DAILY DIARY
9 RADIO UNIT - SPIDER ISLAND, BC.
January 1, 1945 to August 10, 1945
1 Jan 45
Very quiet around camp with schedule operating normal. Weather clear and bright with a bit of sunshine.
2 Jan 45
Clear most of the day with a drizzle of rain towards evening. Operations normal.
3 Jan 45
M/V Stuart arrived with mail, January rations and three men back from New Years leave. Returned almost immediately for Bella Bella. Show in evening was enjoyed by all.
4 Jan 45
Dull with periodic rainfall. Operations normal.
5 Jan 45
Most barrack blocks are out of wood and woodcutting has therefore again been resumed. Very little station activity. Operations normal.
6 Jan 45
Spare small store room in administration building being fitted up as Armament Section. Arrangement made with Bella Bella to have M/V Snipe spend a few days hauling in drift wood to be cut up for fuel.
7 Jan 45
Weather quite mild with periodic rain. Woodcutting continued. Operations normal.
8 Jan 45
High winds throughout the day. M/V Stuart arrived from Bella Bella with rations and three airmen back from leave. Left almost immediately for Namu and is not expected back until Wednesday. General disappointment throughout camp caused by failure of arrival of show. A Bingo game held in the evening was well attended and enjoyed. Operations normal.
9 Jan 45
M/V Snipe arrived to haul in logs for use as firewood. Expect it to stay a few days in order to get a large supply. M/V Stuart advised us that it was called back to port and could not deliver our mail. Great disappointment shown throughout camp. Wind high in the evening necessitating closing down of Radar operations for a few hours. Otherwise operations normal.
10 Jan 45
M/V Snipe and crew of men out scouring the shores for logs. Returned at noon with 20 good ones. Went out again scouting in the PM but could not get logs due to tide conditions. Barrack inspection held in AM did not measure up to the standard required and another inspection ordered for tomorrow morning. Caterpillar tractor slid off road while hauling logs and was mired in the muskeg. Took approximately 20 men all afternoon to get it out. Woodcutting at a standstill. Gale warning out. Marine craft made safe. Operations generally normal.
11 Jan 45
M/V Snipe called back to base thus terminating temporarily the getting of logs. Barrack inspection today turned out satisfactory. High winds during most of the day with periodic rains. Operations normal.
12 Jan 45
Regular run of the M/V Stuart cancelled due to necessity for it to go on a search for lost aircraft. Station personnel again disappointed on failure of mail run. Promised to try and get it over tomorrow. Operations normal.
13 Jan 45
Very high winds all during the night and day. Mail run could not be made on account of weather. Will have to wait until Monday's regular run. Radar off the air most of the night and all day due to gales. Jig built for power saw and woodcutting operations should get into full swing tomorrow. Inspected all heating aparatus on the station for possible fire hazards. Signal section being fixed up in order to conduct classes in code and theory. Many radar personnel expected to take an interest in this course.
14 Jan 45
Woodcutting got underway today. Present arrangement working well. Floating dock blown away during night but recovered and firmly anchored. Radar section had no contact with Victoria during most of the day. Wind subsided considerably. Scattered showers throughout day. Whole camp looking forward to arrival of personal mail tomorrow.
15 Jan 45
M/V Stuart arrived from Bella Bella with mail, rations and three airmen returning from leave. Left immediately for Namu to pick up much awaited personal mail. Pool table arrived from Bella and three airmen started immediately to erect it. Quarterly overhaul crew arrived to conduct overhaul of Radar equipment. F/O WC Cook arrived to conduct enquiry on loss of row boat. Show in the evening was enjoyed by all.
16 Jan 45
Very cold during the evening with heavy frost. This morning was the first morning that the truck could not make the normal run to the point on account of icy road. M/V Stuart arrived from Namu with private mail. Loaded with 800 lbs TNT for shipment to Bella Bella. Four airmen proceeding on posting. One airman sent to hospital at Bella Bella with stomach ulcers. Woodcutting proceeding favourably.
17 Jan 45
Investigating officer completed his investigation re loss of row boat. Barrack inspection proved very satisfactory. Radar equipment shut down at 1335 for quarterly overhaul. Radar personnel put to work on various camp projects such as wood, painting, station cleanup, etc. Pool table is getting plenty of use and is proving a valuable asset to camp.
18 Jan 45
M/V Stuart arrived with mail and supplies and proceeded immediately for Namu. Woodcutting temporarily completed until a fresh supply of logs can be procured. Gang put on to repair road. Also kitchen floor painted. Quarterly overhaul proceeding favourably.
19 Jan 45
M/V Stuart returned from Namu and proceeded to Bella Bella with four men on 48s. One on temporary duty to Bella Bella. Sgt Dohoo and Cpl Bruce, overhaul partly, proceeded to Bella Bella.20 Jan 45
Cold and clear with heavy frost. Quarterly overhaul proceeding satisfactory.
21 Jan 45
Windy with scattered showers. Very quiet on camp with general routine carrying on normally.
22 Jan 45
Quarterly overhaul almost complete and normal operations will be resumed in the morning. M/V Stuart arrived at 1500 hrs with mail, rations and supplies. Proceeded almost immediately to Namu. Two Radar Operators reported in on posting and one Corporal WOG. Aircraft arrived in PM with Squadron Leader Christie, MO from Coal Harbour. After a short inspection he proceeded to Bella Bella. All was apparently satisfactory. In the evening a "Jam Session" was held. Stories, songs, etc were enjoyed by all.
23 Jan 45
Radar equipment returned to air 0800 this morning. Operations normal. Rained most of the day with high winds.
24 Jan 45
Rain and wind most of the day. Cold at night. Operations normal.
25 Jan 45
Aircraft arrived bringing paymaster. New dress regulations brought into force today. Station personnel co-operating well. Show in evening enjoyed by all.
26 Jan 45
Cold and clear. Operations normal. Hobby club organized and promises to get support from all.
27 Jan 45
Clear sunny day. F/O Crease returned off leave and took over command from F/O McKenzie who proceeded to Vancouver on TD. Show in evening enjoyed by all. Buoy was reported missing and dragging operations were carried out using the rowboat. Nothing was recovered.
28 Jan 45
Clear sunny day. Operations normal. Bingo games in evening.
29 Jan 45
Fine day. S/L Carlisle, Fire Prevention Officer arrived by aircraft and inspected the station for fire hazards. His remarks were very favourable. Departed via aircraft 1215 hrs. Stuart arrived 1300 hours. Three men in, two on posting, one off leave. Stuart proceeded to Namu. Show in evening very much enjoyed.
30 Jan 45
M/V Stuart returned from Namu. It carried out dragging operations for buoy, but failed to recover anything. Further attempts are to be made on Thursday with heavier equipment. Two men out on posting. Aircraft arrived 1130 hrs with F/S Clark, Canadian Legion Educational Services. Operations normal.
31 Jan 45
Some rain today. Operations normal. Nothing unusual to report.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 3, Senior NCOs 4, OR 44.
(HL McKenzie) F/O
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Feb 45
Dull day. M/V Stuart arrived from Bella Bella with rations. It dragged for the buoy using a heavier grapple and succeeding in raising it. It was found that three bullet holes were the cause of sinking. Another buoy was fastened to the anchor. Oil tanker called early in morning and unloaded 4,000 gals. of fuel. Two men in on TD to check inventory. Show in evening enjoyed by all, followed by a Smoker.
2 Feb 45
Rain most of today. Stuart arrived from Namu with mail and proceeded to Bella Bella. Operations normal.
3 Feb 45
Rainy and windy most of day. Operational normal. The truck broke down this morning and is completely U/S. It requires clutch repairs. New parts ordered by signal. Men are walking to and from operations. Mess meeting held in evening.
4 Feb 45
Rainy most of day. Very little activity. Operations normal.
5 Feb 45
Windy with scattered showers. Aircraft called after lunch for records and kit of man posted to "Y" Depot. Two men returned off 48's. No boat today. Double feature show in evening. Operations normal.
6 Feb 45
High winds developed today with heavy rains. M/V Snipe arrived 1230 hours with provisions. Returned to Bella Bella almost immediately.
7 Feb 45
Continued gales and wind. Nothing unusual to report.
8 Feb 45
Clear sunny day. M/V Stuart arrived from Bella Bella with canteen provisions and supplies. Proceeded to Namu. Aircraft in with F/L Harrison, RC Padre from Coal Harbour. No show, much to the disappointment of everybody. Operations normal.
9 Feb 45
Light winds and rain. F/L Harrison held a service for the RC men this morning. M/V Stuart arrived from Namu 10:15 and proceeded to Bella Bella. Two men out - one on posting. Invitation sent to Ocean Falls for dance on 24th. Meeting held this evening for those interested in photography.
10 Feb 45
Weather bad, high winds and rain. Padre unable to leave. Temporary repairs made to truck. Operations normal.
11 Feb 45
Bad weather continues. Several long cypher messages in, and most of the day spent decoding them. Nothing unusual to report.
12 Feb 45
M/V Stuart arrived with supplies. Aircraft called for F/L Harrison. Two men in on posting. Show in evening well attended. Operations normal.
13 Feb 45
Heavy snow fall today. M/V Stuart returned from Namu with mail. It is her last trip, being replaced by the M/V Haida. Operations normal.
14 Feb 45
Weather dull today. Woodcutting operations are getting under way. NCOs meeting held after supper, to discuss discipline and deportment.
15 Feb 45
M/V Haida called today on first trip. A larger boat with better accomodation. Mr Kelly from YMCA called, also telephone repair man. Show in evening was very much enjoyed.
16 Feb 45
Weather fine. M/V Haida returned from Namu and proceeded to Bella Bella. Woodcutting operations organized. Operations normal.
17 Feb 45
Weather fine. M/V Snipe over this PM to bring in logs for firewood. Refrigerator man came with them to repair and adjust kitchen unit. Woodcutting and chopping in full swing.
18 Feb 45
Very quiet day. M/V Snipe made two runs for logs and brought in about fifteen. Short meeting in evening to elect an entertainment committee.
19 Feb 45
Rainy most of day. M/V Haida in from Bella Bella. F/O McKenzie returned off leave and took over command of station from F/O Crease. One man in on posting and two returned off leave. Show in evening "White Cargo" very much enjoyed.
20 Feb 45
M/V Haida reurned from Namu. One man out on leave. Two service police have been posted, but they will have to wait until replacements arrive. Operations normal.
21 Feb 45
Partly rainy. Nothing unusual to report. Woodcutting progressing steadily. Operations normal.
22 Feb 45
Weather fair. M/V Haida called with provisions and mail. No show came much to the disappointment of every body. Plans for dance on 24th well under way.
23 Feb 45
M/V Haida returned from Namu with mail. Two men out on leave. Received word that dance cancelled. Aircraft called for F/L Wallts, MO from Coal Harbour and Sgt Garner, Accounts, Bella Bella. The MOs report was satisfactory with the exception of the barrack blocks which were untidy. Pay parade was welcomed by all. Weather improving. Operations normal.
24 Feb 45
Clear and bright. Aircraft called in the morning with the mail and picture show. Departed for Ocean Falls with three men on 48s. F/O Crease at Ocean Falls to arrange dance for following week. Picture show in evening.
25 Feb 45
Clear and bright all day with rain towards evening. Nazi signs appeared mysteriously painted on various buildings throughout camp. An investigation is proceeding. No offender yet located. Bingo game held in evening.
26 Feb 45
Clear and bright. M/V Snipe arrived at 2100 hrs after having called at White Point and Namu for mail. Three airmen returned from 48, one from leave and one on posting. Overhaul party arrived to make repairs to F/M equipment.
27 Feb 45
Weather fair with some rain. Woodcutting progressing favourably. M/V Snipe returned to Bella Bella this morning. Operations normal.
28 Feb 45
Weather fair. Meeting held this evening, and discussions held regarding 1945 leaves, sports programmes and entertainment, financial position, etc. Dance for this Saturday postponed one week. Operations normal.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 3, Senior NCOs 4, OR 42.
(HL McKenzie) F/O
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Mar 45
Weather fair with some rain. Clearing in afternoon. Signals in, F/O McKenzie posted effective 5 March, F/O Crease takes over. F/L Hennessy is to come in for technical experience. Operations normal.
2 Mar 45
Rainy and high winds most of the day. M/V Snipe called with mail and provisions. Short show in evening.
3 Mar 45
Weather fair. Woodcutting operations progressing well. Phone call this AM. F/O Crease posted to Pat Bay. Quiz contest in evening very much enjoyed by all.
4 Mar 45
Aircraft in this morning with Capt Morrison, Dentist. He examined the personnel and will return in a few days to do the work. Fine day. Operations normal. Card tournament in the evening with about twenty airmen out for bridge and cribbage.
5 Mar 45
Weather fair. No boat today. Operations normal.
6 Mar 45
Weather still dull with some rain. M/V Haida arrived from Namu with provisions and mail. Show in evening. One man out on posting. One man in on posting.
7 Mar 45
Weather dull with some wind. Preliminary inventory checks indicated inventory is in good shape. Operations normal. Nothing unusual.
8 Mar 45
Oil tank called today. Sgt Heiermann was slightly injured and aircraft was sent from Bella Bella to take him to the hospital. He may lose the tip of his little finger, left hand. Operations normal.
9 Mar 45
M/V Haida unable to make the trip today due to bad weather. Personnel very disappointed, no mail, no show. Dance for tomorrow seems very doubtful. However plans are laid if the weather will permit.
10 Mar 45
Weather poor. M/V Haida tried to make it but couldn't. Party held in evening, with entertainment provided by local talent. Evening was a great success.
11 Mar 45
Weather fair, with some rain and snow. Camp very quiet. Operations normal.
12 Mar 45
Nice day. M/V Haida supposed to come but turned back because of swells. Personnel very disgusted.
13 Mar 45
Rough weather, but M/V Haida arrived from Namu with eleven sacks of mail, rations, canteen supplies and personnel off leave. F/L Hennessy the new CO reported in. There was no show again tonight. Operations normal.
14 Mar 45
Weather still rough. F/L Hennessy and F/O McKenzie busy checking inventory of station. Operations normal.
15 Mar 45
Weather fair. Inventories found to be in excellent shape. F/L Hennessy officially assumed command of station. Sgt Webster, Radio Mech, posted overseas. One aircraft in distress plotted through station safely.
16 Mar 45
F/O Shaw arrived on boat from Bella Bella to relieve F/O Crease. F/O McKenzie and F/O Crease departed for their new posts. Weather good. No abnormal operations.
17 Mar 45
Weather good. F/O Shaw assumed charge of signals and orderly. Two new sergeants, who arrived with F/O Shaw, were shown duties of Tech site.
18 Mar 45
Weather poor, rain and strong wind. Operations lashed most of night for gale.
19 Mar 45
Weather bad, rain and hail. M/V Haida unable to make passage to station. Returned to Namu to try again tomorrow. Bingo game held in canteen in the evening. Operations lashed most of day and night due to gale.
20 Mar 45
Weather still bad. M/V Haida arrived but unable to dock due to heavy swell. Rations and mail unloaded by means of boat. Operations again lashed most of day.
21 Mar 45
Weather fair, wet and windy.F/O Shaw posted overseas. Transportation by plane attempted but unable to acquire. Operations normal.
22 Mar 45
F/O Shaw left by plane for Bella Bella, thus leaving F/L Hennessy as sole officer on the station. Weather fair, operations normal.
23 Mar 45
Weather fair, wet and windy. F/O Bamford, Accounts Bella Bella, arrived this morning for pay parade. Stayed for lunch and returned by plane in the afternoon. Operations normal.
24 Mar 45
Operations normal, weather fair.
25 Mar 45
Operations normal, weather good. First really good evening for a week or so. Hope it continues so that the ration boat may maintain its normal run period.
26 Mar 45
Weather exceptionally fine. Operations normal. Work commenced on boat house under wharf. All personnel turned out to lend a hand. Should be completed by tomorrow.
27 Mar 45
Weather fair, heavy rain and hail. Operations normal. M/V Haida arrived with rations and a show. Also the months beer ration. To wet to work on the boat house today.
28 Mar 45
Rain and hail. Heavy gales. Operations lashed most of day.
29 Mar 45
No boat. Weather too bad. Operations interupted during night due to gale.
30 Mar 45
Boat arrived early at 0830 hrs PWT. No film but considerable mail. Weather changeable. Operations normal.
31 Mar 45
Weather good, operations normal. Some wood logs hauled in and sawn.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 1, Senior NCOs 8, OR 40.
(B Hennessy) F/L
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Apr 45
Weather good. Rations supplemented by fish obtained from passing fishing boat. Operations normal.
2 Apr 45
Weather good. M/V Haida arrived in afternoon with rations and canteen stores. End of month returns practically complete. Motion picture arrived by aircraft this morning, which collected FS Laing, WM, who had been repairing our F/M and M/F Beacon. M/F beacon frequency found to interfere with another and is now off the air until further notice.
3 Apr 45
Weather good. M/V Haida arrived from Namu with mail. Mess meeting held in canteen in the evening. Operations normal, although had to lash down early in evening due to gales.
4 Apr 45
Weather fair. Aircraft arrived in morning with LAC Trofanuk, Clerk Admin, to replace LAC Stoneman who was awaiting to go on leave. Also received film from Bella Bella. Operations normal.
5 Apr 45
Weather poor, very wet. Mr Pierson, YMCA representative at Bella Bella arrived over on the boat. He brought another picture and went amongst the men to find out anything they wanted that he could supply. Operations lashed part of day.
6 Apr 45
Weather fair. M/V Haida arrived with mail from Namu. Operations normal.
7 Apr 45
Weather good. Aircraft arrived in evening to collect Sgt Lyster who is returning overseas after about two months in this country. Also another film arrived. This is four in one week, which is appreciated by all. Operations normal.
8 Apr 45
Weather good. Operations normal.
9 Apr 45
Weather poor. Quarterly overhaul party, under Cpl Britton, arrived to carry out overhaul. Also FS Turner, PT&DI, on posting to this unit. M/V Haida crew reported that this would be their last run as they were being replaced on this run. The personnel regretted this as they had been a co-operative ship. Ops normal.
10 Apr 45
Weather fair. Quarterly overhaul commenced this morning. Spare radar personnel started work on road, under FS Turner.11 Apr 45
Weather good. Quarterly overhaul continuing satisfactorily. Work on road continued to be good.
12 Apr 45
Weather good. M/V Nimpkish arrived with mail and stores from Bella Bella. Also picture show, including some from WAC Educational Library. Quarterly overhaul being carried out satisfactorily to date.
13 Apr 45
Weather poor, wet and windy. F/L Hartley & WO Michael of No 2 TSU arrived from Namu aboard M/V Nimpkish. F/L Hartley was suffering from a broken ankle, which had occurred when boarding boat at Namu. Fortunately an aircraft arrived from Bella Bella with F/L Earle, Medical Officer from Coal Harbour, who was coming on a monthly inspection. F/L Hartley was loaded aboard the plane and sent to Coal Harbour. F/L Earle, inspected the unit and expressed his satisfaction at its cleanliness.
14 Apr 45
Weather fair. Aircraft failed to arrive for Medical Officer, being held at Coal Harbour. Quarterly overhaul almost completed.
15 Apr 45
Aircraft arrived with a show and collected Medical Officer. Weather good.
16 Apr 45
Weather fair. Quarterly overhaul completed. M/V Nimpkish arrived with rations and mail from Bella Bella. Operations normal.
17 Apr 45
Weather fair. Work commenced on Hobby Shop, which should prove interesting to all personnel. M/V Nimpkish arrived with mail from Namu. Operations normal.
18 - 21 Apr 45
Weather poor. Operations normal.
22 Apr 45
Weather good. Personnel went hunting on neighbouring islands. Bagged one eagle on the wing. Operations normal.
23 Apr 45
M/V Nimpkish arrived with rations and motion picture. Weather good. Operations normal.
24 Apr 45
Mail arrived from Namu. Hobby shop completed and a lathe, home-made, has been installed. Weather poor. Operations normal.
25 - 26 Apr 45
Weather poor. Operations normal.
27 Apr 45
Boat day. Mail and another cinema arrived. Weather good. Operations normal.
28 Apr 45
Aircraft arrived to collect F/L Hennessy who proceeded to Ocean Falls to make further arrangements for a station dance, as the previous arrangements had had to be changed. Dance now arranged for 12 May, 1945. Weather good. Operations normal.
29 Apr 45
Weather good. Operations normal.
30 Apr 45
Weather fair. Linesmen arrived under FS Bethune, P to overhaul telephone lines. Beer ration arrived today, being somewhat later in the month than usual. Weather fair. Operations normal.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 1, Senior NCOs 11, OR 40.
(B Hennessy) F/L
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 May 45
S/L Ness and F/L Whitney visited unit and inspected site. Weather good. Operations normal.
2 May 45
Projector found to be u/s. Worm gear completely striped. CO attempting to arrange loan of one from Vancouver while replacement is awaited from Ottawa. Weather good. Operations normal.
3 May 45
Weather good. Signs of Spring as we have two good days in succession. Horse-shoe pitching was started today as well as attempts at archery. Mess meeting held this evenig and a dance was again arranged. Operations normal. The projector was patched up sufficiently with solder to run for show this evening. Everyone bucked up immensely.
4 May 45
Bright skies and sunshine. M/V Nimpkish arrived in from Namu. LAC's Howard and Tait went to Ocean Falls on the boat to talk up our forthcoming dance. Aircraft arrived this afternoon with LAC Gould, Medical Assistant to relieve Cpl. Hardy who is going on leave. No boat available but the aircraft taxied to our float safely. Work is going on with a PT centre for setting up a punching bag and exercise boards. Operations normal.
5 May 45
Weather good. Signal traffic heavy with cyphers and V-E Day instructions. Keen interest beig taken by all personnel on progress of surrender. Instructions from WAC to set up M/F Beacon on new frequency. It has been off for a matter of weeks due to interference on the old frequency. Operations normal.
6 May 45 Weather still good. Signal traffic still heavy. M/F Beacon now on new frequency. Awaiting check from Pt. Guy and Digby as to accuracy. Men all keyed up awaiting official announcement of V-E Day. Operations normal. 7 May 45 Some confusion as to whether this is or isn't V-E Day. From the radio seems all the world is celebrating. Decided to hold off until official announcement. Weather perfect. Now decide to hold celebrations as we have had such few good days. Beer was rolled out on to boxing ring and tables set out. All unit gathered around and talked of all the usual things. Lunch was served outside by the cookhouse staff and everyone just lounged around and ate. Evening was taken up with a picture show, and so to bed. All operations carried on as normal and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, without any undue incidents. 8 May 45 Day spent in remorse and in cleaning up camp. Weather still good. M/V Nimpkish arrived with rations and mail. Also more Radar Mechanics and Operators arrived on posting. Operations normal. 9 May 45 Weather poor. Operations normal. 10 May 45 Weather fair. M/V Nimpkish arrived from Bella Bella with mail and stores. Arrangements being made for feeding girls who are invited to dance on Saturday. 11 May 45 Weather poor. M/V Nimpkish arrived from Namu with mail. F/S Turner departed with the boat as our representative to see that all girls were comfortable on the way over for the dance. Operations normal. 12 May 45 Weather fair. All unit excited on hearing that dance was officially on. This because so many previous dances had had to be cancelled for one reason or another. Boat arrived at 9 pm with 26 girls. A good time was had and all the girls departed vowing to return the next time. Morale was definitely high. 13 May 45 Weather good. Operations normal. 14 May 45 Weather fair. New motion picture projector arrived from Bella Bella as ours is being repaired. Operations normal. 15 May 45 Weather good. Camp cleanup commenced. Operations normal. 16 May 45 Weather poor. PT commenced in mornings on voluntary basis. Surprisingly good turnout. Operations normal. 17 May 45 Weather good. Work started on cleanup of camp. M/V Nimpkish arrived with stores and mail from Bella Bella. Operations normal. 18 May 45 Two airmen posted on discharge. Most of the camp has been talking of this for weeks, especially since quotas have come through for some trades. Nothing else of interest. Weather has continued good though cloudy. Operations normal. 19 May 45 Operations normal. Weather fair. 20 May 45 Weather good. Everyone taking keen inteest in hunting and fishing, though the results haven't been any too luxurious. Operations normal. 21 May 45 Weather good. W/C McCullagh, FC (C3454) arrived from WAC via Coal Harbour. Church Service held before the cinema show, with an excellent attendance. Operations normal. 22 - 23 May 45 Operations normal. Weather poor. 24 May 45 Postings arriving thick and fast as station is brought into line with new establishment. All Service Police, with the exception of Sgt proceeding on posting, as is F/Sgt Discip. Wireless Operators and Radar Operators being posted around as they draw to end of their "bush" tour. Weather good. 25 - 27 May 45 Weather fair. Operations normal. 28 May 45 Weather fair. Aircraft arrived from Bella Bella with Paymaster aboard. This event has been awaited for some considerable time. M/V Nimpkish arrived with rations and mail. Operations normal. 29 May 45 M/V Nimpkish arrived back from Namu with mail. Weather good. Operations normal. 30 May 45 Weather good. Operations normal. 31 May 45 Operations normal. Weather fair. STATION STRENGTH: Officer 2, Senior NCOs 11, OR 35. (B Hennessy) F/L
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Jun 45
Weather good. Operations normal. Eight men arrived from Port Hardy as part of 9 CMU party who are to repair the road to Technical Site.
2 - 3 Jun 45
Weather good. Operations normal.
4 Jun 45
Weather good. CAN C85223 F/O L Labbe arrived via aircraft from Bella Bella on posting to unit. Remaining four men of 9 CMU party arrived and started repairing road.
5 Jun 45
Weather poor, wet and windy. Operations normal.
6 Jun 45
Weather fair. Mess meeting held. Decided to hold another dance on the beginning of July. Operations normal.
7 Jun 45
Weather good. M/V Nimpkish arrived from Bella Bella with additional rations for road party and also mail. No beer arrived as yet. Operations normal.
8 Jun 45
Aircraft arrived with F/L Trowbridge, Medical Officer, who inspected unit. OC proceeded on TD to Bella Bella to try to straighten out canteen situation. M/V Nimpkish arrived from Namu with mail. Operations normal.
9 Jun 45
Weather bad. Heavy winds and rain. Operations lashed most of the weekend.
10 Jun 45
Still wet and windy. Operations still lashed.
11 Jun 45
M/V Nimpkish arrived with rations, lumber, drums of oil, but still no beer. No room this time. Airmen highly disappointed. Weather still rather rough. Operations almost normal.
12 - 13 Jun 45
Weather good. Operations normal.
14 Jun 45
Weather good. Volley ball playoff commenced with semi finals between Sask-Alts and Ontario. Sask-Alts winning and going into finals against Manitoba. BC losing out early in the league. Operations normal.
15 Jun 45
M/V Nimpkish arrived from Namu with mail. Weather very good. Operations normal.
16 Jun 45
Weather good. Finals of volleyball tournament played with Sask-Alts team returned as victors. Operations normal.
17 Jun 45
W/C Cahill, RC Padre, from AFHQ, arrived from Bella Bella and said Mass this morning. Weather fair. Operations normal.
18 Jun 45
M/V Nimpkish arrived from Bella Bella and Namu with stores, beer and mail. Included in the stores were coal stoves for heating barracks and canteen. Coal is expected any day now. New scheduled runs for boat, making complete runs on Monday. Pictures are to be returned on Wednesday via A/C to Coal Harbour and Vancouver. Operations normal.
19 Jun 45
Weather bad. Gales. Operations locked most of day.
20 Jun 45
At 0620 was informed by wireless operator on duty that mess hall was on fire. Fire bell ran immediately and fire under control by 0630, out by 0645. Roof of cookhouse over kitchen portion completely burned away and walls badly burned and charred. No equipment damaged or burned completely. Personnel on station to be commended on rapidity and efficiency in steming fire, which save much valuable equipment. WAC and AFHQ immediately informed. M/V Nimpkish arrived about 1600 hours with WO2 Surne, W&B, from Bella Bella. WO2 Suren assessed the damages and informed WAC of materials requiried.
21 Jun 45
M/V Nimpkish arrive early this morning with some materials to carry out temporary repairs. Also brought in F/O Domie from Bella Bella to carry out investigation. FS Solem and members of his 9 CMU party proceeded to carry out repairs to the building. About 1/3 of the roof and all the inner wall and ceiling over the kitchen portion of the mess hall require repairing.
22 Jun 45
M/V Nimpkish arrived this morning from Namu. Aircraft from Estevan Point arrived with S/L Johns, Radar, S/L Burridge, Marine of WAC. Work on the mess hall proceeded excellently and FS Solem expects to have it completed by next Wednesday if materials ordered arrive up from Vancouver soon.
23 Jun 45
Work continues on Mess Hall. All inner walls, roof and inner roof completed. Weather again bad.
24 Jun 45
Weather fair. Operations normal.
25 Jun 45
Weather good. Work as far as possible completed on Mess Hall. Held up for lack of equipment. Vancouver informed us that it left by boat today. Should arrive by end of week. Operations normal.
26 - 27 Jun 45
Weather poor. Operations normal.
28 Jun 45
Weather fair. No 9 CMU party continuing to repair road while waiting for arrival of materials for mess hall. WAC informed us that a Court of Inquiry is to be held. Officer expected to arrive from there at any time. Bella Bella just phoned to say that President of Court of Inquiry arrived there and will be at our unit tomorrow.
29 Jun 45
F/L Bryans, C3892, WAC and F/O Domey, C44692, Bella Bella, arrived by aircraft, and with F/O Labbe will comprise Court of Inquiry. Members assembled and witnesses were called as required. Work continues on mess hall. Linoleum has now been laid on kitchen floor and work is commencing on painting of mess hall portion.
30 Jun 45
Court of Inquiry continues, also work on mess hall. Work being held up somewhat through lack of electrician to complete wiring. One airman due from No 9 CMU HQ next Monday.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 2, OR 41.
(B Hennessy) F/L
CO No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Jul 45
Weather at last turned summery. Court of Inquiry completed. Operations normal. Bingo game held this evening.
2 Jul 45
Weather still good. Members of Court of Inquiry departed by aircraft today for Bella Bella. Operations normal.
3 Jul 45
Weather still good. Work continuing on road and mess hall. Arrival of electrician permits rapid progress to be made on mess hall repairs. FS Henwood departs leaving no one in orderly room.
4 Jul 45
Weather very good. Operations normal. Road and mess repairs continue satisfactorily.
5 Jul 45
Weather good. Operations normal. Elaborate decrorations started in canteen in anticipation of dance on Saturday. Personnel seem in higher spirits than usual.
6 Jul 45
Weather perfect. Personnel hard at work on decorations and great enthusiasm seems to have swept the camp. Mess hall almost finished.
7 Jul 45
Weather good. Decorations complete. At 20:30 hours ship bringing girls turns back for Ocean Falls on account of fog. Dance cancelled at last minute. Great disappointment for all.
8 Jul 45
Weather good. All operations normal.
9 Jul 45
Weather good. Mess hall repairs completed.
10 Jul 45
Weather fair. Full time work on road is resumed. Barge arrives with 150 tons coal and all personnel not on duty start unloading.
11 Jul 45
Weather fair. Unloading continues.
12 Jul 45
Weather good. Road completed.
13 Jul 45
Weather good. F/L Hennessy, Officer Commanding goes on annual leave and F/O Labbe assumes temporary command. No 9 CMU maintenance party departs. Unloading of coal completed.
14 Jul 45
Cloudy and raining. Operations normal.
15 Jul 45
Weather fair. Operations normal.
16 Jul 45
Weather poor. M/V Nimpkish arrives without any replacements for shortage of staff.
17 Jul 45
Weather poor. Impossible to maintain any semblance of normal administration with high percentage of under-establishment. Long letter of complaint written to Senior Personnel Officer at WAC.
18 Jul 45
Weather exceedingly bad. Operations normal.
19 - 22 Jul 45
Weather poor. Operations normal.
23 Jul 45
Weather fair. FS Nelmes arrives to take charge of orderly room. A great amount of work has accumulated during the past three weeks owing to the absence of a clerk admin and it will take many days to clear up the mess.
24 Jul 45
Weather poor. Operations normal.
25 Jul 45
Rain and more rain. Operations normal.
26 Jul 45
Weather fair. Arrival of F/L Harper to take over command of unit from F/L Hennessy currently on leave.
27 Jul 45
Sun finally appears. A number of personnel take advantage of it and go on a "48" to Ocean Falls.
28 Jul 45
Fine sunny day. Operations normal.
29 Jul 45
Cloudy and raining. Operations normal.
30 Jul 45
Arrival of F/L Hartley and F/O Stroud with No 2 TSU field parties 8 and 9 for quarterly overhaul. Operations closd at 18:00 hrs.
31 Jul 45
Work on radar equipment overhaul continues and good progress made. Weather good.
STATION STRENGTH: Officer 3, Sr NCOs 8, OR 28.
(L Labbe) F/O
A/OC No 9 Radio Unit
Spider Island, BC.
1 Aug 45
Weather fine and warm. Work proceeding on Quarterly overhaul by Field Parties 8 and 9. Officer in charge F/L Hartley.
2 Aug 45
Cloudy but no rain. Expect to be back on the air by 1800 hours tonight.
3 Aug 45
Weather cloudy and cold. Field parties 8 and 9 departed 0730 hours.
4 Aug 45
Cloudy and cool.
5 Aug 45
Cloudy and warm.
6 Aug 45
Fair and warm. Effective 0900 hours this Station to cease Operations. M/F Beacon and W/T to remain Operational.
7 Aug 45
Fair and warm. Commenced dismantling of Radar Equipment and preparing it for shipment.
8 Aug 45
Rain.
9 Aug 45
Clear and warm.
10 Aug 45
Fair and warm. F/L Hennessy returned from leave. No. 9 Radio Unit, Spider Island, BC. Officially disbanded on this date.
Strength as at August 10th, 1945.
Officers - 3, Sr. NCO's - 4, Other Ranks - 21, Total - 28.
Casualties: NIL
(B Hennessy) F/L
OC, No. 9 RU Spider Island, BC.