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)

101. Stone, James Riley: my Army recollections (May 13 - June 17, 1980)

Title:: Stone, James Riley: my Army recollections (May 13 - June 17, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of James Riley Stone's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Colonel Stone, D.S.O., M.C. served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Provost Corps. Interview took place on May 13, 20, June 3, 10 and 17, 1980., Interviewee: Stone, James Riley, b. 1908, Interviewer: Thackray, William S., ABSTRACT: Col. James Riley Stone, D.S.O., M.C. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Canadian Provost Corps Stone_J_0198_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Aug. 2, 1908 in England. Emigrated to Canada and was employed by the Alberta Forestry Dept. when war broke out in 1939. Joined the Edmonton Regiment at Grand Prairie. Promoted to corporal, sent to England on a small arms course. Sergeant, Apr. 1940. As a company sergeant major he participated in the raid on Spitzbergen. Officer training in Oct. 1941. Stone_J_0198_02.mp3 Ship loading course, posted away from regiment, later to rejoin them unofficially after "jumping ship" during the Sicily landings in 1943. Anecdote. Account of the terrain and fighting in Italy which exhausted the troops. Down with dysentery and malaria near Campo Basso. Describes difficult movement through mountainous country against skillful rear guard actions by the enemy. (45:00) Stone_J_0198_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) The unit suffered very heavy casualties in the battle for Ortona. Personally captured enemy anti-tank gun. Textbook street fighting, highly developed "mouseholing" through the walls of buildings. Awarded Military Cross. His company reduced to seventeen men when the town fell. Admired the German troops; first class discipline and fighting skills. Costly war of attrition, better to outflank towns wherever possible. "Winter of discontent", boredom, troops became stale and lacked aggressive spirit. Describes a fighting patrol. British senior officers school. (45:00) Stone_J_0198_04.mp3 Unit withdrawn for reorganization. Returned to battle near the Arno River/Florence area. Gothic Line battles. Battle training. Realized that Canadians could fight a "professional battle". Rest on the Adriatic. Canadian reinforcements not well trained. San Fortunato Ridge. Awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for efforts in breaching the Gothic Line. Broke out into the valley of the Po River. (47:00) Stone_J_0198_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Commanding officer of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, a rewarding and successful appointment. Comments on diseases, reinforcements, morale, Zombies. Battle of the River Lines, Savio River, Weasels, personal experiences. Naviglio Canal, very successful attack. Senio River. (45:00) Stone_J_0198_06.mp3 Christmas turkeys from the regimental farm. Describes German attack and defensive measures taken. Operation Gold Flake, Marseilles. Leave in London, 1945. In action in Holland and Germany, Apr. 1945. Details of scouting operation. Modest fighting, hundreds of German prisoners. Western Holland. After German surrender, heavy regime of drill for Victory Parade in Berlin to which he did not go. (45:00) Stone_J_0198_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Pacific Force, new Loyal Edmonton Regiment which was soon disbanded. Left the army in May 1946. Built and ran a resort at Shuswap Lake, B.C. Commanded the Rocky Mountain Rangers (militia). Offered command of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry when Korean War began. Started training in Canada, continued at Fort Lewis, Wash. and moved to Korea before training finished. In accordance with his instruction by the Canadian government, he insisted that the battalion continue training until he was satisfied. Joined a British brigade in due course. Came down with what he claims was the last recorded case of smallpox in the British forces! Kap'yong battle described, awarded United States Presidential Unit Citation. Stone_J_0198_08.mp3 Some interesting small operations in a very uncomfortable war which contained none of the intensity of Italy. Unit withdrawn. Flew back to Canada to organize a parachute battalion. Great admirer of the American military, although perhaps not as good in withdrawal as in offence. Marine Corps excellent. Feels that two wars (Korea and Vietnam), unpopular with the American public, have had an effect on U.S. military morale. Parachute training. Developed dehydrated rations. (45:00) Stone_J_0198_09.mp3 (Reel 3) Commanded the Canadians at the Coronation Parade, 1953. Chief instructor, school of infantry. Appointed Provost Marshal for the Canadian army. In four years changed the Provost image. Soldiers first, police second. Established a fund in the military police for "comforts" for blind children. Later as Deputy Commissioner of Penitentiaries (1960-1973) did much to reform the penitentiary system. (25:00), and Rank: Colonel. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO); Military Cross (MC)
Subject:: Korean War (1950-1953), Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Contributor:: Stone, James Riley, b. 1908 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-13/1980-06-17
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:: 9 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 390 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 5 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, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: SJR_198
Fonds Title:: Barney Singer fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC407
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/barney-singer-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-06-02
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.

102. Coulter, James R. B.: my Navy recollections (May 14, 1980)

Title:: Coulter, James R. B.: my Navy recollections (May 14, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of James R. B. Coulter's experiences during World War II. Commander Coulter served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on May 14, 1980., Rank: Commander. , ABSTRACT: Cdr. James R.B. Coulter Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Coulter_J_0042_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on May 16, ca. 1920. Brought up in Montreal, attended McGill University, joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps and the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars. Spent much time during 1939-1940 grooming horses. Friends promoted the attractiveness of the Navy, so he transferred to the naval reserve. Appointed to the second class (1941) at Royal Roads for officer training. (10:00) Accommodated in a large room in the "Castle" with about forty other acting temporary probationary sub-lieutenants where he graduated, after sixteen weeks, as a full-fledged sub-lieutenant and appointed to Windsor, Ont. as training officer in H.M.C.S. Hunter. Posted to H.M.C.S. Algoma (corvette) on the east coast in 1942. (20:00) As gunnery officer and part of a very green crew he sailed on the Halifax, Boston, Newfoundland run. Discusses corvettes, crew, sea-keeping qualities, etc. Sailed for Londonderry in late 1942 as part of the ill-fated convoy SC.107. (30:00) Describes some convoy conditions. They were then especially equipped for the Murmansk run, but instead found themselves part of Operation Torch in North Africa. (40:00) Comments on Gibraltar and watchkeeping in the Mediterranean. (45:00) Returned to the North Atlantic, then to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec City to Goose Bay. Much experience with fog and icebergs. On course at Halifax in torpedo and anti-submarine warfare (T.A.S.), then to that directorate in Ottawa. In 1944 appointed to be term lieutenant to the junior class at Royal Roads. Transferred to the R.C.N. (30:00) In 1945 to England on course and finally a year and a half on a T.A.S. long course. Appointed to the Naval Staff in London. Very hard living conditions in England in the winter of 1947. Returned to Halifax as a T.A.S. training officer. (45:00) Coulter_J_0042_02.mp3 (Side 2) Anecdote re depth charge exercise with United States submarine. Heavy Canadian explosions unexpected. Appointed to H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser) in 1949. Comments on several cruises. Posted to command H.M.C.S. Swansea (frigate), despite never actually handling a ship in harbour! In 1951 appointed to captain of H.M.C.S. Crescent ("C" Class destroyer) as a lieutenant-commander. T.A.S. Warfare Directorate in Ottawa for two years. Greenwich, England on course. Promoted in 1955 to commander. (20:00) Captain of the T.A.S. School, Halifax. In command, H.M.C.S. Assiniboine II in 1958. Anecdote re high speed docking in Quebec. Comments on navigation on the St. Lawrence River. (30:00) Commanded the 3rd Escort Squadron off Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. Encounters with Russian trawlers (spy ships). Commanded 7th Escort Squadron of six frigates. (45:00) Appointed to Defence Research Establishment. Commanded Maritime Warfare School. In 1964 he felt that integration of the forces was not to his liking, so he requested his release, which was granted after a posting as naval attache in Washington, D.C. Some comments on the political overtones involved in equipment purchases. The Navy, as he knew it, seemed to be disappearing. Worked as a civil servant for fifteen years, including four for the United Nations which entailed considerable travelling. (14:00), Interviewee: Coulter, James R. B., b. 1920, and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Keyword:: Corvettes (Warships)--Canada, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Crescent (Destroyer), Castle Class (Corvettes), Royal Roads Military College, Canada--Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, Canada--Canadian Army--Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars , 17th, Submarine warfare, Cruisers (Warships)--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Escort Squadron, 3rd, Allied Forces--Naval convoys--Convoy SC107, Naval convoys, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S .Hunter, Canada--Canadian Army--Hussars, 1st, Coulter, James R.B. (James Robert Boardman "Jay") 1920-2004--Interviews, Algoma (Corvette), Operation Torch, 1942, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Flower Class (Corvettes), Destroyers (Warships)--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Torpedo and Anti-Submarine (TAS) Training, Destroyer escorts--Canada, World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations, Canadian, Assiniboine II (Destroyer), Ontario (Cruiser), Great Britain--Royal Navy--Torpedo and Anti-Submarine (TAS) Training, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Escort Squadron, 7th, Swansea (Frigate), Anti-submarine warfare, and Canada--Royal Canadian Navy
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Coulter, James R. B., b. 1920 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-14
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:: Great Britain and Canada
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 150 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, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: CJRB_042
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.

103. Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (May 14 - June 2, 1980)

Title:: Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (May 14 - June 2, 1980)
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_0194_01.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 1, interviewed by W. S. Thackray) Planning for possible expansion of flying training. Impressions of the defence bureaucracy in Ottawa, 1937-1939. Government policy dictated that all senior Air Force officers in Canada should be Canadian. This led to unfortunate repercussions for the R.C.A.F. later in England. Early wartime aid by the Americans. (45:00) Training commands established which, by 1943, consisted of 360 training schools. In 1940 undertook a familiarization tour of the United Kingdom and France. Public relations. Problems of building training bases. (40:00) Howsam_G_0194_02.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 2) Offers an account of the construction and establishment of the training base at Yorkton, Sask. Private funds were obtained to enhance mess facilities. In Feb. 1942 was promoted to air commodore and stationed in Calgary. The Northwest Staging Route began and airports became clogged with American aircraft. Appointed to command and reorganize the staging route. Discusses training aircraft, safety factors; North American Harvards were excellent. (35:00) Howsam_G_0194_03.mp3 (Reel 5, Side 1) Much co-operation with the Americans, additional headquarters established. Details of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. In 1944 air training was reduced and Howsam was transferred to Ottawa to plan for the postwar air force. (45:00) Howsam_G_0194_04.mp3 Experiences with the "political factor" in Ottawa. Retired, effective Apr. 30, 1946. Explains some problems with the R.A.F. component of the air training plan. In 1942 particularly there were man management problems of a fairly serious nature. Feels that R.C.A.F. headquarters suffered from some political interference. (45:00) Returns to comments on the Canadian Air Force at the end of the Great War., An interview/narrative of George Roberts Howsam's experiences during 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 May 14, 21, 28 and June 2, 1980., Interviewer: Thackray, William S., and Rank: Air Vice-Marshal. Medals and Honours: Companion of the Bath (CB); Military Cross (MC)
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-14/1980-06-02
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:: England and Alberta--Calgary
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.05011, -114.08529
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 120 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:: HGR_194
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:: 2010-06-24
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.

104. Bradbrooke, Gerard Renvoize: my Army recollections (May 22, and 29, 1980)

Title:: Bradbrooke, Gerard Renvoize: my Army recollections (May 22, and 29, 1980)
Description:: Interviewee: Bradbrooke, Gerard Renvoize, 1896-1980, ABSTRACT: Brig. Gerard Renvoize Bradbrooke, M.C. Canadian Machine Gun Corps Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Bradbrooke_G_0020_01.mp3 Born on Nov. 1, 1896 in England (d. 1980). Emigrated to Canada at the age of fifteen. In 1914 he joined the 18th Canadian Mounted Rifles (C.M.R.) as a trumpeter, then transferred to the 32nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) as a bugler. Discusses training, uniforms, rough barrack conditions in Winnipeg. Overseas to Shorncliffe, England in 1915. After considerable effort and a small bribe he was included in a draft to France as a machine gunner in the 28th Battalion, C.E.F. No battle training: never fired a Lee-Enfield rifle before entering the trenches. Personal experiences on the Somme (1916). Carried so much equipment that running was impossible. Occupation of a German trench. Winter terrain very bad. Troops exhausted by the time they reached the front line. Constantly wet, much sickness. Morale high despite conditions. Bradbrooke_G_0020_02.mp3 Transferred to the 1st C.M.R. Provides details of first trench raid in daylight. Bombed German dugouts causing high casualties. Prepared for Vimy Ridge attack. Volunteered for the Canadian Machine Gun Corps. Commissioned. Describes use of machine guns; defensive fire, barrages, harassing fire, ammunition expenditure heavy. Later, at Passchendaele, 350,000 rounds fired by his command of eight guns in twenty-four hours. Over half the men in his battery were ammunition carriers and belt fillers. Wounded. Hospital in England. Sent to 3rd Canadian Division Machine Gun Battalion in 1918. Recounts exhilaration at "going over the top". Bradbrooke_G_0020_03.mp3 Near Cambrai in Sept. 1918 he was wounded again. Treated by German doctors at a captured German dressing station. Describes machine-gun limbers: basically two boxes on wheels, joined together and pulled by four horses. Two machine guns in the first, five thousand rounds of ammunition, gun stores, etc., in the second. Four "fighting limbers" to a battery. Armistice signed when in hospital in England. Military Cross awarded for Passchendaele. Returned to Canada, directly to Vancouver, aboard the Empress of Asia. Employed in discharging returned soldiers (including himself in Regina). Later went to Kingston where he rejoined the new Canadian Machine Gun Brigade which was disbanded shortly thereafter. Joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry about 1922 as a lieutenant. Transferred to Lord Strathcona's Horse (L.S.H.). Discusses use and disuse of cavalry. Mess life carried on in a most civilized manner. Proud of their mess. As a brevet-captain was sent to the staff college at Quetta, India for two years. As a single officer he had seven servants, including two personal, two grooms, and a "bungy" who was an untouchable, for all the menial jobs (including feeding the dog!) and a shared gardener. The system for about fifty dollars per month gave employment to many, for without this system some would have starved. The staff college taught students how to instruct and to handle situations of all types. Was seconded as a staff officer for the official visit of Sir Arthur and Lady Currie to India. Describes the pomp and display of wealth of various maharajahs at official functions. Inspiring parades mounted by Indian cavalry. Bradbrooke_G_0020_04.mp3 Returned to Canada in 1931 to London, Ont. Acting major and general staff officer. As a general staff officer, grade two, he was in charge of training of regular and militia units in his district. Worked for George Pearkes at National Defence Headquarters, which he found frustrating. Returned to the L.S.H. in Calgary after two years. Attached to the 4th Hussars in England for a short time. They had just been mechanized, and he came to believe that the day of the horse was over. Short discussion of new Canadian Leopard tanks. In 1939 commanded a mounted escort for the King. Bradbrooke_G_0020_05.mp3 At the beginning of the war was an instructor at Royal Military College. Appointed commanding officer of the Calgary Tank Regiment which he recruited to strength as part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade. Discusses tank training overseas on Salisbury Plain. Appointed Canadian Military Observer in Egypt. (45:00) Promoted to brigadier. North African experiences. Bradbrooke_G_0020_06.mp3 Returned to Canada. Organized 2nd Canadian Army Tank Brigade at Camp Borden. Posted to the 5th Armoured Brigade overseas (5th Canadian Armoured Division). Italy, but did not see action there as deemed to be over-age. Later was Canadian liaison officer at Naples. Ill health finally forced him home to Canada. Retired in the fall of 1945. Lastly, he offers a few thoughts on World War II service and his disappointment at not being in action., An interview/narrative of Gerard Renvoize Bradbrooke's experiences during World War I. Brigadier Bradbrooke, M.C. served with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Interview took place on May 22 and 29, 1980., Rank: Brigadier. Medals and Honours: Military Cross (MC), and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Drill and tactics, Lee-Enfield rifle, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--North Africa, War wounds, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Expeditionary Force--Barracks and quarters--Manitoba--Winnipeg, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life--India, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Ammunition, Pearkes, George R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Borden, Ont.), Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Canada--Canadian Army--Organization, Canada--Canadian Army--Cavalry, Canada--Canadian Army--Messes, Ypres, 3rd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1917, Bradbrooke, Gerard Renvoize, 1896-1980--Interviews, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Machine Gun Corps, Trench warfare, Royal Military College of Canada, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, World War, 1914-1918--Medical care, Tanks (Military science), Passchendaele, Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1917, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Expeditionary Force--Barracks and quarters--England--Shorncliff, Cambrai, Battle of, Cambrai, France, 1918, Ypres, 1st Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1914, Ypres, 2nd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1915, World War, 1914-1918--Hospitals, Visits of state--India, Machine guns, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Armoured Division, 5th, Canada--Canadian Army--Military observers--Egypt, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Armoured Regiment, 14th (Calgary Regiment), Canada--Canadian Army--Field service, Winter warfare, Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 32nd, Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 28th, Somme, 1st Battle of the, France, 1916, Leopard (Tank), Great Britain--Army--Salisbury Plain Training Area, Command and Staff College (Quetta, Pakistan), Camp Borden (Ont.), and Canada--Canadian Army--Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Canadian Army, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Bradbrooke, Gerard Renvoize, 1896-1980
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-22/1980-05-29
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:: Canada and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 150 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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: BGR_020
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:: 2007-07-26
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. ; WWI 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.

105. Stirling, Michael Grote: my Navy recollections (May 22 - July 3, 1980)

Title:: Stirling, Michael Grote: my Navy recollections (May 22 - July 3, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Michael Grote Stirling's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Stirling served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 26 and July 3, 1980., Interviewee: Stirling, Michael Grote, b. 1915, Rank: Rear-Admiral. , Interviewer: Thackray, William S., and ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Michael Grote Stirling Royal Canadian Navy Stirling_M_0189_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on June 29, 1915, Stirling joined the R.C.N. in 1933 by direct entry from Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver Island. Joined H.M.S. Frobisher (training cruiser) in England. Explains routine. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Baltic Seas. Final examinations established seniority in rank. Process of selecting naval specialty. Joined H.M.S. Sussex (cruiser) as a midshipman. Describes uniform and duties which sometimes required careful and discreet handling. (45:00) Gunroom life aboard Sussex. Details and extreme care of ship when they transported the Duke of Gloucester to Australia. Stirling_M_0189_02.mp3 Remained in Australia for a year. As a descendent of the first governor of western Australia, Midshipman Stirling took part in centennial celebrations. New Zealand. Civil Administration of South Pacific Islands. Suez Canal Zone; ship uncomfortably hot. Ethiopian War in progress. Haifa, Palestine where he served ashore in an armoured train. Participated in the neutrality patrol off the Spanish coast during the Civil War. Feels that the Canadian government would not have approved had they known. (40:00) Stirling_M_0189_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Anecdote, contraband runners. Describes sub-lieutenant's courses at Greenwich, including busy social life. Joined his first Canadian ship, H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer), then visiting Acapulco, Mex., under the command of Capt. V.G. Brodeur. Became navigating officer and, for a time, gunnery officer. Comments on the small prewar Navy and the friends he made from all ranks. Gives an account of the Royal Visit of 1939, training, drill, receiving new colours, Stirling_M_0189_04.mp3 marching from Beacon Hill Park to H.M.C.S. Naden where the colour was trooped for the first time. Ordered to Halifax just before the war. Appointed to H.M.C.S. St. Laurent (destroyer); first wartime convoy from Halifax. Became first lieutenant (1940) in H.M.C.S. Assiniboine (destroyer). Posted to the long signals course at Portsmouth, Eng., then in H.M.S. Victory where the original Victory was still flagship. Heavy courses in visual and wireless communications. In Aug. 1941 moved to a large country house which became H.M.S. Mercury (training school). (48:00) Stirling_M_0189_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Appointed to the destroyer, H.M.S. Onslow of the Home Fleet. Terrible weather north of Scapa Flow, Iceland, etc. Participated in one convoy to Murmansk. Commando raid to Vargso and Maloy in Norway. Posted to Naval Headquarters, Ottawa in 1942. Signals staff officer in Halifax in 1943. Problems of teaching old signal hands new tricks! To Londonderry (1945) to command H.M.C.S. St. Laurent. Almost immediately into refit. Stirling_M_0189_06.mp3 Appointed to command H.M.C.S. Crusader, then building on the Clyde. Critical of Canadian government for asking the Canadian forces to volunteer for the war against Japan. Quite unnecessary political interference, in his opinion. Crusader payed off. First lieutenant of H.M.C.S. Naden and then of H.M.C.S. Stadacona (shore bases). Captain of H.M.C.S. Nootka II for a few months. Problems with the gearing of the new Tribal class destroyers then building. Appointed communications officer with the Canadian/U.S. Joint Staff in Washington. Promoted to commander in Jan. 1949, Director of Naval Communications in Ottawa. (48:00) Stirling_M_0189_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Duties and experiences. Executive officer in H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser). Visits by royal personages. Discipline and powers of punishment. Day-to-day administation of the ship required constant inspection of most compartments of the ship. (45:00) Stirling_M_0189_08.mp3 Heavy use as a training ship. Cruised around South America. First visit of a Canadian naval vessel to Buenos Aires. President Peron visits. Crew exhausted by the necessity of keeping ship immaculate and the constant round of social functions. Promoted to SACLANT (Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic) at Norfolk, Va. Stirling_M_0189_09.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Relations with N.A.T.O. countries. After two years, in command of H.M.C.S. Cornwallis (new-entry training base), then to the west coast in command of the 2nd Canadian Escort Squadron, in the destroyer H.M.C.S. Crescent. Cruise to the Far East with five destroyers. Long cruises essential for effective training purposes. (45:00) Stirling_M_0189_10.mp3 Naval member of directing Staff at National Defence College, Kingston. Valuable input from the civil service. Tours to Europe. Promoted to commodore, in H.M.C.S. Bonaventure (light fleet carrier). Comments on aircraft and anti-submarine exercises. Chief of Naval Personnel as a rear admiral. Details of cost of Bonaventure refit. Greatly concerned with retaining trained men in the navy; wives were always a problem, particularly if spouses married when rather young. (50:00) Stirling_M_0189_11.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Personnel was a very taxing business, often due to the lack of qualified people. The Promotion Board was a difficult task. Navy could not believe the fact of integration. Prime Minister did not interfere with Paul Hellyer's approach. Appointed Maritime Commander, Pacific. Hellyer probably achieved his ends by confusing his opposition and, for the navy in particular, by its lack of an effective political power base. Stirling_M_0189_12.mp3 Describes his resignation over the unification issue. Worked for the University of Victoria Foundation. Asked by W.A.C. Bennett to be Agent-General for British Columbia in London, Eng. Describes work and conditions of appointment. Good relations with Premier David Barrett. Held appointment for more than six years. Retired at own request upon reaching sixty years of age. (47:00)
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Naval history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Stirling, Michael Grote, b. 1915
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-22/1980-07-03
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:: 12 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 540 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 6 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:: reminiscences, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: SMG_189
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:: 2010-05-04
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.

106. Reid, Albert W.: my Army recollections (May 23, 1980)

Title:: Reid, Albert W.: my Army recollections (May 23, 1980)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Lieut. (Hon. Col. [U.S.]) Albert W Reid Canadian Intelligence Corps Psychological Warfare Branch, American Military Government Reid_A_0120_01.mp3 Reid was a newspaper reporter in 1916 when he enlisted in the 228th Battalion, C.E.F. Trained at Camp Borden where he was appointed orderly room sergeant for his unit. Shortly after arriving overseas the battalion was converted to the 6th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops as most were experienced in mining and the operation of light railways. To France. Posted to the 4th British Army intelligence section. Sent to Italy as the British required Italian-speaking personnel. In Padua and Rome he was involved in security work. Recalled and commissioned as a lieutenant in the Canadian Intelligence Corps. He was officer in charge of "Intelligence B", counter-espionage, and as such was free to travel anywhere throughout the war zone. Part of his work involved an awareness of those who, if taken prisoner by the enemy, would be in a position to give information. Injured in a motorcycle accident. Hospital and convalescence in England, Oct. 1918. After discharge in Canada he returned to newspaper work. In 1941 joined National Defence Headquarters in communications, but was not successful in rejoining the military intelligence organization. Joined External Affairs where he was employed in psychological warfare against the Italians. Took two Italian civilians to Italy where he was attached to the American military government organization. (45:00) Reid_A_0120_02.mp3 Operated an Italian newspaper in Rome and had considerable contact with Italian politicians in 1944. The Allies were able to regulate all newpaper publishing by the simple expedient of controlling the newsprint supply. Went to Rimini for stories on the Canadian army and later published accounts of the Italian units fighting with the Allies. At the end of the war he was made press director for the U.S. army in Austria. Offers an account of newspaper publishing in Vienna which was under joint occupation. Relations with the Russians were very good on a personal level, but officially they were very difficult. Several examples of this. (30:)0) The profits of the newspaper were difficult to dispose of when he discovered that the only place they could be kept in an Austrian bank was in his own personal account! Anecdotes of Austria. Returned to Canada via the United States. (47:00) (Note: In the Second World War Reid was a civilian with the American Military Government with the honourary rank or equivalency of a colonel in the U.S. army.), Rank: Lieutenant. , An interview/narrative of Albert W. Reid's experiences during World War I and II. Lieutenant Reid served with the Canadian Intelligence Corps and the Psychological Warfare Branch (American Military Government). Interview took place on May 23, 1980., Interviewee: Reid, Albert W., b. 1893, and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Great Britain. Army, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: Reid, Albert W., b. 1893 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-23
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:: France and England
Coordinates:: 46, 2 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:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: RAW_120
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:: 2006-08-17
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 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 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

107. Ross, Norman H.: my Army recollections (May 27 - July 4, 1980)

Title:: Ross, Norman H.: my Army recollections (May 27 - July 4, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Norman H. Ross's experiences during World War II. Major-General Ross served with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Interview took place on May 27, June 16 and July 4, 1980., Rank: Major-General. , Interviewer: Thackray, William S., ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Norman H. Ross The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Ross_N_0186_01.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Administrative job in Ottawa. Washington, D.C. for four years as general staff officer, grade I. Liaison officer to Pentagon during the Korean War. Training area for 25 Canadian Infantry Brigade. Excellent co-operation by the Americans; much equipment required. Americans puzzled by Canadian insistence on paying for the brigade on a per man per day basis, and on time every month as well! Promoted to colonel and director of manning. Difficult time maintaining the strength of the army. Started psychological testing at this time. Standards of recruiting were raised. Introduced more effective leave schedule for the armed forces; morale booster. Three years as military attache in Tokyo. Hard work maintaining Canadian independence working closely with Americans and British. (45:00) Ross_N_0186_02.mp3 Became chief of staff, Western Command. Explains command structure. Unification changed the command system for the worse. Promoted to brigadier, area commander, New Brunswick. National survival. Camp Gagetown problems, usually due to lack of proper funding. Imperial Defence College. Deputy chief of general staff. Concerned with equipment and the operational control of the army. The air force system of command not good for the army, but originally supported unification because believed that savings could be realized. Feels that, on the whole, until 1970 the army supported the concept. At that time they did not realize that there would be a serious deterioration of the effectiveness of the land forces. The air force had the organizational inside track. Disdain for the Minister of National Defence. Blames the air force for successfully exerting influence in the loss of area command in the Army and for the failure to improve the logistic system (45:00). Basically the air force method does not work well except for their command and operational structure which, Ross points out, is very good indeed. Ross_N_0186_03.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) The army did not come out well -- see the McKinnon Report during the short-lived Clark Conservative government. Partly the fault of senior army officers who lacked a cohesive policy. Worries that the army cannot field an operational force without depriving the static staff in camps and other facilities. A loss in operational efficiency, perhaps of major proportions, is in effect. In 1968 commanded the intelligence and security branch where he was quite independent. This service has done well under unification. (33:00), and Interviewee: Ross, Norman H., b. 1915
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, Armed Forces--Officers, Korean War (1950-1953), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Ross, Norman H., b. 1915 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-27/1980-07-04
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Korea (North) and Korea (South)
Coordinates:: 36.5, 127.75 and 40, 127
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 261 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:: sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: RNH_186
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:: 2010-01-19
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.

108. Cockburn, Lestock Peter: my Army recollections (May 30, and June 6, 1980)

Title:: Cockburn, Lestock Peter: my Army recollections (May 30, and June 6, 1980)
Description:: Rank: Warrant Officer. , ABSTRACT: Warrant Officer (W.O. I) Lestock Peter Cockburn Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Royal Canadian Artillery Cockburn_L_0033_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Aug. 22, 1917 in Victoria, B.C. Joined the Army as a boy soldier, age seventeen, on Apr. 1, 1935 (pay was sixty cents per day). As the only boy soldier at Work Point Barracks he spent the first few months as a messman in the kitchen, eventually taking basic training in a recruit class of half a dozen. In 1937 he was sent to Macaulay Point for care and maintenance duties with two others, under the command of a bombardier. Their charges included two old six-inch guns (ex H.M.C.S. Rainbow), two twelve-pounders and a thirteen-pounder anti-aircraft gun. Designated a "district gunner", one who looked after the guns, the emplacements, grounds, etc. Volunteered for the same job at Yorke Island in Johnstone Strait where he, another gunner, and one signaller looked after the two 4.7 in. guns there. A pleasant life with little work and much time for hunting and fishing. In Feb. 1940 returned to Victoria where he remained until early in 1942 when he volunteered to fill a vacancy as a bombardier with 1st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 R.C.H.A.) in England. Left Halifax in the S.S. Nerissa which, travelling alone, was torpedoed south of Iceland one night. He and thirteen others were picked up after about twelve hours in a flooded lifeboat. A total of only thirty one survived the sinking. Spent two weeks in hospital in Londonderry before he finally joined 1 R.C.H.A. at Bromley. They were billeted in suburban houses with their eighteen/twenty-five pounders stored in the garage behind. Slept on the floor with four blankets and a pillow until they were able to loot some bombed houses for mattresses. Heavy training schedule. (30:00) Moved to Scotland, new equipment, then embarked for Sicily where they landed as part of a reinforcement group. First in action at Leonforte. A short campaign full of movement. (46:00) Cockburn_L_0033_02.mp3 Among the first ashore in Italy. Serious fighting at Ortona. Considerable German shelling: preferred medium artillery shellfire for they could hear the shells approaching, but not the 88-mm. shells which left them feeling very exposed. Monte Cassino, heavily engaged. (10:00) Hitler Line. Promoted to sergeant. First attack of malaria, followed by jaundice which resulted in hospital stay in Rome. Additional illnesses caused him to be repatriated to England where he remained hospitalized until after V-E Day. Returned to the coast artillery in Victoria, but soon obtained a transfer to 1 R.C.H.A. at Petawawa. (25:00) Regiment moved to Camp Shilo where the married troops were given apartments with communal washing facilities in old "H" huts. Winter training at Churchill, Man. (30:00) Early survival equipment. Discusses rations. (40:00) Cockburn_L_0033_03.mp3 (Side 2) Returned to Shilo where, as a sergeant, he was largely concerned with basic gunnery training. On a gunnery course was promoted, halfway through to warrant officer, class II and posted to 2 R.C.H.A. Moved to Fort Lewis, Wash. in training for Korea. Discusses Fort Lewis interlude. (10:00) In Korea, artillery operations, mostly in support of the infantry, were relatively quiet compared to Italy. Snipers were the chief danger. (20:00) Comments on general conditions. American rations were tiresome. Returned to Canada on course. Posted to the School of Artillery as an assistant instructor in gunnery. On exchange to an American guided missile battalion in El Paso, Tex. for one year. Assisted in training some British Army troops on the Corporal missile and was invited to join them in England. As a result he was later posted to a missile regiment in the United Kingdom for two years, extended to three. (38:00) In July 1960 returned to Canada. Posted to Picton, Ont. as battery sergeant-major of 2nd Missile Battery. Promoted to warrant officer, class I in the Survey Section of the School of Artillery at Shilo. Achieved his ambition and was appointed Sergeant-Major Instructor in Gunnery (the highest non commissioned instructor rank) of the school. Retired in 1967. Worked at Fort Rodd Hill in the administration wing for fifteen years. (45:00) Cockburn_L_0033_04.mp3 Comments on the position of sergeant-major instructor in gunnery: great power, inside man to the Colonel. Direct access at any time to the Chief Instructor. Authority even in regard to officers in training. Responsible for conduct and instruction capabilities of all the other ranks at the school. Offered a captaincy, but, as it meant an Ottawa posting, he refused. (8:00), Interviewee: Cockburn, Lestock Peter, b. 1917, An interview/narrative of Lestock Peter Cockburn's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Warrant Officer Cockburn served with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on May 30 and June 6, 1980., and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Italy--Sicily, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 2nd, Cassino, Battle of, Cassino, Italy, 1944, Yorke Island, British Columbia (Coastal fort), Ortona, Battle of, Ortona, Italy, 1943, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Shilo, Man.), Malaria, Fort Lewis (Wash.), Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Esquimalt, B.C.)--Work Point Barracks, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 1st, Child soldiers, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, Soldiers--Billeting, Camp Shilo (Man.), Canada--Canadian Army--Surface-to-Surface Missile Battery, 2nd, Macaulay Point Battery (British Columbia), Korean War, 1950-1953--Artillery operations, Canadian, Cockburn, Lestock Peter, 1917-2004--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Camp Petawawa (Ont.), Gunnery--Study and teaching, Operational rations (Military supplies), Transports--Great Britain, Korean War, 1950-1953--Campaigns, Artillery, Coast, Hitler Line (Italy), Guided missiles--United States, Corporal (Missile), Winter warfare, Leonforte, Battle of, Sicily, 1943, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Picton,Ont.), Nerissa (Steamship), World War, 1939-1945--Medical care, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Ordnance, Coast, and Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Subject:: Soldiers, Military history, Canada. Canadian Army, World War (1939-1945), and Korean War (1950-1953)
Contributor:: Cockburn, Lestock Peter, b. 1917 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-05-30/1980-06-06
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:: United States, Korea (North), Canada, Korea (South), and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531, 36.5, 127.75, 60.10867, -113.64258, 39.76, -98.5, and 40, 127
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:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: CLP_033
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:: 2007-05-23
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.

109. Charles, John A.: my Navy recollections (June 2 - September 4, 1980)

Title:: Charles, John A.: my Navy recollections (June 2 - September 4, 1980)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral John A. Charles, C.M.M. Royal Canadian Navy (Reel 1, Side 1) Born in 1919 in Saskatchewan. First applied to the Royal Military College of Canada (R.M.C.) in 1934, but was deemed to be too young. Completed a year at Notre Dame University (Sask.) and was enrolled at R.M.C. in 1935. Discusses the drastic change of routine required of recruits at R.M.C. Elected to take summer training (ashore) with the Navy at Halifax. Toward the end of the second year at R.M.C. he made the decision to make the Royal Canadian Navy his career. As one of three military college cadets in a group of ten was sent to England for training. Uniformed at Gieves, the naval tailors, and reported to H.M.S. Erebus (monitor) at Portsmouth. Instructed in naval drill, customs, seamanship, and after three months joined the training cruiser, H.M.S. Vindictive in which the cadets acted as crew. Three cruises per year: winter, West Indies; summer, the Baltic; fall, the Mediterranean. Much boat work and a certain amount of pleasant social life. Promoted to midshipman and appointed to H.M.S. Royal Sovereign (battleship) where he was given command of a picket boat and acted as captain of a fifteen-inch gun turret. After a few months joined H.M.S. Berwick (cruiser). "Showed the flag" in the West Indies; World's Fair, 1939 in New York, then the Maritime Provinces. Considerable practice for war that they felt was coming and at Bar Harbor, Maine on Sept. 1, 1939 were officially ordered to prepare for war. Attempted to intercept the German liner, Bremen off New York and conducted searches for other enemy ships. On patrol near Iceland intercepted two German ships, captured crews, ships sunk. H.M.S. Berwick was cold and uncomfortable since she had been built for tropical service. In 1940 the ship participated in the Norwegian campaign. Air attack showed the inadequacies of their anti-aircraft protection, partially due to insufficient ammunition capacity. At the time felt that British efforts in Norway were not very effective. Promoted to acting sub-lieutenant, courses at Portsmouth. (48:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) Gunnery, navigation and signals taught to a class of sixty. Particular emphasis on anti-aircraft gunnery control. Still required to dress for dinner in the wardroom. As part of the anti invasion preparations was sent with a party of fifty men to mount old six-inch naval guns at several waterfront locations in southern England. Poured concrete, requisitioned civilian houses. Prepared twenty two gun sites. Participated at 4:00 A.M. in the disarming of French naval vessels in British ports. Most French seamen elected to return to France. Completed the course in Sept. 1940 and returned to Canada. (45:00) Appointed to H.M.C.S. Restigouche (destroyer). Describes officers, watchkeeping, communications department. Convoy duty. Explains codes and ciphers and how used. Clyde escort force, Jan. 1941. Lieutenant, March 1941. Operations south of Iceland. Met H.M.S. Prince of Wales (battleship). Carried an American film crew to the meeting of Churchill and Roosevelt at Placentia Bay, Nfld. Appointed first lieutenant at the signal school at Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. (50:00) (Reel 2, Side 1) Relations with the civilian population at Saint-Hyacinthe. Long signals course in England at H.M.S. Mercury, the Royal Navy (R.N.) signal school. Upon completion was appointed to H.M.S. Laforey (destroyer) in the Mediterranean, operating from Bone, Algeria. (45:00) They were required to interrupt German seaborne supplies to North Africa. Sank German E-boat. Often under air attack. Shortage of spare parts resulted in much scavenging of damaged ships. First engagement in Jan. 1943. Partially as protection against air attack, many operations carried out in early morning darkness, usually from 2:00 A.M. Discusses Canadians serving in that theatre. Canadian corvettes did so for a time, but lacked adequate anti-aircraft protection. Air Force had considerable problem in supplying sufficient air cover. For easier recognition by friendly aircraft the upper surface of the ship was eventually painted with red lead. Experiences off Tunis. Capture of Pantelleria. Preparations for the invasion of Sicily, 1943. Landing craft, approaches, artillery support of the landing. Invasion of Italy, sinking of an Italian submarine, Salerno where the ship was hit by enemy artillery. First encounter with German wireless controlled glider bombs. Repairs at Malta. Bombed, again returned to Malta. Anecdotes, Christmas, 1943. Sardinia, Corsica. Supported Anzio landing which went well despite several ships being sunk. Remarks on the crew of the Laforey. Sent back to Canada and en route learned that the Laforey had been sunk with heavy loss of life. Appointed to the signal school at Saint-Hyacinthe as an instructor. (48:00) (Reel 3, Side 1) In Apr. 1944 was second-in-command of the wireless section of the school. Describes the various branches of the school: wireless, visual, radar, merchant navy signals, technical training. Appointed to command the wireless section. Began to have problems with the French-speaking population, but through co-operation with the civilian authorities an ugly situation was averted. Attended the United States Navy signal school at Annapolis. Began to introduce American signal procedures to Canadians in preparation for the war in the Pacific. Objected to the requirement that Canadian servicemen had to volunteer specifically for the Pacific theatre. Married in March 1945. At the end of the war was promoted to lieutenant-commander and appointed signal officer to the flag officer, Pacific Coast. By the summer of 1946 there were few ships in commission. Anecdotes of Rear-Admiral Victor Brodeur whom he admired. Common Canadian/British/American signal doctrine began to emerge. Posted to Ottawa, then to the operational research branch of the U.S. Navy. In Jan. 1947 appointed to the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. where standardization of equipment and methods were under study. Appointed to command H.M.C.S. Crescent (destroyer), excellent crew, cruise to the Caribbean for exercises. (45:00) Uncrowded Hawaii in 1948. For the first time Canadians placed a wreath at the monument to Capt. Cook. Posted to Ottawa, then the R.N. staff course at Greenwich (1949). Living conditions for civilians not very attractive. Signal Division at the Admiralty, promoted to commander, then to the Joint Services Staff College. Appointed staff officer to R.-Adm. E.R.(Rollo) Mainguy aboard H.M.C.S. Magnificent (light fleet carrier). Cruise to Europe, a long social event. Commands communication school. Director of Naval Communications in Ottawa, 1952-1953, an interesting period. New ships and equipment. Admired Brooke Claxton, the Minister. First exposure to the political process. (45:00) (Reel 3, Side 2) Appointed to command H.M.C.S. Haida (destroyer) and to sail for Korea as senior officer, destroyers (1953). Carried a number of specialist officers and extra crew. Ship was beginning to show her age and carried a mixture of British, Canadian, and American equipment which was later to cause problems. Worked-up ship with heavy emphasis on gunnery and communications. Voyage from Halifax, Christmas in Mexico, training at Pearl Harbor. Took southerly course across the Pacific due to the need to refuel frequently. Korean armistice in effect, but required to undertake seventeen-day patrols off the Korean coast. Difficulty in deciding the loyalties of the Korean coastal traffic. Based in Sasebo, Japan the Canadian ships had to be maintained in operational readiness. In a surprisingly simple, effective, and economical system the government directly provided ships' captains with money to pay for repairs and necessities. Very inexpensive refits were available at the efficient Japanese shipyards. High morale in the ship's company. Japanese conditions and culture. Hong Kong, 1954. Cleaned and painted ship with a Hong Kong female "junk" crew who insisted that they take the destroyer's garbage in payment! Canada Day in Tokyo. When relieved, the ship carried on around the world to Halifax, but Charles flew home to take command of Royal Roads Military College (R.R.M.C.). Far East comments, including carrying, under contract, of five Chinese laundrymen who were very useful and convenient. (45:00) (Reel 4, Side 1) Appointed to Royal Roads for three years. Impressions, staff, civilian academics (among whom he felt that bickering was surprisingly commonplace!) Responsible to the Personnel Directorate in Ottawa. Royal Roads cadets entered with a nominal senior matriculation, but in reality with a large mix of qualifications -- and from all walks of social life. Of new cadets about eighty percent had not made up their minds about a career, about five percent attended exclusively for a degree, and fifteen percent had decided to join one of the services. Some cadets left for medical reasons, some were homesick, and others lacked officer-like qualities or suitable academic results. Found it very difficult to let go a cadet who wanted to stay. Sports activities applied to all. Modest military instruction with the exception of parade ground drill. Military training took place for two months in the summer. Commandant's parade on Sunday followed by compulsory church parade. As Commandant, invited six or eight cadets to dinner every week with an equal number of young ladies from Victoria. Entertained the staff. Many social engagements in Victoria. This left few free nights for Capt. and Mrs. Charles. Some details of the military college system and advisory board. Naval reserve cadets attended the college in the summer. At that time the services experienced a problem in retaining sufficient officers and consideration had to be given to lowering academic requirements. Spent considerable time on public relations. Red tunics reintroduced in 1956, regulations somewhat relaxed. Some effort was made to introduce cadets into the social graces. The demise of the calling card. Appointed Director of Plans and Naval Operations. Returning to Royal Roads, he offers the opinion that civilian acceptance of cadets somewhat less as a tri-service college than it had been as a naval college. (47:00) (Reel 4, Side 2) In Ottawa, Aug. 1957, concerned with long-range planning as well as day-to-day operations, preparation of naval estimates. These were often very difficult: obvious when too much was being spent on services and administration rather than hardware. Ship requirements were set at two new ones per year which was deemed necessary for Canada's NATO commitment. The Department of External Affairs had a real influence on these deliberations. Naval air and the Air Force required close co operation, with the result that airmen became deputy commanders on both coasts. Had considerable difficulty manning our forty-two-ship fleet. Became necessary to replace the frigates and thus began the planning for the new general purpose frigates designed to carry missiles. A change in the office of Chief of Naval Staff held up the program and a change in government caused cancellation. Bought British O class submarines. Comments on the beginning of the Canadian Coast Guard. (45:00) This Department of Transport branch had been a patronage organization and required some changes. Under early integration the medical and chaplain services were brought under a single directorate. Refers to Pearkes, Harkness, and Lambert as ministers of national defence. Further introduction to politics. Comments on V.-Adm. Raynor as Chief of Naval Staff. Appointed to command Second Escort Squadron of seven ships and also Captain of H.M.C.S. Assiniboine II (destroyer escort). For the first time directed a ship from an operations room. Joined the Americans in a hunter/killer group consisting of an aircraft carrier and eight destroyers. Carried Lt.-Gov. G.R. Pearkes on a tour of remote Indian villages, some quite impressive. (45:00) (Reel 5, Side 1) Commodore, Naden Barracks. Personnel, administration, discipline and training of the Esquimalt Port Division (about 5800 men). Attrition was a problem and reengagements low in number. Extended seatime caused personal difficulties, especially in the engineer trades. Value of sail training. Maritime Museum moved to Bastion Square, Victoria, Attended the National Defence College (N.D.C.); integration and unification a great puzzle to many students. Trip to Africa very educational, then on to Europe. Feels that the N.D.C. is a valuable institution offering complete freedom of opinion to both staff and students. Posted to Ottawa as Assistant Chief of Air and Naval Warfare. After about one month in this new position integration was proclaimed in naval headquarters and thus became Director-General of Force Development where, with the staff, planned for the integrated forces and for new equipment. Refits of ships, new helicopters, aircraft, and tanks were presented to the Minister and to the parliamentary defence committee. Certain officers ordered to take early retirement. Much secrecy about unification. NATO analysis group examined Canada's contribution. NORAD commitment bothered the Air Force: Bomarc and fighter aircraft (CF-5), the latter as a tactical ground support aircraft did not fulfill any already in-place Air Force roles.(45:00) (Reel 5, Side 2) Difficult to obtain approval for long-term programs. The government thought in terms of a year or two. A problem in obtaining equipment for all roles: NATO, NORAD, and peacekeeping. Discusses unification, parliamentary defence committee. When a gloomy picture was to be presented by Rear-Admiral W.M.Landymore he was ordered by the Minister to present a more attractive picture of the state of the Navy. Political and public support for the armed forces was not great, thus senior officers could be removed fairly easily. Rear-Admiral J.C. O'Brien was offered the Atlantic Command and Charles, the Pacific. Remembers that there were fears that the Navy might disappear and the influence of Navy supporters was small. Believes that the Minister, Paul Hellyer sincerely felt that the support services required reorganization. Opposition to his ideas may have hardened the Minister's stance to a point of no return. Economies could have been achieved solely with integration. Explains the position of the Commander, British Columbia area. Training relied heavily on American co-operation. In 1967, Expo year, very many V.I.P. visitors. Had to hire Cadillacs from funeral homes to provide adequate transportation. First visit to Canada by a Japanese training squadron. Green uniforms brought out in 1968 on a trial basis: they were not very practical as they were hot to wear and wrinkled badly. The year 1969 was a bad one: Bonaventure scandal, reduction of forces personnel, constant economies. (45:00) (Reel 6, Side 1) Cancelled the naval rum ration, bars established for petty officers and beer ration provided for the men. Heavy social schedule: dinner parties twice a week, all officers and wives were entertained. Did not receive an entertainment allowance except for foreign visitors. Appointed Deputy Chief of Plans in Ottawa which required a certain liaison with the Department of External Affairs. Law of the Sea Conference. Armed forces brought into fisheries and maritime surveillance which required extra funding. Reduction of NATO commitment probably politically acceptable, but militarily, not so. Much discussion with NATO partners regarding standardization. Nuclear weapons always contentious; Canadian defence policy quite adequate, but financially always short of requirements. The Treasury Board felt that the defence of Canada was the first priority and, as a result, there was theoretically insufficient funding for peacekeeping. Difficult to understand the defence role, blown by the winds of political change, day-to-day.. The "FLQ" (Front de Liberation du Quebec) crisis showed the value of the armed forces. The Canadian hydrofoil Bras d'Or. The concept of numbers of small ships was a good one, but the weapons and detection system that would fit into a small ship posed a major problem. Final product was excellent, but helicopters could perform the same task as long as a platform was provided for them. Politics again dictated increased responsibilities for the armed forces, but with reduced financing. Travelled to Sweden, Australia, and the United States to examine new equipment. Appointed Chief of Maritime Operations. Francophone proportion of the Canadian armed forces set at twenty-eight percent. This caused problems with promotion of senior officers. Many felt that the merit system was being set aside for political reasons. Some francophone officers agreed that this was a danger. Despite English being the operational language, the requirement for French language translation grew. Instruction in both languages was a troublesome fact. Mentions Vietnam truce observers. Retired Sept. 1973. (40:00), Interviewer: Thackray, William S., An interview/narrative of John A Charles's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Rear-Admiral Charles, C.M.M. served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 2, 19, 26, July 3, 17, August 7, 14, 21, 27 and September 4, 1980., Interviewee: Charles, John A., b. 1919, and Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Commander of the Order of Military Merit; Mentioned in Despatches
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Armed Forces--Officers, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Charles, John A., b. 1919
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-02/1980-09-04
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:: 22 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Six original sound tape reels (ca. 960 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 11 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:: CJA_206
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:: 2010-08-24
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.

110. Goode, Clarence Shirley: my Army and Air Force recollections (June 2, 1980 - July 24, 1987)

Title:: Goode, Clarence Shirley: my Army and Air Force recollections (June 2, 1980 - July 24, 1987)
Description:: Interviewee: Goode, Clarence Shirley, 1896-1987, Interviewer: Thackray, William S.; Torrie, Tom, An interview/narrative of Clarence Shirley Goode's experiences during World War I and II. Squadron Leader Goode served with the Royal Engineers, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. Interviews took place on June 2, 1980 and July 9, 16 and 24, 1987., Rank: Squadron Leader. , and ABSTRACT: Squadron Leader Clarence Shirley Goode Royal Engineers Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force Goode_C_0079_01.mp3 (Interview 1) Became interested in wireless communications as a youth. Met Marconi, a famous pioneer. Learned Morse code as a boy and became very proficient. As a young man he was associated with Sir Charles Wright (later of Victoria, B.C.), the communicator with Scott's Antarctic expedition. In the Great War, as a Royal Engineer, worked on the secret "I-TOC" intelligence gathering device which allowed the British to overhear German telephone conversations. Explains the method, using "earth pins" near the German trenches, initially at Ypres. After being transferred to the Royal Flying Corps he had much to do with installing wireless sets in aircraft. All transmissions were in Morse. Worked at Farnborough, England. (ca. 1916). Joined the Allied Expeditionary Force in North Russia (1919) as "chief communications officer". Built and operated radio stations on the Dvina River. (30:00) After the war was employed during the early days of the B.B.C. Asked to rejoin the air force and was employed by the Air Ministry (ca. 1936). (45:00) Regional Controller for the Midlands. Set up a radio network including his own private radio station. In the Second World War he was sent secretly to France. Stationed at Metz he established a radio system of aerial navigation. Comments on the early days in the British Broadcasting Corporation (B.B.C.); many jealousies. (15:00) Goode_C_0079_02.mp3 In England was later in charge of "Z", secret radio work. Commanded a training school for wireless operators. Was appointed to command the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) station at Patricia Bay, B.C. in 1942. (25:00) Further remarks on training. (40:00) Goode_C_0079_03.mp3 (Interview 2, Side 1) Born in 1896 in Leicestershire (died Dec. 22, 1987). Charles Wright was his superior in the Royal Engineers. Early Morse transmissions before 1914. Describes equipment in use in the Ypres salient. (15:00) Use and advantages of Morse code transmissions. Trench warfare. Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. (30:00) Early communications from aircraft. Front line environment, artillery fire, mortars. (45:00) Description of observation balloons. Farnborough, England. Early flying days where loss of engine power was a real danger. (15:00) Goode_C_0079_04.mp3 Early aircraft wireless required a one hundred-foot aerial which was reeled in and out as needed. Was offered a permanent commission in the R.A.F. Experiences with radio communications in North Russia. Returned to Scotland. (50:00) As a result of war service he suffered a possible nervous breakdown (?) and was in hospital for three months. Medical discharge. Returned to radio. Opened the B.B.C. station for western England at Plymouth. Many "firsts" in broadcasting. After two years he resigned and joined a commercial research firm. (26:00) Goode_C_0079_05.mp3 (Side 2) Ca. 1935 he bought the last operating hansom cab operating in Edinburgh, reconditioned it, and drove in the George V Jubilee procession (in London?) Was recalled by the Air Ministry in 1936. Regional controller for W.I.S. (Wireless Intelligence Screen) in the Midlands. During the "phoney war" served in Metz, France. Comments on the B.B.C. in the 1920s and makes additional allegations of discrimination against himself. For the Air Force he invented the TARY system of plotting and communication with aircraft. After the fall of France he became involved with the Ministry of Aircraft Production. Anecdotes of famous people he met in Metz. (45:00) In London he commanded an organization called "Z" which had to do with the use of aerial radar against enemy aircraft. (13:00) (At this point Sqn. Leader Goode recaps most of that which has gone before: ten minutes.) An experience with an Air Force theatrical company seems to imply the reason for his posting (banishment?) to Patricia Bay. (35:00) Enjoyed Canada. Emigrated after the war. Economic struggle. (45:00) Goode_C_0079_06.mp3 The remaining twenty minutes of the interview consist of comments on life in Victoria and are of no military interest.
Keyword:: Great Britain--Royal Air Force, RAF Station (Patricia Bay, (B.C.))--Operational Training Unit, 32, Goode, Clarence Shirley, 1896-1987--Interviews, Radio stations--Great Britain, Polar Bear Expedition (1918-1919), Metz (France), Radar in aeronautics, Balloons, Kite, Airplanes--Radio equipment, British Broadcasting Corporation--History, Great Britain--Army--Military life, Aids to navigation, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Great Britain--Army--Royal Engineers, World War, 1914-1918--Communications, Aids to air navigation, Great Britain--Air Ministry, Military surveillance--Equipment and supplies, Great Britain--Royal Flying Corps, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Military intelligence, Trench warfare, War--Psychological aspects , Morse code, Wireless communication systems, World War, 1914-1918--Medical care, World War, 1914-1918--Balloons, Radiotelephone, Radio stations--Northern Dvina River Region (Russia), and Mobile communication systems
Subject:: Great Britain. Royal Air Force, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S.; Torrie, Tom and Goode, Clarence Shirley, 1896-1987
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-02/1987-07-24
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:: Russia (Federation)--Siberia, France, British Columbia, and England
Coordinates:: 60, 100, 52.16045, -0.70312, 46, 2, and 53.99983, -125.0032
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 330 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 3 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:: sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: GCS_079
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:: 2006-07-11
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 SC 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 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.