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)

181. Hibbard, Inez Jessie: my Navy recollections (June 15 - July 6, 1983)

Title:: Hibbard, Inez Jessie: my Navy recollections (June 15 - July 6, 1983)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Mrs. James C. (Inez Jessie) Hibbard Hibbard_I_0177_01.mp3 (Side 1) Inez Jessie Hibbard, wife of Rear Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C., R.C.N., was born on Dec. 15, 1906 in Victoria, B.C. Father was David R. Ker of the well-known Victoria family. Educated in Victoria and later at boarding school in Toronto. At the age of seventeen she visited Great Britain and then spent some months with a French family in Paris. Subsequently travelled through France and Italy. Returned to Victoria. Attended many social events, including dinner at Government House for the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Kent. Social life in Victoria. Abroad again, including Germany where she attended a magnificent ball at the former Kaiser's palace at Wiesbaden. Spain, Egypt, Jerusalem, and up the Nile by steamer. Hibbard_I_0177_02.mp3 Met Jimmy Hibbard, a young naval officer in Victoria, and was married in March 1933. (45:00) Hibbard_I_0177_03.mp3 Early days of community work in Victoria. Navy wife had duties; discusses the custom of calling on senior officers' wives and others. Halifax. Points out that in the first sixteen years of married life (1933-1945) her husband had shore appointments for only three years. Visited the wealthy summer community of Bar Harbor, Maine where they enjoyed great hospitality. She followed her husband to the West Indies during winter training cruises. Housing in Halifax. On course in England in March 1936. Lived in "digs" which consisted of a small apartment, but with meals provided from a central kitchen. First unpleasant contact with British "reserve". Jimmy Hibbard appointed executive officer in the British destroyer H.M.S. Bulldog. Presented at court in 1937; explains the procedure and dress for ladies (as instructed by the Lord Chamberlain's office). A footman was required for every car arriving at Buckingham Palace. (48:00) Hibbard_I_0177_04.mp3 (Side 2) Continues with description of the scene within the palace. Attended the coronation procession and the naval review. Exciting social and political times. Spanish Civil War and a trip to Biarritz. Recalled to Halifax where Jimmy Hibbard was appointed to H.M.C.S. Venture, a sail training vessel. Next in Victoria where much preparation was required for the expected visit of the King and Queen. Lt. Hibbard received the new colours for the R.C.N. from the King. When war began Mrs. Hibbard and other naval wives encoded messages at Esquimalt without any previous training. Their "pay" was a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Defence and a silver ashtray. Next, to Halifax, leaving the house in Victoria for what turned out to be eight years. Lt. Cdr. Hibbard appointed to command H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer). Involved in various forms of volunteer war work. (45:00) Hibbard_I_0177_05.mp3 Rented a house in Newfoundland where Skeena made port for two days each month. Experiences with Americans: how quickly they built their base in Newfoundland. Her feelings and reactions to friends who became war casualties. Returned to Halifax. Lt. Cdr. Hibbard appointed captain of H.M.C.S. Iroquois (Tribal class destroyer) which was in the U.K. (1943). Iroquois returned to Halifax for a short time in 1944 which made a difference to Mrs. Hibbard for she could now visualize where her husband was conducting his war at sea. In Apr. 1945 Cdr. Hibbard returned to Halifax. The looting during the Halifax Riot of May 1945 made a lasting impression. Remembers the ammunition depot explosions at a later date which kept up most of the night. Ottawa posting. In 1947 Capt. Hibbard appointed to command H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser). Washington, D.C. Flag officer, Pacific coast. Hibbard_I_0177_06.mp3 The Admiral's wife had many social and semi-diplomatic duties. Official calls, many visitors. Final day in the Navy. No regrets at all. (50:00), Interviewee: Hibbard, Inez Jessie, b. 1906, Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., and An interview/narrative of Inez Jessie Hibbard's experiences during World War II. Mrs. Hibbard was the wife of Rear Admiral James C. Hibbard, D.S.C., R.C.N. Interview took place on June 15, 22 and July 6, 1983.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Military history, Naval history, and Tribal Class (Destroyers : 1936-1969)
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Hibbard, Inez Jessie, b. 1906
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-06-15/1983-07-06
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:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 51.5, 10.5
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:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: HIJ_177
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-04-07
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by KG, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

182. Storrs, Anthony H. G.: my Navy recollections (June 30, 1983)

Title:: Storrs, Anthony H. G.: my Navy recollections (June 30, 1983)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Anthony H. G. Storrs's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Storrs served with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. Interview took place on June 30, 1983., Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, ABSTRACT: R/Adm. A.H.G. Storrs, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) At the age of fourteen joined HMS Worcester, one of the Merchant Navy training ships that had formerly been a "64", a fully rigged wooden ship-of-war moored in the River Thames. Storrs attended under a P&O Steamships scholarship. After two years had risen to Chief Cadet. Wanted to try his hand at sail and served in a cargo carrier, the William Mitchell, including a voyage of 153 days. United States to Australia, non-stop. In Melbourne, the ship picked up additional crew from the gaol, people that the authorities wanted to get rid of! Describes under sail in storms, the food, half a gallon of water per day for washing, and the considerable unpleasantness of salt-water "boils", etc. For this privilege Storrs paid £40 indenture. There was no pay! Joined the P&O line as a cadet (no pay again) but eventually got his mates ticket and stayed for four years. Retraces his career: Worcester, 1923-25, RNR time as a Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve, 1925-26, under sail for two years, then in the 1930's, P&O time. Returns to comments on his RN service in the 20's, and later service in a P&O liner sailing to Australia and later to China and Japan. In Shanghai met an officer of the Chinese Maritime Customs Service who, after a few gins at lunch, invited Storrs to meet his superior officer that resulted, one sailing later, in being offered a position with the Chinese Maritime Customs Service with whom he stayed until the beginning of the war. Their primary job was to counter smuggling. Smugglers caught at sea usually were not sent to gaol but their boats were confiscated and sold, often bought back by their previous owner! The Customs often recruited their seamen from caught smugglers. Tale of actually being fired upon by a muzzle loading cannon! Describes a sea-going, sailing, Chinese junk. Some, especially fishing junks of 50-60 feet in length, were "suspect sea boats" and very fast, as much as fourteen knots. Comments on the international make-up of the smaller coastal ports -- very relaxed atmosphere. Surveying in the Yangtze River estuary. Chiang Kai-shek government in power. Points out that the Chinese Maritime Customs Service was established after the Boxer Rebellion basically to collect, through custom duties, the heavy financial indemnities required by powers injured in the revolution. After the Sino-Japanese War started in 1937 the Customs vessels began to withdraw from the northern coast. Describes the Japanese attack on Shanghai. In 1940 in Foochow escaped by sea, after walking 35 miles over land, arriving in Shanghai, leaving a few weeks later in the Empress of Asia. At Esquimalt joined the Canadian Navy as a Lieutenant RCNR. In command of HMCS Armentières (patrol vessel) and later the new corvette HMCS Dawson. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Participated in driving out the Japanese from the Aleutian Islands. Appalling weather, many undersea contacts but no submarines were actually discovered. Next, east coast corvettes out of Newfie to Londonderry. In January 1944, promoted to Acting Commander in command of the 31st Minesweeping Flotilla to go to the UK to prepare for the D-Day invasion. In an aside, comments on CAT gear as an anti-torpedo device. After a fuel-short voyage to Plymouth (via the Azores) the flotilla discovered that they knew nothing about modern minesweeping. They were successfully "washed up" by the Royal Navy (despite their doubts). Swept mines for the American invasion of Omaha Beach. Comments on the poor control exercised in launching "swimming tanks" in rough seas -- many drowned. Later involved in mine-clearing along the French coast. In Canada on VE-Day. Returned to the UK in May 1945 to sweep mines in the Channel and the North Sea. Canada in Sept. 1945 and joined HMCS Antigonish (frigate). Transferred to the RCN. Sent to Ottawa under Nelson Lay as Deputy-Director of Plans. Captain of HMCS Nootka (Tribal-class destroyer) in 1949. Anecdotes. Posted to the staff at the National Defence College in Kingston, much to his dismay. The Navy did not approve of staff college training in 1950, and later. Points out that this worked against the Navy at the time of Unification -- the other services were far advanced in staff work and thus had more than their share of staff appointments. Promoted to Acting Captain and served under Lt. Gen. Guy Simonds at the College. A valuable but tough learning experience. Anecdote regarding a college trip to Germany. Comments on senior lecturers -- Mountbatten, St. Laurent, Person, Americans, etc. More discussion on reservists in the RCN. Some RCN unhappy about it and about the lack of university training in naval officers. Flag officers, early on, were of the opinion that all the training a naval officer required could be learned at sea. It later cost the Navy, in particular, the Unification battle. Director of Plans in Ottawa at the start of the Korean War. Appointed C.O. of the air base HMCS Shearwater in 1953. Too many flying accidents that gradually changed as the flyers took a more professional attitude and similarly in the carrier, HMCS Magnificent where the flying improved greatly. Anecdotes while at Shearwater and one regarding alcohol poisoning in HMCS Magnificent. Appointed as captain of Magnificent. Exercises in Europe, then showing the flag around Europe -- Lisbon, Genoa, Gibraltar, etc. Notes that before joining Magnificent there was not as much professional operation and training taking place -- too much that was new was not in the RCN. To Ottawa as Vice Chief of Naval Service, Warfare then took over the air element for two years. Commandant of the National Defence College in Kingston as a Rear Admiral. Much entertaining. Speaks of the military/civilian mix of students (55/45%) for a total of about thirty students. Retired (1962) and then spent nine years as Director of Marine Operations for the Canadian Coast Guard. Although Storrs retired before the event, he speaks of Unification and the problems, including a perceived lack of combat capability (1983) and the failure to resolve inter-service rivalry. In total, a complete exercise in futility. Returns to a tale of the Far Eastern time. Storrs and his wife took flying lessons -- and became flyers and he repeated it at the Halifax Flying Club when in command of Shearwater -- but never told anybody when connected with Navy Air that he could fly -- just wanted to get the "feel" of flying., and Interviewee: Storrs, Anthony H. G.
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Operation Overlord, Naval history, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Storrs, Anthony H. G. and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-06-30
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on two audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), interviews, reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: SAHG_266
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:: 2013-10-15
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.

183. Hampton, Eli: my Army recollections (July and August, 1983)

Title:: Hampton, Eli: my Army recollections (July and August, 1983)
Description:: Interviewee: Hampton, Eli, b. 1891, An interview/narrative of Eli Hampton's experiences during World War I. Private Hampton served with the 88th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (Victoria Fusiliers). Interview took place in July and August 1983., Rank: Private. , Interviewer: Hazlitte, Elizabeth, and ABSTRACT: Private Eli Hampton 88th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (Victoria Fusiliers) Hampton_E_0151_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born the eldest of seven children in 1891 (died in 198-). Due to the death of both parents he became the breadwinner for the family at the age of fourteen years. Emigrated to Canada in 1912. Became successful in the painting trade in Victoria, B.C. Joined the army. Comments on the great snowfall in winter 1915-16. The troops from the Willows Camp cleared the streetcar lines and were awarded free transportation on the trams for a month. Overseas. Vigorous training in England which he feels toughened them all for the trench warfare which was to follow. Sent to France in June 1917. Following the war he was a member of the army of occupation in Germany for five weeks. As a musician he entertained troops in hospitals and at town concerts.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, World War (1914-1918), and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Hazlitte, Elizabeth and Hampton, Eli, b. 1891
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-07/1983-08
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound cassette (ca. 45 min.) : 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), interviews, reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: HE_151
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:: 2010-05-27
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.

184. Bainbridge, Charles Garden: my Air Force recollections (July 7, 1983)

Title:: Bainbridge, Charles Garden: my Air Force recollections (July 7, 1983)
Description:: ABSTRACT: LAC Charles Garden Bainbridge Royal Canadian Air Force Bainbridge_C_0013_01.mp3 Born on May 10, 1925 in Winnipeg, Man. His family moved to Hamilton, Ont., and then during the Depression homesteaded in northern Ontario. Once again in Hamilton, and after a partial high school education, he became a civilian aircraft inspector. In 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, unfortunately failing the physical requirements for aircrew. Basic training was undertaken at the manning depot in Toronto after which he was sent for general duties at Trenton, Ont. Later he was sent to an equipment depot in Toronto. (30:00) Sent overseas in 1944 to Gloucester, England where a course in anti-gas training was undertaken. Explains the necessity of this and compares the fearful attitude then prevalent on gas to our present attitude toward nuclear warfare. He was posted to the Canadian No. 6 Group (Bomber) Headquarters near York as a batman for six officers. Did not like this duty nor a later one as a steward in the Officers' Mess. (39:00) Posted to No. 420 and No. 425 Squadrons as an intelligence clerk. Duties included decoding signals, providing target information, and attending briefings. Debriefings were often hard, e.g. facing up to numerous casualties. (45:00) Bainbridge_C_0013_02.mp3 No. 425 was a French Canadian squadron with an excellent reputation. Mentions the Air Force distress at bombing our own troops in Normandy in the summer of 1944. Some aircrew in tears. He participated, as an unauthorized passenger disguised as a sergeant, on a daylight raid against a target on the Dutch/German border. A little nervous at the sight of flak. From the air observed a V-2 rocket being launched. First realization that another era was approaching. At the close of the war he underwent a short battle course for members of the Occupation Forces for Germany. Landed in Bruges in time to observe the Belgian treatment of prostitutes and collaborators. (15:00) The unit was stationed at Oldenburg in Germany. While there he did not feel any personal animosity toward German civilians. In the Occupation Force his duties involved interrogation and disarmament of German air force personnel and assisting with weapons research. Also attempted to find the graves of missing Canadian aircrew. This unit was disbanded in Apr. 1946. While on leave he attended part of the Nuremberg war crimes trials. Visited Belsen, after which he felt that the trials were justified, but in retrospect not as sure that they all were, although he feels that the trials were conducted fairly. Comments on a few major defendants. (30:00) Discharged at Trenton in Sept. 1946. After 1960, for a short time, was a second lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps (militia)., Interviewee: Bainbridge, Charles Garden, 1925-2007, Rank: Leading Aircraftman. , An interview/narrative of Charles Garden Bainbridge's experiences during World War II. Leading Aircraftman Bainbridge served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on July 7, 1983., and Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Keyword:: Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Bomber Command, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Casualties, Nuremberg Trial of Major German War Criminals, Nuremberg, Germany, 1945-1946, War casualties, Friendly fire (Military science), Canada--RCAF Station (Trenton, Ont.)--Air Navigation School, 1, Germany (Territory under Allied occupation, 1945-1955), Battle casualties, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force, Bombing, Aerial, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Antigas School, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Bomber Command--Group, No. 6, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Aerial observation (Military science), Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Group, No. 6, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 425, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 420, Nuremberg War Crime Trials, Nuremberg, Germany, 1946-1949, Bergen-Belsen (Concentration camp), V-2 rocket, World War, 1939-1945--Collaborationists, Bainbridge, Charles Garden, 1925-2007--Interviews, and Canada--RCAF Station (Toronto, Ont.)--Manning Depot, 1
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Operation Overlord, Great Britain. Royal Air Force, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Bainbridge, Charles Garden, 1925-2007 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-07-07
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Normandy, Great Britain, and Canada
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: BCG_013
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-04-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by JW, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

185. Ingram, Mary Isabella: my MI5 and Ministry of Economic Warfare recollections (July 14 - August 9, 1983)

Title:: Ingram, Mary Isabella: my MI5 and Ministry of Economic Warfare recollections (July 14 - August 9, 1983)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Mary Isabella Ingram's experiences during World War II. Miss Ingram served with the British Military Intelligence, MI5, Special Operations Executive, Force 136 and the Ministry of Economic Warfare. Interview took place on July 14, 19 and August 9, 1983., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Interviewee: Ingram, Mary Isabella, b. 1908, and ABSTRACT: Miss Mary Isabella Ingram British Military Intelligence, MI5 Special Operations Executive, Force 136 Ministry of Economic Warfare Ingram_M_0178_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on July 29, 1908 in London, Eng. Her family had been connected with the Indian Civil Service and the army since 1816 and some had risen to high rank. Her mother had been an inspector of Indian schools and her father a chartered accountant with the Indian railways. As a child she had a series of governesses (45:00) Ingram_M_0178_02.mp3 and in 1919, during a period of great unrest in India, when the family returned to England on leave, she was sent to Cheltenham School. Recounts many experiences of school and family. (45:00) Ingram_M_0178_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returned to Lahore. Describes the social life, parties, dances, etc. of the higher levels of society in British India. Comments on the eight or nine servants required by a normal English family: cook, footman, water carrier, gardener, sweeper, and others. At Simla, in the summer, they all used heavy rickshaws which were both pushed and pulled by "coolies" dressed in livery. Experiences with Lord and Lady Willingdon, former Governor General of Canada. Visits to the vice-regal lodge. Ballroom scenes, brilliant dress of the guests, both Indian and British. An invitation to dinner was a major affair, perhaps ninety guests at one long table. Anecdotes of social life during the British Raj. Some detail about her former polo pony, "Timothy". (45:00) Ingram_M_0178_04.mp3 Describes her stepfather, a senior engineer with the Indian government. Visits the Maharaja's palace of great luxury, including the elephant stables. Customs of Indian royalty. (30:00) Became a member of St. John's Ambulance. Offers some detail of nursing experiences. Ingram_M_0178_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Returned to England after her stepfather died. On Dec. 23, 1938 she and her mother moved to Singapore after she obtained leave from her position with the Church of England Pension Board. In Singapore she became personal assistant to the Defense Security Officer (MI5, MI6). Was privy to all local and services intelligence reports. Comments on social life in Singapore, native servants, living conditions. "Mr. Smith" and the case of false arrest. Japanese consulate affair. When war with Japan began she experienced air raids. (30:00) After being advised that the intelligence service had found her name on a Japanese "blacklist" she arranged that, in the event of a Japanese victory, she and her mother were to be shot. Told that they must both leave Singapore, which they both did, a week before the fall, in Feb. 1942. Details of the confusion during the evacuation. (45:00) Ingram_M_0178_06.mp3 Comments on the duties and the staff of MI5 in Singapore. Placed aboard a small, dirty, and very crowded French vessel in which they came under air attack as they left Singapore. Finally they reached Bombay; a tremendous relief to be among friends ashore. Through the latter she managed to obtain a job with the Ministry of Economic Warfare in Apr. 1942. Defines the work of the S.O.E. Seconded to General Headquarters, Delhi. (35:00) Ingram_M_0178_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Association with the Indian Communist Party. Borrowed an aircraft from the R.A.F. Codes and ciphers. Account of her small part in the attack on Portuguese Goa. Life in Meerut. Seconded to the political section of the Foreign Office to assist in the repatriation of civilian internees in Singapore. (30:00) Comments on Lord Louis Mountbatten. In spring 1946 obtained an administrative position in Kashmir. (45:00) Ingram_M_0178_08.mp3 Returns to a description of New Delhi, roads, major buildings. A thought on the Indian National Army, a puppet organization encouraged by the Japanese. Ghandi, with whom she was not entirely favourably impressed, civil disobedience, telephone disruptions. Ingram_M_0178_09.mp3 General discussion on racial relationships in Canada as well as in India. (26:00)
Subject:: Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Ingram, Mary Isabella, b. 1908 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-07-14/1983-08-09
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 9 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Japan and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 35.68536, 139.75309
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 330 in.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 5 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: IMI_178
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-04-01
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by KG, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

186. Simpson, Robert John: my Army recollections (August 9, 1983)

Title:: Simpson, Robert John: my Army recollections (August 9, 1983)
Description:: Rank: Master Warrant Officer. , ABSTRACT: Master Warrant Officer (W.O. II) Robert John Simpson 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Simpson_R_0135_01.mp3 Born on Sept. 4, 1924 at Elbow, Sask. Joined the 16/22 Saskatchewan Horse in 1940, but sent home until 1941 when he talked his way into the active Army (age sixteen) at North Battleford. Sent to Kitchener, Ont. for basic training, then to Camp Borden for armoured training (as a driver). Overseas in 1942 as a reinforcement. Posted to the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. Discusses the reconnaissance role and equipment used. He was returned to the reinforcement unit and remained there as a driver until he became of age to go to Normandy (nineteen years). Rejoined his old unit which had been serving for a time as infantry. Their armoured cars were returned to them after the Seine was crossed. (30:00) Recapture of Dieppe. Anecdote about capture of prisoners of war in Holland. Relations with civilians in occupied countries, collaborators, etc. Returned to England, then to discharge in Canada. Re-enlisted in Feb. 1946 in Lord Strathcona's Horse which at that time consisted only of "A" Squadron and a Headquarters. (45:00) Simpson_R_0135_02.mp3 Comments on Centurian and Sherman tanks. Employed as technical sergeant in Headquarters Squadron. Sergeants' mess at Calgary was a very comfortable, if formal, organization. Returns to a general discussion of several main battle tanks. (10:00) Staff sergeant in the 1960s. Posted to Germany. After an illness returned to Canada to the training staff. Banff Cadet Camp for three summers. Decided to retire after twenty-seven years of service, coincidently at the start of integration process. Some comments on Maj.-Gen. F.F. Worthington, the "father" of Canadian armour. (30:00) General remarks, pictures, etc. for the final fifteen minutes of the tape. (45:00), An interview/narrative of Robert John Simpson's experiences during World War II. Master Warrant Officer Simpson served with the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars) and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Interview took place on August 9, 1983., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, and Interviewee: Simpson, Robert John, b. 1924
Subject:: Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), World War (1914-1918), Dieppe Raid (1942), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Simpson, Robert John, b. 1924
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-08-09
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: SRJ_135
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-07-25
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.

187. Corker, Arthur Donovan: my Army recollections (August 29, and 31, 1983)

Title:: Corker, Arthur Donovan: my Army recollections (August 29, and 31, 1983)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Arthur Donovan Corker's experiences during World War I. Private Corker, M.M. served with the 7th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Interview took place on August 29 and 31, 1983., Interviewee: Corker, Arthur Donovan, b. 1894, ABSTRACT: Pte. Arthur Donovan Corker, M.M. 7th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Corker_A_0035_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Feb. 26, 1894 in Victoria, B.C. His father was an Anglican missionary at Alert Bay and Comox, B.C. Educated in England. Returned to Alert Bay, taking a temporary job in a sawmill; ten hours a day, six days a week, ten cents an hour. Moved to Victoria where he was employed by the Bank of Nova Scotia. Joined the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Describes militia activities, summer camp at Sooke, all pay to the regimental fund. When war was declared in 1914 he was working in Nanaimo as Assistant Manager for a milling company. Immediately joining up, sent to the 88th Victoria Fusiliers, then to Valcartier Camp where he was posted to the 7th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Sailed for England on Sept. 26, 1914 in the Virginian. Describes living and training conditions on Salisbury Plain. (35:00) Trained with the machine-gun section of his unit. Remarks that later at the Battle of Ypres three out of four of their machine guns were out of action. The Colt machine guns were not very reliable. In France the battalion underwent three days familiarization in the trenches before taking over from a British unit. They occupied the trench in about half-company strength so that effective rotation was possible. He thought that the trenches were in pretty good shape. (45:00) Corker_A_0035_02.mp3 Mentions sanitary arrangements, rations, sleeping areas, etc. Initially held in reserve at the Battle of Ypres. They were armed with the Ross rifle; he partially blames its unreliability for his capture by the Germans during a heavy attack at St. Julien on Apr. 24, 1915. Corker was employed as a range finder operator for the machine guns, but, during a general retirement, they could not hold the Germans off, and a number had to surrender. He considers that in the war zone he received reasonable treatment by the Germans. Transported in freight cars to a camp at Giessen where the accommodation was good, even with 250 men in a building. (20:00) The rations were low, consisting of soup and one loaf of bread per day for five men. Prisoners combined into messes so that the food could be better cooked. After six months they began to think of escape. He was sent a compass from England, hidden in a jar of strawberry jam; the compass served him well during four attempts to escape. The "you know what society" was the name for their escape committee. (30:00) States (surprisingly) that in Germany he was introduced to the coffee break. The best work detail that he had was in a vineyard near Mainz. In industrial settings he was able to perform small acts of sabotage. Anecdote. (40:00) Corker_A_0035_03.mp3 (Side 2) Additional escape tales. Discourse returns to trench warfare, Ross rifle, leather Oliver-pattern equipment, etc. (10:00) Instrumental in formulating instructions for escapees, what to do and where to head. To his surprise in Apr. 1920 he learned that he had been awarded the Military Medal for his constant (six) attempts to escape from prison camp, his organizing and helping others, and his final success on the seventh personal attempt. (20:00) In 1917 he worked at Hoerde at the iron foundry. In 1918 he made his successful escape. He and another spent twenty-one days getting to the Dutch border which they crossed by crawling through a field of turnips. Reported to the Dutch Police, fourteen days in quarantine, then England. Extensively interrogated in London; a copy of one is held in the University of Victoria archives. (Public Archives of Canada record group 9, III, volume 4739, folder 155, file 16, no. 2287). (40:00) Corker_A_0035_04.mp3 In England he was given two or three weeks leave, extra rations, three years back pay. (45:00) Sent back to Canada (Sept. 1918) on the same ship (Virginian) that he arrived in. Received medical treatment for a wartime hearing disability. Discharged. Farmed and taught school in the Vanderhoof area of British Columbia. Married. Joined the Canadian National Railways as a bridgeman. Tough times in the Depression. Moved to a job in Victoria. (11:00), Rank: Private. Medals and Honours: Military Medal (MM), and Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Keyword:: Ross rifle, Virginian (Ship), Ypres, 1st Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1914, Giessen (Prisoner of war camp), Machine guns, Ypres, 2nd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1915, World War, 1914-1918--Military life, Prisoner-of-war camps--Germany, Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 7th, Canada--Canadian Army, Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 88th, Colt automatic machine gun, Prisoner-of-war escapes, Canada--Canadian Army--Regiment (British Columbia), 5th, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Great Britain--Army--Salisbury Plain Training Area, Trench warfare, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Expeditionary Force, Corker, Arthur Donovan, 1894-1994--Interviews, and Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Artillery
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), Military history, and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Corker, Arthur Donovan, b. 1894
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-08-29/1983-08-31
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain, Canada, and Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 150 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: CAD_035
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-07-19
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 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 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

188. Fall, Gwendolen Margaret: my Air Force recollections (September 10, 1983)

Title:: Fall, Gwendolen Margaret: my Air Force recollections (September 10, 1983)
Description:: Interviewee: Fall, Gwendolen Margaret, b. 1910, ABSTRACT: Mrs. Gwendolen Margaret Fall Royal Air Force Wife Fall_G_0059_01.mp3 "Jane" Fall was born on Feb. 16, 1920 in Folkestone, Kent, the daughter of Arthur Coode, the senior partner of a major engineering firm, Coode and Partners. A self-styled 1920s "flapper" by her own admission, a lucky and privileged upper-class life. (11:00) Comments on the circumstances of her marriage and the social customs of the thirties in England. (22:00) Describes life as a service wife in the pre-war Royal Air Force. Posted to Malta where Joe Fall commanded an air station. Moved to Alexandria, Egypt when the war started. (35:00) From there service families were sent to Jerusalem for safety. Later they were moved to South Africa where Mrs. Fall and her children lived in a ramshackle old house with another service family. "Good school, wonderful beach, very little rationing": a much better life than in wartime England, despite the housing inconveniences. (45:00) Fall_G_0059_02.mp3 In Oct. 1943, at G/C Fall's request, they were moved to a Commonwealth Air Training Plan base in Carberry, Man. A full year on the prairies was a shock: poor housing, many unaccustomed household chores due to a general lack of facilities. However, the family took things in stride and had a certain philosophical attitude toward coping. Decided to retire in Canada in 1945. (10:00) Discusses newspaper article about G/C Capt. Fall and his rejuvenation of the family property at Hillbank. Refers to the wartime score of her husband and some personalities. (22:00), Interviewer: Bell, Chris, and An interview/narrative of Gwendolen Margaret Fall's experiences during World War II. Mrs. Fall was a Royal Air Force wife. Interview took place on September 10, 1983.
Keyword:: Housing--South Africa, Fall, Gwendolen Margaret, 1910-2008--Interviews, Air Force spouses--Great Britain, England--Social life and customs--20th cent., World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Malta, Canada--RCAF Station (Carberry, Man.)--Service Flying Training School, 33, Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple, 1895-1988, Housing--Canada--Manitoba, Military dependents, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Military life
Subject:: Great Britain. Royal Air Force, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Fall, Gwendolen Margaret, b. 1910 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-09-10
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:: 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 tape reel (ca. 70 in.) : 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, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: FGM_059
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:: 2010-05-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF and SC, 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.

189. Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple: my Air Force recollections (September 10, 1983)

Title:: Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple: my Air Force recollections (September 10, 1983)
Description:: Rank: Group Captain. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross (DSC); Air Force Cross (AFC), An interview/narrative of Joseph Stewart Temple Fall's experiences during World War I. Group Captain Fall, D.S.C., A.F.C. served with the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Air Force. Interview took place on September 10, 1983., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, ABSTRACT: Group Capt. Joseph Stewart Temple Fall, D.S.C., A.F.C. Royal Naval Air Service Royal Air Force Fall_J_0060_01.mp3 Born on Nov. 17, 1895 near Hillbank, B.C., on Vancouver Island (d. Dec. 1, 1988). At the end of 1915 he paid his own way from Montreal to England to join the Royal Naval Air Service. Flew Maurice Farman aircraft in England; Nieuports and Sopwith Pup single-seater fighter aircraft in France. (10:00) Later Sopwith Camel fighters. Many air battles with No. 3 (N) Squadron and No. 9 (N) Squadron. (20:00) At the end of the war accepted a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force. Operations in the Middle East. (30:00) Fall_J_0060_02.mp3 Retired at the age of fifty. Returned to Cobble Hill and took over the family property, building it into a good size dairy farm (eighty-five head). He retired from dairy farming in 1974. Note: At the time of the interview G/C Fall was seriously incapacitated as a result of a stroke. Note 2: G/C Fall was awarded the D.S.C. and two bars as well as the A.F.C., and Interviewee: Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple, 1895-1988
Keyword:: World War, 1914-1918--Aerial operations, British, Maurice Farman Biplane, Pusher aircraft, Pup (Fighter plane), Great Britain--Royal Naval Air Service--Squadron, 9, Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple, 1895-1988--Interviews, Great Britain--Royal Naval Air Service--Squadron, 3, Great Britain--Royal Air Force, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Camel (Fighter plane), Sopwith airplanes , Great Britain--Royal Navy--Naval aviation, Nieuport aircraft, and Maurice Farman Aircraft
Subject:: Great Britain. Royal Air Force, World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Fall, Joseph Stewart Temple, 1895-1988 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-09-10
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Middle East, England, and British Columbia
Coordinates:: 33.13906, 35.85869, 53.99983, -125.0032, and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 40 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: FJST_060
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2006-10-07
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 80 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.

190. Kenyon, Lloyd Everett: my Army recollections (September 12, 1983 - August 27, 1984)

Title:: Kenyon, Lloyd Everett: my Army recollections (September 12, 1983 - August 27, 1984)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Lloyd Everett Kenyon's experiences during World War II. Brigadier-General Kenyon served with the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Directorate of Military Intelligence. Interview took place on September 12, 14, 21, 1983, May 23, 30, June 6, 20, 29, July 3, 6, 13, 16, 18, 23, 27, 31, August 3, 13, 15, 20 and 27, 1984., Interviewer: Bell, Chris, ABSTRACT: Brigadier-General Lloyd Everett Kenyon Royal Canadian Artillery Directorate of Military Intelligence (Reel 1, Side 1) B-Gen. Kenyon was born on June 9, 1915 in Waterloo, Ontario. Some details of family background. Enroled in the 10th Field Battery, R.C.A. (militia) in 1935. Commissioned during the winter of 1938/39. Describes summer camp, social events, etc. At the outbreak of war the battery became part of the 2nd Field Regiment, R.C.A. Recruiting. Move to Aldershot, England, intensive training began. Attended first Canadian staff college course in January 1941. Posted as Staff Captain, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade. Feels that some militia officers not efficient and some criticism of senior officers. Appointed to Canadian Corps headquarters. (95:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) Artillery gunnery. Conversations with senior officers. Involved in planning, Mediterranean Theatre. Appointed officer commanding 12th Battery, 7th Army Field Regiment (later designated the 7th Medium Reg't R.C.A.) as a major. In May, 1943 posted to personnel job at Aldershot. Sent to Italy in January, 1944, Corps Headquarters, then to 5th Canadian Armoured Division as Grade II staff officer. Comments on fighting in Italy. Corps moved to Belgium, 1945. Returned to Canada to the directing staff at the army staff college for a year. Explains some of the curriculum. (95:00) (Reel 2, Side 1) Exercises at, and the purpose of, the staff college. Return to comments on the Italian campaign. Organizing the peace-time army. Worked in the Directorate of Military Intelligence. Problem of finding suitable personnel, reliable conscientious types best. Military attache system expanded as a source of intelligence. Was able to obtain the services of one officer for "recruiting", an occupation not authorized in the strictest sense. Intelligence work had to be produced so that it could be "sold"- ie. understood and appreciated by one's superiors, military and political. Intelligence analysis should not speculate, hard facts only. (95:00) (Reel 3, Side 1) General comments and organization of the Directorate of Intelligence. Followed the British system. Reverts to comments on war-time exercise in England, artillery shoot, etc. Intelligence work in Ottawa, post war. Security classifications, military attaches. (90:00) (Reel 3, Side 2) Anecdote regarding French mobilization plans. Some criteria in the choosing of military attaches. Anecdotes, including the period when B/Gen Kenyon was attache in Yugoslavia. Sometimes felt that his intelligence work was ignored, a lack of close contact with Ottawa. (Reel 4, Side 1) Canadians attend British attache conference. Various thoughts on the Chiefs of the General Staff. Canada followed the British tri-service intelligence model. In conjunction with External Affairs, the Canadian Joint Intelligence Board was formed where an interest developed in economic intelligence. Some work problems, including security within the intelligence organization. Much information from British and American sources. (90:00) (Reel 4, Side 2) Kenyon's respect for Col. W.A.B. Anderson, his superior. Points out that it seemed that the British were less open with their intelligence than were the Americans. The former were more prone to seek an advantage. Refers again to security within the Directorate and the occasional difficulty in dealing with it. Caught off base by the outbreak of war in Korea. Importance of regular intelligence briefing of those in high places. (60:00) (Reel 5, Side 1) Donates private library on intelligence to the School of Military Intelligence at Camp Borden. General account of Canadian intelligence work. Trip to Turkey. Career path for officers in the Intelligence section - probably maximum rank, a full colonel. Peacetime intelligence and the importance of keeping current. Kenyon makes decision to keep to the staff side of the military, rather than return to the field. Accepts the position of attache to Yugoslavia (1951). Language course, new clothes, large supply of food. Comments on Pres. Tito and the ethnic mix in the country. (95:00) (Reel 5, Side 2) Some aspects of the political scene in Yugoslavia, including the anti-Stalinist attitude, but not anti-communist Yugoslav military. Military attache interested in order of battle of Yugoslav. army, location of units, equipment, efficiency, etc. Field trips, restricted areas. (75:00) (Reel 6, Side 1) Security matters. Ethnic German population. Joint Intelligence Bureau in London had a large "want" list of pictures of transportation and manufacturing facilities. Eventually visited all of Yugoslavia. Official trips and demonstrations put on by the Yugoslav military. Relations with other military attaches. (95:00) (Reel 6, Side 2) Co-operation between attaches, most frequently took place at parties. War-time divisions within Yugoslavia and some Allied personalities involved. Security problems in Belgrade. Conscription/training in the Yugoslav army. Relationship to the Canadian ambassador. (60.00) (Reel 7, Side 1) Internal security in Yugoslavia very efficient; little contact was possible with the civilian population. Discusses Communism and his personal feelings toward it. Social life. Becomes doyen of the military attaches. Diversity of cultures within the country. Diplomatic and civilian personalities, hunting parties, etc. (95:00) (Reel 7, Side 2) Very formal relations with Yugoslavs, much protocol at official functions. Rarely did wives attend, except those whose husbands were involved in liaison with foreigners. Opportunities to see military manoeuvres. Trieste crisis, 1953. Yugoslav mobilization "practice" felt by Kenyon to be the real thing. Wrote long report of the state of the Yugoslav army in the Trieste area. (95:00) (Reel 8, Side 1) The Yugoslav army and the elite Tito Guards. Indoctrination of the troops and of the general population. Facets of the peasant life, including religion. Alliances and Balkan Pact of 1953/54. Extremely important war industry in Yugoslavia. Visits of foreign heads of state, including Kruschev. Describes a hunting party and an off-the-record briefing including an account of the death of Beria (head of Russian KGB). Visit of students of the Canadian Defence College. (95:00) (Reel 8, Side 2) Had good relations with the Dept. of External Affairs (Canada), although changes in personnel were not always smooth. Travelled to Turkey and Greece. Returns to Canada in 1955. Stationed in Regina (Prairie Command), then chief of staff at Winnipeg. Attends tactical nuclear course in the United States. As a full Colonel participates in a brigade exercise (1958). Comments on Civil Defence. (95:00) (Reel 9, Side 1) Clarification of some points re Yugoslavia. Princess Margaret visits Regina. Unionized workers of the Defence Department. Mess dinners. Guard of Honour problems. Military Survival courses. Appointed to Ottawa. Comments on the importance of planning exercises, simulating attacks and the importance of preparations for response. Rescue School. Army organization in response to nuclear attacks. (95:00) (Reel 9, Side 2) Nuclear war. Requirement for special equipment and supplies. Posted to NATO in Paris and describes the organization and administration. As part of the international staff Kenyon was civil defence advisor. Attempts to promote a civil defence exercise which became lost in the bureaucracy; too many civilian committees. Some accomplishments at NATO. (90:00) (Reel 10, Side 1) Civil Defence matters. Leaves NATO to work at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. Anecdote about cadet camp. Posted to Vietnam, Sept. 1963, to the International Control Commission. Discusses situation in Vietnam, Indian, Polish, and Canadian delegations and their responsibilities, duties and the interaction of the differing nationalities. (95:00) (Reel 10, Side 2) International Control Commission, Hanoi and Saigon. Social and military events. Servants (Chinese). Relations with the press. Transportation, inspections, operations and regulations, outposts, food, official entertaining, etc. Visit to Hanoi. (90:00) (Reel 11, Side 1) Attitudes in North and South Vietnam, restrictions, etc. The Vietnamese mind. Discusses Canadian members of the mission. Quality of postings, North vs. South. A financially attractive post for Canadians. Assessment of the Polish officers. The siting of some of the Commission outposts tended to reduce the effectiveness of their work. Personnel problems, some friction between military and External Affairs staff. (95:00) (Reel 11, Side 2) Some illegal financial/trade practices suspected of Canadians. Military and social customs in effect with the Canadians. Comments on travel, religious practices in the North. Contact with the local government authorities. South Vietnamese liaison staff. Northern propaganda. Often awkward for foreigners to deal with the North Vietnamese. All culture very politically oriented. Attempted to gain some idea of the agricultural and manufacturing progress being achieved in the North. Entertainment in Hanoi, film and opera. (95:00) (Reel 12, Side 1) Regular reports by the Commission were under very restrictive regulation. Obstructive tactics by the Polish members of the Commission, often by simply not participating in an inspection team. Felt that the Indians were not entirely reliable in negotiations. Canadians received "representational allowances" in Vietnam, largely used to pay for social events that were required. Cambodian visit. Comments at some length on religion in South Vietnam, often had a great influence on society. Offers an opinion on the British method of suppressing insurgents - the Malaya example of bringing the civilian population on side. Fortified hamlet system effective but not popular with the peasants. This caused the North Vietnamese to escalate the war. American journalism and news reporting which often had an adverse effect on reliable news. Sometimes details used to justify a preconceived position. Generally the press treated the U.S. rather badly. (95:00) (Reel 12, Side 2) (Poor audio at the beginning). South Vietnamese coup in 1963. Plays tape recording made on the day of the coup, from the roof of the Canadian offices. Situation in Saigon, fighting, civilian, etc. In January 1963 there was another coup, virtually bloodless. Security programmes, relations with the Americans. Contact with the C.I.A., directly when in the field. Some unwritten orders from Canada. Intelligence gathering was sometimes difficult; felt that the Americans did not completely trust the Canadian security. Passed on information to the Americans which had been gathered in Hanoi. Commission began to wind down as the war heated up. Some comment on the American vs. British outlook toward war. (95:00) (Reel 13, Side 1) Discipline and morale sometimes difficult for the Americans, the situation not being helped by the media. Canadian office routine. Vietnamese attitudes, Jesuit missionaries who were usually very helpful with advice. Anecdotes. During one leave, was invited to a tiger hunt in India, mounted by the Poona Horse (an armoured regiment). (90:00) (Reel 13, Side 2) Describes Indian experiences in some details. Hunting in Vietnam. July-August, 1964 in Hong Kong. Return trip to Canada began (with Mrs. Kenyon) with one month in India. (95:00) (Reel 14, Side 1) Comments on French language training in Vietnam. Reported in Ottawa to Planning and Intelligence where he became Director of Intelligence. Discusses administrative channels open to him, access to superiors, etc. Concept and implementation of the integration of the services. Many committee meetings to judge the intelligence implications of integration. Many structural changes necessary throughout the forces, including officer's messes, services, different requirements for skills and levels of training. Feels that the Intelligence service was affected through the removal of personnel appointments from the Director of Intelligence. Too little consultation with those responsible for the efficient running of the directorate. Feels that training lacks input from the "sharp end" of the forces. (95:00) (Reel 14, Side 2) Believes that operational research should be part of the army staff; every tactical problem should be considered as well as specific problems. Problems in Intelligence - attempts by others to over-ride security. Post-integration intelligence organization. The Joint Intelligence Committee downgraded by Kenyon as very time-consuming. Had the feeling that too little use made of intelligence material because of insufficient time allocated for briefing of those in senior positions. Intelligence Directorate had staff of about 140 persons. (90:00) (Reel 15, Side 1) Clarifies a number of points regarding intelligence and integration. Joint (with U.S.) Intelligence Board considered threats to North America. Feels that Personnel Branch created problems by posting "unsuitable" persons to the Directorate. Again mentions difficulty in "selling" information gathered. Canadians lacked intelligence to offer other organizations since we gathered little. Also had some difficulty in evaluation the "soundness" of information that we received. A better balance between gathering, production and selling of information was required. (95:00) (Reel 15, Side 2) Integration re-organization. Required many rehearsals of proposals before presenting to superiors, especially the Chief of Defence Staff. General organizational remarks. Briefing teams, audio-visual presentations. Time is very important to senior people therefore presentation must be smooth, complete, succinct, in order to hold their attention. Emphasizes the need for proper and knowledgeable presentation in order to sell intelligence. Relations with Paul Hellyer, Minister of National Defence. (95:00) (Reel 16, Side 1) Duty to gather intelligence about foreign armed forces. Clear, technical writing important. Committee meetings reduced by the Minister. Commands military funeral of General H.G. Crerar. Comments regarding briefings, encourages staff and others to "think intelligence" and widens participation within the organization. Cabinet briefings and of the Minister of External Affairs. (95:00) (Reel 16, Side 2) Sample briefing to External Affairs. Informal briefings to Paul Hellyer. Interested in instructing military attaches who could be an important source of information. Deplores fact that the School of Military Intelligence was transferred to Training Command. Exchanging information with the Americans. (90:00) (Reel 17, Side 1) Occasionally attended parliamentary debates. Meetings with the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff. Use of American information. Returns to his time in Belgrade. Satellite intelligence, very heavy security. The importance of correct analysis of satellite information required some additional staff. Cooperates with the Americans in establishing a new direction-finding station. (95:00) (Reel 17, Side 2) Has to justify the existence of the Intelligence Branch. Directorate of Scientific Intelligence and Directorate of Security become part of the Directorate of Military Intelligence. Some difficulty in integrating the three services. The Canadian Military Intelligence Association, its rationale, methods, results. The FLQ crisis and their sympathizers. Feels that the RCMP were treated somewhat badly by the government and the press. Considers early retirement, after 33 years in the Service. Trips of inspection of Canadian, American, and British bases in Germany. (95:00) (Reel 18, Side 1) Security matters. Royal Commission on security (1967). RCMP on university campuses. Commission studied the future of security forces. Kenyon liaised with the RCMP on the position to be taken in respect of the Commission which was to find ways to establish a civilian security force. Presents submission to the Commission. Some personalities involved. Working relations between military intelligence/security and the RCMP. Canadian Military Intelligence Association. The "Crerar Dinners". (95:00) (Reel 18, Side 2) Crerar Dinners continued. Returns to discussion of military attaches, Canadian and foreign. Visiting (Canadian) bases, a source of intelligence. Celebrations on national days, anecdotes. (95:00) (Reel 19, Side 1) Comments on Gen. de Gaulle and the Algiers problem. Travel in India; the Sikhs. Entertainment in Saigon and protocol in general. Parties in Ottawa as Director General of Intelligence. Public employees obtain the right to strike, defining essential services. On leave overseas. Lack of intelligence services within External Affairs. (95:00) (Reel 19, Side 2) Intelligence Conference, U.S.A., Britain, Australia, Canada. Largely concerned with collection of intelligence rather than "production". External Affairs weak on contingency intelligence, the projection of intelligence and the need for it. Gives an example (Israel). Rumours of a kind of C.I.A., promoted by External Affairs, probably to the detriment of military intelligence. Kenyon raised successful objections. Did not like the prospects for the intelligence field, the prospect of civilian input spelled trouble. Made move toward retirement. Briefed new Prime Minister (Trudeau) but feels efforts probably fell upon deaf ears. Succeeded in position by Maj-Gen. Norman Ross. Retirement party, career reflections. (95:00) (Reel 20, Side 1) Returns to comments on the Yugoslav partisans and time spent in Belgrade as military attache. Canadian defence policy in relation to the United States, to modernization of the Forces, to Trudeau's ideas toward NATO, to North American Air Defence, etc. Believes the Defence budget should be allocated differently, with savings. Militia capabilities. Opinion of the Avro Arrow fighter aircraft. Other Canadian defence problems, equipment, policy, intelligence rationale. More emphasis should be placed on intelligence at staff colleges. Critique of book by Major R.S. Eliot, Scarlet to Green. (95:00) (Reel 20, Side 2) Book critique continues. Points out certain errors and omissions, some personalities, etc. The author was formerly a member of the Directorate of Intelligence, under Brig-Gen. Kenyon. (95:00), Interviewee: Kenyon, Lloyd Everett, b. 1915, and Rank: Brigadier-General.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Armed Forces--Officers, Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Kenyon, Lloyd Everett, b. 1915
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1983-09-12/1984-08-27
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:: 83 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and Yugoslavia
Coordinates:: 44, 19.75 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Twenty original sound tape reels (ca. 60 hours) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 39 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:: KLE_226
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:: 2010-10-18
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.