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
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/4a7eade6-d0b7-4807-8cd2-6eb9c5a66937
Collection Details
- Items 789
- Last Updated 2025-04-01
Parent Collections (1)
Works (789)
171. Hibbard, James C.: my Navy recollections (April 23, 1983)
- Title:
- Hibbard, James C.: my Navy recollections (April 23, 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Bell, Chris, An interview/narrative of James C. Hibbard's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Hibbard, D.S.C. served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on April 23, 1983., Rank: Rear-Admiral. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and bar, Interviewee: Hibbard, James C., b. 1908, and ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C. and Bar Royal Canadian Navy (Reel 7, Side 1) Reasons for joining the navy, life as a cadet. Strict discipline for midshipmen in H.M.S. Emperor of India. English social habits, manners and discipline, considerate of others, yet cool to strangers. Greenwich, return to Canada. Relationship to the men the greatest factor in naval life. Canadian forces used to be highly respected, now less so. In 1950 he rejected the idea of recruiting Royal Navy (R.N.) officers for the R.C.N. Started the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the universities. The Canadian navy suffered much through the use of inadequately trained officers during the war and immediately afterward. Describes living in H.M.C.S. Vancouver. Main source of disillusionment in the navy was power-hungry politicians. Close ties with the R.N. saved the R.C.N. at one point, but Canadianization was not rapid enough. (47:00) (Reel 7, Side 2) In Germany made the acquaintance of a former German naval officer. Found themselves to be kindred souls. Speaks of war and the attitude, for instance, of certain individuals who advocate unilateral disarmament; many are well educated, but not mature enough to discuss the problem in an adequate manner. (10:00)
- Subject:
- Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and Naval history
- Contributor:
- Hibbard, James C., b. 1908 and Bell, Chris
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-04-23
- 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:
- 3 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Germany
- Coordinates:
- 51.5, 10.5
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 105 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), interviews, reminiscences, and sound recordings
- Archival Item Identifier:
- HJC_209
- 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:
- 2010-09-24
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
172. Johnson, Eugene Morris: my Army recollections (April 29, 1983)
- Title:
- Johnson, Eugene Morris: my Army recollections (April 29, 1983)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Eugene Morris Johnson's experiences during World War II. Captain Johnson served with the Malacca Volunteers, the Canadian Intelligence Corps and Special Operations Executive, Force 136. Interview took place on April 29, 1983., Interviewee: Johnson, Eugene Morris, Interviewer: Stafford, David A. T., Rank: Captain. , and ABSTRACT: Capt. Eugene Morris Johnson Malacca Volunteers Canadian Intelligence Corps Special Operations Executive, Force 136 Johnson_E_0085_01.mp3 (Tape 1, a ninety-minute cassette with fifty-one page transcript) Johnson was educated in Victoria, then sent to a job in a rubber plantation (Dunlop's) in Malaya, arriving on New Year's 1936/37. He describes his work and experiences in the position of assistant manager of a rubber plantation. He joined the militia, becoming a sergeant in command of a section of Vickers machine guns. Among the first in action against the Japanese at the Pahang River in northern Malaysia, they were quickly outflanked and started a retreat which ended in the defence of Singapore. A member of an official escape party he was transported to Sumatra on Feb. 14, 1942, then to Java, and by passenger-liner (bombed, but not sunk) to Australia. Some discussion follows about feelings of defeat and humiliation suffered by the white man which effectively opened the eyes of the indigenous peoples. He returned to Canada where he was put through basic training again before his posting to the Japanese Language School in Vancouver. Johnson_E_0085_02.mp3 He comments on the effectiveness of the school's one-year course, instructors, etc., and the treatment of Japanese-Canadians. He was commissioned upon graduation and sent to India. He describes the Canadian "mutiny" at the jungle warfare training camp in Poona. In Aug. 1945 he was sent to Malaysia where he joined Force 136. He returned to Pahang, where he had been before the war, as part of the British administration. He makes considerable comments on the Malayan People's Army (Chinese) who were a well-organized guerrilla force. Many were disarmed, but by no means all, by purchasing arms and ammunition for gold and/or food. He sympathized with the M.P.A. and did not like to see the old colonial government methods being reinstated by both the British and the Malays. However, the latter, with a good deal of British aid, were able to keep the lid on communist aspirations for the time being, although serious trouble broke out in a few years. In retrospect he was glad that he did not stay in Malaysia after the war.
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), Military history, World War (1914-1918), and Personal narratives--Canadian
- Contributor:
- Stafford, David A. T. and Johnson, Eugene Morris
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-04-29
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- JEM_085
- 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:
- 2007-06-12
- 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.
173. Gilbert, William: my Army recollections (May 1983)
- Title:
- Gilbert, William: my Army recollections (May 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Hazlitte, Elizabeth, ABSTRACT: Mr. William Gilbert 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. Gilbert_W_0150_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born ca. 1889 in England (died in 198-). Placed in a residential school, the West London District School, since his mother was unable to support her children. Classes held in the morning, work on the school farm in the afternoon; firm discipline. Later came to Canada to work on farms in Ontario. For a time worked in a mine in Cobalt, Ont. Went west to Calgary, broke land on the prairies. Worked as flunky in a logging camp, skidded logs with a team of horses, rode the freights in B.C. and northwestern U.S. (30:00) Had other odd jobs until, on Oct. 23, 1914, he joined the army, the 60th Rifles of Canada, in Moose Jaw. Became part of the 28th Battalion, C.E.F. Trained in Winnipeg. (48:00) Gilbert_W_0150_02.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Further comments on basic training, defaulters, civilian entertainment of troops, discipline, route marches. Overseas to England as part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. Issued with British equipment and, carrying it all, they marched to Folkestone to embark for France. He describes guard duty at the front and the trench system. Breakfast in the trenches consisted of tea and bacon. Comments on trench life, rum ration, trench raids. Moved to Ypres in early 1916, then to the Somme. Belgian civilians not always trustworthy. (48:00) Gilbert_W_0150_03.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) On Sept. 15 went "over the top" for the first of three times on the Somme. Court martialed for guard duty transgression; severe reprimand only. Vimy Ridge. Small wound in elbow. Lice a major problem to the troops. Moved to Passchendaele where conditions were terrible. In charge of a stretcher party. Married in England in Dec. 1917. After the war he returned to Victoria, then homesteaded on the prairies under the system of returned soldiers' grants. Wife became ill and returned to England. Gilbert_W_0150_04.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Homesteading a very hard life: short of money, livestock, all necessities. Wife returned, but after a stormy existence she returned to England. He moved to the B.C. coast. Obtained a divorce. Bought property at Roberts Creek in 1927. Employed in Vancouver. Could not enlist in World War II because of his age, although he was a W.O. II in the Seaforth Highlanders. In 1967 he moved to Victoria. The account returns to reminiscences of early life in England. Dr. Bernardo's Homes, details of emigration to Canada. Worked on an Ontario farm for three years, under the auspices of Dr. Bernardo's Homes, until 1906, in order to obtain basic farming knowledge. It was a hard life for a teenager. (45:00), An interview/narrative of William Gilbert's experiences during World War I. Gilbert served with the 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. Interview took place in May 1983., and Interviewee: Gilbert, William, b. 1889
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
- Contributor:
- Gilbert, William, b. 1889 and Hazlitte, Elizabeth
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-05
- 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:
- 4 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria and England
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Two original sound tape reels (ca. 180 min.) : 3 3/4 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), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- GW_150
- Fonds Title:
- Elizabeth Hazlitte fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC405
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/elizabeth-hazlitte-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-05-21
- 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 and SC, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
174. Welland, Robert P.: my Navy recollections (May 24, and 25, 1983)
- Title:
- Welland, Robert P.: my Navy recollections (May 24, and 25, 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Welland, Robert P., ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Robert P. Welland, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Navy Part I (Cassette 1, Side 1) At the age of eighteen R/Adm. Welland, having passed his Civil Service examination, joined the navy in 1936. Comments on the training cruiser HMS Frobisher and the usual three month cruises. Canada not having any facilities to train young officers it was necessary to begin their five-year stint in the UK. Also other Commonwealth and some foreign cadets trained there. Requested an appointment to the East Indies Station and joined HMS Emerald at Trincomalee in Ceylon. Heat in the ship (120° F) and in the boiler room was considerably hotter and required Somalian stokers (civilians under contract) who were able to stand the heat. Goanese messman were carried and being Muslims set their prayer mats around the upper deck and prayed to the east; the direction given to them daily by the midshipman of the watch. Occasionally patrolled the Red Sea attempting to catch smugglers. Anecdotes of naval life ashore in the colonies as well as aboard ship. All the ships gathered every two months at Trincomalee for battle practice--both exercising the guns and landing parties of fully armed Royal Marines. In 1938 the Royal Navy "captured" Singapore. According to Welland the Air Force lost all their aircraft to the Marines, the army lost coast defence guns and the centre of the city but laughed it off as it was an exercise! Returning to England, the ship was diverted to Israel where the Arabs and Jews were killing each other again. Two days on Mount Carmel as part of a small patrol, searching for grenades on civilians. The last few months as a midshipman was served in HMS Glasgow (cruiser). Many exercises in the Home Fleet. Serious gunnery and torpedo practice. Much thought about a future war but a general lack of attention to anti-aircraft gunnery, which was poor as was the equipment. Sub-Lieutenant's courses at Whale Island. At the end of a course, war was on and Welland appointed to a destroyer HMS Fame. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Rescued passengers and crew of sunken ships north of Scotland. After about six months Welland was returned to Canada to join HMCS St. Laurent (destroyer) in Halifax. Two weeks later under Lt. Cmdr. Harry DeWolf they sailed for Britain. Helped evacuate the British army from France including the refusal of the British at Saint-Valery-en-Caux. Later participated in the rescue of the crew and many POWs from the sinking liner, the Arandora Star. Those rescued (over 700) were covered in oil and in poor shape. Many died and Welland was ordered, with two seamen, to stack them up on Y-gun deck. Comments on Harry DeWolf, an excellent ship handler. Welland remained in the ship about a year, during which time they were able to sink one submarine. Trained in anti-submarine warfare (8 mos. course) and was appointed to the anti-submarine school at Halifax. He and a few others worked from Pictou preparing partially trained corvette crews for war and after three or four days sent them off to sea! Invented the Welland Plot so that the ships could locate their changing position on a chart relative to that of a submarine. Next sent to Esquimalt to establish an anti-submarine school and within three months had 400 students enrolled. In 1942 became executive officer in HMCS Assiniboine (destroyer) which he joined in the UK while under refit in Liverpool. The captain was Cmdr. Ken Adams, also an excellent ship-handler who took pains to instruct his officers in that skill. Welland became acting captain when Adams was ill (1943) and later was confirmed in that position. Returns to 1942 when Herbie Rayner was captain, a different style from Adams. Assiniboine, later in the summer of 1944, was in action off the French coast. Near Brest was a battery of 11-inch coast defence guns that were being used against the American army advancing toward Brest. Off Ushant (88mm guns) Assiniboine's patrol area ended at a range of about one mile, and by mutual consent the Germans did not open fire on the more heavily armed destroyers. Describes the German use of glider bombs which could be radio-controlled to their targets. The 11-inch guns (Brest) were attacked from the sea and heavily bombed by the air force but survived, opening fire as Assiniboine, other destroyers, and a battleship retired. The coastal battery was eventually blown up by Royal Marine commandos. Off Plymouth Assiniboine attacked a submarine lying on the bottom that blew up and caused considerable damage to the ship. The Admiralty advised the submarine had been recently sunk. Assiniboine had caused the torpedoes to explode. Returns to an account of an unsuccessful attack on a submarine by St. Laurent--after a 10-hour attack and another after leaving Plymouth harbour when the seaman passing the telephone order to fire, simply froze due to his nervous strain and contact was lost. Later, in command of HMCS Haida, they attacked and brought a damaged British submarine to the surface which they had not been advised was part of the exercise! Welland clarifies the time--returned to Canada to Haida (Dec. 1944) and again sailed for Scapa. Russian convoys to Murmansk, survived a torpedo attack. At Trondheim, Norway Welland accepted the surrender of a number of submarines and, with a Norwegian officer, accepted the surrender of a German airfield. Before Haida left they treated many Norwegian citizens and gave away all their medical stores of every kind. Part II (Cassette 3, Side 1) The navy underwent serious downsizing between 1945 and 1950. At the beginning of the Korean War (1950) Athabaskan, Sioux and Cayuga took on war stores and quickly left Esquimalt for Korea via Pearl Harbour, other Pacific islands, and Sasebo, Japan. The North Koreans had occupied nearly all of South Korea so the ships were in action almost immediately under British control on the west coast. Coastal shipping was the main target and were sent into nearby ports. Describes the Korean civilian attitude to the war. Many refugees that as much as possible were helped by the Canadians. Some trouble with N. Korean mines in rivers and harbours. Describes using Bofors to explode mines at a range of about 150 yards. Inchon Harbour and checking if N. Korean troops were occupying a series of islands and the close-by mainland. Bombarded partially-built fortifications on the coast. (Cassette 3, Side 2) Next on the east coast with the American navy. They were part of an invasion fleet to attack a large harbour just south of the border. The Americans decided that they had to have a minesweeper so that they could clear the enemy harbour so they waited several days for one to come from Japan. There was much entertaining in Haida--including the U.S. Admiral and the captains of many ships were there for lunch. After eight days the minesweeper arrived only to find that the North Koreans had withdrawn, so there was no fighting invasion! Good account of the move up the Chinnampo River to the city to assist the retreating U.S. army. Several ships ran aground. Haida did not and participated in the shelling of the oil tanks at Chinnampo. Second Interview Welland returns to an earlier time with a story of re-supplying a group of islands, the Kokunsun Gunto--archipelago well off the coast and his relationship with the local head man. Interesting account of the ship's doctor, Surg. Lt. Bruce Ramsey who spent much time looking after civilians brought on board for medical treatment often bullet wounds by bullets from U.S. naval aircraft. The captain's dining room table was the operating table and, as Welland says, nine people died on his dining room table. They ran into ice off N. Korea that can wear through the hull unless protected, ours were and the RN was not resulting in one destroyer having to retire in a leaking condition. Athabaskan was able to supply HMS Kenya (cruiser) with 30 sets of Canadian winter clothing since the RN gear was insufficient for the below freezing weather. This "gift" in return for Athabaskan smashing the Kenya's officers gangway when coming alongside the RN ship. Anecdote of propeller problems. The main effort in Korea was the sea blockade with a limited amount of firing against railroads. Continuous propaganda radio commentators by the North Koreans, including remarks that the Canadians should go home--what's happening to your wives and children at home, etc. It was banned in the ship as likely to be demoralizing. (Cassette 4, Side 1) The ship was very concerned with morale and held classes and examinations leading to promotions. The entire ship's company received an increase in at least one rank. The crew was paid at their new rank but carried on with their jobs. As Welland says "I didn't want the whole bloody ship full of petty officers". Static sports were played in the ship, such as loading depth charge throwers by hand--weight of almost four hundred pounds. Several could! Compulsory church service on Sunday led by the captain and at which time he spoke of news and other items of interest. Comments on Information Officers and the efforts made by Headquarters to saddle Welland with the job which was firmly refused. Eventually it was organized that Welland would send reports to the Toronto Star--by radio, by key, about two hours work in a slack radio time (July to October 1950). Welland found writing it hard work--the stories were mostly human interest--the crew, Koreans at sea, and rescued, etc. After the war (c. 1955) Welland was Director of Naval Training in Ottawa. It wasn't a good time to acquire officers, particularly flying officers. Discusses a new programme to be entirely within the navy. In officer training the candidates should not be over-educated such as in the services colleges where former students were more likely to leave the navy rather than make it a career. Thus the beginning of the Venture programme. Designed to be broadly based--from all over the country. In practice and studies the plan was loosely based on Royal Roads. R/Adm. Hugh Pullen was very keen on this since he felt it was a "proper" naval college. Early emphasis on pilots but soon broadened to include all branches. Six days per week instruction. The number of cadets built to nearly four hundred, first and second year inclusive. A great source of young naval officers, most of whom wanted to get to their jobs as soon as possible. Welland comments on Integration (approved) and Unification (disapproved). Much discussion about trade schools since the navy and army, for example, had very different performance requirements for the same nominal trade description. Showed the Minister of defence his disapproval and eventually retired seven years early (1967). While in command of HMCS Shearwater, Welland took flying training, graduated, and applied for his wings. He was turned down because his training had not been "authorized". (Cassette 4, Side 2) Some remarks about other officers, Jeff Brock in particular. Basic officer training or the lack of it made a considerable difference when in command of a ship. Very much against the new green uniform. No real reason for it and it annoyed the navy very much. Welland discusses his career and on balance was satisfied. Very difficult time during unification all the Flag and General Officers acted independently, there was no "Admirals Revolt" or anything like it. Basically senior officers were convinced the plan would not work and many didn't want any part of it. Every branch of the armed forces deteriorated for quite some time., Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, An interview/narrative of Robert P. Welland's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Rear Admiral Welland served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on May 24 and 25, 1983., and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Armed Forces--Officers, Military history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
- Contributor:
- Lawrence, Hal and Welland, Robert P.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-05-24/1983-05-25
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 7 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Japan and England
- Coordinates:
- 52.16045, -0.70312 and 35.68536, 139.75309
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recordings on four 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:
- oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- WRP_268
- 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:
- 2013-10-21
- 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 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
175. Jacobs, Alfred George: my Army recollections (May 26 - August 12, 1983)
- Title:
- Jacobs, Alfred George: my Army recollections (May 26 - August 12, 1983)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Alfred George Jacobs's experiences during World War I and World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobs served with Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Interview took place on May 26, June 8, August 3, 5 and 12, 1983., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Interviewee: Jacobs, Alfred George, b. 1894, ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Alfred George Jacobs Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Jacobs_A_0195_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on March 23, 1894 at Salisbury, Wiltshire. After finishing his schooling he was employed in a variety of jobs, including apprentice plumber. Family emigrated to Canada in 1911. Describes immigration hall, colonist train to Saskatoon. English and Canadian experiences. (25:00) Jacobs_A_0195_02.mp3 Joined cavalry militia unit. Interview moves forward in time to the battle at Moreuil Wood in March 1918 where he was a member of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (L.S.H.). Wounded. Jacobs_A_0195_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Explains location in 1914 of squadrons of a militia cavalry unit, usually located in different prairie towns. Joined the L.S.H. Discusses equipment, troopship to England. Early training at Quebec. (47:00) Jacobs_A_0195_04.mp3 Explains military equitation and drill. Stowing horses aboard ship. Troopship anecdote. Scandals at Fort Osborne in the 1920's, pay scales, barrack life. (45:00) Jacobs_A_0195_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Returns to his account of the movement from Canada to Salisbury Plain. So wet that the horse lines had to be moved as often as three times a day. No training as cavalry, but became an excellent horseman. Billeted in villages. Comments on Brig.-Gen. J.B. Seely. (Lt.-Col. G.R. Bradbrooke selected officers and N.C.O.'s for the Calgary Regiment, World War II.) Opinion of the Minister of Militia, Sam Hughes, and his characteristic ego. (45:00) Jacobs_A_0195_06.mp3 In March 1915 they moved into brigade barracks in Sussex. Jacobs was by now a troop trumpeter. Describes the L.S.H.'s fighting as infantry in France, trench system, sniping post, laundry, shelling, etc. (53:00) Jacobs_A_0195_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Relieves another battalion in the front line. Details of trench life and conditions, the sights and smells, his wounds. Participated in patrols in no-man's land. (45:00) Jacobs_A_0195_08.mp3 Night movement. (Reel 3 is missing.) Jacobs_A_0195_09.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 1) Demobilized in 1919, rejoined the regiment in 1920. Some description of personnel, early barracks and stables in Calgary and Winnipeg. Anecdote re profits on sales of beer. Within six months was promoted to sergeant. Jacobs_A_0195_010.mp3 Sent to assist in the training of the militia. Took instructors course in physical training. Winter schools, camp anecdote. (45:00) Jacobs_A_0195_011.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 2) Regimental life. Admired Capt. Worthington (later of armoured corps fame). Mentions Lt.-Col. (to be) J.C. Cave and Maj. C.E. Connolly. Jacobs_A_0195_012.mp3 Courting days and marriage, 1929/1930. (48:00) Jacobs_A_0195_013.mp3 (Reel 5) Returns to his early days in the militia in Saskatchewan. Quality of the militia and how effective they were in the Great War. Feels that, between the wars, much of the militia was not very effective, although some units were very good. Tales of the British Columbia interior militia. Indian members of the cavalry militia attended for summer camp only, bringing their own horses. Commissioned when World War II broke out. Jacobs_A_0195_014.mp3 Adjutant of his unit. Commanded the training wing at Calgary, as a lieutenant-colonel for the last two years of the war. Returns to anecdotes of militia training between the wars and of the period 1914-1918. Jacobs_A_0195_015.mp3 Offers a favourable opinion of Lt.-Col. (later Brig.) C.E. Connolly and his career. Describes his own family. (85:00), and Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel.
- Subject:
- Military history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
- Contributor:
- Bell, Chris and Jacobs, Alfred George, b. 1894
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-05-26/1983-08-12
- 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:
- 15 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- England and Alberta--Calgary
- Coordinates:
- 51.05011, -114.08529 and 52.16045, -0.70312
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Four original sound tape reels (ca. 600 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 8 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
- Archival Item Identifier:
- JAG_195
- Fonds Title:
- Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC104
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-06-25
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
176. Atkinson, Glen: my Army recollections (June 1983)
- Title:
- Atkinson, Glen: my Army recollections (June 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Atkinson, Glen, b. 1891, Rank: Corporal. , Interviewer: Hazlitte, Elizabeth, An interview/narrative of Glen Atkinson's experiences during World War I. Corporal Atkinson served with the 16th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (The Canadian Scottish Regiment). Interview took place in June 1983., and ABSTRACT: Corporal Glen Atkinson 16th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (The Canadian Scottish Regiment) Atkinson_G_0148_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born in 1891 in Brantford, Ont. (d. 198-). When he was quite young his family moved to Russell, Man. where he received his education. The area teemed with wildlife and as a teenager he learned to shoot well, trading game for shotgun shells. Moved to Victoria, B.C. at fifteen years of age. In 1910 returned to the prairies to homestead, turning the sod with a team of oxen. This was a successful endeavour with the assistance of his wife (at seventeen he was married in Vancouver). Immediately after marriage they moved to Calgary where he obtained a job as a teamster, but soon returned to homesteading. Besides growing grain he eventually fenced some of his land and ran cattle. Joined up in Victoria, B.C. and spent the next four years in France and Belgium. Proceeded overseas where his first battle was that of Vimy Ridge. (50:00) Atkinson_G_0148_02.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Points out that his wife lived in Saanich during this time while his parents ran his farm on the prairies. Describes Vimy Ridge and the deep German dugouts. A soldier's attitude toward casualties. Comments on other areas of the Western Front. Describes Passchendaele: vast numbers of dead, including some killed by our own artillery. Aided a badly wounded comrade. Received a slight wound from a nearly spent piece of shrapnel. Describes a chlorine gas attack in which he suffered some damage to his nose. Fought on the Marne and at Arras (where the big attraction was the municipal bathhouse). On balance, enjoyed the civilian aspects of Europe; felt that he could live there happily. (45:00) Atkinson_G_0148_03.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Describes a Belgian family with whom he stayed. He was in Mons at the end of the war and was billetted close by for a while. Considered the war a great learning experience. After the battle at Passchendaele he became a driver and enjoyed working again with horses. Offers an account of the Hindenburg Line, crossing no-man's-land: barbed wire on concrete posts was so thick that one could almost walk on it. Describes the horsedrawn cookcart. Difficulties obtaining safe water supplies. Billetting stories. Returned to his farm after the war to find it in excellent condition. (45:00) Atkinson_G_0148_04.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Additional accounts of farming, drought, sale of farm, working for neighbours, move to Victoria where he became engaged in the painting business. Cleared land near Swan Lake, Victoria, where he successfully grew potatoes. Lived close by for many years. (45:00)
- Subject:
- Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
- Contributor:
- Hazlitte, Elizabeth and Atkinson, Glen, b. 1891
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-06
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 4 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Two original sound tape reels (ca. 180 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- AG_148
- Fonds Title:
- Elizabeth Hazlitte fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC405
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/elizabeth-hazlitte-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2006-06-27
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC, HC and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
177. Twidale, Percy: my Army recollections (June and August, 1983)
- Title:
- Twidale, Percy: my Army recollections (June and August, 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Twidale, Percy, b. 1892, ABSTRACT: Mr. Percy Twidale 113th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. (Canadian Scottish) Twidale_P_0153_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born into a farming family in Lincolnshire on June 10, 1892 (died in 198-). Recounts his childhood adventures, some humorous. In 1906, at the age of fourteen, he emigrated to Canada to live for a time with his brother in Alberta and work as a ranchhand (15:00). He provides a good description of a cattle roundup on the open prairie south of Calgary, those engaged in it, including the well-paid cook, living conditions, etc. Also participated in the last roundup before the C.P.R. fenced the land for farms. (35:00) Winter conditions were extremely hard on men and animals. In March 1916 he joined the Lethbridge Highlanders (113th Battalion, C.E.F.) and, after harvest leave in August, they proceeded overseas to England in late September. (45:00) The unit moved to France while he was in hospital with the flu. Transferred to the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), but upon reaching France he and his draft were seconded to the "First Entrenching Battalion" (perhaps the First Construction Battalion) and spent the winter preparing railway grades, digging trenches, burying water pipes, cables, etc. Returned to the 16th Battalion in time for the attack on Vimy Ridge in Apr. 1917. A member of the first wave of infantry, he had his rifle smashed from his hands by shell splinter, picked up another from the ground and almost immediately received a shrapnel wound through his shin. Able to escort six German prisoners to the rear. Hospital at Etaples where, more than twenty-four hours later, his leg was operated upon (53:00). Twidale_P_0153_02.mp3 (Side 2) Hospital at Manchester, Eng. where he remained for eight months. Gangrene developed in his wound and he was near amputation, but intensive nursing care and the removal of additional foreign matter deep in the wound saved his leg. Eventually in 1919 he married one of his English nurses in Canada. In the meantime, at Christmas 1917 he was invalided home. Returns to comments on early days in the Army. Describes narrow-gauge railway at Vimy and the problems of maintaining it under shellfire. A great deal of night work was necessary in order to keep the activity secret from the Germans. "Task work": two men given a set amount of labour which had to be completed in the allotted time. In this there might be five hundred men working in pairs, digging a cable trench which had to be seven feet deep -- a protection against shellfire. Often they dug up bodies (usually French) during the course of this work. Recalls his early upbringing in England as a staunch Anglican. Repeats tale of broken rifle. (26:00), Interviewer: Hazlitte, Elizabeth, and An interview/narrative of Percy Twidale's experiences during World War I. Mr. Twidale served with the 113th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. and the 16th Canadian Infantry Battalion, C.E.F. (Canadian Scottish). Interview took place in June and August 1983.
- Subject:
- Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Twidale, Percy, b. 1892 and Hazlitte, Elizabeth
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-06/1983-08
- 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:
- 51.05011, -114.08529 and 52.16045, -0.70312
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 75 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- reminiscences, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
- Archival Item Identifier:
- TP_153
- Fonds Title:
- Elizabeth Hazlitte fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC405
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/elizabeth-hazlitte-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2006-08-18
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
178. Hibbard, James C.: my Navy recollections (June 6 - August 14, 1983)
- Title:
- Hibbard, James C.: my Navy recollections (June 6 - August 14, 1983)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of James C. Hibbard's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Hibbard, D.S.C. served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 6, 7, 13, 27, July 2, 7 and August 14, 1983., ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C. and Bar Royal Canadian Navy (Reel 1, Side 1) Born the youngest of two sons of an Anglican minister on March 26, 1908 in the province of Quebec. Both brothers were officers in the navy. Joined the Quebec City half-company, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and in summer 1925 went to sea for the first time. He was accepted as a cadet, Royal Canadian Navy (R.C.N.) and in 1926 sent to England for training. Placed in the hands of Gieves, the naval tailors, and proceeded to join H.M.S. Erebus (monitor), the direct-entry training ship. Quickly introduced to proper social customs of the mess: no political discussion, no ladies' names mentioned, formal dress and dining. (45:00) Living conditions, routines, attitudes. As a midshipman in 1927 joined H.M.S. Emperor of India (battleship), an older coal-burning vessel. As members of the gun room, midshipmen came under the command of a sub-lieutenant who ruled very firmly. Limited monthly wine account and disciplined meals were the norm. Acted as the captain's "doggie" for nearly a year. Found that some messages from the captain and others were sometimes difficult to deliver and failure to do so resulted in stoppage of leave. Participated in a great deal of small boat work. In charge of a steam picket boat, occasionally using his own money in order to maintain it at a high level of smartness. (45:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) On-the-job training fostered teamwork and loyalty to the ship. Describes coaling ship: everybody worked, butter smeared on neck and ears so that coal dust could be more easily removed. A twenty-four-hour job, slept on deck, cleaned ship immediately after coaling finished. Three months special study for sub-lieutenants exams. When successful, pay became four dollars per day and he was posted to Greenwich for courses. Returned to Canada in 1931 after five years training, posted to H.M.C.S. Vancouver (destroyer) at Esquimalt. (Reel 2, Side 1) Met his future wife in Victoria. Promoted to lieutenant, Jan. 1932. Married. Comments on Sunday church parade, captain's inspection. Navy life hardly affected by the Depression except that money was a little short. Sent to England on course and then served as first lieutenant in destroyer, H.M.S. Bulldog. Mentions the "first lieutenants' union" in which all first lieutenants decided upon the standards to be maintained in the flotilla. In 1936 served on patrol off Spain as part of the non intervention patrol. (45:00) Returned to Canada as second-in-command of H.M.C.S. Venture (schooner) which he considered a considerable "comedown". In 1938 posted as first lieutenant to H.M.C.S. Restigouche (destroyer). When new colours were presented to the R.C.N. in 1939 by the King, Lt. Hibbard was the colour officer. At Esquimalt, when war was declared in 1939, Canadian ships were fully prepared. (Reel 2, Side 2) Describes convoys, usual fifty to sixty ships proceeding fairly slowly, the orders required, the commodore, the escorts. Limited asdic coverage. Surface attacks by U-boats. Escort composition and deployment. Serious gales, navigational problems, approaching enemy submarines. Captain of H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer). Convoy SC 42. Attacks, escorts, tactics required. Details of the three-day battle. Ships sunk. Escorts attempted to force submarines under the surface where their speed was slow. Eventually hunter/killer groups were formed to sink submarines while escorts proceeded with the convoy. General comments. Poses the question why submarines did not concentrate their attacks against the escorts. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.). Admires the qualities of both naval and merchant seamen. (Reel 3, Side 1) Returns to an account of H.M.C.S. Venture in the training of young seamen. Fine concept, but too close to war to produce the required numbers adequately. In 1942 appointed ashore in Halifax to train crews for the Battle of the Atlantic. Comments on his experienced staff, all "battle trained". Took ships to sea and exercised crews and the ships. Initiated the "battle trainer", developed ashore, after a particularly ineffective training exercise at sea. Explains principle, usage, effectiveness for officers and men. Mentions the relationship with the Halifax civilian population was only fair; the city was feeling the strain of large numbers of seamen. Appointed captain of H.M.C.S. Iroquois (Tribal class destroyer). There had been a little unrest in the ship, but it was quickly squelched by the first voyage to Murmansk. Convoy escort to north Russia from Aug. 1943 to Jan. 1944. At Christmas 1943 a major battle developed. The Germans attacked the convoy with the battle cruiser, Scharnhorst. In command of a division of four destroyers attempting to encircle the Scharnhorst, but the German ship turned away. Celebrated Christmas in Murmansk, puzzled by the suspicious attitude of the Russians. In Jan. 1944, as part of the Tenth Flotilla in the English Channel, they were to prevent the Germans' use of the coastal waters and later, from escaping from French ports. Remained there, working from Plymouth, until Sept. 1944. (60:00) (Reel 3, Side 2) Describes the Tenth Flotilla, four Canadian, two British, two Polish destroyers. Operated in the Bay of Biscay and close to the French Coast at night. Reads signal recording successes in the five months, Apr. 15 to Sept. 15. Thirty-five ships and one submarine sunk, fourteen damaged. Iroquois participated in twenty-two "kills" and four damaged. Superior radar equipment often caused Iroquois to be the leading ship. Commander Hibbard was one of the first to fight a battle from an operations room rather than from the bridge. In fighting a radar-directed battle fire was opened at close range, four to six thousand yards. Sent a party ashore to the French Ile d'Yeu and, in effect, liberated it, appointing an interim governor. Describes a night action against two destroyers escorting a small convoy. In two nights completely emptied the ship of ammunition. Awarded Bar to the D.S.C. Returned to Halifax in March 1945 after voyages to Norway and Russia. Speaks of his admiration for the German submarine service. Returned to North America in the Queen Mary carrying the badly wounded. Spent several hours each day visiting the wounded -- no complaints from them! A sobering, but uplifting experience. Appointed Captain D at Halifax, effectively having under command all ships at that base. Discusses the Halifax riot on V-E Day. Lack of planning part of the cause. Believes that the pubs and liquor stores should have remained open. Unfairly, the navy received most of the blame, but soldiers and civilians were major participants. Compares Halifax to the more serious riot in San Francisco where a much greater amount of damage was done. Federal politicians there did not become involved and the navy refused to accept any blame, saying that it was a matter for the civil authorities to control. (45:00) (Reel 4, Side 1) Prepared to send a naval squadron to the Pacific. Protested the need to volunteer. At the same time was demobilizing ships very quickly and without proper safeguards for the ammunition. Warned Ottawa of this dangerous operation. When some ammunition exploded he ordered the north section of Halifax evacuated and all ships that were able, put to sea. As a result of warnings given, the government took the entire responsibility for damage that occurred. Reads from the Halifax Chronicle. Appointed deputy chief of personnel in Ottawa. First inkling of integration in the forces occurred under Brooke Claxton, the Minister of National Defence. In his opinion Claxton was a fine man who let the military carry out government policy. In spring 1947 appointed to command H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser) -- a wonderful job. Valuable and complicated big-ship administrative training offered to the navy through ships of this size. Very keen to work with the Americans and personally arranged exercises about which Ottawa did not want to know, there being no direct political arrangement in place. Eventually became a common and officially acceptable part of naval training. Appointed to the National War College, Washington, D.C. for the year 1949/1950. Promoted to commodore and chief of naval personnel. The navy troubled by plans for expansion due to the Korean War. Insufficient trained members of the officer corps was a major concern. The account jumps ahead to Paul Hellyer and unification. Promoted to rear-admiral in 1953 and flag officer, Pacific. Visited Hawaii in order to emphasize Canadian/United States co-operation. Stump-Hibbard Agreement signed, which is now part of the U.S./Canadian Defence agreement. Persuaded the Minister of National Defence that the agreement was in the best interests of Canadian sovereignty. Early retirement in 1956 due to poor health. (90:00) (Reel 5, Side 1) Speech to the crew of H.M.C.S. Terra Nova (destroyer escort) on the twentieth anniversary of her commissioning (June 27, 1979). Speaks of the importance of the man in the Navy: what one does and how one does it; it is the effort that counts; be careful of criticism; loyalty to all aspects of life. Second speech, May 9, 1970. Battle of the Atlantic. Reads signal from German naval headquarters ordering the cessation of hostilities. Mentions the record of the U-boat, merchant ships, and the spirit of those who participated. Fall of France, H.M.C.S. Skeena, defence of the South Coast of England, tales of ships sinking, convoy SC 42, etc. Iroquois and the actions in the North and off the French Coast. (45:00) (Reel 6, Side 1) Reads a speech to the mayors of British Columbia, in conference at Victoria (1955). The importance of maritime trade and defence. The submarine as a weapon. National and international security are part of the same thing. Conflict continues partly due to differing concepts of justice between people, but it must be controlled. Events must be thought about very thoroughly. The primary role of the Canadian navy remains, and is the most effective, in anti-submarine warfare. Speech ends. Upon retirement spent seven months on a trip around the world. Visited many foreign dignitaries whom he had met during his career. Discusses unification at some length. Thinks that Rear-Admiral W.M. Landymore may have been the best naval officer in the history of the Canadian navy. Reads message to Capt. David Groos of the parliamentary defence committee. Deplores the lack of requests for advice to senior officers of the services, but recognizes that the government may have already made up its mind. (52:00) Claims that all the best senior officers left the services, leaving the weaker ones behind. Lunched with Paul Hellyer in 1978 and put the question to him, why was he now a Conservative. Received an ineffective answer. Comments that he knew and liked Prime Minister Mike Pearson, but that he (Pearson) did not know what was going on in the domestic scene. Thinks that integration was very good, but that unification seriously damaged the forces. Claims that Paul Hellyer told him that the unification of the services was a mistake. Lists a few civilian boards of which he is a member. Philosophy of naval service. Control of the sea is vital. Mentions requirement to volunteer for the Pacific war. In 1947 the Mainguy Report pointed out serious deficiencies. Political influence deemed to be a crime by the navy. Reads letter to his member of parliament in which he deplores the lack of integrity of many politicians. (37:00), Rank: Rear-Admiral. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and bar, Interviewer: Main, Chris D., and Interviewee: Hibbard, James C., b. 1908
- Subject:
- World War (1914-1918), Naval history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Hibbard, James C., b. 1908 and Main, Chris D.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-06-06/1983-08-14
- 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:
- 19 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- England and British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Six original sound tape reels (ca. 720 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 10 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), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- HJC_208
- 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:
- 2010-09-14
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
179. Giles, Harold Trevor: my Air Force recollections (June 8, and August 4, 1983)
- Title:
- Giles, Harold Trevor: my Air Force recollections (June 8, and August 4, 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Rank: Squadron Leader. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Interviewee: Giles, Harold Trevor, b. 1922, ABSTRACT: Squadron Leader Harold Trevor Giles, D.F.C. Royal Canadian Air Force Giles_H_0078_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born to a farm family on July 17, 1922 near Gadsby, Alta. Joined the R.C.A.F. in Sept. 1940 although he had been a member of 91st Field Battery (militia) in Calgary. Applied for air crew. Manning depot, Toronto (30:00) followed by three months guard duty in Toronto and the maritimes. Comments on air crew selection, aircraft types. Guard duty: three hours on, four hours off. Anecdote. Initial Flying Training School at Guelph, Ont. (45:00) Giles_H_0078_02.mp3 Advanced training at Brantford, Ont. on the Avro Anson (training aircraft). Was awarded wings, a sergeant-pilot. Attended No. 1 General Reconnaissance School at Charlottetown, P.E.I. (15:00) Became a staff pilot at this R.A.F.-run base. Transferred out as soon as possible as promotion within the R.A.F. organization was slower than in the R.C.A.F. In 1942 was posted to No. 119 Bomber Squadron at Sydney, N.S. which used Bristol Bolingbroke bombers shortly to be replaced by the Lockheed Hudson. Comments on the three-point landing method of the former compared to the two-point method of the latter. Describes crash-landings with a bombload. Was transferred to No. 11 (Bomber) Squadron at Dartmouth, N.S. in March 1944 and commissioned. (50:00) Giles_H_0078_03.mp3 (Side 2) In mid-1944 converted to Consolidated Liberators (bomber). Describes aerial depth charges and accidents. Comments on tactics used when attacking submarines. (10:00) Air coverage usually thin on convoy patrol. Was ordered not to attack submarines seen on the flight to the convoy patrol area. Second duty to keep submarines under the surface as much as possible. The last year of the war saw early model Sonar buoys in use. Purpose of a bomber-reconnaissance squadron is explained. Was involved in the beginning of Tiger Force against Japan. (2:00) In March 1945 flew numbers of R.C.A.F. personnel from Iceland to Canada. Trained for the transport role. Flew Douglas Dakotas in No. 164 Squadron in the maritimes, then Liberators (No. 168 Squadron), carrying mail from Ottawa to Prestwick, Scotland. Commercial airlines attempted to recruit air force pilots with long-distance experience. Decided to stay in the R.C.A.F. Discusses terms of employment, retirement, promotion, and the service in general. (45:00) Giles_H_0078_04.mp3 In 1946 returned to No. 164 Squadron flying daily from Moncton to Goose Bay. Squadron number changed to No. 426. Beginning of Transport Command. (12:00) Made two flights to Japan during the Korean War, supplies in, wounded out. Personnel Branch in Ottawa. Staff College in Toronto. One year of jet aircraft training. In 1957 was posted to Comox, B.C., where he flew Avro CF-100 fighters. Comments on both the Canadair Sabre and the CF-100 fighters. Radar equipment. Early warning systems; Mid-Canada Line used the Doppler system. Giles_H_0078_05.mp3 Rotation of personnel at radar stations. Lack of accuracy of early inter continental ballistic missiles (I.C.B.M.). Was posted to defence headquarters about the time of the demise of the Avro Arrow. Dealt with operational requirements for the air force for the balance of his career. Retired in 1969. General discussion including Bomarc missiles, nuclear strike role in Canadair CF-104 squadrons, return to conventional weapons not entirely successful. Considers that unification produced confusion and a lack of efficiency. (48:00), and An interview/narrative of Harold Trevor Giles's experiences during World War II. Squadron Leader Giles, D.F.C. served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on June 8 and August 4, 1983.
- Keyword:
- Aerial reconnaissance, Douglas DC-3 (Transport plane), Canada--RCAF Station (Guelph, Ont.)--Wireless School, 4, Giles, Harold Trevor, b. 1922.--Interviews, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 11, Hudson (Bomber), Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 119, Canada--RCAF Station (Brantford, Ont.)--Service Flying Training School, 5, Avro airplanes, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Bomber command--Tiger Force, Canuck (Jet fighter plane), Submarine warfare, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Sabre (Jet fighter plane), Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force, Avro Anson (Training plane), B-24 bomber, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 164, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 168, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Lockheed aircraft, Ballistic missiles, Training planes, Sonar, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 426, Doppler radar, Transport planes, Douglas airplanes, Radar stations--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Military life, Bombers, Anti-submarine warfare, Radar defense networks--Canada, RAF Station (Charlottetown, P.E.I.)--General Reconnaissance School, 31, Bolingbroke (Bomber), North American airplanes (Military aircraft), Bristol airplanes, and Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Transport Command
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, and Great Britain. Royal Air Force
- Contributor:
- Giles, Harold Trevor, b. 1922 and Bell, Chris
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-06-08/1983-08-04
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 5 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Great Britain and Canada
- Coordinates:
- 60.10867, -113.64258 and 54.75844, -2.69531
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 180 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 3 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- GHT_078
- 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:
- 2007-06-08
- 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.
180. Charles, John Alexander: my Navy recollections (June 10, 1983)
- Title:
- Charles, John Alexander: my Navy recollections (June 10, 1983)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Charles, John Alexander, b. 1918, ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral John A. Charles, C.M.M. Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Born in Rouleau, SK (1918). Attended the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 1935. Describes the strict life at RMC and the very strong attachments to the members of his class. Opted to join the Navy and ten of his class did naval training at Halifax in the summer of 1936. The "Snotty's Nurse", the officer in charge of midshipmen and cadets, was Lt. Cmdr. W.B.L. Holmes. With Charles were "Scruffy O'Brien" (later V/Adm. J.C. O'Brien), "Frew", Freddie Frewer (later Capt. F.C. Frewer). In 1937 was interviewed by Cmdr. E.R. Mainguy regarding the posting to the Royal Navy as a cadet and later, midshipman. Sailed for England in August, 1937 with several of his class and a few others including two from Conway, the British Merchant Navy training college. Ten days in London including uniform fitting and sightseeing. In Sept. they joined their training ship, HMS Erebus (monitor). The uniformity of training for all cadets of Empire countries was a distinct advantage in the future. Discusses ships routine. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Posted to HMS Vindictive (cadet training cruiser) for two terms. Cruise to the West Indies. Describes constant boat work. NOTE: The term "Tankey" - a cadet or midshipman who assisted certain officers, originally one who sounded the ship's tanks: water, oil fuel, etc. "Doggie", one who did errands, carried messages for the Captain and perhaps for the Commander (XO). Instructions by "Boomer" Hope (Cmdr. G.B. Hope) on the proper attire for naval gentlemen. In Madeira was late returning to the ship due to a bit too much time spent in a winery and was punished by leave stoppage and several days of No. 11 punishment, doubling around the upper deck with rifle and full pack. Comments on the high quality of their instructors. Senior term, again in Vindictive and a cruise around Britain. Describes 'day clubs' in London as an entertaining place for a drink. Later to the Baltic in Vindictive. With O'Brien and Frewer was posted to HMS Royal Sovereign (battleship) in Sept. 1938. Sailed for Scapa Flow. Considerable time spent preparing for war, a common expectation at that time. Describes gunnery practice including rudimentary anti-aircraft equipment. Commanded a steam picket boat when in harbour and his duties in her. Midshipman's Journal. Training in the Home Fleet intensified after the Munich Crisis. Played hockey with a local team, the Dumfermline Flyers. Account of serving in a RN drifter (basically a fishing boat used as a tender in harbour) on a voyage to Sheerness. Slang terms for naval Port Divisions: Guz - Plymouth, Chats, Chatham, Pompeii, Portsmouth from which ships were manned. Ticketed by the police for driving a car without a license in a car without insurance. Got off!! Appointed Midshipman to HMS Berwick, a County Class cruiser and sailed to the West Indies in Jan. 1939. This was the America and West Indies Squadron (AWI) (Berwick, Exeter, Ajax, and Orion). (Cassette 2, Side 1) The squadron practiced paper operations against German pocket battleships. Tales of running a boat, drunken liberty men, life in Bermuda. Summer cruise including the World's Fair in New York. Visited Canadian ports. Lt. Governor's reception in PEI where liquor ran short and was renewed by prescription at a local drug store! After a month's leave Charles rejoined the ship in Halifax. Comments on the lack of a motorized whaler that would have been a valuable sea-boat. Compares British system of discipline with the American. Prepare for War message rec'd on Sept. 1, 1939. Explains the "degrees of readiness" and the watch system. Charles is in charge of an air defence position (ADP). HA (high angle) directors control the 4" anti-aircraft guns. The Berwick sent to New York to try and catch the German liner Bremen. KR & AI (King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions) laid down the appropriate procedures. Order rec'd (3 Sept. 1939) to commence hostilities. To Halifax to refuel and take on ammunition. AWI squadron required to deal with German pocket battleship and merchant ships. Limited to visual sightings, no radar. Sailed with the first convoy from Halifax and another from the West Indies. Charles was midshipman of a boarding party inspecting foreign merchant ships. To Portsmouth in mid-December and then joined the 1st Cruiser Squadron (CS1), Devonshire, Suffolk and Norfolk patrolling the North Atlantic, north of Iceland. Extremely cold and only inefficient electric heaters in the ship. Scapa for fuelling then returned to patrol. Met and escorted a Canadian troop convoy. Boarded the German ship Wolfsburg but the crew set it on fire and opened the sea-cocks. Chief ERA: Chief Engineroom Artificer. After saving the Wolfsburg's cat the boarding party returned and the ship was used for gunnery practice. They picked up the crew and shortly after found the Uruguay (Ger.) which was also scuttled by its' crew. Carrying 110 prisoners they put them ashore in the Orkneys. Arrived in Scapa to find the Home Fleet there. Air raid. Northern patrol again. Midshipman's seamanship board. (Cassette 2, Side 2) To Rosyth in Scotland to take about 700 troops on board (6 Mar. 1940) for transport to Norway. Did not sail and troops disembarked. Rejoined the Home Fleet and sailed north to be attacked by German bombers. Mentions some of the ships involved in this sweep toward the Norwegian coast. In action against enemy aircraft near Tromso. Comment on the Norwegian campaign. Ashore for sub-lieutenants' courses, leave in London, then Whale Island (Portsmouth). Air raids. Delegated as part of a gun-mounting party (6" naval guns) at various places around the coast of England. Describes this and their authority to requisition any sea-front building required. In Cardiff they also requisitioned a railway crane from Birmingham to assist them. When France surrendered he led a party of 50 seamen to take over (at 4 a.m.) a French destroyer in Portsmouth harbour. Introduced to RDF, early radar. Successful in his courses and returned to Canada. (Cassette 3, Side 1) Appointed to HMCS Annapolis (former US destroyer) then in October to HMCS Restigouche (destroyer), names officers. Began convoy escorting. Signal officer, discusses duties. Considers Cmdr. Nelson Lay a good captain. At sea, hunted for the German Deutschland (pocket battleship) with two ex-American destroyers of "uncertain quality". To the UK escorting convoys westward. As signal and cipher officer Charles knew all that was going on. Convoy communications. Almost run down by a large liner due to a missed convoy signal. Anti-submarine work-up at Tobermory on the Clyde. Put up Canada shoulder flashes for the first time. In 1941 they had some concern that their convoy was right in the path of Bismarck (Ger. battleship). Returned to Glasgow for a boiler-clean and to be fitted with RDF. Leave in London. Problems operating the RDF but it was a considerable improvement. Returned to Canada in May, 1941. Debbie Piers (Lt. Cmdr. D.W. Piers) the new Captain. Went to sea with a film crew for "shots" for the film Corvette K 225. Experience in Iceland. Formed part of the screen for HMS Prince of Wales (battleship) carrying Winston Churchill to Argentia to meet Roosevelt. (Cassette 3, Side 2) Anecdotes of the meeting. Uncharted rock damaged one of Restigouche's propellers. Returned to Halifax and posted to HMCS St. Hyacinthe (signals training base) as First Lieutenant. Here, Charles refers to his notes and photo album. Comments on the naval preparations for war in 1938/39. Points out that in early 1939 no one was bothered by the fact that Canadians in RN ships were fighting a war for a few days in which they were not legally entitled. Arrived in St. Hyacinthe (Cmdr. A.P. Musgrave) on 3 Dec. 1941. As First Lieutenant his duties included discipline, routine, working parties, leave, etc. Lt. R.W. Murdoch was Signal Officer responsible for communications training. Describes other officers. Anecdote re the train (Ocean Limited) between Montreal and Halifax, which was met daily so that service personnel who had celebrated a bit too much could be taken off for a 24-hour sobering. Good relations with the French-Canadian civilians in St. Hyacinth. Every night between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. Charles inspected the camp since the buildings were only heated by large stoves which could be a fire hazard. Favourable comments about Cmdr. Musgrave. Mentions Sam Worth, later Capt. G.A. Worth, Director of Signals. Sent to HMS Mercury in England for the Long S (Signal) Course. There were twelve on the course, the other Canadian being Lt. J.C. O'Brien. Outlines course. Included an army officer (Capt. G.B. Southerland, Royal Corps of Signals) training for Command Operations. Upon graduation Charles was appointed Signal Officer to the 19th Destroyer Flotilla shortly to be sent to the Mediterranean. HMS Lafory (Capt. R.N.J. Hutton, Captain D.) Explained his duties and the equipment carried, including the ability to monitor high frequency German transmissions. The latter operated by a cockney who spoke fluent colloquial German. Fast convoy to the Mediterranean. Troopship Strathalan torpedoed off North Africa and eventually sank while under tow by Laforey. Describes the Signal Officer's duties in establishing anti-submarine and anti-aircraft configurations. Basically this required ships of the same radio frequency to keep close to each other. A real learning period. Then to Bone to provide anti-aircraft protection and at night to attack German shipping between Sicily and North Africa. Heavy bombing attacks. (Cassette 4, Side 1) To sea to "sink at sight" area in shallow but mined areas. To Gibraltar where Canadian corvettes were met for the first time. HMCS Louisberg torpedoed and sunk shortly afterwards. HMCS Camrose severely criticised by Captain D. for picking up survivors rather than hunting the submarine. Corvettes generally concentrated on anti-submarine tasks since they had no anti-aircraft armament. Mentions landing craft and motor torpedo boats. Charles became very adept at pirating radar and wireless equipment from ships hit by bombs. Provided gun-fire to assist the army. NOTE: Part of a signal "number fives, negative sword" means best uniform as for a parade, but not including the naval sword. (re Camrose, above) Night sweeps as far as Malta, returning to port before day-light. The sweeps were very tiring as the crew were at action stations for twelve or thirteen hours. Sunk several supply ships. Also, in one night, sank three German E-boats, one by ramming which caused some flooding and reduced speed. To Algiers for quick repairs. Operation Retribution - ordered to sink, burn, or destroy all German ships engaged in saving the German army in Tunisia. For identification all ships were painted with red lead. Shore bombardment during which Laforey was hit by German 88mm return fire. Sank three German ships by very accurate radar sighting and picked up four survivors, one of whom was forced to plot a course through a minefield off Tunis. Accepted the surrender of a small island (Plane Is.) off Bone. Later picked up a number of soldiers leaving North Africa in small boats. Sailed for Malta for more permanent bow repairs. Acquired an artillery BLO (Bombardment Liaison Officer) who worked in co-ordination with a FOO (Forward Observation Officer) ashore. Explains communication procedure, largely a form of Morse code. Aside: In 1943 Laforey expended fifty-five hundred rounds of 4.7' ammunition and wore out the gun-tubes four times. Bombarded the island of Pantelaria, which surrendered. (Cassette 4, Side 2) Huge convoys assembled for the invasion of Sicily and offered close in fire support once the landing started. On July 15th picked up Gen. Alexander, Admiral Ramsey, Admiral Hewitt (U.S. Navy) and Air Marshal Conyingham for an inspection tour of the invasion sites. Remarks on the Air Force and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) and some improper use. Much shore bombardment with army FOO's and several returns to Malta for fuel and ammunition. Firing on shore was a delicate business since it was nearly all indirect fire with considerable difficulty identifying our troops, made even more difficult by the movement of the ship. Describes ranging shots and subsequent broadsides. Returning to Malta they avoided two torpedoes and blew the submarine to the surface. The Italian survivors were taken to Malta. Missed naval opportunity when the Germans retreated across the Strait of Messina. Poor intelligence? Crowded condition of Malta. Anecdote: Admiral A.B. Cunningham visits Laforey. Operation Avalanche: Supported British troops in landing at Salerno. Suffered considerable damage from German 88 mm battery before knocking it out. Hole in the hull plugged by stuffing hammocks in it. Direct fire against the enemy and on D+1 returned to FOO-directed fire. To Malta for repairs, returned to Salerno where for the first time came under fire from very effective radio-controlled bombs. Night collision with HMS Berwick (Cruiser). Some repairs done in Salerno. Acquired an 80-bottle wine supply in return for cans of Spam and supply of cigarettes. Escorted the first convoy of several into Naples. Returned to Malta and acquired a new Gunnery Officer, Lt. Bud Boyer, a Canadian. Capt. Hutton replaced by Capt. "Beaky" Armstrong. Dropped agents on the coast of Yugoslavia. Bombarding the Italian coast. Serious casualties from a bomb attack. Charles hit in the hand by shrapnel. British rations were not great but meals considerably better when along-side an American destroyer (their food and movies and our RN liquor). Sailed for Sardinia and Corsica to negotiate with the Free French navy for anchorages prior to the invasion of southern France. Provided close support for the landing at Anzio in Jan. 1944. HMS Sparton (cruiser) sunk by a flying bomb. Laforey avoided another. HMS Jervis (destroyer) close by had her bow blown off. Comments on Anzio. Received message that he was to return to Canada via Algiers and England. Sailed in the Aquitania (liner/troopship) to New York and then to the Signal School at HMS St. Hyacinthe. Tells of the loss of Laforey during a hunt for a submarine. Suggests that, for a destroyer, Laforey had a longish life in the Mediterranean, more than 18 months. At the end there were only two L class left out of eight. Found many changes at St. Hyacinthe. In April, 1944 there were about four thousand personnel there. Capt. A.B. Musgrave still in command. Training consisted of new entry telegraphists, RCNVR signal officers, Wren signal officers and for the first time, a Long Signal Course. describes the training establishment and some of the officers and their qualifications. Charles was the second most senior wireless instructor. Explains the different training for Reserve and Wren signal officers. Telegraphist trained to eighteen words/minute in Morse code. Charles did all the radio technical training, instructed in the Long Course and officers courses. Many types of equipment, British, Canadian, and eventually, American. Discusses various radio equipment, RDF/Radar training and equipment. (Cassette 5, Side 2) By Oct. 1944 consideration had to be given to the USN system if Canada was to send ships to the Pacific War. Visited HMCS Uganda (cruiser) in refit at Charleston, S. Carolina and partially fitted with American equipment. Obtained his qualification in American communications, methods, procedures and tactics. Started conversion courses for Canadians. Canadians required to volunteer for the Pacific. Some discussion of the effect of the large English-speaking group on the French-Canadian town. Partly smoothed out by having special trains with personnel "going ashore" from the base to Montreal. Unruly sailors did cause some trouble, but on VE-Day a party was held on the base and then the sailors were offered a train-ride to Montreal. In Charles' opinion the Canadian signal school was the equal of other schools in his experience and better than the UK in Electrical Engineering. Taught great emphasis on convoy work. Comments on the Canadian Wrens, limits to fraternization and some information of the establishment of Canada's Wrens. The base was quickly run down after VE-Day although a certain capability was retained due to the uncertainty of the Pacific War. In Sept. 1945 posted as Staff Communications Officer to R/Adm. V.G. Brodeur, initially in Vancouver. Prime job was to convert to the American signal system. The Admiral, unlike many others, favoured this change. West coast operations were with the US Navy but exercising with east coast vessels they had to revert to the British system. This was very awkward until the NATO signal books came in to use in 1949/50. Comments on the efficiency of the American ships vis-à-vis our own and the Canadian problem of the lack of the latest modern fighting equipment. Noticeable during the Korean War, especially in gunnery. As senior naval officer and captain of HMCS Haida Charles commanded our three destroyers in Korea, HMC Ships Cayuga (Cmdr. W.P. Hayes) and Crusader (Lt. Cmdr W.H. Wilson). Later the St. Laurent class with their sophisticated operations room tended to even the score. Mentions HMCS Uganda at Esquimalt in 1945 and how badly Capt. E.R. Mainguy felt about having to return early from the Pacific War. In Nov. 1945 the naval headquarters was organized in Esquimalt. Val Godfrey (Capt. V.S. Godfrey) was Chief of Staff. R/Adm. V.G. Brodeur retired to be succeeded by Commodore E.R. Mainguy. Other officers in that difficult time included Duchy Edwards (Cmdre J.C.I. Edwards) Creery (Capt. W.B. Creery) Commandant of Royal Roads, Fluffer Hart (Capt. F.G. Hart), Tingley (A/Cmdr. Hall R. Tingley) and others. Speaks of Dr. Jack Arnell (Defense Research Board) who was a source of much information regarding major decisions affecting the Navy during the period 1953-1967/68., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, An interview/narrative of John A. Charles's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Charles served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 10 1983., and Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Commander of the Order of Military Merit; Mentioned in Despatches
- Subject:
- Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Naval history
- Contributor:
- Lawrence, Hal and Charles, John Alexander, b. 1918
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1983-06-10
- 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:
- Québec--Montréal and Yugoslavia
- Coordinates:
- 44, 19.75 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:
- sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- CJA_256
- 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:
- 2013-03-06
- 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.