DAILY DIARY
36 RADIO DETACHMENT - SPOTTED ISLAND, LABRADOR
November 22, 1943 to November 30, 1943
22 Nov 43
The detachment personnel disembarked from the SS Kyle at 12.30 hours GMT, and were met by F/O C Cruikshank of No 8 CMU. Emotions may have been varied, but spirits were high, and the men started right in to work using both tractor and truck to haul bags of coal up from the harbour to the unit proper. All documents, mail, canteen supplies and sundries were taken over by the OC. All of No 8 CMU men departed, except F/O C Cruikshank, on the SS Kyle. Using the tractor, the detachment tender, B132, was hauled up on the beach, and, with the help of native labour, winterizing was begun. A party of three guards was placed near the beach for the night to prevent the natives from indulging in their bad habit of "walking away with" coal and gasoline. The remainder of the detachment turned in early.
23 Nov 43
With fine, clear, cold weather, the hauling of coal proceeded, and, it is no easy job, when you consider the 2 1/2 miles of slippery, rough road, and the fact that most of the bags of coal had been wet by last week's rains, and were now partially frozen to the ground. At the detachment, the double windows were put in place on all the buildings. The winterizing of the boat was completed, and the buoy (aircraft anchorage) was hauled up on the shore by the natives. F/O C Cruikshank and Cpl RC Stewart departed on the RCAF boat "Beaver". So we are now truly isolated for the winter. Fire extinguishers were issued to all the buildings. The radio receivers were moved out of the transmitter shack up to the specially built receiver hut about 300 yards from the transmitting aerials. Guards were again put out at the beach for the night. There are between 20 and 30 husky dogs always hanging around the cook and the mess hall; one can't even steal out for a walk without having between two and six dogs following at his heels, snapping, growling, but always staying just out of reach by hand. At the sign of a stone or stick in one's hand, they scatter in all directions. That evening, the game of "monopoly" started it's reign at this unit.
24 Nov 43
Another fine day in which to get some work done. The hauling of the coal was finished today, and the men started on the gas and oil drums. All the men moved into one barrack building to conserve space for heating; the other barrack block was set up as a barrack stores and carpenter shop. This left half a warehouse for the storing of coal indoors. Our WEM, LAC GR Yates, managed to get the PV 500 L transmitters working by remote control by using a relay circuit and batteries to overcome line resistence. The AT3 is still being used for signals; the PV 500 L is not pushing enough out. The Administration Building was opened, combining Orderly Room, hospital, armament section, and OC's quarters in the one building to save more coal. Spirit is still high, and is helped considerably by the remarkable meals put out by our able cooks, Cpl WE Hardy and LAC GY Hawrysh.
30 Nov 43
A bargain was struck with Bart Webber and his son to remain with us for the winter with his dog team for odd jobs, and as a standy-by in case of emergency trips to Cartwright. Tonight was canteen night, and the stock was put on sale according to a scale of rations. The general health of the detachment is very good; vitamin tablets and good food make a good start towards good health up here.
ON STRENGTH: Officers - 1, Sergeants - 1, Corporals - 5, AC's - 16, Total - 23
(A Wineberg) F/O,
Officer Commanding,
No 36 Radio Detachment,
c/o CAPO 10,
RCAF Overseas
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Updated: June 13, 2004