Armament Section
A locally devised electrical round counter for Sabre aircraft .50 cal. guns was tested. It will, if proven satisfactory, enable pilots to tell how many rounds have been fired and how many remain.
Photos were taken of the new Commissary building.
Wing Maintenance
Two squadrdons (439 and 441) were detached at Acklington for the best part of the month on air firing exercises.
A total of 3 major inspections, 4 minor inspections, 3 engines changes were carried out for 599.25 hrs flying, with an average of 70.5% serviceability for the month.
The first Sabre flight simulator c/w while power unit was received and set up in 1 Hangar. Being a new type of equipment, it poses many maintenance problems which, with the aid of a small party from Redifon Limited, are being cleared.
Mobile Equipment
With the assistance of 3 semi-trailers from 30 AMB Langar, the ME Section moved the two squadrons to and from Acklington, without a single accident or mishap.
The first snow of the season was removed from the runways with no difficulty using one FWD high speed plow and one Osh-Kosh snow plow.
A new model (Code G19) crash tender arrived on the wing to replace RAF crash tender.
Telecommunications
Following the removal of RAF fire fighting equipment on receipt of Canadian type, water is being supplied to the transmitter site with a new water tender.
The telephone switchboard operates 3 GPO lines, 1 line to Fighter Command, 1 line to Langar, 1 operations line to Bawburgh, with five operators, two per day with one supervisor, one per evening shift, and one on night shift. The switchboard handles an estimated 3 to 4 thousand calls per day.
14 new type tool kits were received which are considered much superior to the old type.
The teletype circuit has been connected with Air Divison and Langar, permitting direct transmission of messages to those units.
Technical Headquarters
S/L A Morrison assumed the duties of C Tech O vice S/L TL Byrne, during the absence of the latter on one weeks leave.
G/C Cotton, from AFHQ, visited the wing to discuss technical matters, ME problems in particular.
Supply
WO1 P Cousins from AMC visited the unit to discuss supply problems relative to ME spares.
March 1954
Supply
F/O Chartrand assumed the position of Maintenance Supply Officer employed in Wing Maintenance.
WO2 Waring assumed the duties of SSO/S2, (Assistant to SSO).
Sgt Edwards assumed the duties of NCO i/c Warehousing.
S/L Morrison assumed the duties of C Tech O from 11 Mar 54 to 31 Mar 54 during the encumbent's absence on leave.
Technical Wing Headquarters
Cpl BV Anderson arrived to take over the duties of C Tech O stenographer vice LAW Stanley.
There was a total of 83 promotions on the airmen's promotion board, 1 Apr 54.
Wing Maintenance
14 sets of AN/ARC-3 radio sets were installed in 410 Sqn aircraft. This completes all aircraft on the Wing.
During the month ten major inspections, seven minor inspections, and seven engine changes were completed for a total of 1025.35 flying hours. Average serviceability was 24.6 aircraft, out of a total of 43 aircraft.
Wing Armament
Some 700 Garand rifles (.300 calibre), were taken out of storage to replace .303 calibre rifles presently in use to fall in line with NATO standardization.
Air Cadets visited the station for a familiarization trip.
The photographic section made 1000 contact prints for 30 AMB and 120 prints of organization charts.
Considerable repairs and renovations have been carried out on the 25 yard range.
Two new electrically operated skeet traps have been installed at the skeet range enabling the operator to fire either one trap or both traps simultaneously.
One sergeant and one corporal of the RAF spent one week here on familiarization of the radar systems in Sabre aircraft.
April 1954
Supply Section
A/C V Millard and W/C K Finchane from AFHQ visited 27 Apr 54 to discuss supply problems.
Major Busek and Master Sergeant Deep, USAF, visited the Wing 28-30 Apr 54 to obtain consumption data on GFAE and engine spares for Sabre 2 aircraft. They were also given as much technical literature as was available.
Mobile Equipment
A new 1000 lb dry chemical crash truck (10G13) was received.
52 vehicles were driven 35,798 miles with a total of 4 accidents.
Telecommunications
G/C Burbank, AFHQ CTel D/Teleng, visited this unit on his return to Canada and held informal discussions with the STelO.
W/C Jukes, RAF 12 Group CSO, and L/Col McCleary, USAF exchange officer at 12 Group, visited this unit to obtain as much information as possible on telecommunications troubles which have been encountered on the Sabre aircraft.
The RAF telescramble installation is progressing very satisfactorily and should be completed during the month of May.
816 outgoing messages and 1183 incoming messages were handled over administrative teleprinters during April.
All Sabre aircraft are now equipped with ARC-3 VHF equipment - 410 Squadron having been retrofitted during the month.
The Expiditor aircraft has gone to contract for the installation of 24 channel ARC-3 equipment.
The RAF CR D/F installation was recalibrated by a 90 Group air calibration party.
Wing Maintenance
During the past month there were four immediate special inspections carried out on all aircraft of the Wing.
Wing maintenance completed 16 major inspections, 7 minor inspections, and 3 engine changes during April along with numerous other major unserviceabilities rectified.
The average daily serviceability for each squadron was -
| 439 | 10 aircraft |
| 441 | 7.7 aircraft |
| 410 | 7 aircraft |
making a daily Wing average of 24.7 aircraft from 43.
The total flying for the month was 1363.25 hours with 1183 sorties making an approximate average of 1:15 hours per sortie.
During April, Wing Maintenance worked 1126 man hours overtime.
Munitions and Weapons
A new type of air to ground firing target has been tried out on Titchwell gunnery range. This is an electrical target which consists of a fibre board backing with a mesh type screen and sponge rubber covering. Four targets are arranged on a wooden frame. Each target is wired to the other forming a series circuit. The main leads are attached to an automatic round counter which is plugged in at the control tower. When a round enters the target, the current is shorted for a second which then registers on the counter. The unit has, in conjunction with the RAF, tried out this method and it has proved to be quite successful.
Work has almost been completed on the skeet range for the electric traps. The main power line has been laid on and the arrival of cable for the traps will complete the job. The firing-in butt has a few modifications to be carried out on it which will not affect harmonization.
Systems
Two radomes were completely refinished with the new Goodyer "Erosion Resistent Coating". The application appears satisfactory. These radomes will be put on aircraft later on for further air testing.
After a meeting it was decided that Wing systems was to maintain all log books, compile TFRs, etc, so as to maintain a centralization of records. Squadrons will complete "Daily Serviceability" and "Snags, Malfunction & Change" sheets and forward them to Wing Systems.
Photo
On 23 Apr 54 the visit of the AOC and CAS were recorded photographically as well as two lots of matches produced for them. The last week Cpl Roddy visited #3 Wing on the continent, picking up ideas and looking around ending with a visit to 1 Air Division HQ.
161 cine film magazines were processed with repairs on three cameras. 450 feet of colour film was shot for a Wing Documentary film being produced at this unit.
During April, approximately 400 negatives were produced and 1,500 photographs turned out.
Tech Wing Headquarters
F/O Balfour, in company with F/L Cox and Sgt Aumais visited the continental Wings and Air Division HQ to discuss maintenance problems and organization.
The CAS visited the unit 23 Apr 54.
May 1954
Supply Section
S/L Morrison visited Air Div HQ for period 12-18 Jun 54.
P/O B Nathanson arrived 10 May 54 for a summer employment tour.
Wing Maintenance
The Wing received six Sabre a/c from #2 Wing on the 17 May 54. These were allotted as follows:
| 439 | a/c #'s 19406, 19439, 19235 |
| 441 | a/c #'s 19342 |
| 410 | a/c #'s 19317, 19216 |
Wing Maintenance completed 10 major inspections, 14 minor inspections, and 4 engine changes during May along with numerous other major unserviceabilities rectified.
The average daily serviceability for each squadron was:
| 439 | 8.2 aircraft |
| 441 | 8.0 aircraft |
| 410 | 8.7 aircraft |
making a wing daily average of 24.9 a/c.
The total flying time for May was 1,269.45 hours, with a total of 1129 sorties. Making an approximate average of 1:05 hours per sortie.
During May, Wing Maintenance worked 1,834.05 man hours overtime.
Wing Armament
A crew system has been introduced due to the increase of personnel this month. Six M&W Techs arrived from Canada and the whole section has been split up into two crews. One Sgt and one Cpl have been placed in charge and will have the ground defence and bomb dump area, and ranges and armament workshops respectively. Ground defence weapons will be controlled by Wg. Armt. The firing-in butt has been repaired and de-leaded. The lock ups are being inspected and repairs and repainting will be carried out as necessary. The 25 yard range has several repairs carried out on it. A new transformer has been purchased for the skeet range and has proved satisfactory, the range now being completely electrified. In the workshops all the Garand rifles have been de-greased and are now ready for issue to ground defence when they require them.
Armament Systems
May - Job sheets introduced for all work in aircraft or in section.
May - Section visited by students of staff college (1 S/L RAF and approximately seven army officers.)
May - Tests carried out on pressurization of wave guide as per Air Div Letter 25-3-1 (SOArm) dated 1 Apr 54. Very little success because of unavailability of low-reading gauge. Radome refinished with Goodyear coating installed on aircraft 19151 at 595 hours flying time.
May - Tube ageing rack installed for ageing 5687 tubes.
Meeting - F/S Smith, Sgts Kozak, Simpson, Sequin, regarding Part I of CAP 670. Decisions made as to what tools were required for efficient operation of section. Various items of scale of issue were not to be demanded because they are relatively useless for work on Sabre aircraft. Suggested "changes", "additions", and "deletions" discussed.
F/S Smith checked throug Supply Section stock cards on sight and radar spares. Items surplus or in excess of requirements listed for return to 30 AMB.
Workshops started on radome repairs.
Acceptance checks on five aircraft received from 2 F Wg. Aircraft 19163 lost -0-80V voltmeter in aircraft.
Duty Armt. S Tech system initiated.
Photographic Section
Routine work carried out during month, consisting of 10,000 feet of camera gun film with repairs to half a dozen camera guns.
Approximately 300 negatives were processed and 2,500 prints turned out.
ME Section
Number of vehicles used, accidents and mileage for May 54:
| Vehicles | Mileage | Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 46,289 | 7 |
The above figures do not include refuellers or tractors aircraft towing.
Telecommunications Section
Inspections and modifications were carried out on ARC-3 and ARN-6 sets of aircraft transferred to this Wing from the continent in order to bring them up to date.
The Expeditor has been returned from Vicom equipped with a 24 channel ARC-3. Crystals have not been received for this equipment but normal ARC-3 crystals are used by means of temporary modifications allowing 8 channels to be utilized.
959 outgoing messages and 1348 incoming messages were handled over Administrative teleprinters during May.
With the arrival of CBC tapes from Langar the local closed circuit radio station resumed operation.
F/L Williams proceeded to Air Division to discuss Marville Telecommunications project.
F/O Snow proceeded to Ipswich to review retrofit of 24 channel ARC-3 on Beachcraft.
Sgt Fatum, ComTech(A) 3 and Cpl Wark, ComTech (A) 3 proceeded to the continent for a radar course.
One URTP Tech/Tel Officer, three TTOps and one ComPC (G) 1 have been posted to this section.
June to November 1954
1 - Wing Maintenance
June
June saw Maintenance performing twelve 50 hour inspections, twelve 100 hour inspections, thirteen engine changes and twenty-three repairs of various natures. The Sabres flew a total of 1625:30 hours. Average serviceability was 55.5%.
July
This month saw a total of 58 aircraft processed through Maintenance. These consisted of twelve 50 hour inspections, ten 100 hour inspections, and 5 engine changes. Four T-33's arrived 28 Jun 54. The Sabre total flying time was 1649:15 hours. The T-33's were flown for a total of 68:35 hours. The Expeditor flew 4:50 hours. Sabre serviceability for the month was good at 71%.
August
This month Sabre aircraft flew a total of 1560:35 hours, T-33's 70:20 hours and the Expeditor 50:35 hours for a Wing total of 1681:30. Maintenance carried out seventeen 50 hour inspections, sixteen 100 hour inspections, and sixteen engine changes on Sabre aircraft. Sabre serviceability was 62.6%.
September
This month 31 Sabre aircraft were returned to the Squadrons for Maintenance. Nine 50 hour inspections, twelve 100 hours inspections and 3 engine changes were carried out. 1439:20 hours were flown by the Sabres, 108:20 hours by T-33s and 50:25 hours by the Expeditor. A low serviceability of 45% was recorded by the Sabre aircraft due to a Special Inspection for corrosion of magnesium aileron bellcranks. Now aluminum bellcranks were procured from various sources to place the aircraft serviceable.
October
410 Squadron ceased flying 27 Oct pending their move to 4 (F) Wing. QTO 265 dated 21 Oct 54 transferred their Mark II Sabres to Ringway, Airwork Ltd for ultimate disposal to NATO. 1556:45 hours were flown by Sabres, 163:15 by T-33's and 27:55 hours by the Expeditor. 39 aircraft were processed through Maintenance. Sixteen 50 hour inspections, sixteen 100 hour inspections and thirteen engine changes were performed. Sabre serviceability was 51.4%.
F/L Cox A/C Repair Officer proceeded to Marville to take over duties as OC 1 (F) Wing Advance Party on 15 Oct 54.
November
This month the Maintenance workload was lessened due to the absence of 410 Sqn. A total of 37 aircraft were processed through maintenance. Nine 50 hour inspections, nine 100 hours inspections, and 7 engine changes were carried out. Sabres flew a total of 1037:45 hours, T-33's 107:35 hours and the Expeditor 31:30 hours. Average Sabre serviceability was 67%; somewhat higher than previus months. 441 Sqn ceased flying 29 Nov 54. Their aircraft were transferred to Ringway on QTO 4 dated 10 Nov 54.
2 - ME Section
June
In June a total of 50 vehicles were used compiling a mileage of 41,657. The total accidents incurred during this period were 6.
July
Forty-nine vehicles were employed this month for a total mileage of 48,894. The accident rate was down to a total of 3 accidents.
August
The vehicles this month compiled a mileage of 42,808.
September
Vehicle mileage was 47,788.
October
Vehicle mileage was up to 50,049. Five vehicles were despatched to Marville. These were one 40 passenger bus, one panel truck, one stake truck, one Homer truck and one power supply trailer. Four ME drivers accompanied these vehicle and remained in Marville to operate and service ME equipment.
3 - Supply Section
June
Annual stocktaking completed on vocab sections 5, 10 & 16 and all RAF equipment held in stock. S/L A. Morrison SSO assumed the duties of CTechO on the departure of S/L TL Byrne for Canada on the 5 Jul 54.
August
S/L Morrison resumed his duties as SSO on 19 aug 54 on the arrival of S/L WH Quinn the CTechO.
September
F/O Fellows proceeded on TD to Marville for advance preparations, supply wise concerning the Wing's move to the continent.
October
F/L West of 1 Air Division visited the Supply Section on Supply matters. F/O Fellows departed on TD to Marville as Supply Officer there.
November
F/O Fellows returned off TD to Marville. F/L West assumed the duties of Supply Officer at Marville.
4 - Telecommunications Sections
June
A TgTEch (2) and TTOp (2) have been transferred from this section.
A ROp (3) and an RAF telephonist have reported for duty.
F/L Williams proceeded to 1 Air Division for a conference and made a trip to Fighter Command during the month.
F/O Snow proceeded to RAF Station Bawburgh for a Signals Officers' conference and made a trip to CJS during the month.
WO1 Thompson proceeded to the continent for a familiarization tour of the RCAF bases.
F/L Williams went on leave and F/O Snow filled in as S Tel O.
The two administrative teleprinters were unserviceable due to line failures. Normal service was resumed to Stanbridge after two days, and to Langar and Metz after three days. During this period several messages were passed to Langar by phone, and then messages were routed through Stanbridge.
845 outgoing and 1168 incoming messages were handled during the month.
July
A ComTech (G) 3 has reported for duty.
One Com Tech (G) 1 has been posted back to Clinton for a ComTech (G) course.
F/L Williams proceeded to the continent for conferences concerning Marville telecommunications.
Sgt Cunnington proceeded to 1 Air Division to review NATO crypto procedures.
F/O Snow took his annual leave during the month.
Eastern Sector Signals Officers visited this unit to brief the pilots on R/T security.
GPO has completed its work on the RAF telescramble installation and a fitting party from 90 Air Group arrived to complete the installation.
869 outgoing and 1319 incoming messages were handled over the Administrative teleprinters during the month.
August
A power supply was manufactured locally to enable an ARC-3 aircraft transmitter/receiver to be operated in the tower in from the 230 V AC mains. This installation is required to enable ground checks on frequencies not set up on normal tower equipment.
A radio compass loop was mounted on the roof of the radio servicing bay to improve the sensitivity of the compass test bench facilities.
An RAF 90 Group inspection party visited the unit to carry out a routine inspection of all RAF equipment.
A successful telecommunications party was held in the village hall at Edith Weston. All station telecom sections were represented and everyone enjoyed fried chicken and dancing to the station orchestra.
WO2 Rankin has arrived on the unit to replace WO2 Reid in the telecom ground section.
September
P/O A Belyk, summer employment Tech/Tel Officer returned to Canada.
F/L Williams visited Air Division for telecommunications discussions re Marville.
Facilities were provided on the ends of the main runway to allow remote control of the tower radio facilities on the local airfield control frequency. This will permit a senior officer to monitor and talk to pilots from the airfield itself.
The administrative teleprinter handled 1258 incoming messages and 945 outgoing messages during the month.
October
F/L ET Williams visited Air Division and Marville on TD re Telecommunications at Marville.
Cpl WR Robinson was transferred to North Bay (Canada).
LAC SAJ Ledson was transferred to Air Division, where he is to be employed on draughting duties.
Cpl Ann Cullingan was posted to R&CS Clinton, for a Crypto course. She will be back at 1 (F) Wing HQ approximately 1 Dec.
WO1 PA Thompson, Sgt Roy Cunington and LAC Warshick attended the Air Division rifle shoot at 2 Fighter Wing.
F/L ET Williams, Sgt DJ Monroe, LAC GA Judson and LAC HRJ Laverty proceeded to Marville on TD, to form the Telecom advance party.
F/O WW Snow took over as StelO on F/L Williams departure.
WO1 PA Thompson took F/O Snow's previous position as Maint/TelO.
Cpl Barr attended a facsimile technicians course at Muirhead and Co., Beckenham, Kent.
A new type of mobile radio was installed in a tower control vehicle.
Cpl Bob Wride and Cpl Earl Lindsay, from Wing Telecom Air, were repatriated in October.
The Administrative teleprinters handled 1515 incoming and 1175 outgoing messages during the month.