The
story of the NWT&Y Radio System is a virtually unknown saga in
the history of the development of northern Canada. The contributions
of the men who staffed the stations are largely unheralded. In his
post-script to the official history, WO1 Cal Vince says:
"Northerners
will also remember Signals primarily as magistrates, Airways and
Transportation agents, acting minions of the law and prime movers
in community affairs. It is the unmistakeable fact that the fine
reputation built by the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals during 37
eventful years of service in the north country was not the result
of the efforts of one, two or even three individuals, but rather
the results of the combined efforts of every officer and man who
served on this now non-existent arm of the Royal Canadian Corps
of Signals."
These
are not the normal roles of soldiers on active service. But there
in the Canadian northland they were engaged in unusual circumstances
and eventful times. Not only was Canada's northern frontier and its
resources in the early stages of exploration and development, but
the science, technology and practical applications of global telecommunications
and air transportation were also probing new frontiers. The Royal
Canadian Corps of Signals was asked by the Government of Canada to
step into the breach and fill the void in long-distance telecommunication
to serve those industries and the embryonic communities in the northern
territories. In the process the Signallers found themselves, perforce,
fulfilling duties far beyond anything they had learned at the School
of Signals in Vimy Barracks. In enthusiasm, ability, dedication and
inventiveness they were not found wanting. In the nearly four decades
(1923-59) that their System operated they left behind them a proud
and impressive legacy.
