DAILY DIARY
8 RADIO DETACHMENT - Sea Island, BC.
1 January, 1944 to December 31, 1944.
1 Jan 44
Weather: Cloudy, low overcast, heavy precipitation. Skeleton crews on duty.
2 Jan 44
Weather: Clear, excellent visibility, clouds 4/10, becoming overcast by 1600 hrs. Several very light rain showers during early evening. Skeleton crews on duty.
3 Jan 44
Weather: Clear, excellent visibility, clouds 3/10, overcast by 1400 hrs. W/C Norris arranged with OC for GCI exercise (synthetic) with Sector Controller's Training School.
4 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, slight intermittent precipitation. Skeleton crews still on duty. OC gave lecture to new operators on use of Craig Computer and GCI Interception.
5 Jan 44
All Detachment personnel returned from New Year's leave. Full crews now on duty.
6 Jan 44
Weather: Ovecast, poor visibility. Capt FH McNeeley visited Detachment on authority #2 Group HQ. Pass #2948.
7 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast.
8 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, light precipitation. Capt HB Fell, REME, New Zealand Army Officer on liaison with RCOC visited Detachment on authority #2 Group HQ, Pass #2947.
9 Jan 44
Weather: Clouds 4/10, low ground haze in morning.
10 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, restricted visibility. Two Bowling Teams entered in Station League.
11 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, intermittent light rain, visibility restricted in all directions. Arranged with W/C Norris for GCI exercises, some of personnel from fighter school to attend on Detachment. Several synthetic exercises and lectures given to F/L Richardson and Sgt Small by Detachment OC.
12 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, moderate precipitation.
13 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, clearing by noon.
14 Jan 44
Weather: Heavy and constant precipitation. F/O Marwell and Sgt Jeffrey attended lectures and GCI exercises for instructional purposes from Sector School.
15 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, heavy precipitation. F/O Slack, Sgt Barlow attended lectures and GCI exercises from Sector School.
16 Jan 44
Weather: Heavy low overcast with rain. NUO
17 Jan 44
Weather: Very non-operational, heavy and constant precipitation. F/O Lipsett, Sgt Saunders and Sgt Shimmin visited Detachment from Sector Control School. Lectures and exercises given by OC.
18 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, light precipitation in early morning. S/L Bazett, Audit Board, visited Detachment to check inventories.
19 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast at first, clearing by noon. F/O Haskamp and Sgt Flint of Sector School visited Detachment. Lectures given by OC. Bowling (5 pin) team from Detachment won three games in Station League.
20 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast at first, clearing later. Detachment visited by S/L Hansen and F/L McGee, WAC Radar Officers.
21 Jan 44
Weather: Foggy. F/O McLachlan, CW, Cpl RD Hall, F/O Sawyer and Cpl Keith visited Detachment from Sector School. Instruction tour conducted by OC. Group Captain Farrell, CO, Sea Island, visited and inspected Detachment. He expressed pleasure at general condition thereof.
22 Jan 44
Weather: Unsettled, cloudy and foggy.
23 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 9/10, unsettled, visibility fair.
24 Jan 44
Weather: Unsettled, scattered clouds, strong winds, visibility fair.
25 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cloudless until noon, then 6/10 clouds, good visibility in all directions.
26 Jan 44
Weather: Clear and cloudless, visibility good. Officers and Senior NCOs from Detachment were addressed by A/V/M JA Sully, AMP, AFHQ, during the morning.
27 Jan 44
Weather: Clear, visibility fair. Bowling at 45 pins, the Detachment team won 2 and lost 1 to the WD team.
28 Jan 44
Weather: Clouds 6/10, visibility fair, haze in all directions.
29 Jan 44
Weather: Clear, some ground mist.
30 Jan 44
Weather: Clear, good visibility.
31 Jan 44
Weather: Overcast, limited visibility. F/L Morelli, Station Chaplain, visited Detachment. F/L Stewart (Radar Officer), #3 RD, visited Detachment regarding IFF Tower.
STRENGTH:
Officers 3; Attached: 0
OR 67; Attached: 0
(WP Byrne) Flight Lieutenant,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, some haze and smoke, visibility fair.
2 Feb 44
Weather: Low overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor. Bowling team lost two out of three games to Signals Section.
3 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 8/10, visibility fair. F/L JD Stewart and F/L BW Naylor (Radar Officers), #3 RD, visited Detachment regarding location of IFF Tower. Pass No 4880.
4 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, intermittent showers all day.
5 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, good visibility. 1145 hrs advised by Sector of missing a/c from Pat Bay, asked to sweep area about Vancouver. Points A and B also attempt to contact a/c on VHF. A/C not located or contacted. DI postponed until 1500 hrs whilst cooperation given Sector and Group Control in search of a/c. Rain later in afternoon.
6 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, 10/10 clouds, good visibility. Detachment inspected by F/L Nolan, Station Medical Officer. Everything satisfactory except ventilation in Operations Room.
7 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, some ground fog and haze.
8 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, considerable fog and ground haze. Detachment visited by party from #3 CMU re Diesel Engines - R149913 Sgt Beach, AJ, Sgt Moisey, T, and MT Driver Jordan.
9 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, considerable fog and ground haze. Party (3 airmen) from #3 CMU returned to work on diesels. Detachment visited by F/L Christie, RAF, AFHQ, and F/O Sherlock, WAC. Detachment 5-pin bowling team lost 3 games to Equipment Accounts in Station League.
10 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, some fog and mist.
11 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, some haze on horizon, visibility fair. Detachment visited by F/S Michael, WF, #3 RDF, pass # 4884, regarding turning gear. Detachment visited by F/L JD Stewart and F/L BW Naylor, #3 RD, F/O R Virr, P/O V Burns, WO2 Purdon, R, WO2 Bliss, WK, #8 Squadron crew from Port Hardy re Calibration Briefing. Passes Nos 4883, 4941, 4942, 4944.
12 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor, fog and haze.
13 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility nil, rain and snow.
14 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, clouds nil, haze on horizon, visibility fair. Special test calibration flight Ventura, #8 BR Squadron, equipped with IFF from 1436 to 1600 hrs. Flight satisfactory but probably IFF requires adjustment. Flight supervised by F/L JD Stewart and F/L BW Naylor, #3 RD. Vancouver.
15 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, some haze on horizon, visibility poor. #9915 F/S Locke, RL, RCAF, and #924473 Sgt Drinkwater, JH, RAF, from #3 RD, Vancouver, visited Detachment checking results of Calibration Flight with Ventura 2178.
16 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 6/10, visibility good. Test flight with IFF in aircraft, not successful, R/T failure. Deatchment visited by F/L Stewart and F/L Naylor, #3 RD, re test flight. Visited also by F/L JD Pue (C5286) from #2 Fighter Controller's course for instruction. Detachment 5-pin bowling team won 2 out of 3 games in Station League.
17 Feb 44
Weather: Clouds 6/10, some haze, visibility fair. F/L Stewart and F/L Naylor, #3 RD, at Detachment to supervise test, IFF. F/L Beam, EJ, C9596, from #2 Fighter Course for instruction. Test flight from 1435 hrs to 1622 hrs, satisfactory.
18 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 9/10, visibility poor, some haze. F/O TA Chandler, C12360, from #2 Fighter Course at Detachment for instruction. F/O R Huggett, RAF145922, from #2 Fighter Course at Detachment for instruction.
19 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good, some haze on horizon. Test flight for IFF arranged but not carried out, R/T u/s on aircraft. F/L Naylor, #3 Rd, to supervise test at Detachment. F/L JA Hockin, Station Padre, official visit to Detachment. R86424 F/S Roberts, GR, #2 Fighter Controller's Course for instruction.
20 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, some haze, visibility poor.
21 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good, some haze on horizon. F/L Naylor, #3 RD, re test flight Ventura IFF at Detachment. F/L GB Hislop (C8477) from #2 Fighter Course for instruction.
22 Feb 44
Weather: Clear, considerable haze on horizon, visibility fair. F/O HJ Bird (C8848) from #2 Fighter Course for instruction. Party of five airmen from #3 RD (Sgt Green, CWR, Cpl Carey, FTK) Pass No 4887 (Cpl Selinger, FA, LAC Osberg, EM, LAC Woods, FP) Pass No 4888, at Detachment for modification to Equipment.
23 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, some haze on horizon, visibility poor. Party from #3 RD for modification and in addition F/S Enns, F/O TT O'Dell, C20286, from #2 Fighter Controller Course for instruction. Special exercise for Sector 1335 hrs to 1500 hrs. Detachment 5-pin bowling team won 2 games and lost one to Accounts Section in Station Bowling League.
24 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility fair. WO1 McLachlan, JK, R95848, #2 Fighter Controller's Course.
25 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, rain, visibility poor. F/L BM Burton (C8470) from #2 Fighter Course for instruction. F/L AO Jones, (C9812) from #2 Fighter Course for instruction. F/L BW Naylor from #3 RD, re IFF modification.
26 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 6/10, visibility fair. F/O AR Smith (C14154) and P/O REH Bowman (C29929) from #2 Fighter Course for instruction. R129376 Cpl Haymes, RR, #3 RD, at Detachment re equipment.
27 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility fair.
28 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor. F/L Naylor, #3 RD, re test "inflated balloons".
29 Feb 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, some fog and haze, visibility poor. C3237 F/L WD Stroud assumes command of #8 Detachment on posting of F/L WP Byrne (J4847) eff 14 Feb/44.
STRENGTH:
Officers 2; Attached: 0
OR 65; Attached: 0
(WD Stroud) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds nil, haze and fog horizon, visibility fair. Pass #4890 F/S Michael and Cpl Selinger from #3 RD to service thyratron. Off air from 0325 to 1721 hrs owing to breakdown. Detachment team won three games in Station 5-pin Bowling League.
2 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 6/10, haze on horizon, visibility poor. F/S Michael and Cpl Selinger, #3 RD, returned to inspect equipment. A short navigation course for operators commenced by Station Education Officer in Lecture Room, to be continued every Tuesday and Thursday from 0900 to 1000 hrs.
3 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, unsettled, visibility poor. F/L Naylor from #3 RD for Balloon test. F/S Enns, #3 RD, inspecting equipment - Pass #4891.
4 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds nil, some haze on horizon, visibility good. F/S Enns, #3 RD, inspecting equipment.
5 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds 4/10, some haze on horizon, visibility fair. F/L S Lane (W&B) inspected Diesel Equipment and examined proposed site for IFF Tower. F/S Enns, #3 RD, inspected equipment.
6 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds 4/10, haze on horizon, visibility good.
7 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, rain.
8 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, mist and rain. Two civilians from W&B to lay out site for IFF Tower. Detachment team lost two and won one game in Station 5-pin Bowling League.
9 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good, strong winds. F/L G Schneider, C10483, Radar Officer, TD to #2 Group, Victoria, to return Saturday, 11 Mar/44.
10 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds 4/10, haze on horizon, visibility fair. Tracked movement of 132 & 133 Squadrons from Boundary Bay to Tofino and from Tofino to Sea Island.
11 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds 4/10, visibility good.
12 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds scattered, visibility good.
13 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, clouds 4/10, visibility fair. F/L DB Meltzer (C12600), Radar, reported for duty.
14 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, some haze on horizon, visibility good.
15 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good. No unusual occurrences.
16 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good. F/L WP Byrne (J4787) reported on posting from #2 Group.
17 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good. Quarterly overhaul of equipment commenced. Off the air at 0848 hrs. F/O JG Taylor (C14979) and F/O KO Henderson (C12648) from Fighter Controller's Course for Instruction. F/L JA Mainil (C9608) reported on posting from #4 Group.
18 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor. F/O WC Budd (C8275), F/O JF Anderson (C9044), F/O HA Ardley (C8560), F/O JE Wright (C6321) from Fighter Controller's Course for instruction.
19 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility unlimited. Quarterly overhaul proceeding.
20 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility unlimited. Quarterly overhaul proceeding. F/L Slipp (C11388) and F/L Gislason (C7158) from Fighter School visited Detachment for instruction lectures given by Radar Officer and Controller.
21 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor, rain. F/L JH Landermann (C6319) and F/L RH Long (C5858) from Fighter Controller's Course for instruction.
22 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, rain, visibility poor. F/L WP Byrne (J4787) assumes command of #8 Detachment on posting as from 15 March, 1944. quarterly overhaul continues. Still off the air.
23 Mar 44
Weather: CAVU. Quarterly overhaul proceeding. F/O HE Donoghue (C11875) and F/O JC Harrop (C8570) visited Detachment from School of Fighter Control for instruction. F/L HR Sinclair (C8666) and F/O AL Glenn (C6740) from School of Fighter Control visited Detachment for purpose of instruction.
24 Mar 44
Weather: CAVU, overcast by 1300 hrs. 24 Detachment personnel on Wing Parade. Quarterly overhaul completed. Returned to air 1700 hrs.
25 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, strong winds, visibility good.
26 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, visibility unlimited.
27 Mar 44
Weather: Fair, excellent visibility, clouds 3/10. Requested a/c from Sector, none available for GCI work until squadrons become completely operational.
28 Mar 44
Weather: Fair, visibility restricted due to haze. F/L HR Sinclair (C8666), AFHQ, Ottawa, and Fighter Controller's Course, visited Detachment to see operations.
29 Mar 44
Weather: Fair, slight haze, good visibility, overcast by 1200 hrs. Five (5) officers from Fighter Controller's Course visited Detachment to observe operation of equipment.
30 Mar 44
Weather: Overcast, threatened precipitation. Dawn patrol tracked.
31 Mar 44
Weather: Clear, haze on horizon, visibility good. Cpl Haynes, RR, from #3 RD, to service equipment.
STRENGTH:
Officers 4; Attached: 0
OR 59; Attached: 1
(WP Byrne) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Apr 44
Weather: Weather, fair but some fog patches locally, CAVU by 0930 hrs.
2 Apr 44
Weather: Fair, good visibility. F/L S Lane, Station W&B Officer, visited Detachment area to supervise completion of cement bases for IFF Tower.
3 Apr 44
Weather: Overcast, visibility poor, clouds 1000 ft. Dusk patrol, readiness section, 135(F) Squadron.
4 Apr 44
Weather: Very poor, heavy precipitation in am, visibility limited in all directions. Requested Sector to arrange for GCI exercise 5 Apr/44. Arrangements made pending weather and availability of aircraft. Practical lecture given in DR and theory of Interception by OC to operators during tracking of Dusk Patrol.
5 Apr 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 8/10, visibility fair, very good all afternoon. GCI exercise called off by Sector at last minute. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section 135(F) Squadron. Detachment 5-pin team won one and lost one game in Station League with MT Section.
6 Apr 44
Weather: Total overcast, visibility poor. Weather fair, good visibility. F/L Metford, Station Security Officer, visited this Detachment in course of his duties. F/L Wellwodd, Station MO, visited this Detachment in course of his duties.
7 Apr 44
Weather: Overcast, rain, visibility poor. (pm) Overcast, visibility fair. F/O Bates, Technical Officer of #7 Detachment, visited this Detachment.
8 Apr 44
Weather: Overcast, low clouds, restricted visibility.
9 Apr 44
Weather: Fair, visibility excellent, no clouds.
10 Apr 44
Weather: Clear, visibility excellent, clouds nil, very good in afternoon, few scattered clouds. F/O Beckett (C14157) Pass #2963, and F/O Davies (C14877) Pass # 3761, and a group of airmen (4) from #3 RD, visited this Detachment in course of their duties. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F).
11 April 44
Weather: good, slight ground haze and fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) and 135 F). F/S Michaels and party from #3 RD started work on new installations.
12 April 44
Weather: high overcast, slight ground haze. Arranged with Sector for Interception exercise using 2 sections of 133(F) at 0900 hrs. 13 Apr/44. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section 135(F) and 133(F). Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section of 133(F) and 135(F) - both patrols tracked. 135(F) lost due to low altitude of aircraft. 133(F) plotted throughout.
13 April 44
Weather: very poor, moderate precipitation, greatly restricted visibility. Exercise cancelled by Sector due to unfavourable conditions.
14 April 44
Weather: very good, 2/10 clouds, slight ground haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 135 (F) and 133(F). Tracking of both patrols fairly good. Construction of IFF Tower completed by party from #3 RD. Aerials and turning gear still to be installed. Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons cancelled due to bad weather.
15 April 44
Weather: overcast, low clouds with slight precipitation. Heavy shower at 1800. Dawn Patrols made by 133(F) and 135(F) Readiness Sections. Patrols were not successfully tracked by Detachment as aircraft flew below low cloud base. 133(F) and 135(F) formed up as a wing over Patricia Bay and then flew over Vancouver as part of the Investiture ceremoney. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Detachment personnel held party at Commodore Club - an enjoyable evening.
16 April 44
Weather: good, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F).
17 April 44
Weather: low overcast, clouds 8/10, visibility poor. Very good all afternoon. Dawn Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Ground controlled interception between two sections of 133(F) had to be called off shortly after R/T communication had been established with A/C due to failure of Thyratron. Off the air from 1455 to 1605. Off the air from 1920 to 1940 due to thyratron failure. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F).
17 April 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 6/10, some haze on horizon, visibility fair, overcast all afternoon, visibility good. Dawn Patrol, 133 and 135 Squadrons. 133 Squadron tracked in places. F/O Thompson, Station Signals Officer, and F/O Brantfor and WO1 Vandburgh from AFHQ visited this Unit in course of duty. Dusk Patrols at 1900 hrs, 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Ceilings lowering with slight rain.
**Note: two separate and different entries for 17 April.
18 April 44
Weather: overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility poor.Very poor, overcast, rain, most of afternoon, clearing somewhat from 1700 hrs on. Dawn Patrol, 133 and 135 Squadrons. Dusk Patrol by Readiness 133(F).
19 April 44
Weather: Fair, 9/10 clouds about 3000' in early morning, lateral visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Successfully tracked. G/C C Farrell, CO Station, visited Detachment from 1430 to 1530 hrs. Dusk Patrols, 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Both Squadrons successfully tracked.
20 April 44
Weather: Fair, about 5/10 clouds, unlimited visibility in all directions except to north (4 miles). Overcast of very high clouds, excellent flying conditions. Dawn Patrols flown by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. 23 tickets to Jack Benny Show distributed to Detachment personnel. A direct telephone line between this Unit and GOR, Vancouver Defense HQ, was installed today by the BC Telephone Co. Dusk Patrols, 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons Readiness Sections.
21 April 44
Weather: Fair. No unusual occurrences.
22 April 44
Weather: Good, visibility somewhat restricted in early part of morning by light ground fog and haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F). Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F). Assisted Sector in completing interception between patrols.
23 April 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, visibility fair, moderate rain. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) only. No Dusk Patrols.
24 April 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, steady moderate rain, overcast all afternoon, intermittent rain, fair visibility. No Dawn Patrols by either Squadron due to inclement weather. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F).
25 April 44
Weather: Fair, partly clouded with poor visibility to north and west, very good all afternoon. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. W/C Jellison, W/C Dennis, S/L Watt, Command Controllers, visited Detachment with F/L Moran, OC School of Fighter Control. Purpose of visit, familiarization with GCI operations. Successful interception exercise carried out between Ventura and Fighters of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Tracking as a whole was very good. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F).
26 April 44
Weather: Fair, visibility excellent in all directions with the exception of directions of north and west. Very good all afternoon. No Dawn Patrols, fighters searching for a lost aircraft. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F).
27 April 44
Weather: Clouds 4/10, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F).
28 April 44
Weather: Clear, visibility good, some haze on horizon. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons. Off air from 1505 to 1700 hrs due to breakdown in Thyratron unit. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F).
29 April 44
Weather: Overcast, clouds 10/10, slight precipitation, visibility poor. Overcast most of afternoon, slight intermittent precipitation, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons tracked. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F) tracked.
30 April 44
Weather: Clouds 4/10, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons tracked. Detachment visited by following officers from Fighter Control School: W/C McFadyen, S/L Magetts, F/L Moran, F/O Parsons. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections, 133(F) and 135(F).
STRENGTH:
Officers 4; Attached: 0
OR 59; Attached: 2
(WP Byrne) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 May 44
Weather: clear, some haze on horizon, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F). F/L Metford, Station Defence Officer visited the Detachment in course of his duties. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) and 135(F). Security lectures given personnel by F/L Mainil.
2 May 44
Weather: CAVU, slight ground mist in patches locally. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Security lessons given personnel by F/L Mainil.
3 May 44
Weather: practically CAVU, slight ground haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F). Two twin machine gun mounts were installed today on this Detachment. This installing was done by Station Defence personnel. Talk on Security given personnel by OC. OC detailed to lecture on GCI operations to fighter pilots of 133, 132 and 135(F) Squadrons. Lectures to be given pilots during courses conducted at School of Fighter Control. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133 and 135 (F) Sqdns. Word of appreciation to operations personnel of Detachment from WAC Fighter Controller concerning excellent tracking of fighter aircraft.
4 May 44
Weather: practically CAVU, slight ground haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdn. Security lecture given to staff by F/L Mainil. Dusk Patrols by 133(F) & 133(F) Sqdns.
5 May 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by 133 & 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Squadrons.
6 May 44
Weather: dull, 7/10 clouds. Dawn Patrols by 133 and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrol by 133(F) Squadron. F/L Metford and party placed third twin machine gun stand in position. Station Defence.
7 May 44
Weather: high overcast, some ground haze, visibility good. Dawn patrol by 133(F) Sqdn. Dusk Patrol by 133(F) Sqdn.
8 May 44
Weather: Completely overcast, very light rain, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Squadron. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron.
9 May 44
Weather: 8/10 clouds, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron.
10 May 44
Weather: Broken overcast, 9/10 clouds, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron. Lecture given by OC to personnel at School of Fighter Control.
11 May 44
Weather: Clear, 4/10 clouds, some haze, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron.
12 May 44
Weather: Clear, nil clouds, some ground mist, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Squadron. Seven pilots of 132, 133, 135(F) Squadrons visited Detachment. Lectures given by OC and Technical Officer.
13 May 44
Weather: Fair, 6/10 clouds, patches of light ground fog locally. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Squadron. G/C CMG Farrell, Station Commanding Officer, presented Victory Loan Pendant to Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section, 133(F)Squadron.
14 May 44
Weather: Clear, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Squadron. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section 133(F).
15 May 44
Weather: Overcast, light rain, restricted visibility, visibility good later. No Dawn Patrols by fighters. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section 133(F).
16 May 44
Weather: Almost completely overcast, light rain, apparent aspects of clearing later in day. No Dawn Patrols by fighter aircraft. No Dusk Patrol by fighter aircraft.
17 May 44
Weather: High overcast, visibility cut down by smoke and haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Squadron.
18 May 44 Weather: Overcast (low), constant rain. No Dawn Patrols. Special Patrol by one section 133(F) Sqn for experience of seven (7) pilots from 133(F) Sqn at Detachment for familiarization of equipment, good track. Dusk Patrol by section of 133(F) Sqn. 19 May 44 Weather: Few scattered clouds, visibility unlimited. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Squadron. Successful tracks for interception between Ventura 135(F). Dusk Patrol by 133 (F) Sqn Readiness Section. S/L EL Neal (C1640)ASO (3), WAC, and S/L DB Ramsay (J3195) visited Detachment regarding operations. 20 May 44 Weather: Overcast, clouds 8/10, visibility fair. Assisted Sector in locating and controlling two sections from 133(F) Sqn in search for lost Beechcraft. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F) Sqn. 21 May 44 Weather: Overcast, ceiling base 8000, visibility unlimited. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F) Sqn. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F) Sqn. 22 May 44 Weather: Clouds 4/10, visibility good. Dawn Patrol by Readiness 133(F) Sqn and Readiness Section 135(F) Sqn. Police Dog "RENTY" delivered to this Detachment by S/L McNeil, APM, WAC. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. F/L WD Stroud (C3237) assumes temporary command during absence of F/L WP Byrne (J4748) on attachment to WAC. 23 May 44 Weather: Overcast, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns Readiness Sections. No Dusk Patrols due to unfavourable weather. 24 May 44 Weather: Overcast, low ceilings, rain. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols due to unfavourable weather. 25 May 44 Weather: Total overcast, visibility poor. Later weather good, visibility 10+, clouds 5/10. No Dawn Patrol. Weather test only by 135(F) Sqn. P/O Gladstone, 132(F), Tofino, in Kitty "D", made successful belly landing on grassy section of Sea Island airfield. Wheels would not come down. Pilot uninjured. Special Dusk Patrol exercise by 133(F) and 132(F) Sqns over Point N. 26 May 44 Weather: CAVU in forenoon and afternoon. Dawn Patrol by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 27 May 44 Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrol by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Special tracking of interception of Ventura by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 28 May 44 Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrol and Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 29 May 44 Weather: Broken overcast, clouds 4/10, visibility good. Dawn Patrols and Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 30 May 44 Weather: Dawn Patrols changed to search patrol for lost aircraft by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols changed to search patrol for lost aircraft by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 31 May 44 Weather: 3/10 overcast, light haze and ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols cancelled. STRENGTH: Officers 4; Attached: 0 OR 55; Attached: 3 (WD Stroud) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast, raining, visibility nil. No Dawn Patrols. Flight on briefed course to check IFF. Response excellent. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Section.
2 Jun 44
Weather: Completely overcast. Light rain, visibility good. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Sctions 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Exercise to check IFF not very successful. S/L EL Neal (C1640)ASO (3), WAC, visited Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
3 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast, showery, visibility poor. Dawn Patrols by 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
4 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
5 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
6 Jun 44
Weather: 2/10 overcast, no wind, slight ground haze and fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. F/L JE MacMillan (C6541) and F/L FK Newman (C22637) visited this Detachment as part of their course at #2 Fighter Controller School, Sea Island. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
7 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast, strong winds, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. S/L DD Brownridge (C1185), S/L JT Arnold (C1442) and F/L EG Downing (C7698) from #2 School Fighter Control visited Detachment on duty. Exercise tracking drill Bomber and 135(F) and 133(F) Squadrons. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
8 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. S/L ECS Cox (C1590) and S/L MF Connor (C4264) visited this Detachment. GCI exercise successfully carried out between sections of fighters. Tally-ho at PS0130 at 1104 hrs. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
9 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Readiness Sections. S/L Elder (C5526), #3 RD, F/L Bishop (C3144), #3 RD, F/L AR McGee (C9385), WAC, F/O Butler (C22323), WAC, and F/O Clark (C12596), #28 Detachment, made an official visit to this Detachment. GCI exercise and test for IFF successfully carried out. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
10 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
11 Jun 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
12 Jun 44
Weather: 9/10 overcast, ground haze, light fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols cancelled.
13 Jun 44
Weather: Low overcast, showers, visibility limited. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F) Sqn. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks.
14 Jun 44
Weather: Completely overcast, low ceilings, rain and light fog. No Dawn Patrols due to weather. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
15 Jun 44
Weather: Complete overcast, visibility poor. CAVU in afternoon. Dawn Patrols cancelled. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
16 Jun 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. The following officers and airmen visited this Detachment as part of their course at #2 Fighter Controller's School: F/O AW Ross (C14961), F/O JW McQueen (J17484), F/O HV Malone (J14867), F/O TB Foreman (J22616), F/L LB McDonald (C7403), F/O WB Myshrall (C35417), R94708 Sgt Allcock, AJC, 194 F/S Smith, SF, R250914 Sgt Fleming, CW, R98733 F/S Stephens, HM, R61080 Sgt Donovan, AL, R291858 Sgt Harris, JT, RAF1386211 Sgt Cole, CD, R151768 Sgt Helmsing, WG, R118114 WO2 Kern, JD, R65024 Sgt Mitchell, RO, P/O LG Pettigrew (C38075). Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
17 Jun 44
Weather: Completely overcast, light rain. Dawn Patrol cancelled. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
18 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast, showers, visibility limited. Dawn Patrol by 135(F) Sqn Readiness Section.
19 Jun 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, considerable ground haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. This Detachment (#8) congratulated by WAC for excellent tracking of Canso which was lost on its night flight between Ucluelet and Pat Bay. Very successful lecture on detectors given by Cpl Ogston (R152922) to Radar Mechanics. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns.
20 Jun 44
Weather: Overcast, visibility poor, CAVU towards evening. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.S/L AE Young (C3320), Command Hygiene Officer, and S/L HM Ross (C4094), SMO, visited the Detachment in the course of their duties. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks.
21 Jun 44
Weather: Completely overcast, ceiling 3000 to 4000, visibility 10. Dawn Patrols
22 Jun 44 Weather: Low overcast, clouds 8/10, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.CO of Station, G/C CMG Farrell, DFC, visited Detachment. F/O GH Campbell (C4136), F/O GW Ewen (C39216), F/O HY Jollymour (J7220) and F/L WO Hall (C11375), visited this Detachment from #2 Fighter Controllers School. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. 23 Jun 44 Weather: 2/10 overcast, light ground haze and fog. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section 133(F) Sqn. Successful GCI Exercise carried out with two sections 133(F). One section controlled by Sector and other Section (Interceptors) controlled by #8 Detachment. Tally-ho at PS1444 at 1048. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. 24 Jun 44 Weather: Low overcast, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. 25 Jun 44 Weather: Visibility and ceiling unlimited. On take off for Dawn Patrol at 0509 hrs, F/O Clegg in Kitty D836 of 133(F) Sqn collided into P/O Johnston in Kitty V1096 of 133(F) Sqn. F/O Clegg killed. P/O Johnston unhurt, both aircraft destroyed by fire. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section 135(F) Sqn. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. 26 Jun 44 Weather: Total overcast, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. #8 Detachment shut down for Quarterly Overhaul from 1050 hrs. 27 Jun 44 Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 25 miles. Off air for Quartely Overhaul. All operators attending short course at #2 School Fighter Control until 20 June. 28 Jun 44 Weather: CAVU. Off air for Quarterly Overhaul. F/L Bishop (C3144)and WO2 Michaels (370A) from #3 RD visited Detachment in connection with Quarterly Overhaul. 29 Jun 44 Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 40 miles. Off air for Quarterly Overhaul. 30 Jun 44 Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 40 miles. Off air for Quarterly Overhaul. STRENGTH: Officers 5; Attached: 0 OR 58; Attached: 4 (WD Stroud) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Jul 44
Quarterly Overhaul proceeding, off air.
2 Jul 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 40 miles. Quarterly Overhaul proceeding. A short test flight carried out and off the air for remainder of day.
3 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. On air officially at 0810 hrs. Short exercise tracking Drill Bomber.
4 Jul 44
Weather: 3/10 overcast, slight haze. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Exercise tracking Drill Bomber. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
5 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. A/C of 135(F) forced down at Bellingham, USA, due to engine trouble, a/c undamaged.
6 Jul 44
Weather: Overcast at 8000', 5 miles visibility. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. F/L Metford, Station Defense Officer, visited Detachment to inspect six Lewis Guns. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
7 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Escort Exercise controlled by Sector very successfully tracked. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks.
8 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. A party of six pilots from 133(F) Sqn spent one hour at Detachment for instruction of equipment and operation. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
9 Jul 44
Weather: 4/10 clouds, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
10 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. F/O CR Nicholl, Audit Board, AFHQ, made spot check of #8 Detachment's Inventory. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
11 Jul 44
Weather: 6/10 clouds, visibility good. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks.
12 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks. Dusk Patrol (Special) by Readiness Sections 135(F) Sqns. In lieu of Dusk Patrol 133(F) Sqn took part in Vancouver City Defense plan and attack.
13 Jul 44
Weather: Est 7000' overcast, visibility 12 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
14 Jul 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, high overcast, visibility 10 miles. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section 135(F) Sqn. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
15 Jul 44
Weather: Ceiling 7000', overcast, visibility 25 miles, slight rain. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
16 Jul 44
Weather: Ceiling base 8000', high overcast, lower broken, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F). Dusk Patrols by Sqns.Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns. Two good interceptions made by Sector Controller, good tracks by #8 Detachment.
17 Jul 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 3 miles. Regular Dawn Patrols cancelled. Both 133(F) and 135(F) Readiness Sections searching for RCAF boat in vicinity of Active Pass. Exercise with Venturas very successfully tracked. Sgt Rosser attached from WAC, duty NCO i/c Service Police, arrived 0840 hrs. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections 133(F) & 135(F) Sqns.
18 Jul 44
Weather: Clear at 40 miles. Dawn patrol by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqdn. Very good track. GCI Exercise between two sections of 135(F). Tally-Ho at PS6002. Fairly successful. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L WD Stroud (C3237), OC, #8 Detachment killed in crash of DC-3 of 165 Squadron, at Port Hardy, BC.
19 Jul 44
Weather: CB unlimited, 10 miles visibility. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
20 Jul 44
Weather: CB 1000 feet, visibility 10 miles, light rain. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Section of 135(F) Sqdn. F/L TC Todhunter (Can J12758) and F/O GN Whaley (C40132) on Committee of Adjustment for F/L WD Stroud visited #8 Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
21 Jul 44
Weather: Overcast, low ceiling, visibility fair. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 135(F) and 133(F) Sqdns.
22 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrol by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
23 Jul 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 30 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135 Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
24 Jul 44
Weather: CB 900', scattered cloud formation at 600'. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. GCI Exercise with two sections of 133(F) Sqdn. One interception missed, one interception successfully completed. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
25 Jul 44
Weather: CB 7000', visibility 30 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/O SA Hansen (C20305), #9 CMU, and Mr F Moe visited Diesel Hut in connection with overhaul. Dusk Patrol by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
26 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
27 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
28 Jul 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Mr JR Nesbitt and Mr CA Nock, BC Telephone, carrying Pacific Command Passes, visited #8 Detachment with F/O St Louis (C14365), Signals Officer, in connection with Filter line. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L JA Mainil (C9608) assumed Command of #8 Radio Detachment eff 18 July/44.
29 Jul 44
Weather: CB 3500', overcast, visibility 10 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
30 Jul 44
Weather: CB 3500', overcast, visibility 19 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
31 Jul 44
Weather: Overcast, light rain, visibility 5 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 135(F) Sqdn. R76665 F/S Foster and crew of six men from #3 Rd started installation of IFF equipment on Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
STRENGTH:
Officers 2; Attached: 0
OR 54; Attached: 4
(JA Mainil) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Aug 44
Weather: 3500 CB, overcast, visibility 1 1/2 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L TE Daly (C3167) reported on two weeks familiarization tour at this Detachment. F/L Metford (DAPM-DEFENCE) visited Detachment in the course of his duties. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
2 Aug 44
Weather: CB 5000, visibility four miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
3 Aug 44
Weather: Overcast, very light drizzle, visibility ten miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L Froom (C2094), SAO, and WO1 Campbell (R72426), SWO, on CO's inspection. Everything in order. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
4 Aug 44
Weather: CB 8000, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Excellent tracks obtained on Sector Exercise. Commended by OC, #2 Filter Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
5 Aug 44
Weather: CB 3500, visibility 8 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. S/L NJ Moran (C5675), #2 School of Fighter Control, and F/L PA Vatcher (C5169), Senior Signals Officer, visited Detachment in course of duty. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqn did not complete patrol due to engine trouble.
6 Aug 44
Weather: CB 8000, visibility 40 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 135(F) Sqdn.
7 Aug 44
Weather: CB 2800, overcast, visibility 6 miles. S/L Hanson (C8936), RO1 WAC, F/L AW Bishop (C3166) and WO2 Michael (370A), No 3 RD, visited Detachment in connection with new installations. Off air due to PPI tube being u/s between 1830 and 1945 hrs. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqn.
8 Aug 44 Weather: Low ceilings, overcast, visibility 3 miles. On orders from WAC ceased DI at 1320 to concentrate on X Raid at approximately PX4940. One plot obtained. Dusk patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 9 Aug 44 Weather: Overcast, light rain, visibility 3 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Technical lecture given by F/O RB Butler (C22323) at #2 School of Fighter Control. GCI lecture given by F/L JA Mainil (C9608) at #2 School of Fighter Control. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 10 Aug 44 Weather: CB 2500, visibility 30 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 11 Aug 44 Weather: CAVU at 0830 hrs. S/L RG Williamson (J3477), S/L RR Canning (C4284), F/L JB Galbraith (C11457) and F/L CCF Sutcliffe (C6338) visited Detachment as part of course at #2 School of Fighter Control. G/C CMG Farrell, DFC, visited Detachment. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Excellent tracks. 12 Aug 44 Weather: CB2500, overcast, light rain, visibility 15 miles. Dawn and Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 13 Aug 44 Weather: CB 4000, overcast, light rain, visibility 6 miles. Readiness Section of 135(F) Sqn on Dawn Patrol, incomplete due to weather, landing at Boundary Bay. F/L Froom, SAO, and WO2 Campbell, SWO, visited Detachment. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 14 Aug 44 Weather: CB 00, visibility 1/8 miles, heavy ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 135(F) Sqdn. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 15 Aug 44 Weather: CB 1600, overcast, visibility 10 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Very good tracks. 16 Aug 44 Weather: CB 3000, overcast, visibility 10 miles. Dawn and Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqn. 17 Aug 44 Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqdn. F/L PA Vatcher (C5169), F/L JT Thompson (C6591), F/O CD Boyd (C37902) and F/O VR Nutter (C39296) visited Detachment on familiarization. Overhaul of Diesels by #9 CMU completed. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F)Sqdn. 18 Aug 44 Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqdn. F/L AR McGee (C9385), RO2 WAC, and P/O EW Keating (J41578), WAC, visited Detachment in connection with new installations. Two fighter squadrons moved, 132(F) Sqn coming from Tofino to Patricia Bay, 135(F) Sqn going from Patricia Bay to Tofino. Good tracks on both movements. F/O Wilkie, 133(F) Sqn, injured when he bailed out of Kitty F731. Picked up in Strait by fishing boat. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqdn. Good track. 19 Aug 44 Weather: CAVU. Dawn and Dusk patrols by Readiness Section of 133(F) Sqn. 20 Aug 44 Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 2 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 132(F) Sqdn. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 132(F)Sqdn. Incomplete Dusk patrol by Readiness Section of 133(F) due to u/s of R/T. 21 Aug 44 Weather: Very good, ground fog. 132(F) Sqn transfered from Patricia Bay to Sea Island. 133(F) Sqn transferred from Sea Island to Patricia Bay. Off the air two hours to paint gantry. Dusk patrol by Readiness Section of 132(F) Sqn. 22 Aug 44 Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F) and 133(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Section of 132(F)Sqdn. 23 Aug 44 Weather: CB 5000, visibility 10 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F) and 133(F) Sqdns. Lectures and films re Radar shown at #2 School of Fighter Control by F/O RB Butler (CAN C22323). Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F) and 133(F) Sqdns. 24 Aug 44 Weather: QB 1500, overcast, visibility 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F),133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Very poor tracks due to low altitude. GCI lecture given by F/L JA Mainil (C9603) at #2 School of Fighter Control. S/L AB Reid (C1733), SEO, visited Detachment re equipment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 25 Aug 44 Weather: CB 4000, visibility 15 miles, overcast. F/O AM Jones (C13512), Admin, repported for duty. Sixteen officers on course and #2 School of Fighter Control on familiarization tour of Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 26 Aug 44 Weather: CB 4000, visibility 15 miles, overcast. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F) and 133(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 27 Aug 44 Weather: CAVU, some light ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Fair tracks obtained on Sector interceptions exercise between Ventura and fighters. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 28 Aug 44 Weather: CB 3500, visibility 10 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Installation of Mark III IFF completed. Test run for MK III IFF, I Band with one section of Kittys, 135(F) run from P to B to E to D to B. Results fair. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 29 Aug 44 Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Nine pilots of 132(F) Sqn visited Detachment on familiarization. Short explanation of CHL and GCI operations given by F/O RB Butler. Sector interception exercise carried out between Ventura and sections of 132(F), 133(F), and 135(F) Sqn. Four successful interceptions, tracks fair. 30 Aug 44 Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 25 miles. Vectoring exercises by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F), and 135(F) Sqns, instead of Dawn Patrols. Good tracks. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. 31 Aug 44 Weather: CB 2000, visibility 20 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/O RB Butler (CAN C22323) inspected beacon. COs inspection carried out by W/C ID Watson (C791), accompanied by F/L OW Froome, SAO, and R72426 WO2 Campbell, W, SWO. STRENGTH: Officers 3; Attached: 0 OR 49; Attached: 3 (JA Mainil) F/L,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 35 miles. Vectoring exercises instead of Dawn patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Good tracks. No DI due to Sector interception exercises using Ventura and fighters. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns.
2 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU. Readiness Sections 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns on Vectoring exercise in lieu of Dawn Patrols. Very good tracks. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) sqns.
3 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, heavy ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns. Dusk patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F, 133(F), 135(F) Sqns.
4 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Fighter Controller WAC and OC, #2 Filter Detachment commended #8 Detachment on track of escort exercise. Vectoring exercise at 1900 hrs by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
5 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/O RB Butler (CAN C22323) proceeded on three days temporary duty at #2 Filter Detachment. Vectoring exercises in lieu of Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Good tracks
6 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 6 miles. Vectoring exercises in lieu of Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L SJ Lane (C11432), W&B Officer, visited in conection with installation of fan in Ops Room. Interception exercise between one Harvard and Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. All sections had Tally-Hos. S/L RD Hansen (C8936), RO1, WAC, and WO1 Winterbottom, R, R58416, W&B, WAC, visited Detachment to check bearing on aerial.
7 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 6 miles, ground fog. GCI exercises between two sections of fighters cancelled due to wingman engine developing oil trouble shortly after being taken over. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
8 Sep 44
Weather: Heavy fog. Interception exercise attempted between one section of 135(F) and a Ventura. R/T good, tracks good. No Tally-Ho mainly due to weak liaison. Vectoring exercise in lieu of Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Good tracks
9 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 1/2 mi, ground fog. Vectoring exercise in lieu of Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. The CO, W/C WT Tourgis (C1569), and SAO, F/L OW Froom (C2094), on official inspection of Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), and 135(F) Sqdns.
10 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 1 mile, ground fog and smoke. Dawn and Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns Readiness Sections.
11 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 1/2 miles, smoke. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. The CO, W/C WT Tourgis (C1569), and SAO, F/L OW Froom (C2094) and A/S/O Lawson visited the Detachment in connection with messing.
12 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Horizontal Polar Diagram checked by party from #3 RD. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
13 Sep 44
Weather: CB unlimited, visibility 25. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Section of 132(F) Sqdn. Very good tracks. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
14 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. F/L Metford, DAPM, inspected gun pits. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Excellent tracks on all three patrols.
15 Sep 44
Weather: Overcast with heavy rain. No Dawn or Dusk patrols due to weather.
16 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. During a squadron formation exercise (9 aircraft) by 133(F) broad IFF appeared on IFF indicator. Sector advised no fighter aircraft in difficulty. #2 Filter later advised it was a Liberator testing IFF equipment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
17 Sep 44
Weather: Cloudy with ground fog. No Dawn Patrols. Party of Ground Warfare personnel repairing gun pits. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
18 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU but heavy ground fog during early morning. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Very good tracks. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
19 Sep 44
Weather: Overcast at 7,500', visibiliy 15 miles. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. No Dusk Patrols.
20 Sep 44
Weather: Overcast and rain, visibility 1 miles. No Dawn Patrols. W/C Tourgis and F/L Froom inspected Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
21 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling and visibility 0, heavy ground fog. No Dawn Patrols. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. BC power supply off for approx 40 min during afternoon.
22 Sep 44
Weather: Ground fog in morning, clearing in pm. No Dawn Patrols. During the afternoon a 132(F) aircraft was lost above the overcast. Sector ordered pilot to turn on his IFF. From the track passed to Filter Sector were able to vector aircraft to Sea Island. No Dusk Patrols.
23 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling 7,000', visibility 1/8 mile in fog and smoke. No Dawn patrols. F/L Metford, DAPM, inspected rebuilt gun pits. Sector interception exercise tracked very successfully. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 132(F), 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
24 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU, light ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. 132(F) aircraft grounded awaiting disbanding order.
25 Sep 44
Weather: CAVU, light smoke. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Requested permission from ASO.3 at WAC to send a number of airmen to Pat Bay Sector for familiarization during Quarterly Ovhaul period (3 Oct to 10 Oct/4). Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
26 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling and visibility zero, heavy ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
27 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling and visibility zero, heavy ground fog. No Dawn Patrols. Yesterday afternoon 132(F) Sqn received orders from WAC to ferry all their aircraft to Pat Bay. Asked ASO.3 at WAC to advise #8 RD what operational frequency should now be set up at transmitter and receiver trucks. Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns.
28 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling 5,500', visibiity 2 miles, rain. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. During the early part of the evening a Mitchell from BY was lost. Directed to base from track passed by this Detachment. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
29 Sep 44
Weather: Overcast with heavy rain. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. One aircraft of the 133(F) Section cracked up near Point Grey Golf Course. Sgt Patterson was the pilot. Dusk Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns.
30 Sep 44
Weather: Ceiling unlimited, visibility restricted to 3 miles by ground fog. No Dawn Patrols. Two of 133(F) aircraft tested broad IFF in morning. Tracked for 132 miles. In the afternoon broad IFF was picked up. Aircraft was tracked to PB-SI-BY. Later identified by WAC as Mitchell 320. Aircraft not in difficulty but IFF equipment not operating properly. Dusk Patrols were not followed at #2 Filter requested #8 to concentrate on the broad IFF track. As of 1 Sept/44 #8 Radio Detachment became #8 Radio Unit.
STRENGTH:
Officers 3; Attached: 0
OR 47; Attached: 8
(AM Jones) F/O,
Officer Commanding,
#8 RCAF Detachment,
Sea Island, BC.
1 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU. Dawn and Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns.
2 Oct 44
Weather: Overcast, light fog and rain, visibility 1 miles. No Dawn and Dusk Patrols.
3 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 4,000, visibility 15 miles. No Dawn Patrols due to strong winds at PB. Commenced quarterly overhaul at 1000 hrs.
4 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 5,000, visibility 6 miles overcast, showers. Quarterly overhaul. F/L Mainil returned from leave and assumed command of #8 Radio Unit.
5 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 5,000, 9/10, visibility 5 miles. Quarterly overhaul.
6 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU with light ground haze. Quarterly overhaul.
7 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU, with ground fog. Quarterly overhaul. S/L DD Hansen (CAN C8936), F/O CC Astor (C14809), and Lt SP Phillips (US 0-799449) visited Unit.
8 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU, light fog. Quarterly overhaul.
9 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU. Quarterly overhaul.
10 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU. Quarterly overhaul completed at 1100 hrs. Dusk Patrols by 133(F) and 135(F) Sqns.
11 Oct 44
Weather: Ground fog. Dawn Patrols by Readiness Sections of 133(F) and 135(F) Sqdns. Off the air from 1600-2204 hrs due to burned out motor on aerial.
12 Oct 44
Weather: CAVU with heavy ground fog. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols. F/O Beckett (C14157) of #3 RD visited Unit.
13 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 5,000, visibility 3 miles, light drizzle. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols due to weather.
14 Oct 44
Weather: Heavy ground fog, visibility 1/2 miles, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols due to weather.
15 Oct 44
Weather: Heavy ground fog, visibility 1/8 miles, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.
16 Oct 44
Weather: Thick ground fog, visibility 0, ceiling nil.No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.
17 Oct 44
Weather: Heavy ground fog, visibility 0, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols. F/O AN Parsons, #7 RU, visited this Unit.
18 Oct 44
Weather: Heavy fog, visibility 0, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.
19 Oct 44
Weather: Heavy fog, visibility 0, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols. G/C WE Bennett and F/L OW Froom inspected Unit.
20 Oct 44
Weather: Dense fog, visibility 0, ceiling nil. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols. About 1555 response picked up on IFF tube showing wide IFF in code WWWW. It was about two miles wide, twice as wide as the narrow showing on the tube at the same time. Track faded between Boundary Bay and Abbotsford.
21 Oct 44
Weather: Drizzle and ground fog, visibility 1/2 miles, ceiling 2,000. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols. Ten Flying Control Officers on course at #2 School of Fighter Control visited Unit.
22 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 2,000, visibility 1 1/2 miles, light fog and smoke. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.
23 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 3,500, visibility 1 1/2 miles, rain. No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.
24 Oct 44
Weather: Ceiling 1,200, visibility 1/4 miles.No Dawn or Dusk Patrols.