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)

161. Dillon, Charles Joseph: my Navy recollections (March 2, and 3, 1983)

Title:: Dillon, Charles Joseph: my Navy recollections (March 2, and 3, 1983)
Description:: Rank: Rear Admiral. , ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Charles J. Dillon Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) R/Adm. Dillon was rejected on his first attempt to join the Navy because of poor eye-sight but was successful after memorizing the eye chart then in use. Enrolled in the RCNVR in 1931 as a Naval Cadet. First went to sea in a minesweeper. Promoted Midshipman and in 1932 his poor eye-sight was discovered and in due course he became an Acting Pay-master Sub-Lieutenant. Spent several weeks in the destroyer HMCS Saguenay commanded by Cmdr. L.W. Murray. Returns here to the Ottawa Half-Company RCNVR which was housed in an "old shoe shop". Recalls officers (5) and men (60). Trained on old equipment (listed) up to five nights a week. Felt that they were even more "pusser" than the RCN. Joined HMS Dragon (cruiser) in 1936 for summer training where he was introduced to coding. Being the only Roman Catholic officer on board, on Sunday he led 20 or 30 men forward following the old pipe, "Fall-out the Non-Conformists and Roman Catholics". Moving to Montreal he joined the Montreal Reserve division located in a former Bell Telephone garage. In the summer of 1936 he joined HMS Skeena commanded by Capt. V.G. Brodeur. Gives his impressions of Brodeur. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Discusses a picture of the officers in the Ottawa Half-Company and their uniform including frock coats and swords. In 1938 he joined HMCS Venture for a winter cruise. Anecdotes. Obtained his watch-keeping ticket in sail. Visit of the King and Queen in 1939. Called up on 1 Sept. 1939 and sent to Quebec City to the Naval Control of Shipping Office (NCSO) run by the NOIC (Naval Officer in Charge). Dillon was the only officer who could speak French. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Describes location of the office, motor launches and the examination battery. First all-night duty on 4th Sept. Issued first routing instructions to the Cunarder "Alaunia". Next they seized the Italian ship San Giuseppe which caused a diplomatic incident since Italy was not yet at war. Describes two old coast defence guns in the area which he claims had not been fired since 1908! Some "panic" when two enemy submarines were reported in the St. Lawrence River. Efforts were made to obtain two army 18-pounder guns (only shrapnel ammunition), one of which was precariously mounted on the forecastle of the buoy tender Druid. Later an alarm (red flare) was seen, the artillery opened fire on a buoy and two launches nearly opened fire on each other. It was a false alarm, a shooting star, not a red flare. So ended the Battle of St. Jean. Appointed to the Staff Officer, Intelligence at Halifax where he was involved in ciphering and coding. Returning to Quebec, to the Naval Control Office where he was Secretary to the NOIC. In June the Italians entered the war and the Italian ship Capponoli ran herself aground and was captured. In July, 1940 posted to Ottawa as Secretary to the Director of Naval Personnel, Capt. C.R.H. Taylor, later relieved by Capt. H.T.W. Grant. Promoted Acting Pay Lieut. Cmdr. In Jan. 1941. (Cassette 2, Side 2) Naval Headquarters was then in the Robinson Building. Describes various duties and several anecdotes of naval life. Sinking of HMCS Margaree (destroyer). Speaks of Angus Macdonald, Naval Minister. Lt. Cmdr. Dillon went to sea during his next leave, joining HMS Royal Sovereign (battleship). A very rough, cold voyage, during which he improved his ciphering skills. Appointed to HMCS Prince Henry (AMC) on the West Coast as the Supply Officer. Describes the officers and armament of Prince Henry. Work-ups in Georgia Strait. Later routine patrols about six hundred miles of the coast. (Cassette 3, Side 1) HMC Ships Prince Henry and Prince David were sent to aid the Americans in the recovery of the Aleutian Islands from the Japanese. Poor weather (and a shortage of wardroom liquor). Returned to Esquimalt in November, 1942. A hurried marriage as the ship was leaving for the UK. Dillon became ill so he did not sail. Appointed to HMCS Givenchy in Feb. 1943. Shook up the Supply Office by establishing a strict duty roster and arrested a Chief Petty Officer who was stealing food and selling it ashore. Dillon received a reprimand from R/Adm. Brodeur for allowing it to happen in the first place! Joined HMS Nabob (escort carrier) -- Capt. H.N. Lay -- in Jan. 1944 (Seattle/Tacoma) with a largely RNR crew. Embarked 802 Sqdn. Fleet Arm (Avengers) -- unfortunately running aground. After lightening ship Nabob was refloated with aid from a U.S. tug. After a Board of Inquiry the navigator was fired! To San Francisco to board 852 Squadron. (Cassette 3, Side 2) First encountered the low standard of British rations. The low pay of the RN crew was another problem. Aircraft crashes--no pilots lost. Capt. Lay went to Washington and Ottawa to demand Canadian rates of pay and rations for all. By, essentially, putting his career on the line by threatening to demand that he be replaced he was successful. In New York they embarked 50 crated Mustang fighters as deck cargo and sailed in a U.S. convoy to England. Refit at Liverpool where he first encountered the "thieving British worker". After work-up joined the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow. Operations against Norway (Aug. 1944). Torpedoed. Discusses the engine room damage--not really serious. Power restored and the ship was able to move at 5-6 knots. Capt. Lay was firm about not abandoning the ship. (Cassette 4, Side 1) About half the crew was transferred. Damage included the main galley so the crew was fed from the wardroom galley. Reach Scapa Flow down twenty-four feet by the stern. Towed to Rosyth where the ship's stores were unloaded in "bulk" as all the ledgers had been "lost" as a result of the torpedoing. Recovery of the dead crew by the officers. Crew left--all but three Pay officers working on the Pay Books. Joined HMCS Niobe waiting for passage in the Queen Mary to New York. Leave in Ottawa. Passed interview board to join the RCN. (Cassette 4, Side 2) Appointed to HMCS Avalon (shore base) in Newfoundland which is described from an operational as well as victually and pay points of view. VE-Day in St. John's was well planned, liquor stores closed but free beer was issued to the troops after a memorial parade. Short course at Naden followed by sixty days leave -- which was cancelled after ten days as he was appointed Supply Officer in HMCS Protector (depot ship, Sydney, NS). Called to Ottawa, Supply and Fleet Accounting that turned out to be another appointment (Acting Commander). Volunteered for the Pacific War. Speaks of sending forces to Korea. Appointed to HMC Dockyard, Esquimalt. Logistic back-up for the war. Comments on Integration. To Ottawa as Naval Secretary (A/Captain) for three years. The Navy build-up began. Command Supply Officer, HMC Dockyard, Halifax 1952-54. Ottawa as Deputy Supply Officer-in-Chief and in 1955, Supply Officer-in-Chief. Imperial Defence College (1960) for a year. NOIC Montreal. Returned to Ottawa as Naval Comptroller (July 1962) and Honorary ADC to Governor General. Promoted to Rear Admiral. No objection to Integration (Note p.140 regarding Navy on alert during Cuban Crisis). Unification came 1 Feb. 1968. Dillon retired before that date, so never wore green. Resignations of senior officers upon Unification. Comment on new Senior Officer positions, boards, etc. Wrote a study on Non-Public Funds for DND after retirement. Worked for the War Museum -- D-Day diorama., Interviewee: Dillon, Charles Joseph, b. 1912, An interview/narrative of Charles Joseph Dillon's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Dillon served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on March 2 and 3, 1983., 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:: Dillon, Charles Joseph, b. 1912 and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-02/1983-03-03
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 10 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on five 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:: DCJ_257
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:: 2013-04-10
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.

162. Lorimer, J. Duncan: my Army recollections (March 6, 1983)

Title:: Lorimer, J. Duncan: my Army recollections (March 6, 1983)
Description:: Interviewee: Lorimer, J. Duncan, b. 1919, Rank: Captain. , Interviewer: Falconer, Cameron, ABSTRACT: Capt. J. Duncan Lorimer Canadian Scottish Regiment Lorimer_J_0092_01.mp3 Born on Nov. 22, 1919 near Calgary. At the age of two moved to Sooke, near Victoria. Joined the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment in 1936 at age sixteen, becoming a piper. Went "active" when the war started in 1939 and, after a few months, became a full-time medical orderly. Comments on training and sports in the pre-war militia. Housed at the Bay St. Armouries and various camps on southern Vancouver Island, (20:00) then sent to Debert, N.S. where the camp was in very poor physical condition. Civilians in Truro, N.S. were very good to the troops. Overseas in Aug. 1941 to Aldershot and Horsham, Eng. Eventually selected for a commission. In Jan. 1943 posted to the O.C.T.U. in Gordon Head, Victoria. After graduating as a second lieutenant he remained an instructor for four months. Returned overseas in Dec. 1943 as a supernumerary officer in the battalion and was then posted to a reinforcement unit. (35:00) Just prior to D-Day they were locked in a camp near West Ham, then transported to London to sail to Normandy, arriving on D + 1. (Returns to comment on England and the very good relationship with British friends.) (45:00) Lorimer_J_0092_02.mp3 In Normandy he was sent to a reinforcement unit and subsequently, for about three weeks, to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Subjected to heavy mortar attacks they attempted to take three-man patrols behind enemy lines. Bombing of Caen. Joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment on July 1, 1944. Experience with a French family. Wounded during an attack on Rots on July 8. Good morale of troops. Gave himself a shot of morphine after being hit, then was nearly run over by a German tank. Taken out by jeep ambulance to an advance dressing station where he was operated upon, then by air to hospital in England. Out of hospital in about a month. Due to the shortage of infantry officers he was sent to retrain Army Service Corps officers as infantry. Had to return to hospital, then back to Canada. Served in Petawawa. Discharged in June 1945. Considers army rations in Normandy to have been very good. Comments on his three brothers who also served in the Canadian Scottish Regiment during the war. (23:00), and An interview/narrative of J. Duncan Lorimer's experiences during World War II. Captain Lorimer served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. Interview took place on March 6, 1983.
Subject:: Military history, Operation Overlord, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Lorimer, J. Duncan, b. 1919 and Falconer, Cameron
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-06
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 70 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, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: LJD_092
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:: 2007-06-14
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.

163. Andrews, Joseph James: my Army recollections (March 8, 1983)

Title:: Andrews, Joseph James: my Army recollections (March 8, 1983)
Description:: Interviewee: Andrews, Joseph James, 1914-1990, Rank: Major. , ABSTRACT: Maj. Joseph James Andrews The Canadian Scottish Regiment Andrews_J_0012_01.mp3 Born on May 24, 1914 (d. May 21, 1990) in Victoria, B.C. Many personal anecdotes in this account. Family background, parents born in British Columbia. Educated in Victoria and at University of British Columbia (Bachelor of Arts, 1937). Taught school at Ladysmith. Joined The Canadian Scottish Regiment (C.S.R.) (militia) in 1940, became a sergeant, went "active" later that year. Sent to Gordon Head Camp (officer cadet training unit) where commission was obtained. Further training at Currie Barracks, Calgary; first experience with conscripts not unfavourable. Overseas in 1942 as a reinforcement officer. Rejoined the Canadian Scottish eventually to command the mortar platoon. Comments in a general way on training and specifically on the mortar platoon who were mounted in Universal carriers. Recounts serious fight with British sergeant while on a night scheme. Wounded. On D-Day commanded the carrier platoon. (45:00) Andrews_J_0012_02.mp3 Considerable difficulty getting off beach due to vehicle blockages at exits. Eventually found themselves three miles ahead of the main body of the battalion. Experienced heavy fighting throughout Normandy. Later, near Calais, as mortar platoon commander again, single-handedly found and captured a German coast artillery observation post which was directing fire inland. Seven prisoners. Describes the night bombing of Calais and artillery "stonks". Second-in-command of "A" Company during fighting in Breskens Pocket. Describes attack in Buffaloes near Nijmegen and accidental shelling by our own artillery. As the war drew to its end the psychological effect of many casualties became very noticeable: experienced troops were becoming fewer and fewer. Not much fun any more; it became hard work. Now a company commander (major). Explains "left out of battle" (L.O.B.) system. Always somebody to take command. The company sergeant-major was the last member of the Canadian Scottish to be killed (the night before the war ended). After the war Andrews returned to teaching. Spent four or five years with the Canadian Scottish (militia). Commanded the mortar platoon at Sidney despite being a field officer. (45:00), An interview/narrative of Joseph James Andrews's experiences during World War II. Major Andrews served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. Interview took place on March 8, 1983., and Interviewer: Falconer, Cameron
Keyword:: Draftees--Canada, Gordon Head Army Camp (Victoria, B.C.), Canada--National Resources Mobilization Act, 1940, Canada--Canadian Army--Combat sustainability, Currie Barracks (Calgary, Alta.), Calais, Battle of, Calais, France, 1944, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), World War, 1939-1945--Psychological aspects Andrews, Joseph James, 1914-1990--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Scottish Regiment, World War, 1939-1945--Psychological aspects, Landing craft, Andrews, Joseph James, 1914-1990--Interviews, Breskens Pocket, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Draft--Canada, Arnhem, Battle of, Arnhem, Netherlands, 1944, Mortar (Weapon), World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Friendly fire (Military science), Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Scottish Regiment--'A' Company, Nijmegen, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army, Bombardment--France--Calais, Morale, Armored vehicles, Military, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Canada--Canadian Army--Drill and tactics, World War, 1939-1945--Artillery operations, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army--Officers--Education, and World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Calais--1944
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Operation Overlord, Canada. Canadian Army, and Military history
Contributor:: Falconer, Cameron and Andrews, Joseph James, 1914-1990
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-08
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:: France--Normandy and Canada
Coordinates:: 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:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: AJJ_012
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-05-25
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 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.

164. Christmas, Beverley Evans: my Air Force recollections (March 12, 1983)

Title:: Christmas, Beverley Evans: my Air Force recollections (March 12, 1983)
Description:: Interviewer: Falconer, Cameron, Interviewee: Christmas, Beverley Evans, 1919-1988, Rank: Colonel., An interview/narrative of Beverley Evans Christmas's experiences during World War II. Colonel Christmas served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on March 12, 1983., and ABSTRACT: Col. Beverley Evans Christmas Royal Canadian Air Force Christmas_B_0028_01.mp3 Born in 1919 in St. Hilaire, Que. (d. May 17, 1988). In answer to a newspaper advertisement in 1937, Christmas applied to join the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) as a pilot. Appointed a pilot officer (provisional) in 1938, he reported to Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) Trenton where he was to undergo pilot training for the R.A.F. Transferred to Camp Borden, he received his wings in Sept. 1939. He was appointed to the R.C.A.F. and joined No. 1 Squadron. They went overseas to Britain in 1940. He flew Hurricanes and later, with No. 403 Squadron, Spitfires. Sent to the Middle East, in the summer of 1941, to a South African squadron. In England, during the Battle of Britain, the days alternated between long periods of boredom on the ground and periods of intense excitement during dog-fights in the air. Comments that fire was a great danger in Hurricanes, since the gas tank was mounted in front of the pilot and was easily punctured by enemy machine-gun fire. Discusses flying tactics and German bombing efforts (15:00), and some qualities of the Hurricane fighter. Living conditions at Northolt air station were very satisfactory. (25:00) Comments on daily routine. Christmas was later stationed in coastal British Columbia and, before that, in South Africa for a very short time. General remarks on air fighting and personnel in No. 1 Squadron in England. Mentions George Burling. (45:00) Christmas_B_0028_02.mp3 In North Africa Christmas was shot down in the desert by a German while he was protecting two Hurricane photo-reconnaissance aircraft. He was fortunate to be picked up by the British. He mentions that Italian pilots were good, but were inclined not to press home their attacks. Living conditions were uncomfortable; water shortages, sand everywhere, even inside aircraft engines, and visibility often very bad due to blowing sand. (20:00) Anecdotes about the desert and Cairo. After leave in South Africa he returned to Canada in the Aquitania which was carrying German prisoners of war to Boston, Mass. In command of a fighter squadron at Victoria, B.C. Staff College. Overseas again as a staff officer in Belgium and Germany at the end of the war. (35:00) Staff training officer in Canada (several postings). Bagotville, Que., as commanding officer. NATO Defence College. Station commanding officer in Germany. Winnipeg and elsewhere. Appointment as a staff officer at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Staff officer in Victoria, B.C. 1971-1972. Retired.
Keyword:: Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 1, Hurricane (Fighter plane), Great Britian--Royal Air Force, Spitfire (Fighter plane), Christmas, Beverley Evans, 1919-1988--Interviews, Air warfare, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Africa, North, RAF Northolt (England), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Command, Canada--RCAF Station (Trenton, Ont.)--Air Navigation School, 1, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Air Defence Command, Air bases--Great Britain--Northolt, Royal Roads Military College, Fighter planes--Great Britain, Hawker airplanes, Canada--RCAF Station (Borden, Ont.)--Service Flying Training School, 1, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--General staff officers, Britain, Battle of, Great Britain, 1940, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, and World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, World War (1939-1945), Military history, Battle of Britain (Great Britain : 1940), and Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Contributor:: Christmas, Beverley Evans, 1919-1988 and Falconer, Cameron
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-12
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain, Canada, and Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5, 54.75844, -2.69531, 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, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: CBE_028
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:: 2007-05-17
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by 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.

165. Cacchioni, Thomas A.: my Air Force recollections (March 13, 1983)

Title:: Cacchioni, Thomas A.: my Air Force recollections (March 13, 1983)
Description:: ABSTRACT: F/O Thomas A. Cacchioni, D.D.S. Royal Canadian Air Force Cacchioni_T_0154_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born in Alberta circa 1922, lived in Kelowna. Joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at age eighteen. While undergoing pilot training he "buzzed" his girlfriend's home town and was dismissed from pilot training. Became a bomb-aimer and went overseas at age nineteen, toward the end of 1941. Flew Vickers Wellington bombers at the Operational Training Unit. Performed very well in training and was offered "special duties". As a young man he had a great incentive to prove himself a good Canadian, since he came from an Italian family. In Northern Ireland converted to Handley Page Halifax bombers and was posted to Tempsford, to No. 138 Squadron, Royal Air Force, the Special Duty Squadron. Training anecdotes. Finally operations began, dropping supplies and agents throughout Europe. Experience with a "Belgian" in London who turned out to be a German spy. Explains that Tempsford was the main supply centre for Special Air Service and the Special Operations Executive. A sister squadron, No. 161, flew Westland Lysander and Lockheed Hudson aircraft which landed in enemy territory to deliver and pick up agents. Describes some of the explosives and weapons that they dropped: pigeons, chemicals, printing presses, etc. (20:00) Flying nearly always done on moonlit nights at low levels. Aircraft casualties caused by light flak weapons and by hitting land hazards. He had good night vision and came to know northern France, Holland, and Belgium very well. Explains drop procedure, done at six hundred to seven hundred feet. Feels that the agents they dropped were extremely brave: life expectancy in Europe was about six months. Refers to tragic circumstances in Holland where some fifty agents were dropped into German hands. On the last trip of his tour he was offered a chance to deliver arms and ammunition to the Lyon area and then to fly to North Africa for a little leave. After the drop they became lost in fog and broke cover over Marseilles. Escaped quickly and, despite engine trouble, reached the shores of North Africa. Engines supposedly fixed, but on return trip (July 11, 1944) their engines gave out and they ditched in the Mediterranean close to an Italian hospital ship (under British control). Upon impact the fuel tanks burst and the fumes nearly killed the aircrew. Picked up by a lifeboat, landed in North Africa, flew home via Dakar. (35:00) Great admiration for aircrew. Anecdote about Jamaican navigator who nearly killed them by becoming lost. Returned to Tempsford. Volunteered for another tour -- in Burma. (45:00) Not allowed to go as he was Canadian. Returned to Canada eventually to attend the University of Oregon for dental training. Returns to an account of dropping dummy parachutists loaded with explosives on D-Day. (04:00) Cacchioni_T_0154_02.mp3 (Side 2) Comments on aircraft in squadron, experience with "Dambuster" squadron. Explains procedure and feelings when a night mission was on. Weather, drop zone, approximate location, description, etc. At the drop the aircraft speed was slow, nearly stalling. Feelings toward the Germans. His crew dropped between thirty and forty agents in forty-one operational missions. Procedure to be used in the event of ditching or crash landing; escape kits. Used to train for this in England. The "chop rate" (survival rate) was low because of the dangerous altitude. (25:00) Flew only five or six nights per month. Conditions in No. 138 Squadron. Comments on his pilot, "Hiram" Walker. Living conditions, horrible food, civilian contacts. How returned aircrew survived in civilian life. Attitude of Canadians and British toward the war. Own feelings of satisfaction about doing his job very well. (45:00) Psychological aspect of operations: not scared until his last few trips. Describes the nervous twitch many aircrew suffered: a facial and shoulder muscular contraction, the "operational twitch" caused by stress. (06:00), Interviewer: Stafford, David A. T., An interview/narrative of Thomas A. Cacchioni's experiences during World War II. Flying Officer Cacchioni, D.D.S. served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on March 13, 1983., Rank: Flying Officer. , and Interviewee: Cacchioni, Thomas A., b. 1922
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Operation Overlord, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Stafford, David A. T. and Cacchioni, Thomas A., b. 1922
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-13
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 Northern Ireland
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 54.5, -6.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound cassette (ca. 90 min.) : 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, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: CTA_154
Fonds Title:: David Stafford fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC406
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/david-stafford-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-01-20
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by QL, 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.

166. Dudley, Robert Woodhouse: my Army recollections (March 16, 1983)

Title:: Dudley, Robert Woodhouse: my Army recollections (March 16, 1983)
Description:: Rank: Captain. , ABSTRACT: Capt. Robert Woodhouse Dudley The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada The Lovat Scouts The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Dudley_R_0049_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Nov. 23, 1924 in Vernon, B.C. Grew up and was attended school in Vancouver, B.C. Joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada cadets in 1937 and was a boy soldier in 1939. Unable to go overseas (underage), he reverted to the cadets and in 1941, on the day when he wrote his last high school exam, he signed up as a reinforcement for the Seaforths. He passed quickly through the system and, when a sergeant, in the spring of 1942 he returned from overseas and was posted to Gordon Head for officer training. After passing the advanced course at Camp Borden he was promoted to lieutenant. (Interview returns to the militia.) He was a keen cadet: two or three nights per week on training; in 1939 was the youngest soldier on parade in the guard of honour for King George VI who spoke to him. First experience in a beer parlour at summer camp (Sidney, B.C. in 1938) earned him a public spanking from his platoon sergeant. The Seaforths were a real family unit: much interest in one's civilian life. Excellent non-commissioned officers. (25:00) A great social life for the cadets and the battalion, highland games, regimental "holidays", dances, etc. (35:00) Returns to overseas experience: in 1941 he and a friend were informed by the Regimental Sergeant-Major that, because of their ages, their prospects for promotion as non-commissioned officers were very limited and that they should apply as officer candidates! Only seventeen at his Officer Selection Board, but that was no problem, since he had earlier lied about his age. Anecdotes. (45:00) Dudley_R_0049_02.mp3 Some repetitive remarks. When he returned as an officer to England he attended a beachmasters course at the Combined Operations School in Scotland. Seconded to the Lovat Scouts (4 Commando) for several months. Broke his back in a training accident and, after three months recuperation, he volunteered to join the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. At least satisfied that he had been with the Commandos on raids to Norway and France. To Italy: landed in Naples in 1944. Hitler Line in May. Very heavy fighting: his platoon suffered twenty casualties out of twenty-eight personnel. Heavy tank casualties. Great admiration for the North Irish Horse who were in support. (30:00) Battle anecdote. Gothic Line. Speaks well of German troops. The war in Italy was an infantry war, perhaps more than in northwest Europe. Comments on the family spirit of the Edmonton Regiment which still carries on. (45:00) Dudley_R_0049_03.mp3 (Side 2) Good times and grim times. One of his corporals always wore a top hat when going into action. Naviglio Canal anecdote. Wounded in the arm. Moves to northwest Europe. In Holland on Apr. 24, 1945, led an attack on two farm buildings. Threw a grenade through an upstairs window, entered the front hall to find his grenade bouncing down the stairs toward him. Twenty-three wounds. To him, a slow-motion affair. After morphine and a shot of rum, was carried out by German prisoners. Battalion medical officer poured more rum, then by stretcher jeep to field hospital where he passed out. After V E Day, in a British hospital, in plaster, flat on his back, he volunteered to join the Pacific Force. Joined the postwar army: administrative jobs, School of Infantry. Airborne School in 1948. Joined 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Took a platoon of picked troops to the United States Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School in North Carolina. The best soldiers they had ever seen! Comments on new battalions formed for Korea. In Korea Sept. 1951 as adjutant of the 1st Battalion, then commanded D Company. Much patrol activity. Compared to Europe fairly quiet, but interesting. "One was grateful to be able to take part in a war, however mundane". (37:00) Dudley_R_0049_04.mp3 The unit spent 287 days in the line without a break (a record). Quite comfortable in Korea; American supplies, good food, good cooks. Personal reaction to Korea: very relaxed, and realized then that he was a professional. After the war he took a contingent of the 1st Battalion to the Coronation in 1953. Korean medical problems often Far Eastern diseases. In his opinion American Mobile Army Surgical Hospital units not as good as Canadian medical units. Returned to Canada to regimental duties. Medical category lowered, offered promotion and a transfer to the Service Corps. Refused and asked to be retired after twenty years service. (47:00), Interviewee: Dudley, Robert Woodhouse, b. 1924, An interview/narrative of Robert Woodhouse Dudley's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Captain Dudley served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, the Lovat Scouts, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on March 16, 1983., and Interviewer: Falconer, Cameron
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Medical care, Korean War, 1950-1953--Medical care--United States, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Reserves, Naviglio Canal, Battle of, Italy, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, United States--Marine Corps Development and Education Command--Amphibious Warfare School, World War, 1939-1945--Hospitals, Child soldiers, Camp Borden (Ont.), Commando troops, Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Dudley, Robert Woodhouse, 1924-1986--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Hitler Line (Italy), Great Britain--Army--North Irish Horse, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Borden, Ont.), Amphibious warfare, Great Britain--Army--Lovat Scouts, Canada--Canadian Army--Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Korean War, 1950-1953--Medical care--Canada, Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 1st--Company D, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Netherlands, Canada--Canadian Army-- Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Gordon Head Army Camp (Victoria, B.C.), World War, 1939-1945--Amphibious operations, War wounds, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Italy, Gothic Line (Italy), World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army-- Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Canada--Canadian Army--Recreation, World War, 1939-1945--Participation, Juvenile, and Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 1st
Subject:: Soldiers, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and Korean War (1950-1953)
Contributor:: Falconer, Cameron and Dudley, Robert Woodhouse, b. 1924
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-16
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain, United States, Korea (South), Korea (North), and Canada
Coordinates:: 40, 127, 39.76, -98.5, 36.5, 127.75, 54.75844, -2.69531, and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 135 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: DRW_049
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:: 2007-05-30
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.

167. Stephen, Hugh Roulston: my Army recollections (March 30, 1983)

Title:: Stephen, Hugh Roulston: my Army recollections (March 30, 1983)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Hugh Roulston Stephen's experiences during World War II. Captain Stephen served with the Royal Canadian Artillery, the Canadian Intelligence Corps and the Special Operations Executive, Force 136. Interview took place on March 30, 1983., Interviewee: Stephen, Hugh Roulston, b. 1913, Rank: Captain. , ABSTRACT: Capt. Hugh Roulston Stephen Royal Canadian Artillery Canadian Intelligence Corps Special Operations Executive, Force 136 Stephen_H_0071_01.mp3 Born on Apr. 25, 1913 in Guildford, Surrey, Eng. His family came to Victoria just before the war and in late Aug. 1939 he enlisted in the 5th (British Columbia) Coast Regiment, R.C.A. as a gunner. Was posted to 17th Searchlight Battery at Fort Rodd Hill. After a year he was commissioned and subsequently became Adjutant of the regiment. After Pearl Harbour he was unable, despite his best efforts, to proceed overseas to England. A large buildup of the Pacific coast defences occurred because of the fear of a Japanese attack. Volunteered to attend the Army Japanese Language School in Vancouver in 1943. Comments on the need for personnel capable of speaking Japanese and describes the school, curriculum, and instructional staff. A very intense and effective course. Upon graduation ten students were sent to the South East Asia Command after volunteering for what turned out to be the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.). Their choice of occupation included operating behind Japanese lines, front-line propaganda broadcasting units, or in psychological warfare. Flew to India in March 1945. Explains the testing and selection process at the Jungle Warfare School at Poona. A very small percentage was found suitable for the lonely work behind the Japanese lines. Was chosen for the Psychological Warfare Dept. in Calcutta in Apr. 1945 because he was good at Japanese written characters and had been a journalist for a short time in London, Eng. Describes propaganda newspapers and their purpose: to inform the Japanese of the military situation. Also prepared slightly gloomy official-looking reports, placed where the Japanese could find them, all in an effort to promote a pessimistic attitude in the enemy. Provides an account of the almost unheard-of use of Japanese prisoners of war for propaganda purposes. The Japanese were convinced that they would be assisting the Emperor of Japan to bring the war to an end. Very useful for their knowledge of colloquial Japanese. Makes some comment on the Japanese attitude toward the war, how their reaction to a given situation might be quite different from that of a westerner. Contrasts Japanese Army brutalities, which were fostered by the highest ranks, with the great civilities and formal social structures of civilian life. In providing surrender pamphlets they had to produce a feeling of nostalgia for Japan and for the importance of beauty in the Japanese life. Gives an account of the Psychological Warfare Dept., independently run, the staff, method of delivery (airdrop), and effectiveness, particularly in the last few months of the war. Was ordered to fly to Rangoon after its capture. Stephen_H_0071_02.mp3 (Side 2) Later flew to Singapore four or five days after the first allied landing. Japanese very cooperative. Took over Japanese-run radio stations and newspapers. Stephen produced a daily radio broadcast for the Japanese forces in southeast Asia with the full co-operation of a former employee of the official Japanese news agency who read the bulletins. Mentions the organized Japanese method of agreement by consensus. This experience promoted a change of feeling toward the capabilities of the Japanese people. In Canada the British were permitted to recruit Japanese-Canadians for service in the far east, but they were sent out as Canadians. Returns to a discussion of the Canadian feeling toward Japanese Canadians, west coast defences, the loyalties of the Japanese-Canadians, the necessity of removing them from the coast, and what he considers the disgraceful way in which their property was handled. Further accounts of early coast defence problems, Connie Smythe's "Sportsmans' Battery" of Bofors anti-aircraft guns, prospective military targets in B.C. and the U.S. northwest. At the end of the war he and some other Canadians in Singapore hitch-hiked home via the U.S. Navy to Philadelphia. Casualties of the S.O.E. were quite small compared to those in Europe. Demobilized in Canada. Attended the University of British Columbia for two years, then, with his father, purchased a large laundry and drycleaning business in Victoria. Entered civic politics, eventually becoming Mayor of Victoria., and Interviewer: Stafford, David A. T.
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Jungle warfare, Great Britain--Special Operations Executive--Force 136, Japanese-- Canada--Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945, Stephen, Hugh Roulston, 1913-2002--Interviews, Prisoners of war--Japan, Japanese--Attitudes, Canada--Canadian Army--Coast Regiment (British Columbia), 5th--Searchlight Battery, 17th, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Japanese Language School (Vancouver, B.C.), Jungle warfare--India, Defenses--Canada, Psychological warfare--India, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Intelligence Corps, Canada--Royal Canadian Artillery, Propaganda, World War, 1939-1945--Psychological aspects, Coast defenses--Canada, Prisoners of war--Abuse of--Japan, Allied Forces--Southeast Asia Command, Military intelligence--Canada, Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site (B.C.), Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, and Japanese Canadians--History
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Stephen, Hugh Roulston, b. 1913 and Stafford, David A. T.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-30
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound cassette (ca. 90 min.) : 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:: SHR_071
Fonds Title:: David Stafford fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC406
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/david-stafford-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-06-06
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.

168. Adams, Kenneth F.: my Navy recollections (March 31, 1983)

Title:: Adams, Kenneth F.: my Navy recollections (March 31, 1983)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Kenneth F. Adams Royal Canadian Navy Adams_K_0161_01.mp3 (Interview 2, Side 1 interviewed by Chris Bell) Prewar naval experiences: first served in the small destroyer, H.M.C.S. Vancouver. Describes officers, living conditions, including a small bathtub which was stowed in the ceiling of officers' cabins, wardroom with working fireplace, staff of two stewards, cook, etc. As a lieutenant received five dollars per day and was required to pay for extra messing. No refrigeration in the ship, therefore fresh food lasted less than a week. Ship life exactly paralleled that of the Royal Navy (R.N.). Describes old wardroom at H.M.C.S. Naden, social customs, etc. Courses at Greenwich. H.M.C.S. Skeena, latest thing in destroyers. Adams_K_0161_02.mp3 Manning of ships was a serious problem in the first war years, largely due to the inability to supply properly trained crews as fast as ships became available. During service with the R.N. he was sports officer for a twenty-seven-ship flotilla of destroyers. First lieutenant in H.M.C.S. Champlain in 1936 which was in rather poor shape, largely due to the adverse weather conditions on the east coast. The Depression was a difficult time for ships and personnel. Comments on present-day navy. (62:00), An interview/narrative of Kenneth F. Adams's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Adams served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on March 31, 1983., Interviewee: Adams, Kenneth F., b. 1903, Rank: Rear-Admiral. , and Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Naval history, and Military history
Contributor:: Adams, Kenneth F., b. 1903 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-03-31
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 51.45, 0.05
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 60 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: AKF_161
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:: 2007-03-29
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by 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.

169. Chass, Pierre: my Army and Special Operations Executive recollections (April 12, 1983)

Title:: Chass, Pierre: my Army and Special Operations Executive recollections (April 12, 1983)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Col. Pierre Chassé Royal 22e Regiment Special Operations Executive Chasse_P_0155_01.mp3 (Side 1) While Chassé was serving in Italy as a captain, the regiment, through Maj.-Gen. Georges Vanier in Algiers, received a call for two French-speaking officers to act as liaison officers with the French forces. This turned out to be a call for agents to go to occupied France. Recounts some prewar experiences: born on Apr. 4, 1923 in the Citadel, Quebec City, to a military family. Commissioned in 1941 as a second lieutenant. Took part in the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Since he and another officer had weapons and battle experience training as agents was brief. Cover story used: Pierre Dorval (?), a young artist. His mission was to represent the Allied High Command in the Rhone area and to attempt to coordinate the efforts of the underground in attacking the Germans. Claims the resistance caused about five thousand German casualties in about six months and later he personally accepted the surrender of about seven thousand Germans. Also prevented the movement of troops to the north to reinforce the German Army in Normandy after D-Day. Dropped into France on Apr. 6, 1944 and stayed there until Nov. that year. Explains that some "unfortunate" things happened to collaborators. Made contact with the Francs Tireurs Partisans, a Communist group. Carried about five million francs to help finance operations. Ammunition and explosives were dropped on request. Had to keep moving because of informers, many of whom were under pressure from the Gestapo. A few days after his arrival the Germans offered a reward of two million francs for his and another agent's capture. Controlled guerrilla units by using the threat of withholding much-needed supplies. Comments on some cases where the Communist forces were discriminated against by the Allied forces; a pity, since the Communist groups were good at their business. (20:00) Sometimes the resistance was too enthusiastic and this resulted in unnecessary casualties. He had two radio operators in this team, contacted London or Algiers twice per day. Necessary to keep moving so that they would not be located by German wireless direction-finding equipment mounted in automobiles. Some discussion about a French officer, Col. Vaucheret (?) who was highly regarded and with whom he worked closely. Again comments on the problem of keeping resistance members under control. Many were very young and had to be reminded that they had few arms. Very difficult to stop these young men from launching suicidal attacks without heavy weapons against the Germans. (35:00) In Aug. 1944 he accepted the surrender of many Germans who did not wish to surrender to the underground. Details of this operation. Major problem feeding seven thousand prisoners. Reprisals carried out by the resistance in Lyon were rather shocking to him. Explains the importance of the Rhone Valley and the excellent terrain there for underground operations. A problem was posed by people talking too much in a general way. One had to learn to be extremely discreet. (45:00) Chasse_P_0155_02.mp3 (Side 2) Shortly thereafter he asked to be returned to England. The French government awarded him the Croix de Guerre with Palm for which he returned to Paris. He and a group of officers were asked to leave France within twenty-four hours because they had been closely associated with the Communist resistance which was not popular with de Gaulle. Critical of the British B-2 radio set issued in a suitcase because they all looked the same and became easily recognized by the Germans. Very dependable support by the Royal Air Force. Debriefing included his opinion of forged papers, money supply, etc. Mentions cyanide capsules in case suicide became necessary. British Intelligence were very good about supporting their agents, gave a very secure feeling. Discusses the position of our present defence forces: believes that they are necessary, but war is not. Comments on his method of dealing with fear. After six months in France he had lost forty pounds and had become very nervous. At the end of the war he remembers being amazed at the trivia about which Canadians complained. Found himself very self-contained and had great difficulty in communicating with people. Stayed in the army as he felt that there was still a job to be done. Enjoyed his military career; a wonderful life. Felt that by the time he commanded the Royal 22e Regiment he could in some way help to improve the lives of those he commanded. (29:00), An interview/narrative of Pierre Chass's experiences during World War II. Colonel Chass served with the Royal 22e Regiment and Special Operations Executive. Interview took place on April 12, 1983., Interviewer: Stafford, David A. T., Rank: Colonel. , and Interviewee: Chass, Pierre, b. 1923
Subject:: Military history, Operation Overlord, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Stafford, David A. T. and Chass, Pierre, b. 1923
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-04-12
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and France
Coordinates:: 46, 2 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound cassette (ca. 75 min.) : 2 track, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: CP_155
Fonds Title:: David Stafford fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC406
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/david-stafford-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-01-12
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 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

170. Davis, James Sinclair: my Navy recollections (April 21, and 28, 1983)

Title:: Davis, James Sinclair: my Navy recollections (April 21, and 28, 1983)
Description:: Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, ABSTRACT: Commander James S. Davis Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (Cassette 1, Side 1) Cmdr. Davis joined the Navy in the fall of 1939 (HMCS York). In January 1940 he joined the Stone Frigate (at RMC) in Kingston. The first two classes went to the "mouse traps" in Halifax (Jr. officers accommodation), but his class went to the West Coast. He was appointed to the HMCS Wolf (armed yacht), as first lieutenant. Comment on the vagaries of Wolf, including poor stability and erratic gun practice. Carried stokers under training as far as Comox. The Captain of Wolf took Davis with him when he was appointed Captain of HMCS Quesnel - the first corvette built by Victoria Machinery Depot at Bay Street. Work-ups to Prince Rupert in the spring of 1941. Returns to some comments on his time with Stone Frigate. Mine sweeping training for Royal Roads. Took the Long N course in Halifax. Anecdote about blowing up a house in France (JW Colby). Made unsuccessful efforts to get to the war. Refers to a Japanese submarine with small aeroplane, which took air photos of the strait and even Bremerton, Washington (pre-Dec. 7, 1941). After the Long N course he was appointed to Q060 (Fairmile) working out of Halifax - describes three patrol loops they undertook. Experiences in HMCS Charney (patrol vessel), particularly her grounding and re-floating. Returning to his account of Fairmiles, now in Sydney, NS and later in Newfoundland. Initially in the North then around St. John's. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Describes heavy winter clothing and the cold. He was appointed as captain of HMCS Malbaie (corvette) to sail for Londonderry (12 February 1943) after meeting a convoy at the West Ocean Meeting Point (WESTOMP). Describes the course, initially steering 000! Returns to his first experience in taking a corvette out of a port (St. John's). Remarks on pilots directing the ship at Loch Foyle and his experiences with them. Anecdotes on training exercises. An account of a destroyer seriously damaging her propellers on ice. Convoy anecdotes. Appointed as the captain of HMCS Royalmount (frigate) in 1944, describes Christmas celebrations aboard. In total he escorted 22 convoys. Comments on the training and great expansion the Canadian Navy experienced. Describes the sinking of the Foundation Franklin (merchant ship) while he had her undertow in the Malbaie (Cassette 2, Side 1) Davis recounts the rescue of the crew. He speaks of his brother who was torpedoed in HMCS Greysborough (Bangor minesweeper), but survived. Describes his old uniform with gold up to the elbow and rows of "medal" ribbons made from striped material, including old pyjamas. He had a gold earring in his left ear. Returns to a tale of the Wolf and HMCS Sans Peur (armed yacht). Anecdote about decommissioning ships at war's end. Comments on Cmdr. Trigger Wadds (and how he got his nickname) and Lieutenant Howard Quinn. When Davis was in command of Royalmount he was quickly taken off to be senior officer on a convoy to the UK, sailing in HMCS Hallowell (frigate) - just after VE day. (Cassette 2, Side 2) Discussion of the gap between the officers and the captain - especially when at sea - and what characters some were. In Royalmount Davis was part of the largest convoy to cross the Atlantic, 153 ships, and ten and a half miles wide, side to side. Possible fuel shortages in the North Atlantic due to the amount of time it took to cross. Comments on storms and the damage that they could do to a ship. Remarks on the Halifax Riot in May 1945. Issued rum to the crew on VJ Day, with him first in line! Neither Davis nor Lawrence were hesitant to sign their "volunteer" forms for the Pacific War. After joining the RCN and after his leave, he was appointed to HMCS Venerable (light fleet carrier) in Australia. Davis makes unfavourable remarks about the Admiral, Sir Philip Vian, efficient but not pleasant. Tells anecdotes of his time with the RN- Hong Kong, Singapore, Ceylon, UK and later in HMCS Magnificent and once again went to the UK (in Venerable). All of the Chinese staff were disembarked prior to joining another ship. (Cassette 3, Side 1) Story of passing through the Suez Canal. Docking in Malta was an event. Returned to the Clyde and eventually Plymouth. Appointed to HMCS Iroquois (destroyer) in the reserve fleet. Recalls the collision by HMCS Micmac as the reason the Iroquois was reactivated. Took Iroquois out for speed trials. Later appointed to HMCS Athabaskan (II) (destroyer). Second interview, same side and cassette; In command of Athabaskan in 1948, sailed with the destroyers Cayuga and Crescent to Prince Rupert, exercising along the way. They sailed to Honolulu in company with HMCS Ontario (cruiser). Taken ill, lost his command and spent two months in the Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbour. Eventually reached Esquimalt and then to the Queen Mary Hospital in Montreal for three months (1949). In the spring of 1950 Davis returned to Esquimalt as commander of the Dockyard, Kings Harbour Master, CO of HMCS Rockcliffe (minesweeper) and senior officer for ships in reserve. To staff college in Toronto, then worked for Flag Officer Naval Divisions. Speaks of summer training (including Hal Lawrence). Went to Ottawa to the Directorate of Inter-service Development; a very boring position with little to do. Davis retired in 1959. He reminisces about the night the Knights of Columbus Hall burned down in St. John's (1942), believed to have been set by a Fifth Columnist (sabotage). Interesting story of a convoy escort that found and picked up a man in the sea who was the subject of an attempted murder and the resulting account. Next, a tale of a tanker in convoy. "Fifth Columnist" killed the Captain in his bunk and set fire to the ship. The fire was extinguished and the Captain was buried at sea - thus destroying all the evidence of murder! Anecdote of a corvette going to D-Day. Ends with a birthday party for a little girl., Interviewee: Davis, James Sinclair, and An interview/narrative of James Sinclair Davis' experiences during World War II. Commander Davis served in the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on April 21 and 28, 1983.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), Naval history, Operation Overlord, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Davis, James Sinclair
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-04-21/1983-04-28
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:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three sound cassette copies (ca. 270 min.) in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: DJS_287
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:: 2012-03-01
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 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.