DAILY DIARY
5 RADIO DETACHMENT - QUEENSPORT, NOVA SCOTIA
14 Mar 1943 to 22 Aug 1943
14 Mar 43
Tragedy upset the usual quiet of our camp today when R101116, LAC Buchanon, RH, Opr. Telephone "C", accidentally discharged a Sten gun which he had been handling. The bullet entered his head above the left eye and came out the top of his head. Little hope was held out for his recovery, but Sgt GE Daine, our Hospital Assistant, performed miracles with his meagre equipment until Dr. Staunton arrived from Canso. Two and a half hours after the accident, Dr. Stanton gave him little chance, but Buchanan showed enough reserve to be kept alive until doctor and nurses arrived from the Military Hospital at Mulgrave with intravenous equipment. After an intravenous was administered, "Butch" rallied, but the fight went on all day between life and death. Two doctors arrived from RCAF Station, Sydney, NS. At 1930 hours, the patient was able to be moved by plane to Montreal, where a very delciate operation was performed. Everybody on the camp wore a "long face" and this accident shows clearly how much the personnel of a small detachment become attached to one another. A great deal of credit is attached to the doctors and nurses, and all the personnel of the station for the way in which the emergency was met. Everybody's mind was riveted on Buchanan today, but the work of the station went on as usual. A calibration flight was carried out be a plane from Sydney with the following exceptional results; Maximum range, 125 miles, Length of Track, 879 miles; number of plots, 451. The RDF boys are justifiably very proud.
15 Mar 43
Word from the Neurological Institute in Montreal, that LAC Buchanan has improved after his operation has helped to raise everybody's spirits, although everyone is still pretty "glum." (C11877), P/O LR Glenn, promoted to the rank of Temporary Flying Officer. R139054, A/Cpl Bradbury, GN, confirmed to the rank of T/Cpl.
16 Mar 43
More encouraging reports from Montreal re the condition of LAC Buchanan. Life in the camp gradually going back to normal, although everyone feels the effects of the ordeal.
17 Mar 43
A movie supplied by the Canadian Legion War Services is greatly enjoyed by all the camp and helps to break the gloom that has been over our heads for the last few days. The "Legion" has done outstandingly good work in providing recreation facilities here and their work is greatly appreciated by the whole camp.
18 Mar 43
Another unusually successful calibration flight was carried out today. Maximum range, 124 miles; length of track 605 miles; number of plots, 384.
19 Mar 43
A committee is organized to collect money for the Red Cross. The good work of this organization has been brought home to us here in the realization that the blood serum which undoubtedly saved the life of LAC Buchanan, was supplied through their efforts.
20 Mar 43
Response to the Red Cross drive is very good. Bad ice conditions on the roads has given place to mud. Transportation has been and still is our chief problem at this station. Spring is in the air with the boys out for the first time with gloves and ball.
21 Mar 43
The show put on tonight by the Canadian Legion is made a "benefit" for the Red Cross, with a voluntary silver collection at the door, bringing $11.50.
13 Aug 43
RDF equipment continues to operate satisfactorily. Results for the day: Roger Victor track 882 miles long with a maximum range of 32 miles plotted for 7 hrs.
14 Aug 43
Efforts are being made to maintain interest with our limited sports facilities. Tournaments in horse shoes, cards, pool, etc, have been organized.
15 Aug 43
Canadian Legion show presented, but was not of as good a quality as have been previously shown and personnel are quite disappointed. These shows are very much appreciated on the station.
16 Aug 43
The personnel not on duty travelled to Guysboro to enjoy a dance in that town. Such entertainment is very rare for the boys here and much appreciated.
17 Aug 43
A big job has been undertaken in an effort to provide more recreational facilities for the boys here. A strip of ground lying between the Administration building and Central Warehouse is being levelled for a volleyball court. It looks like a big job as the ground is interpersed by huge rocks, but the gang is going at it through voluntary labour in an effort to see what can be done. C11877 F/O LR Glenn, OC, proceeds on temporary duty to RCAF Station, Sydney, NS in connection with equipment and accounting matters.
18 Aug 43
Work continues on the volleyball court with considerable progress being shown. It is amazing what can be done by a bunch of fellows who find themselves in an isolated post left to their own devices for entertainment. Response to the suggestion leads to the belief that morale is "as good as could be expected' in such an isolated station.
19 Aug 43
C9625 S/L EH Riggs, Command Chaplain (Protestant) visits the station.
20 Aug 43
C11877 F/O LR Glenn, returns from temporary duty at RCAF Station, Sydney, NS
21 Aug 43
The volleyball court is practically finished after several days of hard work. Work of gravelling it has been commenced and soon we will have a much appreciated "sports arena" even if it is only large enough for games such as volleyball.
22 Aug 43
The weather has been much better for the last week. The boys have been getting out for swims, sun baths, etc. and resemble a gang of Indians with their well tanned bodies. Many of the chaps are providing fresh fruit for their diet by wandering off over the Barrens to pick raspberries and blueberries. This is another illustration of how to keep busy with nothing to do.
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Updated: March 28, 2003