Canadian Military Oral Histories

User Collection Public

The Canadian Military Oral History Collection is composed of interviews of veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan. Over 370 recordings done by Dr. Reginald H. Roy and his students are the largest holding in this category. Historian Hal Lawrence also donated over 180 recordings that he collected of Canadian Naval personnel.

Collection descriptions

The following are descriptions of the major collections of interviews that make up the collection:

Reg Roy collection

Dr. Reginald H. Roy was the Chair of Military History (1968-1988) and the Social Sciences Research Centre (1970-75) at the University of Victoria. The Reg Roy fonds contains over 370 sound recordings of oral histories conducted over his career and was recognized by Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo in 2005.

Social Sciences Research Centre collection

This is an important subset of the Reg Roy collection of military oral histories and consists of extensive interviews with Major-General George R. Pearkes and other interviews with his family and a number of personal and professional associates for his biography entitled For Most Conspicuous Bravery: A Biography of Major-General George R. Pearkes, V.C., Through Two World Wars (1977).

Hal Lawrence collection

This collection includes approximately 120 interviews conducted by Commander Hal Lawrence in collaboration with National Defence/Défense nationale on the Canadian Navy (1940-1995). Some of these interviews have been transcribed and some are only available as transcripts.

Shawn Cafferky collection

This collection of 14 interviews by military historian Dr. Shawn Cafferky of the University of Victoria's Department of History were conducted in 1997 and refer to the experimental Squadron VX-10, and the testing and use of the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King helicopter.

Military oral history class interviews

Since 2005, the History Department has offered a Military Oral History seminar course as a component of the Canadian Veterans Oral History Project, a joint project of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island (RUSI VI) and University of Victoria. The seminar course offers students the opportunity to interview veterans for course credit and the resulting interviews are deposited with University of Victoria Special Collections.

Elizabeth Hazlitte collection

This collection is comprised of six interviews with veterans of WWI conducted from 1983-84 by Elizabeth Hazlitte, a nurse at Victoria's Veteran's Hospital at the Memorial Pavilion.

David Stafford collection

This collection is comprised of nine interviews conducted by Dr. David Stafford, retired history professor at the University of Victoria, for his monograph on clandestine operations in WWII.

Copyright policy

The material is to be used solely for the purpose of research or private study. Any use of the copy for a purpose other than research of private study may require the authorization of the copyright owner of the work in question. The user must assume full responsibility for obtaining copyright permission to publish items in whole or in part.

Although the University of Victoria has permission to make the oral histories available to researchers, the copyright belongs to the interviewees. If extensive passages are used for publication, exhibition or presentation permission from the copyright holder is necessary.

Publication credit

The University of Victoria Special Collections will be given a copy of the book, article, exhibition catalogue, or supporting publication in all cases of publication, exhibition, or presentation of the oral history reproductions. In such cases a credit line citation should read as follows:

University of Victoria, Special Collections, Military Oral History Collection,
[Name of Interviewee], [Record ID Number]

Image: Elizabeth Hazlitte interviewing World War One veteran Egbert Browning in 1983

Resource type

Collection

Subject

Genre

Location

Canada, , Canada

Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/4a7eade6-d0b7-4807-8cd2-6eb9c5a66937

Collection Details

: Items 789
: Last Updated 2025-04-01

Parent Collections (1)

Military History Collection

Works (789)

91. Barnes, George Barkley: my Navy recollections (July 25, 1979)

Title:: Barnes, George Barkley: my Navy recollections (July 25, 1979)
Description:: An interview/narrative of George Barkley Barnes's experiences during World War I. Commander Barnes served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 25, 1979., ABSTRACT: Cdr. George Barkley Barnes Royal Canadian Navy Barnes_G_007_01.mp3 Born on Dec. 13, 1898 at Work Point Barracks in Victoria, B.C. (d. 198-?) Recounts his early life in Victoria and Crofton districts. Was a great-grandson of Capt. C.W. Barkley after whom Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island was named. His father, an officer in the Royal Marine Artillery stationed in Victoria, was sent home to England and returned to Vancouver Island in 1906. Schooling at the University School, Victoria and in Duncan, B.C. At age fifteen wrote the entrance exam to the Royal Naval College of Canada, Halifax and joined on Aug. 1, 1914. Graduated in Dec. 1916. Midshipman training was undertaken in H.M.S. Leviathan (cruiser) in the West Indies. Considers Canadian midshipmen more advanced academically than Royal Navy (R.N.) midshipmen, but the latter had experienced more sea time. Barnes_G_007_02.mp3 Served in H.M.S. Minotaur (cruiser) based in Scapa Flow where he was engaged in convoy duty to Trondheim in Norway. Sub-lieutenant courses taken at H.M.S. Excellent at Portsmouth. Observed the Victory parade in London, 1919, following which he was awarded a prize, offered by the French government, of a trip to Paris and the battlefields of northern France. Returned to Canada on leave in the same ship as a Chinese labour battalion being repatriated to China. Met Adm. Jellicoe who was conducting his naval mission to Canada. Served again with the R.N. in the West Indies. Returned to Canada in H.M.C.S. Patrician (destroyer) in 1920. Additional courses in Britain. In 1922 served in H.M.S. Harebell (sloop). Fisheries patrol to North Russia., Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H.; Main, Chris D., Rank: Commander. , and Interviewee: Barnes, George Barkley, 1898-1985
Keyword:: Sloops--Great Britain, World War, 1914-1918--Naval operations--North Sea, Minesweepers, World War, 1914-1918--Naval operations, British, Barkley, Charles William, 1759-1832, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy, Trondheim Fjord (Norway), Cruisers (Warships)--Great Britain, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Victoria (B.C.)--History, HMS Excellent (Training establishment : Portsmouth, England), World War, 1914-1918--Naval operations, Canadian, Flower class (Sloop), Minotaur (1906) (Armored cruiser), Harebell (Escort Sloop), Parades--London--England--1919, Vancouver Island (B.C.)--Social life and customs, Victoria (B.C.)--Social life and customs, Royal Naval College of Canada (Halifax, N.S.), Trondheim (Norway), Great Britain--Royal Navy--North America and West Indies Station , Great Britain--Royal Navy--Sea life, Midshipmen, Vancouver Island (B.C.)--History, World War, 1914-1918--Naval operations--Arctic Ocean, Scapa Flow (Scotland), Patrician (Destroyer), Naval convoys, Barnes, George Barkley, 1898-1985--Interviews, Leviathan (1901) (Armored cruiser), and Jellicoe, John Rushworth Jellicoe, Earl, 1859-1935
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H.; Main, Chris D. and Barnes, George Barkley, 1898-1985
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-07-25
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BGB_007
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-02-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by HC and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

92. Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (July 27 - September 12, 1979)

Title:: Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (July 27 - September 12, 1979)
Description:: Interviewee: Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988, ABSTRACT: Air Vice-Marshal George Roberts Howsam, C.B., M.C. 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Royal Flying Corps Canadian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Howsam_G_0193_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, interviewed by C. D. Main) Born in 1895 in Ontario (d. Apr. 16, 1988, Victoria, B.C.). Howsam joined the 116th Battalion, C.E.F. in 1916. Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and trained in Toronto and at Camp Borden. After only thirty-six hours of flying training he was sent to France as a second lieutenant in July 1917. Comments on various aircraft, particularly the great agility of the Sopwith Camel (fighter) upon which he trained in England. Howsam_G_0193_02.mp3 Remarks on the built-in use of the centrifugal force/torque produced by the rotary engine. In unskilled hands, at low altitude, torque could cause an aircraft to crash or, in a turn, be of great benefit in aerial fighting. Joined No. 70 Squadron, R.F.C. in Sept. 1917. Passchendaele. Further comments on the Camel in action. Describes the small aerodrome close behind the front lines in the Ypres sector. Living conditions. Service flying began with three or four days of flight training followed by "line patrols" in order to become familiar with the topography. Spent much time on aircraft maintenance and on the firing range as constant practice was essential to success. Howsam_G_0193_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Did not receive any formal tactical training, learned to fly operationally strictly through experience. Compares British and German aircraft. Air tactics, aircraft markings, Howsam_G_0193_04.mp3 importance of good ammunition. Lack of parachutes. Returns to engine torque-induced flying maneuvers, including the "flick roll". (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Aerodrome near Poperinge. Again describes patrolling. Comments on flight commander, aircraft engines, flying ceiling, flying clothes, early oxygen supply. Letter regarding E.B. Quigly, C Flight commander, an outstanding fighter tactician. In winter 1918 often flew into enemy territory to a depth of ten to twelve miles. Howsam_G_0193_06.mp3 Describes the fighting, shooting down of enemy aircraft. Accurate German anti-aircraft fire kept the R.F.C. at a respectable altitude. Just before the German offensive of March 1918 the squadron moved to support the 5th British Army. Heavy aerial fighting took place once the offensive was underway. Spent much time bombing bridges. The squadron had to move on short notice in order to escape the advancing Germans. (80:00) Howsam_G_0193_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Wounded in the right shoulder by anti-aircraft fire during an attack on a bridge on March 26, 1918. Knocked unconscious for a few moments, but managed to reach a small British aerodrome. Howsam_G_0193_08.mp3 Four months later he was able to return to flying, at first on Sopwith Snipes at the London airport. Returned to France in Sept. 1918. As a member of No. 43 Squadron he flew Snipes in support of day bombers. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_09.mp3 At the end of the war he was an acting flight lieutenant and became a member of the British Army of Occupation. Comments on German civilians. Joined the Canadian Air Force in England where they attended to the aircraft and equipment given by Britain to Canada. When the Canadian squadrons were disbanded a R.A.F. temporary commission was offered and accepted. Resigned after a few courses and returned to Canada. Howsam_G_0193_010.mp3 Joined the Air Force and spent the next few years working for civilian government departments. Digresses to anecdotes, some about World War II. Howsam_G_0193_011.mp3 Describes a flawed training aircraft and how the flaw was discovered. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_012.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Repeats account of first joining the Canadian Air Force in England (1919). In 1921 returned to Canada and joined the C.A.F. Flew DH4's (de Havilland general purpose aircraft) in western Canada. Mapping and photo surveying. Amphibious flying in Vickers Vikings. Military training took place in the winter, especially at Winnipeg. The Royal Canadian Air Force came into being in 1924. Stationed in Vancouver for a time. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_013.mp3 Details of flying in Manitoba, early wireless, emergency engine repairs in the North. Attended the militia staff course at the Royal Military College. Comments on air power/airships. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_014.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Led the R.C.A.F. demonstration flying team in 1929 flying Armstrong-Whitworth Siskins (fighters). Royal Air Force Staff College, England. Early planning for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Auxiliary (or reserve) squadrons established to which pilots were fed from flying clubs. Wing Commander Robb, the R.A.F. liaison officer. Important social aspect to the staff college. Howsam_G_0193_015.mp3 Returned to Canada to face financial restrictions (1931/1932, although the flying load was increased. Four-year posting to Toronto where an auxiliary squadron was established and another in Hamilton. Appointed Director of Training in Ottawa. (30:00), An interview/narrative of George Roberts Howsam's experiences during World War I and World War II. Air Vice-Marshal Howsam, C.B., M.C. served with the 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, the Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on July 27, August 3, 15, 27, 31 and September 12, 1979., Interviewer: Main, Chris D., and Rank: Air Vice-Marshal. Medals and Honours: Companion of the Bath (CB); Military Cross (MC)
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, World War (1939-1945), Great Britain. Army, and Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force
Contributor:: Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988 and Main, Chris D.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-07-27/1979-09-12
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:: 15 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Four original sound tape reels (ca. 480 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 8 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
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), interviews, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: HGR_193
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-06-21
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

93. Dunn, Muriel Joyce: my Navy recollections (July 31, 1979)

Title:: Dunn, Muriel Joyce: my Navy recollections (July 31, 1979)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Chief Petty Officer (C.P.O.) (Mrs.) Meriel Joyce Dunn Women's Royal Naval Service Dunn_M_0046_01.mp3 Born in 1922 in Leicestershire, England. Joined the Wrens in Feb. 1941 and took her basic training at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Recruited for some secretive job, the location of which (Bletchley Park) was not revealed until she and others were on a train leaving London. Everybody was so security conscious that this seemed normal. They were part of the first, and experimental, group of Wrens at Bletchley. Billeted in private homes outside the park. They found the staff to be a strange and cosmopolitan group. From all services and backgrounds, people obviously "all brains", some so brilliant that they seemed to be "on the [mental] border". (11:00) "Bombe" was the general name for the code breaking machines, although each had a specific name: hers was "Agnes". A "bombe" received a menu or list taken from the wireless coded message which indicated how the "bombe" rotors should be adjusted. This method set up a pattern or possible combination of code letters. Much enemy information was strictly routine, but all had to be decoded. The German codes were changed every twenty-four hours, therefore speed was essential. The work went on day and night. (20:00) Eventually several out-stations were built as facilities expanded. The Wrens worked eight-hour shifts under a controller, which Mrs. Dunn eventually became. Later health problems caused her to be assigned to day shift only. In time the staff outgrew private homes and were housed in large converted homes nearby. Security strict, but low-key: nobody talked about their work. (30:00) Mentions several prominent chess players who worked there. Found that weekly shift changes caused physical problems. Longer shift periods would have been better. No promotion to officer level among the Wrens at Bletchley. By the end of the war she was a chief petty officer at an annual salary of 110 pounds sterling. They worked in a windowless brick and concrete building. The machines made a fairly loud "clicking" noise, but not enough to be a problem. General discussion of life and work. After about three years she moved (in 1944) to a small out-station where she was in charge of about a dozen "bombes". (46:00) Dunn_M_0046_02.mp3 The operation stopped the day the war ended. Sometimes security was so great at Bletchley that the services could not be persuaded that the information received was correct. (10:00) Describes the small out-station with direct teleprinter link with Bletchley. At the end of the war went to Stanmore, a larger station beginning to shut down. (13:00) Discharged in Sept. 1945 with the admonition that the Official Secrets Act was still in force. Comments on mixed feelings as, in later years, security matters became public. (20:00), Interviewee: Dunn, Muriel Joyce, b. 1922, Interviewer: Main, Chris D., Rank: Chief Petty Officer. , and An interview/narrative of Muriel Joyce Dunn's experiences during World War II. Chief Petty Officer Dunn served with the Women's Royal Naval Service. Interview took place on July 31, 1979.
Keyword:: Great Britain--Royal Navy, Cryptography, Dunn, Muriel Joyce, b. 1922.--Interviews, Great Britain--Naval Intelligence Division, Great Britain--Royal Navy--Women's Royal Naval Service, Bletchley Park (Milton Keynes, England), Machine ciphers, Intelligence service, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Great Britain--Government Code and Cypher School--England--Bletchley (Buckinghamshire), World War, 1939-1945--Military intelligence, and Enigma cipher system
Subject:: Great Britain. Royal Navy. Women's Royal Naval Service (1917-1919), Machine ciphers, Government Code and Cypher School (Great Britain), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Main, Chris D. and Dunn, Muriel Joyce, b. 1922
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-07-31
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and England--Milton Keynes--Bletchley Park
Coordinates:: 51.99649, -0.74256 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 60 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
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), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: DMJ_046
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-05-28
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

94. Edmondson, John S.: my Army recollections (August 19, 1979)

Title:: Edmondson, John S.: my Army recollections (August 19, 1979)
Description:: Interviewee: Edmondson, John S., b. 1919, ABSTRACT: (Reel 1, Side 1) South Sask. Regiment Attack on Verriers Ridge 20 July 1944. Dr. Roy sets the state on 19 July 1944 with the aid of a map. Disposition of other 6th Infantry Brigadier units - forming-up areas, enemy shelling, start line, etc. Attack delayed by low cloud but proceeded at 3:00 p.m. up a slope, through open fields. No tanks or artillery FOO were to be seen by Edmondson during the attack. D Company, on the right soon in trouble despite there being no major enemy defensive positions. Points out that as a rule attacking troops not relieved until the unit had suffered at least 50% casualties. Still no tank support as S. Saskatchewan reached the crest of the ridge. Heavy opposition by the enemy at the next cross-road. Came under mortar and tank fire from an enemy well dug in. D Coy. on its objective but still in a wheat field and without cover except that provided by the wheat. Unable to contact Battalion H.Q. to request artillery fire and later discovered that Bn. H.Q. had been destroyed. Canadian anti tank guns destroyed by enemy fire allowing enemy tanks to occupy the crest of the ridge. Fire began reaching the S. Saskatchewan. From the left rear. Still no Allied tanks in view. Edmondson eventually able to send wireless message from an abandoned artillery carrier. Withdrew over the crest. Notes that by 1820 hours the Essex Scottish were on their objective. Enemy tanks again attacked. Position of S. Sask. Regiment unknown by Brigade H.Q. Eventually contact re-established at 1900 hrs. Some problems arose regarding the ability of the Essex Scottish to push forward. S. Sask. troops badly scattered. Accurate enemy mortar fire tended to demoralize some of our troops. Losses in our tank/anti-tank forces. The troops hidden in the wheat field finally able to escape enemy tanks which also occupied the same field. Chaotic reorganization after near-panic at battalion H.Q. S. Saskatchewan used to plug a gap in the Canadian line. The confusion partly due to considerable officer casualties. Notes that he was the Black Watch attack and fail. Discussion about occupying reverse slopes. Tanks were ordered in support but not seen by the S. Saskatchewan, (possibly at a distance). Great confusion that day during which Edmondson threatened to shoot two officers in order to restore battle discipline. Note: Four out of five majors in the battalion as well as the C.O. became casualties, leaving Edmondson as temporary commanding officer. Note: Lt. Col. Edmondson, as a Major, commanded D Company in the battle. Note: FOO - an artillery Forward Observation Officer., Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , and An interview/narrative of John S. Edmondson's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Edmondson served with the South Saskatoon Regiment. Interview took place on August 19, 1979.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Tanks (Military science), World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Edmondson, John S., b. 1919
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-08-19
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Normandy
Coordinates:: 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips., 2 track ; 1 audio cassette copy (ca. 90 min.) in Special Collections.
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), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: EJS_428
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-16
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

95. Dunlap, Clarence R.: my Air Force recollections (August 30, 1979 - April 22, 1980)

Title:: Dunlap, Clarence R.: my Air Force recollections (August 30, 1979 - April 22, 1980)
Description:: Interviewee: Dunlap, Clarence R., b. 1908, ABSTRACT: Air Marshal Clarence R. Dunlap, C.B.E. Royal Canadian Air Force (Reel 3, Side 2, interviewed by David Ganzer) Coastal population of Japanese, in particular Queen Charlotte City in 1932. Social contacts. Photo survey, equipment, methods, etc. Became chief photo instructor at Ottawa in 1934. Comments on search and rescue, parachutes, survival equipment, emergency procedures. (90:00) (Reel 4, Side 1) Search for downed aircraft on the Pacific Coast. Camp Borden, 1934: history, plan, wartime buildings, married quarters, some flyers. Armament officer's course. Aircraft as trainers. (90:00) (Reel 4, Side 2) Some N.C.O. characters. Bomber training. Reserve Air Force. Social life and mess activities very important. Describes the original officers' mess at Camp Borden. Formal mess dinners, service customs, subjects for discussion, games, singing. (90:00) (Reel 5, Side 1) Social activities. Controlled card games. Social graces considered part of training. Use of calling cards - to all married officers, neighbouring messes. Trades training at Camp Borden. Automobile trip to Vancouver. Selected to attend an armament course in England. Describes. (95:00) (Reel 5, Side 2) Digresses to discuss Dunlap "family tree", had an ancestor who graduated from Harvard in the 1660's. Eastchurch Air Station (England) in 1935. Comments on aircraft, including the Westland Wapiti , Hawker bi-planes. The RCAF considers buying second-hand RAF aircraft. Voiced an unpopular opinion on the Wapiti, not knowing that the RCAF had just purchased several. Describes training, armament development, ballistics, bombing patterns. Mess life at Eastchurch, commanders, buildings, and other features. (90:00) (Reel 6, Side 1) Continues with Eastchurch, the officer's quarters, batmen, "dining-in" nights in the mess, uniforms, games, food quality. Considerable hospitality by the senior officers. Married fiance from Vancouver and honeymooned in Italy. Describes the quarters of the Air Officer Commanding, an ex-royal palace. (90:00) (Reel 6, Side 2) Social events. Considers courses in Great Britain to be valuable educational and social events. Ceremonials during the Silver Jubilee of King George V, Spithead Review, Aldershot Tattoo, Funeral of George V. Visits the Woolwich Arsenal, armoured plate manufacturing in Sheffield using antiquated machinery. Some new armament manufacturing equipment purchased in Germany. Air defence of Great Britain, 1935/36. Back to Canada, appointed to the Long Armament Course (2 years) in 1937/38. (90:00) (Reel 7, Side 1) Digresses to read a letter from a relative in Rhodesia at the time of independence. Posted again to Eastchurch for the Long Armament Course. Acquired further knowledge of ballistics, armament engineering, design, internal/external forces affecting bombs, shells, and bullets. Much pure mathematics. Armament school moves to Lincolnshire. Attended first New Years levee by George VI, in full dress uniform. The course indicated to him just how unprepared for war Britain really was. Describes the married quarters at Eastchurch - central heating only in rooms without fireplaces! (90:00) (Note - No Side 2), An interview/narrative of Clarence R. Dunlap's experiences during World War II. Air Marshal Dunlap, C.B.E., served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on August 30, December 6, 1979, January 10, 17, 24, February 7, 14, March 24 and April 22, 1980., Interviewer: Gantzer, David, and Rank: Air Marshal. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Gantzer, David and Dunlap, Clarence R., b. 1908
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-08-30/1980-04-22
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:: 21 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Germany
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Six original sound tape reels (ca. 745 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. (nos. 3-8) ; 12 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. (nos. 6-17) in Special Collections.
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:: DCR_249
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2011-07-26
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

96. Burns, E. L. M.: my Army recollections (October 23, 24, and 25, 1979)

Title:: Burns, E. L. M.: my Army recollections (October 23, 24, and 25, 1979)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Lt.-Gen. Eedson Louis Millard Burns, C.C., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C. The Royal Canadian Engineers Burns_E_0022_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on June 17, 1897 in Montreal (d. 198-?). Indoctrinated into military life through his father who was a militia staff officer, a member of the Corps of Guides. Joined the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars (17th D.Y.R.C.H.) and by 1913 had risen to the rank of signal sergeant. Admitted to Royal Military College (R.M.C.) in 1914, he found it not that much different from his early boarding school life, except for rather more discipline. Some discussion of course work. (10:00) R.M.C. graduates had to take a militia commission, but not necessarily a regular commission. Many of the military staff were British; the academic staff, Canadian. At that time the course at R.M.C. was shortened largely through personal choice, a desire to get into the war. He was advised to join the Royal Canadian Engineers, into which he was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1915. Served in Canada until March 1916 when he went overseas with the 3rd Canadian Division Signal Company which, in fact, was composed of engineers. Discusses pay, leave, and the prominent military tailors, Hawkes Bros. of Saville Row. (32:00) In France he found that communications by means of the early field telephone were not very satisfactory, compounded by constantly broken wire. At the front, if time allowed, telephone wires were buried six feet deep as protection against shellfire, particularly at, and after, Vimy in 1917. (40:00) First interview ends. Flashback: prewar training and experiences with the 17th D.Y.R.C.H. (45:00). Burns_E_0022_02.mp3 Again comments on life at R.M.C. General military topics: 4th Canadian Division, conscription, politics, units, 11th Brigade Headquarters signal section, methods of passing messages, etc. (20:00) Comments that ex-telegraph operators were very valuable, since Morse code in much use. Special codes were established (1916), since the enemy was using sensitive listening devices. Remarks on the capture of Regina Trench/Courcelette in 1916. Burns became a staff officer with the 9th Brigade in March 1917, dealing with supply and personnel. Discusses preparation for, and the attack on, Vimy Ridge. Flashback to the Somme: awarded the Military Cross for maintaining communications under heavy fire, and, for the same action, his non-commissioned officers received Military Medals. Describes an unsuccessful gas attack as a preliminary to Vimy. After the failure the Germans allowed an unofficial cease-fire while the Canadians collected their dead and wounded. (45:00) Morale suffered in the two battalions involved. (48:00) Burns_E_0022_03.mp3 (Side 2 - audio not well-defined at the beginning). Discusses the effect of machine-gun fire. Passchendaele, Ypres salient. (13:00) Interview ends. Gen. Sir Arthur Currie, George Pearkes, various staff officers. (25:00) Became a "staff learner" and acted as liaison officer between forward battalions and brigade headquarters. Offers wide-ranging comments on general military conditions. (35:00) Returned to Canada in 1919. Stationed at St. John as an engineer officer. Occasional problems as postwar army short of logistic troops. (45:00) Burns_E_0022_04.mp3 Posted to the School of Military Engineering, Chatham, England for eighteen months. Returned to Halifax. On duty during the miners' strike at Glace Bay. Worked in the Survey Department in Ottawa. (15:00) In 1924 appointed as an instructor at R.M.C. in field engineering. Mentions Guy Simonds as a cadet. Staff College in Quetta, India. (2:00) Returned to Canada in 1930 to Quebec., An interview/narrative of Eedson Louis Millard Burns's experiences during World War I. Lieutenant-General Burns, C.C., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C. served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Interview took place on October 23, 24 and 25, 1979., Interviewer: Main, Chris D., Rank: Lieutenant-General. Medals and Honours: Companion of the Order of Canada (CC); Distinguished Service Order (DSO); Order of the British Empire (OBE); Military Cross (MC), and Interviewee: Burns, E. L. M. (Eedson Louis Millard), 1897-1985
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, Somme, 1st Battle of the, France, 1916, Flers-Courcelette, Battle of, France, 1916, Morse code, Military telephone, Canada--Canadian Army--Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars , 17th, Military telegraph, Signals and signaling, Trench warfare, Regina Trench (Somme, France), Ypres, 2nd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1915, Ypres, 1st Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1914, Strikes and lockouts--Coal mining--Nova Scotia--Glace Bay, Royal Military College of Canada, World War, 1914-1918--Communications, Vimy Ridge, Battle of, France, 1917, Command and Staff College (Quetta, Pakistan), Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Ypres, 3rd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1917, Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonous--War use, Military telecommunication, Ancre Heights, Battle of, Ancre, France, 1916, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Division, 4th, Burns, E. L. M. (Eedson Louis Millard), 1897-1985--Interviews, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Communications, Military, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Brigade, 11th--Headquarters, and Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Brigade, 9th
Subject:: Pearkes, G. R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984, World War (1914-1918), Military history, and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Burns, E. L. M. (Eedson Louis Millard), 1897-1985 and Main, Chris D.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-10-23/1979-10-25
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 180 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
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), interviews, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: BELM_022
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-03-20
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by HC, JF and SC, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

97. Beer, John Pope: my Army recollections (November 26, and 28, 1979)

Title:: Beer, John Pope: my Army recollections (November 26, and 28, 1979)
Description:: Interviewer: Gantzer, David, Rank: Colonel. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (MBE), ABSTRACT: Col. John Pope Beer, M.B.E. Royal Canadian Artillery Beer_J_0018_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Feb. 20, 1920 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. While attending high school he joined, in 1937, the 8th Medium Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (militia) as a gunner. Mobilized in Sept. 1939. For some months they continued to wear their prewar uniforms, including bandoleers, putties, etc. He was commissioned in Feb. 1940 and proceeded overseas in Aug. of that year to Borden, Hampshire, as a reinforcement officer. After four weeks promoted to lieutenant and posted to 1st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 R.C.H.A.) (Guy Simonds) where he and five others failed Simonds' artillery examination. (10:00) He was immediately posted to the 11th Army Field Regiment where he remained until June 1942. After a heavy training regime -- gun position officer, command post officer, etc. -- he was promoted to captain and transferred to the 12th Field Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. (19:00) He explains the duties of troop commander (troop = sixty persons, four twenty-five-pounder guns), including those of artillery advisor to an infantry company commander. On D-Day Beer was a battery captain (second-in-command), directly responsible for administration and supply ("A" Echelon). Landed in Normandy with the second wave. Recounts forward observation officers' position with the infantry. (30:00) Describes the battle for Carpiquet Airport and later entered Caen as a forward observation officer with the Regina Rifles. Slow going toward Falaise: in his opinion the Germans magnificent in defence. His battery was accidentally bombed by our own Air Force and was out of action for twenty-four hours until new personnel, trucks, and guns were received. (45:00) Beer_J_0018_02.mp3 Describes carnage at Falaise. The 12th Field Regiment supported attacks on the channel ports. In more serious fighting at Leopold Canal he was again a forward observation officer with the Regina Rifles. Their bridgehead across the canal was, for a day or two, about fifty by two hundred yards in size. Describes artillery "stonks". (20:00) Little sleep, heavy casualties. The early winter of 1944/1945 was fairly quiet. Promoted to major, the officer commanding a French Canadian battery from Shawinigan Falls (81st Battery, 14th Field Regiment). In Feb. the Reichswald was attacked: heavy fighting in flooded conditions. Later, the Rhine crossing. (34:00) At the end of the war he assisted in disarming the German troops. Returned to Holland where difficulties were experienced in keeping the Canadians occupied for several months; classroom education was a partial answer. Returned to Canada in Dec. 1945. Joined the Interim Force as a battery commander at Petawawa. Reverted to captain in 1946. Transferred to Camp Shilo, Man. which, in the early days, was not a pleasant place to live. (45:00) In Dec. 1946 he was sent to England on the long gunnery staff course. Immediate postwar England was a place of serious shortages; uncomfortable for a family. While discussing the course, Beer offers an opinion on self-propelled artillery: great mobility somewhat limited by mechanical reliability. He returned to Camp Shilo as an instructor in gunnery. Promoted to major in 1950. That year the artillery began to change to American equipment. In the early 1950's Beer spent one year at the army staff college, Kingston, and from there was appointed second-in-command of the 81st Field Regiment at Petawawa where the regiment was in training for service in Korea. They were there for only three months before the war ended, but the unit performed very well. (10:00) Beer_J_0018_03.mp3 Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Posted as Canadian representative at the Korean Armistice Commission meetings. (Side 2) In 1954 he was sent as a staff officer to the War Office in London for three years. It was a slightly awkward situation for a Canadian during the Suez war. As a lieutenant-colonel in 1957 he was on the instructional staff at the army staff college for the usual three-year appointment. (10:00) After that, he was posted to the International Control Commission in Saigon. Seven months later he was called home to command 2 R.C.H.A. which he did for a period of three years in Canada and one year in Germany. The regiment was a large unit: five batteries and an Air Observation Post (Air O.P.) flight. Initially the regiment was not in a good state of training or morale. (20:00) He explains the later excellent training in Germany. For a short time he attended the NATO Defence College in Paris. Promoted to colonel and Chief of Artillery, Mobile Command in Canada, a position he held for four years. Early days of unification were very trying. (30:00) Beer_J_0018_04.mp3 He is of the opinion that unification has had some positive aspects, but there have been many disasters, some of which are still operationally detrimental to the forces. As an example, one specific artillery concern is the lack of an Air O.P. under command. Appointed Canadian faculty advisor at the NATO Defence College in Rome for three years. Arranged and conducted European and overseas tours. Chief of staff, militia headquarters, Victoria, 1972-75. Retired in 1975. Commanded Vernon Army Cadet Camp in the summer for a subsequent four years. (44:00), An interview/narrative of John Pope Beer's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Colonel Beer, M.B.E. served with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on November 26 and 28, 1979., and Interviewee: Beer, John Pope, 1920-2011
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Barracks and quarters, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Shilo, Man.), Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Bordon Camp (Hampshire), Military appointments--Italy, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Leopold Canal, Battle of, Belgium, 1944, United Nations Command--Military Armistice Commission, Carpiquet, Battle of, Carpiquet, France, 1944, Camp Petawawa (Ont.), Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 14th--Battery, 81st, Canada--Canadian Army--Regina Rifle Regiment, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves, Caen, Battle of, Caen, France, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Division, 3rd, Canada--Canadian Army--Management, NATO Defence College, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Rhine River Valley, Camp Shilo (Man.), Royal Military College of Canada, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Canada--Canadian Army--Appointments and retirements, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery--Drill and tactics, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 11th, Falaise Gap, Battle of, France, 1944, Beer, John Pope, 1920-2011--Interviews, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Petawawa, Ont.), International Control Commission, Friendly fire (Military science), World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Belgium, Reichswald, Battle of the, Germany, 1945, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Horse Artillery--Field Regiment, 2nd, Military education--Canada, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Horse Artillery--Field Regiment, 1st, Great Britain--War Office, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 14th, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 12th, Military appointments--Great Britain, World War, 1939-1945--Artillery operations, Canadian, Korean War, 1950-1953, and Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Mobile Command
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, Operation Overlord, World War (1939-1945), and Korean War (1950-1953)
Contributor:: Gantzer, David and Beer, John Pope, 1920-2011
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-11-26/1979-11-28
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Korea (South), France--Normandy, Great Britain, Korea (North), and Canada
Coordinates:: 40, 127, 36.5, 127.75, 54.75844, -2.69531, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 135 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
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), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: BJP_018
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-04-27
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by JW and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

98. Goodman, Charles: my Army recollections (December 1, 1979, and January 16, 1980)

Title:: Goodman, Charles: my Army recollections (December 1, 1979, and January 16, 1980)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Maj. Charles Elsworth Goodman The Saint John Fusiliers (M.G.) South Saskatchewan Regiment Royal 22e Regiment Goodman_C_0172_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Feb. 5, 1926 in Montreal. Always keen to be a soldier and, after several years as a high school cadet, joined a militia signal company in Saint John, N.B. Claiming to be of age he answered a call for signallers by the Saint John Fusiliers and found himself transported to Nanaimo Military Camp in Dec. 1942. Very little signal equipment; what was available was obsolete. Moved to Patricia Bay and then to New Westminster where they were very comfortable. Further postings to Prince George and Vernon where he transferred to the Rocky Mountain Rangers. Overseas as a reinforcement, posted to the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Moved to Normandy in July 1944 as a reinforcement for the regiment, through Caen to Ifs. Goodman_C_0172_02.mp3 Night patrols; describes the sounds of battle and the general experiences of a rifleman in action. Method of moving into battle. Moved to Rocquancourt, then to Falaise where they "mouse-holed" house to house. Recounts terrific slaughter in the Falaise gap. Description of bombing attack by friendly aircraft. Pockets of serious fighting at the River Seine. (90:00) Goodman_C_0172_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) His company reduced to fourteen men at the Seine. Became company signaller and carried a radio for the remainder of the war. Liberation of Rouen. Dieppe and the parade of the 2nd Canadian Division through town. Channel ports. Close calls with enemy mines. (30:00) Company headquarters nearly wiped out. Goodman drove off an enemy tank with a PIAT at the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal. (45:00) Goodman_C_0172_04.mp3 Many small battles as they moved through Belgium and into Holland. Very close fighting during a German counterattack. Moved toward the Scheldt where he was wounded in the leg by shellfire. Unauthorized return to his unit. Nijmegen, a cold, miserable winter. Reichswald Forest. Liberated a concentration camp transit camp in Holland. Suffering from general fatigue, he was transferred to the carrier platoon. His carrier was mined, but luckily he was uninjured. Remembers a feeling of "letdown" when the war ended. (48:00) Goodman_C_0172_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Immediate postwar activities in Holland. Joined the Occupation Force as a member of the North Shore Regiment commanded by Bucko Watson. Moved to Wilhelmshaven to guard naval vessels. (Note incorrect warship type reference to the heavy cruiser, Prinz Eugen.) Guard duty and identity checks of Germans. Non-fraternization policy. (25:00) Leave in various European centres. In late Apr. 1946 the battalion returned to Canada. Transferred to the 7th District Signal Company at Saint John, N.B. Parachute training. (45:00) Goodman_C_0172_06.mp3 Commissioned as a second lieutenant and posted to the Royal 22e Regiment, although he did not speak French. Sent to Laval University to learn. Before he finished the course he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment in Korea. With some apprehension he found himself in the front lines again. Posted to the mortar platoon, then second-in-command of A Company. Main activity involved night patrols, very hard on the nerves of junior N.C.O.'s and officers. The Chinese were similarly engaged and were excellent at fieldcraft. Explains booby traps made by his platoon. Describes Chinese attacks. Shellfire relatively light compared to World War II. When unit returned to Canada he was appointed the junior liaison officer at Commonwealth Division Headquarters. An excellent learning position. Comments on the diversity of the headquarters staff. Returned to action with the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment as a platoon commander in C Company. Good soldiers, same routine. (45:00), Rank: Major. , An interview/narrative of Charles Goodman's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Major Goodman served with the Saint John Fusiliers (M.G.), South Saskatchewan Regiment and the Royal 22e Regiment. Interview took place on December 1 and 5, 1979 and January 16, 1980., Interviewer: Gantzer, David, and Interviewee: Goodman, Charles, b. 1926
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), Naval history, World War (1939-1945), and Dieppe Raid (1942)
Contributor:: Gantzer, David and Goodman, Charles, b. 1926
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1979-12-01/1980-01-16
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:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 270 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
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:: GCE_172
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-01-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

99. Edmundson, K.: my Army recollections (February 4, and 11, 1980)

Title:: Edmundson, K.: my Army recollections (February 4, and 11, 1980)
Description:: Interviewee: Edmundson, K., b. 1903, ABSTRACT: Dr. (Lieut.-Col.) K. Edmundson Royal Army Medical Corps East Africa Medical Services Edmundson_K_0050_01.mp3 Born on March 17, 1903 in Birkenhead, Eng. Brought up in Liverpool, graduated from Liverpool University in medicine in Dec. 1926. Joined the Sudan Medical Service, transferred to east Africa in 1928. As he had been a reserve Officer in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, he was automatically on active service when war broke out in 1939. Joined 1st Tanganyika Field Ambulance as a surgeon. Sent to Nairobi to train Africans in hospital work and to write a training manual. Next commanded the Uganda Motor Ambulance Convoy and took part in the Ethiopian Campaign. Moved north, 240 miles from Addis Ababa: morale problems, vehicle problems due to heat, excellent Italian-built roads. In March 1942 commanded the East African Medical Depot. Comments on surgical equipment, primitive anesthesia. Medical problems, bullet and knife wounds, intestinal worms from meat, tropical diseases. None of the latter in central Ethiopia due to the high altitude. General comments on transportation. Edmundson_K_0050_02.mp3 (2nd interview) At Nairobi had a mixed R.A.M.C./African staff. Eighteen months later given command of a 750-bed mobile hospital. Serious shortage of stores. For example, moved to Burma with only one quarter of their authorized number of beds. Convoy from Mombasa during which everybody was ordered to sunbathe every day in order to become acclimatized. In India managed to achieve fifty percent bed level after much effort. Comments on Assam railway, efficiently run by Americans. Hospital in northeast Assam, near Imphal, where he was stationed for nine months. Returned to east Africa, summer of 1945. Describes trip by air to Mombasa. Demobilized. Additional comments re Assam hospital. Mostly concerned with medical side, much fever of various kinds, especially river fever. (45:00) Anecdotes. Requests interview with G.O.C. Convoy conditions: shipboard food not very good. Anecdote about Mountbatten and man-management., Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , An interview/narrative of K. Edmundson's experiences during World War II. Dr. (Lieutenant-Colonel) Edmundson served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and the East Africa Medical Services. Interview took place on February 4 and 11, 1980., and Interviewer: Gantzer, David
Keyword:: Military hospitals--Burma, Great Britain--Army--East African Force--Uganda Motor Ambulance Convoy, World War, 1939-1945--Hospitals, Great Britain--Army--Africa--Medical care, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Africa, East, Tropical medicine, Sudan Medical Service, Great Britain--Army--India--Medical care, Military hospitals--India, Great Britain--Army--Burma--Medical care, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Great Britain--Army--Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, Great Britain--Army--East African Force--East African Infantry Brigade--Tanganyika Field Ambulance, 1st, Great Britain--Army--Royal Army Medical Corps, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Ethiopia, and Edmundson, Kenneth, 1903-1981--Interviews
Subject:: Great Britain. Army. Royal Army Medical Corps, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and Great Britain. Army. Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Contributor:: Edmundson, K., b. 1903 and Gantzer, David
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-02-04/1980-02-11
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Africa, East, Ethiopia, Kenya--Nairobi, and England
Coordinates:: -0.52734, 36.51855, 52.16045, -0.70312, 9, 39.5, and -1.28333, 36.81667
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: EK_050
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-05-29
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

100. Dunlap, Clarence R.: my Air Force recollections (May 6 - October 28, 1980)

Title:: Dunlap, Clarence R.: my Air Force recollections (May 6 - October 28, 1980)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Air Marshal Clarence R. Dunlap, C.B.E. Royal Canadian Air Force (Reel 8, Side 1, interviewed by W. S. Thackray) Attended an anti-gas course, visiting munitions factories. New, automated armament machinery purchased in Germany. Helped develop new practice bomb for the RCAF. Shortage of funds in the RCAF, some aircraft had to be grounded. Comments on various aircraft including a few modern machines - Hawker Hurricane for one. Canadian air defences in 1939; both West and East Coast air bases. Returns to account of marriage in England, which he did without Air Force permission, being only an acting flight lieutenant. Penalized with the loss of one year's seniority. Upon return to Canada joined headquarters staff as an armament advisor to the Air Staff. Commanded the guard at Rideau Hall during the visit of the King and Queen in 1939. (90:00) (Reel 8, Side 2) Social life at the RCAF Mess, Rockcliffe. Vigorous efforts by the RCAF were required in order to prepare for war. Warning orders sent to bases in late August, 1939. Aircraft moved from Central Canada to both coasts. Auxiliary squadrons. Flying clubs did much elementary flying training. Early plans for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). At air force headquarters at the outbreak of war. Comments on aircraft procurement from the United States. (90:00) (Reel 9, Side 1) Armament Officers in relatively short supply but was able to expand his staff to some degree. Besides the requirement for new equipment, bombing and gunnery ranges had to be established. Comments on Americans enlisting in the RCAF. Armament equipment sometimes difficult to obtain, sometimes due to an aversion to spend large amounts of money! Describes some weird war-time inventions offered to the government. Problems reaching final agreement on the BCATP, division of costs, etc. (95:00) (Reel 9, Side 2) Canadians insisted that Canadian units be formed overseas. BCAPT agreement finally approved. Pressure had to be brought to bear to improve "Canadianization" overseas. Comments on senior officers and the work of the Armament Directorate. Left Air Force headquarters in January, 1942. (90:00) (Reel 10, Side 1) Defence of the aluminum plant at Arvida, Quebec - a priority, thus the air base at Bagotville. Describes new bomb-sights; the Sperry Gyroscope and the Norden model. These effectively incorporated such variables as wind, air and ground speeds, distance (through triangulation). Commands the Air Armament School and the Bombing and Gunnery School at Mountain View, Ont. Aircraft maintenance and support services required "around the clock". Camera gun training. (95:00) (Reel 10, Side 2) Anecdotes. British prizes for early flights. Comments on Mountain View, defence of the West Coast, Wings parades, inspections. Complimentary about the Women's Division (RCAF(WD)), a very useful addition. Cases of lack of air discipline. In August, 1942, was posted overseas - Ferry Command to England. (95:00) (Reel 11, Side 1) Speech to the Convention of Aviation Museum Curators in Ottawa, June, 1980. First flights, early history, Canadian Air Force. (95:00) (Reel 11, Side 2) Atlantic flights, Snyder races, development of the Supermarine Spitfire. Arrived overseas at Prestwick, Scotland, reported to RCAF headquarters in London. Makes the point that RCAF squadrons overseas had a large component of RAF ground-crew. Eventually the Canadians were able to provide nearly all ground/station personnel. Early days of the formation of No. 6 Bomber Group. Comments on equipment, some officers. Appointed commanding officer of the base at Leaming. (90:00) (Reel 12, Side 1) On Jan. 1, 1943, No. 6 Bomber Group came into being. Much training still required. Relations with Bomber Command. The base at Leaming had a satellite station at Skipton. Originally Leaming had one squadron of Handley Page Halifaxes (No. 408) and a heavy conversion unit. Duties at an operational station, attitude of air-crew and of senior officers. Believes that the latter should have operational experience. Flew as a co-pilot on an operation. Station routine, bombing-up, briefing air-crew, mining operations, station defences. Discusses operations, visitors to the station. (95:00) (Reel 12, Side 2) Operational air-crews, 1943. The initiation of the "Window" anti-radar system, - pieces of aluminum dropped to confuse the enemy radar. In 1943 appointed to command the new 331 Wing RCAF (Vickers Wellington Mk. X bombers) in North Africa, the first truly all-Canadian Wing. Issued new, desert-modified aircraft. Despite the careful selection of personnel, morale tended to suffer because of the heat (110 degrees F), poor food, illness, flies, etc. Discusses the role of the padres. Hepatitis broke out among the air-crew. Explains difficulties in establishing air fields in Tunisia. Finally built for them by the U.S. Army Engineers after the Wing staff had laid out the runways, roads, building sites. (95:00) (Reel 13, Side 1) Recap. of the posting of 331 Wing to North Africa. Air Field "built" in the desert in 48 hours. Ready for operations June 24, 1943. Undertook continuous bombing of Sicily. High temperatures had a poor effect on both men and machines. Food and quarters poor, sickness. (95:00) (Reel 13, Side 2) Navigational problems, targets, aircraft maintenance difficult. Virtually continuous operational flying, therefore air-crew tours rapidly expired. As C.O., Dunlap was required to keep "Canadianization" in mind but had to use British and Commonwealth air-crews due to casualties and expired tours. Thus was not popular at RCAF headquarters. Water supply a problem, both short and very poor quality. Comments on Mediterranean Air Force headquarters. Some problems with the satellite airfield. Extreme heat in petrol and bomb dumps. (95:00) (Reel 14, Side 1) No. 331 Wing operations. Comments on Maj-Gen. James Doolittle, U.S. Army Air Corps. Acquired early model Hawker Hurricane as personal aircraft. Wing disbanded and ordered to England, via Algiers. Appointed to command No. 139 Wing RAF at Dunsfold, Surrey, part of No. 2 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force. Equipped with North American Mitchell bombers (B-24's). Immediately flew operational flights. Heavy flak caused many casualties. Made accurate attacks on flying bomb sites. Some special equipment provided so night bombing could be undertaken. Describes Dutch squadron in 139 Wing. (95:00) (Note: No Side 2), Interviewer: Thackray, William S., An interview/narrative of Clarence R. Dunlap's experiences during World War II. Air Marshal Dunlap, C.B.E., served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on May 6, 13, June 3, 10, 24, July 15, 29, September 2, October 14, 21 and 28, 1980., Rank: Air Marshal. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (CBE), and Interviewee: Dunlap, Clarence R., b. 1908
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Dunlap, Clarence R., b. 1908
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-06/1980-10-28
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:: 24 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Seven original sound tape reels (ca. 1125 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. (nos. 8-14) ; 12 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. (nos. 18-29) in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: DCR_250
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2011-08-23
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2011. Migration metadata by KD and MT.