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)

241. Hayes, William P.: my Navy recollections (August 7, 1985)

Title:: Hayes, William P.: my Navy recollections (August 7, 1985)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Commodore William P. Hayes Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) CMDRE Hayes was originally from Swift Current, Sask., where his father was a lawyer. Entered RMC in 1937, summer training with the navy. Accepted for the RCN in 1939. Two anecdotes of serving under Patrick Budge (Snotty's Nurse). Sent to Dartmouth for two terms (war started, no training ship) then a year and a half with the British fleet as a Midshipman. Joined the cruiser HMS Liverpool (1940). Torpedoed by Italian aircraft off Crete and badly damaged. Repaired in California while Hayes was re-appointed to HMS York, an 8" gun cruiser. Was in the attack on the Italian Fleet at Taranto. York, at Suda Bay, Crete, was attacked by Italian X-craft, (Motored torpedo - one man crew) and had to be beached. Comment on the poor state of RN anti-aircraft gunnery. After a period ashore at Alexandria Hayes was appointed to the destroyer HMS Isis and participated in evacuation of Crete. Then during the Syrian campaign they were hit by a bomb off Haifa and severely damaged. For a short time in HMS Valiant sunk by Italian frog men the day after he left. (Cassette 1, Side 2) Jumps forward with tales of additional gunnery courses at Whale Island near Portsmouth. In late 1941 Hayes returned to Canada via New York where as acting Sub-lieutenant he and others were royally treated. As an aside Hayes tells a story about his various sinking's and, to replace his kit, he was able to call on his father for funds. Leave in Canada, joined HMCS Iroquois then building in the UK. Favourable comment on the first captain, Cmdr. W.B.L. Holmes. Hayes remained in Iroquois under three captains for the remainder of the war, from Acting Sub-Lieutenant to First Lieutenant. Convoy off Spain, a few sinking's occurred, picked up many survivors including a few Germans (c.1943) Cmdr. J.C. Hibbard now the captain who was "a splendid Captain under fighting conditions". Had an "Actions Information Centre" or plot and thus could control the tactical situation battle from below. Hibbard a bit jumpy in small things but in action, "like a rock". Before becoming First Lieutenant, Hayes had been Gunnery Control Officer during many night actions in the English Channel. Refers to brush with the German Scharnhorst which was later sunk by HMS Duke of York (battleship). After a miss-start or two Hayes became First Lieutenant for Hibbard. Leave in London. War ended, returned to Canada., An interview/narrative of William P. Hayes's experiences during World War II. Commodore Hayes served in the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on August 7, 1985., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, Interviewee: Hayes, William P., and Rank: Commodore.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Hayes, William P.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-08-07
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: New York (State)--New York
Coordinates:: 40.71427, -74.00597
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One sound cassette copy (ca. 120 min.) 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:: HWP_272
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:: 2012-07-27
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 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

242. Law, C. Anthony: my Navy recollections (October 19, 1985, and July 21, 1987)

Title:: Law, C. Anthony: my Navy recollections (October 19, 1985, and July 21, 1987)
Description:: An interview/narrative of C. Anthony Law's experiences during World War II. Commander Law served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on October 19, 1985 and July 21, 1987., Interviewee: Law, C. Anthony, Rank: Commander. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, and ABSTRACT: Commander C. Anthony Law, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Cmdr. Law started in the Army in 1937 as a Second Lieutenant of No. 1 Ordnance Ammunition Company, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, at Quebec. As a Lieutenant on the outbreak of war in 1939, he was promoted Captain and commanding officer. Prior to that, Law had been to Upper Canada College and then to the University of Ottawa High School. Went to Quebec as a young painter and was approached by the C.O. of the local naval division with an offer to join the RCNVR and to train on small boats with the Royal Navy. Thus he became Acting Probationary Sub-Lieutenant, RCNVR. Sent to the UK in 1940 and to HMS King Alfred for training. Posted to HMS Wolfe (formerly the C.P.R. Montcalm) for a short while -- on patrol to Iceland and the ice-pack to the north. Appointed First Lieutenant in a Motor Anti-Submarine Boat (M.A.S.B.) based in Weymouth. Appointed to MTB 48 in command, building in Cowes. Then to HMS Hornet, the training base at Gosport (Portsmouth). Describes the armament of his boat, as well as the early Scott-Hall engines. Sent to Horwich where he joined a flotilla, later moved to Dover (1941) where his first night action occurred. The boat suffered some damage and one man was wounded. In February 1942 they attempted to stop the Scharnhorst and other heavy German ships during their effort to move from France to Germany. His boat fired torpedoes but at too great a range, eventually returning to Dover. A real fiasco. Law was in forty-six actions against German coastal shipping. Sixty days leave in Canada -- married his wife -- returned to command of a 110 foot D-Boat building near Glasgow, 4 Packard engines and a crew of thirty. Patrols from Yarmouth to the Dutch coast. Discusses the fire hazard with so much high octane fuel. Compares them to the German E-Boats. Heavy engagements off the Dutch coast with sometimes heavy casualties. Appointed to headquarters in London to start organizing the two Canadian flotillas (with Kirkpatrick). Found himself in 71 foot 6 inch British Power Boats with a pom-pom forward (eventually a six pounder), twin Oerlikons and 18" torpedoes, and in command of the 29th Canadian Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla. The flotilla was delayed by faulty torpedo tubes. (Cassette 1, Side 2) In the meantime, Law was appointed an official Naval War Artist and went to Scapa Flow and painted the RN Tribal class destroyer but had some problems with some RN officers who thought he might be a spy. Exhibited in the Natural Art Gallery, London and later in the War Museum in Ottawa. Commissioned MTB 459 and went to Holyhead for work-up (1944). Comments on (Sir) Peter Scott a prominent painter of birds. All eight boats of the 29th Flotilla sailed for Ramsgate with Law in Command. Their first action was to set a group of Royal Engineers on a beach at Cap Griz Nez in order to obtain the latest examples of German mines -- which they successfully did, returning the engineers to the UK. Battles against flak trawlers. Discusses some of the other countries represented in the flotillas -- Dutch, Polish, Australian, Free French, etc. At the time of the invasion (D-Day) he, in command of four boats, and Bones Burk in command of the other four were expected to be capable of alternatively being at sea for two weeks. Due to rough weather this was very uncomfortable. They were vectored on to the enemy by HMS Scylla (cruiser). Off Normandy they would engage the German "R" boats, usually at night. Hurricane force wind did great damage to the beach docks but they finally managed to get alongside and eventually all four boats found shelter. Later, off the Canadian beach, his boat was severely damaged by shell fire. Two dead in the engine room. Towed to their control ship and then towed to a (floating) crane that pulled the boat out of the water and put it on the beach. From there she was returned to the UK rebuilt and returned to Law much later. The flotilla lost two other boats due to mines and suffered twenty-seven casualties. New fast boat at Ramsgate. A major attack was mounted against Germans evacuating the French coast with many ships being sunk. Eventually they moved to Ostend in 1945 and luckily for Law he was in Felixstowe undergoing some radar repairs when the news of the explosion and fire among the boats was received. Canadian (five of eight boats) and a number of British boats were lost. It was a sad ending for the 29th Flotilla. Returned to Canada via the Queen Elizabeth to New York. Law was an Official Naval War Artist and painted many of the scenes he had seen. In command of HMCS Antigonish (frigate) where he was involved in the Fraser River floods and spent considerable money (and commandeered several things without authority). Returns again to comments about the torpedo boat war and how green they initially were and how competent they became. Many lost opportunities on the German as well as the British side.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Operation Overlord, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Naval history, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Law, C. Anthony
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-10-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: LCA_289
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:: 2015-02-11
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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

243. Costin, Frank William: my Navy recollections (November 29, 1985 - January 27, 1986)

Title:: Costin, Frank William: my Navy recollections (November 29, 1985 - January 27, 1986)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Lieut.-Cdr. Frank William Costin Royal Canadian Navy Costin_F_0165_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on June 17, 1928 in Duncan, B.C. Lived in Westholme, educated in Duncan. At the age of fourteen and one-half he joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment (militia). Training schedule consisted of as many as three nights per week; weekend exercises every three weeks. Armed with the Enfield 30.06 American-manufactured rifle. Conditions of service. (20:00) Completed high school in 1945. Joined the Royal Canadian Naval College at Royal Roads in Sept. 1946 in a class of fifty cadets of whom thirty-five graduated. (32:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) The early days at naval college were a shock: heavy schedule of academics, naval training, and sports. Promoted to midshipman upon graduation and posted to H.M.S. Triumph (light fleet carrier) to learn the "naval trade". Explains the choice of naval branches available to midshipmen. (30:00) Costin_F_0165_02.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, channel 2) Transferred to H.M.S. Newcastle (cruiser) commanded by Lord Louis Mountbatten. Both Newcastle and Triumph were engaged in patrols to attempt to prevent Jewish immigration to Israel. Promoted to acting sub-lieutenant and sent to the naval college at Greenwich. For a short time posted to H.M.S. Finisterre (destroyer) used as a gunnery training ship. Lieutenants' qualifying course. Returned to appointment in Canada in H.M.C.S. Antigonish (frigate) where he obtained his watch keeping ticket. (30:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) Exercises with the United States Navy. Mainguy Report. Decision made to train junior officers in Canada. Selected to go to Britain in 1953 as part of the marching component of the Coronation parade. Appointed to H.M.C.S. Athabaskan in the Far East. Made one patrol off the Korean coast before the war ended. Navigation course in England. In 1956 joined H.M.C.S. Magnificent (light fleet carrier). (35:00) Costin_F_0165_03.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Recaps boat-running experiences as a midshipman. Explains tasks. As a divisional officer in Magnificent he acquired eighteen months of valuable man-management experience. Discusses configuration of Magnificent, training role, NATO responsibilities. As the new Canadian destroyers were commissioned the Navy had difficulty training junior officers in the only ships available, the operational ones. Comments on the anti-submarine role of the Royal Canadian Navy and the difficulty in attempting to keep up with submarine development. Engaged, as part of the Flag Officer's staff, in sea trials of the new destroyers. Explains civilian control and post-acceptance trials. Much effort required to get the sophisticated equipment to work properly. (32:00) Costin_F_0165_04.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1, channel 2) Appointed to H.M.C.S. Algonquin (a former Fleet class destroyer). Discusses modernization, armament, early aluminium superstructure. Together with H.M.C.S. Crescent she formed the basis for future ship improvement. Squadron navigator. Explains problems, particularly in far northern waters. Favourable comment on the unflappable Capt. Tony Pickard. (45:00) New and sophisticated equipment brought forward many unfamiliar problems. High requirement for intensive training and frequent maintenance. Training and maintenance schedules cut into time allocated for operational exercises. Refers to naval wives and their necessary attitude toward the absence of their husbands. Captains' wives were always concerned with family problems that might occur. Describes severe weather conditions in the Atlantic. (27:00), Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, Interviewee: Costin, Frank William, b. 1928, Rank: Lieutenant-Commander. , and An interview/narrative of Frank William Costin's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Commander Costin served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on November 29, December 9 and 23, 1985 and January 27, 1986.
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), Naval history, and Military history
Contributor:: Cafferky, Shawn and Costin, Frank William, b. 1928
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-11-29/1986-01-27
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:: England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.45, 0.05
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 255 min.) : 3 3/4 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:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: CFW_165
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:: 2009-02-10
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.

244. Dillon, Charles J.: my Navy recollections (December 2, 1985, and January 27, 1986)

Title:: Dillon, Charles J.: my Navy recollections (December 2, 1985, and January 27, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, Interviewee: Dillon, Charles J., b. 1912, 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 December 2, 9, 1985 and January 27, 1986., Rank: Rear-Admiral. , and ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Charles J. Dillon Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Dillon_C_0191_01.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Experiences in England. Senior naval officer in Montreal. Appointed Naval Comptroller (as a rear-admiral). (30:00) Dillon_C_0191_02.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Crisis in preparing naval estimates. Feels that the navy may have commissioned too many ships in the 1950's and 1960's. Difficulty in providing crews; upset the ship/shore ratio with the result that insufficient time was made available for shore duty. Dillon_C_0191_03.mp3 (Cassette, Side B) Integration, 1964. The Navy did not grasp the implications of unification. Felt that the Naval Board could not understand how their careers might be affected. Comments on Rear Admirals Jeffrey Brock and William Landymore. New organization for the armed forces; appointed Deputy Comptroller-General under Lt.-Gen. Moncel. A very unfortunate period with many "let go" and numbers of resignations. Paul Hellyer was successful partly because he was able to impress officers in the second level of command. Further comments on reorganization of the command structure and of Rear Admiral Landymore's efforts to retain the separate identity of the Navy. Dillon_C_0191_04.mp3 (Reel 4) Landymore's loss was a serious one brought in part by personal animosity between himself and the Minister. Many senior officers remained because of their sense of responsibility, but conditions were hard to accept. (11:00)
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, Armed Forces--Officers, World War (1914-1918), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Cafferky, Shawn and Dillon, Charles J., b. 1912
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-12-02/1986-01-27
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:: Québec--Montréal and England
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 70 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono.; one original sound cassette (ca. 120 min.) : standard, 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, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: DCJ_191
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:: 2010-05-10
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.

245. Henry, Vincent: my Navy recollections (December 12, 1985, and January 24, 1986)

Title:: Henry, Vincent: my Navy recollections (December 12, 1985, and January 24, 1986)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Cdr. Vincent Henry Royal Canadian Navy Henry_V_0176_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, Track 1) Born on June 8, 1922 and educated in Victoria, B.C. No previous military experience except for cadet corps in grades seven and eight which he describes. Upon graduation from Victoria High School in 1940 he applied to the R.C.A.F. as potential air crew. In the meantime he wrote civil service examinations and was employed in H.M.C. Dockyard as a stores clerk. In 1941 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy as an ordinary seaman. Received air force acceptance, but was refused his transfer on the grounds that the R.C.N. was the senior service and, besides, he was not R.C.N.V.R.! (30:00) (Side 2, Track 1) Explains new entry naval training. Became a writer which involved clerical and administrative work. Considerable emphasis on defense of Dockyard when Japan entered the war. Fisherman's Reserve. Promoted to leading seaman (writer). Offered the opportunity to become an officer. Required to pass exams in four academic subjects, at approximately the senior matriculation level, qualifying as a petty officer or chief petty officer, and serve two years in capital ships of the Royal Navy. (24:00) Henry_V_0176_02.mp3 (Side 1, Track 2) Comments again on the educational requirements for a commission. In 1943 sent to H.M.C.S. Stadacona (shore base) in Halifax where he took petty officer courses while waiting to proceed to the R.N. Promoted to that rank and sailed for the U.K. in Jan. 1944 on the Ile de France. Posted to the manning pool, part of H.M.C.S. Niobe (shore establishment). Experiences of living in wartime England. (31:00) (Side 2, Track 2) In May 1944 drafted to the Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, then to H.M.S. Formidable (fleet carrier) just coming out of refit at Belfast. Sailed for Scapa Flow. Commenced operations off the Norwegian coast. Later acted as a floating air reserve for the D-Day landing. General remarks on aircraft carrier operations. (24:00) Henry_V_0176_03.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Returns to remarks about H.M.S. Formidable, with some corrections. Experienced "culture shock" in a very large ship as his first seagoing appointment. Worked strictly on administrative duties in the captain's office. Partially describes the process of bringing the ship to operational readiness, including flying-on of the aircraft. Emphasizes that crews and ships very dependent upon one another. Discusses flying operations, including casualties. High element of risk flying off a carrier; lives were lost accidentally. Damage control and safety in a carrier were probably more important than in other kinds of ships. Operational patrols for ten days or two weeks. (47:00), Rank: Commander. , An interview/narrative of Vincent Henry's experiences during World War II. Commander Henry served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on December 12, 1985 and January 24, 1986., Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, and Interviewee: Henry, Vincent, b. 1922
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Naval history, Operation Overlord, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Henry, Vincent, b. 1922 and Cafferky, Shawn
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-12-12/1986-01-24
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:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 165 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 4 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, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: HV_176
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2009-04-01
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by KG 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.

246. Downes, Marguerite: my Army recollections (December 27, 1985)

Title:: Downes, Marguerite: my Army recollections (December 27, 1985)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Lt. Marguerite Downes (now Gierman) Canadian Women's Army Corps Downes_M_0045_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born and educated in Victoria. Moved to England as a girl and in 1934 completed a business course. The family moved to Denmark and, because of the war, returned to Canada in March 1940. Joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps (C.W.A.C.) in Victoria in early 1942. Recruits had to be at least twenty-one years of age and provide references. In the beginning she lived at home, wore civilian clothes and a C.W.A.C. armband when on duty at Signal Hill. In June 1942 was issued a uniform and sent to Ste. Anne de Bellevue (Macdonald College) near Montreal where they underwent basic training, largely drill and first aid. Returned to the ordnance depot in Victoria, then to LaPointe Pier in Vancouver. Very cold, damp working conditions caused considerable sickness. Lived out on one dollar per day living-out allowance, on top of the ninety cents per day regular pay. In the summer of 1943 was transferred to Kamloops where she boarded in what seemed the lap of luxury: plenty of food, generous landlady. After a while she felt too remote from the war and applied for a transfer to C.W.A.C. Administration in Vancouver. From Vancouver, posted to Officer Training School at Ste Anne de Bellevue where great emphasis was placed on women management. (20:00) Posted to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Wellington Barracks, Halifax. Did not enjoy living in "H" huts. Some disciplinary problems, many of the younger girls could not cope with military life. She feels that many recruits were not properly selected. Usual method of release was as a result of psychological and medical problems. Deliberate pregnancy one of the latter. The discipline and homesickness seemed to affect the Newfoundland girls and in many cases they were inclined to go absent without leave. "Good" C.W.A.C.'s were worth their weight in gold, but unfortunately often had to carry part of the work of others. (32:00) (Side 2) Mess food quite satisfactory, few complaints. Describes impressions of V-E Day in Halifax. All shops closed, including liquor stores. Too many armed forces personnel on leave. Organized the rescue, by truck, of many frightened C.W.A.C. personnel caught in the rioting. In July 1945 an ammunition dump caught fire and concussion from the resulting explosions caused their "H" huts to shift on their foundations. They all spent the night on the parade square. Discharged in 1946. Feels that army life was an unnatural one for a woman. Personally felt that the army benefitted her, but saw many emotional and jealous attitudes displayed which had a harmful effect on the military job to be done. Unusual medical problems not uncommon. (23:00), Interviewee: Downes, Marguerite, Rank: Lieutenant. , Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, and An interview/narrative of Marguerite Downes's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant Downes served with the Canadian Women's Army Corps. Interview took place on December 27, 1985.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Officers--Training of, Halifax VE-Day Riots, Halifax, NS, 1945, Gierman, Marguerite, (Marguerite Downes), 1919-2003--Interviews, Macdonald College, World War, 1939-1945--Psychological aspects, Port Metro Vancouver--Lapointe Pier, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Women, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Women's Army Corps, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Women's Army Corps--Military life, Naval Armament Depot (Bedford Bay (N.S.))--Explosion--1945, Powder magazines--British Columbia--Kamloops, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Ordnance, Naval--Storage, and Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Halifax, N.S.)--Wellington Barracks
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army, World War (1939-1945), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, and Military history
Contributor:: Cafferky, Shawn and Downes, Marguerite
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1985-12-27
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:: 1 sound recording (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. 55 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: DM_045
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:: 2007-05-25
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

247. Chadwick, Ernest Maurice: my Navy recollections (January 10, 1986, and January 13, 1989)

Title:: Chadwick, Ernest Maurice: my Navy recollections (January 10, 1986, and January 13, 1989)
Description:: Rank: Commander. , Interviewee: Chadwick, Ernest Maurice, ABSTRACT: Cmdr. E. Maurice Chadwick Royal Canadian Navy Cmdr. Chadwick stood the Civil Service exam in 1938. Passed - passage to Liverpool - uniforms at Gieves then to the old monitor HMS Erebus for about three months. In January 1939 to the training cruiser HMS Vindictive for two cruises. To HMS Revenge (battleship) in August 1939 as the fleet was being mobilized. Promoted to Midshipman in Sept. '39. Carried gold bullion to Halifax and returned escorting the 1st Cdn. Division and later the 2nd Cdn. Division. Recounts the sinking of a gate vessel by Revenge in Halifax harbour. In 1940 Revenge bombarded the docks in Cherbourg. Chadwick participated in the takeover of French naval vessels in Plymouth (describes). Sub-lieutenant courses taken at Rhodene (former girl's school) and was returned to Canada on leave. Appointed to HMCS Skeena on convoy escort to Iceland. Took part in the sinking of U-588 with the corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin. Appointed to HMCS Gatineau as a Lieutenant - a relatively quiet time. Appointed to the newly commissioned HMCS Uganda (cruiser) in Charleston, N.C. Some conflict between RCN senior officers and seamen (reservists) who never served in a large ship before and to some extent found the routine objectionable. Sailed for Halifax, then the UK to repair certain items not correctly carried out in the U.S. shipyard. Sent to the Far East where the ship joined the British Pacific Fleet in Australia. Joined the Americans in Task Force 57 during the bombardment of Sakishima. Uganda spent much time in the anti-aircraft role. Bombarded the island of Truk. Volunteering for the war in the Pacific. Only a few said that they did not want to stay in the ship but naval headquarters wanted to hear specifically from those that did want to stay. Chadwick and Lawrence agree that this was the wrong thing, particularly when the crew was informed that anybody who wanted to quit was, in fact, a quitter. This offended much of the crew - so a majority decided they wanted to go home! The RCN in particular considered the whole matter a gross insult. Uganda returned to Esquimalt and Chadwick became part of New Entry Training there. Cmdr. Chadwick returns to the time of his subs courses and his short training in RM submarines. Later he was considered for command of the first post war Cdn. submarine - which did not materialize., An interview/narrative of Ernest Maurice Chadwick's experiences during World War II. Commander Chadwick served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on January 10, 1986 and January 13, 1989., and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Naval history
Contributor:: Chadwick, Ernest Maurice and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-01-10/1989-01-13
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/Text
Extent:: 1 transcript (30 pages)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Cherbourg, England--Plymouth, Nova Scotia--Halifax, and Japan
Coordinates:: 44.6464, -63.57291, 49.63984, -1.61636, 35.68536, 139.75309, and 50.37153, -4.14305
Additional Physical Characteristics:: No audio recording held.
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), transcripts, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CEM_286
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Technical Note:: Technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Migration metadata by KD and MT. PDF. Technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

248. Elkington, Eric Henry William: my Army recollections (January 24, 1986)

Title:: Elkington, Eric Henry William: my Army recollections (January 24, 1986)
Description:: Interviewee: Elkington, Eric Henry William, b. 1893, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Eric Henry William Elkington, M.D. Canadian Army Medical Corps Royal Army Medical Corps Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Elkington_E_0170_01.mp3 (Interview 2, interviewed by R. H Roy) Elkington was educated in Duncan and Victoria, B.C., then at McGill University medical school. In Victoria he was closely associated with the family of Sir Henry Crease whom he remembers as an elderly man. In 1914 he joined a field ambulance, part of the 2nd Canadian Division, in Montreal. In France he was a sergeant in charge of a party of stretcher-bearers. Remembers working with the 29th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Trench life. Takes illegal "pot shots" at Germans. Discusses rats and rations in the trenches. In late 1916 was returned to Canada to complete his medical degree. Elkington_E_0170_02.mp3 After graduation the army sent him to Vladivostok. Many Russian refugees dying of starvation. A dangerous city with little civilian authority evident. Attached to 16 Canadian General Hospital [sic] (Elkington himself later confirmed that he meant to say "No. 16 Field Ambulance in Siberia in 1919" instead of "16 Canadian General Hospital"). Experiences with Japanese troops. Tale of Maj. Ragasan, the interpreter. Medical problems were largely of the "civilian" type, not many war casualties. Remarks. (50:00), Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., and An interview/narrative of Eric Henry William Elkington's experiences during World War I and II. Lieutenant-Colonel Elkington, M.D. served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps, the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Interview took place on January 24, 1986.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Elkington, Eric Henry William, b. 1893
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-01-24
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 British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 45.50884, -73.58781 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 60 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: EEHW_170
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2006-07-07
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 80 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

249. Boulton, Angus George: my Navy recollections (March 18, 1986)

Title:: Boulton, Angus George: my Navy recollections (March 18, 1986)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Angus George Boulton's experiences during World War II. Commodore Boulton served with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Interview took place on March 18, 1986., Rank: Commodore. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, ABSTRACT: Commodore AG Boulton, DSC Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Joined the Winnipeg Half-Company on 23 February 1933 as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant (Provisional). Took holidays in training at HMCS Naden where HF Pullen was gunnery officer. Joined HMCS Skeena for the winter cruise (HE Rastus Reid, captain) on whom he comments. Remarks on Lt. Cmdr. John Stubbs. Very lean years, lack of funds for fuel etc. To HMCS Ottawa in 1939. C.G. Jones as captain who remarked that no RCNVR would ever command a ship. Succeeded by Cmdr. Rollo Mainguy, a first class captain. Rammed a tug in Halifax harbour. First Lieutenant in HMCS Ottawa. HMCS Rimouski, in command, 1941. Mid-Ocean Meeting Place (MIDOMP). Earlier in Ottawa much convoy work, including picking up survivors of ships earlier sunk. In command of HMCS Annapolis, a former American four stacker, a terrible sea boat, although it handled reasonably well. Comments on good ship handlers, Stubbs and Hennessy in particular. Anecdote of steering chains installed in reverse. Mentions Mainguy's Crow's Nest cocktail parties in Newfoundland. In March 1944 appointed to HMCS St. Laurent, in command, left in November 1944. Appointed to HMCS Somer Isles, the working-up base in Bermuda in March 1945 as Senior Training Officer. New ships and crews spent a week or ten days there. Regrettably, only late in the war were proper work-ups available - with many surprise inspections. Tale of St. Laurent breaking ice flows. Gives an account of St. Laurent attacking and sinking a surfaced U-boat in 1944. Later took a destroyer group close to the French shore and came under fire. Signalled a "Blue 180" and the group turned away with the last ship now leading. They also came under attack by glider bombs., Interviewee: Boulton, Angus George, and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1939-1945), Naval history, and Military history
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Boulton, Angus George
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-03-18
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:: Ontario--Ottawa
Coordinates:: 45.41117, -75.69812
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording on one audio cassette also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BAG_269
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:: 2013-10-24
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

250. Laurie, William L.: my Army recollections (April 9, and 14, 1986)

Title:: Laurie, William L.: my Army recollections (April 9, and 14, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., Rank: Colonel. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (OBE), An interview/narrative of William L. Laurie's experiences during World War I and II. Colonel Laurie, O.B.E. served with the Canadian Engineers and the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Interview took place on April 9 and 14, 1986., Interviewee: Laurie, William L., b. 1896, and ABSTRACT: Col. William L. Laurie, O.B.E. Canadian Engineers Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Laurie_W_0090_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Dec. 4, 1896 in Scarborough Township (Toronto). He recounts his youth and those he knew, some becoming prominent Canadians. A "ham" wireless operator in 1912, a member of the Wireless Association of Ontario in 1914. First employed as a Third Operator in the Great Lakes Wireless navigation system which in 1914 intercepted messages from a German wireless station on Long Island, N.Y. until the U.S. government forced the station to close. In the summer of 1915 he was a ship's wireless operator on the Great Lakes. Enlisted on his nineteenth birthday in the Canadian Engineers, Signals Branch. Overseas in Apr. 1916 and there became a telegraph operator. (20:00) By mid-June he was in France with the 3rd Divisional Signals, then was posted to Canadian Corps headquarters where he joined the wireless section. Describes a poison gas attack, the early gas mask, and the slight damage to himself by phosgene gas. During his experiences of trench warfare, when attached to infantry battalions, they carried very simple portable crystal wireless sets on their backs. Comments on the front at Vimy Ridge where they experienced heavy shelling and were buried in a collapsed dugout, but were fortunately rescued after some time. He was sent back as "walking wounded" in Jan. 1917. He returned to Vimy in time for the battle, but spent his time in a wireless dugout. The interview returns to reminiscences of the Marconi station in Kingston in 1914 and the burning of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa (1916) where he helped to save some library books. (45:00) Laurie_W_0090_02.mp3 In France, by the time of the Battle of Amiens, they were issued the "Woolich" set which used valves (vacuum tubes) which were a great improvement. A bulky interception equipment called a "French Piano" was introduced to pick up any enemy messages. They used a ground loop several hundred yards long with earth pins, a type of I-Toc system. A new amplifier was issued. By the end of the war they had 120-watt wireless sets. (15:00) As German equipment was good Laurie brought some home after the war ended. While his unit was in Cologne as occupation troops he was in Bonn. He refers to postwar articles by Maj. W.A. Steel in the Canadian Defence Quarterly. In Canada he returned to college to become an engineer and gained summer employment as a radio operator aboard steamships on the Great Lakes. (34:00) (Interview 2) In the fall of 1922 he joined the Signal Corps militia as a Lieutenant. After working with the R.C.A.F. on the Manitoba forestry patrol he joined the permanent force Signal Corps in 1923. Radio stations were established in Edmonton, the Yukon, and the North West Territories (45:00) and run by the army for the use of all government departments and, for a fee, civilian traffic was instituted. All messages were sent by key. Laurie_W_0090_03.mp3 In 1925 as district signals officer in Calgary he lived in the officers' mess of the Lord Strathcona's Horse. He mentions a number of permanent force officers of that era and reminisces. (23:00) In 1927 he joined the expedition to check the ice and weather conditions in the Hudson Strait. The R.C.A.F. managed the expedition on behalf of the Dept. of Marine and Fisheries. Two Fokker Universal aircraft (seaplanes) stationed at each of three bases had modified wartime wireless sets in the aircraft. (30:00) They were also in short-wave contact with the R.C.C.S. signal station in Ottawa. Living conditions were hard. (34:00) (Side 2) Mentions Flt. Lieut. Leitch of the expedition and other air crew who made forced landings. There were many difficulties with planes, weather, etc. (10:00) He became involved in establishing radio beacons for air mail service and beacons/radio stations for the British airship R-100 on its visit to Canada. Later flew to Ottawa in this airship. Laurie_W_0090_04.mp3 Became senior technical officer in Ottawa in 1932. Attended the International Radio Conference in Madrid. In 1933 inspected all radio stations in the North West Territories. (20:00) He developed a prototype short-wave radio set for special use in the summertime. The R.C.A.F. began to train their own wireless officers and all equipment in use by them was turned over. Some new equipment was received from England. Sent to England for up-to-date signals training (which was not always forthcoming!) Comments on Col. E. Forde and Maj. Steel. Appointed second-in-command at Vimy Barracks in Kingston in 1939/40. (45:00) Overseas in England in 1940 he later commanded the 7th Corps (British) Signals unit. Remarks on overseas headquarters senior personnel. (9:00)
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Laurie, William L., b. 1896
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-04-09/1986-04-14
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Alberta--Calgary
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.05011, -114.08529
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 180 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:: LWL_090
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:: 2006-07-25
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by 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.