Metz, France

Quiet day, little flying.

An active day operationally during flying period 0800Z to 2206Z. One hand-off attempted with USAF but failed because of radio trouble. Three hand-offs successful with RAF. Extensive flying for day resulted in three mission refusals. 5D29 emergency low on fuel, compass and radio compass unserviceable, landed safely at Chaumont.

Chopstick "A" diverted from AIs to live scramble on Joplin track 605J. Hand-off to Joplin completed for intercept but CF-100s unable to catch unknown aircraft. Unknown later identified as Netherlands F-84s. Squawk 4 FE1540 also left hand triangle, aircraft led-in to Marville by Catfish 2. Extensive night flying from 1, 3, and 4 (F) Wings, again some successful hand-offs to RAF GCIs.

Early morning double scramble of Zulus at 0800Z successfully handed off to USAF for control.

Little flying because of poor weather. Scheduled Argus exercise postponed till 6 Dec 57. T80 unserviceability necessitates its being used as back-up to be operated only in emergencies and for hot or live intercepts.

T80 ordered in use for exercise Argus. A total of nine successful intercepts made with RCAF aircraft by YJ. Argus exercise discontinued at 1240Z poor weather conditions. Two emergencies during evening shift monitored only by this unit.

No flying, poor weather and runway conditions. Operation Jump-Moat scheduled for today postponed.

Operation Jump Moat aircraft landed at Langar. Unit Status 3 MPS-11 unserviceable from 1337Z to 2115Z. All flying scrubbed, weather and runway icing.

Weather improving some flying with successful hand-offs made with RAF. Yardarm Zulu Tango diverted from practice scramble to investigate emergency. Emergency one F-100, with flame-out, re-light successful and safe landing made at Landstuhl.

Squawk 4 HE3000 Handcuff Golf Two and Chopstick Alfa diverted to investigate. Another Mayday, French Mystere exploded in mid-air ten miles southwest of Marville, helicopter directed to scene. Scene of crash located, pilot killed, helicopter remaining in area until French police arrive. Horseman Zulu "P" and Yardarm Zulu "T" diverted on live track in KE area and successful identification made.

Synthex Guest exercise this date total of 32 ADF sorties and 40 strike sorties flown by Wings.

Zulu aircraft requested as many scrambles as possible – low on flying time. Signals AF66 and 67 advise that GCI/GCA letdowns are to be practiced whenever possible on weekends with Zulu aircraft.

Three live diversions on tracks showing IFF coming out of Switzerland – all identified as American aircraft. Extensive night flying with successful hand-offs to RAF control. F/O Janes new controller reported in from Canada.

Little flying, most stations have ice on runways. One Zulu scramble on distress track intercepted a Belgian T-33 in no apparent trouble. Four Wing only wing night flying, other wings scheduled, but cancelled because of weather.

Normal flying, one Zulu section diverted to live scramble on track coming out of ADIZ – identified as USAF F-86D.

Considerable flying with hand-offs to RAF control. Two hand-offs to USAF failed because of ever-present VHF failure at USAF end.

Bad weather – all scheduled flying washed out. This unit advised that there would be no Zulu practice scrambles over the Christmas – New Year period. Work started on new building for technical and administrative offices.

MPS-11 unserviceable from 0100Z to 2230Z. Unit Status 3 – no search radar.

Number two in a Four Wing Zulu section crashed on take-off, aircraft totally destroyed.

Scan Plan daily weekday flight to check radar and communications washed out until 30 Dec.

Bad weather, serious icing conditions on runways, Zulus released to 30 and 60 minutes status. Unit Status 3 for 4 hours, MPS-11 on maintenance.

Weather cleared considerably, back to local flying.

Happy New Year 1958. Nil flying. Minimum Operations. F/L Wallis promoted to S/L – F/O Fry promoted to F/L.

MPS-11 on maintenance. Reduced control staff, five mission refusals. Twenty five intercepts done on exercise Bomex.

Festive Season complete, back to normal operations. F/L Ker and F/O Brewer new controllers reported in from Canada. F/O Brewer and previously mentioned F/O Janes to fill in for two controllers who are to be released to train aircrew to be posted in from the Wings at a later date.

Air Force Police intercepted French hunters in area of transmitter site and warned them not to come too close to the site. No night flying because of weather storm warning of winds up to sixty-five knots.

Normal flying during day but washed out at night because of weather.

One Zulu section diverted to live scramble and track identified as a USAF B-57 .

Yellowjack has track 013 inside buffer zone, heading north east. Passport identified as NTQ. Squawk 4 JO1617 heading northeast – Student Zulu Oscar 2 had aileron trouble, landed at Marville.

Argus exercise cancelled, fighters at 1, 2, and 4 Wings released. Third Air Police had Air Defence Warning Test.

Track 012 (on Argus) heading across border in LE0016. 445 squadron unable to hold aircraft on 10 minutes state as their readiness shelters have not been built, on 15 and 30 minutes at 445 squadron’s request.

Executive assistant to the Air Officer Commanding visited Yellowjack and controlled Strongbox Zulu Romeo. Airforce 112 (RCAF) while under Yellowjack control sighted object at 60,000 or above. Yellowjack no contact.

Quiet day.

Passport requested YJ to go onto the T80 for 30 minutes, they were having trouble in the ADIZ area.

Weather at 1 and 3 Wings delayed Zulu take offs. Zulu Oscar scrambled live on emergency squawk, aircraft in no trouble, suspected parrot was sick. Height Finder 3 damaged and not to be used except in emergency.

Quiet day.

Exercise Synthex Quest – night flying cancelled.

Scan Plan and night flying cancelled due to weather.

Moselle informed YJ that Migrate Alpha Lead (F-100) believed crashed 8 miles east of Etain.

Passport requested a live scramble on track #3. Two sections of Sabres diverted. Track #3 did orbit at buffer zone but did not enter.

All of the Wings runways are in condition red owing to snow and ice. Chopstick Alpha diverted to emergency squawk, contact lost on SOS, and aircraft diverted to base.

Practice "Pan" on 121.5, requesting steer.

Soellingen advises only accepting hot or live scrambles owing to nil alternates.

A section of 4 F-86s diverted live after track 487, the Type 80 radar was ordered on. Track was a B-66 under Barbara control.

All Canadian fields closed due to snow, later in the day 4 Wing was the only one able to hold Zulu.

Air conditioning failed but became serviceable one hour and 10 minutes later.

W/C Ockenden authorized 3 Wing Zulus on 1 hour releases.

1 and 3 Wing have poor weather. American bases the same, no alternates, night flying cancelled.

C-47 #634 from 2 Wing called on R/T for 61 AC&W Squadron. 109 Communications Flight informed to brief their crews on correct call sign.

Commanding Officer of No. 1 (F) Wing called an alert at 1043 hours.

Normal flying programme.

4 (F) Wing holding 5 and 10 minutes while 2 (F) Wing doing double practice scrambles.

No flying due to weather.

Weather still poor, no flying.

Madcap Alpha on Scan Plan. No night flying due to weather. Mr. Stanton replaced Mr. Edwards as GE Representative.

At 1547Z Yellowjack on Status 3, no radar, at 1652Z all Air Division Sabre aircraft grounded except for hot Zulu scrambles.

Restrictions on F-86 Sabre aircraft lifted. Night flying cancelled.

Valencia #3 bailed out a few miles northeast of Chaumont. Pilot OK. No Air Division aircraft took part in Argus due to weather. Again, no night flying due to weather.

#2 Height Finder off the air until further notice due to bad bearing knock. Rhubarb Alpha on diversion from Sardinia went through the barrier at Hahn.

Type 80 radar partially serviceable with a lot of noise.

Type 80 radar now dismantled to the point where considerable time would be required to put it back into service. Type 80 serviceable at 2000 hours awaiting check.

Strongbox Zulu Sierra inadvertently intercepted British Overseas Airway Corporations Comet FC2002 at 37,500 feet, who was believed to be Lone Ranger track. Checkerboard 61 bailed out north of Marville, pilot OK.

Normal day flying. Catfish Green had flame out but re-lighted OK and returned to base.

Type 80 expected back at 1400-2000 local, with no guarantee of being completely serviceable, serviceable and back on standby at 2114Z.

CO orders rotation of Type 80 radar, MPS-11 unserviceable again, RPM of T80 Radar set at 5. Two sections of Sabre aircraft diverted on live towards track 239. After long tail chase the track was identified as 2 USAF F-84s.

Normal flying programme.

Quiet day.

T80 radar to be used only on Scan Plan. MPS-11 on weekly maintenance. CO may authorize use of T80 for scheduled exercises and for live or emergency scrambles.

Quiet day.

MPS-11 on monthly maintenance.

3 (F) Wing runway closed to jet operations. Hot or live scrambles only. SOS passed from 3 Wing, Hornet Golf section of two, low on fuel, one aircraft landed at 2 (F) Wing, the other ½ mile short of runway. Pilot OK.

No night flying from any Wings. Automatic features of the height finders not available for 10 hours, manual control available.

Quiet day.

Another quiet day.

T80 radar unserviceable. Scan Plan cancelled, weather below limits.

T80 radar serviceable.

Normal day

2 and 4 (F) Wings available for hot and live scrambles only. Pilot bailed out of Sabre on approach to 1 (F) Wing.

Normal flying.

The IFF on the T80 radar was unserviceable for several hours.

Horseman Zulu Quebec 4 had a compressor stall, but was able to re-light, and landed at Grostenquin.

"Synthex Quest" was the only special operation of the day. 61 Squadron detachment opened at the French Air Force Radar Station at Drachenbronn under the command of F/L Paige. This detachment to take over some of the control work while repairs are being made on T80. Also for personnel to familiarize themselves with French equipment.

Normal day flying.

Quiet day.

Argus exercise in operation. IFF serviceable but only limited range.

T80 radar turned on for operation "Jump Moat". 15 CF-100s from Keflavik to Beauvachain.

1 and 3 (F) Wings on Zulu report hot and live scrambles only as runways covered with ice and snow.

3 (F) Wing runways still covered with snow.

F/L Czyz departed on compassionate posting to Moose Jaw. T80 radar had to be rotated at varying speeds due to vibration.

1 and 3 (F) Wing Zulus again holding hot or live scrambles only as runways again bad. The T80 radar released to "Decca" company for maintenance. Tuesday Scrimmage delayed until 1200Z – further delayed till 1400Z. 38 aircraft on night cross countries. They were advised that flight following was impossible but that assistance on request would be supplied.

Operation "Scan Plan" cancelled as there were no height finders.

CF-100 crashed 10 miles east of Marville. Navigator bailed out but no survivors. 2 (F) Wing night cross countries cancelled.

Normal day activities.

Very quiet day.

419 squadron requested no practice scrambles as they are holding 423 squadron Zulu practices.

Tuesday Scrimmage took place. Scan Plan delayed as #1 and #2 height finders are unserviceable.

Several sections were successfully handed over to French and American GCIs for intercepts.

Soft Spot message passed to 2 (F) Wing Operations. Report from Joplin that aircraft is penetrating ADIZ. YJ had several aircraft on cross countries and broadcasted for all to turn west. The following officers reported in from 1, 2, and 3 (F) Wings for training as controllers and exercise "Spring Season" commenced. F/O Cater, F/O Hansen, F/O Hull, and F/O Urquhart from 1 Wing. F/L Bertrand, F/L Hennell, F/L Middleton and F/O Sullivan from 2 Wing. F/L Jewitt from 3 Wing.

Stopgap Alpha two aircraft long overdue landed at Landstuhl.

Quiet day.

Strongbox Zulu Romeo diverted live under Barbara control for interception of track #505. Track identified as a Piper Cub.

Form B passed for #20 Squadron RAF detachment at 3 Wing – to Alhorn Operations. Student Zulu Oscar bailed out 2 miles northeast of Rhine Main – pilot OK. Official opening of 6 TACC – callsign "Salesman".

2 Wing runway unserviceable to everything except emergencies. Scan plan delayed until PM.

Normal flying with several sections handed over to RAF GCIs.

Camera set up to take pictures of TU-104 flight – camera unserviceable and only one picture taken. Several sections successfully handed over to French and American GCIs for control.

YJ personnel manning several positions in TACC during the day and evening over the weekend.

MPS-11 unserviceable till further notice. YJ will use IFF only to search for emergencies. A vehicle sent to Nancy to pick up spares for the technicians to work on the MPS-11.

MPS-11 trouble is still in the turntable.

"Tuesday Scrimmage" was cancelled.

Salesman advises that French Flight Services will go on strike at 2301 local. Three successful hand-offs to RAF completed. Heavy flying schedule for practice intercepts. Following controllers transferred to 6 TACC approximately this time: S/L Wilson, S/L Wallis, F/L Vine, F/L Hawke, F/L Ker and F/O deBagheera.

Fairly heavy flying schedule with detachment at Drachenbronn taking quite a few of the sections for control.

Live diversion of one section F-86s on track coming out of ADIZ. Track turned prior to intercept and no identification was made. Continued heavy flying.

F/P Paige returned from Drachenbronn and detachment completely closed down. T80 being used but not turned back to Operations as yet.

Normal flying with some hand-offs to USAF control.

440 squadron aircraft landed at Marville after losing canopy near there.

T80 serviceable and officially handed back to us this date. Monthly exercise Argus flow today. Heavy night flying scheduled with four hand-offs completed. First GCI/GCA with RCAF Comet completed at Marville this date.

USAF F-100 aircraft with generator failure declared emergency and came under our control for GCI/GCA into Toul. GCI/GCA successful and aircraft landed at Toul Air Force Base without further trouble. Two sections of RAF Hunters deployed at Soellingen flying with F-86 sections on practice intercepts. Jacket 34 from 4 Wing broke away from section when on GCA and bailed out safely.

An overflight of USAF F-86D aircraft from Manston, England to Phalsbourg given surveillance and handed over to Moselle for letdowns. Total of 14 flights of two aircraft each.

Considerable day and night flying with successful hand-offs to RAF and USAF control.

2 CF-100s on practice intercepts diverted on high flying targets which had flown in and out of Austria. Intercept made but unable to identify – too dark. Further section of 2 CF-100s scrambled and intercept made. Track identified as an American B-57 aircraft.

Normal flying.

A change made in surveillance track designation. All tracks originated by this unit to be pre-signed by the letter Y (Yankee). A section of 4 F-86s scrambled live on a track coming from the ADIZ identified as FAF Mysteres.

This unit honoured by a visit of the MND, AOC and CStaffO. The CO conducted the tour of the Ops Room. T80 again reverted to standby role until turntable difficulties repaired.

Repairs completed on T80 and it is now back in service.

Section of 4 F-86s scrambled live on track in ADIZ. Track turned north and was intercepted by RAF. Identified as RAF Hunter. Heavy flying continues and continued success with hand-offs to USAF and RAF GCIs.

Continued heavy flying.

Normal flying as well as four sections on Exercise "Spring Season". Unit Status 3 for a short period. T80 unserviceable because of oil flow on drive motor. MPS-11 also off and parts needed.

Tests being made on Interference Eliminator for IFF. Eliminator 100% effective.

Good weather continues with extensive flying mainly at night. One TY-104 overflight monitored by this unit. Moselle control radar poor and this unit asked to give assistance if required. F/L Paige departed on transfer to RCAF Station Foymount in Canada.

Another TU-104 overflight this date. Difficulty still being experienced with camera equipment in photographing these overflights. Exercise "Spring Season" completed.

A target-tow aircraft from 2 Wing had altimeter and airspeed indicator failure. Aircraft was intercepted by another aircraft and led in for a safe landing.

Two live diversions of Sabre sections on tracks coming out of ADIZ. First identified as T-33 but numbers could not be obtained and aircraft went into cloud at 3,500 feet. Second identified prior to intercept by Passport as one RAF Hunter.

Normal flying with good results on hand-offs to USAF control, of two day fighter sections. One section of F-86s diverted to live scramble of track heading south from ADIZ identified and USAF V-57. All microwave lines to 2 Wing unserviceable for 3 hours to change truck which houses this equipment.

Six hours maintenance on T-80. More trouble with turning motor as well as magnetron change. One live diversion of a section of F-86s on a track coming out of ADIZ identified as USAF T-33. TU-104 overflight from Prague to Brussels photographed. This route is a daily occurrence now that the Brussels fair has opened.

A further four hours emergency maintenance on T-80; more trouble with turning gear. Little flying expected for day so six controllers were released to visit Moselle control for a familiarization tour.

Two sections of F-86s on practice scramble in the early morning diverted to live scramble on track coming out of ADIZ. Track identified as USAF T-33.

One section F-86s scrambled live but reverted practice prior to intercept. F/L Davis reported in from Canada today as replacement for F/L Paige.

UHF channels installed for use in controlling Belgian F-84s to be deployed at 2 Wing for May Argus exercise.

Good weather and flying continues with hand-offs to RAF. More successful hand-offs being completed with USAF control stations.

Monthly exercise Argus to test target Surveillance and intercept action on as scheduled today. Heavy flying activity with both F-86s and CF-100s acting as targets and interceptors. Poor results on first scramble of Belgian F-84s from 2 Wing because of UHF trouble, but second scramble worked much better. Combined with Argus, an overflight of CF-100s from Canada "Operation Jump Moat" arrived at 4 Wing and were provided surveillance for the last part of their journey. These CF-100s are the last ones of those purchased by the Belgian government from Canada.

Track detected in ADIZ heading toward Iron Curtain. This track followed and plotted to twenty miles inside Curtain before turning. Track intercepted and identified as USAF T-33. Scope camera being transferred to technicians scope in back room and no scope pictures to be taken over weekend.

With longer and good weather considerable flying is being done by all Wings. Three exercises are in progress and being flown daily.

F/C Desautels reported in from Canada, first of summer employment for this unit.

One section of F-86s to intercept track coming out of ADIZ. Track identified as 2 USAF F-100s. This unit asked to standby and monitor letdown of section of USAF F-101 aircraft arriving from United States, destination Phalsbourg. Moselle is handling letdown but in case of trouble, communication or radar wise, at Moselle, this unit would take over letdown. One F-101 aircraft blew up on approach to Phalsbourg but pilot bailed out safely. This unit asked to assist in getting helicopters into the area of the crash.

Normal flying.

Normal flying.

Normal flying.

General alert called at 1610Z beginning of exercise "Sans Sweat".

Operation "Sans Sweat" during the night.

Operation "Sans Sweat" completed.

Noticeable slackening in flying operations since "Sans Sweat". Most of the squadrons have more than enough flying for the month. F/Os O’Reilly and Meloche struck off strength on return to Canada for release.

F/C Haines reported in from Canada for summer employment.

All personnel mustered at 0830 hours local and told that all script to be turned in at Accounts in exchange for American currency. Complete change to be made before noon.

Normal flying for last three days mostly Shakey-Doo. F/C Miller reported in from Canada for summer employment. F/O Mosgrove regular controller reported in from Canada.

F/O Nixon struck off strength this unit on transfer to Canada.

Signed By:

(GF Ockenden) W/C
Commanding Officer
61 AC&W Squadron
RCAF