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Motto:
VIGILANCE-SWIFTNESS-STRENGTH
Badge:
Argent in front of two swords in saltire Argent a Griffon sergreant Or armed and
langued Gules.
Battle Honours:
None
History
446 Surface to Air missile Squadron activated at RCAF Station North Bay on 28 December 1961 and disbanded
on 1 December 1972.
446 has flown this Aircraft:
- Boeing CIM-10B Bomarc SAM
CFB North Bay
With the formation of NORAD in the 1950s and the US's introduction of the SAGE system, CFB North Bay was
selected as the Canadian counterpart to the US's Cheyenne Mountain control center. A SAGE installation was set up at the base
starting in 1959, but unlike their US counterparts which were at ground level, in North Bay the entire standard three story
installation was buried underground in what became known as "the hole". Later the base was also used as the control center
for the Ontario portion of the two-site BOMARC missile system installed in the 1960s.
By the late Sixties, the Bomarcs were rapidly beginning to show their 1950's technology. Even with upgrades
they were no longer seen as a viable defence weapon. At the same time, the repeated budget cuts to the military saw the need
for some cut-back and readjustments. All of these factors combined, resulted in 446 (SAM) Squadron disbanding on 1 September
1972.
The BOMARC missiles were decommissioned in 1973 and the SAGE installation followed in 1983. Parts of the computers
system from CFB North Bay's SAGE installation ended up in the Computer History Museum in California. Following defence cutbacks
in 1972, only a single flying unit was stationed at the airfield, the 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron, before it too was redeployed.
CFB North Bay remains Canada's primary NORAD site, with responsibility for monitoring the Canadian NORAD sector,
namely the ADIZ surrounding Canada. Tools used by 22 Wing include the North Warning System which stretches across the Canadian
Arctic, as well as coastal radars on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada (primarily used by Maritime Command, these
radars reportedly have the dual ability to track small aircraft), and any Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft operated
by the USAF or NATO in Canadian airspace.
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD; pronounced /nɒr.ęd/, nohr-ad)) is a joint organization
of Canada and the United States that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for the two countries.[1] It
was founded on May 12, 1958 (the effect of the Cold War) as a joint command between the governments of Canada and the United
States, as the North American Air Defense Command. Its main technical facility has been the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center
in Colorado, and for this reason NORAD is sometimes referred to as Cheyenne Mountain. In addition, in Canada East and Canada
West Sector Air Operations Control Centres are located in the underground complex at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay
in Ontario in Canada.
CIM-10 Bomarc
The CIM-10 Bomarc (originally IM-99) was the product of the Bomarc Missile Program. The Program was a joint
United States of America–Canada effort between 1957 and 1972 to protect against the USSR bomber threat. The Bomarc was
a joint development with Boeing and Michigan Aeronautical Research Center. It involved the deployment of tactical stations
armed with Bomarc missiles along the east and west coasts of North America and the central areas of the continent. BOMARC
and the SAGE guidance system were phased out in the early 1970s since they seemed to be ineffective and costly. Neither of
these systems was ever used in combat, so while their combat effectiveness remains untested, they are still perceived as having
been an important deterrent.
The supersonic Bomarc missiles were the first long-range anti-aircraft missiles in the world. They were
capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. Their intended role in defence was in an intrusion prevention perimeter.
Bomarcs aligned on the eastern and western coasts of North America would theoretically launch and destroy enemy bombers before
the bombers could drop their payloads on industrial regions.
Canada and the Bomarc
The Bomarc Missile Program was highly controversial in Canada. The Progressive Conservative
government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker initially agreed to deploy the missiles, and shortly thereafter controversially
scrapped the Avro Arrow interceptor program arguing that the missile program made the Arrow unnecessary.
Initially, it was unclear whether the missiles would be equipped with nuclear warheads.
Once their use as nuclear weapons became known in 1960, a debate ensued about whether Canada should accept nuclear weapons.
Ultimately, the Diefenbaker government decided that the Bomarcs should be equipped with conventional warheads. The dispute
split the Diefenbaker Cabinet, and led to the collapse of the government in 1963. The Opposition Liberal Party argued in favour
of accepting nuclear warheads, and, after winning the 1963 election, the new Liberal government of Lester Pearson proceeded
to accept nuclear warheads, with the first being deployed on 31 December 1963.
Pierre Trudeau, still working as a journalist, attacked Pearson for the decision.
While he was forced to reverse himself when he decided to run as a candidate for the Liberals in the 1965 election, he remained
unenthusiastic. Shortly after becoming prime minister in 1968, he announced that the missiles would be phased out by 1971.
Operators
Canada:
Royal Canadian Air Force
446 SAM Squadron, North Bay, Ontario 1962-1972
447
SAM Squadron, La Macaza, Quebec 1962-1972
United States:
United States Air Force Air (later Aerospace) Defense Command
6th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-A)
Suffolk County AFB, New York, 1959-1964
22d Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-A/B)
Langley AFB, Virginia (1960-1972)
26th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-A/B)
Otis AFB, Massachusetts, 1960-1972
30th Air Defense Missile Squadron
(BOMARC-A)
Dow AFB, Maine, 1960-1964 35th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-B)
Niagara Falls International
Airport, New York, 1961-1969
37th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-B)
Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, 1961-1972
46th
Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-A/B)
McGuire AFB, New Jersey, 1959-1972
74th Air Defense Missile Squadron (BOMARC-B)
Duluth International Airport, Minnesota, 1960-1972
Nuclear Warheads in North Bay
Nuclear Warhead Arrival and Departure Dates:
|
Arrival and Departure Dates |
Warhead Delivery Date |
Warhead Removal Date |
|
446 Squadron – North Bay, ON |
31 Dec 63 to 11 Jan 64 |
4 Apr 72 to 17 Apr 72 |
Unit Nuclear Operational Dates:
|
Squadron Base Operational Dates |
From |
To |
|
446 Squadron – North Bay, ON |
13 Jan 64 |
31 Mar 72 |
My grandfather, F.G. "Jerry" Fellows was assigned to 446 SAM Squadron on July 1, 1964 as Commanding Officer.
He was replaced by Maj. J.B. "Jack" Randall C.D. on October 17, 1968 upon his retirement from the R.C.A.F.
During his time at North Bay, RCAF Station North Bay was formally changed to its present name, Canadian
Forces Base North Bay or CFB North Bay on 1 April 1966 in advance of the unification of the RCAF, the Royal Canadian Navy
and the Canadian Army to form the Canadian Forces.
When my grandfather took over the base, it was originally called RCAF Station North Bay.
Wing Commander Arthur G. Lawrence AFC, DFC, CD and my grandfather F.G Fellows. My grandfather is looking
over the document he is about to sign making him the new commanding officer of 446 squadron, North Bay.
With the stroke of a pen, my grandfather becomes the new Commanding Officer of 446 SAM squadron.
October 6, 1964. Fire Prevention Week.
Florida test shot location. This photo corresponds with the two newpaper articles found above. My grandfather
is located 7th from left.
Day of Florida missle firing, March 2, 1965. My grandfather is located in the middle of the photo, with
black tie.
The Story Of The 446 Squadron Crest
While my grandfather was commanding officer of 446 squadron, he decided to have a contest for the 446 members
to see who could come up with a squadron crest design. My grandfather ended up choosing and submitting the crest designed
by Cpl. J.E. Baker. It was approved by the College of Heralds, received royal approval, and was signed by Queen
Elizabeth. There was an official ceremony, Air Vice-Marshall Murray D. Lister presented the squadron with their new insignia
in a ceremony at North Bay.
March 21, 1966. My grandfather being presented with the official 446 squadron crest by Air Vice-Marshall
Murray D. Lister.
Air Vice-Marshall Murray D. Lister and my grandfather inspecting the members of 446 squadron.
Social gathering after the presentationof the 446 squadron crest, North Bay.
Left to right: Air Vice-Marshall Murray D. Lister, my grandfather Wing Commander F.G. Fellows, the man in
glasses I do not know his name.
The actual crest that was presented to my grandfather by Air Vice-Marshall Murray D. Lister. The queen's
signature is in the top right hand area. The crest still proudly hangs in my grandfathers home. The photo was taken in April,
2009.
A close up photo of the 446 Official crest handed to my grandfather by Air Vice-Marshall Lister.
Photo of crest as it hangs on the wall at my grandfather's home. Taken April, 2009.
Visit Of General Reeves U.S.A.F. October 6, 1966, North Bay.
F.G. Fellows , front row, first in photo. Gen Reeves, U.S.A.F standing behind him with sunglasses on. They
are looking at missle found in next photo.
Wing Commander F.G. Fellows and General Reeves (USAF) inspecting SAM missle # 60-904 North Bay, October
6, 1966.
Athletic Squadron
October 5, 1964. Inter Section Ball Winners.
February 4, 1966 CTSO Bonspeil. My grandfather is first on left , he is wearing a jacket hand-knitted by
my grandmother. His name appears below the left shoulder of jacket with RCAF emblem.
Another photo from the bonspeil.
My grandfather presenting a trophy to the Bomarc baseball team.
November 24, 1967. Canadian Centennial Medal recipients - BOMARC.
My grandfather is standing 4th from right, in front of flags.
Social Gatherings
April 22, 1966. Sgt's Mess Retirement
Third from left, my grandmother, Aileen Fellows, fourth from left, my grandfather.
Not sure of the event. My grandfather peeking from the back in white tux style uniform.
Lt/Col F.G Fellows, Aileen Fellows, unknown.
Female on left unknown. Lt/Col F.G and Aileen Fellows.
Invitation to my Mother and Father's wedding.
Mom and Dad's wedding at North Bay base , November 4, 1967.
Retirement of F.G "Jerry" Fellows
Assigned to 446 SAM Squadron on July 1, 1964 as Commanding Officer.
He was replaced by Maj. J.B. "Jack" Randall C.D. on October 17, 1968 upon his retirement from the R.C.A.F.
**Was given a 229 day "Canadian Forces Leave Authorization." The duration of the leave was 21 Oct 68 / 05
Jun 69, the day the Canadian Forces recorded his retirement as official although my grandfather went home to Sarnia after
leaving North Bay in October where he purchased a home and lived at for 40 years.**
October 17, 1968.
Squadron Leader/Major Jack B. Randall taking over command from Wing Commander Fellows. To the right of Major
Randall is Flight Lieutenant Aucoin
My grandfather's final inspection of his squadron, October 17, 1968.
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