Military History Collection

User Collection Public

The Military History Collection is comprised of books, archival materials, photographs, oral histories, and other objects relating to military service and interventions, including WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan. Perspectives represented here include soldiers and their friends and families.

 
Resource type Subject Genre

Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/14b90b76-b60a-49e9-bc8d-eab28647cb55

Collection Details

Items 1653
Last Updated 2025-01-22

Subcollections (7)

Works (1646)

View results as:
List List Gallery Gallery Masonry Masonry Slideshow Slideshow
Sort the listing of items  

  • 1461. Giesbrecht, John Albert: my Canadian Forces recollections (March 9, 2011)

    Title:
    Giesbrecht, John Albert: my Canadian Forces recollections (March 9, 2011)
    Description:
    ABSTRACT: 00:00 – 00:47 – Statement of names, dates and places. Giesbrecht’s permission obtained for the interview. Description of the content of the interview. 00:47 - 01:50 – Giesbrecht provides a synopsis of his pre-Yugoslavia experiences with the RCMP, wherein he spent much of his service working with plain-clothes units, such as narcotics squads in BC. 01:50 - 05:20 – Giesbrecht discusses how his service helped to prepare for his deployment. Emphasis on people skills, prior service experience and personal attributes such as personal fitness. 05:20 - 07:03 – Reasons for volunteering for UNCIVPOL 07:03 - 08:43 – Further discussion of how background helped prepare for Bosnia, experience gained over a lifetime such as, observation skills, report writing, interviewing skills, people skills. Discussion of how policing is radically different from other careers. 08:43 - 12:12 – Specific training received by RCMP prior to going to Bosnia. 2 Weeks briefings in Ottawa: Mine Awareness; Cultural awareness training. Canadian Forces – CIVPOL cooperation excellent and provided protection. Further discussion of the briefings received in Ottawa. 12:12- 13:29 – No special equipment given out except blue helmet and flak vest (Never worn). Discussion of wearing uniform in Bosnia (RCMP standard). Mention of how national contingents wore their own national uniforms. 13:29- 17:15 – Discussion of working with other police contingents, special praise for the European contingents. Issues of working with contingents from third world countries who were poorly motivated and poorly trained (Lack of driving and report training). Discussion of some of the factors that contributed to these problems. 17:15- 18:05 – Discussion of the sort of Canadians who would go on CIVPOL missions, most of who were experienced police officers. Western Canadians with a diversity of backgrounds. 18:05 – 22:23 – Discussion of working along side UNPROFOR. Language and writing skills would help people get higher positions in CIVPOL. Discussion of CIVPOL duties (Report writing, patrols). Mentions being deployed to Beli Manastir (N.B Transliteration of name was checked on internet search engine). Discussion of Croat woman being helped. 22:23 – 31:55 – Discussion of challenges of policing in Former Yugoslavia. Lack of a well defined legal system. Different system of policing. No due process. Mentions presence of black market and issues of corruption. Mention of professional ethics in this situation. Discussion of why these due processes were not present. Discussion of high predominance of firearms. Mention of some of the dangers involved. Local practices discussed (Corruption, Slivovitz). Discussion of how CIVPOL lived and their accommodations. Discussion of Croatian-Canadians in Croatia. 31:55 – 37:49 – Further discussion by Giesbrecht of ethnic relations. So-called “suicide” in Beli Manastir. Discussion of how CIVPOL could not make arrests or order investigation. Discussion of how CIVPOL could intervene when they witnessed certain types of behaviour (Observation and reporting). Mention of frustrations that could come out of not seeing action taken from report. Discussion of interaction with other UN people. Good relations with the military, other UN agencies had minimal respect from some of the CIVPOL personnel. 37:50 – 40:39 – Discussion of how CIVPOL interacted with the civilian population. CIVPOL conducted foot and vehicle patrols. Friendly local population who wanted to practice their English, often locals would want to be able to move to Canada. Interpreters were from highly educated backgrounds. 40:39 – 48:19 – relations with local military and paramilitary groups. Police described as cordial, but always searching UN vehicles. Giesbrecht made personal decision to allow searches in order to save time. Croatians were concerned about black market and weapons smuggling. Interpreters could be at UN checkpoints. Discussion of personal reputation (Impartial “square shooter”). Discussion of Croatian police, who were very much a paramilitary structure, with specialised units for investigations. Croatians described as much harsher than Canadian police. Croatians described as overall quite disciplined but quite different from Canadian police. Further discussion of how the Former Yugoslavia had a very different court system. Some cooperation with specialised investigative units. Mention of how personal relationships were very important to working with Croatian police. At roughly 47:00 Giesbrecht confirms being stationed in three places during his tour [Beli Manastir, Zagreb and Nova Gradiska (Spelling unconfirmed – RP)]. Mentions cordial relations with police. 47:50, Giesbrecht discusses how many people with high amounts of education could not get good jobs due to war. 48:20-52:04 - Discussion of interaction with military and paramilitary units. Giesbrecht never encountered any during his time with UNCIVPOL. Mentions that Arkan and the Tigers had been through the area around Beli Manastir. Paramilitary groups had a reputation as criminals (“Our good luck that we never ran into them”). Locals were afraid of paramilitary groups, danger of any non-official armed group. Giesbrecht returns to a discussion of how gracious the local people were. Would even offer food, despite their not having much themselves. Discussion of armed population and threat to UNCIVPOL. No threat to Giesbrecht, best way to deal with bravado (IE pointing weapons at CIVPOL to show off) was simply say “Hi” and carry on. Many RCMP also gave away their own winter kit to people on the ground, since it would be replaced in Canada. Giesbrecht also discusses some of the refugee camps he patrolled in. Many refugees he encountered were ethnic Croats who came from Serbian areas. 53:44 – 58:48 – Discussion of role of memories on inter-ethnic relations in the Former Yugoslavia (“You could say they were still fighting the Second World War to some extent”). Second World War carried over to day-to-day relations. Serbs would use Second World War terms sometimes. Fine-tuned to ethnic and cultural differences. Very strong group identities, Giesbrecht discusses being located in Serbian Krajina where Medak pocket engagements occurred. Discussion of ethnic cleansing, and the obvious signs (EG Burned out houses) and subtle intimidation. 58:48 – 60:44 – Giesbrecht denies that working in Bosnia had an effect on his later life, both personal and professional. Return to Canada meant landing in Ottawa, drinking Tim Hortons and going back home. Giesbrecht then went on to work in commercial crimes until the end of his career. After this, he retired to Victoria and subsequently joined the Canadian Forces. 60:44-61:57 – End of interview, confirmation of interview release and thanking., Interviewee: Giesbrecht, John Albert, b. 1953, An interview/narrative of John Albert Giesbrecht's experiences in the former Yugoslavia. Interview took place on March 9, 2011., and Interviewer: Porta, Rowan
    Keyword:
    International cooperation, Royal Canadian Mounted Police--Personal narratives,Canadian, Yugoslav War, 1991-1995, Judicial power--Yugoslavia, Firearms, Zagreb (Croatia), Police training--Yugoslavia, Yugoslavia--Politics and government--1980-1992, UNCIVPOL--Powers and duties, Police corruption--Croatia, Black market, Police, Medak Pocket Operation, Croatia, 1993, Royal Canadian Mounted Police--International Training and Peacekeeping Branch, Croatia--Ethnic relations, Judicial process--Yugoslavia, Police-community relations--Croatia, Giesbrecht, John Albert, 1953- --Interviews, Croatia--Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova--Temeljna policija, Croatia--Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova--Interventna policija, Croatian Canadians, Alcohol, Serbs, Croatia--Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova--Specijalna policija, Multinational armed forces, Yugoslavia--Politics and government--1992-2003, Ethnic relations--Political aspects, Nova Gradis?ka (Croatia), Police corruption--Yugoslavia, UNCIVPOL, Life skills, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves, Croatia--History--1990-, Bosnia and Hercegovina--Ethnic relations, Bosnia and Hercegovina--History--1992-, Experience, United Nations Protection Force, Police corruption--Bosnia and Hercegovina, Land mines, Beli Manastir (Croatia), Balkan Peninsula--Ethnic relations, Police--Professional ethics, Krajina (Croatia : Region), Firearms and crime, Arkan, 1952-2000, Yugoslavia--Ethnic relations, Peacekeeping Forces, Canadian, Police patrol--Croatia, Paramilitary forces, Multinational work teams, UNCIVPOL--Barracks and quarters, Srpska dobrovolja?ka garda (Arkan's tigers), and Yugoslav War, 1991-1995--Personal narratives, Canadian
    Subject:
    United Nations, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, Siege of Sarajevo (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina : 1992-1996), and Yugoslav War (1991-1995)
    Contributor:
    Giesbrecht, John Albert, b. 1953 and Porta, Rowan
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-09
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Yugoslavia and Canada
    Coordinates:
    44, 19.75 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (WMA) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    GJA_694
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-10
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1462. Berezowski, J. Cecil: my United Nations Force in Cyprus recollections (March 10, 2011)

    Title:
    Berezowski, J. Cecil: my United Nations Force in Cyprus recollections (March 10, 2011)
    Description:
    Interviewee: Berezowski, Julian Cecil, b. 1929, An interview/narrative of J. Cecil Berezowski's experiences whilst serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Interview took place on March 10, 2011., ABSTRACT: J. Cecil Berezowski was a general staff officer in UNFICYP Central Command headquarters. His first task was to write a comprehensive report on the history of the Cyprus conflict, and subsequent UN involvement. Berezowski often handled diplomatic affairs, such as overseeing the security of the CBC Concert Party to the Green Line, and collecting signatures for General Thimayya’s In Memoriam book. Berezowski recalls examples of UNFICYP’s positive influence on the Cyprus conflict, and concludes with general reflections on his service with UNFICYP. 4:18 – 29:17 – General duties in UNFICYP Central Command Headquarters 39:23 – 46:32 – CBC Concert Party visit to the Green Line 50:05 – 1:01:00 – In Memoriam book for General Thimayya. 1:01:50 – 1:08:39 – Examples of UNFICYP’s positive influence in Cyprus., and Interviewer: Hughes, Declan
    Keyword:
    Greece--Stratos, Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Thimayya, Kodendera Subayya, 1906-1965, Cyprus--History--Turkish Invasion, 1974, United Nations--Armed Forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Turkey--Ordu, Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1963, Cyprus--Politics and government--1960-2004, Berezowski, J. Cecil (Julian Cecil)--Interviews, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--186, Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1974-, Military convoys, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)--Headquarters (Nicosia), United Nations--Cyprus, United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Green Line (Cyprus), and Canada--Canadian Army--Personal narratives
    Subject:
    United Nations, Turkish Invasion of Cyprus (Cyprus : 1974), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Canada. Canadian Army, United Nations. Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, and Military history
    Contributor:
    Hughes, Declan and Berezowski, Julian Cecil, b. 1929
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-10
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada and Cyprus
    Coordinates:
    35, 33 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (WMA) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
    Archival Item Identifier:
    BJC_678
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2009-01-08
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1463. Del Villano, Gary: my United Nations Force in Cyprus recollections (March 11, 2011)

    Title:
    Del Villano, Gary: my United Nations Force in Cyprus recollections (March 11, 2011)
    Description:
    ABSTRACT: Gary Del Villano describes his role as an officer in UNFICYP’s armoured reconnaissance. Del Villano experienced everything from day to day activity to preventing open hostilities between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Notable events were overseeing the Turkish army rotation at Morfu, and convoying Greek Cypriots into Turkish territory. In addition, Del Villano became Liaison Officer during his time in Cyprus and was required to map the island of Cyprus for armoured intelligence purposes. Moreover, Gary Del Villano visited Cypriot villages and a Greek military commander during his time as Liaison Officer. The interview concludes with Del Villano’s general reflections on serving in UNFICYP. 0:00 – 17:20 – Introduction to duties as an officer in UN Armoured Reconnaissance. 19:11 – 41: 21 – Peacekeeping, Olive Picking Convoy, Turkish Troop Rotation, Interposition to halt hostile shooting. 43: 40 – 1:00:20 – Duties as a Liaison Officer, map making, and visiting villages. 1:08:29 – 1:25:48 – Overall reflections on UNFICYP’s effectiveness and purpose., Interviewer: Hughes, Declan, Interviewee: Del Villano, Gary, b. 1937, and An interview/narrative of Gary Del Villano's experiences whilst serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Interview took place on March 11, 2011.
    Keyword:
    United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Guards, Combat patrols, Canada--Canadian Army--Personal narratives, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Military convoys, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)--Headquarters (Nicosia), Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1963, Cypriots, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--186, Cyprus--History--Turkish Invasion, 1974, Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1974-, Olive industry and trade, Reconnaissance operations, United Nations--Armed Forces, Cyprus--Politics and government--1960-2004, Military reconnaissance, Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 2nd, Green Line (Cyprus), Canada--Canadian Army--Armored troops, United Nations--Cyprus, Military topography, Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Del Villano, Gary, 1937- --Interviews, Greece--Stratos, Canada--Canadian Army--Liaison officer, Turkey--Ordu, and Artillery
    Subject:
    Turkish Invasion of Cyprus (Cyprus : 1974), Military history, United Nations. Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, Canada. Canadian Army, United Nations, and Canada. Canadian Armed Forces
    Contributor:
    Del Villano, Gary, b. 1937 and Hughes, Declan
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-11
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Cyprus and Canada
    Coordinates:
    35, 33 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (WMA) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    DVG_679
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2009-01-09
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1464. Berezowski, J. Cecil: my Cold War recollections (March 12, 2011)

    Title:
    Berezowski, J. Cecil: my Cold War recollections (March 12, 2011)
    Description:
    Interviewee: Berezowski, Julian Cecil, b. 1929, ABSTRACT: The Interview begins with an explanation of how National Defence originated as a result of a threat of Soviet Bombers. The narrator then shifts his focus to explaining the different roles and formation of field artillery units, which were eventually turned into anti-aircraft units. He also mentions his experiences at artillery militia training camps during the summer in Saskatchewan and in the Winter in Victoria, British Columbia. Following this, the narrator explains how the formation of NORAD affected Canadian defence, which eventually led to the creation of radar stations called the Pine Tree Line and the DEW Line. He then explained what he believed civil defence ideally was and whether Canadian cities were perceived as targets. In turn, this led to an explanation of the Diekfenbunker and different command bunkers throughout Canada. When in the bunker, the narrator explained his role of plotting fallout patterns in case of nuclear attack. Next, the narrator shifted his focus to the threat of missiles, the problems with early warning sirens, and the lack of troops in Canada. Then, the narrator elaborated on his experiences at Staff College where he attended a presentation about sirens in Kansas). This led to an explanation of how civil defence led to the creation of metropolitan Toronto and whether the joining the Militia was 'popular'. Finally, the narrator finishes with an explanation of his experiences in West Germany along the Iron Curtain. 0:00 - 5:24 - Explains how National Defence came about to counter Soviet bombers. 5:24 - 7:28 - Experiences of summer camp as an artillery militia man. 7:28 - 20:45 - Explains the role/formation of field artillery/anti aircraft units in militia. 20:45 - 25:40 - Explains a cooperative agreement between United States and Canada during NORAD formation and how that led to creation of (radar stations). 25:40 - 28:46 - What the narrator believed Civil Defence ideally was and whether Canadian cities were targets. 28:46 - 32:56 - Explaining the Diefenbunker and command bunkers. 32:56 - 35:10 - Explains the procedures when plotting fallout patterns in case of nuclear bombs being dropped. 35:10 - 40:10 - Thoughts on missile threats, warning siren systems, and lack of troops. 40:10 - 46:06 - Overall experience at Staff College (presentation in Kansas about sirens). 46:06 - 54:20 - The creation of metropolitan Toronto as a result of Civil Defence. 54:20 - 57:55 - Thoughts on Militia and whether it was 'popular'. 57:55 - 1 :23:22 - Militia 'callout' to support brigade groups in Germany/ experiences in Germany. 1 :23:22 - 1 :26:59 - What happened in Canada during the Cuban Missile Crisis., An interview/narrative of J. Cecil Berezowski's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 12, 2011., and Interviewer: Roznowski, Martin
    Keyword:
    Mid-Canada Line, DEW Line, Metropolitan Toronto (Ont.), Sirens (Signaling devices), Antiaircraft guns, Canada--Canadian Army--Artillery--Drill and tactics, Fallout shelters, Bombers, Radar transmitters, Nuclear warfare, Berezowski, J. Cecil (Julian Cecil)--Interviews, Nuclear warfare--Psychological aspects, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Air defenses--United States, Ballistic missile early warning system, Intercontinental ballistic missiles, Nuclear bomb shelters, Soviet Union--History--1953-1985, Militia, Artillery drill and tactics, Radar defense networks--Canada, Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, Bunkers (Fortification)--Canada, Soviet Union--Politics and government--1953-1985, Canada--Canadian Army--Reserves, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, Cold War, Radioactive fallout, Kamsack (Sask.), Air defenses--Canada, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Esquimalt, B.C.)--Work Point Barracks, Missile attack warning systems, North American Air Defense Command, Radiation, Nuclear arms control, Antiaircraft missiles, Civil defense, Antiaircraft artillery, Air raid warning systems, North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD, and Pinetree Line
    Subject:
    Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Canada. Canadian Army, Cold War (1945-1989), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, and Military history
    Contributor:
    Berezowski, Julian Cecil, b. 1929 and Roznowski, Martin
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-12
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada, Germany, and United States
    Coordinates:
    51.5, 10.5, 39.76, -98.5, and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    BCJ_698
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-23
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1465. Neroutsos, John: my Cold War recollections (March 12, 2011)

    Title:
    Neroutsos, John: my Cold War recollections (March 12, 2011)
    Description:
    Interviewer: McKeigan, Cameron, Rank: Brigadier-General. , Interviewee: Neroutsos, John, b. 1932, An interview/narrative of John Neroutsos's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 12, 2011., and ABSTRACT: The interview conducted with Brig. Gen. John Neroutsos on 12 March 2011 begins with Neroutsos’ entry into the RCAF Reserve in Montreal in 1950. He begins his recollection by describing Canadian relations with the Soviets at the time of his joining up. He then describes his experience flying with 438 Squadron in Montreal, and its role in Canadian defence and the early stages of NORAD. Following his thoughts on Montreal, Neroutsos describes his duties at his next posting as a communications officer in 411 Squadron in Toronto. He then discusses his return to Montreal, becoming CO of 401 Squadron, and the near-disastrous effects of Unification on the Reserves. Following that is a discussion of how the Reserves coped with a minimal budget and barely sufficient manpower, and the various classifications of pay within the Reserves. There is then a dialogue of the Total Force concept employed by the Canadian Forces during his time as commander of the Air Reserve Group in Winnipeg in the mid-1980s, and the subsequent revitalization of the Reserves. Neroutsos also voices his opinions on the Reserves relationship with NATO and the USAF, before discussing the differences between serving in the Reserves now versus when he was a pilot. He ends the interview with some background on the origins of the Reserves. 0:00-0:30 - Introduction 0:00-3:30 - Joining the RCAF and education 3:30-7:45 - Canada and the Soviets during and after WWII 7:45-11:30 - Work in Montreal and flying for the 438 Reserve Sqdn. 11:30-13:30 - Responsibilities in Montreal 13:30-16:00 - Reserves and auxiliary presence in Canadian defence 16:00-17:00 - Formation of NORAD 17:00-19:30 - Transfer to 411 Sqdn. in Toronto 19:30-22:30 - Responsibilities in Toronto 22:30-24:00 - Reserves operations in Toronto 24:00-24:30 - CO of 401 Sqdn. in Montreal 24:30-26:50 - Integration and the struggle for survival of the Reserve 26:50-29:00 - Integration and 401 Sqdn. and the revitalization of the reserve 29:00-31:00 - University Reserve Training Plan and after it was cut 31:00-33:20 - More on integration, creation of the Air Reserve Group 33:20-37:20 - Change to Otter aircraft and helicopters, paramilitary divisions within air force 37:20-42:20 - Staff officer in Air Reserve Group (ARG) in Winnipeg 42:20-45:40 - Contribution of the Reserves to Canada 45:40-51:15 - Reserves' struggle to maintain a raison d'etre, total force 51:15-52:05 - Reserve classifications 52:05-53:30 - Retirement from the Reserve in '83, recalled to Winnipeg as a General, Project 2010 53:30-59:30 - Commander of the ARG 59:30-1:00:30 - Responsibilities of ARG, mainly logistics 1:00:30-1:03:40 - Outstanding issues of the Reserves, focus on the future, manpower 1:03:40-1:07:30 - Problems with manpower in the Reserves 1:07:30-1:1:09:40 - RCAF and the USAF 1:09:40-1:13:00 - RCAF in NATO and NORAD 1:13:00-1:16:20 - 'Mess life' then and now 1:16:20-1:17:20 - Signing the release form and discussion of the Oral History Project 1:17:20-1:19:50 - Some background on the early squadrons of the Reserves 1:19:50-1:20:24 - Conclusion
    Keyword:
    Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Military life, Neroutsos, John, 1932- --Interviews, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Transport Command, Helicopters, Canada--Foreign relations--United States, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves--Pay, allowances, etc., Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Command, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Squadron, 438, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Defence Command, Military helicopters, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Squadron, 401, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Squadron, 411, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 401, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 411, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Finance, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Soviet Union--Foreign relations--Canada., Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Reserves, Paramilitary forces, Canada--Foreign relations--Soviet Union., Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 438, Canada--Canadian Armed forces--Wing, 1, Cold War, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Kiowa (Observation helicopter), Bell helicopters, Canada--Dept. of National Defence, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves, North American Air Defense Command, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Personal narratives, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Reserve Group, United States--Air Force, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Finance, Otter (Transport planes), United States--Foreign relations--Canada, and Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Military life
    Subject:
    Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, United States. Air Force, Military history, and Cold War (1945-1989)
    Contributor:
    McKeigan, Cameron and Neroutsos, John, b. 1932
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-12
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada and United States
    Coordinates:
    60.10867, -113.64258 and 39.76, -98.5
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    reminiscences, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
    Archival Item Identifier:
    NJ_687
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-12
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1466. Anderson, John: my Cold War and Gulf War recollections (March 15, 2011)

    Title:
    Anderson, John: my Cold War and Gulf War recollections (March 15, 2011)
    Description:
    ABSTRACT: Reason for joining the navy — 0:41 Discussion of his degree /ROTP program — 3:08 Use of his degree in career — 4:01 Early Training — 4:20 Desire to be an Admiral / Early Career Aspirations — 6:06 Operations Officer Experiences / HMCS BONAVENTURE — 7:32 Lack of Interdiction Operations life in the "NATO BOX" — 8:53 Convoy to Europe — 9:25 Focus of CANADA in 1980 — 10:48 Threats in 1980 — 11:00 Strategic Missile Capability — 11:40 Anti-Air Warfare — 12:13 ASW AirCraft Carrier — 13:00 Air Defence in Canada as primarily self defence — 13:29 Need for Area Air Defence, introduction of Iroquois Class — 13:46 1980 Mid Life Update Focus — 14:15 Future of the Navy & 280s — 14:30 Russian Surface Combatants & Bonaventure Air Assets — 15:00 Air Defence Problem, Anti-Ship missile — 16:05 Introduction of 280s — 16:30 Coalition Exercises — 18:10 Director of Maritime Requirements Sea — 19:54 Acquisitions at DMRS (CPF, Tropic Class, Sea King Replacement) — 21:58 Defence Research Program — 23:13 Themes from cold war to today — 23:13 Requirements for other less conventional strategies — 27:44 Boarding Party Operations — 28:35 NATO Role in ASW development — 29:55 Using NATO to justify acquisitions — 31:36 NATO and the cyclic relationship — 33:06 Director Maritime Doctrine and Ops — 34:33 Role in Operation Friction — 36:58 Added Weapons — 42:33 Task Group Reasoning — 44:56 Strongpoint of NATO — 45:19 Task Group Reasoning ?? 45:43 Acceptance of Recommendation by Government — 46:15 Role Once Operation Friction Was in Motion — 46:48 Turning Point in Command — 48:17 Tactics and Strategy Preparation — 49:44 No Doctrine, but general doctrine and inherent flexibility — 50:28 Naval co-operation in staff work — 52:15 Public Perception of Navy in 1980 — 53:05 Perception during Op Friction — 53:47 Command Structure Change — 55:10 Command Was Clear — 56:39 His structure, HQ Structure was static — 57:39 Admiral George's Comments on Operation Friction — 57:55 Athabaskan Trump Conversion — 58:34 Communication — 59:19 Dusty Miller's Selection — 1:00:35 Capable AOR — 1:10:10 Communications through Maritime Requirements — 1:02:08 Communications not NATO, but Canada — 1:03:22 Operation Friction Affect on the Future — 1:03:43 CDS Atmosphere — 1:05:56, Interviewer: Roberts, Evan, Interviewee: Anderson, John, b. 1941, and An interview/narrative of John Anderson's experiences during the Cold War and the Gulf War. Interview took place on March 15, 2011.
    Keyword:
    Soviet Union--Armed Forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Maritime Command, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--H.M.C.S. Venture (Naval Officers Training Centre ), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Stadacona., Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Halifax, N.S.), Anti-submarine warfare, Military Liaison Officer, Fraser (Destroyer), University of British Columbia--Regular Officer Training Program, Ballistic missile defenses--Soviet Union, Airborne warning and control systems, Persian Gulf War, 1991--Naval operations, Canadian, Canada--Dept. of National Defence--Headquarters, Antisubmarine aircraft, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Personal narratives, Command of troops, Anderson, John Rogers, 1941- --Interviews, North Atlantic Treaty Organization--Armed Forces, Restigouche II (Destroyer), War games, Naval, Strategic forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Operational readiness, Anti-submarine warfare--Equipment and supplies, Saskatchewan (Destroyer), Antiaircraft missiles, Operation Friction, 1991, Submarines (Ships), Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Toronto (Downsview), Ont.), Canadian Forces College, Canada--Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, New Glasgow (Frigate), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Miller, Duncan E., 1948-, Iroquois I (Destroyer), Tribal Class Update and Modernization Project (TRUMP), Guided missiles, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Discovery, Fleet ballistic missile weapons systems, Public opinion, Algonquin (Destroyer), Canada--Chief of the Defence Staff, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Destroyer Squadron, 1st, Strategic weapons systems, Canada--Politics and government--1980-, Bonaventure (Aircraft carrier), Athabaskan II (Destroyer), Naval maneuvers, Consultants, George, Robert Earl, 1940-, Boarding parties, Soviet Union--Politics and government--1985-1991, Naval convoys, Huron (Destroyer), North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Cold War, Civil defense, Sonar, Iroquois Class (Destroyers : 1970-), Royal Naval College of Canada (Halifax, N.S.), Intercontinental ballistic missiles, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Drill and tactics, Aircraft Carriers, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Equipment, St. Croix II (Destroyer), Persian Gulf War, 1991, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization--Military Committee
    Subject:
    Military history, Cold War (1945-1989), Persian Gulf War (1991), and Canada. Canadian Armed Forces
    Contributor:
    Roberts, Evan and Anderson, John, b. 1941
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-15
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada and Middle East
    Coordinates:
    60.10867, -113.64258 and 33.13906, 35.85869
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    AJ_695
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-15
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1467. Maze, Randy: my Canadian Navy recollections (March 15, 2011)

    Title:
    Maze, Randy: my Canadian Navy recollections (March 15, 2011)
    Description:
    ABSTRACT: The interview covers the beginning of Maze’s Naval Career, and then carries into the situation in East Timor, the referendum held by the UN and the results upset Indonesia. The Indonesian Army Invades East Timor and essentially destroys the country, which is when the Australian led U.N. Mission got involved to get the Indonesian Forces out of the Country and help rebuild and support the people and infrastructure. The HMCS PROTECTEUR was in charge of refuelling all of the naval vessels involved. The crew also partook in humanitarian work such a building schools and a reception centre. 0:00 – 3:03 Early Naval Career 3:03-7:00 Background info on the Crisis in East Timor 7:00 –9:17 Invasion by Indonesia 9:17 – 11:43 Getting Ready to Go In! 11:34-14:32 Setting Sail 14:34-17:03 Australia 17:03-35:21 East Timor 38:11- 39:55 Sent Home 44:12- 51:31 Humanitarian Work 51:31-1:06:29 Miscellaneous and End Questions, Interviewee: Maze, Randy, An interview/narrative of Randy Maze's experiences whilst serving with the Canadian Navy. Interview took place on March 15, 2011., and Interviewer: O'Brien, Erin
    Keyword:
    Refugees--Timor-Leste, East Timorese, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--H.M.C.S. Venture (Naval Officers Training Centre ), Indonesia--Angkatan Darat, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--1246, Humanitarian intervention, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Maze, Randy--Interviews, Timor-Leste, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Esquimalt, B.C.), Huron (Destroyer), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Maritime Command, International relief, Peacekeeping Forces, Canadian, Refugee camps--Timor-Leste--Dili, Protecteur (Auxiliary oiler replenishment ), Operation Toucan, 1999, War relief, United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), Humanitarian assistance, Canadian, Royal Naval College (Great Britain), International Forces East Timor, Mackenzie (Destroyer), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Personal narratives, Chaleur II (Minesweeper), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Maritime Forces Pacific--Headquarters, United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Royal Re?giment, 22e, Peacekeeping Forces, Australian, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--1257, and Canada--Dept. of National Defence--Headquarters
    Subject:
    Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, and United Nations
    Contributor:
    O'Brien, Erin and Maze, Randy
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-15
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Great Britain and Canada
    Coordinates:
    60.10867, -113.64258 and 54.75844, -2.69531
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (M4A) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    interviews, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
    Archival Item Identifier:
    MR_690
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-31
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1468. Allen, Robin: my Canadian Navy recollections (March 16, 2011)

    Title:
    Allen, Robin: my Canadian Navy recollections (March 16, 2011)
    Description:
    ABSTRACT: The interview starts with Captain Allen going over his early naval career and his current engagements within the Navy. He proceeds to describe the social situation in Somalia before the UN got involved, including the beginnings of UNISOM I and Operation Cordon. He proceeds to describe the process it took for the crew to get ready for departure and arriving in Somalia only to have Operation Cordon. The interview then begins to cover Operation Restore Hope and the Humanitarian work done by the crew of the PRESERVER; including the work done for the Joint Staff HQ, the Hospital and the Orphanage. At the end of the interview Captain Allen covers some questions such as the issue of Piracy and how he as a veteran was affected by the Airborne scandal. 0:00 – 12:01 – Introductions and Early Naval Career. 12:30 – 13:56 – Situation in Somalia. 14:19 – 23:54 United Nations/ UNISOM I/ Getting Ready to Go to Somalia 23:56 - 1:16:34 American led Coalition, and Operation Restore Hope 39:30- 44:57 Joint Task Force Head Quarters on the PRESERVER 52:13- 55:43 Doing Jobs They’re Not Trained For 55:57- 1:01:10 Medical and Working on the Hospital 1:01:13-1:03:30 Working on the Orphanage 1:03:30- 1:08:50 Working with the NGO’s 1:08:51- 1:15:37 Helicopters 1:15:38-1:16:34 Everything Fell Apart 1:16:34- 1:42:34 End Questions and Tying Up Loose Ends, Rank: Captain. , An interview/narrative of Robin Allen's experiences whilst serving with the Canadian Navy. Interview took place on March 16, 2011., Interviewer: O'Brien, Erin, and Interviewee: Allen, Robin, b. 1942
    Keyword:
    Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Somalia, Somalia--Economic conditions--1960-, Teachers--Somalia, Somalia Affair, 1992-1997, Allen, Robin, 1942- --Interviews, Red Cross and Red Crescent, Famines--Somalia, Droughts--Somalia, Preserver (Auxiliary oiler replenishment ), War--Relief of sick and wounded, Humanitarianism, Baledogle (Somalia), Helicopters, Mombasa (Kenya), United Nations Operation in Somalia, United States--Embassy (Somalia), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Personal narratives, Operation Restore Hope, 1992-1993, Military helicopters, Operation Cordon, 1992-1993, Pirates--Somalia, Mogadishu (Somalia), Somalia--Politics and government--1991-, Piracy--Somalia, Non-governmental organizations, Somalia--Social conditions--1960-, Somalia--History--1991-, Operation Deliverance, 1992-1993, Civil war--Somalia, Hospitals--Somalia--Mogadishu, Suez Canal (Egypt), Brigands and robbers, Somalis, Orphanages--Somalia--Mogadishu, Victims of famine, Mogadishu, Battle of, Mogadishu, Somalia, 1993, and Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives
    Subject:
    Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Somalia Affair (1992-1997), United Nations, and Military history
    Contributor:
    O'Brien, Erin and Allen, Robin, b. 1942
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-16
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada and United States
    Coordinates:
    39.76, -98.5 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (M4A) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
    Archival Item Identifier:
    AR_689
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-31
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1469. Lerch, Slade G. J.: my Afghanistan recollections (March 21, 2011)

    Title:
    Lerch, Slade G. J.: my Afghanistan recollections (March 21, 2011)
    Description:
    Interviewer: Keithley, Leif, ABSTRACT: Starting with a bit of background biography about Captain Lerch the interview moves into his first deployment to Afghanistan. A discussion concerning the military role in Afghanistan occurs concerning the interaction with local, the use of Emergency Contingency Funds, and Village Medical Outreach. Cpt. Lerch continues with detailing his experience in the field by using examples such as the use of interpreters and eavesdropping on enemy electronic communication and then in full contact with hostile forces and the tactics deployed by the convoy group. Cpt. Lerch comments on the increasing level of IEDs and the hit and run tactics used by the Taliban. A brief description of life at the Kandahar Air Field and in the coalition environment is concluded by Cpt. Lerch being mostly occupied with work to have much off time. Cpt. Lerch’s 2nd tour in Afghanistan was a new role in the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team. In this role Cpt. Lerch was embedded with a number of other Canadian Forces soldiers in an Afghan National Army company with the goal of increasing their ability as an effective force. Cpt. Lerch describes the difficulties in such a task, communication, differences in culture, and remoteness of the operation are discussed as obstacles. Another encounter with Taliban is discussed where Cpt. Lerch was forced to take command of a situation and establish a firebase with the help of ANA soldiers after an IED attack. With an upcoming 3rd tour in Afghanistan Cpt. Lerch explains he will be back augmenting an American force in kinetic operations. A discussion on the handover of duties to the Americans pending Canada’s withdrawal leads to comments on ANA company operations and experiences while in the operational mentor role. Finally ending the interview are reflections on lessons learned from Afghanistan which may be applied to future conflicts. 0:00 – 2:00 – Intro and short biographical information. 2:00 – 9:30 – Initial deployment, re-rolled into manoeuvre battalion, supporting ANA. 10:00 – 15:00 – Comments on PRT’s duties, experience with Americans, Emergency Contingency Funds, incident outside KAF with locals swarming broken vehicle. 15:00 – 16:00 – Repurposing of roles in the field. 16:00 – 18:00 – Village Medical Outreach. 18:00 – 26:00 – Steady state operations, patrolling polling stations, frustrating nature of combat, story of radio contact with enemy using Icom scanner, use of interpreter, Taliban tactics. 26:45 – 30:30 – Tactics used when in contact with enemy, increase in IEDs, challenge of identifying enemy. 31:00 – 36:00 – Comparison to Bosnia, story about encounter with Afghans at checkpoint, difficulty with terrain, dispatched wrecker to free vehicle needs escort. 36:00 – 46:00 – Life at KAF, day to day operation planning, coalition atmosphere. 46:30 – 49:30 – Start of 2nd tour, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, embedded into ANA company. 49:30 – 51:30 – Comments on communication and importance of interpreter. 51:30 – 57:00 – Handoff and deployment to outpost with the ANA. 57:00 – 1:02 – Issues of cooperation with ANA, quality of ANA company commander varies drastically, extortion of supplies and diesel fuel by ANA company commander. 1:02 – 1:07 – Story of convoy leaving outpost, just desserts for bad ANA company commander, drone air support on large convoys. 1:07 – 1:14 –ANA company patrol, coming under fire and IED attack, taking command, investigation for more IEDs. 1:15 – 1:20 – Upcoming 3rd deployment, handover of Canadian duties to Americans, join ANA-American force, exit strategy, comments on solving problems in a tribal culture and establishing strong security and credible government. 1:20 – 1:25 – Comments on difference between ANA and ANP, challenges they face, fragmented tribal nature, ancient society. 1:25 – 1:27 – Inkblot theory of strong points and bleed off effect. 1:27 – 1:33 – Motivations of a soldier, training to fall back on under fire, IED hunting and risks of secondary IED. 1:33 – 1:38 – Comparison and contrast of CF to ANA, issues with mentorship, ANA do things the Afghan way. 1:38 – 1:39 – Riot between ANA companies, ANA commander doles out punishment with a steel rod. 1:39 – 1:43 – Lessons learned, lost lives, closing thoughts., Interviewee: Lerch, Slade Gestur John, b. 1969, Rank: Captain. , and An interview/narrative of Slade Lerch's experiences during the War in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 21, 2011.
    Keyword:
    Afghanistan--Afghan National Police, Taliban--Tactics, Afghan War, 2001-, Civil-military relations--Afghanistan, Communications, Military, Combat patrols, Kabul (Afghanistan), Improvised explosive devices, Counterinsurgency, International Security Assistance Force (Afghanistan)--Village Medical Outreach, Mortars (Ordnance), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Taliban, United States--Army--Kinetic operations, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Mentoring, Culture conflict, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, Special forces (Military science), Afghan War, 2001- --Personal narratives, Canadian, Tactics, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 3rd, Integrated operations (Military science)., Afghanistan--History--2001-, Military convoys, Provincial Reconstruction Team, Translators, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Medical care, Eavesdropping, Kandaha?r (Afghanistan), Kandahar Airfield (Afghanistan), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Joint Task Force Two, Uninhabited combat aerial vehicles, Mentoring, Predator (Drone aircraft), Soldiers--Recreation, Afghanistan--Politics and government--2001-, Afghanistan--Afghan National Army, Lerch, Slade G. J., 1969- --Interviews, Communications, Military--Equipment and supplies, Emergency contingency funds, Asymmetric warfare, Panjwa?ii (Afghanistan : District), and Afghanistan National Security Forces
    Subject:
    Afghan War (2001-2021), Soldiers, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, and Afghan Wars
    Contributor:
    Lerch, Slade Gestur John, b. 1969 and Keithley, Leif
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-21
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Canada and United States
    Coordinates:
    39.76, -98.5 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    LSGJ_683
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-21
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

  • 1470. Bebbington, Kenneth Martin: my Canadian Forces recollections (March 22, 2011)

    Title:
    Bebbington, Kenneth Martin: my Canadian Forces recollections (March 22, 2011)
    Description:
    Interviewer: Wood, Jim, An interview/narrative of Kenneth Martin Bebbington's experiences whilst serving with the Canadian Forces. Interview took place on March 22, 2011., ABSTRACT: Interview began with a brief description of growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, followed by an explanation of the circumstances that led to enlistment in the Canadian Forces. Description of work at the clay tile plant in Regina. Upon completion of basic training at CFB Cornwallis, Kenneth Bebbington was assigned to helicopter maintenance duties on the HMCS Provider and HMCS Protector. Posted to CFS Alert in the early 1980s. Description of service conditions and recreational pursuits in the Arctic, as well as listening to radio traffic between Canadian and Soviet aircraft. Recalls listening to radio traffic during the Soviet operations in Afghanistan. This was followed by a promotion and assignment to CFS Carp, the Ottawa Diefenbunker, where Bebbington was responsible for the maintenance of communications equipment. As a senior NCO, he also oversaw the “enemy force” element of training exercises intended to test the security and defences of the facility. Describes several of these exercises in detail, the solid construction of the facility, its outdated equipment in the 1980s, and the absence of senior government officials from training exercises. Closes with comments on the closing of CFS Carp, the dismantling of its equipment, and assignment to other duties in CFB Edmonton and Ottawa. Brief follow-up question on the possible effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on the radio equipment at CFS Carp. 0:00 – 2:10 – Growing up in Regina and circumstances leading to enlistment. 2:10 – 7:07 – Service on HMCS Provider and HMCS Protector. 7:07 – 17:30 – Posting to the Canadian Arctic station at CFS Alert. 17:30 – 24:10 – Discussion of service at CFS Carp. 24:10 – 57:30 – Training exercises to test the Diefenbunker defences. 57:30 – 1:01:45 – Closing of CFS Carp. 1:01:45 – 1:03:40 – Assignment to other duties. 1:03:40 – 1:09:27 – Discussion of EMP; general comments on Diefenbunker., and Interviewee: Bebbington, Kenneth Martin, b. 1947
    Keyword:
    Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Cornwallis, N.S.), Alert (Nunavut), War games, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Canada--Canadian Armed forces--Radio installations, Helicopters--Maintenance and repair, Radio, Military--Equipment and supplies, Military education, Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, Military training camps, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Forces Station (Alert, N.W.T.), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Radio, Sea King (Helicopter), Alert (N.W.T.), Bebbington, Kenneth Martin, 1947- --Interviews, Protecteur (Auxiliary oiler replenishment ), Afghanistan--History--Soviet occupation, 1979-1989, Communications, Military--Equipment and supplies, Provider (Auxiliary oiler replenishment ), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Civil defense drills, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Recruiting, enlistment, etc., Cold War, Military helicopters--Maintenance and repair, Airplanes, Military--Soviet Union, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Forces Station (Carp, Ont.), Electromagnetic pulse, Radio--Equipment and supplies, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Ottawa, Ont.), Communications, Military, Naval auxiliary vessels, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Edmonton, Alta.), Radio, Military, and Military maneuvers
    Subject:
    Canada. Canadian Army, Military history, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, and Afghan Wars
    Contributor:
    Wood, Jim and Bebbington, Kenneth Martin, b. 1947
    Language:
    eng
    Date Created:
    2011-03-22
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
    License:
    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
    Resource Type:
    http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
    Extent:
    1 sound recording (MP3)
    Geographic Coverage:
    Afghanistan and Canada
    Coordinates:
    33, 66 and 60.10867, -113.64258
    Additional Physical Characteristics:
    Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
    Physical Repository:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Collection:
    Canadian Military Oral History Collection
    Provider:
    University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
    Genre:
    interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
    Archival Item Identifier:
    BKM_701
    Fonds Title:
    Military oral history collection
    Fonds Identifier:
    SC141
    Is_referenced_by:
    Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
    Date Digitized:
    2011-03-22
    Technical Note:
    Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.