Keith-Murray, Peter: my Cold War Air Force experience (March 14, 2017)
Interviewer: Taylor, Mercedes
Interviewee: Keith-Murray, Peter
ABSTRACT: Peter Keith- Murray was born in England and moved to Canada as a child in the 1940s. He did not return until he was an adult and was stationed in England during his time serving with NATO AWACS. Before joining the Air Force as a young man he had been an electrician in Vancouver. He turned 19 in basic training in St. Jean Quebec, the year was 1954. Keith- Murray recalls a teacher in high school who had served in World War II, it was not until later in his career that he realized the teacher had probably suffered from PTSD. According to Keith-Murray there was quite a large group of recruits that went through training in the 1950s and 1960s. All training was manual at this time, and there were no automated computer systems to help with simulated scenarios. His first position was as a Fighter Control Operator at a number of different radar sites. Peter describes the conditions at the radar sites in those years, with up to 200 people working and residing at the larger bases. There were special quarters for those that were married. Sites were located along the Pine Tree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line. Controllers were only made aware of the direction and speed an object was approaching at, but had no way to tell in those days who or what the object was. There was a 200 mile radius around the site, though the first 50 miles were harder to observe because of ground echoes. Interceptions often included bush planes; Keith-Murray recalls that no Russian interceptions took place during his time on the sites. In 1965 Keith-Murray was commissioned, it was required that controllers were commissioned officers. Between 1954 and 1970 he worked at a number of radar sites, his responsibilities changing after becoming an officer. He controlled and was responsible for all intercepts with the assistance of an airman. He was married in 1960, and after spending six years in North Bay Ontario was promoted to major. Upon his promotion he was transferred to NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs, which was followed by a short time in North Bay before transferring again, this time to Germany to work in NATO AWACS. Keith-Murray spent four years in Germany, working at Forward Operating bases in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Norway with AWACS. Keith- Murray explains that AWACS operated with “look down” radar. Following his time in Europe another transfer took place bringing Keith- Murray back to Cold Lake Alberta before making his way to Anchorage Alaska for the last four years of his time in service. He explains how AWACS technology and procedures operated. Comparisons are made between old radar systems and current ones. Keith- Murray describes interceptions in Europe and the “look down” radar that was used. He discusses the abilities and drawbacks of such technology and communications abilities. Interview returns to the topic of Colorado Springs and Keith- Murray’s time there, as well as operations in Colorado currently. More is discussed regarding Alaska NORAD Region and Keith-Murray’s work as a Weapons Resources Officer. He explains how operations were performed from the base at Eielson and the responsibilities of AWACS. Interview concludes with reflection on his career and mention of family members in the forces. Keith- Murray keeps up his involvement by volunteering at the BC Aviation Museum and participating in the Air Crew Association. 0:00 – 7:40 – Growing up in the UK and move to Canada at age 10, impressions of the military as a child. 7:41 – 11:50 – Joining the Air Force in North Vancouver, initial impressions. 11:51 – 14:10 - Training in St. Jean Quebec, memories of instructors. 14:11 – 16:16 - Placement at Barrie Ontario radar site, comparison of operations in the 1950s and 1960s to present day; training was much more manual. 16:17 – 18:10 - Signed up as Fighter Control Operator, description of social aspects during this time; marriage regulations, women joining the forces. 18:11- 20:50 - Description of radar sites, what shifts were like, number of people working at a given time. 20:51 – 24:48 - How radar worked, what would be detected and how frequently/ with how much precision. 24:49 – 28:40 - Commissioned to the ranks in 1965, description of who would become a controller, how responsibilities changed as an officer. 28:41 – 33:00 - Move to North Bay radar site, description of practicing intercepts, always had to have a controller on duty. 33:01 – 36:45 - Promotion to Major, posting in Colorado Springs – NORAD Headquarters. 36:46 – 40:30 - Training for NATO AWACS, survival training description including bush survival and sea survival. 40:31- 45:35 - Discussion of placement in Europe in NATO AWACS and trips to a variety of FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) such as Turkey, Greece, Norway, and Italy. 45:36 – 48:20 - Placement in Anchorage Alaska for last four years of career, retirement and activities following retirement. 48:21- 54:05 - AWACS technology, how operations were carried out, description of typical AWACS crew, SAGE system (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment). 54:06 – 56:20 - Interceptions in Europe, description of “look down radar” and Doppler radar, communication capabilities and restrictions. 56:21- 01:00:34 - experiences as a Nuclear Chemical Warfare Officer, responsibilities of the position. 01:00:35 – 01:09:00 - Time spent in Alaska NORAD region as WRO (Weapons Resources Officer), practice of interceptions of Russian Bears from Eielson Air Force Base. 01:09:01 – 01:10:06 - comparison of NORAD’s American personnel and operations vs. Canadians. 01:10:07 – 01:14:51 – Family member’s involvement in the Canadian Forces, volunteer work and involvement with the Air Crew Association. 01:14:51 – 01:17:19 – Wrap up of interview and Interview Release Form signing.
An interview/narrative of Peter Keith-Murray's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 14, 2017 in Victoria, B.C.
- In Collection:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 38.83388, -104.82136
- 51.5, 10.5
- Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- KMP_858
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- March 14, 2017
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 64 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
- Rights
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- DOI
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