Information Guide
Canadian Forces Station Baldy Hughes,
British Columbia
Date Unknown
This Magazine was made available by the
1 Canadian Air Division History and Heritage Archives.
Station Information Booklet – CFS Baldy Hughes
Date: Unknown
Source: 1 Canadian Air Division, History and Heritage Archives
Content:
CFS Baldy Hughes
Date Unknown.
I was in Baldy, just driving thru as I was going down the Back road to hunt Moose. There was a swamp area about 4 miles distant.
Once there I shot a Moose. Cleaned it and bagged it. Was leaving but the Ford Station wagon would not run. I lived in Prince George
and figured it was a long walk thru the site to town. About 12 airmiles. Decided to walk straight line to towm. However straight line involved
up and down Mountains. After two weeks I came out of the bush just north of town. I had been carying a Wetherbe 270 rifle. It weighed
12 pounds. I felt like throwing it away several times but night guests made me change my mind. I slept in trees every night. Small mule deer
were my lunch. When I got back to the Station wagon, the meat was like soup. The smell was very nasty. Didn’t take it home.I had borrowed
the vehicle unknown to the owner, who didn’t know where I was or where was his prised rifle. I hadn,t left a note. Figured it was a one day
hunt. On recolection it was stupid. I was on airforce leave and 20 years old. When I took my rubbers off, I had no socks left, shredded.
Quite a leave experience, I knew about Baldy as I was a Radar Tech in Kamloops. The site had no towers in 1962. No gate guards.
That was some HOLIDAY for Cpl John (Jack) Lalonde. Retired in 1980 as a WO
Oct.1965 I was 20 years old and went to Prince George to make my fortune. Somehow I BS’d my way as someone familiar with diesel (my friend worked parts at Cummins).
Was sent west of PG and turned south on Blackwater Rd. to isolated place. 2 English fellows were there to rebuild diesel power plants running generators to power Baldy Hughes radar. I was one of 4 civilians and a few enlisted to assist. Great time, accommodations were provided and food in the officers dining area.
Really no security to speak of. Radar was at top of hill and we lived at the bottom. Bus to transport up and down. Nice group of guys, but cold in the winter. -20°F. When it dropped to -30°F I suddenly remembered important business back in White Rock. So long Baldy. Continued south to Venice Beach where they had never heard of -20°
Went back years later but security would not allow a visit. Baldy Hughes was a great memory and a learning experience for me.
Thanks to all who operate this wonderful RCAF site.