Metz, France

Role of 1 Air Division

SACEUR’s Atomic Strike Plan is reflected in 4 ATAF Operation Order 9/58 "DRUMFIRE". To provide aircraft for continuous air activity throughout the area of responsibility in support of the strike forces. The mission is to be accomplished by:

1. Fighter sweeps to the east penetrating the enemy radar screen
2. Visual reconnaissance of assigned targets
3. Support missions as directed.

Participation in operational exercises, from 1 Dec to 31 May 58.

During the past two years, numerous attempts have been made to obtain a suitable dispersal site which would accommodate 1 Air Division Rear HQ facilities and personnel. Ouvrage de Mont, near Pange, has been made available to the RCAF for an unlimited period for this purpose. This site, however, requires considerable renovation and development; the cost of telecommunications alone, to give this site the capability to assume the function of the Ops HQ, should the latter be destroyed by war, makes it doubtful if this project if feasible.

The visit to 1 Air Division by the ground defence team from AFHQ during Apr and May resulted in a changed outlook as far as dispersal is concerned. The "new look" emphasized the need for protection from nuclear fallout in addition to protection from blast and thermal effects. This fallout would result not only from local nuclear attacks but also from nuclear attacks throughout the whole of the Central-European area.

In the light of the new emphasis on the need for protection against fallout for personnel required for the conduct of the war, a study has been undertaken to determine if, and to what extent, the operational elements of the 1 Air Division HQ complex need be relocated or located, so that the command and control of 1 Air Division Forces may be exercised under conditions of conventional attack, nuclear blast, and/or nuclear fallout. It is expected that this study will be completed during the Fall of 58.

The present 1 Air Division posture of three squadrons per airfield was developed when the primary threat of attack was from non-atomic weapons. We are now faced with an enemy who has the capability of delivering an attack of mass destruction. As a result, MC 60, a NATO approved document called for the provision of additional airfields to permit air forces to deploy squadrons, and 1 Air Division has been assigned four deployment airfields at Rocroi, St Hubert, Bertrix, and Sandweiler. It is planned to deploy one Sabre Squadron from each Wing, but it is not intended to deploy the CF100 Squadrons.

The runways at each of the four deployment airfields are in usable condition, and if these airfields were pre-stocked they could be used in an emergency.

The construction progress at St Hubert and Bertrix should permit flying operations by 31 Dec 58. However the construction will carry on during 1959, and any occupancy during 1958 will interfere with the contractors and consequently delay the completion date.

The construction at Rocroi is very slow and little is planned for 1958.

The majority of the facilities called for under the E500 criteria for Sandweiler are completed. These, in many cases, are in use by the operators of the airport but can be used by the RCAF on exercises and in an emergency once the agreements have been completed.

One of the requirements of MC60, a NATO approved document, is that airfield facilities will be dispersed permanently to a site at least seven kilometres away from the airfield. This requirement does not include hangars and buildings associated with aircraft maintenance.

The visit, during Apr and May, of the AFHQ Nuclear Defence Team, headed by W/C WJF Young, produced information which indicates the necessity of re-studying the vicinity dispersal concept. Originally, the vicinity disposal concept was developed to counter blast effects of atomic attacks on airfields. It now appears that the major threat is fallout rather than blast and that the present concept of vicinity dispersal, under tentage, from main and deployment airfields is unsatisfactory if 1 Air Division forces are to survive and operate.

One meeting was held with representatives of the Canadian Embassy, Brussels, and one with representatives from the Canadian Embassy and MOD Belgium in respect to the use of two airfields in Belgium by the RCAF.

Subsequent to these meetings, the Belgium – Canada Agreement for the use of St. Hubert and Bertrix airfields was signed on 29 Apr 58.

Meetings have been held with representatives of the Canadian Embassy, Brussels and MOD Luxembourg in respect to the use of Sandweiler by the RCAF.

To date, agreement has not been reached on the text of the Canada – Luxembourg Agreement for the use of Sandweiler by the RCAF.

During the period 1 Dec 57 to 31 May 58 the Host and User Nations of the Air Weapons and Training Installation at Decimomannu, agreed to the following:

1. Cost sharing Cost sharing for the operation of the base shall be proportionate to the number of squadrons of each nation which will be using the base at one time (Canada 25%, Germany 50%, Italy 25%);
2. Operations Allocation of flying training facilities, working hours, flying control responsibilities, firing range, supervision and air/Sea rescue requirements;
3. Technical Method of operating, areas of responsibility and the equipment to be provided by the User and Host Nation;
4. Personnel Establishment 906 IAF and 212 civilians positions were established for the housekeeping of the base, and operation of GCI, motorboat and range.
5. Accommodation The buildings to be occupied by User Nations were allocated.
6. Offices and Personnel Quarters In general, the lists of materiels and furnishings for offices and personnel quarters listed in the "Blue Book".
7. Messing Messing is to be provided for all Canadian personnel from one kitchen, which will be under RCAF supervisors. Lounge and club facilities for Canadian, German and Italian officers are to be provided in the Italian Officers Club. One Sr. NCO’s lounge is to be provided for Canadian, German and Italian NCOs, Lounge and club facilities will be provided in the theatre building for Cpls and below.

The military representatives having agreed to the above, concurred with the Italian representatives that Italy should issue a revised "Blue Book" and prepare a draft tri-national agreement. These documents to be forwarded to the user nation military representatives prior to the next meeting.

The revised "Blue Book" dated 1 Apr 58 was received 23 Apr 58.

The initial planning for RCAF assistance to the West German Air Force recommended a Group Headquarters located at Bonn with 3 detachments at West German Bases. However, several changes in the West German Air Force program took place between the initial planning and the signing of the Canada-West German Agreement in Mar 58 which made it advisable to review the original plan. As a result of the review, it was agreed that the required Assistance could be provided by pooling the personnel and locating them at Oldenburg. Accordingly, the RCAF Advisory Group, Oldenburg came into being 1 Jun 58.

The existing JP4 fuel storage at 1,2 and 3 (F) Wings is insufficient to meet SACEUR’s commitment in an emergency. There is, however, a difference of opinion between AFHQ and 1 Air Division HQ concerning the amount of on-base fuel storage that is required. By AFHQ calculations, each of these wins possesses sufficient on-base storage for a maximum capability of approximately seven days; 1 Air Division calculations show a maximum capability of approximately three and one half days.

In March, a letter to AAFCE outline 1 Air Division’s considered deficiency, its requirements to meet commitments, and asked that action be taken to provide, from infrastructure funding, additional on-base tankage at 1,2 and 3 (F) Wings to the extent of 300,000 gallons.

During May, 1 Air Division again outlined to AFHQ the requirement for additional tankage and submitted an A for P to have the requirement from National funding.

A difference of opinion between AFHQ and 1 Air Division still exists concerning the amount of on-base fuel storage that is required at each of 1,2 and 3 (F) Wings. During Jul 1 Air Division again informed AFHQ of the requirement and outlined different types of sorties and explained the fuel consumption rates for the F86 and the CF100.

1 Air Division has not had an official reply stating whether or not our request for additional tankage from infrastructure funding has been approved. 1 Air Division, however, has been informed by AFHQ that the potential of 1 Air Division shall be limited to existing logistic support and that our A for P requesting finance from National funding had been returned.

By Org Order 4.11 dated 29 Nov 57, AFHQ authorized the formation of 6 Tactical Air Control Centre to provide more efficient operational control of 1 Air Division operational squadrons. This unit formed at Metz France effective Jan 58 but did not become fully operational until the first week in May 1958.

The primary role of the unit as laid down in the org order is to:

1. Control and co-ordinate the tactical employment of 1 Air Division fighter aircraft
2. Control and co-ordinate forces assigned for operational air training exercises.
3. Maintain liaison and co-ordination with adjacent TACC’s.

General

During the past six months COC has been actively engaged in co-ordinating scheduled and non-scheduled operational exercises. Since most of these are routine and recurring, one detailed narrative is written only on each exercise. The following exercises were co-ordinated by COC.

6 Dec, 10 Jan, 12 Feb, 6 Mar, 10 Apr, 9 May

A monthly live Air Defence exercise sponsored by AIRCENT normally scheduled to take place on the first Thursday of each month. It provides training for all the Air Defence Organizations with emphasis on the exchange of air information and hand over of raiding and defence fighters between 2 ATAF and 4 ATAF.

4, 12, 18, and 25 Mar

Each Tuesday, weather permitting, high level interceptions are carried out employing 4 RCAF F86 a/c and 4 FAF Mystere a/c using French and Canadian AC&W Units. On the completion of the exercise, RCAF F86s land at a specified FAF base. On the following exercise a certain RCAF base is host to FAF a/c. This enables exercising of cross servicing procedures and briefings of pilots in types of tactics used by both Air Forces. Tuesday Scrimmage was cancelled for the remainder of the period due to technical difficulties by the FAF.

1 Dec, 8 & 29 Jan, 19 Feb, 12 & 26 Mar, 9 & 23 Apr, 7 & 21 May

The 1 Air Division RCAF Annual Syllabus of Pilot/Crew Training for Interceptor Day/All Weather Fighter Squadrons requires that all fighter pilots/crews carry out air weapons training. An air firing range and station support facilities necessary for air weapons training by squadrons of 1 Air Division are available at the Air Weapons Unit Decimomannu. Each IDF Sqn is deployed in turn to Deci for Air Gunnery exercises approximate duration of two weeks. Each AWX Sqn is deployed in turn for Air Gunnery exercises and Air Rocketry for approximate duration of three weeks. This exercise also entails air lifting equipment, men and supplies by 109 Comm Flt and 137 T Flt to and from Deci.

12 Dec, 16 Jan, 4 Mar, 22 May

Synthex Guest is an AIRCENT sponsored CPX and live exercise designed to test Drumfire procedures and practice Air Operations Staffs in wartime duties. The live exercise pitted 4 ATAF against 2 ATAF. Air Division targets were located in 2 ATAF territory and installations in the 4 ATAF area were subject to attack by 2 ATAF forces. The CPX portion of the exercise was limited to Air Division HQ where the players simulated the wings in Drumfire procedures and were responsible for the preparation of all necessary reports and returns.

16, 19 & 22 Dec; 13, 18, & 25 Mar; 10, 14, & 21 Apr; 1, 14, 16, & 27 May

Round Robin is a recurring AIRCENT sponsored operation designed to cross train air and ground crew personnel in the handling and cross-servicing of dissimilar aircraft within the Central Region. Allied Military forces in Western Europe are made up of elements from a number of nations to aid in developing the capability of NATO nations.

17 to 21 Mar

Exercise Lion Bleu was the annual CINCENT major CPX for 1958. The aims of the exercise were to:

1. Exercise the chain of command from CINCENT down to Corps, Air Group (or numbered air force) and COMNORSEACENT command level.
2. Test the flexibility of communication to meet the disruption of civil land lines in an atomic war.
3. Examine the impact of widespread nuclear bombardment on the conduct of operations and on the present logistic system within the combat zone. A total of 607 Synthetic IDF Offensive Sorties were actioned by COC.

20 – 23 May

Exercise Sans Sweat was designed to test, and evaluate the current plans and policy for the employment of the All Weather Fighter Squadrons of 1 Air Division RCAF. This exercise was conducted mainly during the hours of darkness, commencing at sunset and ceasing at sunrise for three consecutive days. During the exercise the CF100s flew a total of 449 sorties.

Greater emphasis than ever before is being given to passive Defence Planning, including now the fallout hazard which has never been considered in detail before. Present Passive Defence Policy in 1 Air Division requires each installation to have a Passive Defence Plan as part of its War Plan. During this period it was also requested that detailed Fallout planning be included in the Passive Defence plan; this had been done. There has been a greater appreciation by all personnel, particularly by commanders, of the conditions likely to pertain after the commencement of a thermonuclear war.

Feb 58

A Fallout Refuge evaluation was carried out on air bases to determine the protection afforded by existing buildings and shelters against fallout.

Mar 58

A programme to periodically test our passive defence capabilities has been organized. The first test was held in conjunction with Exercise "Lion Bleu". It was called "Soft Spot 1" and was held 17 – 21 Mar at 2 (F) Wing. Results of the tests were gratifying and had varying results from which it became clearly evident that without a sound "Fallout Plan", a wing could be completely crippled from this aspect alone.

Mar and Apr 58

Further testing and evaluation of the wartime employment of SOGD staff was carried out during the period. Ground Defence officers were employed at TACC in passing on wind and fallout information to the wings.

May 58

A Fallout Briefing team from AFHQ composed of W/C WJF Young, S/L AH Blake (Director of Ground Defence) and Major JC Bentley, USAF, visited Air Division HQ and units during Apr and May. A meeting to discuss findings and recommendations was held at 1 Air Division HQ on 2 May.

The following major changes in this HQ intelligence section occurred during the subject period.

An intelligence section was established in 6 TACC. Its function was to co-ordinate intelligence reporting within the Air Division and to retransmit pertinent intelligence to higher formations viz 4 ATAF and the Air Division COC.

The reporting procedures with the Air Division were revised with the aim of reducing the volume of signals traffic. Routine statistical information was eliminated from intelligence reports and greater use was mad of telephones (hot lines). The new procedures achieved the desired results.

A wartime task establishment for the intelligence section was set up. It provided sufficient personnel to man the intelligence cell in the COC and 6 TACC for 24 hours day operation.

A special intelligence facility at this HQ was authorized and action was commenced to organize this facility.

61 AC&W Squadron Type 80 Turntable Change

In late Nov 57, a marked increase was noticed in the vibration of the antenna assembly of the Type 80 radar equipment. A representative of Currans Ltd., manufacturers of the turntable, inspected the turntable and found the bearings chipped and scarred. From this it was deduced that the track was similarly damaged. As a precautionary measure, the Type 80 was placed on standby status, for use only during emergencies. Decca was approached and set up the mechanics for removal of the antenna assembly and replacement of the turntable. Arrangements were made for immediate release of a Mk. III turntable from Air Ministry. Estimated cost of repairs was to be $75000 and AFHQ was requested to increase CD 57561 by that amount. A contract was let by DDP to the Ministry of Supply to cover actual work performed and charges for preliminary work carried out be Decca. The replacement of the turntable was completed 3 Apr without incident. Total cost of the change was estimated to be $121,520.69