There was a long thread dealing with this topic in 2005/06 under the title "
Radar Trailer". It was started by Tony Smith Feb. 24, 2005 and in the last post by Terry Hanes (June 22, 2006) he states that these Chevs were "cable trucks" in the Army gun laying radar units. Nothing has turned up to date regarding their use by the RCAF. The Comox truck was stationed there (as Rob mentions it was painted on the driver's door) but when, and for what purpose continues to be a mystery. Did the Air Force ever have portable radar for "gun laying" purposes?
Further information: we're still researching the history of this truck. "The Gunners of Canada" Vol 2 (Nicholson) makes it clear that a Bofors detachment was planned for RCAF Comox the summer of 1943 - the 36th AA Troop of the 30th AA Regiment (headquartered in Port Alberni). Nicholson states it.... "was intended for defence duties at Comox but was never put into action". Given the April 1944 manufacturing date of the truck and its Air Force ownership, it's clear it was never part of a gun-laying radar unit.
And since the liquidation of domestic anti-aircraft defenses commenced early 1944 and the overseas need for light AA diminished after D Day - to the point that some of these units were converted to Infantry - it seems likely that a number of REL contract trucks were deemed surplus to Army needs and turned over to the Air Force as utility trucks.
As our opportunity for original document research here on the Island is essentially zero, we're asking anyone who finds documentary evidence of such a re-allocation (Army to Air Force) to please forward same.
Thanks,
Dave H.