DAILY DIARY
7 RADIO DETACHMENT - PATRICIA BAY, BC.
1 Jan 1943 to 31 Dec 1943
1 Jan 43
Spare Reduction Gear taken to machine shop for enlarging holes - returned by 1330 - installation completed by 1630. Half staff on duty. Notified by Central Records that Wheeler, Diesel Oiler is posted to Cape Scott. Bradley, Diesel Oiler, has not seen Medical Officer re diet as yet but will do so today or tomorrow. Flying Officer Clark preparing Monthly Technical Report and Weekly Operation Report.
2 Jan 43
Normal operation. Weather poor for flying. Flying Officer Trites notified us that work would start on roadway on Monday. File from Senior Equipment Officer re stock of Diesel spares to be carried by Equipment Section - list attached - showing spare stock already held here.
3 Jan 43
Flying Officer Clark on 36. No flights possible today as weather is poor.
4 Jan 43
Squadron Leader Ness and Flight Lieutenant Fraser visited from Western Air Command to see Power House - discussed establishment of Power House. Works and Buildings started road building by hauling fill. Off air for several hours due to breakdown of dielectric insulator between feeders in coupling unit. Replaced with Polystyrene insulator made here.
5 Jan 43
Flight Sergeant Dion reported no flight possible as yet because of weather conditions. Monthly Technical Reports being typed - Weekly Operational report forwarded - also report of last calibration flight. Received three months supply of floor was - 5 lbs.
6 Jan 43
Poor weather. No flights by calibration aircraft. Works and Building building roadway in Detachment area. Pilot Officer Bates arrived from Western Air Command in pm. Discussed disposal of reducer gear with Flying Officer McGee at Western Air Command (sen E.56 through Equipment in usual manner and have them forward it be secret mail to Western Air Command). Received forms for Trade Test applications. Forwarded Monthly Technical Report. Complete schedule of 48s now typed and posted. Telephone line cut by tractor working on road. Checked with HF DF Station to see if we caused them interference. (no effect).
7 Jan 43
No calibration flights made as aircraft unserviceable. Construction on roadbed continued, breaking water pipe to Power House. Oil cooling unit on one of the diesels unserviceable. No 1 diesel shut down pending repairs of Equipment Section. Made a barrack inspection at 1330 hours.
8 Jan 43
Heavy fog - no aircraft up. Off the air for a short time until break in one of the induction coupling rings was repaired. Flying Officer Clark at WAC in the afternoon. List of applications for Trade Tests. (Operators, Mechanics, Diesel Operators), turned in to the Orderly Room.
9 Jan 43
Heavy fog - no aircraft up. Worked on TX time delay circuits during Daily Maintenance Period. Flying Officer McKinty and Flying Officer Potts from WAC visited the Station in the morning. Flying Officer McKinty repaired the IFF. Flight Sergeant Doutre visited the Station and was of the opinion that the IFF could be set so as to be a greater aid in calibration.
10 Jan 43
Made out Weekly Operation Report and started to correct new secret books according to the amendment list. Flying Officer Clark was off duty in the afternoon. The weather cleared slightly allowing a few aircraft up.
11 Jan 43
Exchange check on publications was held by Flying Officer Green and Pilot Officer Bates. The Orderly Officer of the day got as far as the office by mistake. Assistance, re feeder clips, for Flight Sergeant Doutre was arranged by this Detachment.
12 Jan 43
Flying Officer Clark and Pilot Officer Bates checked all of the Daily Inspections. A start was made on the Inventory, (there doesn't seem to be any clear cut definition of "C" Class Stores and therefore it is very difficult to check). A storage battery has gone u/s with 4 plates dead. This condition is being checked at the Main Station.
13 Jan 43
The Inventory was finished. Pilot Officer Bland paid a visit from WAC re information on various forms. Pilot Officer Bates visited Signal Section, but was unable to check inventory as this could not be drawn up by Accounts until next week. First Aid Case was received.
14 Jan 43
Flying Officer Clark and Pilot Officer Bates visited Accounts and Stores to obtain some ruling on procedures of returning parts - also re "C" Class Stores that have been charged to Inventory. Pilot Officer Mudrick visited the station from Western Air Command.
15 Jan 43
Pilot Officer Schineider, Officer Commanding at Sea Island, arrived for a two day visit. The weather turned clear and cold and so a calibration flight was held on a bearing of 340º with IFF - not very satisfactory. The R/T broke down on several occasions. Squadron Leader Preston, No. 122 Squadron, phoned offering any assistance re calibration flights. Flying Officer Magee phoned from Western Air Command re daily report on calibration flights.
16 Jan 43
The clear cold weather continued and two calibration flights were held on bearing 340º. The water pipes froze shutting off the water supply. Experimental work and modifications were made to the IFF. Pilot Officer Schineider returned to his own station. Arrangements were made for a calibration flight on a bearing of 140º on the 17th, January. We had trouble with the diode switches again.
17 Jan 43
Weather still cold and clear. No calibration flights possible due to aircraft being in maintenance. Weekly Operational Report made out - also summary of Daily Diary for Station Headquarters. Flight Lieutenant Innis Taylor, Operations, is making arrangements for permission to fly a calibration flight over United States territory tomorrow - bearing 140º.
18 Jan 43
Weather cold, cloudy, heavy snow, no flights possible. Received supply of coal but water pipes still frozen up. Flying Officer Clark on 48. Fault in line to diode switches discovered, but not yet eliminated. 6 volt battery from Power House returned from Maintenance - specific gravity up.
19 Jan 43
Weather still bad - snow and cold. Operations very restricted due to persistent fault in diode switch line, and stiffness of turning gear in the present low temperature.
20 Jan 43
Weather continues cold and snowy. Faulty diode switch line removed from conduit with great difficulty and break located. Rotation of gantry temporarily discontinued due to cold weather. Pilot Officer Bates on 48. LAC Dickie, Installation Party, visited and helped remove line.
Flying Officer Clark discussed with Flight Lieutenant Griffin, the advisability of separating the Security Guard of No. 7 Detachment from the regular station guard. Agreed that such action would solve present difficulties. Water in heating system brought up to proper level by using fire extinguisher to pump melted snow into boiler. (Pipes still frozen).
Brass contact rings on No. 2 Generator worn - removed and taken to Victoria by Cpl McColl. Later decided to re-install them and let manufacturer send man to inspect installation.
Remote Control for RT Transmitter turned in to Signals temporarily.
Flying Officer Clark disussed with Flight Lieutenant Severin, the turning in of plots to Fighter Sector as soon as telephone lines complete. Agreed.
21 Jan 43
Weather still cold, overcast, snow. Equipment serviceable, but antenna not being rotated for fear of stiff lubricants causing too much strain. Trade tests for Mechanics and Operators discussed by Flying Officer Clark and Flight Lieutenant Nicholson, Trade Test Officer. Received fuel oil delivery. Flying Officer Clark visited Signals Section transmitter building. 6 volt battery from Power House, recently recharged by maintenance has failed again.
22 Jan 43
Weather remains the same. Pilot Officer Bates checking Signals Section Inventory. Major General Archibald, Major General Potts, (Canadian Army) visited on passes No.s 2806 and 2807. Oil cooler on No. 2 Diesel has begun to leak.
23 Jan 43
Weather improving but still too bad for calibration flights. Pilot Officer Fuller and a Flight Sergeant were here to arrange a better hook-up for our RT communication. Shielded line to diodes in gantry replaced temporarily, outside of trough. Results appear satisfactory.
Letter from Wing Commander Secord, WAC, re resonsibility of Station Works and Buildings for No 7 Detachment Power House, (S.73-4-1). More RDF Mechanics to be sent here - (WAC).
Faulty battery and oil cooler turned over to Works and Buildings for action.
24 Jan 43
Weekly operational reports made out, also log of Calibration Flights during past week. Telephone man checked lines in receiver room, (JM Turnbull - on R.193). Tally Cards made out for inventory items.
25 Jan 43
Heavy snow fall grounding all aircraft. Pilot Officer Bates returned to Detachment having completed check on Signal's Inventory. WAC are transferring two of our operators and replacing them with two Corporals from Ucluelet. The duck-boards must be removed as a safeguard against air spotting.Trade test papers were prepared for the mechanics.
26 Jan 43
Heavy rains fell grounding all aircraft. Nine Mechanics wrote their trade test papers and were tested on their practical work.
27 Jan 43
Rain in the morning then clearing allowing aircraft up. Eleven Radio Operators wrote their trade test paper. They will complete their practical work as soon as weather conditions improve to the point where sufficient aircraft are up to test their skill. Flying Officer Clark in WAC working on graphs, etc with Flight Lieutenant Hanson. The nine Radio Mechanics were given the oral part of their trade test in the morning.
28 Jan 43
Ten officers from Flying Control visited the station under a blanket pass. Trade tests were marked and three operators were trade tested on their practical ability. We discussed the need of instructional periods for the mechanics with Corporal Dow. Sergeant Ronberg of the Security Guard gave his suggestions and the matter of the local arrangements of No 7 Security Guard was discussed.
29 Jan 43
Ten more officers from Flying Control visited the station in the morning. Gave practical trade tests to Operators. Turning shaft in reducer gear broke causing shutdown. Pilot Officer Bates made trip to WAC and arrangements were made to have the station Engineers, Squadron Leader Carter and Flying Officer Trites, to inspect turning unit to determine cause of breakage.
30 Jan 43
Telephone men busy installing telephones. Squadron Leader Carter and Flying Officer Trites visited Detachment and formed an opinion on the breakage - a report of which is being forwarded to WAC. A new shaft (and a spare) were made from the best steel available and the drive pully firmly keyed to the new shaft. Flying Officer Clark returned from his 48 to clear up situation.
31 Jan 43
Telephone men still working on telephones. Gear unit returned and installed again. Trade test results compiled and report sent to Officer in charge Trade Test Board.
(SA CLARK) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding, RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Feb 43
Telephone men laid cable to Guard House. LAC Dickie and Pilot Officer Bland visited the Detachment from Western Air Command. LAC Dickie wrote his trade test as a Radio Mechanic "B" group and a report sent to officer in charge of Trade Test Board. Settings of control unit were checked and found to be correct so that this unit had no bearing on on the shaft breakage.
2 Feb 43
Weather was fine with aircraft up and gear operational in the morning. The BC Telephone men were back completing phone installation causing shutdown during the remainder of the day. Work was done on the roadway which is becoming impassable.
3 Feb 43
Weather fine. Further installation of telephone proceeding. We were prepared to begin communicating with filter room at any time, but connections were not made. Flight Sergeant Dion reported; due to presence of telephone men, calibration or test flight impossible. Pilot Officer Bates left on 48. AC1 Newstead given three days guard duty for failing to report for duty with his shift. Spare reducer unit arrived from Western Air Command; two "Jeeps" from Equipment. Flight Sergeant Cummings of Work and Buildings measured, etc for blackout blinds and other improvements.
4 Feb 43
Fair - weather clearing. Western Air Command phoned that we would be connected with filter room by noon - but when tests were made, reproduction was too poor, so telephone company is continuing to work on problem. Bolingbroke was prepared for test flight in am but before aircraft left ground IFF was found to be unserviceable; was brought back here and tested ok - trouble was found to be in aircraft (only one battery in circuit). IFF was again installed after 1200 hours and aircraft took off but no IFF was seen on trace, and aircraft did not reply to our repeated calls on R/T. Flight complete failure. Manned telephones continuously to check with filter room but no word received. Equipment appears to be working well. AC1 Stewart, operator, assigned to duties in office.
5 Feb 43
Heavy rains fell making Detachment grounds into a lake - road has become impassable. Our truck became stuck on the curve and had to be towed out. Phone connections were completed to filter room and several good tracks were recorded despite the poor flying weather.
6 Feb 43
Weather was clear and the water was drained off the roadbed. The truck grader sent out by the station attempted to repair road but had to give it up as the sandy gravel was too soft to hold up the weight of his truck - crushed rock should be added to bind this sandy gravel together. Sergeant Ronberg of the Security Guard and Flying Officer Clark had a further discussion on local arrangements for No 7 Detachment Security Guards which isn't satisfactory at present.
7 Feb 43
Weather clear with aircraft up and plots being passed to filter room. Flying Officer Slipp conducting tests on new frequency channel for communication with fighter aircraft. Made arrangements for calibration flight with Flight Sergeant Dion if permision to hold the same can be obtained from Filter. Permission was obtained but the clouds moved in lowering the ceiling to 3,000 feet. Calibration flight called off. Flying Officer Clark still trying to take a 48.
8 Feb 43
Wing Commander Thomas, Squadron Leader Norris and Flight Lieutenant Hansen visited the Detachment and arranged to run an interception on 9th February. Two fighters from Boundary Bay were in difficulty and Sector asked for assistance. Unfortunately they were beyond normal range and not in sector we were asked to search. Wing Commander Thomas attempted to run an interception in the early afternoon but the weather closed in again. Flight Lieutenant Severin from Sector Control visited the station.
9 Feb 43
Wing Commander Thomas, Squadron Leader Norris, Flight Lieutenant Hansen and Flying Officer Moran ran their first interception from No 7 Detachment and were quite satisfied with the results. Flight Sergeant Grey and Flight Sergeant Gardner, pilots of the two planes were brought out to the station and shown how the interception had been run. The weather closed-in in the afternoon and prevented running another interception.
10 Feb 43
The weather was very poor for flying but our visitors from WAC returned hoping for better weather so that they could move a fighter squadon of eight planes around. The planes were up but conditions were so bad that they kept close to their base. Flying Officer Clark, Pilot Officer Bates and four Mechanics held a group discussion on technical matters. The general knowledge of the group was improved and several wrong impressions were corrected - we shall hold more of these as time goes on.
11 Feb 43
Wing Commander Thomas, Squadron Leader Norris and Flying Officer McKinty from Group Headquarters visited the Detachment. Weather was poor but an interception was attempted in the afternoon. Poor results were obtained as the R/T failed.
12 Feb 43
Wing Commander Thomas returned to the Detachment to make his report. The weather was very poor for flying and only a few plots were passed all day. Squadron Leader Johnson arranged with Flying Officer Clark to send some secret radio equipment out here as he did not wish to have it laying in Stores. Sergeant Young of Signals came out and discovered the reason of R/T failure - will correct wiring so that failure will be impossible at this end of line. Flying Officer Clark at Group Headquarters in the afternoon.
13 Feb 43
Very heavy fog and nothing up until noon. There were a few up in the afternoon. Sergeant Young from Signals installed panel for R/T connections and tested same. Flying Officer Clark on 48. Pilot Officer Bates inspected guard house and made suggestions, also conferred with station Adjutant re AC1 White leaving early to make TCA connections.
14 Feb 43
Heavy fog in morning - clearing towards noon. Little flying - low ceiling. Some work done on filling holes in roadway etc. LAC Webster, HN, RDF Mechanic, left in haste for Vancouver on receiving notification of death of father. Calibration aircraft u/s - parts have been removed and used on another aircraft. Trees in area surrounding station are being cut down by Works and buildings.
15 Feb 43
Foggy in am - cleared up somewhat in pm. 5 RDF Operators posted from Detachment - three to Cape Scott, two to Ucluelet. Four Operators and Flying Officer Clark visited Group filter room in pm. Very little flying being done. Cupboards and doors installed by Works and Buildings.
16 Feb 43
Weather fair - calibration flight impossible because aircraft is u/s - Flight Sergeant Dion reported that parts had been removed from it and installed on other aircraft. This was remedied, but it was too late for a flight by the time the parts had been replaced.
Pilot Officer Bates posted effective today. He and four operators were at group filter room in pm. Compassionate leave, one week, granted LAC Webster - by signal. Wing commander Mawdesley invited to inspect detachment when there is enough flying to make a show. Muster parade held at 1315 hours. Filter kept detachment on air till 2100 hours before maintenance could be done. Adjustant asked for two men to attend mental case in hospital for a few days, due to shortage of hospital personnel. One man (Mechanic) on each shift, to be detailed. Flying Officer McKinty phoned, asked for list of publications held here.
17 Feb 43
Weather fairly good, but changeable. Flight Sergeant Dion reported ceiling too low for calibration flight in am and further reported same condition in pm. Aircraft serviceable. Flight Sergeant Thompson, Works and Buildings, inspected road and promised action on repairing it. Sergeant Young, Signals, again came out and checked the R/T connections - daily tests are being made. Six operators and mechanics sent in to filter room via our transport.
18 Feb 43
Weather clearing, Flight Sergeant Dion reports no possibility of a flight till ceiling lifts. This detachment is still supplying two men, 24 hours a day, for watching psychopathic patient at station hospital. Five more operators and mechanics sent to filter room in pm. LAC Brocklebank and Corporal Draper nominated to give first of series of instructional periods on equipment, to start next week. LAC Nunn put in charge of building power supply fromn parts in stock, for experimental purposes. Corporal Dow instructed to see that all mechanics received instructions in daily maintenance procedure. Oil cooler for diesel finally reuturned, but was found to be badly aligned, and cannot be installed. Flying Officer Clark phoned Flight Lieutenant Piper, at hospital, re H Bradley, who has not yet received any treatment for the complaint on account of which he was posted here several months ago.
19 Feb 43
Weather overcast in am - clearing in pm. Calibration flight arrranged for 1430 hours - Flight Sergeant Dion reporting difficulty in securing a WAG but finally succeeded. Very poor R/T resulted in flight being useless - impossible to contact aircraft after it left ground. Only occasional bursts of transmission could be hear. Signals Officer promises investigation. Noted that WAG used letters "RDF" in his last message. Crew warned on landing. Three more operators sent in to filter room. Corporal McColl also went to Victoria with oil cooler to explain faulty repair job to contractor. Assigned four Radio Mechanics to stand watch over mental case in hospital - Squadron Leader Marshall, Senior Medical Officer, states that tomorrow shoud be last day for this.
20 Feb 43
Weather clear and fine. Two calibration flights made - one in am and one in pm. Morning flight cut short by motor trouble. Results fair from both flights. Wing Commander Mawdesley made complaint about dirty condition of transport and this was corrected immediately, and result was noticed by the Wing Commander. Mechanics from this detachment who have been standing watch over mental case were released from that duty today, but hospital sent one, LAC Sigg, to Vancouver as escort without notifying us. More operators went to Victoria to see filter room. Flying Officer Clark returned to Detachment at 2015 hours and found equipment u/s - trouble was located and station resumed operation at 2100 hours. (Main H/T rectifier burnt out).
21 Feb 43
Weather clear and fine - test flight proposed and permission finally obtained from Flight Lieutenant Ingrose, Group Controller. Copy of log and track requested by Squadron Leader Norris. Good results obtained - course was given aircraft over R/T by vectors from operators. Aircraft flew over areas where no plots had been previously recorded, and track was easily followed, total mileage over 200 miles. No flight made in pm till present results are graphed and temporary Hieight Chart made up. Ten minute shut down required in pm while Corporal Draper corrected arcing in transmitter.
22 Feb 43
Weather fine - clear. Flight Sergeant Dion reported aircraft ready for flight, but Flying Officer Clark decided to wait till results of previous flights has been graphed. Sector called and requested that watch be kept for two aircraft (Bolingbrokes) that were flying north west in 22 quarter - at 5,000 - an interception was planned. No sign of aircraft on our tube - Flight Lieutenant Severin phoned from Group questioning lack of plots on these aircraft. Pointed out that at 5,000, aircraft were too low at the range - (40 to 50 miles).
23 Feb 43
Weather fine and clear. Flight Sergeant Dion reported possibility good for high altitude flight in pm. Flight arranged, and made at 1430 hours to 1600 hours, on bearing 141º, at 20000 feet. Results rather poor; difficult to pick out aircraft, and echo ratios few and far between. Pilot Officer Johnston, Works and Buildings, admitted to operations building in place of Flying Officer Trites, to survey for installation of exhaust fan. Equipment was covered, and station taken off the air, during his visit. Works and Buildings sent several truckloads of gravel out for the bad spots in the road, and graded it again. Cpl Draper gave a lecture on the Thyratron unit to as many mechanics as could be present. LAC Buchanan selected to talk on aerials.
24 Feb 43
Flying Officer Bland called from WAC re posting of Flying Officer Harland and Pilot Officer Loomis to this station also agreed to arrange for more operators here.Weather fine and clear. No calibration flight made due to visit of Major AM Gray, United States Army Signal Corps, who was interested in installation problems. Flying Officer McGee telephoned from WAC warning of his coming and authorized his admisson on a letter from Wing Commander Mair. Pilot Officer Johnston, from Works and Buildings, returned to measure windows from outside, for installation of exhaust fan.
25 Feb 43
Weather fine and clear. Calibration flight made in pm. Flying Officer Harland arrived, posted here from WAC - also Pilot Officer Loomis, for indefinite period. Two WD Filter room operators arrived after 1700 hours to see the operations room, their only pass being a letter from the Group Duty Controller. They were not admitted. Flying Officer Harland is working on results of all Calibration Flights held to date. Flying Officer McGee from WAC re ohmite switches on distribution panel, also requested as to try to procure topographical maps of Tofino, and Rose Spit.
26 Feb 43
Weather fine and clear. Flying Officer Harland plotting results of calibration flight. No calibration flight. Arrangements made for flight over United States territory on bearing 140º but called off , aircraft in Maintenance.
27 Feb 43
Weather fine and clear. Flying Officer Clark on 48. No Calibration flight. Aircraft loaned to Signals for Calibration of DF Station.
28 Feb 43
Weather fine and clear. Station off air for two minutes in pm due to breakdown of No 2 Generator. Spare warmed up and Station back on air. Locking pin slipped out from pulley driving DC generator. Pin replaced and Generator serviceable.
(SA CLARK) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding, RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Test flight 1000 hours to 1130 hours bearing 340º, pilot logging heights and station plotting, showed new practical charts more accurate than theoretical. Flying Officer Clark and Flying Officer Harland visited No 2 Group Headquarters in absence of Group Radio Officer. In evening switching diodes replaced and retuned. Losses reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent.
2 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Calibration flight 1000 hours to 1215 hours, bearing 140º, heights 12,000 ft and 20,000 ft. This allowed station calibration on 7 1/2 - 12 1/2 ft antenna at this bearing, but results on 10 - 25 ft antenna inconclusive. Inspector General visiting Patricia Bay Station but failed to visit No 7 Detachment.
3 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Pilot Officer Loomis confined to Hospital, probably for a week or ten days. Calibration flight 1300 hours to 1530 hours, bearing 045º, heights 12,000 and 15,000 feet. Very good response on latter using 25 - 10 ft antennae. Station now considered calibrated at this bearing. In evening a check was made on accuracy of range calibration, and station found quite accurate at 75 miles.
4 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear, with high winds in evening. Calibration flight attempted 1030 hours. Plane reached 24,000 feet, but flight failed due to R/T difficulties. Arrangements made with Flight Lieutenant MacDonald to select our own choice of WAGs for future flights. W/T apparatus checked by Signal Section in afternoon.
5 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear in morning, clouding over toward evening. Calibration flight at 1000 hours, bearing 340º altitude 22,000 ft, fairly successful. Attempted second flight 1500 hours, failed due to R/T trouble. Flying Officer Clark visited No 2 Group Headquarters, to check on Radio Branch in absence of Radio Officer. Obtained two books of R.193 passes.
6 Mar 43
Weather fine but cloudy, clearing in afternoon. Calibration flight and test flight 1400 hours to 1545 hours, bearing 045º various heights. Calibration of this bearing now complete as far as possible. Blackout shields installed on windows.
7 Mar 43
Weather fine, broken clouds. No calibration flight as plane's personnel were engaged in search for fighter lost in Cowichan Lake area.
8 Mar 43
Weather fine, high broken clouds. Calibration flight 1615 hours to 1800 hours, bearing 220º, height 20,000 feet. Some data obtained on 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 feet antennae on this bearing. Detachment visited by Wing Commander Little, with a view to its use as interceptor control and as homing device for lost craft.
9 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Calibration flight 1400 hours to 1530 hours bearing 220º, height 22,000 feet. After only a few plots obtained, TX in aircraft went U/S and flight discontinued. Flying Officer Harland visited Group Headquarters Radio Branch to check mail accumulated in absence of Group Radio Officer. Wing Commander Mawdesley paid visit of inspection of No 7 Detachment.
10 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Attempted calibration flight on Hurricane Fighter at 045º and 30,000 feet proved unsuccessful due to R/T trouble and difficulty in locating so small a target at difficult angles of elevation. WO1 Ross and F/S Dion of calibration aircraft crew visited Detachment to learn of problems of calibration at first hand.
11 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, slight precipitation toward evening. No calibration flight attempted, as ceiling too low, and crew engaged on other duties assigned by WAC. Station visited by Flying Officer Bryne, future controller at Sea Island Detachment No 8, with a view to correlating operation of two Detachments.
12 Mar 43
Weather cloudy but fine. Ceiling too low for calibration flight.
13 Mar 43
Weather fine, scattered clouds. Calibration flight over limited range on 045º at 20,000 feet. Good response. Authority given from WAC for visit to Detachment by Squadron Leader Boomer, who failed to arrive. Sergeant Guilbault appointed permanent Squadron Orderly Sergeant in accordance with letter 18-1-1 of 12th March, 1943.
14 Mar 43
Weather fine, scattered clouds. Calibration flight attempted on 340º at 20,000 feet. Poor visibility from plane caused curtailment of flight before many useful plots obtained. Flying Officer Byrne returned to No 8 Detachment, Sea Island to commence duties as controller.
15 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, turning to rain in afternoon. No calibration flight attempted due to low ceiling. F/O Clark, OC, left on annual leave.
16 Mar 43
Cloudy with intermittent rain. No calibration flight. Calibration crew loaned to Signals for use on their DF system, and lost in plane crash.
17 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. Calibration aircraft u/s. No 122 Squadron promised replacement for crew lost in crash of Bolingbroke No 9084. During DI increase in resistence through coupling unit was noticed. At some points this exceeded 1000 ohms. Permission secured from Group Filter Officer to go off air evening of 18th March, 1943, for cleaning of unit.
18 Mar 43
Weather cloudy and cool. No calibration flight - low ceiling. Station off air 1830 hours for cleaning of coupling unit. Unit cleaned, replaced and set back on air 2245 hours.
19 Mar 43
Weather cloudy and cool. No calibration flight - low ceiling. Pilot Office Loomis reported for light duty after confinement to hospital since 3rd March. Flying Officer Scherk arrived on posting from WAC to assume duties as detachment controller.
20 Mar 43
Weather fine and clear. No calibration flight as all oxygen equipment lost in crash of No 9084. Modification made to RDF equipment as outlined in RDF Instruction, E.2/6.
21 Mar 43
Weather cloudy but fine. No calibration flight - oxygen equipment on order but has not been delivered.
22 Mar 43
Weather cloudy with some rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling and no oxygen. Flying Officer Scherk, and Pilot Officer Loomis visited No 2 Group Headquarters, the former to contact filter organization and the latter to check on mail in Radio Branch in absence of Group Radio Officer.
23 Mar 43
Weather cloudy with continuous rain. No calibration flight - ceiling too low.
24 Mar 43
Weather cloudy with rain in morning, clearing in afternoon. No calibration flight - low ceiling. Group Radio Officer, Flight Lieutenant McKinty, returned from visit to Cape Scott. Flying Officer Harland visited Group Headquarters for discussion of calibration.
25 Mar 43
Weather clear and fine. No calibration flight as oxygen equipment has not yet been delivered. Received two shipments of technical equipmetn from No 17 Equipment Depot, including the following parts - 10RH475, 10RF10, 10RH618, 10RA427.
26 Mar 43
Weather cloudy with rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling.
27 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, continuous rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling. DI extended extra hours when several power leads to CRTs discovered faulty. Field telephones collected by Signals, and one in use replaced.
28 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, intermittent rain. No calibration flight, low ceiling.
29 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, some rain. No calibration flight, low ceiling. Flying Officer Clark returned from leave to resume duties as Officer Commanding.
30 Mar 43
Weather cloudy, intermittent rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling. Replaced RF stages of RX to improved linearity, but trouble developed in tuning, so had to replace old unit. Total time off air - five hours including DI.
31 Mar 43
Weather cloudy with rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling. A large amount of equipment for the use of Flying Officer Scheck in training Operator in Navigation was received from stores.
(SA CLARK) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding, RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
APPENDIX A
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT 1st MARCH 1943
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 3 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 65
Others - Nil
APPENDIX B
NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF UNIT AS AT 31st MARCH 1943
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 3 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 65
Others - Nil
(SA CLARK) Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding, RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Apr 43
Weather cloudy, some rain. No calibration flight - low ceiling. Squadron Leader EL Miners from WAC HQ visited the Detachment in the morning. Cooling fan for Operations Room brought out by Works and Buildings but returned for alterations.
2 Apr 43
Cloudy in am, clear in pm. Flying Officer Clark and Flying Officer Harland discussed with Flying Officer S MacDonald future calibration flights since he will be in charge of the aircraft. No calibration flight - since aircraft u/s and new crew incomplete. WAC telephoned instructions to send spare shaft for reduction gear to Sea Island to replace broken shaft. Cooling fan finally installed in Operations Room. Flight Lieutenant McKinty and Flight Lieutenant Mills visited the Detachment in pm.
3 Apr 43
Intermittent rain - clearing in pm. Flying Officer MacDonald and WO1 Ross, the pilot and navigator of the calibration aircraft visited the Detachment. The Station Commanding Officer, Group Captain McGregor, and Squadron Leader Pitcher from WAC, inspected the Detachment. No calibration flight - aircraft u/s.
4 Apr 43
Cool and cloudy. No calibration flight - aircraft u/s. "Chic Sale" received from Works and Buildings and installed in corner of lot since water will not be available for some time.
5 Apr 43
Rain - no calibration flight - no flying. Flight Lieutenant Roberts from AFHQ, Flight Lieutenant Hansen from WAC and Flight Lieutenatn McKinty from No 2 Group visited and inspected the Detachment. Flying Officer Scherk was off duty under the Medical Officer's orders.
6 Apr 43
Overcast - no calibration flight. Flying Officer Harland made a trip to No. 2 Group Headquarters in Victoria. No. 2 Alert in force, and the Plan of Defence of the Station had its first tryout. A complete success.
7 Apr 43
Cloudy - no calibration flight. Flying Officer Scherk returned to duty. Flying Officer Scherk started training Operators in Navigation.
8 Apr 43
Overcast in am but clearing by noon. Calibration flight on Bearing 340º, height 22,000 feet using 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 aerials. Materials for practice plotting table received and table set up. Training of Operators on Navigation continued.
9 Apr 43
Bright and clear - calibration flight on Bearing 340º, height 22,000 feet using 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 aerials. This flight was unsuccessful due to trouble in diode switching gear making height reading impossible. Trouble cleared but reason not known.
10 Apr 43
Bright and clear. Calibration flight on Bearing 340º, height 22,000 feet using 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 aerials. Flight successful. This bearing now completely calibrated. In afternoon the duty watch and other personnel off duty used the rifle range. Flying Officer Scherk controlled a Hurricane fighter in order to practice for future interceptions. Group Captain Godwin, Director of Signals, inspected the Detachment. Included in the accompanying party were Squadron Leader Eaton, Flight Lieutenant Severin, Flight Lieutenant Byrne, Flying Officer Slipp and Pilot Officer Long. The inspection lasted about 15 minutes.
11 Apr 43
Bright and clear. No Calibration flight since the aircraft was in maintenance.
12 Apr 43
Bright and clear. No Calibration flight since the aircraft was still in maintenance in the morning and used by Flying Control for other purposes in the afternoon. The Detachment Duty Watch system was changed. The Duty Watch now consists of the shift succeeding the Operations Crew. F/O Scherk continued instructing the Operators in a class held in the evening.
13 Apr 43
Bright and clear. A Calibration flight was made on bearing 140º, Altitude 15,000, 25-10 aerials. The flight was successful. We are still awaiting a repair party from WAC to repair one of the diesels. F/O Trites from W&B has sent a signal to hurry them.
14 Apr 43
Bright and clear. A Calibration flight was made on bearing 140º, Altitude 15,000, 25-10 aerials. The flight was successful. F/L McKinty arrived to make arrangements for the quarterly overhaul.
15 Apr 43
Bright and clear. No Calibration flight. The quarterly overhaul was postponed in order that the Controller could practice an interception using a Kittyhawk equipped with IFF as a fighter. The interception was not very successful. As from April 15th 1943 F/O Scherk is Officer Commanding this detachment in lieu of F/O Clark. P/O George arrived on TD from #2 MU.
16 Apr 43
Cloudy. A second practice interception with the Kittyhawk was called off due to unfavourable weather. At 2359 hours all power was removed from the equipment to allow it to cool for the quarterly overhaul.
17 Apr 43
Cloudy and cool. The quarterly overhaul commenced and the equipment was torn down. F/L McKinty from #2 Group arrived to take charge.
18 Apr 43
Cool, raining. F/O Mawdesley arrived at the Detachment to replace F/O Clark as Technical Officer. The quarterly overhaul continued.
19 Apr 43
Cloudy and cool. The quarterly overhaul continued. F/L Michener from #2 MU arrived to assist.
20 Apr 43
Cool, scattered clouds. The quarterly overhaul continued. The technical inventory was checked and F/O Mawdsley became holder in lieu of F/O Clark.
21 Apr 43
Couds, rain, hail, sun. What a day! The quarterly overhal continued.
22 Apr 43
Some clouds, mostly fair, cool. The quarterly overhaul continued. F/O Scherk became holder of Inventory #53 in lieu of F/O Clark. F/O Clark left on posting to WAC Vancouver.
23 Apr 43
High winds, cloudy and cool. The quarterly overhaul was completed. Normal operation not resumed in order to try out the equipment.
24 Apr 43
Bright and clear. Normal operation resumed. Test flight arranged 340º Bearing, Height 22,000'. Both aerials used with only fair results.
25 Apr 43
Bright and clear. Test flight 360º 21,000'. Excellent results 25-10 Aerials. Calibration flight 220º 15,000'. Excellent results 25-10 Aerials. R/T unsatisfactory. W&B are including in their report that the slip rings on the generator are badly worn.
26 Apr 43
Bright and clear. Calibration flight in AM on bearing 140º 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 Aerials. Numerous plots recorded. Another flight arranged in the evening but called off due to R/T failure.
27 Apr 43
Overcast. A delegation visited the Signals Officer regarding the recurring R/T failure. A volume conrol is being arranged for and that should give better results.
28 Apr 43
Low clouds and some rain. No calibration flight due to poor weather.
29 Apr 43
Cloudy. Calibration flight called off due to R/T failure.
30 Apr 43
Bright and clear. Calibration flight cancelled due to R/T failure.
Numerical Strength of Unit as at 30th April 1943.
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 3 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 59
Others - Nil
(RHV Scherk) Flying Officer
Officer Commanding, Detachment No. 7
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 May 43
Bright and clear. Calibration flight arranged Azimuth 220ºT, altitude 15,000 feet, 25-10 aerials. Flight cancelled when aircraft reached 10,000 feet due to poor visibility. F/L McKinty and Dr Leggett visited the Detachment.
2 May 43
Bright and clear. Calibration Flight Azimuth 220ºT, alititude 22,000 feet, 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 aerials. Not very successful. Of short duration due to lack of oxygen. In the afternoon plots of groups of fighters were recorded at maximum ranges.
3 May 43
Bright and clear. Calibration flight on circular course arranged for am but called off because aircraft required for other Station duties. Flight held in pm at height of 15,000 - range 30-35 miles. Very successful.
4 May 43
Cloudy. No calibration flight because of unsuitable weather. At long last the water was again connected to the Detachment.
5 May 43
Rain. No calibration flight. In the pm a group from the School of Flying Control visited the Detachment.
6 May 43
Bright and fair in am, becoming cloudy at noon. No calibration flight. Another group of the School of Flying Control visited.
7 May 43
Bright and clear. Calibration test flight held at 22,000 feet - 12 1/2 - 7 1/2 aerials on circular course around the Detachment at 25 - 35 miles. Flight was successful. The third and last group from School of Flying Control visited.
8 May 43
Cloudy. No calibration flight.
9 May 43
Clouds and sun. Calibration flight held in pm on bearing 220ºT - height 22,000 feet, aerials 12 1/2 - 7 1/2. Flight very successful although R/T troubles.
10 May 43
Partly cloudy. No calibration flight.
11 May 43
Cloudy and rain. No calibration flight. Squadron Leader Norris, F/L Moran and F/L Graham visited the Detachment in the pm.
12 May 43
Rain, sun, hail. No calibration flight. Station was off the air from 0830 to 2130 hours while telephone men were re-arranging the telephone equipment.
13 May 43
Fair. Pilot Officer Neilson arrived from No 2 MU to check on technical inventory.
14 May 43
Fair. No calibration flight.
15 May 43
Bright and clear. Pilot Officer Neilson left for Ucluelet. Calibration crew on 48.
16 May 43
Bright and clear. No calibration flight. Calibration crew on 48.
17 May 43
Bright and clear. Calibration crew at Sea Island.
18 May 43
Clear.
19 May 43
Clear. S/L Norris and LAW Lassier visited the Detachment.
20 May 43
Rain and clouds.
21 May 43
Clouds and rain.
22 May 43
Cloudy. F/L McKinty visited the Detachment.
23 May 43
Fair, cloudy by noon. Circular calibration flight held in am - 25-10 ft aerials, range 25-40 miles. Successful.
24 May 43
Warm, partly cloudy. Calibration flight held in am. Azimuth 220ºT. height 22,000 feet, aerials 12.5 - 7.5 . Fair success. In pm groups of aircraft followed from Cape Flattery to Victoria and then down towards Seattle. Fifty plus in largest group.
25 May 43
Mostly fair, some clouds. Calibration flight held in am. Azimuth 140ºT, height 15,000 feet - aerials 25-10. Poor results due to mix-up in directing aircraft.
26 May 43
Fair. No calibration flight, weather unsuitable. In pm a practice interception was held. A Canso was the target. It started at Port Angeles and was followed with excellent results to Bellingham where it was lost. The controlled fighters were not satisfactorily picked up so no interception was made.
27 May 43
Bright and clear. Warm at last. Group Captaion McGregor and S/L Norris visited the Detachment in the pm and a practice interception was held. The target was a Canso and the fighters were two Kittyhawks equipped with IFF. Fair results were obtained.
28 May 43
Fair and cool. S/L Norris conducted a practice interception. The target aircraft, a Canso, was never picked up. A Stranraer was successfully intercepted by accident.
29 May 43
Cold with some rain. No calibration flight.The lower diode switch was taken apart and a dirty contact cleaned.
30 May 43
Cloudy. No calibration flight.
31 May 43
Cloudy and cool. No calibration flight.
Numerical Strength of Unit as at 31st May 1943.
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 3 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 60
Others - Nil
(RHV Scherk) Flying Officer
Officer Commanding, Detachment No. 7
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Jun 43
Fair. Calibration flight on 220ºT arranged but aircraft returned to base without establishing satisfactory R/T communication. Too many others on same frequency.
2 Jun 43
Fair. No calibration flight.
3 Jun 43
Fair. A practice interception controlled by #8 Detachment was held. When the time came for this Detachment to take over, R/T contact could not be made since we were on the wrong frequency.
4 Jun 43
Fair. A practice interception was planned. This Detachment never took control since target aircraft was never seen.
5 Jun 43
Fair. Sector controlled an interception using plots passed by this Detachment. The target aircraft were two Bolingbrokes.
6 Jun 43
Fair. Calibration flight 220ºT, 22,000 feet, 12.5-7.5. Good results. In pm another calibration flight 140ºT, 15,000 feet, 25-10 ft aerials. Good results.
7 Jun 43
Bright and clear. A practice interception was held in the pm controlled by #8 Detachment. This Detachment (#7) passed plots.
8 Jun 43
Bright and clear. Practice interceptions were held without much success. In the pm two fighters were turned over to the Controller but R/T communication could not be made with one of them.
9 Jun 43
Bright and clear.
10 Jun 43
Fair. Radio Mechanics were trade tested. Station off air in pm while practical test was given.
11 Jun 43
Bright and clear. Radio Operators were trade tested.
12 Jun 43
Fair. This detachment passed plots on an aircraft controlled by Sector.
13 Jun 43
Cloudy, windy. P/O Loomis posted on attachment to #8 Detachment effective this date.
14 Jun 43
Cloudy.
15 Jun 43
Clear, clouding with rising wind later. New AD grid system installed.
16 Jun 43
Cloudy. No practice interceptions as weather unsuitable.
17 Jun 43
Cloudy. R/T 4148 frequency u/s. No practice interception, weather unsuitable. S/L JW McNee, Command Controller, visited.
18 Jun 43
Partly cloudy with some rain. No practice interception, weather unsuitable. Visited by G/C McGregor, W/C Nesbitt, W/C Pitcher, W/C Norris, S/L Yuile, S/L Christmas.
19 Jun 43
Overcast with some rain.
20 Jun 43
Fair. Two Hurricanes were controlled in a practice interception.
21 Jun 43
Overcast with rain.
22 Jun 43
Overcast. Steady rain in forenoon.
23 Jun 43
Overcast.
24 Jun 43
No practice interception, weather unsuitable. No calibration crew available.
25 Jun 43
A practice interception terminated by R/T failure. Visited by CRO F/L Hansen and GRO F/L McKinty.
26 Jun 43
Fair. Two Hurricanes (133 Squadron) were controlled in practice interceptions. P/O Loomis posted on temporary duty to #3 Wireless School, effective this date.
27 Jun 43
Fair. Two Hurricanes (133 Squadron) were controlled in practice interceptions. Interception interrupted by R/T failure.
28 Jun 43
Fair.Bright and Clear. No calibration aircraft available.
29 Jun 43
Fair. Bright and clear. No calibration aircraft available. F/L McKillop (#122 Calibration) visited station.
30 Jun 43
Bright and clear. Two Hurricanes were turned over to the Controller for practice interceptions, but R/T failure prevented contact being established.
Numerical Strength of Unit as at 30 June 1943.
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 3 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 59
Others - Nil
(RHV Scherk) Flying Officer
Officer Commanding, Detachment No. 7
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Jul 43
Bright and clear. The Commanding Officer held a conference attended by the Section Commanders.
2 Jul 43
The OC at No 2 Group Filter today on temporary duty.
3 Jul 43
Partly cloudy with some rain. Two Kittyhawks of 132 Squadron were turned over to the Controller for practice interceptions but the R/T receiver of one of them proved to be u/s. Weather in the afternoon unsuitable for practice interceptions.
4 Jul 43
Partly cloudy.
5 Jul 43
Bright and clear.
6 Jul 43
Fair. Detachment visited and inspected by Inspector General and party.
7 Jul 43
Fair, clouding.
8 Jul 43
Fair but deteriorating early with rains and drizzle. Detachment visited by A/V/M Walsh and party.
9 Jul 43
Bright and clear followed by broken cloud and showers.
10 Jul 43
Dull drizzle.
11 Jul 43
Partly cloudy with some rain.
12 Jul 43
Bright and clear. Sector unable to supply fighter aircraft for practice interceptions as Wing exercises were being carried out.
13 Jul 43
Bright and clear. In forenoon two aircraft were handed over by Sector for practice interceptions. The practice was unsuccessful as one of the pilots was inexperienced and the formation appeared averse to separating. Weather in afternoon overcast.
14 Jul 43
Partly cloudy. In forenoon Sector unable to supply aircraft for practice interception as other exercises being carried out. In afternoon no oxygen available for aircraft. Men and materials arrived for modifications and quarterly overhaul.
15 Jul 43
Partly cloudy. Sector unable to supply aircraft. No 2 Group Radio Officer gave verbal authorization for Quarterly Overhaul to commence at 0900 hours on Friday 16th July 1943, intimating that a confirmation signal would follow from WAC.
16 Jul 43
Fair, partly cloudy, becoming overcast. Detachment closed operationally at 1500 hours on receiving Commanding Officer's approval. WAC advised by signal.
17 Jul 43
Fair, partly cloudy. Modifications and Quarterly Overhaul continuing.
18 Jul 43
Bright and clear. WAC's confirmation signal re Modification and quarterly overhaul received. Work proceeding.
19 Jul 43
Bright and clear. F/O W Black, U/T Controller reported for duty, loaned to Sector while modifications and overhaul being carried out.
20 Jul 43
Clear and bright. F/L Michener OC No 2 MU visited station to inspect overhaul proceedings.
21 Jul 43
Bright and clear.
22 Jul 43
Bright and clear.
23 Jul 43
F/L Mawdesley assumes temporary command during annual leave of Officer Commanding. Bright and clear.
24 Jul 43
Bright and fairly clear, some smoke.
25 Jul 43
Bright, light smoky haze. Detachment became semi-operational at 1700 hours.
26 Jul 43
Slightly overcast. Detachment closed down between 0700 and 1700 hours.
27 Jul 43
Bright and clear. Detachment closed down 0700 to 1700 hours operationally. Final modification asjustments completed and modification party departed. Detachment resumed operational serviceability at 1700 hours and quarterly overhaul teminated.
28 Jul 43
Bright and clear.
29 Jul 43
Bright and clear (some cloud on horizon). F/O W Black returned from TD at Sector Control.
30 Jul 43
Bright with some heat haze. Responses received from clouds at approximately 13000 feet, mistaken for aircraft.
31 Jul 43
Part cloud with high winds.
Numerical Strength of Unit as at 31 July 1943.
RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 4 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 58
Others - Nil
(IM MAWDSLEY) F/L,
OC RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Aug 43
Bright and clear. S/L Emory (WAC) visited station.
2 Aug 43
Some cloud, clearing.
3 Aug 43
Overcast, rising winds. W&B installed cooling fan in Ops room ceiling. Detachment closed down temporarily. OC Detachment attended the Victoria Civil Police Court re the case of LAC Moyer RDF Mechanic (G).
4 Aug 43
Fair, slight cloud. OC Detachment again attended police court proceedings in Victoria, re LAC Moyer. Case remanded till 6th August. OC also visited the office of the Secretary of the Bar Association in the matter of securing counsel for the prisoner. Detachment visited by #2 Group Radio Officer.
5 Aug 43
Heavy rains, clearing later.
6 Aug 43
Fair, partly cloudy. F/L Scherk resumed command of Detachment on return from annual leave. F/L Mawdsley attended Victoria City Police Court proceedings re Crown VS LAC Moyer. Case further remanded till 9th August, 1943.
7 Aug 43
Fair, partly cloudy.
8 Aug 43
Fair, slight cloud. Sector unable to supply a/c for practice interceptions as Boundary Bay fighters are without oxygen and local fighters engaged on other exercises.
9 Aug 43
Bright and clear. In forenoon two a/c were handed over by Sector for practice. Results were unsatisfactory owing to intermittent fading of echoes. LAC Moyer remanded for preliminary hearing at Victoria City Police Court on Wednesday 11th August, 1943.
10 Aug 43
Slight cloud becoming overcast. No a/c available for practice.
11 Aug 43
(LAC Moyer further remanded till 13th August, 1943.) Fair - light haze and smoke, part cloud. Practice unsatisfactory - one a/c became u/s.
13 Aug 43
Bright and clear. LAC Moyer remanded until 16th after preliminary hearing. No a/c available for practice.
14 Aug 43
Bright and clear. Sector sent two sections of Boundary Bay a/c to Angels ten to carry out practice interceptions, but R/T communications failed as there was no reception here from the a/c. In afternoon two Kittyhawks were controlled in practice interceptions.
15 Aug 43
Bright and clear. No a/c available for practice. Equipment unserviceable for 4 1/2 hours following DI.
16 Aug 43
Bright and clear. No practice carried out as equipment not operating efficiently. LAC Moyer committed for trial (by jury) by Magistrate at Victoria City Police Court. F/L Mawdsley conferred with the accused and later consulted the Station Administrative Officer in matters of pay, clothing, custody and of the accused airman. It was arranged that no request would be made to have the accused airman taken into Air Force custody pending his trial. Daily PT exercises commenced for all Detachment personnel.
17 Aug 43
Fair. Equiment serviceability restored to a more normal state of efficiency.
18 Aug 43
Overcast - rain. Detachment visited by A/S/O Robinson and a party of six WD personnel from #2 Group Filter.
19 Aug 43
Fair and partly clouded. Detachment visited by A/S/O Jackson and party of six WD personnel from #2 Group Filter. Detachment visited by F/L Hill and party of three other Officers from No. 2 Group.
20 Aug 43
Rain. Detachment visited by ASO Barker-Benfield and party of WD personnel from No 2 Group Filter. Telephone mechanics here to install line and phone for VHF communications through Sector to A/C. Necessary to cease operations while this installation being made.
21 Aug 43 Fog and rain in morning, partly cloudy in afternoon. S/L Gilmour and party of three U/T BR Controllers from Controllers School at WAC visited the Detachment. 22 Aug 43 Fair, partly cloudy. Weather in straits unsuitable for practice exercises. 23 Aug 43 Partly cloudy. Weather in forenoon unsuitable for practice exercises. Detachment visited by A/S/O Taylor and party of WD personnel from No 2 Group Filter. A/S/O's Ryrie, Peel, Young and MacDonald from WAC are visiting until tomorrow. In afternoon a practice interception controlled by F/O Black was terminated by R/T failure. 24 Aug 43 Fair, partly cloudy. Equipment u/s for about 1 1/2 hours due to high tension failure. F/O's Morrell, McKenna and Brooks U/T BR Controllers from Command visited the Detachment. 25 Aug 43 Fair, partly cloudy. In afternoon a practice interception controlled by F/O Black was twice interupted by R/T failure. F/O's McTavish, Brown, Black and F/S Asselstine U/T BR Controllers from Command visited the Detachment. 26 Aug 43 Fair, cloudy. A section of Kittyhawks controlled in practice interceptions. The Sector-controlled target travelled various legs of a course, a good deal of which was in our PE's. Detachment visited by A/S/O Lyon and party of WD personnel from No 2 Group Filter. In afternoon F/O Black controlled a section of Kittyhawks in a practice interception. 27 Aug 43 Fair, becoming overcast. Detachment visited by A/S/O MacKenzie and a party of WD personnel from No 2 Group Filter. 28 Aug 43 Overcast. F/O Black controlled a section of Kittyhawks in a practice interception. Radio Operators trade tested. 29 Aug 43 Overcast, clearing in afternoon. Weather in straits unsuitable for practice exercises. 30 Aug 43 Overcast, some rain. 31 Aug 43 Fair becoming overcast. No aircraft available for practice as other exercises being carried out. Numerical Strength of Unit as at 31 August 1943. RCAF (Officers) Aircrew - Nil (RHV SCHERK) F/L,
Ground Crew - 4 (Airmen)
Aircrew - Nil
Ground Crew - 60
Others - Nil
OC RCAF Detachment No 7,
Patricia Bay, BC.
1 Sep 43
Overcast, some rain.
2 Sep 43
Fair, part cloud. ASO Evans & party (WD's) from #2 Group visited Detachment.
3 Sep 43
Fair, some cloud becoming overcast. Detachment plotted "target" for Sector Interception practice, results reported as very satisfactory.
4 Sep 43
Overcast in forenoon. No practice interceptions as R/T unserviceable owing to atmospheric conditions. Detachment visited by W/C's Christmas and Mirabelli.
5 Sep 43
Bright and clear. F/O Black controlled a section of Kittyhawks in practice interceptions.
6 Sep 43
Bright and clear. F/O Black controlled a section of Kittyhawks in practice interceptions.
7 Sep 43
Bright and clear. A section of Kittyhawks controlled in practice interceptions. Detachment became u/s due to technical breakdown, required parts not on hand, signaled #2 MU and 2 Group HQ at 1720 hours.
8 Sep 43
Bright and clear. Phoned WAC (RO2) re unserviceability and requested hastening action re repair parts. (0835 hours). OC #7 Detachment visited #8 Detachment. Technical modification per SRDFO E2/7 executed during breakdown period. Repair parts received 1900 hours approx, installed and Detachment provisionally operational at 2330 hours.
9 Sep 43
Bright and clear. Receiver u/s again at 0100 hours. Receiver overhauled and placed operational provisionally at 2330 hours.
10 Sep 43 Power supplies interchanged on account of H/R instability, PPI adversely affected pro tem. No further changes made, stability improved and serviceability fully resumed at 1930 hours. Clear, some smoke. 11 Sep 43 Fog in am, haze and smoke persists throughout day. 12 Sep 43 Fog during morning. Haze and smoke throughout the day. 13 Sep 43 Fog during morning. No aircraft available for practice in afternoon as Sector carrying out VHF R/T test. 14 Sep 43 Fog in am. F/L Byrne, OC #8 Detachment reported on attachment for one day. Drs. Leggett and Spinks, WAC Operational Research visited the Detachment. A section of Kittyhawks controlled in a VHF R/T test. 15 Sep 43 Bright. Haze and smoke. Sector carrying out VHF R/T tests. 16 Sep 43 Fair, slight cloud, light haze. OC and F/O Black on a 48. W&B representatives inspected Diesel power generators. 17 Sep 43 Fair, cloudy. 18 Sep 43 Fair, haze and smoke. 19 Sep 43 Overcast, some rain. Detachment visited by W/C Norris. 20 Sep 43 Fair locally, overcast in Straits.