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)

211. Jones, Anthony Lidden St. John: my Army recollections (May 31, and June 5, 1984)

Title:: Jones, Anthony Lidden St. John: my Army recollections (May 31, and June 5, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Jones, Anthony Lidden St. John, b. 1894, ABSTRACT: Lieut. Anthony Lidden St. John Jones 4th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force 2nd Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment Jones_A_0077_01.mp3 (Side 1) This interview begins with a general discussion; his attitude toward the war which he enjoyed as a great adventure, almost sport. Born on Jan. 11, 1894 in Stamford, Lincolnshire where his father was an Anglican vicar. Educated at a public school. Articled to a chartered accountant in Southampton, but did not enjoy the work. Attended an agriculture course on a private estate, then in March 1914 emigrated to Canada, to a farm near Barrie, Ont. Joined the Simcoe Foresters in Aug. 1914. Comments on the officers and men. Was sent to Valcartier Camp as part of the 4th Battalion, C.E.F. Considered the Ross rifle a fine weapon under good conditions of use. Public school experience made Army life seem fairly easy. Overseas to Salisbury Plain. A quiet and easy transition to trench life in France. Instilled a feeling of security in the trenches. On Christmas day, 1915 he saw Germans climb from their trenches and walk about in the open. The Canadians did the same on their side. (Interviewer mistakenly mentions Christmas, 1914). Trench raids. Was wounded in the Second Battle of the Somme. Returns to 1915 and recalls a gas attack at Ypres. (50:00) Jones_A_0077_02.mp3 (Side 2) In the second interview he recalls being badly shaken up in his dugout by the explosion of a German mine. Suffered from trench foot, a swollen and painful condition. Despite strict discipline on the subject, attempts to keep feet dry were almost impossible. Explains primitive anti-gas measures. Upon his own request in 1916 he was posted to the British Army to join his brother in the 2nd Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment. After officer-training in Scotland he joined in Nov. 1916, tragically just after his brother had been killed. The day after joining he participated in an attack, reached the German parapet where he was badly wounded in the arm, and saw the German who shot him at close range. After hospital in England he returned to Canada where he spent some time in military hospitals. Despite an eighty per cent disability pension he and a partner homesteaded in northern Alberta. Later owned a dairy farm in B.C. Comments on his transition from private to officer. Jones_A_0077_03.mp3 Finest experience in war was the esprit de corps. He really felt a simple patriotism; he was able to do something for his country. (40:00), Rank: Lieutenant. , An interview/narrative of Anthony Lidden St. John Jones's experiences during World War I. Lieutenant Jones served with the 4th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force and the 2nd Battalion (The Middlesex Regiment). Interview took place on May 31 and June 5, 1984., and Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Great Britain--Army--Military life, Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonous--War use, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Valcartier, Que?bec), Canada--Canadian Army--Simcoe Foresters, Trench fever, Trench warfare, Jones, Anthony Liddon St. John, b. 1893.--Interviews, War wounds, World War, 1914-1918--Medical care, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Expeditionary Force--Battalion, 4th, World War, 1914-1918--Campaigns-- Western Front, Ypres, 1st Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1914, Ypres, 3rdBattle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1917, World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian, Somme, 2nd Battle of the, France, 1918, Great Britain--Army--Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)--Battalion, 2nd, and Ypres, 2nd Battle of, Ieper, Belgium, 1915
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), Canada. Canadian Army, and Great Britain. Army
Contributor:: Bell, Chris and Jones, Anthony Lidden St. John, b. 1894
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-05-31/1984-06-05
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain and Canada
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 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:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: JALSJ_077
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:: 2006-07-24
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

212. Leir, Richard Hugh: my Navy recollections (June 10, and 11, 1984)

Title:: Leir, Richard Hugh: my Navy recollections (June 10, and 11, 1984)
Description:: Interviewee: Leir, Richard Hugh, b. 1921, Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Richard H. Leir Royal Canadian Navy (Reel 1, Side 1) Introduction: Listed "dead" in some Navy lists, "alive" after Oct. 1945. P.O.W. from 3 Mar. 1942. Lived in Penticton, spent summers (1929-35) with an uncle in the Saanich Peninsula. Naval ambitions since the age of twelve. Shawnigan Lake School. Civil Service exam in 1939. Accepted after a naval interview, sent to Dartmouth Naval College as a Public School Entry. Appointed as a midshipman to HMS Prince of Wales (battleship), still building so for a few months joined HMS Nelson (battleship). Joined Prince of Wales in which his action station was in the four-gun turret (14" guns) in the spotting and control position. Leir was also a bridge watch-keeper and commanded a 45 foot diesel picket boat. Then commanded a steam-drifter (general supply ship) attached to the battleship. Describes the boat-deck, including a Kitchen-rudder cutter.* Experiences in command of a picket boat and other sea-duties. Comments on his Captain (John Leach) including a fish story. Leir speaks of his culture shock in the RN. Is introduced to President Roosevelt at Argentia. Back in time to the Bismarck incident. Speaks of mechanical problems with the 14 in. guns. In company with HMS Hood (battle cruiser). Describes his view of the Hood blowing up and the battle preceding this. During this time the Prince of Wales' loading trays in the turret jammed this putting three of four guns out of action. (Reel 1, Side 2) Describes the working of the turret and further battle details. To Iceland then to Rosyth for repairs. Discusses the physical strength of the Hood -- quite frail. Speaks of early radar in Prince of Wales and later in HMS Exeter and comments on George Tidy (which see) the radar officer. Returns to details of the ship, Churchill, sailing to Argentia, again meeting Roosevelt and returning to the UK. Sent to the Mediterranean where they fought the Italian Navy. Opened fire early and the enemy turned away. Points out that a successful defence against Italian torpedo bombers resulted in later over-confidence when fighting the Japanese torpedo bombers. After a few months in England they left for Singapore, stopping in Nigeria, and the island in the Indian Ocean. "Peace-time" in Singapore (straight out of Kipling). Navy were alerted to approaching war three days before December 7th. Air raids. The ship sailed north looking for Japanese ships -- turned back and was attacked by Japanese torpedo bombers carrying 2 torps. Prince of Wales hit just under Leir's director position. (Reel 2, Side 1) HMS Repulse (also in company) severely damaged, sinks. Speaks of the Prince of Wales sinking basically due to a torpedo that bent a propeller-shaft and opened the bearing compartments and allowed water into the engine room. Describes bombing attacks, casualties, etc. No power, ship sinking, walked along the side of the ship to the bottom of the hull. Picked up by a destroyer. Admires the Japanese attack. Singapore. Sent to England for his sub-lieutenant's courses but in Colombo, ordered to join HMS Exeter (cruiser) on a "short" appointment. (Speaks of Senior Officers killed in Prince of Wales). Exeter on convoy duty for about two months Sumatra-Java-Singapore. In Singapore, they helped destroy dockyard cranes and a large coast defence gun. Took a fire party aboard the burning Empress of Asia. Comments on the American-British-Dutch-Australian mixed cruiser squadron. Describes Battle of Java Sea. Exeter hit, lost power but retained just enough to operate two 8" main turrets and two 4" turrets in order to sink a Japanese cruiser. Eventually steamed on four (of six) boilers. Remainder of squadron was sunk. Went to sea, met three Japanese cruisers and was eventually sunk, unable to report by radio so nobody knew what happened. Describes sinking and after 30 hrs. beings picked up by Japanese destroyer. Transferred to Borneo in the cruiser Asigara then given over to the Japanese army and, as a result, no names were taken nor Red Cross advised. Returns to the account of his time in the Japanese destroyer, and the excellent treatment they received. Comments on the Japanese naval officers -- favourably! (End of first interview) (Reel 2, Side 2) Put ashore and into the hands of the army. Comments on the conditions in camps controlled by disciplined officers compared to camps without that control. In time he became a "gunkan", a straw-boss for fifty men in a working party and took a beating of sorts if the men did not perform adequately. Worked for ten days, then one day off, sun-up to sun-down. Medical conditions very bad, no doctor, tropical diseases. Twice a day, a cup of rice augmented by tropical fruit and "jungle animals". In camps in the Celebes, Borneo, New Guinea (where the Japanese were in no better health) and Java where they destroyed tea plantations and planted castor beans (for engine lubrication). P.O.W. anecdote. In camp he witnessed a beheading (two victims). Credits his time in the camp to his now complete lack of fear of being intimidated, in our present society. For six weeks after the war, Leir commanded a company of Australians -- the best leadership course imaginable -- putting civilian internees back in their homes. Speaks highly of the tough customers in his group. Tale of assembling Buick and Chev. cars in Batavia and learning strictly on the job -- after six weeks they managed to assemble their first engine and after that they managed to sabotage the remainder by leaving out bearings. Used excess seat covers to make clothes for themselves. In fact he flew out of Batavia in his "Buicks". Left Batavia in an American hospital plane ("hitchhiking"). Weight 107 lbs. First removal (in a kind of sheep-dip) of fleas, lice, etc. Checked for tropical diseases and released with £50 -- bought tropical uniforms -- and celebrated. Still officially missing and presumed dead. Hitched an air ride to Karachi and from there to Britain. Inadvertently became part of "Malaysian Special Force" thus opening doors from Karachi to London. Grieves, the naval tailor, produced a blue uniform complete with campaign ribbons "including that funny Canadian one" (CVSM). Naval H..Q. in London gave him a travel advance and sent him to Glasgow to be in charge of returning seamen to Canada in HMS Puncher (carrier). Comments that his back pay eventually amounted to $11,300! Entering Halifax Leir collapsed. (Reel 3, Side 1) Hospital in Stadacona where he was treated for a number of tropical diseases. Telephoned home to announce that he was alive! Then to Ottawa where it took several days to confirm his existence. Mentions that it took until 1953 to establish his claim that all his clothing and kit had been sunk three times. Sent to the UK to do his complete sub-lieutenant courses (as an Acting Lt.). At Greenwich he found the work very hard, not having read a book or written for about four years. Remembering was very difficult but at the end was receiving good marks. Gunnery course at Whale Island then to the Mediterranean in HMS Chevron (destroyer) then to HMS Brisendon as First Lieutenant. Duties in the Med. included stopping illegal immigration to Palestine. Eleven boardings against opposition, armed and carried a night stick with which he was specially trained. Describes the boarding technique (p.101). Hours of practice with a two foot night stick (demonstrates). The whole boarding routine was, especially in 1947/48, a very smooth operation, which Leir found v. agreeable. Married in Malta. (p.105) With a considerable culture shock appointed to the Reserve Division in Edmonton (Nonsuch). The "Canadianization" of Leir began. After a year, appointed to HMCS Athabasca (Tribal destroyer) and to Korea. How Athabasca was fitted with new radar (a commercial set) and how well it worked. Operations with the RN cruiser Jamaica. Sasebo naval base re-activated. Leir speaks of Japanese training squadron visiting Esquilmalt when he was Flag Officer, Pacific Fleet (1970). Returning to Korea he objected to the plan to put a South Korean officer in his cabin. It was not done. (p. 116, bottom) Speaks of revenge against the Korean/Japanese guards in Java. A great mind-clearing event. Returns to a tale of his back pay. Received $1345 as reparations for his P.O.W. time. Now gets a small pension as a "burnt-out" veteran somewhat against his will. (Reel 3, Side 2) Second interview: R/Adm. R.H. Leir -- by Capt. Vernon Howland RCN (ret'd). Tapes 16,17,18. Dated 30 March 1980. Not held by this univ. tss. 87 pp. Varies from the Lawrence interview in detail and includes much of the sinking of Prince of Wales and Exeter and in particular the Japanese P.O.W. camps where beheading (Makassar) could be the usual punishment for re-captured escapees (two seen). Prisoners' attitude changed from plans of escaping to plans for survival. Leir made his own clothes from some stolen curtains. Describes method of cooking their rations (woks). Became a "gunkan" in charge of a 50-man work party. Describes the second camp on the island of Boetoeng, in the Celebes -- where they had to build their own camp -- bamboo and palm fronds. Built a dock -- a very hard time. Sold by the Jap. Army to the Mitsui Mining Corp. Much sickness -- cerebral malaria, beriberi, dysentery. Japanese ignored sick men. Became a sick bay tiffee (medical attendant). Describes catching fish as tide changed. Sometimes given locally salted eggs but full of protein that helped the sick. Camp bombed. Shipped out to Makasser then to Batavia. In Java put to work crushing bananas (for their oil) in Glodoch, an old penitentiary. Able to build their first radio (with stolen parts from the dock). Sent by train to the highlands to prepare the ground for castor beans (for oil). White prisoners not popular with the Japanese. Speaks of the relationship between officers and men -- no distinction after a while. By train again to the General Motors assembly plant, building auto engines. This job lasted from early 1945 to the end of the war. Better rations too. At war's end three senior P.O.W. officers went to the local army headquarters and ordered the Japanese to surrender after which the Japanese gave every co-operation. Moved Javanese out of the former European sector -- any opposition meant a bullet -- and moved European civilians back in. Paramedics parachuted in to look after the sick P.O.W.s. Hitchhiked on an American C-54 to Calcutta, dressed in his "Buicks" -- shirt and pants. Trip home described in about same detail as the Lawrence account. * Kitchen-rudder cutter: A fifty foot cutter with a propeller in a housing, controlled by the coxswain, that could revolve 360° causing the boat to change direction. i.e. forward, reverse, and to some extent, sideways., An interview/narrative of Richard H. Leir's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Leir served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 10 and 11, 1984., and Rank: Rear Admiral.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, Naval history, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Leir, Richard Hugh, b. 1921
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-06-10/1984-06-11
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 51.45, 0.05
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on three audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: LRH_262
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:: 2013-04-23
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.

213. Lawrence, Edward G.: my Army recollections (July 26 - August 1, 1984)

Title:: Lawrence, Edward G.: my Army recollections (July 26 - August 1, 1984)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Maj. Edward G. (Ned) Lawrence 85th Battalion, C.E.F. The Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment Lawrence_E_0179_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Comments on existing political leadership in Canada. Born on Aug. 12, 1894 in Southampton, N.S. Family were United Empire Loyalists and were engaged in the lumber business. Boarded at Pictou while he attended high school, but left before graduation in order to work for the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Joined the army in the fall of 1915, possibly because of friends who enlisted at that time in the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. (45:00) Lawrence_E_0179_02.mp3 Discusses the regimental connection with the Seaforth Highlanders of the British army. Early training in Halifax. Pay was $1.10 per day. Comments on "tin town", the gambling and liquor establishments that sprang up near Valcartier Camp. While in Halifax he worked in the orderly room and then as clerk for the medical officer. (25:00) Lawrence_E_0179_03.mp3 Speaks of Lt.-Col. Ralston who commanded the battalion. Voyage overseas. Landed in England in Oct. 1916. General comments on recruiting and the beginnings of the battalion. Intensive training in England. (50:00) Lawrence_E_0179_04.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returns to a description of the increased tempo of training. Continued with his administrative job in the medical office. Trained with the signal section for a time; remarks on the use of Morse code. Preferred administrative and signals work to drill and trench-digging, etc. Leave in London. General remarks. (47:00) Lawrence_E_0179_05.mp3 Remembers the excitement of first seeing the immediate war zone. Participated in the attack on Vimy Ridge, although most of the time in the reserve trenches. Describes the eventual crossing of a German trench with many dead of both sides lying there. Rum ration. The cold and wetness were very hard on soldiers' feet; many injuries thus caused. Deep mud made life very hard, especially carrying supplies and ammunition. British and German attitude toward taking prisoners. (40:00) Lawrence_E_0179_06.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) In May 1917 he was wounded in the arm by a sniper (or stray bullet). Evacuated by narrow-gauge railway after dark. Military hospital in London. Returned to Canada in the fall of 1917. Recounts a leave in Dundee at an estate there, then the voyage to Canada. Lawrence_E_0179_07.mp3 Gradually his arm improved and he was discharged on Jan. 1, 1918. Returned to his job in the bank. Transferred to Ottawa. In 1940, then a major, "went active" with the Sherbrooke Fusiliers. Posted to a local training centre (No. 43) as second-in-command. Discharged at Saint. John's at the end of the war. (47:00), Interviewee: Lawrence, Edward G., b. 1894, Interviewer: Bell, Chris, An interview/narrative of Edward G. Lawrence's experiences during World War I. Major Lawrence served with the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. and the Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment. Interview took place on July 26, 30 and August 1, 1984., and Rank: Major.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, Great Britain. Army, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Lawrence, Edward G., b. 1894 and Bell, Chris
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-07-26
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:: Ontario--Ottawa and England
Coordinates:: 45.41117, -75.69812 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 225 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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: LEG_179
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:: 2006-07-26
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

214. Murdoch, Robert Waugh: my Navy recollections (September 10, and 12, 1984)

Title:: Murdoch, Robert Waugh: my Navy recollections (September 10, and 12, 1984)
Description:: Rank: Rear Admiral. , An interview/narrative of Robert Waugh Murdoch's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Murdoch served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on September 10 and 12, 1984., ABSTRACT: R/Adm. Robert W. Murdoch Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) R/Adm. Murdoch joined the RCN in 1936 after one year at Victoria College and passing his Public Service Commission exam and interview (both of which he describes) then the UK. Outfitted in London by Grieves, the Naval tailors, and appointed to the training cruiser HMS Frobisher at Chatham. Anecdote of Mr. Margot, the cadet Gunner, who was, as far as the cadets were concerned, God, and carried a starter, a small switch to be applied to laggard cadets. Describes the regular RN staff -- just sufficient crew to run the ship -- all experienced and many were "badgemen" (long service badges). First cruise to the West Indies, second, and harsher cruise to Norway in the winter. Comments on the Captain who always had cadets to breakfast or dinner, in order to assess them in a "social" setting. As a Midshipman (1937) appointed to HMS Sussex (cruiser) which became part of the Spithead Naval Review for King George VI. Digresses to a NATO review for the Queen (1969?) when Murdoch was the Canadian Military Representative at NATO. Excited about the Royal yacht Britannia, for a dinner -- wonderfully served. In the Mediterranean in HMS Sussex where the first "real" gunroom was experienced. A friendly Sub-Lieutenant in charge, with six whacks on the backside being the alternative to the friendly approach. (Cassette 1, Side 2) R/Adm. Murdoch concluded that one of six was sufficient to imbue a healthy respect for authority. Explains the purpose of midshipman training where specific duties are expected. Considerable training was done in the Greek Islands. Experienced Non-Intervention Patrols during the Spanish Civil War. They were bombed and later picked up British subjects and delivering them to French or African ports. The British wanted to remove the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem from Palestine since he was causing some trouble. Murdoch commanded a boat-load of marines sent ashore to the Port of Haifa to kidnap the Grand Mufti for eventual exile in the Seychelle Islands. Saved one of Gen. Franco's sons from an air-crash at sea. Met the Generalissimo. A great education. Trained in destroyers -- comments on the excellent training that he received from the late R/Adm. H.F. Pullen who was Flotilla Gunnery Officer. After leave in Canada, returned to the UK for Sub-Lieutenant's courses. Not at Greenwich, but at Portsmouth (Whale Island) where he was cured of Gunnery and opted for Signals. The war started and, because Canada was not yet in the war, in the interval, Murdoch was promoted and placed in command of a large yacht patrolling Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, etc. In late September navigator of an old coat-burning sloop, HMS Foxglove. Convoys escorted to Brest. Heavy fog during which the Foxglove ran aground (since most ships were doing it there was no court of "inquiry"! Later joined HMCS Skeena under Lt. Cmdr. J.C. Hibbard. Early convoy work including both the East and West coasts of England. Was sent on the Long Signals course (with R/Adm. Sterling) at that time at Portsmouth where air-raid precautions were included in their duties. The signals school was moved to a quieter area and he stayed on as an instructor. In 1941 he returned to Canada as Chief Instructor at the Canadian Signals School at St. Hyacinthe, Que, commanded by Capt. A.P. Musgrave. Remained for approx. three years. Wrote a report on U.S. Navy communications and whether the Canadian Navy should adopt some of their methods. His comments were not appreciated by the Director of Signals in Ottawa and resulted in his appointment as Communications Officer of the 11th Destroyer Flotilla operating at Trincomalee in Ceylon (1944). Comments on the U.S. Navy method of, in effect, man management. Strange, Murdoch thought but on balance, effective. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Joined the Flotilla Leader at Trincomalee (April 1944). Anecdotes including being handed the letter asking him to volunteer for the war against Japan while they were actually engaged in shelling the Malayan Peninsula in support of minesweepers. Sailed into Singapore to take the surrender of the Japanese navy, destroyers, cruisers, Kamikaze boats with Canadian-made Chevrolet engines, and others. The Japanese were very correct in all respects even offering to provide naval patrols, under the RN, to maintain order, gather weapons, etc. Very well-organized tour of the communication and spare parts facilities. Murdock tested this when he required the Japanese to produce a tube for his American radio -- and they did. A Japanese admiral offered Murdock his sextant and binoculars before they could be "liberated" by someone else and he still has them. R/Adm. Murdock recalls some convoy experiences spent in Atlantic convoys in HMCS Skeena with Cmdr. J.C. Hibbard (who may have been suffering from considerable strain). Comments on Reports of Proceedings. Very much in accordance with the "good" things that happened. Refers to the Canadian-made radar sets as largely being "junk" (SWIC and SWIC II). Feels on balance that Canadian industry did well, but not as well as the British and Americans did. More on the Canadians at "TRINCO". Anecdotes. Some more experiences with Japanese coast defence. RN destroyers were paid off and Murdock at a loose end for six months so the RN taught him to fly, although not up to the final standard. Returned to Canada (1946) as Deputy Director of the Signal Division and comments on Capt. Sam Worth, the Director. Appointed to the Army staff course, a considerable change of pace., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, and Interviewee: Murdoch, Robert Waugh, b. 1918
Subject:: Naval history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and Military history
Contributor:: Murdoch, Robert Waugh, b. 1918 and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-09-10/1984-09-10
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on two audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: MRW_263
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:: 2013-04-26
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.

215. Willson, William Herbert: my Navy recollections (September 12, 1984)

Title:: Willson, William Herbert: my Navy recollections (September 12, 1984)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Cmdr. W.H. Willson, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) (Casual remarks for a few seconds) Cmdr. Willson was born in Calgary (c. 1920). Several years as a sea cadet. Wrote exam for entry to RCN as a Cadet. Joined HMS Frobisher, the cadet training cruiser (Jan. '37) after the obligatory visit to Grieves for uniforms. Good description of the famous Cadet Gunner, Mr. Margot. Willson scared rigid. Anecdote of an Indian cadet who replied "Muslim" when asked his religion but the RN had only two choices, Roman Catholic or Church of England. On paper, he became C. of E.! Cruise to the West Indies. Considerable sickness, one cadet dying of spinal meningitis. Banned from going ashore in Bermuda (the 'Bermuda Incident') but finally some cadets were taken to hospital in Puerto Rico. Second cruise to the Mediterranean. Last cruise in HMS Vindictive (cruiser) during which time they met friendly German naval cadets. As a Midshipman joined HMS Cumberland (cruiser) on the China Station. Later in HMS Dorchester where the sub of the gun-room had a poor opinion of Canadians who had no idea of the Classics and ordered that books on the subject were to be bought and read. Shanghai in 1938 and relations with the Japanese (e.g. the British had some small ports, islands, etc. "under lease", not always recognized by the Japanese navy. War declared in Sept. 1939 and Willson was returned to Canada in the Empress of Canada (CPR). Joined HMCS Skeena as a Sub. Lieut. Sailed to the UK at the time of Dunkirk although due to an accident during a fuelling causing a flood of oil they did not participate in the evacuation of the army. Convoy duty. Recounts story of man lost overboard. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Quite complimentary about Lt. Cmdr. J. C. Hibbard although didn't like Hibbard's "social side". Upon reflection also feels that Cdr. "Chummy" Prentice also very good. Speaks of convoy SC 42 under Hibbard and his reactions in the battle. Critical of continuous action stations when nobody got any sleep. In ASW all ranks didn't need to be at action stations. (Continued on Sept. 25) After leave in Canada Willson joined HMCS St. Clair (destroyer). Tried to maintain RCN discipline but often baulked by the more easy going RCNR captain but things were easier in the ship after a ship's dance was organized and Willson had a drink with some of the crew. Quite critical of the old former U.S. destroyers--many mechanical faults. Re-appointed to HMS Skeena. Comments on the use of the Battle Trainer ashore at Halifax. Appointed captain of HMS Kootenay (destroyer) in 1944. Good account of ASW tactic developed by Lt. Cmdr. Ken Dyer in order to attack submarines ahead of the convoy being escorted. Before joining Kootenay, Lt. Cmdr. Willson commanded HMCS Niagara (destroyer) 1943-44. Account of the Niagara grounding in harbour on her first trip to sea. Participated in a blockade Cape Breton to Channel-Port aux Basques. Describes a scheme whereby German P.O.W.'s tried to build a radio and contact submarines at sea. P.O.W.'s escaped and eventually recaptured. Torpedo attack on Niagara who responded with depth charges. He was not supposed to react against the submarine since it broke up the carefully laid plans to recapture the P.O.W.'s (which was done) and sink the sub. In March 1944 took command of Kootenay and left for the Invasion of Europe. Describes some U-boats sinking during English Channel operations. Suggests that of the roughly thousand U-boats sunk, the Canadians sunk only 30 odd, not very much! Partly due to lower standard of equipment in Canadian ships. Willson's opinion that the Admiralty did not pass sufficient ASW transmissions to the Canadians cf. RN captains, McIntyre and Walker, the "aces". Willson rec'd a DSC for the second submarine sinking in the Bay of Biscay. (In company with Ottawa (Cmdr. Prentice)) The third submarine in shallow water sunk by a method of hooking a depth charge to a wire and dragging it up against the submarine where it was exploded. Returns to a tale of the Battle Trainer in Liverpool and the tremendous effort made by Capt. Roberts RN in mapping the wrecks in the English Channel. An advocate of searching and recording the bottom of the sea-bed to establish more efficient ASW tactics for shallow waters. In mid-1945 returned to Halifax. The ship was returned to England to return Canadian troops (300 per trip) to Quebec--made three trips. Much equipment became surplus and was destroyed at the end of the war--including food jettisoned at sea. Demoted from A/Lt. Cmdr. to Lieutenant due largely to his strong complaint that he had to volunteer for the Pacific War and eventually came face-to-face with the Minister. Informed that he would not be allowed to resign and appointed to the West coast in the Seamanship School. (Cmdr. W.H. Willson: Post-war Career) Comments on post-war manpower problems at HMCS Naden. Later in Ottawa in the Directorate of Naval Intelligence at the Russian and Eastern European desk. Many problems blending fleet operations and intelligence, in fact, non-existent in many cases. Almost nothing received of solid information. Sent to the RN Staff College, and the Univ. of London School of Slavonic Studies. Staff at RMC 1950-53. Posted to the West Coast and secondly to command of HMCS Crusader and promotion to Commander. Later in Training Command and Commander of HMCS Naden. Ottawa, Dep. Director of Manning--problems with officers who could not be promoted since there was simply not positions for those of higher rank. Appointed to command HMCS Ottawa (DDE). Tried innovative navigation aid. Monitored the Russian fishing fleet off the Grand Banks as well as suspected submarine radio transmissions. On the West coast as the first captain of the new HMCS Terra Nova (DDE). Organized better use of radio for his tactical operations and despite complaints from Ottawa but with support of R/Adm. Pullen was able to inaugurate new users. Altered his high definition Sperry radar so that just a certain sector could be "observed". Against regulations but it did shield the ship's radar transmissions from possible detection by an enemy further out to sea. In 1960 returned to Ottawa as Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence. A good team but dominated by the Dept. of Foreign Affairs who did not approve of military operational intelligence. Thought it dangerous!, Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, An interview/narrative of William Herbert “Bill” Willson's experiences during World War II. Commander Willson served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on September 12, 1984., Rank: Commander. Medals and Honours: D.S.C., and Interviewee: Willson, William Herbert “Bill”
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Naval history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Willson, William Herbert “Bill” and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-09-12
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Japan and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 35.68536, 139.75309
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on two audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: WWH_293
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2017-04-27
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. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

216. Stirling, Michael Grote: my Navy recollections (October 7, and 8, 1984)

Title:: Stirling, Michael Grote: my Navy recollections (October 7, and 8, 1984)
Description:: Rank: Rear Admiral. , An interview/narrative of M. G. Stirling's experiences during World War II. Rear Admiral Stirling served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on October 7 and 8, 1984., Interviewee: Stirling, Michael Grote, Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, and ABSTRACT: R/Adm. M.G. Stirling Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Came from a naval family and joined the RCN as a naval cadet in 1933. Sent to the cadet-training cruiser HMS Frobisher in the UK. Comments on officers and other Canadian cadets. Describes the Dartmouth Naval College cadets and the "Pubs" (public school direct-entry cadets) who were much closer in experience and education to the Canadian cadets. The differences disappeared when they all went to Sub-Lieutenant courses. As a Midshipman he joined HMS Sussex (cruiser) and a cruise to Australia, carrying the Duke of Gloucester. Some fuss made in Western Australia as Mid. Stirling was a descendent of the first British governor. Later joined the Mediterranean Fleet at Alexandria. Landing party protecting trains during the Arab/Jewish troubles in Palestine. Later the ship served in the Spanish Neutrality Patrol. Gun-room anecdotes. To Greenwich for Sub-Lieutenant courses. Both a social and academic life. In 1936 returned to Canada on leave. Comments on Royal Navy training for Canadian officers. How very good it was and how, even in 1938, when Stirling joined his first Canadian ship (HMCS Skeena), the crew was treated somewhat differently than he had been used to in the RN. "Scotty" Brodeur, a terrific officer and well-liked by Stirling. The Skeena was at Acapulco when R/Adm. Stirling joined as a Sub-Lieut. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Describes some of the crew. After exercises, returned to Esquimalt. Speaks of the Royal Visit in 1939 where he participated in the granting of new RCN colours by the King. Considers the Queen (later "Queen Mum") as a wonderful person and met her again when Agent General for B.C. in London. Returns to the 1939 presentation of Colours to the RCN. How to stand still for long periods, etc. and how, in later years, men of a Royal Guard who fainted where quickly replaced by the Gunners Mate who watched from the side. Peacetime naval exercising including a torpedo exercise in Nanoose Bay. A speedy trip in HMCS St. Laurent before Canada declared war in 1939 and just cleared the Panama Canal thus avoiding the possibility of being interned! From Halifax they took the first convoy to the UK. Comment on senior officers in Halifax and Ottawa. Despite RCN/RCNVR mutual resentment the system finally worked quite well. Sent in 1940 to the Long Signals Course in Portsmouth and later, Petersfield. In 1941 joined HMS Onslow (destroyer) under H.D. Armstrong (Beaky), a bit of a terror, respected but not liked by Stirling. Later, participated in attacks on German-held Norway (Vågsøy) with the Home Fleet. In Canada (1942) as Assistant Director of the Signal Branch (Ottawa) then Deputy Director. Unsuccessful attempt by Canada to develop its own radar set although Stirling was not directly involved. Much effort spent in replacing the poorly operating Canadian sets with the British 271 set that worked. Speaks of the Huff-Duff direction finding stations which were good. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Capt. Sam Worth the Director of Signals, an absolute workaholic (and drinker) who did a great deal for the expansion and training of the Signal Branch (Stirling replaced Worth in 1949). Speaks of L/Cmdr. Ross Hanbury who advised Canadian ships to pick up British 271 radar sets in Londonderry if they could. This caused a row with Worth. Stirling then became Staff Officer, Signals on the Atlantic Coast as a L/Cmdr. Offers an insight to R/Adm. Len Murray. Then to sea as Captain of the HMCS St. Laurent. Stirling retraces his steps, describing why he went into Signals and with a later anecdote regarding Lord Louis Mountbatten. St. Laurent returns to Canada and into refit, then in 1945 to Somers Isles, Bermuda for working up. Shortly after was appointed as Captain of HMCS Crusader, then building in UK. The war ended. Discussion of the request to volunteer for the Pacific and the unhappiness that it caused. American signals system began to be introduced at the end of the war and shortly after the signal branch, divided into Visual and Telegraphist branches, became one (Communications). This became unwieldy and was eventually reversed. Partial agreement with Integration, particularly in Supply, but then only at the Staff level. Stirling re-affirms the fact that he and R/Adm. Landymore did not resign in conjunction -- although coincidently both did on the same day over Unification. Discusses "Leadership" again, a term much preferred to Man Management, and requires that a man should want to do what is required. (Cassette 2, Side 2) A short spell as First Lieutenant at HMCS Naden, then the New Entry Training establishment later moved to HMCS Cornwallis in Digby NS. Anecdote: obstacle course and leadership. Staff position in Washington. Comment on the U.S. Navy -- critical of their seamanship and on strong family ties that by the very nature of them, hindered sharp focusing on the Navy. returns to his Washington time (Naval Member of the Canadian Joint Staff) and the early days of High Frequency Radio and a further drift from the RN toward methods of the U.S. Navy. The start of teletype in naval vessels -- common now. Points out that the old, visual methods are still vital during periods of radio silence. In 1951 became Commander in HMCS Ontario in time for the Royal Tour in the Maritimes (Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh). Anecdote re the unexpected return of the Royal Party to the slip (at Sydney, NS). Stirling comments on Royal Tour organizing when he was Agent-General for BC in London (1971). Ontario went around South America -- a very successful cruise -- a popular "showing the flag" especially among the Canadians in various ports. Social functions on board ended in Beating Retreat with guard and band which was always very well received. Entire ships company participated in social functions ashore. Collision in Buenos Aires that badly damaged a propeller and was partly repaired in dry dock in Rio and then through the Panama Canal and to Esquimalt. Promoted to Captain and posted to the SACLANT staff in Norfolk, VA (Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic). (Cassette 3, Side 1) Sent to the National Defence College in the late fifties. A very valuable and mind-broadening experience for both senior service students and those from government and industry. From there Stirling became Senior Officer Afloat as CANCOMFLT (in HMCS Bonaventure). Anecdote about arriving in Bermuda as a Commodore with twenty-six ships and an RN Vice Admiral arriving with one ship. Comments on the flying in Bonaventure and some changes made. Returned to remarks about wives -- used to be proud to have their men in the Navy, now wanted them home more. Affected efficiency. Two years as Chief of Naval Personnel -- a difficult time as Integration was starting, quickly to be followed by Unification. Feels that the Navy should have been more politically minded. As Flag Officer Pacific Coast he carried on with Armed Forces Service Leave Centre in Victoria which has now disappeared. The Fleet Club near Dockyard has taken its place. Unification was a great factor in naval matters but less so personally, in the fact that it was not discussed in that light by flag officers -- and it probably should have been -- possibly with happier results. Some comment here on the resignation and firing of senior officers of all services. Several pages of transcript laying out who said what and what was misinterpreted now follow, changed appointments, dismissals, some previously secret, etc.
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), Armed Forces--Officers, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Stirling, Michael Grote
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1984-10-07/1984-10-08
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:: 5 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on three audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: SMG_265
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:: 2013-10-09
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.

217. Morrison, Finlay Angus: my Army recollections (February 2, 1985)

Title:: Morrison, Finlay Angus: my Army recollections (February 2, 1985)
Description:: Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , An interview/narrative of Finlay Angus Morrison's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison served with the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Interview took place on February 2, 1985., ABSTRACT: Lieut.-Col. Finlay Angus Morrison South Saskatchewan Regiment Morrison_F_0109_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Dec. 15, 1917 in Saskatchewan to a farm family. Apprenticed as a pharmacist. In 1940 on a diploma course at the University of Saskatchewan. C.O.T.C. Graduated in 1942. Officer training at Gordon Head Camp. Overseas as a reinforcement officer of the South Saskatchewan Regiment. After an interview in Apr. 1944 was selected as an aide de camp to Gen. Crerar, the commander of 1 Canadian Army. (20:00) Reported in mid-May as one of two A.D.C.'s, one of whom handled the social (or "outside") aspects and one the tactical (or "inside") aide duties. To Normandy on D + 10 to establish the tactical headquarters. Col. Morrison began as social aide, but in two months became tactical aide. Describes accommodation: caravans and tents. Relations became somewhat strained between Gen. Crerar and Gen. Montgomery in the period before the Canadian Army command was properly established. Crerar was far more reserved than Montgomery. Part of Morrison's duty was to brief Gen. Crerar on the tactical situation at 6:30 every morning. Much time spent visiting units, down to battalion size. (35:00) Aides were required to be very familiar with the requirements of protocol. Descriptive anecdote. (45:00) Morrison_F_0109_02.mp3 Gen. Crerar was in the habit of writing full reports on all aspects of his affairs in the army. Also some tension between Gen. Crerar and Lieut.-Gen. Guy Simonds. Col. Morrison spent much of his time bringing situation maps up to date. After the war he suspected that Gen. Crerar would have liked to be the first Canadian Governor-General. (15:00) Comments on the tactical and static headquarters of the Canadian Army. In fall 1944 Simonds became acting army commander for a few weeks. Very different atmosphere. Comments on various personalities. Sure that Montgomery attempted to have Crerar removed as army commander, but hard evidence lacking. (35:00) Infantry reinforcement of much concern and Crerar did his best to apply pressure on the Canadian government. Composition of the tactical headquarters mess which was usually housed in a large tent; not a very social mess, always business. (46:00) Morrison_F_0109_03.mp3 (Side 2) Discussion of pictures in photo album, important visitors. Returned to Canada. Remained an A.D.C. until Gen. Crerar retired in Apr. 1946. The General made a cross-country tour in Jan. that year which was very successful. Both people and the press gave him a good reception. (13:00), Interviewee: Morrison, Finlay Angus, b. 1917, and Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Morrison, Finlay Angus, b. 1917 and Roy, Reginald H.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-02-02
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Normandy
Coordinates:: 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 105 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: MFA_109
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.

218. Adams, Robert Cecil: my Army recollections (February 20, 1985)

Title:: Adams, Robert Cecil: my Army recollections (February 20, 1985)
Description:: Rank: Battery Sergeant-Major. , ABSTRACT: Battery Sgt.-Maj. Robert Cecil Adams, (W.O.II) Royal Canadian Artillery Adams_RC_0002_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on May 22, 1918 in Vancouver and educated at private schools in Victoria, B.C. and Port Hope, Ont. While employed by the British Columbia Electric Railway Company in Vancouver in 1936 he joined No. 111 (Coast Artillery Co-operation) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (reserve) at Sea Island. There he was an aircraftman, 1st class and a fitter by trade. Some of the duties and conditions extant during the Depression are discussed. He was released in 1939 and in Sept. of that year joined the 1st Searchlight Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.), Vancouver, and shortly thereafter transferred to the 108th Field Battery at Lethbridge, Alta. (15:00) Barrack conditions, equipment and training were all found wanting. In May 1940 he was posted to the 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment, R.C.A. at Shilo, Man., part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. (25:00) In Aug. of that year they went overseas to Aldershot where equipment shortages continued to adversely affect training. Discipline from the point of view of a battery sergeant-major is mentioned. (40:00) Adams_RC_0002_02.mp3 (Side 2) Trained at the School of Artillery, Larkhill, Wiltshire. Participated in the defence of the south coast of England. Describes anti-tank training at Larkhill and the type of equipment in use. A late arriver in Normandy (by Liberty ship), he describes the scene on Courseulles Beach and at Carpiquet Airport. The regiment was by then equipped with seventeen-pounder self-propelled guns mounted on Valentine tank chassis. Explains the administrative job of the battery sergeant-major in "A" echelon. Recounts the heavy losses in the fight for Normandy. Later, during the manpower shortage of 1944/45, the unit acted for a short time as infantry. Heavy fighting on the Dutch/German border. Guns were regained in the spring of 1945 for the advance over the Rhine. Returned to Canada and civilian life in 1945. (35:00), Interviewee: Adams, Robert Cecil, 1918-1992, Interviewer: Gray, Grant, and An interview/narrative of Robert Cecil Adams's experiences during World War II. Battery Sergeant-Major Adams, W.O. II served with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on February 20, 1985.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Field Battery, 108th, Courseulles-sur-Mer (France), Liberty ships, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Artillery, Battle casualties, Military training camps--England--Aldershot, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Depressions--1929--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 111, Tank warfare, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Barracks and quarters, British Columbia Electric Railway Company, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--History--1919-1939, Tank destroyers, Military discipline, Operation Veritable, 1945, Carpiquet (France), World War, 1939-1945--Casualties, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas--Main Training Base (Aldershot, England), Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Military life, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Infantry Division, 2nd, Valentine (Tank), Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Reserves, Adams, Robert Cecil, 1918-1992--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Shilo, Man.), Canada--Canadian Army--Anti-Tank Regiment, 2nd, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy--Casualties, Artillery, Self-propelled, World War, 1939-1945--Manpower, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Canada--Canadian Army--Searchlight Regiment, 1st, Antitank weapons, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Canada--Canadian Army--Barracks and quarters--Alberta--Lethbridge, and Great Britain--Army--School of Artillery (Larkhill, England)
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Operation Overlord
Contributor:: Gray, Grant and Adams, Robert Cecil, 1918-1992
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-02-20
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, Great Britain, and France--Normandy
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258, 49, 0, and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 75 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. 5 in. ; 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, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: ARC_002
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-03-30
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by 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.

219. Perodeau, G. N. Giles: my Army recollections (March 4, 1985)

Title:: Perodeau, G. N. Giles: my Army recollections (March 4, 1985)
Description:: Interviewee: Perodeau, G. N. Giles, b. 1919, Rank: Major. , An interview/narrative of G. N. Giles Perodeau's experiences during World War II. Major Perodeau served with the Royal Montreal Regiment. Interview took place on March 4, 1985., Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., and ABSTRACT: Major G.N. Giles Perodeau Royal Montreal Regiment Perodeau_G_0114_01.mp3 Born on Dec. 31, 1919 and attended school in Montreal. When the war began he first joined the naval reserve, but found himself under-age for officer selection. Felt that a better opportunity existed in the Royal Montreal Regiment which was raising a 2nd Battalion (militia). In Aug. 1941 sent to the O.C.T.U. at Brockville and then overseas as a reinforcement officer to the 1st Battalion in May 1942. In March 1944 the battalion was broken up to provide reinforcements, but he was asked to remain as armoured car troop commander in the one company retained as 1st Canadian Army headquarters defence company. Went to Normandy on D+10 with the Tactical headquarters. (15:00) Initially they had a very quiet time as no troops were under command. Appointed A.D.C. to Gen. H.D. Crerar, the Army commander, who liked to drive his own jeep, driver in the back, A.D.C. beside him, and with two military police outriders. Crerar very occasionally rode in the armoured cars. Flew a good deal and had to be met often at his destination by the A.D.C. and jeep. This often meant an early start for his aides. Normally on the road by 8:30 A.M. with coffee and sandwiches for lunch. Comments on Crerar's style. (25:00) A well-controlled individual, a reserved man, and headquarters had a quiet, reserved mess, in which an A.D.C. was always on duty if the General was present. Crerar-Montgomery comment. (35:00) Perodeau_G_0114_02.mp3 Relations with Lieut.-Gen. Guy Simonds. Reconnaissance to the Seine River. (45:00) Much time spent keeping maps up to date. Served Lieut.-Gen. Simonds when he was acting army commander. A man of very little humour. Much impressed by a visit to the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division. Gen. Crerar a great record keeper. Comments on various personalities. Was A.D.C. to the end of 1944, then posted to the staff at army headquarters, Belgium and Holland. (17:00)
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army. Royal Montreal Regiment, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Military history, and Naval history
Contributor:: Perodeau, G. N. Giles, b. 1919 and Roy, Reginald H.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-03-04
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781
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:: sound recordings, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: PGNG_114
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:: 2007-07-16
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.

220. Walsh, Richard Norman: my Army recollections (March 8, 1985)

Title:: Walsh, Richard Norman: my Army recollections (March 8, 1985)
Description:: Interviewer: Gray, Grant, Interviewee: Walsh, Richard Norman, b. 1913, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , An interview/narrative of Richard Norman Walsh's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Walsh served with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Interview took place on March 8, 1985., and ABSTRACT: Lieut.-Col. Richard Norman Walsh Royal Canadian Artillery Walsh_R_0142_01.mp3 Born on March 28, 1913 in Imperial, Sask. Joined the militia (artillery) in Regina in 1930. Within two years qualified as a sergeant. All training done at the armouries, although they did have guns there were no horses to move them! By 1936 he was a battery sergeant-major and occupied that same post when war came in 1939. Called up on Aug. 28, 1939. Describes rations, accommodations, uniforms. Comments that for a time in the 1930's relations with civilians in Regina were not very good. The 18th Battery, R.C.A. became part of the 7th Anti-tank Regiment, R.C.A. which went into training at Shilo, Man. in 1940. The regiment had a total of four two-pounder anti-tank guns for training purposes. Proceeded overseas in 1940. (20:00) Besides training, the regiment defended an airfield and the south coast of England during 1940-41. At the end of 1942 he was sent to an O.C.T.U. and later on a four-month course in anti-tank gunnery. Trained on the six-pounder and later on the seventeen-pounder guns. Sent to a reinforcement unit as an instructor. (30:00) In Oct. 1943 he sailed for Algeria to obtain battle experience with the 6th British Armoured Division. Sent to Italy and, by good fortune, was posted to the 7th Anti-tank Regiment, part of 1st Canadian Corps Troops. Re-equipped with the American M-10 S.P. (self-propelled) anti-tank gun. Troop commander. Describes the battle at Monte Cassino. At the Gothic Line they provided close support for the infantry. Were attached to a wide variety of formations: British, Canadian, Indian, New Zealanders. Little firing against enemy armour, but much against buildings. (48:00) Walsh_R_0142_02.mp3 (Side 2) Heavy fighting before the Rimini Line; first time in action as a complete regiment. Bagnacavallo. Supported the P.P.C.L.I. (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) at the Naviglio Canal. Explains the action of German Teller mines buried in the roadway. Canadian Corps moved to North-West Europe. Exchanged their American guns for seventeen-pounders. In reserve and no real action undertaken. For a short time they acted as infantry, occupation troops in reality. War ended, repatriated to Canada, arriving in Ottawa on July 1, 1945. Remained in the army until 1947. An officer in a militia unit until 1965. (25:00)
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: Walsh, Richard Norman, b. 1913 and Gray, Grant
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-03-08
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Europe and England
Coordinates:: 48.69096, 9.14062 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 75 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: WRN_142
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:: 2008-11-24
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 and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2008. Migration metadata by KD and MT.