Weather Radar - Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
N 48° 56.617 W 054° 34.946
21U E 677019 N 5424004
This weather radar has been operational at Canadian Forces Base Gander since the summer of 1940. Gander was the most important launching point for Allied airplanes heading to/from Europe during WWII.
Waymark Code: WM1102J
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Date Posted: 07/21/2019
Views: 2
Canada Forces Base Gander was established in 1935 as part of a global network of airfields conceived at imperial conferences. Once Canada went to war with Britain and other Allies in 1939 it grew in importance. At one point, Winston Churchill referred to Gander as "the largest aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic." It was home to many squadrons during the Second World War. It also had one of the first radar units on this side of the Atlantic.
I found an interesting report published in 1989 to commemorate 50 years of weather services being provided by the Canadian Forces. (
visit link)
This weather radar was first used to support pilot teams during the summer of 1940 when Gander became an operational base for anti-submarine patrols. During the same period, a decision was made to fly new aircraft made in American factories across the Atlantic to Britain.
After WWII, CFB Gander was not operated until 1954 when it was reopened and has been in use ever since. Over the years, the operation of the weather radar has been transferred from the Federal Department of National Defence to Federal Department of Transportation. I believe that it is being operated by National Defence at this point in time.