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“The shortwave transmitter building near Sackville NB housing in its million cubic feet two 50 kilowatt shortwave transmitters and their associated equipment.”
Radio Canada International Shortwave 1946-2012
Overseas Technical Operations - 1946
from: Canada Yearbook 1946; Department of Trade and Commerce, Canada.
“During 1944 and 1945 the CBC continued to operate four mobile units overseas with a staff of six engineers. Two of these units accompanied the Canadian Forces in the invasion of Normandy, and a unit which had been in Italy accompanied the Canadian Forces to the northern European theatre early in 1945. Some assistance was also given at the request of the Department of National Defence in the matter of establishing suitable camp listening facilities in the United Kingdom and Europe, so that programs broadcast from the CBC International Service shortwave transmitters at Sackville, NB, could be readily received.
“Two CBC engineers have been seconded to this service to assist in the establishment of camp broadcasting facilities in the United Kingdom and in Europe, these facilities to be employed in rehabilitation camps and in areas where Canadian Forces of occupation are located.
“The shortwave project at Sackville commenced experimental operations in December 1944 and formal operations in February 1945. The service at the outset was limited to Europe for serving the Canadian Forces abroad but by September 1945, this service had been extended in other directions, including South Africa, South America, New Zealand and Central America.
“In all, at Sackville, there are two 50,000 watt transmitters and twenty-two antennae. Five are directed to Europe, with five in the reverse direction to South America and New Zealand. Three are directed to South America, three to South Africa and three to Australia.
“Reports received from the BBC, and from other observers throughout Europe, have indicated that the service generally from Sackville is highly satisfactory and that the CBC, through its Sackville station, is providing the strongest signal in Europe from the American Continent. Good reports are also being received from New Zealand, South America and South Africa.”
