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)

201. Parkinson, Robert H.: my Army recollections (January 19, 1984)

Title:: Parkinson, Robert H.: my Army recollections (January 19, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Parkinson, Robert H., b. 1916, Interviewer: Witzel, Morgen, An interview/narrative of Robert H. Parkinson's experiences during World War II. Captain Parkinson served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Interview took place on January 19, 1984., ABSTRACT: Capt. Robert H. Parkinson Royal Canadian Army Service Corps Parkinson_R_0112_01.mp3 Born on July 12, 1916 in Victoria, B.C. and educated there and in Vancouver. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with postgraduate training in social work. Joined the R.C.A.S.C. Sent to the O.C.T.U. at Gordon Head Camp; advanced training at Red Deer, Alta. Sailed from New York for the United Kingdom in Feb. 1943. After further training sent to Italy, passing through a reinforcement unit to 1st Armoured Brigade Company (83 Coy.), R.C.A.S.C. Prepared for the attack on the Hitler Line; exclaims at the debris after the battle. Entered Rome shortly after liberation. Lake Trasimeno. Describes German thoroughness in destroying bridges and rail lines. Hepatitis - British hospital - persuaded doctors to discharge him so that he could rejoin his company rather than be sent to a reinforcement unit. During winter operations they moved hundreds of tons of ammunition to the tank regiments as well as all other necessities. His platoon was in direct support of the Calgary Regiment. Withdrawn from the Lombardy Plain to Leghorn, then Marseille. (20:00) For a while very good billets in Belgium, a great improvement over Italy. Supplied operations near Nijmegen. In command of the first platoon delivering food to the Dutch people; a somewhat nervous journey through the German lines in trucks flying the white flag. Chosen to be part of the Victory parade in Berlin, for which they prepared vigorously; drill, much spit and polish which the men found arduous after the much more relaxed atmosphere of operations. When participation in the parade was cancelled the men were greatly disturbed and there was a marked decline in discipline. Returned to Canada in Aug. 1945. (30:00) Became a social services officer in Calgary and was involved in assisting discharged soldiers, particularly with marital problems. Offered government position in July 1946. Some general thoughts on the Italian campaign. Parkinson_R_0112_02.mp3 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, as Army Troops, operated in support of many diverse groups: Poles, Indians, American, French. Never involved with Canadians after the attack on the Hitler Line. Great esprit-de-corps in the Company. Continued to "liberate" livestock and other items from the Italians who, after all, were former (or still) enemies. Canadian soldiers in the field were very inventive: made supplemental cook stoves, a good example. Most disliked duty was the transport of live sheep to the Indian Division; the trucks were a dreadful mess. Describes the organization of a R.C.A.S.C. company in support of a brigade. Comments on the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade and some of its personalities. (58:00), and Rank: Captain.
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Parkinson, Robert H., b. 1916 and Witzel, Morgen
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-01-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 60 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: PRH_112
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-07-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

202. Grant, John Moreau: my Navy recollections (February 7, and 8, 1984)

Title:: Grant, John Moreau: my Navy recollections (February 7, and 8, 1984)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Captain John M. Grant, CBE Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Joined the first class of twenty-one at the Royal Naval College of Canada in January 1911. Much emphasis on practical engineering. Sea time was done by sail-training to learn pilotage and seamanship. After two years joined HMS Berwick at Sheerness where the Canadian midshipmen were the entire gunroom. Cruise in Berwick to the West Indies. Just prior to that they joined the Home Fleet manoeuvres. The sub of the gunroom would administer a canning from time to time - six of the best - which the midshipmen all considered to be justly deserved. Discusses his classmates who were killed at the Battle of Coronel in 1914. In the cruise to the West Indies where he participated in a short expedition, half a day up a river where a British concern was being bothered by local bandits. Returned to Bermuda and then Halifax where Captain Grant was ordered to join the cruiser HMS Suffolk (14 August, 1914). Joined in the New York Patrol (against German ships trying to get home to Germany). Appointed to HMS Beaver (destroyer) at Harwick - after his Sub-Lieutenants' courses, which he took at the Naval College in Halifax. Discusses some aspects of life there, including the then CO Lt. Cmdr. Nixon and the Engineer Officer Lt. Tim Bartlett. Very devoted officers. Notes that if a cadet fell ill, Lt. Cmdr. Nixon always produced a thermometer and if you had a temperature you were sick, and if not you were not considered ill! Returns to the Beaver a very fast ship but for Capt. Grant, his first experience with a small, neat turbine. They were part of the Harwick Force most often escorting supply ships from the Hook of Holland (the Beef Trip) to England. Did High Speed Submarine Sweeps - describes the use of paravanes as sweeps by several destroyers in formation in the hope of catching a submarine (at a certain estimated depth). In 1917, still in Beaver, resumed anti-submarine patrols and at the end of the war entered the Dardanelles. However prior to the war's end the Beaver participated in the bombardment of Durazzo on the Albanian Coast. Through the Dardanelles to Sulina at the mouth of the Danube where the International Pilotage Depot was located. To Galati in Romania, showing the flag. Then to Odessa where they were greeted by a Loyalist ("white") cavalry regiment. Then to Sevastopol where they saw the abandoned Russian Black Sea Fleet. Considerable gunfire in the city. Great poverty, much robbery. In Odessa the RN took over such facilities as the telegraph office. Since Grant spoke a bit of German, which most Ukrainians did, he was used by his Captain as interpreter. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Some discussion of the civil war in Russia and how Beaver did service - patrolling - carrying senior officers. Returned to Malta for more of the same. Eyesight tested at Malta and due to this was returned to Canada where he was appointed Supply Officer and eventually Executive Officer of the Royal Canadian Naval College at Esquimalt (until 1921). Returns again to discuss the Canadian midshipmen who went with R/Adm. Cradock in HMS Good Hope. Comment favourably on the efficiency of the German ships and V/Adm, Graf von Spee, lost at Coronel. Capt. Grant was invalided out of the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1921. Returned for a short time to assist in training young recruits, largely in academic subjects. By 1924 had joined the new Brentwood College as Bursar, which also included teaching duties. Remained there until 1932. In 1939 was recalled as a Lieutenant shortly promoted to Lieutenant Commander, to Ottawa. Involved in gathering information of German merchant shipping. Appointed Commander in the naval barracks at Esquimalt (HMCS Naden) under Capt. WBL Holmes. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Appointed in command of HMCS Royal Roads, the new naval college. The first class of Acting Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenants was accepted in 1940. The Director of Studies was Ken Ketchum, formerly Headmaster at St. Andrews College at Aurora, Ont. Discusses the professors who joined from RMC and other institutions. The earlier instruction had been involved with naval instructions in order to get RCNVR officers to sea in the relatively short time of four months. RCN cadets were first taken in 1942. Capt. Grant stayed in command for nearly five years. In 1943 he was allowed to tour the training establishments in the UK particularly Dartmouth. Capt. Grant was able to arrange that Canadian midshipmen were able to have RN training with some emphasis on Canadian Engineer Midshipmen. Comments on his assessment of the earlier RCNVR students. Replaced by Capt. WB Creery and appointed to Ottawa as an assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff. Is of the opinion that the Tri-Service Colleges were an advantageous thing in that scholastics were uniform and friendships could be formed throughout the Armed Forces. Retired in 1946., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, Rank: Captain. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire, Interviewee: Grant, John Moreau, and An interview/narrative of John Moreau Grant's experiences during World War I and World War II. Captain Grant served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on February 7 and 8, 1984.
Subject:: Armed Forces--Officers, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Grant, John Moreau
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-02-07/1984-02-08
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 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:: sound recordings, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: GJM_277
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2014-11-07
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 Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

203. Musgrave, Alured P.: my Navy recollections (February 9, 1984)

Title:: Musgrave, Alured P.: my Navy recollections (February 9, 1984)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Capt. A.P. Musgrave O.B.E. Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Capt. Musgrave discusses his father's time in the RN later joining the Canadian Hydrographic Service and was eventually posted to the West Coast. His son, A.P. Musgrave, joined the Royal Canadian Naval College in Halifax on Aug. 1, 1914. Life as a cadet. Comments on his Chief Petty Officer instructors and on Commander A.E. Nixon. Halifax explosion, although Musgrave was not there. Midshipman, Feb. 2, 1917. Service in the RN. Served in HMS Minotaur (cruiser) out of Scapa Flow. Convoys to Norway. Later on the Northern Patrol (to Iceland). Midshipman's duties and instruction. Present at the surrender of the German Fleet. Problems of seniority in the Gun-room with younger RN Midshipmen. Resigned from the RCN just after the war, later feeling it was a mistake. Mentions knowing Cmdr. Walter Hose in Victoria and later as Admiral Hose in Windsor. Returned to Canada in 1921 and in 1924 joined Shawnigan Lake School as a physical training instructor. In 1934, with $250, opened a coffee shop on Government St. in Victoria (coffee -- 5 cents/cup) and was soon exceeding his break-even point of $20 per day. Bank loan allowed him to expand. In September 1939 he re-joined the navy. On staff at Naden, Boom Defence Officer in Halifax then connected with officers' training. Gauvreau (Lt. Cmdr. L.J.M.), Finchey (Lt. Cmdr. E.W. Finch-Noyes), Sam Worth (Capt. G.A. Worth, Director of Signal Division). Large influx of recruits made training difficult. Over-crowding caused HMCS St. Hyacinthe at St-Hyachinthe PQ to be established in 1940. Musgrave became commanding officer. By the end of the war there were about three thousand men under training. As well as signalmen and telegraphists there were radar operators and radio artificers, coders, WRENS, Y-station operators as well as officers under training. Qualified "S" officer: signals. John Charles (later R/Adm. J.A. Charles), Scruffy O'Brien (later V/Adm. J.C. O'Brien), Murdock (later R/Adm. R.W. Murdock). Describes periods of leave, local and to Montreal (by train) which was (officially) the preferred area. VE-Day caused some concern but two special leave trains (one each to Toronto and Montreal) were ordered which resulted in a minimum of trouble in St-Hyacinthe. (Cassette 1, Side 2) The base was later used as a de-mobilization centre. Closed the base after VJ-Day and went to Ottawa as Director of Sea Cadets. Opened HMCS Cornwallis again -- as a new entry -- training base. Returned three years later. Some comments on training bases both RCN and RN and in particular the too-short war-time training time and some disorganization in preparing the seamen as well as the bases. Anecdote. Rec'd a scroll from the mayor and people of St-Hyacinthe., Rank: Captain. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire, Interviewee: Musgrave, Alured P., An interview/narrative of Alured P. Musgrave's experiences during World War I and World War II. Captain Mugrave served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on February 9, 1984., and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Naval history, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Musgrave, Alured P.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-02-09
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:: British Columbia--Victoria and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: MAP_280
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2014-11-13
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

204. Lay, Horatio Nelson: my Navy recollections (March 15, 1984)

Title:: Lay, Horatio Nelson: my Navy recollections (March 15, 1984)
Description:: Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, An interview/narrative of Horatio N. Lay's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Lay served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on March 15, 1984., ABSTRACT: R/Adm. Horatio Nelson Lay O.B.E. Royal Canadian Navy (Summary of First Interview [Hal Lawrence]) Joined the Naval College of Canada in Esquilmalt in 1918. Trained in HMC ships Patrician, Patriot and Aurora. Received one of four "commissions" offered. Appointed to HMS Resolution (battleship) as a midshipman. Cruises in the Mediterranean. Appointed as a sub-lieutenant to HMCS Patrician. In 1929 sent to HMS Vernon to take the Long (T) course. Appointed to HMCS Skeena and other River Class destroyers and finally to HMCS Restigouche as captain. Convoys (1939/40) to the mid-ocean point and return. In May 1940, in company with St. Laurent, Skeena and Fraser, Restigouche went to the UK to assist in the evacuation of the British Army from France. Also to Saint-Jean-de-Luz to take off Polish troops (with the Arandora Star (liner)). (Cassette 1, Side 1) An account of the sinking of HMCS Fraser in 1940, although Restigouche was several miles away at the time of the collision. Rescued many from the after part of the Fraser by going alongside. Moderate damage to Restigouche. Comments on the capsizing of the Fraser and how some were rescued. Moves on to 1944 to Lay's time in HMS Nabob and her torpedoing. Describes shoring up, area of torpedo damage, electrics damaged so the fans weren't operating. Four hours later raised steam. Despite being down by the stern, two Avenger aircraft were flown off and just made it back, out of fuel. Run-away depth charges from the aircraft broke loose but luckily were secured. To lighten ship most aircraft and two 5 inch guns were jettisoned. In port later the stores books were thrown over the side, thus everything could be written off. Good account of the four day return to port and the efficient Damage Control Party with three times the heavy timber normally allowed. Comments that after Munich Lay had a staff appointment (Staff Officer, Operations) and at the beginning of the war was also captain of the minesweeper HMCS Gaspe. Anecdote regarding himself and President Roosevelt, who was visiting Halifax. War started and the Canadian navy in his opinion expanded too fast -- should have "expanded less and trained more". When Director of Operations Division in Ottawa he was certain that training facilities were inadequate, particularly after ships were commissioned. In 1941 was also secretary to the Naval Council which gave him some exposure to the Navy Minister, Angus MacDonald. Comments on V/Adm. G.C. Jones and V/Adm. Percy Nelles. Mountbatten managed to acquire seventeen Canadian corvettes for the North African landings much to RCN dismay. Some trouble with the exertions of a U.S. admiral in Newfoundland -- thought to be exceeding his authority. Comments adversely on the need to volunteer for the war against Japan. Talks to the Prime Minister about conscription. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Comments on Brook Claxton after the war and how he refused to promote Lay to Admiral. Did become Vice Chief of Naval Service, but not promoted until Campney became Minister. Flag officers retiring over unification and not really making a fuss publicly (except Landymore). Others, later, signed a letter to the PM stating how a small organization (Trio) were upset about unification. Speaks of some officers staying on through unification largely because of financial reasons and to save what they could. Mentions O'Brien and Hennessey. Also Rayner (C.N.S.), who was about to retire. Comments on Jeffery Brock, later R/Adm., Interviewee: Lay, Horatio Nelson, b. 1903, and Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire; Mentioned in Despatches; Cross of Valour (Poland)
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, World War (1914-1918), Naval history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lay, Horatio Nelson, b. 1903 and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-03-15
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Japan
Coordinates:: 35.68536, 139.75309
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: LHN_261
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-04-22
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.

205. Landymore, William Moss: my Navy recollections (April 15, 1984, and February 17, 1986)

Title:: Landymore, William Moss: my Navy recollections (April 15, 1984, and February 17, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, Rank: Rear Admiral. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire; Mentioned in Despatches, ABSTRACT: R/Admiral William M. Landymore Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Joined the militia - passed senior matric, accepted at RMC, 1934. (Lawrence says his father was CSMI - Company Sergeant Major Instructor at that time). Trained two summers with the RCNVR then sent as a Naval Cadet to England. Returns to an account of his RCNVR time, sea training in the second year. At RMC he experienced some hazing in his recruit year but not as bad as some, due to his being athletic (football team, etc.). Recruits worked for senior cadets and Landymore found it a great learning experience. To the UK and the training cruiser HMS Frobisher. The cadet Gunner in Frobisher, Mr. Margot, a miserable man. A difficult cruise to the West Indies (much sickness). A very mixed bag, including Indians and Chinese, New Zealanders, Australian and Canadians. RN had a world reputation for cadet training with very carefully selected officers in charge. As a Midshipman, joined HMS Emerald (cruiser) in the East Indies (Ceylon). An easier time of it than in the Home Fleet where everyone was constantly on the alert. (in case an Admiral went by!) Describes a naval rest camp in the hills of Ceylon. (1937) Crews required a break from the extremely hot condition aboard ship and so part could spend two weeks in the camp. Midshipmen actually spent the whole two months there, during a refit. Nothing to do but drill a small colour guard and play sports. They did teach musketry when various drafts from the ship attended camp. Were hosts to the cadets from a German cadet cruiser (the Emden). More sports and splendid singing by the Germans. The work of the Emerald was extremely social, at every British stop, or colony, people had to be entertained at cocktails or a dance. Midshipman worked hard at their studies as well. In 1938 because of Jewish/Arab troubles in Palestine, HMS Emerald landed armed parties. Landymore's platoon blocked a road leading to Haifa. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Returned to Canada on leave and then to HMS Glasgow (cruiser) in the Home Fleet. Sent to Pompeii (Portsmouth). Sub-Lieutenant courses at Whale Island. Enquiries as to an appointment to a ship were not forthcoming and with money running short he applied to the Admiralty. Appointed to HMS Windsor (destroyer) old but had been an escort destroyer for the Royal Yacht, many of the crew were Royal Yacht sailors and extremely well behaved (there were no defaulters). Convoy work until March 1940 when he was found by the RCN and returned to Canada. Appointed to HMCS Fraser (destroyer). Patrols in the West Indies until France began to fall, then to Plymouth. Evacuated troops from Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Spanish border. Supposed to have taken Vanier (our ambassador to France but believed to have transported him to another ship. At least Vanier was not aboard when Fraser was sunk in a collision with the cruiser HMS Calcutta. Fraser's bridge, including Landymore, ended up on Calcutta's bow. Soon appointed to HMCS Restigouche (destroyer) as Navigator. Convoy work. Appointed HMCS Margaree (destroyer) being refitted in London, where they were bombed (near misses). Anecdotes later in a convoy Margaree cut in half by the merchant ship Port Fairy (Oct. 1940). A good account of the sinking. Afterwards to HMCS Naden brushing up the navigation skills of some RCNR Officers. Back to England to do a Long Gunnery Course and then appointed to HMS Belfast (cruiser) on the Denmark Strait patrol with HMS Sheffield (cruiser) (Cassette 2, Side 1) Some time working up after serious mine (or bomb) damage. Then gunnery officer to the 25th Flotilla (destroyers), he admits to a mistake, Landymore was in the Flotilla before going to HMS Belfast. Good basic education in six inch cruisers. Joined HMCS Uganda under Capt. Rollo Mainguy, refitting in Charleston, NC all except the electronics that were fitted in Newcastle on Tyne. To the Pacific War with the RN. Bombarded two Islands (Trok and Sakishima) and offered protection for the aircraft carriers. "Volunteering" for continuing the Pacific war. Explains his own rationale, not even upset by it. The crew were incensed about being asked and voted to return to Canada. In discussion he pointed out that Japan was virtually beaten, bombers couldn't find good targets. About six weeks later the war ended. A pity no naval officers on active service couldn't be at the surrender. (Cassette 3, Side 1) British Pacific Fleet formed one task group and the Americans three more, possibly the largest combined fleet ever assembled. (est. 65 miles of sea, side to side). Eventually targets became very difficult to find. This may have had some influence on the "volunteers" vote in HMCS Uganda that forced the ship to return to Canada. Considers it very unfortunate that the Canadian Navy was not among the victors at the Japanese surrender. Uganda became a training cruiser, no longer able to do battle. Later ashore on the staff of Warfare and Training. Naval Staff College and later the joint Services Staff College. Returned as Director of Manning. Agrees that the "Korean War was the salvation of the Canadian Navy" The government had just previously cut the Navy to 7,500 officers and men, cut to the bone. Completely revised when Korea broke out. Large new entry many of whom were unsuitable. Landymore commanded HMCS Iroquois twice to Korea. Patrols up the west coast with some bombardment. Supported South Korean reservists defending islands with American advisors and could provide full support very quickly. (Cassette 3, Side 2) "Train bashing" on the east coast, where Iroquois was hit once by enemy artillery. Sailed into North Korea to pick up refugees. Comments on a speech Landymore made about the recent history of Korea and how the population were virtual slaves of the Japanese. (compares it to the German atrocities ending both was a good result of war). After Korea, was sent to the Imperial Defence College in the UK. (Cassette 4, Side 1) Became Captain of HMCS Bonaventure (light fleet carrier) and here was able to increase the number of aircraft in the air patrols (24 hrs) four fold. Participated in the rescue of a downed US aircraft in the Atlantic. Comments that Bonaventure was the most valuable asset that the RCN had and it was scrapped! Later became Flag Officer Pacific Coast. Discusses integration as initiated by the Minister Brooke Claxton which he does not consider to be a good thing at all. Claxton integrated headquarters staff as well as ranks which caused endless trouble. "It was the most unwieldy, unsatisfactory, idiotic move that was ever made because it didn't make any sense at all". A very messy re-organization. Unification partly initiated by flag officers (and others) quietly resigning rather than combining to oppose it. Details of the way that many good officers chose to resign. Paul Hellyer the Minister rode roughshod over many careers. Lack of support by the Prime Minister (Pearson) was a major factor in allowing unification to take place. Landymore considers Pearson to have been weak and untruthful. Claims that the RCN couldn't be legally challenged except by Parliament. Despite this, Unification took place and Landymore sent his papers to Alec Douglas (at DND). Comment on Nigel Brodeur's remarks to the Minister in Halifax and the near riot it caused!, Interviewee: Landymore, William Moss, b. 1916, and An interview/narrative of William M. Landymore's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Landymore served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on April 15, 1984 and February 17, 1986.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), Naval history, and Military history
Contributor:: Landymore, William Moss, b. 1916 and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-04-15/1986-02-17
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:: England and Japan
Coordinates:: 35.68536, 139.75309 and 52.16045, -0.70312
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:: sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: LWM_260
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-04-18
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. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

206. Wishart, William Donald: my Army recollections (May 18 - June 21, 1984)

Title:: Wishart, William Donald: my Army recollections (May 18 - June 21, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Wishart, William Donald, b. 1907, Rank: Colonel. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (OBE), ABSTRACT: Col. William Donald Wishart, O.B.E. Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Jan. 19, 1907 at Portage la Prairie, Man. Graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1931, the same year he joined the army. Comments on recruitment, officers, training, facilities at Camp Borden, Ont. Regimental sergeant-major had great influence on young officers. Went into debt purchasing uniforms, almost a standard occurrence. Details of mess life and customs. (45:00) Marriage for junior officers was not approved until promotion to captain was attained. Training equipment was old and often worn-out. Issued with No. 1 Wireless set in the mid-thirties. Served in Ottawa and in London, Ont., 1935-1939. Joined a 2nd Division signals unit upon the outbreak of war. (40:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) Intensive training at Barryfield, Ont. Divisional signals organization. Promoted to major, appointed Lines Officer (telephone communications). Some very primitive equipment was in use, but later were issued commercial style "telephone trucks" which were a great improvement. Comments on his senior signals officer, Brig. J.E. Genet. (25:00) Thoughts on Maj.-Gen. A.G.L. McNaughton. (Reel 2, Side 1) Employed on line communications at 1st Canadian Army headquarters. Difficulties in finding efficient signalmen; required much time to train them. Felt that the headquarters officers were very efficient. On D+20 went to Normandy where establishing communications was a high priority. Experiences in Europe -- a wide-ranging anecdotal account. (38:00) (Reel 2, Side 2) Decided to remain in the Army; chief instructor at Vimy Barracks, Kingston. Remarks on the production of the Canadian No. 26 Wireless set. Preferred wartime soldiering to that of peacetime with the many constraints -- political and financial -- of the latter. (Reel 3, Side 1) Family matters, technical staff college in England. Appointed Director of the Canadian Signal Research and Development Establishment in Ottawa, a post which he held for six years. Director of electronic and communications development. Commandant of the School of Signals, Vimy Barracks, 1958. Retired in 1960. Joined a firm of consulting electrical engineers. Retired again in 1972. (90:00), Interviewer: Bell, Chris, and An interview/narrative of William Donald Wishart's experiences during World War II. Colonel Wishart served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Interview took place on May 18, 31, June 7 and 21, 1984.
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: Wishart, William Donald, b. 1907 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-18/1984-06-21
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:: Europe and England
Coordinates:: 48.69096, 9.14062 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 390 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 4 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: WWD_205
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:: 2012-09-12
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 24 bits and 96 kHz. In .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Digitized by TMP, 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 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

207. Wilkins, Ronald Edward: my Army recollections (May 19 - June 16, 1984)

Title:: Wilkins, Ronald Edward: my Army recollections (May 19 - June 16, 1984)
Description:: Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Interviewee: Wilkins, Ronald Edward, b. 1913, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , An interview/narrative of Ronald Edward Wilkins's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilkins, O.B.E. served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on May 19, June 2, 9 and 16, 1984., and ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Ronald Edward Wilkins, O.B.E. Royal Canadian Engineers Wilkins_R_0145_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Dec. 17, 1913 in Vancouver, B.C. Spent most of his early years in the Okanagan and was educated there to the senior matriculation level. Entered Royal Military College in Kingston in 1931. The first, or recruit, year was extremely tough. Subjected to considerable hazing which was partly justified as the application of stress to future officers. (20:00) The remaining three years were excellent. Discusses Commandants, Generals Elkins and Matthews. After R.M.C. spent one year at Queens University to obtain an engineering degree. Of a class of twelve, seven were from R.M.C. (36:00) At the time considered himself lucky to have been accepted into the regular army, a good job for a young man during the Depression. Was appointed Works Officer at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt. Pre-war equipment held by the Engineers was old and primitive. Main occupation was to oversee civilian contractors constructing coastal defences in the Victoria area. (45:00) Wilkins_R_0145_02.mp3 A comfortable life for a young man. Comments on pre-war politicians and on post-war proliferation of government services which he feels now sap Canadian vitality. (26:00) Wilkins_R_0145_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Some repetition, R.M.C., Queens, engineering students, etc. Returns to a discussion of the construction of coast defence works. (32:00) Life in the Officers' Mess at Work Point included dressing for dinner five times per week. Thought about an army career. (45:00) Wilkins_R_0145_04.mp3 General political discussion. (10:00) Service wives. Career prospects. (21:00) On the outbreak of war finding accommodation for the troops was a priority, including mainland B.C. Posted to Sydney, N.S. on coast defence construction. Slated for the cancelled Canadian occupation of Iceland. Promoted to major and an Engineer staff officer in Halifax. Canadian army staff college in 1941. (35:00) Appointed G.S.O. 3 (General Staff Officer, Grade III) at headquarters 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade in England, then G.S.O.II at 1st Canadian Army headquarters. Discusses Brig. (later Maj.-Gen.) Worthington: great at training, but a bit eccentric. (50:00) Wilkins_R_0145_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Impressions of Italian people in 1944. Returns to comments on 1st Canadian Army Headquarters where he was involved with organizing training exercises for the Engineers. (10:00) Did not get on with the C.R.E. (Commander, Royal Engineers) then Lieut.-Col. Geoffrey Walsh. Training concentrated on bridging, mine clearance, and roads until they became almost second nature. Posted as officer commanding 3rd Field Company (1st Canadian Infantry Division). Spent a few months in 1943 as a staff officer at Allied headquarters in Algiers. Promoted to Lt.-Col. and C.R.E. 1st Canadian Corps Troops in Italy. (30:00) Bridging and lifting mines were the main battle tasks. Points out that Corps Troops undertook somewhat heavier engineering tasks than regular field companies. Wilkins_R_0145_06.mp3 Gustav Line, 1944. Monte Cassino. (45:00) Discusses German Schue and Teller mines. Heavy fighting at the Gothic Line and elsewhere. Comments on command structure and administration. North-west Europe in 1945. (25:00) Crossed the Rhine. War ends while in England. (30:00) Wilkins_R_0145_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Army of occupation. C.R.E. (Works) in Oldenburg. Restored communications and utilities, including an ice plant brought from Bremen, for a skating rink on specific orders of Maj.-Gen. Vokes. Considerable use made of German contractors who were excellent. Non-fraternization was a very low-key problem. (20:00) Occupation Force unit was small, but with a very high proportion of experts. Returned to Canada in 1946. Commandant of the School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack. Major disagreement with Maj.-Gen. Worthington, G.O.C. Western Command, which caused dissatisfaction. Wilkins_R_0145_08.mp3 Returned to Ottawa for a short time to a routine job. Left the army in 1947 to a succession of civilian engineering positions, the last, before retirement, in Victoria. Personal and family comments. (36:00)
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Wilkins, Ronald Edward, b. 1913
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 8 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. 330 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 4 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: WRE_145
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:: 2008-12-17
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 HC, 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 2008. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

208. Falconer, William Lynn: my Army recollections (May 22, 1984)

Title:: Falconer, William Lynn: my Army recollections (May 22, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Falconer, William Lynn, b. 1897, Rank: Sergeant. , Interviewer: Bell, Chris, An interview/narrative of William Lynn Falconer's experiences during World War I. Sergeant Falconer served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Interview took place on May 22, 1984., and ABSTRACT: Sgt. William Lynn Falconer Royal Canadian Dragoons Falconer_W_0053_01.mp3 Born on July 14, 1897 in Manitoba. Joined the army on Aug. 6, 1914 at the age of seventeen. Previously he had been a member of C Squadron, 18th Canadian Mounted Rifles of Morden, Man. Left for Valcartier Camp on Aug. 20, 1914 to join the 6th Battalion, C.E.F., of which the majority were members of Fort Garry Horse. Comments on Valcartier and the degree of animosity that existed between various factions making up the battalion. They went overseas as cavalry reserves, split mostly between the Strathconas and the Royal Canadian Dragoons. (10:00) Discusses his wounding in France at the end of March 1918. At the time he was a sergeant, and with his troop, acting as infantry. One bullet passed laterally through his back and several through his equipment. During thirty-five months in France he had two seven-day leaves in London and, before that, one at New Year's 1914/15 at a Scottish village to which he returned in 1964. (35:00) When he first went to France in 1915, the unit acted as infantry, first at Festubert, and then at Messines. They all had the standard cavalry rifle, (46:00) the Short Lee Enfield. Comments on the Ross rifle with which most Canadians were equipped. Falconer_W_0053_02.mp3 Discusses the incidence of trench foot: cold and damp caused feet to swell; unable to put on boot if once removed. Other illnesses, many deaths from influenza after the war. (10:00) After being wounded he was in Basingstoke Hospital in England, then in a convalescent camp for two months. Anecdotes. Covered for patients A.W.O.L. in London. (20:00) Early repatriation (Dec. 1918) as he was a member of the first overseas contingent and claimed that he had to return to Manitoba to help with spring planting! Comments on some of his officers. (30:00) Mentions Pte. A.D. Crocker of the 7th Battalion. Anecdote. Interview becomes a very general discussion on the state of the world, religion, etc. (50:00) Studied medicine on his return to Canada.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Battalion, 6th, World War, 1914-1918--Cavalry operations, Camp Barriefield (Ont.), Falconer, William Lynn, 1897-1989--Interviews, Cavalry, Trench warfare, Lee-Enfield rifle, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Expeditionary Force, Influenza, Canada--Canadian Army--Fort Garry Horse, 34th, World War, 1914-1918--Hospitals, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Canada--Canadian Army--Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Valcartier, Que?bec), Ross rifle, Valcartier Camp (Que?bec), Canada--Canadian Army--Medical care, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Dragoons, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Messines, Battle of, Belgium, 1917, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Mounted Rifles, 18th--Squadron, C, Festubert, Battle of, Festubert, France, 1915, and War wounds
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), Personal narratives--Canadian, and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Falconer, William Lynn, b. 1897 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: FWL_053
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2006-07-07
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, 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.

209. Carson, Robert John: my Army recollections (May 24 - June 22, 1984)

Title:: Carson, Robert John: my Army recollections (May 24 - June 22, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Carson, Robert John, 1914-1992, Rank: Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Col. Robert John Carson The Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers Carson_R_0026_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Sept. 13, 1914 in India where his father, a graduate of Royal Military College (R.M.C.), was serving with the Royal Engineers. Some aspects of daily life in India. His father was a railway engineer, the general manager of a railway in the Punjab and a brigadier by the beginning of World War II. Attended R.M.C. and, in a final year, graduated from Queens University with an engineering degree. Describes academics at R.M.C. (30:00) Subjected to a certain amount of hazing which, if done properly, encourages team solidarity, but must be controlled. (45:00) Carson_R_0026_02.mp3 In Aug. 1937 sent to Victoria where he was involved in maintenance and construction of armouries and military camps. Posted to Prince Rupert in Jan. 1939 to supervise the construction of coast defences at Yorke Island (in the south) and Annette Island. Describes Prince Rupert, prewar. Married there in Nov. 1939. Describes the prewar "marriage roll": young officers could not marry, since it would tend to draw their attention away from the welfare and knowledge of their troops, and for lack of financial resources. Promoted to captain, sent to Ottawa in May 1940 on coast defence planning. Obtained guns from United States armament depots. Main enemy threat to Canada was thought to be German armed merchantmen. (31:00) Carson_R_0026_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Comments on Prince Rupert. Directorate of Engineering Services in Ottawa. Discusses use of coast defence and railway guns. Involved in the development of "plastic armour", asphalt and rock-filled squares fastened to a framework. Problems siting coast defence guns, directors, etc. (30:00) Joined 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers in Sept. 1941 as a company commander (major) and went overseas. Later became part of the 2nd Canadian Corps Troops. Describes usual organization for engineers: one field company or squadron per brigade, under control of the Commander, Royal Engineers, at divisional headquarters. Mrs. Carson interjects with remarks on wartime Ottawa, service life, and the wives' part. (45:00) Carson_R_0026_04.mp3 Mrs. Carson's impressions continue. (20:00) Col. Carson: tactical use of engineers; compares British, American, and German organization. Construction projects in England. (30:00) Discusses man management, tradesmen, etc. In July 1943 commanded 14th Field Company as 1st Canadian Corps Troops. (40:00) Involved with mine-lifting on English beaches. (50:00) Carson_R_0026_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) General military topics, veterans, pensions. Maj.-Gen. Pearkes well thought of. Military politics, postwar patronage very common in defence construction projects. Comments on the sons of Gen. A.G.L. McNaughton. Returns to 14th Field Company. Home Guard took their work very seriously. (30:00) Corps engineers played a very flexible role, often concentrating on bridging. Always necessary to schedule movement of heavy equipment. In battle, get it forward on time. Comments on Major-Generals Worthington, Kitching, Rockingham, and Lieutenant-Generals Simonds and Walsh. (45:00) Carson_R_0026_06.mp3 Returned to Canada to the Staff College, Kingston. Overseas again in Nov. 1943. Staff Officer, 2nd Canadian Corps Headquarters. Planned exercises, obtained intelligence reports, equipment requirements. Personal experiences in Holland. (30:00) In May 1944 joined 1st Canadian Army Group Royal Engineers, a planning and command structure. (40:00) Carson_R_0026_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Sent to Normandy about one month after D-Day. Mentions river crossings, assault boats, bridging equipment. Commanded 31st Field Company in Sept. 1944. Fifty British Pioneers attached to provide extra manpower. Mine lifting: small mines often attached to large bombs. Schu mines hard to detect: searching very hard on the nerves. Walcheren, Antwerp. (35:00) Vast quantities of equipment needed because of large numbers of rivers and canals. Nijmegen. Navy, Army and Air Force Institute anecdote. (45:00) Carson_R_0026_08.mp3 Comments on the engineering qualifications of his officers and men. (10:00) Education level required to be somewhat higher than that of the infantry. Disciplinary role of the commanding officer. Work load increase as war progressed. During advance into Germany houses were blown up to provide rubble for road repairs. Reported gravel pits, lumberyards to higher authority. Several anecdotes re civilians encountered. Joined Occupation Force. (40:00) Carson_R_0026_09.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Recounts experiences with "Zombies", by no means all bad. Finds fault with preference for civil service jobs given after the war to overseas veterans. Some unfairness evident. Army educational services very useful and important. Served as Deputy to Lt.-Col. R.E. Wilkins in Germany, where he stayed for about eleven months. Used prisoners of war as labour; occasionally a complete battalion of German engineers. Had a good relationship with them. Anecdotes. (25:00) Requisitioned all German municipal engineering equipment. Discusses peacetime engineering in the army and the qualities needed by an army engineer. (45:00) Carson_R_0026_10.mp3 In June 1946 returned to Canada. Stationed in Regina as commanding officer of 12 Works Company. Comments on the Interim Force and priorities as to rank. Was responsible for maintenance of bases and armouries throughout Saskatchewan with about 120 military and three hundred to four hundred civilian employees. (35:00) Peacetime soldiering. Engineer officers: few do "real" engineering. (45:00) Sometimes hard to employ all the good engineers who are available. Both peacetime projects and battlefield administration should include engineers in the early planning stages. (07:00) Carson_R_0026_11.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Posted to Halifax as command engineer, responsible for the three maritime provinces. Later, a similar job in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta, stationed in Edmonton. Banff Cadet Camp. Considerable barrack construction in Edmonton, Calgary, and Chilliwack. Construction inspection. Before Edmonton served in Ottawa as a general staff officer, grade 1 in 1949-1950. Mentions Korea. (32:00) Carson_R_0026_12.mp3 Experiences in Ottawa, problems in Petawawa (horses on payroll) and elsewhere. (20:00) Army accounting unwieldy and far more complicated than it needed to be. (34:00), Interviewer: Bell, Chris, and An interview/narrative of Robert John Carson's experiences during World War II. Colonel Carson served with the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers. Interview took place on May 24, June 1, 8, 15 and 22, 1984.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Corps, I--Field Company, 14th, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Adaptive planning (Military science), Germany (Territory under Allied occupation, 1945-1955), Mines (Military explosives), Carson, Robert John, 1914-1992--Interviews, Patronage, Political--Canada, Turnhout Canal, Battle of, Antwerp, Belgium, 1944, Military construction operations, Construction, Military, World War, 1939-1945--Engineering and construction, Nijmegen, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Canada--Defenses, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Military planning, Canada--Canadian Army--Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, Walcheren Island, Battle of, Netherlands, 1944, Military engineering, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Draft--Canada, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Belgium, Military occupation, Armored troops--Education, Draftees--Canada, Fortification, Fortification, Field, Military dependents--Canada, Coast defenses, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Corps, II--Headquarters (Ottawa), Antwerp, Battle of, Antwerp, Belgium, 1944, and Canada--National Resources Mobilization Act, 1940
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Pearkes, G. R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984
Contributor:: Carson, Robert John, 1914-1992 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-24/1984-06-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 12 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 505 min.) : 1 7/8, 3 3/4 ips (reel 3, side 2 for 32 min., then 1 7/8 ips), 2 track, mono. ; 6 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, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: CRJ_026
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-05-15
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.

210. Conover, Robert Oliver: my Army recollections (May 25 - June 19, 1984)

Title:: Conover, Robert Oliver: my Army recollections (May 25 - June 19, 1984)
Description:: Rank: Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Col. Robert Oliver Conover Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Conover_R_0164_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side, 1) Born on Apr. 27, 1927 in Montreal. His father, who was a medical doctor, served in both World Wars. Joined the Royal Canadian Dragoons as a trooper in July 1946. Under a scheme for educational upgrading he attended McGill University for one year. Posted to the intelligence unit of Quebec Command where he worked primarily on security investigations. Attended the counter intelligence school in Maryland, in the United States (1949). Sent to Camp Borden for officer training and was commissioned into Lord Strathcona's Horse. Instructor in tactics at Meaford, Ont. Comments on promotion prospects; good annual reports and exams required, but still might be twenty years before attaining the rank of major. (45:00) Conover_R_0164_02.mp3 "Working conditions" in the services. Recruit training officer in Calgary (1952). Explains duties of "battle captain" in a tank squadron. Exercises at Camp Wainwright. Neglect of safety precautions when handling explosives caused an accident which occurred due, in part, to a desire to simulate battle conditions. Army more or less a separate society where the role of the military wife is very important, especially as one advances in rank; much social awareness is required. Wives must support husbands' career; a wrong attitude can slow it down significantly. Posted as recruiting officer in Three Rivers, Que. Anecdotes. Influence of local priest. (48:00) Conover_R_0164_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Quality of recruits from Quebec declined after a quota was established for French-speaking members of the armed forces. Education level was a problem. Many thought of the Army as a means of escape from their narrow, provincial life. Next became involved with recruiting plans connected with the universities. Had to weed out the academics versus the leaders. Ideally young officers should have both attributes. At Army Headquarters during the next posting he found it to be virtually a "civilian" nine-to-five occupation. (45:00) Conover_R_0164_04.mp3 Three-month posting as a transport officer in Athens, Greece broke the "civilian" spell. Promoted to captain and posted to the regiment. Gunnery course at Wainwright in very cold operating conditions. Characteristics of the Centurion tank. Tank development; some foreign models too small for the average Canadian soldier! Tank tactics. Russian methods and design. (35:00) Conover_R_0164_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Gunnery practice; miniature ranges described. Versatility required in tank crews. Appointed adjutant and operations officer in the regiment. After preparation attended staff college. Explains student body and methods of instruction. Posted as operational staff officer (general staff officer, grade 3) at Brigade Headquarters in Calgary. (45:00) Conover_R_0164_06.mp3 In 1965 he went to Germany as a squadron commander (major). Describes move, quarters, etc. Composition of the brigade as part of the British Army of the Rhine (B.A.O.R.). Centurions versus Russian tanks. Russians closely monitored Canadian training exercises. (48:00) Conover_R_0164_07.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) A political decision was made to move the brigade to southern Germany. This was of little practical value and they now only occupy a reserve position. The terrain in southern Germany is unsuitable for the form in which the brigade is constituted. Upon leaving the B.A.O.R. the Canadians lost the opportunity to train staff officers at the divisional and corps levels. The Centurions were upgraded at this time. Brigade became fully mechanized with the advent of armoured personnel carriers. Tactics discussed. New tanks considered. (45:00) Conover_R_0164_08.mp3 Maintenance of their British-made tanks considerably more difficult in southern Germany due to the lack of higher echelon facilities. The new German Leopard tank made much more sense from a repair and maintenance point of view. In 1967 posted to the British Ministry of Defence as a general staff officer, grade 2 (operational requirements). Coordinated the efforts of many in the production of the new Chieftain tank. Family transition to England not easy. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel and commanding officer of the Fort Garry Horse (F.G.H.) in Calgary (June 1969). At about that time the government decided to raise a French Canadian armoured regiment while reducing the size of the forces. For a number of reasons this was not entirely successful. The F.G.H. was disbanded and the unit rebadged as Lord Strathcona's Horse amid considerable dissatisfaction. (40:00), Interviewer: Bell, Chris, Interviewee: Conover, Robert Oliver, b. 1927, and An interview/narrative of Robert Oliver Conover's experiences during World War II. Colonel Conover served with Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Interview took place on May 25, Jun. 4, 12 and 19, 1984.
Subject:: Armed Forces--Officers, World War (1914-1918), Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Conover, Robert Oliver, b. 1927 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-25/1984-06-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 8 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Three original sound tape reels (ca. 360 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 4 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: CRO_164
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-02-04
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.