Charles, Carl: my wartime experiences (March 27, 2007)
Interviewer: Fitch, Edward and Sharon
An interview/narrative of Carl Charles's experiences during World War II. Charles served with the Pioneer Corps and the Home Guard. Interview took place on March 27, 2007.
Interviewee: Charles, Carl
ABSTRACT: Carl Charles Carl was born in 1916, in (Upper) Austria and grew up in Vienna. As a teenager he was politically active. When the Nazis entered Austria in 1936, Carl knew his life was in danger. His brother took him on the back of his motorcycle to the Czech border, a three hour ride. He then managed to escape over the border. His harrowing journey took him to Poland, Sweden, and finally England. Upon his arrival in England, Carl was interned in Porthampton, living in a school that had been transformed into a prison camp for Jewish refugees. Foreigners could volunteer for the Pioneer Corps, which Carl did at age 21. Training was done in Wales. After two years in the Army Carl developed 'a nervous stomach'. Meanwhile he had gotten married and had one child. He was discharged from the Army and he and his family moved to London, where he joined the Home Guard. Because he spoke several languages he was put into an Intelligence unit. Part of his job was to report on raids, aircraft approaching, sirens, explosives and helping to put out fires. He served in this unit until the end of the war. After the war, Carl worked as a dental repair technician in London. He immigrated to Canada in 1955, where his brother was living in Toronto. He moved to Victoria about 13 years ago. How did an Austrian refugee find living in England? The English people were absolutely nice, no bad words or criticisms for them. Carl felt very comfortable there. He felt lucky that he and his family had enough to eat. Carl was a member of a musical group that entertained the Company, 3 of which were Jewish. Carl played the violin; there was also a pianist, an accordion player, a drummer and a guitarist. Carl enjoyed entertaining the people in the villages surrounding their camp. Carl leaves the following message for our youth: Do not be as stupid as the Jews of Austria, who did nothing. Stand up and fight even if it means death.
- In Collection:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Original sound recordings (DVF) also available.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- CC_545
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/edward-fitch-collection
- August 28, 2012
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. 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
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Charles_C_0545_01.mp3 |
|
|
|
|
Charles_C_0545_02.mp3 |
|
|
|
Charles_C_0545.jpg |
|