Bradbury, L.H.

    Brother of Charlie Bradbury. He was the OIC of Pachena Wireless Station when it opened in February 1908.  Larry has him receiving $75/month as OIC of Estevan Point Wireless in 1910.

Brunton, Miss Emma

    Brunton arrived on Triangle Island in late 1916 as a housekeeper for the operators.  Larry Reid reports she had the dwelling ship shape in no time and the cooking was excellent.  The down side was that she insisted on the operators dressing up, right down to the polished shoes, for meals.  She boarded the ill fated FPV "Galiano" in October 1918 from Triangle Island and vanished a few hours later with the vessel in a storm..

     In January of 1910, Buchanan was the first operator back at Pachena after it was closed due to a lack of qualified operators. (L.H.Bradbury had been moved to Estevan as it was the more important station.) As OIC on this station he received $85/month in 1910.  Relay duties between Estevan and Gonzales (Victoria) were now handled by Tatoosh on the American side, thus no need for Pachena.  He was a telegrapher from either the commercial or railroad systems.

     Burford was at Point Grey with Bowerman during the 1920-24 period. He helped, as secretary, with the operator’s petitioning Ottawa for better working conditions. He eventually left the service and worked for a large labour organization in eastern Canada.  Or was it because of this clipping!

Busswood, Walter J.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed as an operator on November 05/1923.  He shows up at Estevan long enough to be noted in the 1934 directory.---(BCD*)

     Cameron was a commercial land line telegrapher and was the first operator at Prince Rupert in 1910.  He did not last long and was relieved by Jim Harker.

Carver, C.E.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

Chisholm, Alex

     Alexander Chisholm (b.1891 d.1971) was an antenna rigger for the west coast stations.  Gene Aitkens diary mentions him visiting Estevan Point in July 1934.

    Clarke joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office. Bowerman lauds him and Guy Bennett for the early clearing the land and creating gardens at Pachena.

Cole, A.C.

      Landline telegraph operator at Estevan in 1918 and 1923---(BCD*).

Cole, Bob

Stationed at Estevan Point in the 1930's.  Occupation unknown.

Cooper, Bill

      Bill was an operator at Gonzales.  He appears in Aitkens' photo album so Bill is probably from the 1930's.  Wife's name Helen.

Cooper, F.F.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

     Cornish came from the UK around 1904 and originally worked as an assistant to Lee de Forest down in the States. He moved to Canada in 1911 and signed on with the Wireless Service.  Fred is operating at Estevan Point in 1926 (BCD*) and at Bull Harbour in 1927 to 1932---(BCD*).   He worked as an operator at Bull Harbour and had a problem with ‘the drink’. He passed away in Vancouver when taking some leave.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator. 

     Listed as an operator at Estevan Point in 1923 & 1924 and at Bull Harbour 1926 & 1927---(BCD*).   Operator at Point Grey in the 1920-23 period, according to Bowerman's notes.   He was operating at the Estevan Point Wireless station in 1923 when Bowerman arrived there to be the Officer In Charge.  Some time after 1922 he was the OIC of the Pachena DF Station.  Larry Reid's book mentions him as an operator on strength November 05, 1923. 

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.

Creer, Joseph Dickenson

     Triangle Island Station was opened late in the year 1909 with Greer as OIC.  In 1910 he was receiving $95 per month as salary.  1911 census has Creer (b.1875 in Australia) on station with his wife Edith and 5 month old son Jack.  Creer died in 1936.

Crow, L.B.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

     Crosby (b.1884) came to Canada in 1911 from the UK.  He was an experienced Royal Navy operator.  In 1911 he is listed in the census as an operator at Pachena.   Crosby is remembered as having a sharp temper.

     Crowe was an operator at the downtown Vancouver station (VAB) in 1923.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.   In 1940 he replaces Sid Jackson as the head of the radio inspection office in Kamloops but by late 1941 this office was closed and Crowe went to Vancouver Radio.

Curtis, Ed P.

       The 1938 and 1939 BCD* list Ed as an operator at Estevan Point.  Ed ended his career as a radio technician in the Victoria Electronics shop sometime around 1970. 

Daniels, G.F.

     In 1924 Daniels was the first operator at the newly commissioned station on Merry Island. He transferred out in 1927 and was replaced by Pike.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.

     Came from the UK and joined the Service during the 1911-14 period. In the 1920-23 period he was at Point Grey. Shortly after 1923 he relieved Meiss at Estevan Point.  He is at Estevan Point in 1924, 1926 & 1927---(BCD*).  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.  In 1939 he is noted as a wireless operator at the Cape Lazo Wireless Station and at that time was in the process of transferring to the downtown Vancouver station VAB.

Davies, Peter

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

Davis, James

Davis (b.1858 England) was the lightkeeper on Triangle Island from 1910 to 1913.   His wife Rose (b.1878) and their three daughters (Violet-b.1900, Ella-b.1902 and Mona-b.1905) accompanied him.  The daughters were schooled by the radio operators.       In later years Mona married Tom Morrison (not an operator) who went on to become the District Marine Agent for British Columbia in the 1940's.

Joined as a radio technician in the 1911-12 period.  Dawe is listed as the radio electrician who installed Alert Bay wireless.  Alert Bay opened in the spring of 1913.  Dawe was also an operator on Triangle Island and is shown in a departure photo taken in 1914 as he left to man Digby Island.  In 1922 Dawe helped install the higher powered transmitting equipment at the Digby Wireless and remained on as the station OIC.  In the following months he came down with tuberculosis, took extended sick leave, and eventually retirement.

Dawe, H.R.

     Listed as an operator at Estevan Point in 1923.  (BCD*).  May be Herb Dawe, above.

Wireless operator on Triangle Island in 1914.

 De Winter

    De Winter immigrated from Ireland in 1903.  He worked with the Canadian Marconi Company and around 1910 joined the Dominion Wireless.  He was the OIC at Estevan Point Wireless Station when Bowerman was there in 1911.  As OIC he was making $1080/yr.  The 1911 census confirms he was at Estevan with his wife Alice and daughter Alice J.  He eventually transferred to the Digby Island station and was relieved by Bowerman in 1914.  He then left the wireless service and rejoined the Canadian Marconi Company.  b.1878

Deacon, A.I.

      Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

     Dewhurst is noted as an operator at Digby Island in 1910 with a salary of $70/mo.

Doutre, Cecil

      Dominion Superintendent of Wireless Stations for the Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1905.  Came out to the West Coast in 1906 to determine the best sites for the proposed wireless stations.  Back in July 1907 to observe first construction for Estevan Point Wireless.

     Dundas is listed as an operator at Ikeda Wireless Station in the 1911 census.  He is also listed as an early operator at Alert Bay and was the OIC when Bowerman was stationed there.  Dundas eventually transferred to Pachena and then left the wireless service.  At the end of World War 1 Dundas moved to California and worked for San Francisco Telephone.  Larry Reid's book has Dundas at Triangle Island as an operator in 1910.  In that position he received $95/month.  (b. 1885)

Durkee was a Point Grey operator during 1920-23 when Bowerman was stationed there as OIC.  He and Bowerman transferred to Estevan at the same time in 1923.  Still at Estevan in 1924---(BCD*).   He was also an early operator at the Pachena DF Station.  Durkee left the Service in 1925 to obtain an engineering degree at Washington State University and eventually wound up in California working with General Electric.  Larry Reid's book has him listed  as an operator on November 05, 1923.

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.

Edmonds

Edmonds, which may be either a first or last name, was on Triangle Island in 1914.  Operator at Point Grey in the 1920-23 period.  A later photo is #349.

Edwards, Charles Peter

       Edwards was an English Marconi man and came to Canada, probably at the behest of the Marconi Company, entered the Department of Marine and Fisheries and became the Superintendent of Wireless Stations in Ottawa in 1909.  He made an inspection trip to the west coast in that year.    In 1910 (before World War 1) all the operators were put under the authority of the Naval Command.  Edwards received the rank of Lt. Commander  This commissioned lasted until the end of hostilities.  He represented Canada at many international radio conferences.  In 1937 he became the head of the Air Services Branch of the newly formed Department of Transport, by 1941 he became a Deputy Minister of the DOT, and in 1948 became the Deputy Minister for Air within the DOT.

Eldridge, Philip M.

     Phil was listed in a BC Directory as a radio operator at Estevan Point in 1929 through to 1937.  The Aitkens diary says he married Muriel McPhee, librarian, in 1935.  He had to build his own house at Estevan Point to house his bride, then had to move off government property.  There are photos on this site of him and his buddy collecting lumber.   In 1937 he went to the 'beacons' at Princeton BC.  The 'beacons' were the new air navigation aid commonly called 'Radio Ranges'.  (d. 1987)

     As a youngster Syd came from a town near Blackpool England and joined the Service around 1913. (Reid in his book says Elliot was in Victoria and operating as an ‘amateur’. See Bruce Restall’s entry below).  He was in the process of boarding the FVP "Galiano" in November of 1918 as his transfer from Triangle Island had come through.  His transfer was cancelled at the last moment and he was saved from being lost on the "Galiano" when it went to the bottom a few days later.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator.  In 1927, 1928, 1929 & 1930 Syd was an operator at Estevan Point wireless---(BCD*).  Elliot retired in 1956 as the Officer In Charge of  the Victoria station after 42 years of service.  During those years he operated at the Pachena, Estevan, Digby, Dead Tree Point and Alert Bay wireless stations.

    Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.  In 1939 he moved from Digby Island to Cape Lazo.

     Field took over the OIC’s duties at Point Grey in February 1908, relieving Morse. He did not stay long as he resigned late in the year 1908 and was replaced by L. James.

Finlay, Robert

     Finlay worked as a labourer at Estevan in 1935 and 1936.---(BCD*) 

Fish, Bert

     Son of Thomas Fish, the keeper at the Nootka Light Station (next light station to the north of Estevan Point) in the 1930's.  In June 1933 Gene & Chas Aitkens visited his station.

Foote, Cecil

      Radio operator on the 'Maquinna' when Gene Aitkens made a trip in August 1936.

     Franklin was the Lighthouse keeper on Merry Island when operator radio operator Gerald Pike met with his fatal accident in 1928.  See the newspaper clipping here.

Fricker, Reginald Harold

    Larry Reid's book has him down as an operator in November 05, 1923.  In 1930 he and Basil Irvine patented a method of controlling radio interference.  See Irvine's listing for the details.

     "Nancy met her future husband, Reginald Fricker in London. He had served in the Navy as a Telegraphist during the 1914 - 1918 war. They married and left England in the early 1920s. First to Winnipeg and then to Vancouver Island where Reg was employed at the Marine Radio Station controlling ship movements through the "graveyard" of the Pacific, as it was known to seafarers. Eventually with their two children they stayed many years living a very quiet and self-resourceful existence, supplies being brought in by sea 2 or 3 times a year. It was said that Nancy walked across the island occasionally to fetch her post, etc, and always carried a gun, having apparently become a good shot, as there were many bears and other predators about in those times.  Here they remained until 1939 when the family returned to Britain."  Copied from the "Marlpit", the community newspaper for Coltishall, Horstead, and Great Houtbois--Norfolk England.

     He was out on the coast in 1909 on HMS Shearwater, and when he was discharged from the Royal Navy, made his way back to British Columbia. He joined the Canadian Naval Service-Telegraph Branch in 1920 and eventually transferred to the Department of Transport.  Larry Reid's book has him listed as a 'radio electrician' with the Radio Workshop in Esquimalt on November 05, 1923.

     Gilbert carried out, with Stephenson and J.D. Taylor, the installation and calibration of the new Pachena Direction Finding Station in 1922.

     Gilbert was a very capable technician, for instance he read an early article on crystal oscillators, and so made his own crystals and modified some of the west coast transmitters.  Using the piezo effect of quartz crystals is a method of providing a very stable (in frequency) transmitted signal.   Up to that time the methods used were subject to the effects of wind and rain on the antennas, the equipment room temperature, and a host of other small but significant when added together, effects.  He retired in 1952.

Gilliland, T. Gordon

The 1938 and 1939 BCD* list Gord as an operator at Estevan Point.  Gilliland was the OIC at Bull Harbour for seven years after Carl Ward transferred out.  Gilliland moved down to the Point Grey station after Bull Harbour.

Glass, Bob

     Glass was an operator at Estevan Point in June 1942 when the station was shelled by a Japanese submarine. He retired in the as the chief flight check technician in the Pacific region of the Ministry of Transport.

Gold, Sam I.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.  Operator at Point Grey in the 1920-23 period.  He was an early (after 1922) operator at the Pachena DF Station.    He appears at Estevan in the 1934 directory listing.---(BCD*)

Grey, A.L.

      Operator at Estevan Point in 1918 (B.C. Dir.) 

Griffin

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.

Gray, Cecil

     Radio operator arrived at Estevan Point on August 04, 1933.  Wife's name was Betty-Lou.  Cecil is listed as an operator at Estevan in the period 1934 through to 1937.---(BCD*)

Gray, Andy L.

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.  In 1925 he was appointed as a Radio Inspector in Victoria and when Jack Bowerman retired in 1951, took over Jack's duties.    Andy retired in 1953.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed as a Victoria radio inspector on November 05, 1923. 

Gray, Gifford

     Joined the wireless service in the 1912, most likely from the British Post Office, and served on many of the wireless stations.  In 1925 he came to Winnipeg to open a District office of the Department of Transport.  He held the position of District Superintendent of Radio until his retirement.  After 38 years' service with the Radio Branch of the Dominion Government, Gifford Gray retired on October 17, 1950.   

     Larry Reid's book has him listed as a radio inspector in Winnipeg on November 05, 1923. 

Grayson,  H.V.

    Grayson is listed as an operator at Bull Harbour in the 1932 BCD*. 

Green,  Arthur Ashdown  

Green was the operator on duty at Triangle Island when the last message from the foundering FPV "Galiano" was received.  Vessel vanished with all hands in November 1918 on a trip from Triangle Island Wireless to Ikeda Wireless.  He also appears in a photo taken at Point Grey Wireless many years later.

Halkett, Gordon

     Halkett was the Marine District Engineer on the west coast at the turn of the 20th century.  Received eye damage in 1908 when a spark from a tool ignited some acetylene gas on a buoy.  Visited Estevan Point in October 1934 to investigate Keeper Lally's operation of the light. 

Hamilton,  Mr. Harry & Mrs.

     Owned a farm north of Estevan Point, somewhat past Homiss. 

Harker,  Jim E.

     Harker was an ex- British Post Office Telegrapher and came to Canada in 1909 (1911 census).

     Harker joined as an operator in 1909, and after some training, was posted to Cape Lazo Wireless as an assistant.  In 1910 he is listed as an operator and was receiving $85 per month.  He soon after relieved Cameron at the new station on Digby Island.  1911 census lists Jim as a lodger in Reg Harris' house on Digby Island.  He also served a period of time at Ikeda Wireless with his wife and family.  Jim also is listed as an early operator at Alert Bay wireless station. In 1923 he was the OIC of the downtown Vancouver station (VAB) with Crowe as an assistant.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.  Jim retired in 1947.  Jim ended his career as a Senior Radio Inspector for British Columbia, based in Vancouver.  (b.1887)

Harker,  William & Nan

     Harker joined as an operator during World War One, following in the footsteps of his brother, Jim.   Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.   He is an operator at Estevan in 1928---(BCD*).

Harker,  Bill

     William’s son Bill joined the Service in the 1930’s and retired to Canim Lake, in the Williams Lake area of British Columbia in the early 1970’s.  Bill's last position was as an electronics technician at the Patricia Bay Airport (YYJ).

Harlock,  Eric & Shirley

     Harlock was an operator in the early days at Pachena, is credited with helping to put in gardens and landscaping.  I don’t know if these two both worked as operators, or if just the one was an operator.

Harris,  ‘Lofty’ C.K.

Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office. (Larry Reid has a photo showing Harris at Triangle Island in 1914.)  He was at Alert Bay Wireless in 1914 with Bowerman.  In the early summer of 1914 Harris was transferred to Digby Island.  BCD* shows Lofty working as an operator at Bull Harbour in 1923 through to 1930.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.       He finished his career in the Aviation Radio branch of the Federal Government.

Harris, Reginald

     Harris was one of the first operators at Digby Island and is noted as being there in the 1911 census. At that time he was earning $900 annually.  He resigned shortly after 1913 and returned to the Grand Trunk Pacific steamers.  Reg eventually left wireless behind and built up an insurance business in Seattle.

Harris, Smokey  (E.H.?)

     He was an early operator at the Pachena DF Station.

Harrison, Brian S.

     Harrison was an operator at Estevan Point at the time it was shelled, June 1942.

Haughton, Eddie J.

     In 1888 Haughton became a messenger boy delivering telegrams from the Victoria CPR office to recipients.  Within 17 years he worked his way up to a senior telegrapher position.  In November of 1907 Haughton retired from the Victoria C.P.R. telegraph office and became the first operator and Officer in Charge appointed to the Victoria Wireless Station (Colonist).  Pay was $70 per month plus free accommodation. In 1910 he transferred to the position of District Superintendent of Wireless and was replaced at the station by Howard.  His salary increased to $100 per month. (In Reid’s book, Haughton became Superintendent on July 13, 1908. He did double duty by staying on as the OIC of Victoria. In 1910 he became the head of all the stations in British Columbia but still occupied the position of OIC at Victoria. Salary now $110 per month.)

      In 1910 (before World War 1) all the operators were put under the authority of the Naval Command.  Haughton received the rank of Lieutenant.  This commissioned expired at the end of hostilities.

      He was a telegrapher, born in Dublin,  from either the commercial or railroad systems.  Larry Reid's book notes he was the Superintendent of the Division, based in Victoria on November 05, 1923.Haughton retired in 1937.

Hawkeswood

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.  He is listed as one of the early operators at Alert Bay wireless station.

Haynes, Marjorie V.

    Larry Reid's book notes she was the Victoria HQ steno/clerk in November 1923.   She eventually married Jack Bowerman.

Haywood, Mr & Mrs

     Aitkens' Estevan Point diary from the 1930's notes they may have had a child.  No occupation listed. 

Hillier

     In 1910 Hillier appears as a wireless station operator and was previously a Canadian Marconi Operator.  At the end of 1911 he arrives at Pachena as the OIC.  Lost an eye from an igniter accident when starting a gas engine and was sent to Germany to receive treatment.  He shortly after left the service and worked for the CPR, eventually becoming a station agent.

Hodgson, R.H.

     1938 and 1939 BCD* has him down as an operator at Estevan Point Radio. 

Hollis, Fred J.

Fred joined the wireless ser vice in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.  Hollis was transferred from Digby Island in 1914.  He appears in a 1921 photo taken on the steps of the Point Grey station.  Larry Reid's book has him listed as an operator on November 05, 1923.  In 1939 he moved to Vancouver to become a clerk in the Radio Inspector’s office.  Hollis, wife and daughter appear in many of the Bowerman photos.

Holt, Herbie

Holt was an early and unmarried operator who stayed for a long period of time at the Dead Tree Wireless station. He eventually transferred out to the Point Grey station.

Hooper, H.A.

     Hooper was an operator at Estevan Point in 1927 & 1928---(BCD*). 

Howard, Walter

Howard was an early wireless pioneer on the BC coast.  He started with his telegraphic career in Britain in the early 1890’s. He joined the Royal Engineers and came out to work on improving the defenses of Esquimalt Harbour around 1900.  He then returned to Britain and was discharged.  He came back to Victoria in 1906 where he helped construct the Gonzales station.  He was stricken with gold fever and spent a couple of years in the Yukon but returned to Victoria where he joined the Wireless Service in 1909.  He was married Marion in 1910.  In 1911 Walter was the operator at the Dead Tree Wireless.  (b.1880)       Once the Victoria station was completed, he and Ted Rickensen went to Pachena and Estevan Points do the installation there.

        Upon completion of the stations Howard left the service but reappeared as an operator in 1910.  He replaced McIntyre at Dead Tree Point for a short time and eventually replaced Haughton at Victoria Wireless. (In Reid’s account, Howard was the first OIC of Dead Tree when it opened in 1911.)  In 1910 his salary at the Victoria Station was $75/mo.  In 1921 he was appointed as a Radio Inspector in Victoria. He was still a RI in the early 1930’s.

     The man standing on the left in the photo 351 is most likely him. 

Hughes, Eddie

        Hughes was the project engineer who joined with Morse, Rickensen and Howard to complete the installation at Estevan Point.  In September 1907 he is noted in a newspaper article checking out the radio apparatus in Victoria before the gear is shipped to Pachena and Estevan Points.  He received $100 per month plus a living allowance of $40 for this duty.  He continued in the service as a Radio Engineer.  In 1910 his salary in that position was $110/mo.

        In 1910 (before World War 1) all the operators were put under the authority of the Naval Command.  Hughes received the rank of Lieutenant.  This commission finished at the end of hostilities.

Hughes, T.

     Hughes is operating at Bull Harbour in 1928 and 1929 (BCD*).   [I do not think the two Hughes are the same person.]

Ignace, George

    George, a local First Nations resident, ran the launch at Hesquiat (a few miles east of Estevan Point), ferrying goods and people ashore from the coastal freighters in the 1930's.  A 1939 BCD* lists him as a mail carrier.

Irvine, Basil

Irvine was a Vancouver man who served on submarines with Bruce Restall during World War One.  He was assigned to Vancouver in 1930 as a radio interference trouble shooter.  He came equipped with a fully fitted out inspection vehicle.  His arrival caused a bit of a stir as his pay was much higher than others.  He and R. Fricker patented a means of reducing radio receiving interference.  Check out the Claim, the Description, and the Drawing. <--- photo from the 1930's

  

Jackson, Sid C.

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.  He was with Bowerman on Triangle Island in 1913. Jackson, with his ailing wife, was transferred from Digby Island in 1914.  In 1938 Jackson opened a radio inspection office in Kamloops.  He retired in 1940 with Len Crowe replacing him.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

Jackson, John

     Jackson was Sid Jackson’s son. He became a radio inspector in Victoria c1970's.

James, Leonard

     He was one of the first operators at the Point Grey Wireless Station.  James was promoted to OIC when Field resigned late in 1908.  In 1910 he was receiving $85/month salary as the OIC at Point Grey.

James, Percy

     James was an early operator at Cape Lazo with Walter Lambert.

Jamesson

     Jamesson was an operator at Pachena DF Station some time after the 1922 opening.

Jensen, Peter J.

     Lightkeeper and wife at Estevan Point during Jack Bowerman’s stay in 1911-12.  1911 census tells us his wife Alice and children Edith, Elizabeth, and Louis were with him.  At that time he was getting $800/yr.

Jones, Syd (Sid) P.

A veteran of World War 1, Jones attended Sprott-Shaw College and received his operator's certification.  At one time (after 1922) Jones was the OIC of the Pachena DF Station. He was an operator at Point Grey Wireless when Jack Bowerman was OIC.  Larry Reid's book has him listed as an operator on November 05, 1923.  In 1939 Sid returns from eastern Canada and is sent to Pachena as the OIC. From there he went to Digby Island and was eventually the last OIC of Point Grey.  Photo is from 1923.

Kelk, E.W.

     Kelk was with Bowerman during the 1920-23 period at Point Grey wireless.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator. 

Kellard

     Joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period, most likely from the British Post Office.

Kennedy, Colin Bruce

    Colin was born in Australia.  The census doesn't reveal when he arrived in Canada, but he was listed as the head wireless operator at Pachena in the 1911 census.  Kennedy was with Bowerman at Pachena in 1911.  In 1910 he is listed in Larry Reid's book as an operator at Pachena Point Wireless and in receipt of an $85 per month salary.  In late 1911 he left Pachena and became a technician with Federal Telegraph in California.

     (1919: Colin B. Kennedy founded his Radio Company in San Francisco; R.S. Ormsby is one of his engineers; Kennedy makes custom as well as production models and is known as the "wireless tailor" for his custom work. [SWP]  From WEST COAST WIRELESS Copyright Bart Lee, 1992, 1999, 2006, Page 18  

Kennedy, M.V.

    In November of 1923 he/her is listed in Larry Reid's book, as the Clerk/Bookkeeper of the Victoria HQ. 

King, Martin J.

     King was an OIC, after 1922, of the Pachena DF Station.  At Estevan as an operator in 1931 and 1932---(BCD*).  Married July 22, 1932? a lady from Calgary.

Kitchen, Jim

      Jim was an operator at Alert Bay in 1929 and later on in his career became a Radio Inspector in Vancouver.  He wrote a book in the late 1950s to help amateur radio operators acquire their operating certificates. 

Lally, Robert

    Lighthouse keeper at Estevan Point for many years: 1927 to 1939---(BCD*).  He was there when the station was shelled during World War 2.  Wife may be called Doreen (or Eliza).  They adopted a son called Roy. 

Lambert, Walter

Lambert was an early operator at Cape Lazo wireless station.  He was on that station with Percy James.  J.C. Stephen eventually replaced him. Lambert was installed as the first instructor at the old Room 19 at King Edward High School in Vancouver.  This course turned out many a fine radio operator over some 30 years of operation.

Larson, L.

      Larson was the Janitor in the Victoria HQ in 1923. 

Lawton, Alphonsus T. (Alf)

     Operator at Barrington Passage during World War 1.       

Logy, Jim

     Assistant light keeper at Estevan Point during Aitkens time (1930's) on the wireless station. 

Lowe, Alex

    Gene Aitkens mentions Lowe in her 1930's diary.  He was a carpenter at Estevan Point Wireless. 

Lowe, Harry

     1939 he is mentioned in a Prince Rupert newspaper clipping as a construction foreman doing some station inspections. 

Lucas, Len

     Moved over from the Bamfield Cable Station to being a wireless operator in 1910.

Lukovitch, Antonio

     Assistant Lightkeeper at Estevan Point during Bowerman’s stay in 1911-12.  A person by the name of 'A. Lukovitch' had a store in Hesquiat in the late 1890's and this may be the same person or a relation.  1911 census reports he was being paid $640/yr for his services.  (b.1864)

McConnel, A.H.

McConnel is listed as a labourer at the Estevan Point Wireless station in 1927 through to 1936---(BCD*).

MacCracken, E.J.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed as an operator on November 05/1923

MacDonald, Jack H.

     MacDonald started as a second wireless operator at the Point Grey station at 17 in 1910.  At that time he was receiving $65/month.  On May 1, 1911 at 23:00 PST he monitored the first station to broadcast voice and music on 4000 meters from a station in Seattle.  He appears as an operator at the Pachena DF Station sometime after the opening in 1922.

Macdonald, J. H.

Jack, although not an employee of the Canadian Government Wireless,  was a pioneer operator on the west coast.  He was the operator at the remote Anyox mine in a northern coastal corner of the province and held the post for the 19 years the mine was in operation.  The Anyox facility was quite the establishment, even had its own power dam.  Doubtless a lot of the Anyox wireless traffic flowed through Digby Island Wireless.  See Jack at his post here.

Macdougall, Don

     Don was the radio operator in the CGS William J. Stewart (hydrographic vessel) in the 1930's. (Aitkens' diary.) 

McIntyre, Charlie M.

     Did some of the installation work at Dead Tree Point Wireless in 1910, and then stayed on for a few months as an operator. Pay in 1910, whilst engaged in construction, was $90 per month and $40 per month living allowance.  1911 census shows him operating at Ikeda Wireless Station.  (b.1882)

McLean, W.E.

     McLean is listed in the 1938 BCD* as residing at Estevan Point.  Occupation is not listed, but probably an operator. 

McKay, Miss J.

    In 1923 she is listed in Larry Reid's book as the a junior clerk/steno in the Victoria HQ. 

McTavish, G. Neil

Neil was an operator at the new Bull Harbour station in 1921.  Listed as an operator at Estevan Point in 1923---(BCD*).   He appears in Jack Bowerman's photo 438 standing in the back middle in the early 1950's, the source of the photo to the left.

McQueen, M.H. (Herb)

     Joined as a radio technician in the 1911-12 period.  He went to eastern Canada for duty during World War One.  Larry Reid's book has him listed as a 'radio electrician' with the Radio Workshop in Esquimalt on November 05, 1923.

Matheson, Ron   

     Ron is mentioned in Gene Aitkens Estevan Point diary in the mid 1930's.  Occupation is unknown.

Matthias, Paul

      BCD* lists Paul as the landline telegrapher at Hesquiat.  

Meiss, St. Elmo (Jim) & Jessie

In 1893 Meiss was born in Victoria and joined the wireless service in the 1911-12 period.  Reid’s book says he worked as a CPR telegrapher in Victoria.  Jim spent 19 1/2 months at Triangle Island Wireless.  He was an operator at the Estevan Point Wireless station when Bowerman arrived there as the OIC in 1923.  Listed as an operator at Estevan Point in 1923.--(BCD*)--but doesn't reappear at Estevan until 1928---(BCD*).   He is still there from 1929 to 1939 as the OIC, Justice of the Peace and Post Master--(BCD*).  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator.  Meiss was at Estevan in 1932 with Gene Aitkens arrived at Estevan Point.  She mentions he was also there in 1934.  He transferred eventually to Victoria.  Elmo, his wife Jessie (d. 1977 at 90yrs) and daughter Thelma appear in a number of the Aitkens photos taken at Estevan during the 1930's.  Jim retired in 1958 (d.1969) with 45 years under his belt.  His last position was the Senior Radio Inspector for Vancouver Island.   Photo is from the 1950's.

 Mellis

     Mellis was an operator at Point Grey in 1923.  This name could be a type for Mellish.

Mellish, C.W.

     Listed as an operator at Estevan Point in 1923.---(BCD*)  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.   Mellis noted above may be the same.

Mellor, Stavely J.

S. Mellor of Digby Island is on the IEEE rolls as a member in 1936.  Mellor was the Station manager at Digby Island Wireless in the late 1940's.   Photo is from the mid 1950's.

Melwich, B.  <--the name is indistinct on the photo

Melwich appears in a photo of the 1921 Point Grey operations staff.

Mennie, John

    Mennie is listed as an operator in the years 1930 to 1932 at Bull Harbour (BCD*).   He appears in a 1932 (BCD*) edition as operating at Alert Bay Wireless.  The BC Archival Information Network lists John Mennie as an operator at Alert Bay from 1930 until 1937.

Morse

    Morse appears first as the superintendent in Canada for the Lee-Forest Wireless Telegraph Company.  He joined the Dominion government and in July 1907 was overseeing the initial construction at Estevan Point.  His pay was $90/month and a $40/month living allowance.  He was the OIC at Estevan Point when it opened.  Some years later he was the OIC at Point Grey until relieved by Field.  [Morse, like his fictional Oxford detective counterpart in the novels by Colin Dexter, doesn't appear to have a first name.  So far every article mentioning him gives only the last name.]

Moses, Charlie A.

     He, with his family, was an operator at Dead Tree Wireless for several years in the early years of the station.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator. 

Mugford, B.W.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator.  

Neary, Jack

     Brother of Michael.  Neary came out to Canada at the same time. He was an operator at Triangle Island (1918) when his bother’s vessel sank. He was not on duty so was spared receiving the vessel’s distress message.

Neary, Michael John

     Came from the UK and joined the Service during the 1911-14 period.  He was the wireless operator in the ill fated FPV Galiano when she took all hands (26 + one passenger) to the bottom after foundering November 1918. The Galiano had just stopped in at Triangle Island for passengers and was heading north to Ikeda.

O'Neil, Miss

    She was the junior clerk/bookkeeper at the Victoria HQ in 1923. 

Palzant, F.A.

    In 1923 Palzant is listed as a clerk/bookkeeper at the Victoria HQ. 

Parkin, Bill

Joined the wireless service in the 1912 from the British Post Office.  Parkin went to eastern Canada for war duties.  After the war finished in 1918 her returned from Port Nelson (where he also worked as a magistrate) and went to Point Grey.  He had developed slight deafness and as a result found copying weak signals difficult. He was assigned the office duties on the station.  Parkin resigned from the service in 1924 and worked as an operator for the Powell River Company.  He was appointed as the Magistrate at Powell River in 1928 and spent some 30 years on the bench.  Photo is from 1923.

Parkins, P.

    1918 Estevan Point wireless operator.  (BCD*) 

Patterson

    Unknown person noted in the Aitkens diary as being employed at Estevan Point in 1932.  Occupation also unknown.

Pike, Gerald

     Pike came to Canada from the UK in 1924.  Pike replaced Daniels at Merry Island in 1927.  Within three months he was dead from burns received in accident with his smoking pipe and an uncovered can of gasoline.  See the newspaper clippings are for the details.

Pillar, William Robinson

     1911 census has Pillar (b. 1872) listed as the Pachena Point lighthouse keeper.  Annie Maria Pillar was the wife, and three children.

Potruff, R.E.V.

     Radio operator at Bull Harbour in 1927 (BCD*).  [Although he is listed as an operator in the directory, I wonder if he wasn't a Rev. Potruff who just happened to be making a pastoral visit at the time.  This is the only time his name has appeared in our research.] 

Purvis

     Ex British Post Office telegrapher and is noted as a wireless station operator on the BC coast in 1910.

Raine, Tommy C.

     Raine emigrated from the UK with his wife and small child. He joined as a wireless operator in May 1911 and was broken in at Gonzales Hill.  He was then transferred to Point Grey Wireless as the third operator.  He was married and had a small daughter at the time.  Since there was no real road between Vancouver and the Point Grey Station he spent the first year living on station in a tent with his family.  Raine retired after 27 years as an operator on the coast.  At that time he was the Officer in Charge of the radio station in the Vancouver Merchants Exchange Building.  Bowerman notes that Raine was the first operator on the Fisheries patrol vessel Galiano, launched in 1913.

     Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05, 1923 as an operator.  

Redford, E.T.

Redford was the OIC of Estevan Point in June 1942 when the station was shelled by a Japanese submarine.  Larry Reid's book has him listed on November 05/1923 as an operator.  He is easily identified in any photo as he is an amputee, losing one arm in  Europe during WW 1.

Restall, Bruce A.