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)

231. de Faye, Thomas: my Army recollections (June 3 - July 2, 1985)

Title:: de Faye, Thomas: my Army recollections (June 3 - July 2, 1985)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Thomas de Faye's experiences during World War II. Colonel de Faye served with the Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun) and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on June 3, 17, 24 and July 2, 1985., Rank: Colonel. , Interviewee: de Faye, Thomas, 1917-1999, Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., and ABSTRACT: Col. Thomas de Faye The Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry deFaye_T_0167_01.mp3 (Cassette 1, Side 1) Born on Nov. 17, 1917 in Winnipeg. Brought up in Saskatoon where he attended university and, through the Canadian Officers Training Corps, was commissioned into the Saskatoon Light Infantry (S.L.I.). Mobilized at the outbreak of war in 1939, he discusses many aspects of the military at that time: mobilization plan, equipment, training, duties. Overseas to Greenock. deFaye_T_0167_02.mp3 (Cassette 1, Side 2) Convoy impressions. At Aldershot warmly received by the British. Training under Maj.-Gen. Pearkes, new equipment, relations with civilians, the Canadian soldier, impressions of Britain during the "phoney war" period and subsequent years. Promoted to major. Trained in Scotland for the invasion of Sicily. Landed in July 1943 with the 2nd Brigade, commanded by Brig. Chris Vokes. Impressions of the invasion, Italian opposition, civilians, etc. Malaria and hepatitis were problems, the latter more serious. deFaye_T_0167_03.mp3 (Cassette 2, Side 1) Comparison of machine guns. Encountered German troops in Sicily. Leonforte and other towns captured. Air attacks by friendly aircraft. Prepared for the assault on the Italian mainland. deFaye_T_0167_04.mp3 (Cassette 2, Side 2) Crossed the Strait of Messina. Italians surrendered. Action near Campobasso. The Adriatic, Moro River, San Leonardo; moved toward Ortona. Very hard fight for Ortona requiring "mouse-holing", house to house, although the S.L.I. support equipment was not really suitable for close-range fighting. Heavy casualties resulted in the 1st Canadian Infantry Division being relieved for a time. Move toward the Liri Valley. deFaye_T_0167_05.mp3 (Cassette 3, Side 1) General comments on the preceding material. S.L.I. reorganized after Ortona. De Faye then commanded the divisional machine guns and later the divisional mortars. Comparative remarks, some drawbacks to the Vickers machine-gun in the offensive role. Capabilities of the mortars. Florence, where an attempt was made to preserve the city from damage. Supported the Greek Brigade at Rimini. Lamone River action, with the Royal Canadian Regiment. Operation Anvil, the move to northwest Europe. A quiet time until they reached Germany and Holland. deFaye_T_0167_06.mp3 (Cassette 3, Side 2) Considerable sums of Dutch guilders were captured from the Germans, but not much could be purchased. Noticed that the troops tended to be more cautious as the war drew to a close. Some Canadians involved in the black market. Appointed second-in-command of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, which was part of the Occupation Force in Germany. No fraternization rule. Problem of containing German prisoners of war. Guarded Russian slave labour camp. In Nov. 1945 became Commanding Officer of the regiment. Guarded the former S.S. General, Kurt Meyer prior to, and after, his court-martial. Details of guarding, exercise periods, attitude of officer guards. Meyer's family. (Refers to W.A. Stutt of Edmonton, one of Meyer's officer guards). Details of trial and Meyer's attitude. Feels that Canadian government insisted on a guilty finding. Sentenced to be shot. Sentence commuted to life imprisonment. De Faye feels that direct evidence against Meyer was a little sketchy. deFaye_T_0167_07.mp3 (Cassette 4, Side 1) In 1955, as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 P.P.C.L.I.), in Germany, he met Meyer again. He had been giving lectures on tactics and military history in the officers' mess. Orders received that Meyer was politically unacceptable and could no longer be entertained. Account of plot to release Meyer in 1945. Anecdote. Posted to England for a few months, then repatriated to Canada. Impressions of Canada after an absence of seven years. Joined the Interim Force. Staff College, Camberley. Directorate of Military Training, 1952. deFaye_T_0167_08.mp3 (Cassette 4, Side 2) Commanding officer of 1 P.P.C.L.I. in 1955. Moved to Germany as part of the NATO brigade. Impressions of the German Army; a good professional relationship. Returned to Work Point Barracks, then posted on course to the Joint Services Staff College, Norfolk, Va. Comments on the Canadian Military Tattoo at the Seattle World's Fair. Integration and unification, green uniforms. United Nations observer team in India in 1963/1964. Returned to Kingston, staff position in Ottawa, Germany, Brussels, to the NATO Military Committee. Retired in 1972. Considers career to have been enjoyable and well worthwhile. deFaye_T_0167_09.mp3 (Cassette 5, Side 1) Importance of good officers. Impression of the 1985 Army is of a high degree of expertise in their calling. Certainly better educated now.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Pearkes, G. R. (George Randolph), 1888-1984, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: de Faye, Thomas, 1917-1999 and Hill, Mark C.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-03/1985-07-02
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:: 9 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 360 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 5 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: DT_167
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:: 2009-02-24
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 QL, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

232. Hoyt, Alfred Geoffrey: my Army and Air Force recollections (June 10, 1985)

Title:: Hoyt, Alfred Geoffrey: my Army and Air Force recollections (June 10, 1985)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Col. Alfred Geoffrey Hoyt The Canadian Scottish Regiment Royal Canadian Air Force Hoyt_A_0083_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born in 1921 at San Bernardino, Calif. of Canadian parents. Family returned to Nanaimo in 1929. At the age of fifteen he joined the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment (militia) and two years later, in 1939, was mobilized. Discusses conditions and attitudes toward the military in Nanaimo. Was sent to Prince Rupert to guard the harbour. Much training of recruits. Because of his age he did not go overseas with the unit. Remustered into the air force as air crew in order to get overseas. manning depot and initial training school in Edmonton. Unsuccessful in pilot training, so opted for navigation training at Portage la Prairie. Was awarded wings and commissioned. (30:00) Overseas from Halifax in Jan. 1943. Conditions in England. Kept busy until the "air crew pipeline" required him. Many navigational courses, including visual navigation in England which was the most difficult. Converted to the Handley Page Halifax. Flew to Italy via North Africa. The only Canadian and only officer in the crew. (45:00) Comments on various bomber aircraft. Joined No. 614 Squadron, R.A.F. which was a Pathfinder squadron. Very accurate navigation was required so that the target could be identified at night by the bomber force. Flew for almost a year from Foggia Plain in Italy. On operations the squadron usually put up eight aircraft, three or four carrying illuminating flares, three with visual target markers, and a "Master Bomber". The latter adjusted the fall of visual markers if necessary and the approach of bombers onto the target. His fifth operational flight was to the Ploiesti, Rumanian oilfields, carrying illuminating flares. The oilfields were heavily defended for miles around. As the first aircraft on the target they were held in searchlight cones for a total of fourteen minutes, were heavily damaged, but managed to return to Italy, although their aircraft was deemed to be a write-off. Half of the squadron was lost on this mission; about twenty per cent was the usual casualty rate. Finished first tour of forty operations and made ten more before the war ended. Later on they converted to Consolidated Liberators (20:00) as the American spare parts were much more easily available than were those for the Halifax. As a flight lieutenant he became senior navigator for the squadron. The LORAN navigation system came in at this time (40:00). Usual targets were enemy airfields, bridges, railyards, etc. in Italy and the Balkans. Toward the end of the war they ferried supplies to Tito's partisans and ammunition to Athens, Greece. Was removed from the squadron and sent home to Canada soon after the war in Europe ended. (48:00) Hoyt_A_0083_02.mp3 (Side 2) Graduated in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1950. Rejoined the R.C.A.F. as an engineer officer. Wartime seniority helped him regain the rank of flight lieutenant in a few months. Much new construction as well as repair of "temporary" wartime buildings. North West Air Command, Edmonton. Base construction engineer at Trenton, Ont. Similar positions and more senior ones in western Canada. Integration in the 1960s was a good idea for the support services, but a different story for the operational elements. Was posted to Europe where much construction negotiation took place with N.A.T.O. partners regarding costs, changes in construction requirements, etc. (15:00) Offers impressions of various nationalities. Personally very busy during a tough time for the Canadian forces as a whole. Was appointed to mobile command in Montreal. Director general of works at D.N.D. in Ottawa. Much involvement in maintenance and environmental problems. Retired in 1975. Worked for the B.C. Dept. of Forestry. Was involved with the Military Engineers Association. (45:00), Interviewee: Hoyt, Alfred Geoffrey, 1921-1998, Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., Rank: Colonel. , and An interview/narrative of Alfred Geoffrey Hoyt's experiences during World War II. Colonel Hoyt served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on June 10, 1985.
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Hoyt, Alfred Geoffrey, 1921-1998 and Hill, Mark C.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-10
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal and England
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 135 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: HAG_083
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-06-14
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

233. Shawcross, Ronald Gendall: my Army recollections (June 14, and 19, 1985)

Title:: Shawcross, Ronald Gendall: my Army recollections (June 14, and 19, 1985)
Description:: Interviewee: Shawcross, Ronald Gendall, b. 1916, Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., An interview/narrative of Ronald Gendall Shawcross's experiences during World War II. Major Shawcross served with the Regina Rifle Regiment. Interview took place on June 14 and 19, 1985., Rank: Major. , and ABSTRACT: Maj. Ronald Gendall Shawcross Regina Rifle Regiment Shawcross_R_0132_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Feb. 4, 1916 in Regina, Sask. and educated in that city. Joined the Regina Rifle Regiment (militia) in 1936. General comments on militia life, training, etc. A corporal in 1938 and was asked to become an officer. Second lieutenant in 1939 when war declared. Regiment mobilized in 1940 at Dundurn, Sask. Qualified as a lieutenant, moved to Debert, N.S. (15:00) Overseas in 1941 as part of the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Impressions of England. (30:00) Heavy training schedule, new weapons introduced. Mentions the Boyes ant-itank rifle: useless against tanks, but he found them very accurate and thinks they might have been useful against snipers. Assault training in Scotland. Attached to a British commando unit at Fort William. Organized a training school when he returned to the regiment. (45:00) Shawcross_R_0132_02.mp3 Promoted to captain in 1943. Describes pre-D-Day concentration areas in southern England. Boarded cross-channel steamer at Southampton. Both officers and men of the assault troops carried a rifle and small packs with bare necessities (e.g. no blankets). From their landing craft, assault they had to cross two hundred yards of Juno Beach under heavy fire. Twenty-eight out of 140 men of "A" Company, now under his command, reached the protection of the seawall. (30:00) Discusses the German soldier: probably the S.S. were better than the average soldier of any army in Normandy. They slowly moved inland; heavy tank attacks, German mortar, and machine-gun fire particularly effective. Carpiquet Airport, Caen. (46:00) Shawcross_R_0132_03.mp3 (Side 2) Crossing the Orne. Allied air-ground co-operation resulted in a very effective anti-tank role. Best of all was the German 88-mm. gun. (Interview 2 begins.) Constant shortage of reinforcements. Company had a maximum of one hundred men, most often between sixty and eighty strong. Those left out of battle contributed to the shortage. Reinforcements were sometimes poorly trained. Comments again on the quality of the German troops and that some Canadian reinforcements lacked experience and skill. Falaise. Sherman tanks had many faults. So many prisoners that they were sent to the rear without an escort. Quesnay Wood. (20:00) Inexperienced American troops at Elbeuf. Crossed the Seine. In his opinion, line of attack by infantry as sometimes laid down was too rigid. No complaints about conscript reinforcements. Cape Gris Nez, Calais, (35:00) where the Germans well dug in. Injured by a shelled collapsing house. (45:00) Shawcross_R_0132_04.mp3 Had to be evacuated two or three days later. Two months of excellent care in Army hospitals before returning to the regiment. Canadian attitude while waiting for the war to end. German troops of good morale. Comments that prairie soldiers seemed more resourceful than some from other parts of Canada. (12:00) Life in Holland immediately after the war. Dutch resistance forces. Repatriated in July 1945. Considerable welcome in Canada for the early arrivals. Posted to Dundern Camp; discovered that he had a broken back which is still a constant problem. Returned to his job at Simpson's. Toyed with the militia, but nothing serious. (25:00) Enjoyed his army service, learned a great deal. Canadian army today (1985) short of men and equipment, particularly the militia, therefore probably not very effective. (31:00)
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Operation Overlord, and Tanks (Military science)
Contributor:: Hill, Mark C. and Shawcross, Ronald Gendall, b. 1916
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-14/1985-06-19
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:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 165 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, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: SRG_132
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:: 2007-07-24
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 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.

234. Butcher, Ernest M.: my Air Force recollections (June 20, and 27, 1985)

Title:: Butcher, Ernest M.: my Air Force recollections (June 20, and 27, 1985)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Ernest M. Butcher's experiences during World War II. Colonel Butcher served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on June 20 and 27, 1985., Interviewee: Butcher, Ernest M., b. 1921, Rank: Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Col. Ernest M. Butcher Royal Canadian Air Force Butcher_E_0005_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Jan. 23, 1921 in Vancouver and educated at Magee High School (senior matriculation). Accepted for aircrew in 1941. Early training undertaken at the Manning Depot, Brandon, Man., and a number of basic aircrew instructional schools. (30:00) Upon being commissioned as a pilot officer he acquired specialized training at No. 1 General Reconnaissance School at Summerside, P.E.I. (45:00) Butcher_E_0005_02.mp3 Overseas in Sept. 1942 to Britain where he attended a Coastal Command operational training unit in Northern Ireland and was posted to No. 202 Squadron, Royal Air Force (R.A.F.), at Gibraltar. He flew in Catalinas on eighteen-hour patrols every four days, covering the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea. The long patrols were wearying, but living conditions at Gibraltar were good. Promoted to flying officer. After completing one "tour" (eight hundred hours or more of flying time) he returned to the United Kingdom in July 1944 as an instructor in navigation at a ferry training unit in Scotland where aircrew trained for long distance flying. Returned to Canada to the Air Operations Branch, Western Command. (45:00) Promoted to flight lieutenant. Released in Nov. 1945. Butcher_E_0005_03.mp3 (Side 2) Joined the Interim Air Force in Feb. 1946, and was posted to No. 123 (Search and Rescue) Squadron, Sea Island, Vancouver. After courses in radio navigation and armament he became involved with equipment testing at Edmonton. Describes his work with the United States Air Force, including testing of the Loran low-frequency navigation system and work with the R.A.F. testing aircraft and parts in very low temperatures. (19:00) Gives an account of his involvement in the crash of an aircraft at Cambridge Bay in the Arctic in Aug. 1947. (30:00) Training and operational concerns with the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. are examined. (40:00) In late 1954 Butcher began his appointment at National Defence Headquarters, Postings and Careers. Describes selection process. (45:00) Butcher_E_0005_04.mp3 Posted himself to staff college, Toronto in 1958. (10:00) Gives an account of the course work and frequent practice in decision-making. Promoted to wing commander in 1959. (19:00) Appointed personnel officer for Air Transport Command, Trenton, Ont. Comments on Canadian Yukon and North Star aircraft. In 1963 promoted to group captain and station commander at Trenton. (31:00) In his view integration was a good idea, but unification of the forces was not. A subsequent posting to the Directorate of Service Conditions and Welfare at National Defence Headquarters was not a happy one. His posting to NATO Headquarters in Brussels under Rear-Admiral R.W. Murdoch was very much better. Discusses the contribution and waning influence of Canadians in NATO. (45:00) Returned from Europe to the Directorate of Military Plans, Ottawa, and was later appointed Director of CANEX. Retired in 1972., and Interviewer: Hill, Mark C.
Keyword:: British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Canadian Forces College, Murdoch, Robert W. (Robert Waugh “Bob”), 1918-2004, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Combat patrols, NATO Headquarters, Navigation (Aeronautics)--Study and teaching, Loran, World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, British, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Ferry Training Unit, Yukon (Transport plane), World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Atlantic Ocean, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Air Operations Branch--Western Command, Canada--Canadian Armed forces--Organization, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force--Squadron, 123, Seaplanes, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Squadron, 202, Butcher, Ernest M., b. 1921.--Interviews, World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, Canadian, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, United States--Air Force, Canada--Dept. of National Defence--Headquarters, Canadian Forces College--Study and teaching, Airplanes--Testing, Transport planes, Catalina (Seaplane), Canada--RCAF Station (Summerside, P.E.I.)--General Reconnaisance School, 1, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force, Canada--RCAF Station (Brandon, Man.)--Manning Depot, 2, Canadair DC-4M (Transport plane), Battle of the Atlantic, 1939-1945, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Coastal Command--Operational Training Unit, 4--Northern Ireland--Castle Archdale, and Aeronautical instruments--Testing
Subject:: United States. Air Force, Military history, World War (1939-1945), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, and Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Contributor:: Hill, Mark C. and Butcher, Ernest M., b. 1921
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-20/1985-06-27
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain, United States, and Canada
Coordinates:: 39.76, -98.5, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 190 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: BEM_005
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:: 2007-05-08
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

235. Teagle, Ernest Edmund: my Army recollections (June 20, 1985)

Title:: Teagle, Ernest Edmund: my Army recollections (June 20, 1985)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Ernest Edmund Teagle's experiences during World War II. Captain Teagle served with the Calgary Highlanders. Interview took place on June 20, 1985., ABSTRACT: Capt. Ernest Edmund Teagle The Calgary Highlanders Teagle_E_0140_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Nov. 19, 1918 in Regina Sask., lived for years in Calgary. Educated at University School in Victoria. Received good basic training in the 170th Cadet Corps at school. At the University of British Columbia he rose to the rank of Regimental sergeant major in the C.O.T.C. Joined the Irish Fusiliers (militia) in Vancouver, and sent to the O.C.T.U. at Gordon Head. Discusses the early form of battle drill taken at Vernon, B.C. (10:00) Equipment, drill, instructors in 1942. He instructed at Vernon for eleven months. Seven-week course placed the student in excellent physical condition and effectively prepared him, at the company level, to exist in battle. The battle drill school was an independent organization, not under the command of Brig. "Shorty" Colquhoun of Vernon Military Camp. This caused a certain friction as the battle school took military "liberties" more associated with units in the field than a training camp. Recounts two incidents where raids were conducted by battle school members dressed in German uniforms. (30:00) In 1943 reverted to the rank of lieutenant in order to proceed overseas to The Calgary Highlanders. Impressions of wartime Britain. Introduced to support weapons at battle school in England. Platoon commander in "D" Company, then in Normandy, of the carrier platoon. Heavy security before embarking for the continent in early July 1944. (45:00) Teagle_E_0140_02.mp3 Describes beaches in Normandy, then a quick move inland. In action at Hill 67 on July 19, under heavy mortar fire. Offers opinion of excellent German weapons. (15:00) Describes battle conditions, artificial moonlight at Tilly-la-Campagne. Verrieres Ridge, German tunnelling. Impressions of German troops. Falaise. Wounded at the Seine, British hospital at Bayeux. Rejoined the unit in Sept. Serious reinforcement problem quickly developed. Officer reinforcements often former artillery officers who lacked any real infantry training. Canadian officer killed, because of lack of experience, by own forces. (35:00) Woensdrecht, house-to-house fighting. Walcheren Causeway toughest action, so much so that much of it remains blanked out. Comments on extremely close support by rocket-firing aircraft. (47:00) Teagle_E_0140_03.mp3 (Side 2) Opinion on delays in clearing the Scheldt. Wounded again. When recovered he commanded the transport section at Grave until the end of the war. First encounter with Canadians in the black market. Anecdote of a captured German paymaster and another of an American lieutenant throwing his weight around. To England in Dec. 1945 and almost immediately returned to Canada. (20:00) Discharged. Returned to university for his final year. Worked for Imperial Oil for ten years. Decided to become a teacher. Retired. Is of the opinion that Canadian forces today (1985) lack much of the best of equipment, including weapons. Military colleges produce young men who are assets to the country. (26:00), Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., Interviewee: Teagle, Ernest Edmund, b. 1918, and Rank: Captain.
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Personal narratives--Canadian, and Military history
Contributor:: Teagle, Ernest Edmund, b. 1918 and Hill, Mark C.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-20
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 120 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:: sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: TEE_140
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:: 2008-11-13
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.

236. Kitching, Hugh: my Naval Reserve recollections (June 25, 1985)

Title:: Kitching, Hugh: my Naval Reserve recollections (June 25, 1985)
Description:: Interviewee: Kitching, Hugh, Rank: Lieutenant. , ABSTRACT: Lieut. Hugh Kitching Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve Kitching_H_0088_01.mp3 Kitching first went to India in 1931 as a junior lawyer. In 1939, before the war began, he joined the R.I.N.V.R. in Calcutta as a junior naval officer. He trained in coastal minesweeping for three months followed by three months of the usual classroom instruction given to new entry officers. Classes consisted exclusively of about twenty Europeans. All "other ranks" in the R.I.N.V.R. were Indian. He was called up for active duty in 1941 and posted to H.M.I.S. Dipavati, a commercial vessel (very poor sea boat) converted to a "corvette". He volunteered for the Coastal Forces which were equipped with new Vosper motor torpedo boats formed into two flotillas, the 16th and 17th. In addition, the Indian Navy obtained seventy-foot harbour launches with a speed of about twelve knots and the standard Fairmile motor launch. The M.T.B.'s in which he served were originally crewed by Royal Navy ratings with the additional purpose of training Indian naval personnel. In mid-1943 the 17th Flotilla was based at Trincomalee, Ceylon where it was soon joined by a South African flotilla. At this time the Japanese were still on the Burmese coast, although they could only operate against them during the months of November to February (poor weather conditions, monsoon season, etc.). Attacks by the R.A.F. caused more casualties than did actions against the Japanese. As the war progressed on land their duty was to keep the Bay of Bengal free of Japanese shipping and to land agents behind the enemy lines. He comments on the clandestine raid on Goa (Portuguese) to destroy German merchant ships, although he did not directly participate. He was posted ashore at Colombo as a staff officer. Coastal forces gathered on a large scale for a proposed major attack on the Andaman Islands. The war ended. Kitching_H_0088_02.mp3 He makes adverse remarks on the rapid withdrawal of the British from India. Mountbatten should have allocated more time for the Indian civilian and military authorities to come to grips with the great problems with which they were presented. Excessive numbers of deaths and suffering resulted. He returned to England not long after Indian independence and retired. (40:00), Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., and An interview/narrative of Hugh Kitching's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant Kitching served with the Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Interview took place on June 25, 1985.
Subject:: Naval history, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Kitching, Hugh
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-06-25
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Japan
Coordinates:: 35.68536, 139.75309 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 40 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: KH_088
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-06-13
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.

237. Dillon, Charles J.: my Navy recollections (July 3 - December 2, 1985)

Title:: Dillon, Charles J.: my Navy recollections (July 3 - December 2, 1985)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Charles J. Dillon Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Dillon_C_0190_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Apr. 27, 1912 in Montreal. His family moved to Ottawa in 1916 and there, in 1930, he joined the R.C.N.V.R. Describes training. At sea, for two weeks in the summer, training was entirely for fleet actions. Appointed to H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer) in 1934 for the annual winter cruise. Explains some of the exercises, but none were to do with convoys. Transferred to the paymaster branch due to his poor eyesight. In 1938 he obtained his watchkeeping ticket in H.M.C.S. Venture. Comments on the pleasant naval social life. (45:00) Dillon_C_0190_02.mp3 Royal visit in 1939, dedication of the National War Memorial. Mobilized on Sept. 2, 1939. Organized shipping control at Quebec City. Mistakenly detained an Italian vessel. (42:00) Dillon_C_0190_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Much effort expended to scrape together facilities, port protection, examination battery, etc. In July 1940 became Secretary to the Chief of Naval Personnel. Much "crisis management" in evidence. Worked six days a week and often on Sunday morning. Among his responsibilities was that of sending casualty telegrams. In Apr. 1942 was appointed supply officer in H.M.C.S. Prince Henry (armed merchant cruiser) on the west coast. Describes armament, radar, weather in the Pacific, American forces. Appointed to H.M.C.S. Givenchy (naval barracks). As a lieutenant commander served in H.M.C.S. Nabob (escort carrier). Sailed to San Francisco in 1944 where they took on twelve Grumman Avenger aircraft. Some problems between Royal Navy personnel and the Canadians. Some unrest due to poor (British) rations. Transported fighter aircraft to Britain. Dillon_C_0190_04.mp3 Dockyard in Liverpool: theft and trouble with civilian workers. Training exercises, anti-submarine role. Ship torpedoed, managed to make Rosyth, Scotland where ship eventually repaired. Returned to Canada. (37:00) Dillon_C_0190_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Applied to join the R.C.N. and was accepted. Posted to St. John's, Newfoundland as a senior supply officer. Convoy escorts continued to operate for two weeks after the end of the war, then the base began to wind down. Appointed Director of Naval Air Supply in Ottawa. Sent to study the U.S. Navy replenishment at sea operations. Laid foundation for Canadian supply ships. Appointed Naval Secretary. (45:00) Dillon_C_0190_06.mp3 Experiences during 1947-1950 with Brooke Claxton, Minister of National Defence. Began to replace naval stores personnel with civilian employees. In 1954 initiated a system of sending Canadian officers to study the U.S. naval supply system. Describes the Imperial Defence College in England where he was a student in 1961. (45:00), Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., Rank: Rear-Admiral. , Interviewee: Dillon, Charles J., b. 1912, and An interview/narrative of Charles J. Dillon's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Dillon served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 3, August 9 and December 2, 1985.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Naval history, Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Hill, Mark C. and Dillon, Charles J., b. 1912
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-07-03/1985-12-02
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:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 285 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 3 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: DCJ_190
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2010-05-07
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. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

238. Swanton, S. Lloyd: my Air Force recollections (July 9, 1985)

Title:: Swanton, S. Lloyd: my Air Force recollections (July 9, 1985)
Description:: An interview/narrative of S. Lloyd Swanton's experiences during World War II. Flight Lieutenant Swanton served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air Force. Interview took place on July 9, 1985., Rank: Flight Lieutenant. , ABSTRACT: Flight Lieut. S. Lloyd Swanton Royal Canadian Air Force Royal Air Force Swanton_S_0137_01.mp3 Swanton, born on Jan. 21, 1918 in St. Thomas, Ont. Graduated from high school in 1936, trained in a commercial radio school. In Nov. 1939 he joined the R.C.A.F. as a ground radio operator. Manning pool in Toronto. No. 1 Wireless School in Montreal. Took a number of radio courses before being posted to the radio station at Rockcliffe. In 1943, as a sergeant, transferred to No. 4 Wireless School at Guelph. Transferred to air-crew. Because of previous experience was required to take only a shortened course. Graduated in 1944, commissioned as a pilot officer. Posted to R.A.F. Landing Transport Group at Dorval airport. Part of a crew that ferried a large variety of aircraft in Canada and to Europe via Africa. (30:00) Very large base at Dorval: about two thousand air crew of all nationalities, including many civilians. Last trip to Europe in June 1945, discharged in July. Asked to join the Interim air force as a flight sergeant. In 1946, as part of a general rank reduction plan, he became a sergeant. (45:00) Received an offer of a short-term commission of four years from the R.A.F. Joined transport command and initially worked with British airborne troops. Converted to new Handley Page Hastings transports and, in No. 53 Squadron, R.A.F., Swanton_S_0137_02.mp3 supplied Berlin in the 1948 Airlift. Aircraft carried ten tons of coal to Gatow airport, was unloaded and swept out in twenty minutes. Sixty-four sorties in total. Accurate navigation required as planes flew at three-minute intervals. Transferred to No. 47 Squadron. Flew to the Far East and to southern Africa. Anecdotes of flights to the Far East and of a serious air crash. In Nov. 1951 he rejoined the R.C.A.F. in the Air Observer Corps. Established observation posts throughout the Arctic. Vigilance had to be maintained against low-flying aircraft, and trained observers were useful in locating downed aircraft. An effective system when sufficient numbers of the population were trained. Ground Observer Corps disbanded in 1964. Retired the same year due to rank and age. Enjoyed the military life, would not change it. (40:00), Interviewee: Swanton, S. Lloyd, b. 1918, and Interviewer: Hill, Mark C.
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Hill, Mark C. and Swanton, S. Lloyd, b. 1918
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-07-09
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:: Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 40 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: SSL_137
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:: 2007-07-27
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.

239. Hinton, Peter: my Navy recollections (July 22, 1985)

Title:: Hinton, Peter: my Navy recollections (July 22, 1985)
Description:: Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., Interviewee: Hinton, Peter, An interview/narrative of Peter Hinton's experiences during World War II. Captain Hinton served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 22, 1985., ABSTRACT: Capt. Peter Hinton Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Hinton_P_0076_01.mp3 Born in Shanghai, China, grew up in Victoria, and was educated at Brentwood College. Volunteered and was called up by the navy in 1941 as an acting temporary probationary sub-lieutenant. Motive and feelings about joining the navy. H.M.C.S. Kings, Halifax. Good barrack conditions, hard work, gunnery, anti-submarine, logistics, torpedo, parade ground, at sea. Looked on as a great adventure. After four-month concentrated course horrified to be appointed ashore in Vancouver. Later was appointed to H.M.C.S. Kelowna, a Bangor class minesweeper, on west coast patrol. A happy ship in which he learned much pilotage. Combined operations training centre at Comox, B.C. Now a lieutenant, he went overseas to England where he was appointed captain of a landing craft, infantry (large), L262. Describes the ship: armament, seakeeping, navigation, equipment, capacity (about two hundred persons), beaching procedure. Of his ship's company only five had been to sea before! Comments on landing exercises. Describes some of the specialized ships used on D-Day. Sailed for Normandy on June 4, 1944 with part of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Terrific traffic jam in English ports when D-Day was postponed. Sailed again on June 5. Rough seas very hard on the troops who were put ashore at Bernieres sur-Mer. Beach obstacles not well cleared. Mined when about to unbeach, returned to England under tow. Hinton_P_0076_02.mp3 Later engaged in ferrying reinforcements and returning wounded. In Oct. 1944 the ships were paid off. Was attached to the R.N. as a relief captain at Lowestoft. Returned to Canada in Aug. 1945. Was discharged. Rejoined the navy during the Korean War, serving in Canada. Enjoyed the peacetime naval professionalism. Commanded two minesweepers, two destroyers, and H.M.C.S. Protecteur (operational supply ship). Executive officer, H.M.C.S. Stadacona (shore base) and then base commander at both Halifax and Victoria. Retired in 1976. Unification: great harm done to the navy. Intellectually stifling, much loss of identity. Situation now slowly improving. Comments on Paul Hellyer and his sometimes shabby treatment of the services. Operational effects. Cannot think of any important positive attributes due to unification. Believes that more retired naval personnel should be working at the political level of society. (80:00), and Rank: Captain.
Keyword:: Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--LCI Flotilla, 262nd, Protecteur (Operational supply ship) , World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Naden, University of King's College (Halifax, N.S.), Hinton, Peter, 1921-2008--Interviews, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy, Offshore support vessels--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Stadacona., LCI(L)262 (Landing craft), Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Esquimalt, B.C.), Combined operations (Military science), World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Minesweepers--Canada, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Kings, Bernie?res (France), Canada--Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, Hellyer, Paul, 1923-, Coast defenses--Canada, Amphibious warfare, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Halifax, N.S.), Canada--Canadian Army--North Nova Scotia Highlanders, Landing craft, Kelowna (Minesweeper), and World War, 1939-1945--Amphibious operations
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Hinton, Peter and Hill, Mark C.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-07-22
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:: England and Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 80 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, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: HP_076
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2007-06-08
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

240. Gonder, Harold Bertrand: my Army recollections (July 23 - August 9, 1985)

Title:: Gonder, Harold Bertrand: my Army recollections (July 23 - August 9, 1985)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Harold Bertrand Gonder's experiences during World War II. Major Gonder served with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.). Interview took place on July 23. August 7, 8 and 9, 1985., Interviewer: Hill, Mark C., Rank: Major. , ABSTRACT: Maj. Harold Bertrand Gonder The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.) Gonder_H_0171_01.mp3 (Cassette 1, Side 1) "Hal" Gonder was born on May 19, 1909 in China where his parents were missionaries. Educated in an English-style school. Family returned to Ontario where he continued in school for a year, then left home at the age of seventeen; many odd jobs, "rode the rails" in 1931. Several positions in Toronto, warehouse manager in Halifax, and a position with a furrier in Ottawa. On Sept. 2, 1939 he joined the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (militia), not with a sense of patriotism, but because he was bored! Quickly promoted to sergeant. Partially trained, the unit was sent to be part of the garrison in Iceland. Crude living conditions at first; defenses were built, conditions slowly improved. The Icelandic population remained somewhat distant. Impressions of the defenses of Iceland. (45:00) Gonder_H_0171_02.mp3 (Cassette 1, Side 2) Promoted to sergeant. Left Iceland for Greenock in March 1941. Noticed an immediate increase in the volume of paperwork when they became part of the Canadian Corps! Impressions of wartime England. Continuous training with the Vickers machine-gun, an excellent weapon in defense and in support, but heavy to move. In Sept, 1941 sent to the O.C.T.U. at Borden. (45:00) Gonder_H_0171_03.mp3 (Cassette 2, Side 1) Classmate of Col. Jim Stone. When commissioned returned to his unit which he found greatly improved. As a result of commanding a winning guard in a divisional competition he was offered the appointment of A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen. Rod Keller, the G.O.C., 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Promoted to captain. Description of Maj.-Gen. Keller and senior officers. Returned to the battalion. In 1943 the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa became the support battalion for 3rd Division. Capt. Gonder's platoon was attached to the Canadian Scottish Regiment. Trained for D-Day in Scotland; security tight, endless briefings. (45:00) Gonder_H_0171_04.mp3 (Cassette 2, Side 2) Landed in Normandy three hours late due to engine trouble in the landing craft. Joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment which was well inland. In action against German tanks the following day. Moved to Plutot. Searched for snipers; wounded while moving forward in his carrier. Evacuated to England. In hospital at Taplow, the estate of Lady Nancy Astor. Reinforcement unit in Yorkshire. (45:00) Gonder_H_0171_05.mp3 (Cassette 3, Side 1) In considerable trouble when he refused to pay for kit lost in Normandy. Posted to a reinforcement unit in Ghent, Belg. Returned to the battalion in October. Appointed O.C. of headquarters company. Married a Canadian nursing sister. Conditions at the end of the war. Dutch civilians. Favorable impressions of the German soldier (very well trained). (48:00) Gonder_H_0171_06.mp3 (Cassette 3, Side 2) The German soldier. The intelligence officer. Additional comments on Maj. Gen. Keller. Returned to Canada; demobilized in Vancouver. Invited to join the Canadian Scottish Regiment in Victoria. Regiment slowly picked up after the war. Trained officer cadets. General coments on young men and military service. Served for seven years. Philosophy of service. Describes the annual wild game dinner of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. (48:00) Gonder_H_0171_07.mp3 (Cassette 4, Side 1) Job hunting, B.C. Electric sales department. Impressions of war. General comments on military career, the caring and concern, the drive to succeed. (45:00) Gonder_H_0171_08.mp3 (Cassette 4, Side 2) Laying up the colors of the Cameron Highlanders in Ottawa. (15:00), and Interviewee: Gonder, Harold Bertrand, b. 1909
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Tanks (Military science)
Contributor:: Gonder, Harold Bertrand, b. 1909 and Hill, Mark C.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-07-23/1985-08-09
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 8 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 300 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, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: GHB_171
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:: 2009-03-11
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 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 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.