
Overcast all day. Ceiling 500-700 and visibility 3-4 in light fog and rain. Wind E to SE at 8-12. Max. temp. 45.0º, Min. temp. 37.6º. Maintenance today was performed as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. Oscillator valves 5552 and 5868 were replaced. New coupling was put in between gear unit and turning motor. It was found driving pins were out of motor side. At 0053 hours Station went off the air for breakdown, pulse was very unsteady and oscillators were drawing heavy negative grid current with HT off. Oscillators were changed. Fault was not determined.
17 Dec 43
Ceiling 2000-4000 all day. Visibility generally unlimited, except reduced to 8 in light snow first quarter. Wind W 8-12. Max. temp. 32.0º. Min. temp. 13.0º. Today's maintenance was performed as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. Equipment quite normal. Operational results showed a total of 628 plots for the day. This Unit's main condensation pump in boiler room was replaced by Works and Buildings, RCAF, Yarmouth Station. Two check valves and a hand valve were also installed. Sports:- This evening the basketball team rallied together and drove in to play Yarmouth RCAF Cooks. The game ended in a score 38-8 for the Cooks. The better team won but our team enjoyed the sport of it. An effort is being made to arrange whereby the basketball team of this Unit may have certain periods through the week that they can practice in the Recreation Hall at Yarmouth Station.
18 Dec 43
Overcast 1000-2000 all day. Visibility 6-8. Wind W to SW at 5-10. Max. temp. 38.0º. Min. temp. 29.0º. Today's maintenance was performed as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. Equipment quite normal. Operational results today showed a total of 165 plots for the day.
19 Dec 43
Overcast all day varying between 1500 and 2500. Visibility 8 first quarter, increasing to 12 rest of day. Wind SW to W at 5-10. Max. temp. 41.0º. Min. temp. 31.0º. Today's maintenance was carried out as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. Equipment quite normal. At 1500 hours the HR CRT (12EPI ser. G276 was replaced by 12EPI, ser G50) was removed after 10583 hours service. Operational results today showed a total of 278 plots for the day.
20 Dec 43
Ceiling 1000-3000 all day. Overcast in broken cloud. Visibility 12-15 decreasing to 3 in rain and snow showers. Wind SE to E at 15-20 first three quarters becoming NW at 25-30 and gusty. Max. temp. 35.0º. Min. temp. 26.0º. Today' maintenance was carried out according to schedule from 2100 to 2200 hour. Equipment quite normal. During maintenance spark gaps of Tx and Rx were replaced due to low resistence. 1022's were made out by senior RM Operational results showed a total of 459 plots for the day. A Xmas tree party was held this evening in the Airmen's Mess. Presents were taken off the Xmas tree and given out by good old Saint Nick himself. Many of the gifts combined jokes and hoaxes providing bundles of laughter. The Mess Room has been beautifully decorated for Xmas. Following the Xmas tree, a sing song began with F/O Sproul at the piano. It was clearly seen that the boys were having a great deal of fun.
21 Dec 43
Generally overcast 3-4000 all day. Visibility unlimited except reduced to less than 1 with snow showers at midday. Wind Westerly 30-45 with strong gusts. Max. temp. 44.0º. Min. temp. 18.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 2000 to 2100 hour. Total number of plots 158.
22 Dec 43
High overcast to broken first quarter. Lower scattered to 3000 rest of day. Visibility unlimited all day. Wind westerly 25 becoming northwest 15. Max. temp. 45.0º. Min. temp. 19.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 2000 to 2100 hours. Total number of plots 502. The regular Wednesday night movie was shown this evenig in the Airmen's Mess with a good station turn-out.
23 Dec 43
Ceiling generally 1000. Occasional snow showers. Visibility 3-1 in snow and blowing snow. Wind easterly first quarter, becoming northwest later. Max. temp. 18.0º. Min. temp. 5.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 1100 to 1200 hours. Number of plots 111. The Xmas spirit is very much in evidence at this Unit. Xmas parcels for the Airmen have been pouring in for the last two days. Parcels from home mean so much. Santa Claus seems to be doing his bit.
24 Dec 43
Ceiling 1000-2500 all day. Visibility 1-5 in snow and blowing snow. Improving later on. Surface 10-18. Max. temp. 12.0º. Min. temp. 8.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 1900 to 2000 hours. Number of plots 91. Xmas trees have been placed in the Airmen's Barracks, the Airmen's Canteen and the Officer's quarters, they have also been carefully decorated by the Airmen, and trimmed with many colorful Xmas ornaments. The Unit has taken on a real Christmas appearance. Mr. Benson, in charge of the YMCA at Yarmouth, Station RCAF, made a visit to the Unit and presented chocolate bar and cigarettes and matches to be used for Xmas and New Years, donated by the YMCA. This gift was greatly appreciated.
25 Dec 43
Ceiling 2000 first three quarters, rising to 4000 for remainder of period. Visibility 8 or better. Surface wind westerly 15-20. Max. temp. 35.0º. Min. temp. 13.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 0100 to 0200 hours. Number of plot recorded 206. As is the Air Force custom and tradition, Xmas dinner was served to the Airmen by the Officers and NCO's in the Airmen's Mess. The Mess was beautifully adorned with Xmas ornaments of all kinds and the table well decorated for the occasion. The Cooks presented a very delicious and appetizing dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by the men. The tables were set up in deluxe banquet style with Xmas crackers, cigarettes, chocolates and other delicacies. The turkey was served with all the trimmings after the tasty tomato cream soup, and for dessert, Xmas cake, Xmas pudding and ice-cream were served. It was very evident that all the boys of the station enjoyed their Xmas diner and the entertainment which followed through the balance of the day.
26 Dec 43
First half clear and ceiling 1500-4800. Visibility above 6. Surface wind North 5-10. Last half, visibility 4, North wind 5-15. Max. temp. 36.0º. Min. temp. 30.0º. Maintenance on aerials and equipment performed as per schedule from 1200 to 1300 hours. Number of plots recorded 66. A special movie as shown this evening in the Airmen's Mess, which proved very entertaining and enjoyable.
27 Dec 43 Ceiling 1000-4000, visibility 1-5, rain and fog. Surface wind, Southerly 8-12 becoming East 10-25 last half. Max. temp. 45.0º. Min. temp.35.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 2100 to 2200 hours. No plots recorded. Personnel granted Xmas leave reported back this date. There were no AWL cases. Two of the men, however, were held over on account of not being able to get passage on the boat between Saint John and Digby. Both wired for permission and the matter was checked. 28 Dec 43 Zero-zero at midnight. Ceiling becoming 500-3000 rest of day. Visibility becoming 4 miles to unlimited. Surface wind North-west 10-25, gusty. Max. temp. 41.0º. Min. temp. 19.0º. Maintenance performed as per schedule from 1900 to 2000 hours. Number of plots recorded 85. 29 Dec 43 Ceiling and visibility unlimited all day. Wind N at 5-12. Max. temp. 24.0º. Min. temp. 15.0º. Today's maintenance was performed as per schedule from 1900 to 2000 hours. Equipment quite normal. During maintenance bakelite bolt for rear grid lecher clamp was found U/S and was replaced. Operational results showed a total of 395 plots for the day. W/C S Volk, Acting Commander Officer for RCAF Station, Yarmouth, and F/L Penny, Works and Buildings officer, also of Yarmouth Station, visited this Unit for inspection purposes on W/C Volk taking over command at Yarmouth Station. Wednesday nights usual movie show was held for the airmen in the Airmen's Mess. 30 Dec 43 Ceiling 2000 in scattered to broken first three quarters, then unlimited. Visibility unlimited all day. Wind NW at 30 first half, decreasing to 10-15 last half. Max. temp. 23.0º. Min. temp. 18.0º. Today's maintenance was carried out as per schedule from 1000 to 1100 hours. Equipment quite normal. Today's operational results showed a total of 607 plots for the day. 31 Dec 43 Ceiling and visibility unlimited first quarter, then ceilings generally 3000-4000 and visibility 10 rest of day. Wind E. at 6-12. Max. temp. 30.0º. Min. temp. 14.0º. Today's maintenance was performed as per schedule from 2000 to 2100 hours. Equipment quite normal. Today's operations showed a total of 632 plots for the day. Some of the boys who were off duty were invited out to watch the Old Year out and the New Year in. Those of us who remained on the station gave the Old Year a reluctant farewell and a rousing welcome to the New Year. The Old Year has not been unkind to us here at Tusket. It has been one of progress and success. The Unit has been building along the lines of improvement, of systems, grounds, morale, yes, and individual characters of men, etc. The war is still on but the Allies have met with great progress and success. There is a lot to be thankful for from 1943. The Old Year has established a good foundation for the New and this Unit looks foreward to 1944 with anewed hope and promise, with a firm trust in God. HEALTH - The health of the Station for this month has been very good. STRENGTH 1-December-43 Officers - 3 Attached Duty - 6
STRENGTH 31-December-43 Officers - 3 Attached Duty - 6
(RG Allen) F/O About This Page This page is located at http://www.pinetreeline.org/rds/detail/rds3-2.html Updated: March 28, 2003
Airmen - 63
Personnel other than RCAF - 0
Civilians - 0
Total - 66
Airmen - 69
Personnel other than RCAF - 0
Civilians - 0
Total - 72
OC #3 Det, Tusket, NS