DAILY DIARY
4 RADIO DETACHMENT -BROOKLYN, NOVA SCOTIA
19 Jan 1943 TO 7 Oct 1943
19 Jan 1943
Dark and cloudy, light snowfall. Test of the water from well prior to chlorination was received from the Director of Laboratories, Halifax, and the following result:- Water taken from tap - B Coli present in 0 out of a total of ten cc. quantities of water examined. Water taken from well - B Coli present in 1 out of a total of 10 cc quantities of water examined.
20 Jan 43
Very high winds, cold.
1130 hrs. - R145250 F/S Kenney, JH, Foreman of Works from EAC, reported on TD to check the heating system and boilers installed this Detachment. The chlorination of water system being complete it was arranged to have water sampled by Dr DK Murray. He read the test received from Director of Laboratories, Halifax, and gave permission to use water for drinking and other purposes. Water is very clear and cold.
0800 hrs. - The RDF aerial had to be tied down because of exceptionally high winds. RDF off the air.
2300 hrs. - R107160 LAC Dixon, CW was admitted to Station Hospital at 1400 hours this date. His temperature rose rapidly to 102º and at 2245 hours Dr DK Murray was contacted and he immediately came to the Station and reported first stages of pneumonia. He left instructions with the Hospital Assistant re the case.
21 Jan 43
Very high winds and cold. The high winds still continued and the aerial mast on Operations Building had to be kept tied down. R107160 LAC Dixson, CW was vastly improved at 1100 hours this date. His temperature had dropped to 98.8º which is practically normal.
22 Jan 43
Still exceptionally high winds, cold. The RDF had been off the air since 0800 hours 20 Jan. but the winds died down sufficiently to allow them to release the aerial at 1600 hours this date. C10933 P/O WS Martin returned to this Detachment at approximately 2100 hours having ceased a tour of TD at No. 24 RCAF Detachment, Tignish, PEI.
23 Jan 43
Winds died down, quite cold. As a result of an inspection made by officers on 18 Jan., the receiver controls on RDF equipment were set, and an increase in range was noticed of 30%. Nothing more of importance this date.
24 Jan 43
Clear and cold.
0900 hrs. - Telegram received giving authority that C12442 P/O JM Matthew (RAD) posted to AFHQ, Ottawa, effective 30 Jan. 1943.
25 Jan 43
Clear and cold.
0850 hrs. - The Thyratron Unit in the Operational Building broke down and RDF was off the air at 0900 hours.
1130 hrs. - C12442 P/O JM Matthew left on TD to No. 3 RCAF Detachment, Tusket, NS
1300 hrs. - RDF back on the air. Antenna being rotated by hand while turning motor being repaired. The aerial turning motor was repaired by 1800 hours and other breakdowns in the Thyratron control unit were fixed by 2230 hours. All told the RDF was off the air from approx. 0900 hours to 1300 hours.
26 Jan 43
Bright and very mild. Roads very slippery.
1000 hrs. - Phone call was made to FS & TO to have rations shipped by rail. Road conditions very bad and too dangerous to allow truck to proceed to Shelburne. New construction progressing favourably. Most of concrete forms now laid for foundation.
1 Mar 43
RDF Equipment went off the air at 1512 GMT due to trouble with Thyratron turning gear. Motor was removed and operations resumed at 1523 by turning aerial by hand. Repair was effected by 2012 GMT and motor replaced. Equipment off the air from 2012 to 0053 for adjustments. The pulse shape was very poor and up to now it was impossible to find the trouble. The Red Cross drive was started this date and the response for the first day was very favourable. Our basketball team won a league game in the evening by default but unfortunately lost an exhibition game to an all-star team by a score of 26-21.
2 Mar 43
Weather bright and clear. All available airmen went on a 2 1/2 mile route march leaving camp at 1330 hours ADT. The Red Cross drive was still progressing very favourably. The usual Tuesday evening concert was held at 2000 hours in the mess hall and the program consisted of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and other incidental music. New oscillator tubes were placed in the Transmitter and this cured poor pulsing noticed the night previous.
3 Mar 43
Weather cold and windy with snow. A trip set out for Shelburne at 0840 hours to transport men on a clothing parade. P/O AI Cove (C20332)(RAD) arrived at 1159 hours as supernumerary personnel for experience. The basketball team defeated the Corvette "Mahone" to creep to within one game from first place.
4 Mar 43
Wind very cold and persistent. The turning gear on the motor was again u/s while replacements are awaited. Wind and cold prevented manual rotation. The insulation having been repaired, another shut-down was necessary to adjust synchronization gears.
5 Mar 43
Still cold and windy. Nothing of importance to relate this date.
6 Mar 43
Maintenance period took place at 0930 hours in order to be on the air in good condition for intended calibration flight. A new bolt was installed in the lecher compartment of the transmitter. Our basketball team ended the season in third place and are preparing to enter the playoffs on Monday, 8th. The 1330 hour calibration flight had to be cancelled due to bad weather. C10933 P/O WS Martin, OC returned from an RDF Conference at Eastern Air Command. An exchange Receiver Unit arrived from Scoudouc and was placed in receiver this evening. Some modification were also made as there was little activity due to bad weather. The transmitter pulse had improved greatly but still not operating properly.
7 Mar 43
Dull and overcast with very high wind. Old oscillator tubes were placed back in transmitter and were found to give better results. Not much activity this date. It was decided to have a Station Dance on Thursday March 11th.
8 Mar 43
Weather bright and clear. Calibration flight at 1754 GMT The plane was followed for 137 miles and landed at Sydney at 1905 GMT The OC accompanied the ration run to Shelburne with the intention of clearing up discrepancies in the Detachment Inventory. On their return they were accompanied by R52685 Sgt Evans, GH who came back to this detachment to check technical equipment on Secret Inventory. The first class in Station Defence was held this date.
18 Mar 43
Weather bright and fine today. At 1000 hours a ration run left for Shelburne and also picked up supplies from the Central Warehouse for our Canteen. W/C E Creed and S/L C Parker DAPM from EAC arrived at the detachment to discuss station defence and other matters. The truck arrived back from Shelburne at 1650 hours ADT and were fortunate in securing some softball equipment from Mr. Batson the "Y" representative at RCAF Station, Shelburne. As basketball is drawing to a close now softball is the main topic around camp and it appears that a couple of crack teams can be picked out of the personnel of this detachment. In the evening our basketball team met defeat to the Liverpool team by a score of 39-25. This was the final game for the championship and proved a good game. With a little longer time our team would be one hard to defeat and a lot of credit is due them for their showing this season.
19 Mar 43
Weather fine and bright. The operations room was busy again today recording 50 tracks in all. The maximum range was 105 miles and average range approximately 60 miles.
20 Mar 43
Weather overcast. Slight drizzle of rain which was freezing. A proposed route march had to be cancelled on account of the weather. Weather conditions also kep RDF activity to a minimum.
21 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. RDF were moderately active but it was quiet around the balance of the station, it being Sunday. The orderly room was closed for the afternoon.
22 Mar 43
P/O CG Kipp (C22324)(RADIO) Supernumerary Officer, departed by rail on the 0600 hour train for Trenton Ontario to take the Administrative Course. F/O WS Martin (C10933) accompanied the ration run to Shelburne, to settle matters re our canteen fund and pay documents. Cpl Morgan-Browne, E MMMT and Cpl. Menard, JAC Tel. Optr. made the trip and had their M2 for Aircrew. A new W/T schedule started this date with Halifax as control station. There was quite a bit of activity on RDF Equipment this afternoon due to fine, fine weather. Installation of motorized steam valves was started this date.
23 Mar 43
Weather dull and overcast. P/O AI Cove (C22032) (RADIO) Supernumerary Officer, departed on TD to Trenton to take Admin. Course. There was moderate amount of activity in the Ops Bldg this date. The installation of the motorized steam valves was complete in the mess hall and Admin Bldg and it regulates a much more even heat in the buildings. The recreation hall which is part of Bldg No. 4 is practically complete just requiring finishing details such as painting and sanding of floors. Its usefulness has been limited as the lights are of the hanging type and the heating system is the regular radiator style. The main steam pipe runs down the centre of the hall about 7 feet above the floor, and from it pipes branch out to the radiators down either side of the hall. As a result we will be unable to play basketball, badminton or any such game. For future construction the following few suggestions are made: (1) a higher, wider building; (2) recessed lamps with shielded reflectors; (3) 2 heater units; one installed at either end of the Hall (4) wire net protectors over the windows.
26 Apr 43
R150737 LAC Bertram, CH left for his western home to assist in farm work. Cpls. Hodgson and Menard returned from Shelburne Military Hospital, none the worse of their operation. RDF. Operations recorded 64 tracks; total number of plots 648 with a maximum range of 85 miles, the longest track being 210 miles.
27 Apr 43
Bright but much cooler. The Fourth Victory Loan Campaign progressing very favourably, 24 hours after opening this detachment subscribed for 1150 dollars. Sgt Steeves, and LAC Allen departed by rail for Trenton at 0600 hours. RDF moderately active. Number of tracks 58, total plots 527, maximum range 90 miles, longest track 180 miles. In the evening there was considerable trouble with spurious echoes. They appeared as aircraft, but cannot be DF'd.
28 Apr 43
Snowflurries and cold. RDF not very busy, 11 tracks recorded, 42 plots, maximum range 71 miles, and longest track 81 miles. Nothing of importance to relate this date.
29 Apr 43 Dull and overcast. The first league game of ball with the navy was played at the ball park in Liverpool and our team won by a score of 13 to 6. It looks as though we have the team to beat. Regular routine of the station carried on as usual with nothing out of the ordinary to record. 30 Apr 43 Dull in the morning clearing off towards afternoon. Pay parade was held at 0900 hours in the airmen's Barrack Block. The regular ration run was made to Shelburne and F/O Neil SF (C12610) made the trip to discuss administrative matters with the adjutant of the parent station, Shelburne NS P/O Gibbs RL (C14492) Supy. Radio Officer also made the trip to make a report on the Victory Loan Campaign. 22 hours were lost in the month by sickness, but all were minor ailments such as colds. Station Strength as at 1-4-43: 4 officers, 15 NCO's and 75 other ranks. Station Strength as at 30-4-43: 4 officers, 18 NCO's and 74 other ranks. (WS Martin) Flying Officer,
18 hours were lost by airmen needing Dental treatment.
OC, No. 4 Det, RCAF,
Brooklyn, NS
7 May 43
Dark and overcast. The Lifebuoy Follies, i/c of Pat Rafferty, arrived from Halifax, via rail to put on a show in the Liverpool High School Auditorium in the evening for all service personnel. A few of our airmen assisted them in putting up scenery, etc. at the school. It was an excellent show and the Auditorium was filled to capacity. The appreciation of all was expressed at the closing of the programme by Commander Hall, Officer i/c of Shore Maintenance (Navy) Liverpool, NS. Mr. Batson, who was chiefly responsible for the show coming to his town, was on hand from Shelburne to assist and direct in a supervisory capacity. At 1330 hours this date there was an inspection of all ranks by the Officer Commanding. The main complaint was the old cry "haircuts". All places of work were also inspected and found satisfactory. Total RDF plots for the day numbered 481, 463 being a/c, and 18 s/v. Longest track for a/c recorded was 115 mile, and 16 mile for s/v.
8 May 43
Bright and warm. The stake truck left for Shelburne at 0800 hours on the ration run and at the same time transported ten airmen for a clothing parade. There was a meeting at 1330 hours of the sports committee, to discuss sports in general and to comment on a revised schedule for the station team set up by the Navy. The station team is in a league with the Navy ships and a winner is to be declared monthly. Each team plays about 10 games, no play-offs, games to count. Total RDF plots for the day numbered 559, 534 being a/c, 25 s/v. Maximum range for a/c was 85 miles, and 16 miles for s/v.
9 May 43
Bright and warm. RDF was busy as it was an excellent flying day. 849 a/c plots and 6 s/v plots were recorded. At 1800 hours our station softball played the Cobalt ship and won by a score of 7 to 3. It was a very fine game, taking into consideration that both teams were short of practice, it being very early in the season. A/C Morfee, AL of EAC Headquarters called in on an unofficial visit on his return to Halifax from Greenwood, NS He made a tour of the station and apparently was satisfied with everything in general. He arrived at 1530 and departed at 1615 hours.
10 May 43
Still bright and warm. A meeting of the Canteen Committee was held and was thrown open to all personnel re the spending of canteen profits. Suggestions were made by airmen to buy toasters for the kitchen, hold a stag party, buy sports equipment, etc. One decision was reached and that was to hold a stag party on 25 May, 1943. The Officer Commanding gave permission to allot $50.00 of Canteen profits in favour of the party. R82106 Cpl Morgan-Browne, E, MMMT, departed for Sydney, NS with the Stake truck. En route he was to pick up a radio car at Halifax and proceed with it to Sydney. RDF were still busy, 89 tracks were recorded, 81 being a/c and 8 s/v. The maximum a/c range was 118 miles and the maximum s/v range was 22 miles.
11 May 43
Bright and warm. Ladders for fire purposes for all buildings were nearing completion. Two ladders are assigned to each building, one hanging on the side of the building and one on the roof. Another route march was held at 1330 hrs. Two RDF Mechanics, R159674 LAC Meades, HJ and R159772 LAC Morrison, WS, were granted 14 days leave prior to posting to No. 30 Detachment, Cape Bauld, Nfld. A car arrived and was placed on a siding at Brooklyn (CNR) which contained equipment belonging to Ajax Engineers, Toronto, which was to be used in the construction of a 20,000 Imperial Gallon Water Storage Tank for this detachment. Although no information was forwarded here re its arrival, it is presumed that workmen will be arriving in a day or two to commence construction. 96 tracks recorded by RDF, 92 being a/c, and 4 s/v. The total number of plots for the day was 668. maximum range a/c 100 miles, and 27 1/2 for s/v.
6 Jun 43
Bright and cool. Being Sunday, nothing of importance took place. A stake truck from Shelburne gassed up at the detachment during the evening. Total no. of a/c plots was 347 against 12 s/v plots. 55 tracks were recorded, 50 being a/c and 5 s/v.
7 Jun 43
Bright in the morning, clouding up towards afternoon. B144691 Cpl Jeffrey, WB, RDF Mech., returned from T/D at No. 1 MU, Scoudouc, NB where he completed a weeks course on beacon maintenance. A proposed Medical parade had to be postponed as a long distance call revealed that F/L Wallace, MO, from the parent Station, Shelburne, could not proceed to our detachment this date. The usual Monday evening show was also cancelled as difficulties which could not be side-tracked interfered with Mr. Batson's itinerary. 93 RDF tracks were recorded for the day all being a/c. Total plots for the day numbered 770, 3 only being s/v plots. Longest a/c track was 235 miles.
8 Jun 43
Dark and cool. The workmen from JF Lawrence & Co., Halifax, arrived to install the jacket heater and change pipe connections in the pump house to coincide with the new 20,000 gal. Imperial Storage Tank. Another hardball game was staged in the evening, our team opposing the highly rated Liverpool Juniors. Although defeated 4-0, the team is certainly rounding into shape. 26 a/c tracks were recorded, the longest being 235 miles. Total plots for the day numbered 302, all a/c.
9 Jun 43
Bright and warm. Work commenced in the Pump House this morning to complete jacket heater installation, and pipe connections for the Storage Tank. 102 tracks were recorded by RDF Personnel, 99 being a/c and 3 s/v. The longest a/c track was 130 miles, and the longest s/v track was 38 miles.
10 Jun 43
Bright and warm. To date activity in all respects have been quite slow, however, this day went down in History as far as sports were concerned. Since the arrival of personnel on the detachment which formed our Softball Club, last august, they lost their first game in a wide open slug-fest against the Navy 15-14. F/L Wallace, MO from the parent Station, Shelburne, arrived by GMT to make arrangements for Blood tests the following morning. RDF activity showed a recording of 77 tracks for the day, 74 being a/c, and the longest track 295 miles. Things have been running quite smoothly in the RDF Section, and to date for this month no serious maintenance problems have been encountered.
11 Jun 43
Dark and overcast all day. Posting notice was received this date for P/O RL Gibbs (C14492) Supy. Radio Officer. Everyone was sorry to see him go as he took a great interest in his work and the sporting activity on the station. The MO's parade was held at 0900 hours and Wassermans for all requiring same were taken. The MO proceeded to Halifax after the parade and took R130622 Cpl. Allen, R, (Cook) to RCAF Hospital, Dartmouth to have a check made on his eyes. He returned in the evening. Advice was also received this date that R153485 Cpl. Allen, MM, Service Police, was re-posted back to this station, on completion of course at Trenton, Ont. A dance was held in the evening in the Recreation Hall and was enjoyed by all present. Music was supplied by personnel, the instrumentation being piano, sax, trumpet, clarinet, violin and drums. 49 tracks were recorded by RDF personnel, 47 being a/c. Total no. of a/c plots for the day numbered 435 a/c, and 8 s/v. One visual was recorded it being a Hudson a/c.
12 Jun 43
Dark and overcast. Nothing of importance to relate this date. RDF very quiet, owing to weather conditions only 8 a/c tracks being recorded, the longest being 114 miles.
21 Jul 43
Cloudy all day, with fog closing in at 2100 hrs. completely cutting off the air activity. There was a meeting of the Entertainment Committee to arrange for a weiner roast at Clam Flats, on the beach, about two miles from the station. F/L Evans, Medical Officer, arrived from Shelburne and gave innoculations to those who were due for same. Weather conditions slowed up considerably the RDF operations and only 12 tracks were recorded by Operators.
22 Jul 43
Foggy and wet all day and RDF activity was nil. F/L Evans returned to Shelburne, his period of T/D at this detachment completed.
23 Jul 43
Weather still heavy and keeping air activity nil. No tracks were recorded this date. F/O SF Neil (C12610) returned from 10 days annual leave and resumed his duties as Administrative Officer of the detachment. R154788 Sgt. Williams, CP also returned from T/D at No. 34 OTU having completed a ten-day period.
24 Jul 43
Weather cleared considerably and air activity resumed. R186268 LAC Hourigan, JPJ, RDF Mechanic, was sent to No. 1 MU, Scoudouc, NB to take a week's instruction in Beacon Maintenance. The hardball team contested the Navy in the afternoon and after nine innings of hard hitting spectacular ball the navy proved the betterby a score of 5-3. 32 tracks were recorded by the Operators, and a total of 157 plots were recorded for the day.
25 Jul 43
Weather clear, but very little RDF activity, only 10 tracks recorded. Approximately 15 airmen attended Church service at their respective churches in Liverpool, and were transported by our GMT Nothing of importance to relate.
26 Jul 43
Weather again foggy all day, with rain. RDF activity again practically nil. R160393 LAC Johnston, WC proceeded on T/D to No. 32 Detachment, Port Aux Basque, Nfld. for approximately four weeks tour of duty. R160021 LAC Deyman, WG, RDF Mechanic, departed on posting to RCAF Station, Gaspe, PQ.
27 Jul 43
Still dark and overcast. F/L McInenley, JW, CO RCAF Station, Shelburne, NS, dropped in on his way to EAC. He was in a hurry and did not have time to inspect the station. 10212 Sgt. Condon, F arrived at 1330 hrs and began trade testing the RDF Mechanics and Operators. He completed his work by 1715 hours and departed by bus at 1730 for EAC HQ At 1800 hrs. F/L Webster from EAC reported to this station to make arrangements for coal delivering for the coming season. At the same time, he inspected and gave a few helpful hints on arranging of piling of coal on the compound. He departed at 1915 hours.
28 Jul 43
Still very dark and overcast. Only eight RDF tracks were recorded all day. One visual was recorded, the aircraft being a Hudson. Mr. Strep, Coca-Cola Representative from Toronto, who is making an official inspection of the Eastern Provinces re their supply of "Coke" called at our detachment to try and rectify the situation here. For the last month and a half it has been practically impossible to procure the favoured drink, and it is expected that after this visit the situation will be clarified. Posting notice was received in the evening on P/O AM Dunn (C26427), Radio Officer, to be taken on Strength, Supernumerary 29 July/43.
29 Jul 43
Weather foggy all day. A little inland air activity was noted. P/O Dunn arrived via rail from Halifax as per information received the previous evening by wire. Weather conditions the last week have kept activity at a minimum.
1 Oct 43
Dull and overcast. Advice was received by signal of the arrival of the Command Trade Test Officer and Board on the 4th of the month to trade test station personnel. Outside of normal routine there was nothing of importance to record. The ony RDF activity recorded all day was 5 plots as weather conditions were very unfavourable for flying.
2 Oct 43
Still dull and raining all day. Information was received by telephone from the Commanding Officer of the parent station, Shelburne, that the Medical Officer from the Naval Base, Shelburne, would arrive Monday, on his regular tour of inspection. The final preparations were completed re procedure to be carried out to observe fire Prevention Week. No RDF activity all day as weather still bad.
3 Oct 43
Still dull and quite cold. Being Sunday routine was normal. The RDF Operators recorded nine visuals, all being "Cats", flying in formation and apparently for Dartmouth.
4 Oct 43
Clearing somewhat, but still quite cool. A muster parade was held in the morning to inspect all fire-fighting equipment on the station, and to familiarize personnel with same. The Officer Commanding, and Administrative Officer, each in charge of a body of men toured the station to inspect all equipment and to verify its exact location in case of fire. Surg/Lt. Renshaw, Medical officer from Shelburne, arrived by GMT and administered Wassermans, etc. to personnel and made a thorough check of the station. He reported everything in good order with no serious or complicated illnesses to personnel. Shortly after his arrival, the TTO, F/L Hoye, WN, and WOII Schultz, E, arrived by PMC and commenced trade testing at 1330 hrs. They departed for Shelburne at 1600 hrs. In the evening Mr. Early Buckley, YMCA, put on his weekly show to an audience fof 28 airmen. The picture, "Seven Miles from Alcratraz", was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. RDF activity took a big jump and a total of 85 a/c tracks were recorded this date, along with 7 visuals.
5 Oct 43
Weather dark and raining again. Weather conditions kept all activity at a standstill.
6 Oct 43
Bright and quite warm, making a very pleasant change. The OC's parade was held at 0815 hrs. and after inspection, and an hours' drill the airmen spent the balance of the morning in Touch-Rugby. As facilities at the detachment are practically nil, for trying to carry out the physical fitness program, the game of Touch-Rugby is considered one of the best conditioners available at the present. 985 F/S Threlfall, F, Pigeon Loftman from Dartmouth, arrived via rail at 2115 hrs. with 150 young pigeons which he was to release from this detachment for training purposes. 85 a/c tracks were recorded by RDF Personnel for the day.
7 Oct 43
Bright and still continuing warm. The first carload of 1943-44 Run of mine coal arrived at Liverpool this date and the Railway Officials advised by telephone that it would be spotted at Brooklyn siding the following morning for unloading. F/S Threlfall released his pigeons at 0750 hrs. and returned to his station via rail at 1330 hrs. Total a/c tracks recorded by operators for the day numbered 115. 20 visuals were recorded of which 6 of them were the highly rated 'Mosquito".
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