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)

111. Bridgman, A. Graham: my Navy recollections (June 3 - August 5, 1980)

Title:: Bridgman, A. Graham: my Navy recollections (June 3 - August 5, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of A. Graham Bridgman's experiences during World War II. Commodore Bridgman served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 3, July 4 and August 5, 1980., ABSTRACT: Commodore A. Graham Bridgman Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Bridgman_A_0025_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Nov. 4, 1917 in Wadena, Sask. While at the University of Saskatchewan he became a member of the 64th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery at Yorkton. Rejected by the Canadian Officers Training Corps on physical grounds, he was able, before graduating in mechanical engineering, to join the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve through H.M.C.S. Unicorn as an acting probationary sub-lieutenant (temporary) and upon finishing his courses went "active" on May 1, 1941. He was a member of the first three-month class at H.M.C.S. Kings at Dalhousie University. Posted for training to H.M.S. Dispatch (cruiser) and qualified for his engine-room watchkeeping ticket. (20:00) Returned to Canada and joined H.M.C.S. Quinte (minesweeper). In hospital as a result of an auto accident, he missed the sailing and subsequent sinking of the Quinte. (William S. Thackray's note: the ship was not lost due to enemy action. H.M.C.S. Quinte ran aground at Cape Breton Nov. 30, 1942 and was beached. Later refloated and repaired). Posted to H.M.C.S. Stadacona as a lieutenant in 1943. Bridgman_A_0025_02.mp3 Appointed an engineer-officer aboard H.M.C.S. Stonetown, then under construction, and remained with her until after V-J Day. After working-up sent to Londonderry for convoy duty. Discusses boiler and reciprocating engine problems. Regrets political decision in 1945 to require volunteers for the Pacific War. Joined the Interim Navy as an acting lieutenant commander. Returned yachts on wartime loan to their previous owners. (20:00) In Feb. 1946 joined the Royal Canadian Navy and later H.M.C.S. Haida (Tribal class destroyer). Experiences in Haida. (30:00) Some comments on Canadian-made turbines. Ship construction problems at H.M.C. Dockyard. June 1950, second engineer in H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser) for two years. Promoted to commander in 1952 and senior engineer in Ontario the same year. (45:00) Describes accidental spill of fuel oil when carrying Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Ottawa: Assistant engineer-in-chief responsible for machinery design in the new St. Laurent class destroyers for the next three years. (55:00) Bridgman_A_0025_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) In Aug. 1952 arrived in Ottawa to serious staffing problems. C.D. Howe ordered civilian technicians be recruited in England. Had to construct Canadian factories to copy first engine (Y-100) and gears made in England and Switzerland. Necessary to develop new type of lubricating oil to prevent bearing failures. Canadian gear plant unfortunately later dismantled and sold. Lists some major contractors. Many problems involving the very high manufacturing specifications required. Describes main and cruising turbines. (20:00) Contractors given cost-plus contracts which may have been the only effective method of building the ships. Remarks on different shipyards. (30:00) Naval central drawing office established in Montreal. Chief Engineer in H.M.C.S. Bonaventure (aircraft carrier) building in Belfast, Ireland. Latest Canadian technology incorporated. Sailed for Halifax in the summer of 1957. (45:00) Bridgman_A_0025_04.mp3 Comments on the later famous refit of Bonaventure. Largely a media scandal: some government inefficiency had resulted in inaccurate cost estimates being submitted to the Treasury Board. Promoted to captain. Formed part of the nuclear submarine team in 1959. (20:00) National Defence College in 1960. Principal naval overseer in Montreal. In 1964 member of the study team on integration. (36:00) Idea not bad, but in practice was not as good; especially muddled were the technical services. Some danger of organizational breakdown was evident. Unification, as the next step, came as a shock. (45:00) Among other things, it caused a proliferation of high-ranking officers. Promoted to commodore in Aug. 1965 and was director general of maritime systems for five years. The DDH 280 class of destroyers was designed. Oberon class submarines authorized. (53:00) Bridgman_A_0025_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Discusses DDH (Iroquois class destroyers). Financial constraints limited the number of changes permitted during construction. Very heavy lobbying, even to the Prime Minister's office, regarding the competing British and United States gas turbine engines. The American design was accepted because of more sophisticated controls. As part of unification, a new Defence Department broom caused the contract system to be changed to "fixed price". Some changes not always better than the status quo. The Restigouche class destroyers were modernized. Oberon subs built on target in England without difficulties. The FHE 400 (H.M.C.S. Bras d'Or) hydrofoil project was expensive, but finally successful, although the newly-built weapons system was not installed. The project was mothballed as additional ships were thought to be too expensive. (30:00) Mentions the operational purpose of Bras d'Or. Discusses future ship refit and modernization which have advantages. Acted as technical advisor for personnel. (45:00) Bridgman_A_0025_06.mp3 Tisdale Report recommended adoption of the American organizational system including dropping the departmental officer distinctions of coloured sleeve stripes. The report felt that more individuals could be "upper-deck" trained. Some confusion resulted from this. Integrated engineering services did not work particularly well, although supply services seemed to. On the whole unification caused too many well-qualified persons to leave the service. (20:00) Moved to the Defence Research Board and was acting chief for about one year. Retired in Aug. 1972. (34:00) Bridgman_A_0025_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Ship construction: the most cost-effective shipyard could eventually get it all. From a defence production/wartime point of view, however, it is better, and certainly politically advantageous, to spread the business. High quality work obtainable for the west coast, but wages too high. Refits usually not competitive since specifications are firm. Dockyards are important construction facilities and require their share of business. Comments on the necessary position of civilians in the naval establishment; a dedicated group who thought of themselves as "Navy". Others, such as laundryman Suey Kee of Esquimalt, were included. (15:00) Bridgman_A_0025_08.mp3 Navy has always had a close attachment to royalty. Religion in the navy used to be emphasized more: "Cause the ship's company to worship Almighty God." Rear-Admiral Hugh Pullen captain of Ontario, used to read part of the Articles of War to the crew on Sunday. Initially Bridgman favoured the common uniform, but now realizes that was a mistake. Because of it the family spirit in the service was lacking. (30:00) New command structure not as centralized and causes fragmented responsibilities. Comments on old and new uniforms. (41:00), Interviewer: Thackray, William S., Rank: Commodore. , and Interviewee: Bridgman, A. Graham (Arthur Graham), 1917-2004
Keyword:: Naval architecture, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Unicorn, Bras d'Or (Hydrofoil), River Class (Frigates), Haida (Destroyer), Quinte (Minesweeper), Shipbuilding industry--Canada, Cruisers (Warships)--Canada, Bonaventure (Aircraft carrier), Hydrofoil boats, Canada--Defence Research Board, Tisdale Report, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Uniforms, Minesweepers--Canada, Shipbuilding--Canada, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Yachts, Submarines (Ships), Stonetown (Frigate), Shipyards--Canada, Destroyer escorts--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, Ontario (Cruiser), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Civilian employees, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy, Aircraft carriers, Frigates--Canada, Nuclear submarines, Marine engineering, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, and Dispatch (Cruiser)
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Bridgman, A. Graham (Arthur Graham), 1917-2004
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-03/1980-08-05
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:: 8 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 320 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 4 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:: BAG_025
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:: 2007-05-14
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.

112. Nation, Madeleine: my Army recollections (June 5, 1980)

Title:: Nation, Madeleine: my Army recollections (June 5, 1980)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Major Madeleine Nation (Mrs. Arthur F.) British Columbia Women's Service Corps Canadian Women's Army Corps Nation_M_0110_01.mp3 In 1939 Mrs. Nation was asked by Mrs. John Harker to join the British Columbia Women's Service Corps, a volunteer organization established in Victoria in 1938. The object was to prepare women for service in the armed forces in case they were needed. Eventually they received training assistance from the army. In due course Mrs. Nation rose to command the Vancouver detachment. Accompanied Joan Kennedy, senior officer of the Corps, on a cross-Canada tour of similar organizations (1940). Briefed the federal government on their purpose and provided them with a copy of the regulations covering the British women's organization, the A.T.S. Their plans received a setback when the Minister of National Defence was killed in an air crash. However, in July 1941 the Canadian Women's Army Corps came into being. Her daughter, Barbara Nation, enlisted. The British Columbia Women's Service Corps became part of the Canadian Red Cross. Not an entirely satisfactory experience. Mrs. Nation was asked to join the C.W.A.C. as there was a need for French-speaking officers. Joined in 1942 and was posted, coincidently with her daughter, to the officer training unit at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que. This she found to be a demanding course. Appointed recruiting officer in Montreal, then a staff officer (captain) at Military District No. 3 at Kingston. This headquarters commanded a large number of C.W.A.C. personnel including those in Ottawa. Promoted to major and sent to Pacific Command, Vancouver. Travelled throughout B.C. as a liaison officer. Notes that the C.W.A.C. eventually began to work in operations rooms which, on the Pacific coast, Mrs. Nation feels was very dull work. C.W.A.C. headquarters was in the old Vancouver Hotel where members worked and lived. Great admirer of Gen. Pearkes. Retired from the army when her husband became ill in summer 1945. Comments on some senior C.W.A.C. officers. Nation_M_0110_02.mp3 Returns to a short discussion of the British Columbia Women's Service Corps, the beginnings, personalities, training as cooks, military stenographers, nurses' aides, etc. (32:00), An interview/narrative of Madeleine Nation's experiences during World War II. Major Nation served with the British Columbia Women's Service Corps and the Canadian Women's Army Corps. Interview took place on June 5, 1980., Rank: Major. , Interviewee: Nation, Madeleine, and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, Pearkes, G. R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984, World War (1914-1918), and Armed Forces--Officers
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Nation, Madeleine
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-05
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:: British Columbia--Victoria and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 32 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, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: NM_110
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:: 2007-07-13
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.

113. Elkington, Eric Henry William: my Army recollections (June 16 - July 2, 1980)

Title:: Elkington, Eric Henry William: my Army recollections (June 16 - July 2, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Eric Henry William Elkington's experiences during World War I and II. Lieutenant-Colonel Elkington, M.D. served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps, the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Interview took place on June 16, 23 and July 2, 1980., Interviewer: Thackray, William S., Interviewee: Elkington, Eric Henry William, b. 1893, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , and ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Eric Henry William Elkington, M.D. Canadian Army Medical Corps Royal Army Medical Corps Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Elkington_E_0169_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, interviewed by William S. Thackray) Born on June 1, 1893 in Duncan, B.C. In 1914 he finished the second year of medical studies at McGill University and joined the 6th Canadian Field Ambulance in Montreal. After a few months he proceeded overseas as part of the 2nd Canadian Division. First in the line in the Ypres salient where he worked as a stretcher-bearer at an advanced dressing station. Trench warfare conditions. In late 1916 the government sent all second and third year medical students back to Canada to finish their medical studies. (20:00) Graduated in 1918, sent to Vancouver for transport to Siberia with a hospital unit. Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force. Description of Vladivostok, refugees, Allied forces, Bolsheviks. General medical problems were the norm; almost no war casualties. The Canadians were withdrawn in mid-1919. Returned to Montreal for postgraduate work. (45:00) Elkington_E_0169_02.mp3 Joined the British army and served for eighteen years. Medical research in England. Posted to Iraq which was climatically very hard on Europeans. Many experiences with the native population. Transferred to Peshawar, India. Points out that medical officers had to be very careful not to impose on the religious convictions of native troops. Expedition against the Kurds. Returned to England for postgraduate work in opthalmology, promoted to major. (48:00) Elkington_E_0169_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returns to tales of Kurdistan and India. Posted to India, from London, to act as consulting ophthalmologist for south India. Travelled through much rough country. (30:00) Did considerable volunteer eye medicine with the civilian population, many being blinded by cataracts. (45:00) Indian army hospitals very good. Many dangers for the European: climate, disease, snakes, scorpions, etc. Household and social anecdotes. Left India in 1934 for England and retired from the army in 1936 to return to Victoria to practice. Purchased house at the top of Island Road. (45:00) Elkington_E_0169_04.mp3 When war was declared in 1939 Elkington joined the Army. Lieutenant-colonel. Reverted to major in order to go overseas with the 16th Canadian General Hospital. (50:00) Elkington_E_0169_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Examines his situation at the beginning of the war. In 1942, in England, the Canadians took over a civilian hospital. Later he became consulting ophthalmologist to the Canadian army as a lieutenant-colonel and was attached to No. 8 Canadian General Hospital. Inspected Canadian hospitals on the continent in 1944/1945. New surgical procedures, penicillin, treatments. Returned to Canada and, after a little difficulty leaving the army, resumed his medical practice in Victoria. Returns to miscellaneous comments, personal experiences, Arab thieves who were extraordinarily dexterous.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Great Britain. Army
Contributor:: Elkington, Eric Henry William, b. 1893 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-16/1980-07-02
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:: 5 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 280 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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: EEHW_169
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:: 2006-07-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC 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 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

114. Baird, James Douglas: my Army recollections (June 17 - July 18, 1980)

Title:: Baird, James Douglas: my Army recollections (June 17 - July 18, 1980)
Description:: Interviewee: Baird, James Douglas, 1907-1990, ABSTRACT: Lieut. Col. James Douglas Baird, D.S.O. Royal Canadian Artillery Baird_J_0003_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on June 28, 1907 in Red Deer, Alta. where he received a high school education (d. June 12, 1990, Victoria, B.C.). Initially served with the 61st Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A) (militia) in Edmonton. In Sept. 1939 he joined the 91st Field Battery in Calgary where the conditions were inadequate and the equipment was old and insufficient. In late 1940 he was commissioned in the 6th Field Regiment, R.C.A. where he had been serving as a non-commissioned officer. Transferred to the newly formed 17th Field Regiment, R.C.A. where intensive training was undertaken at Petawawa. They proceeded overseas in Dec. 1941 to unsuitable barracks at Aldershot, England. Anti-invasion duty at Hove. Inadequacies of Exercise Spartan and general training are described. (15:00) Promoted to major in 1943 and joined the 13th Field Regiment, R.C.A., eventually becoming second-in-command. In the training for D-Day the early lack of success with towed twenty-five-pounder equipment firing from landing craft was a source of concern, and, although fairly effective results were finally obtained, much more accurate fire was achieved with self-propelled 105-mm. guns (Priests). The Sherman tank chassis provided a more solid gun platform. (23:00) New fire-control instruments had to be developed. Baird was fire-control officer in a specially fitted motor launch on D-Day. By noon of that day they were several hundred yards inland, but with an arc of fire of 340 degrees the situation was critical. By July 30, 1944 the regiment had been in action for fifty-five days and was refitted at Bayeux with twenty five-pounder towed equipment. The Priests were converted to armoured personnel carriers (Kangaroos). He returns to a discussion of fire-support at D-Day landing, (45:00) Baird_J_0003_02.mp3 including rocket attacks by Typhoons. States opinion of the effectiveness of the 105-mm. gun compared to the twenty-five pounder in the anti-tank role and comments on the German 88-mm., "the finest gun ever made". Called "Back Slope Baird" because of his insistence that all movements across country should be done between the contour lines on the map. He found French maps quite unreliable with contiguous maps drawn on a different grid. He proposed a simple method of correction which was eventually adopted by the artillery. (13:00) Gives examples of ammunition expenditure and Mike and Uncle targets. The 3rd Canadian Division was accidentally bombed by the United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force during the operation against Falaise. (40:00) Discusses action during Operations Totalize and Tractable. Feels that the lack of experience of the 2nd Canadian Division and of training of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division were partly responsible for the failure to close the gap at Falaise sooner. Baird_J_0003_03.mp3 (Side 2) The attacks on Boulogne and Calais are described. By careful use of land contours the regiment was able to bring fire on the latter city: an important factor in the surrender. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order. (07:00) In Belgium fifth columnists correcting German artillery fire from an old telephone exchange were discovered, taken out and shot by members of the regiment. Describes the extremely wet conditions in Breskens Pocket and at Walcheren Island. Very effective German artillery fire in the Hochwald. Dutch civilians very helpful, however in Normandy civilians not as trustworthy. (29:00) Baird_J_0003_04.mp3 After the German surrender one had to be constantly on guard as many weapons were in civilian hands. Hitler Youth troops very cocky and required some control; S.S. Panzer troops, on the other hand, "were terrific soldiers". General comments on Canadians stationed in Holland. (45:00) Accounting for stores and surplus ammunition. Demobilized Feb. 1946. Baird joined the R.C.A. militia in Victoria in 1947 and retired in 1951. Comments on officer training: it is advantageous to come up through the ranks as long as this is accomplished in a reasonable period of time. Unification had a poor effect on the armed forces. It promoted a lack of esprit de corps which could result in reduced effectiveness in action. (12:00), Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO), An interview/narrative of James Douglas Baird's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Baird, D.S.O. served with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on June 17, 27 and July 18, 1980., and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Falaise Gap, Battle of, France, 1944, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France --Maps, Baird, James Douglas, 1907-1990--Interviews, Military training camps--England--Aldershot, Hawker airplanes, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 17th, Hochwald Forest, Battle of, Germany, 1945, Operation Infatuate, 1944, Gunnery--Effectiveness, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Maneuvers--Exercise Spartan, Hitler Youth, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Rhine River Valley, Tank destroyers, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Scheldt River Estuary (Netherlands and Belgium), Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 13th, Artillery, Self-propelled, Canada--Canadian Army--Officers--Education, Breskens Pocket, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Operation Switchback, 1944, Military occupation, Walcheren Island, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Priest (Self-propelled gun), Friendly fire (Military science), Fighter planes, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Main Training Base (Aldershot, England), Amphibious warfare, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Barracks and quarters, Operation Totalize, 1944, Military maneuvers, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Operation Tractable, 1944, Operation Blockbuster, 1945, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Calais--1944, Canada--Canadian Army--Drill and tactics, Fire control (Gunnery), Typhoon (Fighter plane), World War, 1939-1945--Amphibious operations, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Battery, 91st, Calais, Battle of, Calais, France, 1944, Distinguished Service Order (Great Britain), Canada--Canadian Army--Field Battery, 61st, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Kangaroo (Armoured personnel carrier), World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Scheldt River, Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 6th, and Boulogne, Battle of, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, 1944
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Canada. Canadian Army, Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Baird, James Douglas, 1907-1990 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-06-17/1980-07-18
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, Great Britain, and Canada
Coordinates:: 49, 0, 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:: sound recordings, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BJD_003
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:: 2007-04-13
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, 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.

115. Ware, Cameron B.: my Army recollections (July 16, 1980)

Title:: Ware, Cameron B.: my Army recollections (July 16, 1980)
Description:: Rank: Major-General. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Interviewer: Thackray, William S., An interview/narrative of Cameron B. Ware's experiences during World War II. Major-General Ware, D.S.O. served with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on July 16, 1980., ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Cameron B. Ware, D.S.O. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Reel 3, Side 1, interviewed by William S. Thackray) Occupation troops. Posted to Camp Shilo as C.O. of the P.P.C.L.I. and in June 1946 moved to Calgary with the battalion which was only about four hundred strong at that time. Promoted to colonel and shortly thereafter became commandant of Royal Roads Military College, 1952-1953. (45:00) Some discussion of graduates and experiences at the college. Promoted to brigadier, Canadian Military Mission, Far East. Main object was to remove Canadian troops from Korea as simply as possible. Ottawa, Director of Military Training. Three years later he was sent to the Imperial Defence College. (45:00) Commanded the Canadian brigade in Germany. Made a great point of being allies of the Germans. (Reel 3, Side 2) Canadian troops formed a well-trained, efficient brigade. Controversy regarding rocket artillery. Commandant of the National Defence College for four years. Details of the commandant's house, staff, lecturers at the college. Defence Minister Hellyer had the right idea for integration, but unification was something of a disaster. In particular, the management of personnel did not work well under the new system. Appointed and remained Colonel of the P.P.C.L.I. for eighteen years. Influence of Lady Patricia Ramsay on this appointment. In consultation with Ware, Lady Ramsay picked Lady Patricia Braborne (now Countess Mountbatten) as her successor. (45:00), and Interviewee: Ware, Cameron B., b. 1913
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Ware, Cameron B., b. 1913
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-07-16
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 165 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, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: WCB_204
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:: 2010-08-17
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.

116. Boulton, Angus George: my Navy recollections (July 17, and 31, 1980)

Title:: Boulton, Angus George: my Navy recollections (July 17, and 31, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Angus George Boulton's experiences during World War II. Commodore Boulton, D.S.C. served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 17 and 31, 1980., Rank: Commodore. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), ABSTRACT: Commodore Angus George Boulton, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Boulton_A_0008_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Aug. 7, 1911 at Russell, Man. After graduating from high school he became a member of the Winnipeg Half-Company, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (R.C.N.V.R.). Went to sea during summer training periods, initially as an unpaid probationary temporary acting sub-lieutenant. In 1936 his employer transferred him to Toronto where he joined the Toronto Company, R.C.N.V.R. (10:00) When war came he was a lieutenant and second-in-command of the present Naval Division. In Oct. 1939 he joined H.M.C.S. Ottawa. Engaged in convoy duties. Became first lieutenant, rescued survivors, etc. (25:00) Relates experience in command of H.M.C.S. Rimouski (corvette) in 1941. The following year he took command of H.M.C.S. Annapolis (Town class destroyer, ex-United States Navy). A wet ship, hard to maneuver in harbour, with frequent mechanical breakdowns. (45:00) Boulton_A_0008_02.mp3 Weather conditions posed more danger than the U-boats! Offers a list of his watch-keepers' instructions in Annapolis (1943). Acting lieutenant-commander in 1941, confirmed in 1943. After eighteen months in Annapolis he was posted to command of H.M.C.S. St. Laurent (River class destroyer). Believes himself to be the first R.C.N.V.R. officer to command a larger destroyer. Londonderry, Bay of Biscay where they were bombed, invasion duties. In command of a Canadian destroyer group. Picked up U-boat survivors. On D-Day they were part of the armada, on submarine patrol. (25:00) Later in 1944 St. Laurent was part of a hunter group in the North Atlantic. Promoted to the rank of Commander in Jan. 1945 and, for three or four months, was in command of H.M.C.S. Somers Isles in Bermuda where "working-up" exercises were carried out. Posted to Ottawa for a few months. Left the Navy after the war; rejoined in 1946, retaining the rank of commander. Appointed Commander (i.e. Executive Officer) in H.M.C.S. Magnificent (light fleet carrier). (35:00) Boulton_A_0008_03.mp3 (Side 2) Discusses staff college at Greenwich, England in 1948/1949, then Canadian Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. Returning to the Magnificent, he recounts crew discontent, although nothing major. Admits the tendency of the Royal Canadian Navy at that time toward poor man management. Mainguy Report. Details the grounding of the Magnificent. Captain dismissed. (19:00) Posted to Ottawa in 1951, then made Director of Naval Reserves (acting captain). Moved naval reserve headquarters to Hamilton, Ont. where much effort was made to improve staff work for naval divisions. As a student at the National Defence College, Kingston, where he went later, he considered it a very valuable institution, both personally and for the country. Appointed acting commodore in command of H.M.C.S. Niagara in Washington, D.C. where he was concerned with the United States Navy. Commanded cruise to Europe of the 3rd Canadian Escort Squadron. First Canadian ships (new St. Laurent class) to visit Kiel, Germany. Thousands of visitors. (38:00) Boulton_A_0008_04.mp3 Ottawa, assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff for Plans. Appointed to the Joint Staff, London, England. Involved in early discussions on building or acquiring nuclear submarines. Last commodore at H.M.C.S. Naden. Retired on Feb. 19, 1966. (45:00) Discusses reorganization and integration of the navy. Too much, too fast, morale bad. Reached serious proportions before senior officers became aware of it. Air Force seemed best able to cope. Comments on a built-in bias in the navy against staff work for junior officers. This was partly caused by shortages of good officers in view of the other naval commitments. Eventually a few officers were sent to the air force staff college., Interviewee: Boulton, Angus George, 1911-1992, and Interviewer: Thackray, William S.
Keyword:: National Defence College (Canada), Mainguy Report, Nuclear submarines, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Allied Forces--Naval convoys--Hunter-killer Groups, Rimouski (Corvette), World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations, Canadian, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Biscay, Bay of (France and Spain), Royal Naval College (Great Britain), Allied forces--Naval convoys--Atlantic Ocean, Magnificent (Aircraft carrier), Allied Forces--Western Local Escort Force, Canada--Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve--Winnipeg Division, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Officers, Ottawa I (Destroyer), Corvettes (Warships), Naval convoys, Canada--Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve--Toronto Division, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy, Majestic Class (Aircraft carriers), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Destroyer Squadron, 3rd, Battle of the Atlantic, 1939-1945, Annapolis I (Destroyer), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Naden, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Atlantic Ocean, Allied Forces--Mid Ocean Escort Force, Antisubmarine warfare, Military attache?s, Town Class (Destroyer), World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations--Biscay, Bay of (France and Spain), River Class (Destroyers : 1931-1946), Submarine warfare, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Somers Isles (Bermuda), Aircraft carriers, Destroyer escorts--Canada, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), United States--Navy, St. Laurent Class (Destroyers), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Stadacona., Destroyers (Warships), Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Management, World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations--English Channel, St. Laurent (Destroyer), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Boulton, Angus George, 1911-1992--Interviews, St. Laurent II (Destroyer), and World War, 1939-1945--Naval operations, British
Subject:: Military history, Operation Overlord, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Boulton, Angus George, 1911-1992
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-07-17/1980-07-31
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: United States, Great Britain, Canada, and France--Normandy
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258, 54.75844, -2.69531, 39.76, -98.5, and 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 130 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:: BAG_008
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:: 2007-05-09
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.

117. Roy, Reginald H.: my Army recollections (August 6, and 15, 1980)

Title:: Roy, Reginald H.: my Army recollections (August 6, and 15, 1980)
Description:: Interviewer: Thackray, William S., Rank: Lieutenant. , ABSTRACT: Lieut. (Dr.) Reginald H. Roy (Ph.D.) The Cape Breton Highlanders Roy_R_0125_01.mp3 Born on Dec. 11, 1922 in New Glasgow, N.S. Some details of family military history including that of his father who was a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the Royal Flying Corps. Lived in Sydney, N.S. for several years until at age sixteen he joined the Cape Breton Highlanders (militia) shortly before the war. Trained as a signaller. Ordered to report to the unit on Sept. 2, 1939. Uniform a kilt, Great War tunic and webbing; no boots or socks. Went "active" as a boy soldier. Notes the almost complete lack of military preparations in the unit, lack of weapons, even rifles. Discusses the mobilization and equipping of militia units; priority being given to units assigned to divisions. Everyone in the unit at Sydney lived out as there were no barracks. (15:00) Much of their basic training took place in an old church until barrack accommodation was built. Training was not too strenuous, partly due to a lack of boots. Sent to St. John, N.B. for garrison duty in winter 1940/41. (35:00) Still no modern equipment was made available to them. In early 1941 they were chosen to form part of an overseas division. (41:00) Roy_R_0125_02.mp3 (Interview 2) Describes the H-huts usually provided to the troops, interior equipment, place for personal effects, etc. (45:00) Promoted to private and, six months later, to corporal. Moved to Connaught Ranges, then to Camp Borden where he became sergeant in the pioneer platoon. Saw modern weapons for the first time. In May 1941 became part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. Training equipment poured in and the battalion was brought up to war establishment. Describes his general impression of Camp Borden. Moved to Debert, N.S. where the first exodus of veterans of the Great War left the battalion and where most of the units of the division concentrated before proceeding overseas. (20:00) Landed in Scotland after a rough crossing in the Aquitania. Maida Barracks at Aldershot, old two-story brick buildings. Living conditions were spartan and the Canadians thought that English rations were a bit thin. The battalion became upset and a "strike" occurred when the remaining officers and men who had served in the Great War were replaced by personnel from the Black Watch. Leave in London was a novel experience for a nineteen year old from Nova Scotia. (35:00) The London scene. England was a fascinating place: the country, theatres, museums, etc. (40:00), Interviewee: Roy, Reginald H., b. 1922, and An interview/narrative of Reginald H. Roy's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant (Dr.) Roy (Ph.D.) served with the Cape Breton Highlanders. Interview took place on August 6 and 15, 1980.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H., b. 1922 and Thackray, William S.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-08-06/1980-08-15
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312
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, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: RRH_125
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:: 2007-07-20
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.

118. Clerkson, C. Harold: my Army recollections (August 19, 1980)

Title:: Clerkson, C. Harold: my Army recollections (August 19, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of C. Harold Clerkson's experiences during World War II. Captain Clerkson, M.C. served with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on August 19, 1980., Interviewee: Clerkson, C. Harold, b. 1921, Interviewer: Thackray, William S., ABSTRACT: Capt. C. Harold Clerkson, M.C. Royal Canadian Artillery Clerkson_C_0031_01.mp3 Born in 1921 in Broadview, Sask. Joined a militia unit as a young man; summer training at Camp Shilo. Did not experience any shortage of World War I equipment and other supplies. Joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps at the University of Saskatchewan. At the end of his second year (1941) he was accepted into the active force. Commissioned in June 1941. Rejoined his former militia field battery (110th) at Broadview, now mobilized. Debert, N.S. in Aug. 1942 where the 15th Field Regiment was formed. Later in 1942 they went overseas as part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, taking their new Canadian made twenty-five-pounder guns with them. Aldershot, heavy training schedule. He felt that British rations were good, but better when supplemented by Canadian items, especially on festive occasions. The only heavy equipment required to be issued to the regiment in England were converted Ram tanks for use as armoured observation posts ("O-Pips"). Discusses artillery tactics, emphasizes mobility. (20:00) Comments on lack of 4th Division exercises, although he feels that this had a minimal effect on the artillery. Explains duties of the Gun Position Officer, the Troop Commander, and Forward Observation Officer. (30:00) Details of his landing in Normandy in July. O-Pips explained. Appointed troop commander, engaged as forward observation officer. Experiences during forward movements by infantry and armour. Saw the accidental bombing of our own troops by the Air Force. Describes units supported by the 15th Field Regt. (45:00) Clerkson_C_0031_02.mp3 Comments on the use of smoke shells, both as cover and for locating positions. During the attack on Falaise he and his wireless operator were in support of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (in a jeep or on foot) and the armour (in a Ram O-Pip). Considered the twenty-five-pounder gun a very efficient weapon. (10:00) Falaise was an astonishing fight. Clerkson established his observation post on a hill overlooking the German retreat where he was under heavy attack for two days. The targets before him represented an artilleryman's dream, but he has some reservations about the terrible waste that was the result of his directed shellfire. Fought day and night. Supported Maj. Currie (South Alberta Regiment) in the action in which Currie won the Victoria Cross. (20:00) Some weeks later, near the Leopold Canal while on reconnaissance, his jeep was destroyed and he was badly wounded by a German 88-mm. shell. (30:00) Underwent quick medical evacuation through the system to a large hospital in Dieppe. Canadian medical services were, in his opinion, first class. Evacuated via hospital ship to England at the end of Sept. Shrapnel in the lungs prevented final operations until Jan. 1945 at the Canadian Hospital at Horley, England. Nearly recovered, he spent a week convalescing at Vincent Massey's home in Derbyshire which accommodated about twenty-five officers at a time. Returned to his regiment in June 1945. Enjoyed Holland after the war and returned to England in Jan. 1946. Gives some details of the disbanding of the regiment. Returned to Vancouver. Discharged. (40:00), and Rank: Captain. Medals and Honours: Military Cross (MC)
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Armored vehicles, Military, Canada--Canadian Officers Training Corps--University of Saskatchewan, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, Canada--Canadian Army--Officers, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, War wounds, Clerkson, C. Harold (Charles Harold), 1921-2010--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Armoured Division, 4th, Canadian General Hospital, no. 24--England--Horley, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Fire control (Gunnery), Military hospitals--Great Britain, Ram (Tank), Canada--Canadian Army--Battery, 110th, Friendly fire, Canada--Canadian Army--Medical care, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Canada--Canadian Army--Field Regiment, 15th, Falaise Gap, Battle of, France, 1944, Military training camps--England--Aldershot, World War, 1939-1945--Hospitals, Leopold Canal, Battle of, Belgium, 1944, Currie, David Vivian, 1912-1986, Artillery drill and tactics, Armored personnel carriers, Camp Debert (N.S.), Canada--Canadian Army--Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), Military reconnaissance, Kangaroo (Armoured personnel carrier), Soldiers--Wounds and injuries--Canada, and World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Canadian Army, World War (1939-1945), Soldiers, and Operation Overlord
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Clerkson, C. Harold, b. 1921
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-08-19
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Normandy, Canada, and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 49, 0
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:: oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CCH_031
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:: 2007-05-18
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.

119. Magnusson, Norman L.: my Air Force recollections (August 28, 1980)

Title:: Magnusson, Norman L.: my Air Force recollections (August 28, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Norman L. Magnusson's experiences during World War II. Major-General Magnusson, C.M.M., D.F.C. served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on August 28, 1980., Interviewer: Thackray, William S., Rank: Major-General. , ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Norman L. Magnusson, C.M.M., D.F.C. Royal Canadian Air Force Magnusson_N_0103_01.mp3 Born on Apr. 15, 1918. Employed by Lever Bros. in Winnipeg in 1939. Joined the Winnipeg Rifles (militia) in 1940. Applied to the R.C.A.F. as air crew and was accepted early in 1941. After manning depot in Brandon and Initial Training School in Winnipeg he was accepted as an observer. After specialist training he proceeded overseas in spring 1942 as a sergeant observer. Advanced flying school in Scotland and an operational training unit (O.T.U.) in Rutland. There he flew in Handley Page Hampden (bomber) aircraft which, unless flown by a skilled pilot, was likely to produce more than its fair share of casualties. (25:00) Sent to No. 4 Group, R.A.F. Bomber Command where they flew Vickers Wellington bombers. An original member of No. 428 Squadron, R.C.A.F. in Nov. 1942. Operations began in Feb. 1943. Participated in many raids, including the first thousand bomber raid against Essen, while he was still at the O.T.U. Mine-laying. Most large cities in Germany, especially the Ruhr. Sometimes badly shot up. Participated in incendiary raids on Hamburg in 1943, limped home, the aircraft a write-off. Converted to Handley Page Halifax bombers. Crash landed in one due to heavy enemy fighter damage. (45:00) Magnusson_N_0103_02.mp3 Earlier, during an attack on Brest, their Wellington flew so low taking evasive action that they hit an object and lost the port propeller, crash landing in England. First crew in No. 428 Squadron to survive a full tour (Aug./Sept. 1943). Commissioned. Comments on the name "Ghost Squadron". Flew from Middleton St.George after converting to Halifaxes. Navigational errors sometimes caused crews to be lost. Explains the "G" radar navigation aid. Gas consumption had to be nicely calculated against the bomb load. Berlin represented maximum range and required accurate fuel calculation. Navigation aids improved with the new H2S radar. (20:00) Dense fog at landing fields could be burned off through the use of "FIDO", heavy burning of kerosene. Debriefings by the intelligence officer during which the navigator's log was used as the basis for questions: places, events, flak, night fighters, etc. Bad weather might cause "stand-downs" for up to two weeks. Then they took courses, went on leave, and so on. On the other hand, they might make several raids in succession. This was hard on air crew; often they flew on nerves alone. No. 428 Squadron converted to Avro Lancasters in 1945 which performed better. The Halifax had been a real workhorse of considerable reliability. Lancasters with radial engines were very effective. (40:00), and Interviewee: Magnusson, Norman L., b. 1918
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Magnusson, Norman L., b. 1918
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-08-28
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.5, 10.5
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, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: MNL_103
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:: 2007-07-11
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 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.

120. Thomas, Gordon C.: my Army recollections (August 28, 1980)

Title:: Thomas, Gordon C.: my Army recollections (August 28, 1980)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Gordon C. Thomas's experiences during World War I. Lance Corporal Thomas served with the 67th Battalion (Western Scots), C.E.F. Interview took place on August 28, 1980., ABSTRACT: Lance Corporal Gordon C. Thomas 67th Battalion (Western Scots), C.E.F. Thomas_G_0141_01.mp3 Born on June 14, 1898 in Victoria, B.C. He was a bugler in the British Columbia Horse, but was too young to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914 when his unit was called up. In Victoria, at age seveenteen, he became a member of the 50th Gordon Highlanders. Transferred to the 67th Battalion (Western Scots), then training at the Willows Fairgrounds. Overseas in March 1916 to Bramshott, Eng. where they underwent advanced training. Thomas believes that, since a high proportion of the unit were loggers or miners, it became the 67th Pioneer Battalion in which their construction skills could be most effectively utilized. As part of the 4th Canadian Division they landed at Le Havre, France. Moved into the Ypres salient and suffered their first casualties on the first night of trench-digging. The battalion lived in trenches just behind the front line. Experienced a gas attack. Marched to the Somme where they dug many support trenches. During attacks they followed close behind the forward troops. Helped pick up the wounded; often the dead were so thick on the ground that they could not avoid walking on them. Moved to Vimy Ridge to dig tunnels in the chalky ground. Built a railway and camouflaged it so that all the excavated material sent to the rear would not be seen by the enemy. Forward troops had baths every three weeks to a month: if missed, one turned his shirt inside-out and carried on! Food at the front was basic: hot tea, rum, bully beef, stew. Comments on the validity of the rum ration. The battalion provided reinforcements for the infantry battalions and he was wounded on the first day of the battle for Vimy Ridge. Lost an eye. Evacuated to England. Posted for a while to a Pioneer School to help teach the construction of field fortifications. Returned to Canada. Spent some time in the Jubilee Hospital and Naden Hospital at Victoria. Discharged in 1919. Between the wars he worked as a contractor and real estate salesman. In World War II he was a supervisor for the Canadian Legion Services. Now (1980) secretary of the 67th Battalion Association. (30:00), Interviewee: Thomas, Gordon C., b. 1898, Interviewer: Thackray, William S., and Rank: Lance Corporal.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1939-1945), Personal narratives--Canadian, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Thackray, William S. and Thomas, Gordon C., b. 1898
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1980-08-28
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 30 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, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: TGC_141
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:: 2006-08-18
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.