DAILY DIARY
32 RADIO UNIT - PORT AUX BASQUE, NFLD
April 24, 1945 to September 30, 1945
24 Apr 45
Overcast with light wind. The ensign was raised at 0830 hours. The fatigue party drew coal for the bins and cleaned up rubbish on camp area. RC Padre held consultations in the morning and a mass was held in the afternoon in the Rec Hall. Army, Navy & USCG personnel in the vicinity were informed and a few took part. The Padre ceased TD at this unit and departed for Sydney. LAC Taylor departed on TD. to Sydney for dental treatment. One airman departed on annual leave. The ensign was lowered at dusk. A movie was shown in the evening.
25 Apr 45
Slightly cloudy with light wind. The ensign was raised at 0830 hours. Diesel oil was hauled up from the dock. In the morning the evening shift were given target practice and grenade throwing by F/S Kelly NCO of ground warfare. Fatigue party cleaned up camp area. The ensign was lowered at dusk. A movie was shown in the evening.
26 Apr 45
Cloudy with light wind. The ensign was raised at 0830 hours.The fatigue party hauled coal and repaired broken board in walk. Wire mesh screens were placed in ground on beacon to replace iron rod previously used. Cpl Hood (Clk Acct) of Sydney arrived on TD for canteen check up, he departed in the afternoon for Cape Ray. The Airmen's barracks were inspected at 1830 hours. The ensign was lowered at dusk. A movie was shown in the evening.
27 Apr 45
Partly cloudy with light wind. The ensign was raised at 0830 hours. The fatigue party cleaned up Rec Hall and shoveled away ash piles. Two large refrigerators which had been shipped in to dock for station were brought up to unit by fatigue party. Ball teams were organized and played at ball diamond; Operations won over Headquarters by margin of 1. The ensign was lowered at 1830 hours. A movie was shown in the evening.
28 Apr 45
Overcast with moderate rain showers. Ensign was raised at 0830 hours. Fatigue party filled coal bins and levelled more ash piles around station. Working party was arranged for sports parade to put baseball diamond in Port Aux Basques in condition for summer sports. Fatigue party along with available volunteers took 4 X 4 truck to baseball diamond leaving several of party to work on grounds, remainder of party consisting of eight station personnel took 4 X 4 to sand pit. On return trip with load 4 X 4 went over a 30 foot embankment by breaking away of roadside. As a result there were five station personnel injured. One sustained the loss of right arm, compound fracture of the left arm and head injuries, remainder were injured head, back and legs with exception of a Boy Scout who had been riding on the truck who suffered fracture of left arm. Injured were rushed to the doctor, also communication was established with Sydney to despatch an amphibious plane to pick up the injured. Flying field at Sydney was closed in, so contact was made with Harmon Field; plane was despatched in excellent time and injured were removed. A total of six being put aboard the plane. Guard was placed at scene of wreck and will remain until court of inquiry or other instructions received.
24 Sep 45
Light overcast, variable winds. Fatigue party built crates and assisted in packing equipment, also refilled coal boxes. Airmen's barracks were inspected at 1830 hours. Sgt. Simola, AO arrived on TD from Torbay, re: dismantling of diesel. A double feature was shown in the evening.
25 Sep 45
Windy with slight fog and rain. Disbandment party commenced to dismantle diesel and gantry. Telephone line to Cape Ray out of order. No movie available.
26 Sep 45
Heavy overcast in morning, clearing in evening, variable light winds, some rain in afternoon. Fatigue party packed equipment. F/S McAlear, EH and Cpl Bobbitt, DR departed on posting to Sydney for discharge action. One airman departed on leave. No movie available.
27 Sep 45
Clear and cool, light wind. Fatigue party refilled coal boxes, and packed equipment. Airmen's barracks inspected at 1830 hours. Movie shown in the evening.
28 Sep 45
Rain and fog, cold. F/L Markham arrived on TD from #1 TSU re: dismantling equipment, departed same day. LAC Hanson, JD arrived on posting from Sydney. Dance held in Rec Hall in the evening.
29 Sep 45
Fair and cool, windy. Sgt Simola departed for Torbay off TD this Unit. Fatigue partly hauled lumber from freight shed. Movie shown in the evening.
30 Sep 45
Heavy overcast, cold with light rain in afternoon. Fatigue party hauled lumber. Movie shown after church service hours.
General health of the unit is good.
(RG Brand) F/L,
CO, No 32 Radio Unit,
Port Aux Basques, Nfld
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Updated: April 8, 2003