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)

131. Piers, Desmond W.: my Navy recollections (January 2, 1982, and June 1, and 2, 1985)

Title:: Piers, Desmond W.: my Navy recollections (January 2, 1982, and June 1, and 2, 1985)
Description:: Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, Interviewee: Piers, Desmond W., ABSTRACT: Rear Adm. Desmond W. Piers, D.S.C Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Joined the Royal Military College at Kingston in 1930. Applied for summer training with the navy and in 1932 became the first RMC Cadet to formally join the RCN. To the RN as a Cadet. Served in HMS Erebus (monitor), HMS Frobisher (training cruiser). Describes routine, social life. First cruise to the West Indies, second to the Baltic, where, on a visit to Kiel, they played sports with the German navy. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Appointed as a Midshipman to HMS Resolution (battleship) in the Mediterranean. Comments on the RCN automatically inheriting the life and background of the Royal Navy. Served as the Commander's Doggie, no easy task. Full social life. Greek Islands for naval exercises. Three months destroyer time (HMS Antelope). Considerable Italian sea-borne traffic due to the war in Ethiopia. Huge naval review at Spithead for the Silver Jubilee of the King (1935). In order to prevent unauthorized boats and yachts to approach within 50 yards, Piers commanded a picket-boat circling the Royal Yacht on the evening of a State Dinner. No frog-men, heavily armed guards as would be the case now. Compares it to the Coronation Review in 1953. Midshipman's exams in HMS Royal Sovereign and as a result promoted to Acting Sub-Lieutenant at four dollars a day. Royal Naval College at Greenwich. Describes buildings, studies, social life. Completed courses with good marks, gaining eighteen months seniority. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Returned to Halifax in 1937, appointed to HMCS Saguenay (destroyer). In 1938, accompanied by the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent joined the West Coast "fleet". Returned to Halifax, promoted to Lieutenant. Joined HMCS Restigouche, upon commissioning, in the UK, a West Coast ship. Sailed for Halifax in Nov. 1939. Helped convoy the 1st Canadian Division to England. Assisted in the evacuation of the British Army from France -- particularly from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Piers went ashore but the army had not received orders to evacuate. Later to Saint-Jean-de-Luz near the Spanish border. HMCS Fraser (destroyer) cut in two by HMS Calcutta (cruiser). Rescued survivors. Assisted in "take over" of French ships in British ports. Discusses French attitude. Appointed First Lieutenant in HMCS Assiniboine (destroyer). In 1941 HMCS Restigouche in command. Film crew aboard. To Iceland and Argentia for Churchill-Roosevelt meeting aboard USS Augusta (heavy cruiser) Senior officer of the Fourth Escort Group. Efforts at morale boosting (viz. Archival cass. #28, side 1). Iceland (Dec. 1941). Huge gale. Foremast broken, one funnel lost, flooding fore and aft. Bucket brigade necessary. Repairs -- three months in Glasgow, much new modern equipment. Returned to convoy work in 1942. Heavy shipping losses. (In 1943 hunter-killer groups formed.) Heavy weather caused high fuel consumption. Comments on high frequency direction finders (HF-D). Required to provide close escort protection. Convoy SX107, one destroyer, five corvettes, 45 ships (Nov. 1942). Piers escort commander. Heavy attacks, 15 ships sunk in the mid-ocean gap. Report of the action and that later learned that the Germans had commented on the vigorous defence put up by Restigouche and that they had expected to sink more ships than they were able to do. In June 1943 wrote a report "Observations on the Operation and Administration of the Canadian Ships in Mid-Ocean Convoy Groups": equipment shortage, lack of training, excellent crews, morale difficult, better recreational facilities needed, etc. Piers requests that some tapes be returned to him and acknowledges his own copyright. An additional tale of Restigouche and the visit to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France in 1940. Could not persuade a naval liaison officer (Cmdr. Robt. Elkins) to leave. Elkins was later personally captured by Gen. Erwin Rommel!. Later managed to escape to England in a stolen boat. When Piers was commandant of RMC he met Elkins again (now V/Adm. Sir Robert). As captain of Restigouche Piers relates a 24-hour period in detail on the bridge routine, and in his sea-cabin at sea with a convoy. Nights could be very busy with actions stations at 8:00pm followed by A/S exercises. Tactics by Restigouche designed to keep U-boats at a distance. Speaks of letter to Captain D covering content and reasons for the "Piers Report", see above. As a Lt. Cmdr. posted to Halifax as Training Commander. Later was involved in plans to capture escaped German P.O.W.'s who were to be picked up on the coast by a U-boat. Piers next appointed to HMCS Algonquin (destroyer) in command and building in England (Dec. 1943). During trials Pier's sister-in-law Lt. Cmdr. Isobel Macneill, WRCNS took Algonquin to sea (under Pier's instruction). Scapa Flow. Work-ups with Home Fleet. Operations off Norway. In May the flotilla sailed for the Isle of Wight (see TSS Appendix "HMCS Algonquin and the Invasion". Returned to Scapa and carrier operations against Tirpitz. Comments on the torpedoing of HMS Nabob. Murmansk and Polyarnye. Successful attack off Norway and merchant ships and escorts -- all enemy sunk. Good social events (1945) with Russians -- hockey, hunting, parties. Returned to Halifax in mid-February (1945). Appointed ashore to command officer's training at HMCS Cornwallis. Comments on D-Day riot at Halifax. Has sympathy for R/Adm. Murray. Second recording with Lawrence at Chester, NS (some repetition). (Reel 1, Side 1) Some comment by Lawrence on shortcomings/problems of the Cdn. Navy. Piers: Restigouche experience -- lacked equipment. Best way to obtain through refit in the UK. Low U-boat "kill" due to requirement that escorts remain with a convoy. Discussion of British customs in Canadian ships. "Mutiny" in HMCS Magnificent (1948) and the casual attitude of air-crew to naval customs. Naval Officers Conference, old ship-mates, etc. Regrets the lack of war-time books by senior officers. Unification, Hellyer, and those who left and those forced to leave. The "TDK Cassettes" same as National Archives Cassettes, largely dictated by R/Adm. Piers. Some extra material. (Cassette 22, Side A) Ashore at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France (1940). Cmdr. Elkins, RN, naval liaison officer ashore. Captured, escaped and eighteen years later as Vice Adm. Sir Robert Elkins visited Piers when Piers was commandant at RMC. Long account of a 24-hour period at sea in HMCS Restigouche as convoy escort. Good morale in ship. The Piers Report (1 June 1943), intended for HMC Ships of the Mid-Ocean Escort Force. Lack of equipment, morale dropped due to necessary crew changes. Insufficient training time. (Side B) Facilities at St. John's and Londonderry initially poor, eventually good. Extra equipment available at Londonderry, frequently through the "old boy network", not as a result of Canadian staff -- there were none in 'Derry. Two years in Restigouche provided excellent war-time experiences. Appointed as a training commander in Halifax. Summer, 1943, hunted escape German P.O.W. and a U-boat attempting to land a spy. Appointed to HMCS Algonquin, in command, then building. (Cassette 23, Side A) Mentions Lt. Cmdr. Isobel Macneill WRCNS. Algonquin to Scapa Flow. Work-ups in the Home Fleet. Operation against the German Tirpitz. Admiral's inspection -- King visited the Fleet. Algonquin part of D-Day. Again attacked Tirpitz. Battleship (Royal Sovereign) given to the Russians. Social exchanges with the Russians. Torpedoing of HMS Nabob (escort carrier). Algonquin took off about 200 of crew. In Sept. 1944 joined Algonquin on her first Russian convoy. Three days in Polyarnye, Murmansk. (Side B) -- blank -- (Cassette 24, Side A) Returns to St. John's Newfoundland in HMCS Algonquin. Appointed ashore in Halifax (HMCS Cornwallis). Acting Commander -- CO of Navigation School. VE-Day -- riot -- mistake to close liquor stores. Atomic bomb dropped. End of war. Appointed to HMCS Stadacona. (Side B) -- blank -- (Cassette 28, Side A) Comments on book by Capt. J.M. Waters USCG, A Bloody Winter, about convoy SC107 and HMCS Restigouche. Dr. Rohmer gives German account. Christmas (1942) in UK. Anecdote. Participated in Operation Torch (N. Africa). Appointed to Algonquin. Report on the Canadian navy -- lack of equipment, etc. Insufficient training. Better recreational facilities needed. (Side B) -- blank -- (Not on Cassette) A personal account by Lt. Cmdr. D.W. Piers, the CO of HMCS Algonquin, of the ship's experiences during the invasion of Europe in June 1944. Proceeded from Scapa Flow as part of the 26th Destroyer Flotilla to southern England (Portsmouth) -- 27 May 1944. Night patrols. Conferences and operation orders. Social gatherings. Press officers and photographers aboard. Quiet period on June 5th, waiting for invasion to start which for Algonquin was 4:00 PM. Escorted HMS Hilary carrying the HQ ship of the 3rd Cdn. Division. Résumé of the D-Day strategy. Normandy: Algonquin detached and approached the coast in order to commence the bombardment. Several targets demolished. Describes the landing, engineers clearing obstacles, landing craft on the beach, etc. Accepted six badly wounded Royal Marine casualties for medical treatment, three of whom died before they could be transferred two or three days later to a hospital ship. Demolished a German battery by indirect fire controlled by an army forward observation officer ashore. Watched airborne troops arriving. On June 7th Algonquin shelled and destroyed a stone house used by the Germans as a strong point. Anti-submarine patrol, and return to the D-Day anchorage. Visited 3rd Cdn. Div. HQ ship. Returned to patrol. Wonderful sight to see the great mass of ships and landing craft. Lack of targets for bombardment resulted in restful days but with a certain amount of German air attacks. On D-Day plus 4 they returned to Portsmouth. V/Adm. Percy Nelles visited that evening to join the ship and sail to France. Patrols off Portsmouth. Depth charged several wrecks (just to be safe). Took a landing craft in tow. After several experiences Algonquin returned to Normandy -- carrying Gen. Crerar, the commander of the First Canadian Army. On the 19th, at night, fired in support of 45 Royal Marine Commando during their attack on German positions on the eastern flank of the landing area. Stormy weather caused many problems on the beaches. By the 22nd the storm was very strong. On the 23rd Algonquin was attacked at night by a German aircraft, suffering a near-miss, but no damage. Piers and other officers managed to go ashore and inspect the defences and the damage. Near-by destroyer sunk by a mine. Enemy shelling from positions to the east. Air attacks. Shelled enemy troops on the eastern flank for some time. Patrols at sea. On the 27th returned to Portsmouth and then ordered to rejoin the Home Fleet (at Scapa)., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, and An interview/narrative of Desmond W. Piers's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Piers served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on January 2, 1982 and June 1 and 2, 1985.
Subject:: Operation Overlord, World War (1914-1918), Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), and Naval history
Contributor:: Piers, Desmond W. and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-01-02/1985-06-02
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:: 21 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 51.45, 0.05
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on fourteen audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: PDW_264
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-04-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

132. Henderson, Lawrence S.: my Army recollections (January 14, 1982)

Title:: Henderson, Lawrence S.: my Army recollections (January 14, 1982)
Description:: Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Interviewer: Cross, James L., An interview/narrative of Lawrence S. Henderson's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson, D.S.O. served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. Interview took place on January 14, 1982., Interviewee: Henderson, Lawrence S., b. 1908, and ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Lawrence S. Henderson, D.S.O. The Canadian Scottish Regiment Henderson_L_0064_01.mp3 Born on July 18, 1908 in Vernon, B.C., where his father was manager of the Bank of Montreal. Private school education in the Okanagan and Victoria. First joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment in 1927 as a private, having been recruited because of his skill at rugby! Commissioned in 1928 with several others. As usual all pay went to the regimental funds. Anecdote. Qualifying courses were required for a rank above that held. Attended courses offered at Work Point Barracks which ran for two or six weeks. Promoted to captain. Moved to Nanaimo with the Union Oil Company, thus becoming a member of the reserve of the 1st Battalion. In 1939 presented himself at the Bay St. Armouries in Victoria and received an unexpectedly cool reception; the officer establishment was full. His brother being commanding officer presented another problem, however, after bringing a little outside pressure to bear he was accepted as a lieutenant in A Company. Moved to Otter Point Camp. Made second-in-command of A Company, Macauley Point. Supplies and arms were in fairly short supply. Debert, N.S., tough conditions. There the Canadian Scottish formed part of the 7th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. (20:00) Was sent on a three-week ski instructors' course in Ottawa. Upon returning to the battalion they were issued enough skis to train one company at a time. Overseas in 1941 to England. During motorcycle training in England he broke a leg. Upon recovery he went to a holding unit where each infantry battalion had a staff to ensure, as far as possible, the return of members to their regiments. Posted to Divisional Headquarters as a staff learner (administration). In 1942 he was sent to the 8th Brigade for a short time as an acting staff captain. Comments on a new commanding officer (Lieut.-Col. J.D. Macbeth) who, it was rumoured, favoured the Macbeth tartan for the regiment. Trouble was averted and Lieut.-Col. Fred Cabeldu (of Victoria) assumed command. Heavy training on the Isle of Wight, sea assaults, etc. (35:00) By now Maj. Henderson was the support company commander. Describes composition and use of the five-platoon company. After D-Day he took over command of D Company. (45:00) Henderson_L_0064_02.mp3 Anecdote about Caen. After the capture of Calais he became second-in-command of the battalion. Some discussion on the fighting in Belgium. Became commanding officer in the spring of 1945. (15:00) Gives an account of the C.S.R. retaining their pipe band for the crossing of the Rhine, as the 16th Battalion, C.E.F. had done in the Great War. Tough fighting in the Reichswald. Attended the trial of the German General, Kurt Meyer. Did not entirely agree with it. Returns to the Reichswald fighting; heavy casualties, only six remaining of one company. Felt that young reinforcements were of reasonable quality. (35:00) Occupation duties initially guarding prisoners of war, then sending them home to the areas where they formerly lived. Gives an account of meeting and celebrating with Russian naval officers who were there to claim former German naval vessels. Comments on occupation force activities, riding, pipe band school, etc. No real animosity between Canadian troops and the German people. In Germany from June 1945 to Apr. 1946. Returned to Canada and was discharged. (51:00)
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Rhine River Valley, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Esquimalt, B.C.), World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Debert, N.S.) , Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Reichswald, Battle of the, Germany, 1945, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Brigade, 8th, Caen, Battle of, Caen, France, 1944, Germany (Territory under Allied occupation, 1945-1955), Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Scottish Regiment--Pipes & Drums, Cabeldu, Fred N. (Frederick Norman), 1905-1976, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Naden, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Belgium, Henderson, Lawrence S., 1908-1997--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Division, 3rd, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Brigade, 7th, Canada--Canadian Army--Reserves, Meyer, Kurt, 1910-1961, Canada--Canadian Army--Guard duty, Calais, Battle of, Calais, France, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Scottish Regiment., World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, and Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Scottish Regiment--Battalion, 1st
Subject:: Military history, World War (1939-1945), Battle of Caen (Caen, France : 1944), and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Cross, James L. and Henderson, Lawrence S., b. 1908
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-01-14
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:: Germany and Canada
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 60.10867, -113.64258
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:: HLS_064
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:: 2007-06-01
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.

133. Rubenstein, Norman: my Army recollections (March 7, 1982)

Title:: Rubenstein, Norman: my Army recollections (March 7, 1982)
Description:: Rank: Bombardier. , Interviewer: Cross, James L., ABSTRACT: Bombardier Norman Rubenstein Royal Artillery Rubenstein_N_0126_01.mp3 Born on Jan. 10, 1919 in Swansea, Wales. Joined the Territorial Army after the Munich Crisis and was called up for active duty on Aug. 24, 1939. In a searchlight unit service was boring in the first few months of the war. In Jan. 1940 he volunteered for overseas service and on March 17, 1940 found himself in France. Stationed near Calais, but when the Germans invaded France they moved to Arras. Returned to the Calais area where they were captured by the German army. Escaped for a few days, but eventually recaptured by the S.S. (25:00) Train to Germany, then to Poland in crowded freight cars with little food or water. Describes living conditions and rations in prisoner of war camp. Moved to a camp where the guards were more professional and conditions were better. Began to learn that one got along better with Germans if one was firm and confident. Felt that he had to succeed to show that a Jewish soldier could cope with harsh conditions. Received Red Cross parcels every two weeks. In charge of a small group working on farms; not an unpleasant time. Through 1942 he was an interpreter at a medical camp. (45:00) Rubenstein_N_0126_02.mp3 Transferred to a camp in an unfinished school in Poland where conditions were bad, but after much effort they slowly improved. Next sent to a fortress camp which was so damp and cold, and the food so bad, that the Red Cross eventually forced its closure. Bought a crystal radio set and listened to the Allied radio broadcasts for ten hours a night; during the day he slept and wrote a newsletter which he read aloud in four areas of the camp. (15:00) After Italy capitulated Italian generals were brought to the camp and Rubenstein was ordered to teach them how to cook and look after themselves in prison. Moved again and joined an escape committee which was a particularly dangerous operation for a Jew. Conducted several successful escapes, but had to suffer through several thorough and lengthy searches of the camp by the Gestapo. Moved again to a large camp where there were "officially escaped" British who remained hidden in the camp awaiting a safe opportunity to get out. Due to informers the Germans were aware of these persons, but only very rarely able to capture one of them. Rubenstein and another escaped themselves, but were recaptured and sent to a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia where on May 5, 1945 they were released by partisans. The American army arrived shortly after that and some of the German guards were shot out of hand. Back in England on May 13, 1945 after five years a prisoner of war. (40:00), Interviewee: Rubenstein, Norman, b. 1919, and An interview/narrative of Norman Rubenstein's experiences during World War II. Bombardier Rubenstein served with the Royal Artillery. Interview took place on March 7, 1982.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Cross, James L. and Rubenstein, Norman, b. 1919
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-03-07
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:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: RN_126
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.

134. MacNeil, Charles E. C.: my Army recollections (March 11, 1982)

Title:: MacNeil, Charles E. C.: my Army recollections (March 11, 1982)
Description:: Interviewer: Cross, James L., Rank: Major. , An interview/narrative of Charles E. C. MacNeil's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Major MacNeil served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on January 28 and March 11, 1982., Interviewee: MacNeil, Charles E. C., b. 1912, and ABSTRACT: Maj. Charles E.C. MacNeil Canadian Scottish Regiment Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry MacNeil_C_0100_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born in Suffolk, England on Nov. 23, 1912. Emigrated to western Canada in 1913, educated in Victoria, B.C. Joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment in June 1930. In Sept. 1937 commissioned as a second lieutenant, promoted to lieutenant in Sept. 1939. Guard duty at the Esquimalt Graving Dock, camp at Otter Point, Mary Hill, Macaulay Point. Gives account of rail trip to Debert, N.S. where the camp was initially in very poor condition. Much sickness; an unhappy situation. Trained as ski troops which was enjoyable, but their equipment was barely adequate. Overseas to Aldershot. Experienced several moves, defended the south coast of England. Battle drill course. (30:00) Promoted to captain. Liaison officer at Divisional headquarters. In May 1943 Lieut.-Col. Cabeldu took command. Combined operations in Scotland. Amphibious exercises on the south coast of England. Commanded a company in a reinforcement unit. Rejoined the regiment as one of the reinforcement officers. Present at D-Day, although landed after the first waves ashore. (45:00) MacNeil_C_0100_02.mp3 Moved inland, called up to become second-in-command of a company. Fairly quiet at first, but on the night of July 6, during an attack on Caen, he was wounded by shrapnel. Evacuated to a field near the beach, then to England, and after a month in hospital he was returned to a reinforcement unit. Returned to Canada to A-37 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Petawawa. Some confusion evident in the immediate postwar army. In Oct. 1946 posted to the P.P.C.L.I. in Calgary, then to Alaska as an observer to Operation Frigid, a six-month involvement in testing Arctic equipment of every kind. Appointed chief instructor in Arctic conditions at Churchill, Man. Much emphasis on survival. Comments on equipment and the necessity, in case of fire, of quick release from a sleeping bag. Many bags are still not adequate in this regard. (38:00) MacNeil_C_0100_03.mp3 (Side 2) Returns to a discussion on training in England; 1st Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment in Victoria. Appointed to command a company of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Arctic exercises. School of Infantry, Camp Borden. (15:00) Then to 3rd Battalion, P.P.C.L.I. at Fort Lewis, Wash.; lack of equipment for training. Sent to Korea; good morale of Canadian troops. (30:00) In 1953 was acting C.O. of the battalion. MacNeil_C_0100_04.mp3 Major attack by the Chinese on the night of May 2/3. Naech'on feature, Hill 355. Accidentally bombed by the U.S. Air Force. Truce. Flew back to Canada to attend the Canadian army staff college at Kingston in 1954. (45:00) Staff appointments included G-2 (G.S.O. II) at Churchill, Man. In 1956 he was an exchange officer with the Australian army. Lectured on Arctic equipment. Observed jungle warfare. Instructor in tactics (especially nuclear) at Camp Borden. Exercise TOXIN, nuclear war exercise, including most of the Canadian government from Ottawa. Retired in Dec. 1961. (18:00)
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, World War (1914-1918), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: MacNeil, Charles E. C., b. 1912 and Cross, James L.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-03-11
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
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:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: MCEC_100
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:: 2007-07-10
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.

135. Pope, Frederick Norman: my Army recollections (May 31 - June 22, 1982)

Title:: Pope, Frederick Norman: my Army recollections (May 31 - June 22, 1982)
Description:: Interviewee: Pope, Frederick Norman, b. 1911, Interviewer: Bell, Chris, An interview/narrative of Frederick Norman Pope's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Pope served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on May 31, June 7, 10, 15 and 22, 1982., ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Frederick Norman Pope The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Pope_F_0182_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Nov. 4, 1911 in England where his father was an Anglican priest. Lived in Hong Kong, then England where he attended Bedford Grammar School. School cadet corps. Later joined the London Scottish Regiment (militia) where he was required to show that at least one parent was a Scot. Emigrated to Canada after a C.P.R.-sponsored agricultural course. Attended MacDonald College at McGill University to further his agricultural education. Edmonton and finally to a sheep ranch in Tofield, Alta. where he worked for board and lodging. Bellboy at the Banf Springs Hotel. Pope_F_0182_02.mp3 In Vancouver in 1938. There in Dec. 1939 he joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Immediately overseas to England. Appointed intelligence sergeant. Experience with fifth columnist in England. (90:00) Pope_F_0182_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Duties of intelligence sergeant. Describes prewar manufacturing of balloon fabric at Croydon. Officer selection process. Interviewed by Maj.-Gen. Pearkes. Trained in Canada, returned to England as a subaltern in the spring of 1941. Opinion of value of battle drill. Some feeling by the troops of being overtrained due to many years in England. Pope_F_0182_04.mp3 Future wife became a volunteer driver in order to go to England in Dec. 1941. Anecotes of early married life in wartime England. Hospital due to intestinal problem; long convalescence. To escape the reinforcement unit he hitchhiked back to his battalion. Sent to British intelligence school. Comments on Brig. Chris Vokes. (29:00) Pope_F_0182_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Got along well with Vokes. Anecdote. Promoted to captain. Seaforth Pipe Band played in the village of Inverary; no locals attended because the band wore the Mackenzie tartan! Combined operations training. Troopship to Sicily. Describes the landing of the 2nd Infantry Brigade. As intelligence officer he kept maps and reports up to date. Battalion in reserve in Aug. 1943. (45:00) Pope_F_0182_06.mp3 Invaded Italy. In mountainous country had to live off the land to some extent. Liaison duties as staff officer (G.S.O. III) at divisional headquarters. Visited the Seaforth Highlanders for their Christmas dinner in the middle of the battle for Ortona. Describes methods used in house-to-house fighting, mouse holing, etc. Returned to Charlie Company of the Seaforths as second-in-command, then company commander. In March 1944 at the Hitler Line were supported very ably by the North Irish Horse. (45:00) Pope_F_0182_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Returned to Canada to the staff college at Kingston, Ont. On return overseas in Feb. 1945 was stopped in Ottawa and posted to the directorate of military training. In Sept. 1945 attended U.S. Army staff college at Fort Leavenworth. Retained rank of major in the Interim Force. (35:00) U.S. Staff College. Returned to Ottawa; housing problems. Personal experiences. (47:00) Pope_F_0182_08.mp3 Posted to the tripartite committee on equipment standardization (Canada, U.S.A., Great Britain). Moved to London, England. War Office. Sometimes acted as liaison between British and Americans, particularly as to social customs. In 1951 posted as deputy adjutant and quartermaster general at millitary district headquarters in Kingston. (35:00) Pope_F_0182_09.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Anecdote, militia unit, D.A.Q.M.G. Volunteered, but not accepted for Korean War. In 1954 was posted to the U.S. Staff College at Norfolk, Va. Army headquarters, Ottawa; logistic plans. Promoted to lieutenant- colonel in 1955. In 1957 became military liaison officer at the United Nations in New York. Involved with provision of the U.N. Force for Egypt. Worked for future prime minister, Mike Pearson, whom he considered to be a great boss and an excellent Minister of Foreign Affairs. Appointed G.S.O. I (cadets) where he was heavily involved with training programs. In 1959 commandant of the National Cadet Camp at Banff. Visited by the Queen and Prince Philip. (45:00) Pope_F_0182_10.mp3 Retired in 1962. Explains that in 1954 he was accepted into the P.P.C.L.I. as all staff officers in the regular force were required to belong to a regular force unit. Joined the personnel division of the Penitentiary Service. (08:00), and Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Military history, and Pearkes, G. R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984
Contributor:: Pope, Frederick Norman, b. 1911 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-05-31/1982-06-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 10 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Korea (North) and Korea (South)
Coordinates:: 36.5, 127.75 and 40, 127
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 300 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:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: PFN_182
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-04-21
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by QL 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 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

136. Manfield, William Alexander: my Navy recollections (June 2, and 23, 1982)

Title:: Manfield, William Alexander: my Navy recollections (June 2, and 23, 1982)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Cmdr. William A. Manfield Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Cmdr. Manfield lived in Chilliwack, B.C. and at age seventeen joined the RCN in Victoria (HMCS Naden) as a boy seaman (pay 50¢ per day). Besides general knowledge he was taught "electricity" and as an extra, navigation and pilotage. Ordinary Seaman in 1929. Drafted to HMCS Vancouver (destroyer) where the First Lieutenant was Lieut. W.B. Holmes, a strict disciplinarian. Manfield found himself "in the rattle" (up for punishment) in due course. Comments favourably on Lt. Harry DeWolf who taught him navigation at Naden followed by an anecdote of Mr. Seabrook, the First Lieutenant, and himself. In 1930 drafted overseas to England to qualify as a Seaman Gunner and to join the new HMCS Skeena (destroyer) under Cmdr. V.G. Brodeur. Comments on life in the mess decks. Points out the large social gap between officers and men. Manfield rose to be Gunner's Mate in 1936. Applied for a Warrant Officer's course in England as a road to marry his fiancé (1939). Account of his trip to England in the "Lancastria". (Cassette 1, Side 2) Returned to Canada after completion of his course, on less than one day's notice but was still able to take his wife on the Duchess of Bedford (liner). Appointed to HMCS Assiniboine (destroyer) under Cmdr. G.C. Jones. Comments on the rift between G.C. Jones and L.W. Murray. (Interviewer wonders if this is accurate) Appointed Commissioned Gunner. Unrest in the lower deck where the seamen locked themselves in (problem: insufficient leave and inability to carry complaints to officers). Soon rectified by Cmdr. Jones. Besides being captain of Assiniboine Jones was Senior Naval Officer of the Halifax area and had administrative duties ashore. (In 1940, there was a shortage of senior officers both at sea and ashore.) At sea, rescued torpedoed seamen in life-boats. Next employed at working-up ships and then promoted Lieutenant after a short period at Headquarters, returned to sea in HMCS Huron (destroyer) in which they participated in the last Russian convoy. VE-Day excitement in Scapa Flow., Interviewee: Manfield, William Alexander “Chili”, An interview/narrative of William Alexander “Chili” Manfield's experiences during World War II. Commander Manfield served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 2 and 23, 1982., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, and Rank: Commander.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Naval history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and Military history
Contributor:: Manfield, William Alexander “Chili” and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-06-02/1982-06-23
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:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: MWA_291
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2017-04-21
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

137. Caldwell, Frank B.: my Navy recollections (June 4, and 8, 1982)

Title:: Caldwell, Frank B.: my Navy recollections (June 4, and 8, 1982)
Description:: Rank: Commodore. , Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, An interview/narrative of Frank Birch Caldwell's experiences during World War II. Commodore Caldwell served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 4 and 8, 1982., Interviewee: Caldwell, Frank B., and ABSTRACT: Commodore Frank B. Caldwell Royal Canadian Navy Part I (Cassette 1, Side 1) Joined HMCS Venture in October 1938, remaining until April 1939. Recounts the beginning of sail training in the RCN. After some financial difficulty Venture had been launched, despite a lien on unpaid sails, and commissioned in 1937. Joined HMCS Saguenay. Anecdote about the civil disturbance in San Salvador. Refers to midshipman training in HMS Dragon (cruiser). (Cassette 1, Side 2) Anecdote: HMCS Skeena at Acapulco. In Skeena there was some "difficulty" regarding the loss of the key to the Confidential Books locker. Joined the Royal Military College in 1932. Summer training with the RCNVR for two years and was accepted into the RCN, Speaks of time in the old coal burning mine sweepers. Names some RMC cadets who joined the navy. Part II There are no audio cassettes for Part II. Transcript (46 pp) only. Comdr. Caldwell discusses the motivation for joining the navy. In his case an interest in the large ships of the Royal Navy when visiting Halifax. Attended RMC with summer naval training (RCNVR) then joined the RCN in August 1934 as a naval cadet. Sent to HMS Frobisher (cadet training cruiser). Two cruisers, one to the Mediterranean and the second to the West Indies, in the first year. In 1935 cruised in Scandinavia. Frobisher attended the Jubilee review in 1935. At Chatham upon graduating as a Midshipman he was awarded the King's Dirk (top of the class). Joined HMS Dragon (cruiser) on the West Indies Station. Due to the Italian war in Abyssinia the ship was required to keep an eye on Italian and German shipping. Later joined HMS Royal Oak (battleship) on the Spanish patrol, protecting British Ships taking legitimate cargo to Spain. Joined HMS Courageous (aircraft carrier) for indoctrination including the last of the Sopwith aeroplanes which were very light and actually flew straight off the hanger deck and out the bow of the ship. Joined HMS Excellent (Gunnery Training Establishment) at Portsmouth for his Sub-Lieutenant courses which were completed in 1938. Took passage to Canada in HMCS Ottawa (Capt. Victor Bordeaux). Joined HMCS Saguenay (destroyer) and for a short time MHCS Venture. Returned to Saguenay in time to escort the Empress of Australia to Quebec with the King and Queen. World Fair in New York then home to be fitted with Asdic, leaving dry dock, on Sept. 3, 1939. Part of the escort for the first convoy to the UK. In 1940 appointed executive officer in HMCS St. Laurent. The ship and Skeena, Restigouche, and Fraser were rushed to the UK to aid in the evacuation of the Army from France. Off St. Valery they fired on German artillery. Part of the escort to the Second Canadian Division as it approached England. Comments on the TSDS (Two Speed Destroyer Sweep) minesweeping gear. Participated in the rescue of the sinking ANANDORA STAR carrying large number of German and Italian Prisoners of war. Picked up several hundred. Convoy work then posted to HMS Vernon for the Long T course (Torpedo) including a land/sea mine course. Course completed and after a while was appointed executive officer in HMCS Ottawa (1941) then to HMCS Niobe (shore base) at Greenock where as well as trying to locate Canadian stokers lent to the RN, Caldwell had to run a 60 acre farm attached to the base. In the autumn of 1942 he was appointed XO of HMCS Athabaskan, then building. Joined the Home Fleet at Scapa. Autumn 1943 returned to Canada on sick leave. After a month appointed to HMCS Ontario then building in Belfast. In the meantime four months spent on "cruiser time" in HMS Belfast. Rejoined Ontario as Second Torpedo Officer then as First Lieutenant. Volunteering for the Pacific War caused trouble. Caldwell feels that a better way would be to say that the crews could avail themselves of an opportunity to return to Canada if they wished to. In the event only a few left to ship and could be replaced at Greenock before Ontario left for the Far East. Ontario did one "sweep" out of Colombo then in August formed part of the force re-occupying Hong Kong. Much work in attempting to get the city machinery operating again. HMCS Prince Rupert arrived to pick up former Canadian P.O.W.'s. To Esquimalt where they were greeted by Abbot, the Minister of Defence, and de-commissioned the ship. Accounting for stores including a missing stop watch and a 4" shell later found in luggage storage in Calgary! To London to wind down the staff operations there. This account ends in late 1945, early 1946.
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Naval history
Contributor:: Caldwell, Frank B. and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-06-04/1982-06-08
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Alberta--Calgary
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.05011, -114.08529
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CFB_271
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2014-01-29
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. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

138. Timbrell, Robert W.: my Navy recollections (June 5, 1982)

Title:: Timbrell, Robert W.: my Navy recollections (June 5, 1982)
Description:: Rank: Rear Admiral. , An interview/narrative of Robert W. Timbrell's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Timbrell served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 5, 1982., ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Robert W. Timbrell Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 2 of Caldwell) R/Adm. Timbrell joined HMS Conway, the merchant navy training ship in 1935, aged fifteen years. Described a senior cadet applying a "teaser" (a rope) across his bottom! Two years in Conway then in Aug. 1937 to Dartmouth to new entry cadets and joined the HMS Erebus. In January 1938 ten RCN cadets joined the training cruiser HMS Vindictive in which they had two cruises, the West Indies and the Baltic. As midshipman joined HMS Barham (battleship) in the Mediterranean. Set to return to the UK but they were diverted to the River Plate (Admiral Graf Spee incident) but then diverted to Halifax to escort the first Canadian troop convoy to the British Isles. Approaching the Clyde, Barham rammed and sank one of the escorting destroyers. North Sea patrol. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Torpedoed on the West Coast of Scotland. Repairs at Liverpool where the ship was attacked by members of the IRA! Posted to HMS Hood that was in a poor state of naval readiness. On a patrol was damaged by a bomb near-miss. Transferred to HMS Warspite (battleship). However, finished and sent to Portsmouth for sub's courses (April 1940). While there he suddenly discovered himself the CO of a large, brand new yacht, Llanthony, to be part of the evacuation at Dunkirk. The crew were inexperienced but they made passage to Ramsgate where charts and orders were obtained. Describes the beaches and the embarkation of British troops. Bombed on the third or fourth trip to the beach. Lost several of the crew, engines stopped due to fuel-line breakage but it was a small bomb (or shell) and the boat drifted on to the beach. Able to dig the sand away from the propellers and rudder after the tide came in again. Reached Ramsgate with troops. Found himself part of a four-trawler "fleet". Acquired some British guardsmen and some Bren guns and anti-tank rifles as a part of the crew and on the last trip were able to fight off a German E-boat. Also took one soldier -- drunk -- who had a case of brandy -- his ticket to England. Humorous tale of the crew, including guardsmen, anti-tank rifles, rifles, ammunition and the case of brandy boarding a bus in England which diverted to Whale Island. The soldiers were returned to their unit by train -- after Timbrell had guaranteed that the Royal Canadian Navy would pay the cost of tickets should there be any dispute! A few weeks later the sub-lieutenants were called out, wearing running shoes, to command seamen in seizing the French naval ships in British harbours. Timbrell led his group aboard at midnight, disarmed the captain and peacefully took over the Chasseur -- a sub-chaser. Anti-invasion guard duties. (Cassette 2, Side 2) Appointed to HMCS Margaree, fitting out in London. Describes some of the officers. Subjected to heavy air raids. Joined a convoy in Londonderry. Collission with the freighter Port Fairy. A good description follows -- evacuating the remaining crew to the freighter but he and a few others left on board when the ships drifted apart. Good details of this and a final pick-up from a Carley Float by the Port Fairy. Landed in Bermuda, after eight days returned to Saint John NB, then by rail to Halifax. Survivor's leave. Appointed to HMCS Annapolis (ex-US) in January 1941. Executive Officer in April and left the ship in January 1942 to take the long anti-submarine course in the UK. Describes the ex-US destroyers and their local convoy duty. Describes the usually inexperienced crew with a small permanent force nucleus. Timbrell did not notice any of the rumoured, so-called friction between RCN and VR. Finished his Long A/S course and remained for three months at the school, HMS Osprey. Returned to Canada to set up a Canadian A/S school. In 1943 joined HMCS Ottawa as an A/S staff officer to a group commanded by Cmdr. Hugh Pullen. Later Capt. Chummy Prentice took command. Anecdotes about both and what superior commanding officers they both were. (As an aside: just before D-Day, in Qu'Appelle (destroyer)) More about Hugh Pullen and Cmdr. Chummy Prentice and his ever-present monocle. In HMCS Chaudiere (destroyer) the captain, A/Lt. Cmdr. C.P. Nixon, contacted U-678 off Beachy Head where because of the current was unable to destroy the U-boat with hedgehog but because of the shallow water did so by dragging a depth charge the sea bottom by a cable. Prentice as destroyer group commander thought this a bit unsportsman-like! Later U-321 was sunk and again in the Bay of Biscay. U-984 was sunk by the Group commanded by Capt. Prentice. Near the war's end Timbrell was appointed Executive Officer in HMCS Micmac (destroyer) then building in Halifax. During the Halifax D-Day riot, took a large truck and some seamen to pick up and return rioters to their barracks., Interviewee: Timbrell, Robert W., and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, World War (1914-1918), Naval history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Timbrell, Robert W.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-06-05
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Ontario--Ottawa
Coordinates:: 45.41117, -75.69812 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on two audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: TRW_267
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-10-16
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

139. Edmondson, John S.: my Army recollections (June 6 - August 12, 1982)

Title:: Edmondson, John S.: my Army recollections (June 6 - August 12, 1982)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. John S. Edmondson The South Saskatchewan Regiment Edmondson_J_0168_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Aug. 17, 1919 at Estevan, Sask. Joined the South Saskatchewan Regiment (militia) at the age of fifteen. In Jan. 1938 enlisted in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry as a private. Took basic training with the unit. Compares peacetime and wartime service. When the regiment was sent overseas in 1939 he, and others, were posted to Calgary as instructors. In Jan. 1941 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the South Saskatchewan Regiment and given seventy-two hours notice for overseas. Edmondson_J_0168_02.mp3 In England comments on short rations during the winter of 1941/1942 and general difficulties in shaping the unit into an effective one. (45:00) Lt.-Col. C.C.I. Merritt was commanding officer. Combined operations training before the raid on Dieppe. Pre-raid intelligence not as good as it might have been. Second-in-command of his company during the attack. (22:00) Edmondson_J_0168_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) The objective of "D" Company was a farm about four miles inland, near Pourville. Explains specific duties as second-in-command, including that of last man off the beach upon withdrawal. The attack: blown off the road, probably by a mortar bomb, when he was about to charge across the bridge over the Scie River. (20:00) Evacuated to Newhaven by landing craft, tank, one of only eight members of "D" Company to return to England. (35:00) Discusses weapons, including a method of firing the two-inch mortar from the hip. (45:00) Edmondson_J_0168_04.mp3 Promoted to captain and, in early 1944, to major. General discussion on proposals to invade Europe, lessons learned at Dieppe. Communications and leadership battle drill valuable. (31:00) Edmondson_J_0168_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Some details of pre-D-Day security measures, training, etc. Landed in Normandy during the first week of July 1944. In reserve, then moved through Caen to participate in their first attack before Verrieres Ridge. German tanks attacked through wheat field. Heavy casualties and considerable disorganization. (25:00) Reinforcements. Weapons. Temporary command of somewhat demoralized battalion. (45:00) Edmondson_J_0168_06.mp3 Fighting at Rocquancourt. Some criticism of senior officers who lacked battlefield experience at the battalion level. Bombed by friendly forces before Falaise. In Falaise his jeep blown up by an anti-tank mine; both eardrums broken as well as one foot. Evacuated to England. (24:00) Edmondson_J_0168_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Partially recovered, returned to Canada. Attached to the Canadian Scottish Regiment in 1947, having reverted to captain in the Interim Force. Staff college. Directorate of Military Training. Promoted to major. Discusses the methods of the military bureaucracy. Edmondson_J_0168_08.mp3 Appointed to the Black Watch as second-in-command upon its reorganization. Very heavy administration and training schedule which may have contributed to an ulcer. Posted as general staff officer, grade 2 (operations and training) in Winnipeg. In 1957 Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General with 4th British Division in Germany - a valuable learning experience. As lieutenant-colonel he was made Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General (operations and plans) at the Directorate of Military Training. Staff college in the United States. Comments on integration and unification. (43:00) Edmondson_J_0168_09.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Mobile Command planning staff. Organizing headquarters required long hours and there was considerable dissension. Logistics position in Vancouver. Sent to Pakistan as a United Nations observer in 1970. Mentions involvement in the courts-martial (1946) of Canadian prisoners of war who collaborated with the Japanese during the war. Some jail sentences were handed down. Comments on his army career. (36:00), An interview/narrative of John S. Edmondson's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Edmondson served with the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Interview took place on June 6, August 4 and 12, 1982., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Interviewee: Edmondson, John S., b. 1919, and Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel.
Subject:: Military history, Dieppe Raid (1942), World War (1914-1918), Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Edmondson, John S., b. 1919
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-06-06/1982-08-12
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 9 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Germany
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 345 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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: EJS_168
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-02-25
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by KG, 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 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

140. McKay, Harold Jame: my Air Force recollections (July 2, 1982)

Title:: McKay, Harold Jame: my Air Force recollections (July 2, 1982)
Description:: Rank: Flying Officer. , ABSTRACT: Flying Officer Harold James McKay Royal Canadian Air Force McKay_H_0097_01.mp3 Born on Apr. 29, 1916 in Morden, Man. Educated in Oshawa, Ont. where the family had moved. When the war started he was employed in an accounting position in Toronto. In early 1942 he joined the R.C.A.F. as an air crew prospect. After a period at the Initial Training School in Toronto he was allocated to the Bombing and Gunnery School to train as a bomb aimer. Then the Air Observer School in London, Ont. Commissioned after graduation. Enjoyed the service life; discipline no problem. Comments on crew formation at the Operational Training Unit in England (20:00) to which he was posted after a month in Bournemouth and time in several training schools in Wales and elsewhere. Great camaraderie in his air crew. Much training in the obsolescent Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber for which he had high regard. Early operations involved the dropping of "window" and diversionary raids. In Aug. 1944 he joined No. 428 Squadron, R.C.A.F. flying Avro Lancaster bombers. Made a total of twenty-eight operational flights. Describes the first such flight to Kiel, Germany where heavy flak caused them to jettison their bombload and, unfortunately, their bomb racks as well. They were in considerable trouble when they returned to base. In future all attacks were pressed home. Claims that he had no psychological compunction about dropping bombs on any target. (45:00) McKay_H_0097_02.mp3 Mentions Pathfinder operations, fuel consumption, etc. Operations produced a certain constant strained feeling. Some slight regret that he never became a pilot; loves flying. Some air crew problems discussed and the devotion required to undertake operations. (15:00) Recounts experience on a daylight raid against German troops in northern France. Anecdote on relations with R.A.F. (25:00) Life on an operational base involved considerable celebrating, but no alcohol-related problems of which he was aware. Last operational flight on an old well-worn aircraft, "D for Dog" in Feb. 1945. Could not maintain height or speed, a straggler at sixteen thousand ft. instead of the nineteen thousand ft. required. One engine stopped, jettisoned their four thousand-lb., bomb and returned to base. About to land, the second engine stopped, causing them to crash land in a field, killing two of the crew. The aircraft should never have been flown. Sent on an instructor's course. Returned to Canada and demobilized later that year. (45:00), Interviewee: McKay, Harold James, b. 1916, Interviewer: Bell, Chris, and An interview/narrative of Harold James McKay's experiences during World War II. Flying Officer McKay served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on July 2, 1982.
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and McKay, Harold James, b. 1916
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1982-07-02
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: MHJ_097
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:: 2007-07-09
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.