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)

251. Taylor, Edward Drummond: my Army recollections (May 21, 1986)

Title:: Taylor, Edward Drummond: my Army recollections (May 21, 1986)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Edward Drummond Taylor's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Interview took place on May 21, 1986., Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H., Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Edward Drummond Taylor Royal Canadian Engineers Taylor_E_0138_01.mp3 "Peter" Taylor was born on Feb. 18, 1959 in Vancouver. Educated in public schools in England. Universities of Toronto and London. In 1934 worked in Yugoslavia with a mining company. Returned to university: Johns Hopkins, and then to Laval where he completed a Master's degree in Geology. Joined the 6th Field Company, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers in North Vancouver, although he did not serve with them, moving directly to Petawawa Camp as a second lieutenant. Promoted to lieutenant and appointed intelligence officer. Overseas in 1940 to the British Intelligence School. Through his father's friendship with Sir William S. Stephenson (Intrepid) he found himself summoned to the War Office in London and seconded to the "Inter-Service Research Bureau", although he never met anyone in that organization. (15:00) Trained in Scotland, observed at a parachute school, studied railway sabotage. Apparently the idea was to get a "feel" for all of these facets of counter-intelligence. Returned to Canada to help start the counter-intelligence school at Whitby, Ont. where most of the students were Americans, sent from New York. (30:00) Among them were Federal Bureau of Investigation agents who were known only by their Christian names and some who could only be described as "thugs". A student body of only about ten to fifteen at a time. Formulated a scheme for a "fifth column" in B.C. should that province be invaded by the Japanese. Ordered by New York to show the scheme to the Chief of the General Staff in Ottawa, Taylor later proceeded to Pacific Command under cover as a security officer. He tramped through a large area of B.C. centred on Terrace. Comments on the armoured train. Plan finally abandoned when the danger receded. Sent to the staff college at Kingston. Overseas to regular army duty in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Second-in-command of the 18th Field Company, R.C.E. In spring 1944 became part of the wireless cover plan to deceive the Germans regarding the invasion of Europe. He represented the 1st United States Army Group slated to invade the Pas de Calais. False movement orders and other operational wireless traffic for about two months before D-Day and for two weeks afterward. Went to Normandy as a staff officer, engineers, with 1st Canadian Army headquarters. (45:00) Taylor_E_0138_02.mp3 He was chiefly involved in writing operations orders and surveying the ground for operations. Injured in a vehicle accident and returned to Canada in 1945. (15:00) Taylor_E_0138_03.mp3 Appointed liaison officer to the U.S. Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. Later involved in joint U.S./Canadian winter exercises in the Yukon. Posted to Ottawa as a lieutenant-colonel. Anecdotes about the Yukon exercise. Personal philosophy toward the army. General comments. (35:00), and Interviewee: Taylor, Edward Drummond, b. 1915
Subject:: Operation Overlord, World War (1939-1945), Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Roy, Reginald H. and Taylor, Edward Drummond, b. 1915
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-05-21
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Yugoslavia
Coordinates:: 44, 19.75
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: TED_138
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:: 2010-06-01
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.

252. Taylor, James Earl: my Air Force recollections (June 25, 1986)

Title:: Taylor, James Earl: my Air Force recollections (June 25, 1986)
Description:: Interviewee: Taylor, James Earl, b. 1919, An interview/narrative of James Earl Taylor's experiences during World War II. Flight Lieutenant Taylor served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on June 25, 1986., Rank: Flight Lieutenant. , Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, and ABSTRACT: Flight Lieut. James Earl Taylor Royal Canadian Air Force Taylor_J_0139_01.mp3 Taylor, Born on May 26, 1919 at Grandview, Man. He was a member of the militia in Edmonton before the war, but when his unit "went active" he felt that his future lay with the air force. Accepted for air crew and posted for flying instruction at High River. Alta. "Washed out" and remustered as an air gunner at Trenton, Ont. Sent overseas in July, 1942 upon graduation from the gunnery school at Mountain View, Ont. Advance gunnery school in Wales. Heavy bomber conversion unit. As a flight sergeant he crewed up after Christmas 1942. Describes the method of doing so as casual, but very effective in producing a tightly-knit group. Practiced all aspects of bombing and gunnery in Avro Lancaster bombers. (15:00) Posted to No 207 Squadron, R.A.F. in Nottinghamshire. Began operations in the usual way, mining coastal waters. Later bombed U-boat pens, Ruhr Valley, Essen, and other locations. No personal feelings about bombing: the job at hand was to unload the bombs and get home safely. Concern for enemy civilians, for instance, was not a factor. On March 29, 1943 was shot down over Berlin. Coned by searchlights after bombs had been dropped and while on the obligatory photo run. Hit in two engines by flak and by an enemy fighter. Well on fire when he bailed out. Describes bailing-out procedures. Entire crew survived. (35:00) Luftwaffe interrogation centre at Frankfurt. Germans were, on the whole, very correct in their treatment of prisoners. Describes psychological questioning, cells, softening-up process before questions; considerable discomfort and disorientation as to time was experienced. Tough German attitude alternated with pleasant, but pointed conversation. Moved to the N.C.O.'s compound at Stalag Luft 3 at the end of Apr. 1943. Later sent to Stalag Luft 6 in East Prussia. A good camp, well set up, regular delivery of Red Cross parcels. (45:00) Taylor_J_0139_02.mp3 Worked in the camp hospital from Oct. 1943 to July 1944. During this time was promoted to warrant officer, class I. Left East Prussia as the Russian army approached. Moved (perhaps in error) by sea to Germany, then to Stalag Luft 4, a punishment camp. Harsh treatment by guards, meals poor, no Red Cross parcels. Later moved with about nine hundred R.A.F./R.C.A.F. prisoners into a separate compound. Evacuated again in Jan. 1945, marched to the west, slept in fields, dysentery a serious problem. Anecdote. (15:00) Arrived in Stalag 2-A in late March 1945. On Apr. 29, 1945 the Russian army released them. Excellent treatment by the Russians for about two weeks, deloused, moved to better barracks. Turned over to the Americans and then to the British. Flew to England. Leave. Promoted to pilot officer in June 1945. Discharged in Canada as a flying officer in Sept. 1945. Recounts difficulty that he, as a former prisoner of war had adjusting to freedom. Returned to university to study pharmacy. (30:00)
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1914-1918), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Taylor, James Earl, b. 1919
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-06-25
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:: Germany and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 75 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: TJE_139
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:: 2008-11-10
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 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.

253. Johnson, Henry S.: my Army recollections (July 2, and 7, 1986)

Title:: Johnson, Henry S.: my Army recollections (July 2, and 7, 1986)
Description:: Interviewee: Johnson, Henry S., b. 1917, ABSTRACT: Lieut-.Col. Henry S. Johnson Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Johnson_H_0086_01.mp3 Johnson was born in 1917 in Melville, Sask. He followed his older brothers into the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1941. Qualified as a driver-operator and, as such, took considerable wireless training. He was sent to the O.C.T.U. in Debert, N.S. and became attached to an Army Co operation Squadron (R.C.A.F.) to train air crew in wireless communications for operations in support of ground forces. Describes this training and service liaison requirements. Joined 7 Air Liaison Section attached to No. 168 Army Co-operation Squadron in Wainwright, Alta. (1943). It was his duty to see that the required air support was delivered. Air-to-ground communication improved. Overseas in Nov. 1943 he was posted to No. 39 Reconnaissance Wing in Gatwick and became involved in both training and operational roles and the photo interpretation of pictures of suspected V-1 flying bomb sites. Posted to Canadian Army headquarters in Leatherhead he trained army officers in ground support procedures. He returned to No. 143 Wing (Typhoon fighter-bombers) where he was in command of the air support signals unit. He briefed the Air Force on military targets. Most operations were against enemy transportation facilities, in some cases directed to the target by an air liaison officer on the ground. Carried out debriefing of pilots immediately upon their return. Describes the use of advance airport parties required to maintain rapid forward momentum of the ground support squadron. He served with an air wing in the occupation force in Germany. (30:00) Back in Canada as a major he investigated certain substantial shortages in the Ordnance Depot in Regina, which turned out to be largely of an accounting nature. Posted to the Joint Air School in Rivers, Man. in 1946 where continued interservice co-operation was fostered. attached to the Royal Canadian Navy as an army liaison officer. At sea in H.M.C.S. Warrior (light fleet carrier) he trained naval pilots to direct naval gunfire on shore targets and against moving targets at sea. He attended the army staff college in Kingston and offers some details of the work encountered. As staff officer (G.S.O. II) in the Saskatchewan area headquarters he was responsible for training and intelligence. Appointed a company commander in the Queen;s Own Rifles of Canada. (Nominally an infantry officer since 1942). Sent to Korea. His liaison experience was put to good use there in dealing with the U.S. Army. Later appointed to the military plans section of Defence Headquarters. He then became involved in civil defence planning in the Windsor, Ont. area. It was a busy period when the continuity of government was the prime concern. In 1962 posted to the Canadian Defence Liaison Establishment in London, Eng. Relates liaison anecdotes about Korea. During integration/unification he was part of the "Joint Staff" serving the Chief of the Defence Staff. Opinion on unification; loss of esprit de-corps was most serious, but much positive morale has now been recovered. (95:00), An interview/narrative of Henry S. Johnson's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Interview took place on July 2 and 7, 1986., Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, and Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel.
Subject:: Naval history, World War (1914-1918), World War (1939-1945), Military history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Johnson, Henry S., b. 1917
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-07-02/1986-07-07
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: JHS_086
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.

254. Cumming, James Malcolm: my Navy recollections (July 3, 1986)

Title:: Cumming, James Malcolm: my Navy recollections (July 3, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, Rank: Commodore. , Interviewee: Cumming, James Malcolm, b. 1930, An interview/narrative of James Malcolm Cumming's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Commodore Cumming served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 3, 1986., and ABSTRACT: Commodore James Malcolm Cumming Royal Canadian Navy Cumming_J_0044_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on May 28, 1930 in Calgary, Alta. A member of the Sea Cadets from age twelve, it seemed natural to attend Royal Roads which had just become (1948) a tri-service college. In 1950 posted to H.M.C.S. Ontario as a midshipman in the first graduating class not to be sent to the Royal Navy for training. Mentions the Mainguy Report and the Canadian and British attitudes toward man management. Describes a midshipman's life, including study, sports, the famous journal for marking by the "snotties nurse", etc. (15:00) Seamanship Board exams. Comments on francophone members of an English-speaking Navy. French, as a language, not required at Royal Roads; Spanish was the "in" discipline. (25:00) Sub-lieutenant courses at Royal Naval College, Greenwich. A further nine months at Portsmouth. Returned to Canada and in 1953 joined H.M.C.S. Sioux (destroyer). (30:00) To Korea in 1954 after the truce, the only Canadian ship there. A quiet time on patrol. (35:00) Served as navigating officer in the Far East, then sent on the long navigation course in England. Twelve Commonwealth officers attended; comments on subjects taken, including radar and action information. Appointed navigating officer for the 1st Canadian Escort Squadron (all wartime destroyers). Returned to England for additional training. (45:00) Cumming_J_0044_02.mp3 Posted to H.M.C.S. Annapolis II during the earliest helicopter operations. Remarks on his feelings for the change from the white ensign to the maple leaf. Promoted to commander, naval intelligence, in an integrated headquarters. Feels that integration had few adverse effects and some advantages. Unification was a different matter. Appointed to command H.M.C.S. St. Croix II (destroyer) for an extended period of thirty-nine months: considered it a real "plus". Then to Training Command in Winnipeg. Conditions were such that it was an unproductive one year period. National Defence College, Kingston. (15:00) Worked on defence programs which provided exposure to civil service managers, which in turn offered a better understanding of management problems. Promoted to captain and sent to a NATO appointment at Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. A tremendous experience. (25:00) No doubt that Canadian professionalism was respected by both United States and British commands. Feels that Canadians more than carry their weight in staff and the NATO organization. In command of H.M.C.S. Preserver II (support ship), almost constantly at sea. Another plum, although some of the ship's equipment was not up to standard - a situation which he blames partly on the fixed tender construction method used in acquiring the ship. Gives his thoughts on marriage for a career naval officer. Should be extremely careful in the choice of a wife because of the frequent strain of absences and of moving. Calls it the "Ruth syndrome: whither thou goest, I will go". (30:00) Considers himself very fortunate in this regard. Choosing a wife from a naval family may be a good idea. Thinks that the current situation, in which young wives often have a career ambition, is particularly difficult. Promoted to commodore, the first flag officer level. As chief of staff in Halifax it was his duty, through several deputies, to run the day-to-day operations in accordance with the wishes of his admiral. Next, naval attache in Washington: much liaison with the United States Navy on training and equipment. A Canadian officer on diplomatic appointment, working for the Ambassador on the one hand and the Chief of Defence Staff on the other. A public relations and social experience. (40:00) Comments on the Canadian public attitude toward the armed forces and particularly the Navy. Recognizes that the Navy, for many years, neglected to cover themselves adequately in the corridors of power, being somewhat blinded by the overriding desire to get their officers to sea. Understanding of the system is vital. Sees great improvement in the last ten years. Prospects good for new equipment, the design of which has been a Canadian strength. (47:00)
Keyword:: Ontario (Cruiser), Cumming, James Malcolm, b. 1930.--Interviews, Cruisers (Warships)--Canada, Preserver II (Tanker), Military attache?s, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Organization, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Offshore support vessels--Canada, French-Canadians, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Escort Squadron, 1st, North Atlantic Treaty Organization--Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, Ships--Design and construction, Mainguy Report, Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Royal Military College of Canada, Destroyer escorts -- Canada, HMS Excellent (Training establishment : Portsmouth, England), Midshipmen--Sea life, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--Sea life, Royal Naval College (Great Britain), Korean War, 1950-1953--Naval operations, Canadian, Annapolis II (Destroyer), Naval architecture, Navy spouses, St. Croix II (Destroyer), National Defence College (Canada), and Royal Roads Military College
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Korean War (1950-1953), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, and Canada. Canadian Armed Forces
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Cumming, James Malcolm, b. 1930
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-07-03
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada, Korea (South), Great Britain, and Korea (North)
Coordinates:: 36.5, 127.75, 60.10867, -113.64258, 40, 127, and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: CJM_044
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.

255. Clive, Clifford David: my Army recollections (July 17, 1986)

Title:: Clive, Clifford David: my Army recollections (July 17, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, Interviewee: Clive, Clifford David, b. 1915, An interview/narrative of Clifford David Clive's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Clive served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Interview took place on July 17, 1986., ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Clifford David Clive Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Clive_C_0032_01.mp3 Born on Jan. 14, 1915 in Neepawa, Man. Worked for a radio manufacturer before the war and in 1939 joined the army as a signalman. Gives his reactions to initial conditions of Army life. Had his first experience with a security clearance, due to the nature of his work. Describes pre-war uniforms and equipment. Arrived overseas after a rough passage in the Aquitania. Comments on his early days in England and the threat of a German invasion. Slated for the abortive invasion of Norway. (10:00) Wireless training at Aldershot; minimum of fifteen words per minute on the Morse key were required. Studied captured German wireless equipment which, in the early days of war, was superior to ours. In Jan. 1941, as a sergeant, was involved in innovative ground-to-air wireless training with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Selected for officer training in Oct. 1941. Sent to a British signals officer cadet training unit and graduated as a lieutenant. Married; describes married life overseas. (25:00) D-Day, feelings of great relief that they were at last going to war. After the capture of Cherbourg he was sent to help the Americans put the French telephone system back in operation. Recalls German sympathizers in Ghent, Belgium when the advance reached that city. (35:00) Clive_C_0032_02.mp3 Describes conditions during the Battle of the Bulge. In Apr. 1945 he escorted the Czech Armoured Brigade to Klatovy in Czechoslovakia. Met members of the Russian Army there. Many groups of Germans wished to surrender to them, including an armoured regiment, as well as a few who had to be persuaded! (45:00) Arrived back in Canada in July 1945. Civilian life seemed quiet and adjustment was difficult. In 1949 he joined the Scots Fusiliers of Canada, a militia infantry unit converted to artillery. Attended the militia command and staff course. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel. Retired in 1957. (50:00), and Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel.
Keyword:: Morse code, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, Canada--Canadian Army--Military life, Military spouses, Cherbourg, Battle of, Cherbourg, France, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army--Scots Fusiliers of Canada, Radio--Equipment and supplies, Communications, Military, Radio, Military, Clive, Clifford David, 1915-2002--Interviews, Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945, Wireless communication systems--Equipment and supplies, Aquitania (Steamship), Radiotelephone, Canada--Canadian Army--Uniforms, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Capitulations, Military, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy, World War, 1939-1945--Collaborationists--Belgium, Military training camps--England--Aldershot, Mobile communication systems, Bulge, Battle of the, 1944-1945, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), and Czechoslovakia--Armada--Ceskoslovenska samostatna obrnena brigada
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Canada. Canadian Army, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Clive, Clifford David, b. 1915
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-07-17
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and France--Normandy
Coordinates:: 49, 0 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 60 min.) ; 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: CCD_032
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:: 2007-05-18
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.

256. Ross, Stirling MacNeil: my Navy recollections (July 21, 1986)

Title:: Ross, Stirling MacNeil: my Navy recollections (July 21, 1986)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Stirling MacNeil Ross's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant Ross served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 21, 1986., Rank: Lieutenant. , Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, Interviewee: Ross, Stirling MacNeil, b. 1929, and ABSTRACT: Lieut. Cdr. Stirling MacNeil Ross Royal Canadian Navy Ross_S_0124_01.mp3 Ross_S_0124_02.mp3 Born on Dec. 4, 1929. Came from a military family; father was a trooper in the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles in South Africa and later in the Canadian Expeditionary Force for four years, returning to Canada as a major. In the Second World War his father was a government postal expert who organized the Canadian postal services for the Army in England and later in Italy. Lieut. Cdr. Ross joined the Navy through Royal Roads Military College in 1948. Chose to join the Ordnance Branch in 1950 and attended the Royal Military College for one year before changing to the Marine Engineering Branch. Midshipman in 1951 and posted to H.M.S. Indomitable (fleet aircraft carrier). Discusses the rank of midshipman, living conditions, status, etc. Previous seatime had been in H.M.C.S. Ontario (cruiser) as a cadet. Comments on the influence of the Royal Navy on the R.C.N. which at the time was undergoing a considerable expansion. (20:00) Enrolled in the Royal Naval Engineering College, H.M.S. Thunderer. This course consisted of two years of engineering basics, followed by one year at sea to obtain an engine room watchkeeping ticket, then one year of specialization. The year at sea was spent with the Mediterranean Fleet where, for two cruises, Lord Mountbatten was aboard his ship. In 1955 returned to the R.C.N. and appointed to H.M.C.S. Magnificent (light fleet carrier) as a lieutenant. Anti-submarine role developed during this period. Became a training officer aboard H.M.C.S. Cape Breton (fleet support vessel) which was the apprentice training ship. In 1959 returned to sea in H.M.C.S. Ste. Therese (frigate) in which officer cadets were given experience. Posted to the Fleet School in Halifax. (55:00) Last sea appointment in H.M.C.S. Terra Nova (destroyer). (60:00) Returned to university to obtain M.B.A. and posted to Ottawa to the Directorate of Ship Maintenance. Effects of integration; some aspects began early and were reasonably acceptable. Unification, however, upset all ranks. Remarks about Adm. Landymore who, he believes, did his best for integration, but could not support unification. (15:00) Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington, D.C. Explains purpose and turbulence of U.S. political scene in the early seventies. In 1973 posted to Victoria as quality assurance officer at Dockyard. Retired in 1974. (30:00)
Subject:: Military history, Naval history, World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Ross, Stirling MacNeil, b. 1929
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-07-21
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: RSM_124
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:: 2007-07-18
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.

257. MacGregor, Ernest Morgan Keith: my Army recollections (July 22, 1986)

Title:: MacGregor, Ernest Morgan Keith: my Army recollections (July 22, 1986)
Description:: Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, ABSTRACT: Brig.-Gen. Ernest Morgan Keith MacGregor, M.C. Calgary Highlanders The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry MacGregor_E_0096_01.mp3 Born on Feb. 20, 1923 in Alberta. When the war began he joined the navy, but was released when his father informed the authorities that he was underage. Attended the University of Alberta (first year engineering) and was a member of the C.O.T.C. Joined the Calgary Highlanders when he was of age and was sent to the O.C.T.U. at Gordon Head in 1942, then to Calgary, to A-16, Canadian Infantry Training Centre, graduating with the rank of lieutenant. (15:00) Posted to England to the reinforcement unit at Thursley Common. Comments on relations with the British, an enjoyable experience. Infantry officers' wireless course. By mistake he was sent to the 1st Canadian Division reinforcement unit instead of that of the 2nd Division and found himself slated to reinforce the Edmonton Regiment instead of the Calgary Highlanders. Attended battle, mechanical transport, and anti-tank courses. Later a battle drill course (infantry platoon and company tactics), then became an instructor for about six months. In 1943 posted to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in Italy at the Hitler Line. Comments on Italian civilians and an Italian unit fighting with the Allies. As part of the L.O.B. (left out of battle) group of the regiment he instructed for a month in a junior N.C.O. course at Riccioni. MacGregor_E_0096_02.mp3 Describes some actions at the Naviglio Canal Senio River areas. Here he commanded his company as a lieutenant and was awarded the Military Cross after, he claims, the "accidental" capture of an enemy machine-gun nest. Became the intelligence officer for the battalion after taking a course at the British Intelligence School. Moved to northwest Europe. Explains battle intelligence, gathering information from all sources and passing it to the commanding officer. Distributed maps and photos, wrote the war diary. Long hours required of this job. Promoted to captain. Fighting in Holland: many rapid movements, short battles, during one of which he was wounded. (45:00) Volunteered for the Pacific Force. Comments on the demobilization of the Canadian army. Joined the Interim Force, then the Regular army. In 1949 was a G.S.O. III (Intelligence) at army headquarters. Interesting work regarding the Russian Army. Explains the various "desks" of the military intelligence structure which in Canada was largely a collating organization. Due to his high security clearance he was not sent to the Korean War. Selected for the British army staff college at Camberley: an intensive one year course during which he was promoted to major. MacGregor_E_0096_03.mp3 Administration officer for the Canadian coronation contingent. Posted to the War Office as Canadian army liaison officer (land/air warfare). Immediately took parachute training with the S.A.S. (Special Air Service), air transport, liaison, air warfare courses. Military observer (1958) in the Middle East. (30:00) Returned to regimental duty, then to Ottawa, to the Canadian army operational research establishment which was concerned with war games. Was the "senior Red Commander" for a few months which required him to think like a Russian officer. In 1962 was appointed C.O. of P.P.C.L.I. during which time they engaged in much Arctic soldiering. Comments on integration and unification; feels that the latter did not make too much sense. As chief of infantry (Colonel) in 1965 he presided over the reduction of the permanent force to three infantry regiments. Became director of training for the Canadian forces. Part of the Canadian delegation for Control and Supervision in Vietnam. (45:00) Discusses the sometimes opposing political overtones of the members of the Commission, but they all got along extremely well socially. As a brigadier-general commanded the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade. Commandant of Camp Gagetown, N.B. Retired in 1977. Highlight of career: C.O. of 2 P.P.C.L.I. (06:00), Interviewee: MacGregor, Ernest Morgan Keith, b. 1923, Rank: Brigadier-General. Medals and Honours: Military Cross (MC), and An interview/narrative of Ernest Morgan Keith MacGregor's experiences during World War II and the Vietnam War. Brigadier-General MacGregor, M.C. served with the Calgary Highlanders, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on July 22, 1986.
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Korean War (1950-1953), World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and MacGregor, Ernest Morgan Keith, b. 1923
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-07-22
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:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Korea (North) and Korea (South)
Coordinates:: 36.5, 127.75 and 40, 127
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 105 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), interviews, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: MEMK_096
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:: 2007-07-09
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.

258. Nixon, C. P.: my Navy recollections (August 1, 1986)

Title:: Nixon, C. P.: my Navy recollections (August 1, 1986)
Description:: Rank: Captain. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Cross, An interview/narrative of C. P. Nixon's experiences during World War II. Captain Nixon served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on August 1, 1986., ABSTRACT: Captain C.P. Nixon, D.S.C. Royal Canadian Navy (Cassette 1, Side 1) Joined the Navy in 1935 which was understandably a family choice. His father was RN and joined the RCN as commander of the new RCN College in Halifax. Some comment on the Roman Catholic and Protestant parts of the RCN and both Nixon and Lawrence agree that the separation of personnel for church services was not really a good idea. Speaks of his father and naval officers who knew him as well as naval and army officer ancestors. In 1935 he wrote his civil service exams as part of the process for selection as a naval cadet. Spent a year in HMS Frobisher, the training cruiser. Usual cruiser, speaks of the cadet gunner in Frobisher and of officers who influenced them. One felt part of a social as well professional "club". (Cassette 1, Side 2) Sea time was invaluable. RN training was extremely important, if for no other reason than the RCN did not have proper facilities for doing that. Moves ahead to Midshipman time in HMS Exeter (cruiser) in the West Indies and South America. Exercises with the whole squadron in the West Indies, sometimes joined by four Canadian destroyers. Sub-Lieutenant's courses in Portsmouth finishing in the summer of 1939. Requested an anti-submarine course before leaving for Canada and when Nixon joined HMCS St. Laurent on the West Coast he was the only officer aboard who had any anti-submarine training. Just before war was declared they were ordered to Halifax. Upon arrival they refuelled and escorted the first trans-Atlantic convoy HX1 and were on convoy runs until May, 1940. Anecdote of zigzagging with the convoy. (Cassette 2, Side 1) Nixon speaks of Lt. Cmdr. A.M. Hope ("Boomer") and very flatteringly of his successor, Lt. Cmdr. Harry DeWolf. In May 1940 they were told to leave post haste for England as the evacuation of Dunkirk was under way. One of three destroyers sent -- St. Laurent (DeWolf), Restigouche (Lay) and Skeena (Hibbard). A great respecter of Lt. Cmdr. DeWolf and of Lay for first class management efforts at N.D.H.Q. Comments also on Hibbard, Rutherford, Stubbs. Sent to Saint-Valery-en-Caux supposedly to evacuate the 51st Highland Division. No Highlanders but took off a few French soldiers and returned under German shell-fire. In return they fired at the Germans thus St. Laurent became the first RCN ship to fire in anger. Picked up an amazing number (861) German and Italian P.O.W.'s from the Arandora Star which had been torpedoed, so many that St. Laurent was slightly unstable! Captain changed to A/Lt. Cmdr. Herbie Rayner. Comments on Rayner including the fact that initially he was not a good ship-handler. Much convoy work in 1940/41. Attacked an Italian submarine -- damaged but able to return to base. Picked up some survivors of HMS Forfar (AMC) ex Montrose (C.P.R.) Begins an anecdote about an ill fellow officer who insisted on staying aboard despite near constant action stations. (Cassette 2, Side 2) Describes air raids on Liverpool, including putting part of the crew ashore to help fight fires. In the spring of 1941 they returned to Halifax and found that many of the ships company were to be transferred, two or three at a time to new corvettes in order to provide some experience to an un-trained crew. A month's leave; describes a "short-hop" flight across Canada via T.C.A. Returned to St. Laurent where, after six months they received a new captain, Cmdr. "Shakey" Armstrong. Uneventful six months on convoy duty (no attacks, mid '41 to April '42). Appointed to HMCS Chaudiere (destroyer) in command, in the fall of 1943. Work-ups at Scapa Flow then to Londonderry. Attended Tactical School, both against U-boats and later, E-boats. Returns to commissioning of Chaudiere in Portsmouth where the commander-in-chief was invited aboard. Originally some misfits in the crew but eventually was very efficient. (Cassette 3, Side 1) Became part of a support group (hunter/killer group). Met an American group who thought Chaudiere was a U-boat and opened fire (twice) but they were not hit. However the group brought U-744 to the surface to surrender. Chaudiere took several prisoners back to Derry. Prior to the Invasion they formed part of Escort Group Eleven, five Canadian destroyers, Ottawa, Gatineau, St. Laurent, Kootenay, and Chaudiere under command of Commander Douglas Prentice. This group took part in the sinking of three U-boats. Later joined by the frigate Swansea. Anecdote about Chummy Prentice. Returns to other U-boat sinkings: U-61 and U-985, although the latter not credited until after the war. No survivors. (Cassette 3, Side 2) Chaudiere was in the Bay of Biscay, June to August 1944 for anti-submarine and anti-E-boat attacks. Drove off two E-boat attacks -- against part of the Invasion Fleet. Later patrols in the Irish Sea and then to Iceland where very bad weather caused HMCS Skeena to run aground which Nixon discusses and also of the subsequent Board of Inquiry and Court Martial. Buried Skeena's dead on Iceland. Returned to Halifax for refit. Nixon left the ship in April 1945. Prior to that they were visited by Admiral Murray. Discusses. Both Nixon and Lawrence lament the fact that the Canadian Navy served under direct British control rather than Canadian when in the Eastern Atlantic and adjoining waters. There should have been more Canadian operational control. Nixon recounts some of the happenings in Esquimalt, the Naval College and his father the Captain -- the first naval occupant of the present Admiral's House. After Chaudiere, was appointed captain of the new HMCS Crescent building in Scotland. They visited the Channel (Islands) then to the West Coast of Canada for a year., Interviewee: Nixon, C. P., and Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Naval history, Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Nixon, C. P.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-08-01
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 6 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England and Ontario--Ottawa
Coordinates:: 45.41117, -75.69812 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings on three audio cassettes also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: NCP_281
Fonds Title:: Hal Lawrence collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC066
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/hal-lawrence-collection
Date Digitized:: 2014-11-17
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

259. Wilson, W. A.: my Air Force recollections (August 10, and 11, 1986)

Title:: Wilson, W. A.: my Air Force recollections (August 10, and 11, 1986)
Description:: An interview/narrative of W. A. Wilson's experiences during World War II. Flight Lieutenant Wilson served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on August 10 and 11, 1986., Interviewee: Wilson, W. A., b. 1917, Rank: Flight Lieutenant. , Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, and ABSTRACT: Flight Lieut. W.A. Wilson Royal Canadian Air Force Wilson_W_0146_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Jan. 17, 1917 in Banffshire, Scotland. He was motivated to join the Air Force by the entry of Italy into the war in 1940, also because he felt that he should do his bit as his friends were doing. Volunteered for air crew. Early training in Regina. Mentions some of his courses and the value of general military training. Trained as a navigator. Overseas to Bournemouth after a very comfortable crossing of the Atlantic. Was posted to a R.A.F. Regiment training school for officers. Anecdote. Feels that R.A.F. Training Command patronized "colonials". In Sept. 1943 was posted to an operational training unit at Honeybourne where they flew "Armstrong Whitworth Whitley" aircraft. "Crewed-up" which usually took place at the local pub. (20:00) Attended a course on procedures to use if he was shot down and taken prisoner. R.C.A.F. conversion unit to four-engined aircraft. Was posted to No. 427 Bomber Squadron, R.C.A.F. Assigned an unpopular room (No. 13) in the officers' quarters with an unfortunate reputation: most occupants seemed to get shot down. Operations against the enemy most often against industrial targets in large cities, although they participated in daylight bombing of rocket sites. Frankfurt and Berlin had particularly heavy defences. Discusses navigation problems during operations. High winds posed a particularly difficult one. If wind strength was incorrectly ascertained or applied, off course and heavy casualties could result. (35:00) On June 24, 1944 was shot down during a raid on Metz, France on his twenty eighth mission. Describes control of aircraft and conditions prior to bailing out, difficulty of leaving. On the ground spent a day hiding from the Germans near an airfield. (48:00) Wilson_W_0146_02.mp3 (Side 2) Eventually tried to walk out of the area, but was captured by two Germans in a village where he was a prisoner of a Luftwaffe anti-aircraft unit which treated him well. Three days later met three others of his air crew and were driven to Brussels and placed in cells. Lunch, soup; supper, two small potatoes; breakfast, bread and coffee. Gives details of another interrogation. Train to Frankfurt where he was questioned again. Given extra clothing consisting of an assortment of cast-off Allied items. Train to Stalag Luft 3. Describes some other prisoners whom he met. (25:00) Reduced Red Cross rations in the camp. Comments on quarters, friends, sports, concerts, etc. In Jan. 1945 the prisoners were given two Red Cross parcels each and marched toward Bremen. There they were placed in a bare barracks, no beds, had to build their own stove, one water tap per building. (40:00) Moved again on Apr. 10, 1945. Lived partly in the open. He and others managed to escape from a working party. Headed west for six days, but were captured within a few miles of the Allied armies, taken to Hamburg, and placed in a small prison which held about fifteen persons. Food better after making friends with a guard. Released by the 7th Armoured Division (British). He and three friends commandeered a Mercedes and decided to drive to Belgium. (47:00) Wilson_W_0146_03.mp3 (Reel 2) Details of motor adventure. Had the Mercedes painted R.A.F. grey and, with phoney passes, started for Belgium. First night in Muenster with the American army. Bluffed their way through all the border crossings. Reported to the P.O.W. Centre in Brussels. Sold the Mercedes for forty thousand Belgian francs and for two weeks in Brussels had a great holiday. Flew back to Britain. July 1945 back in Canada. Considered himself a civilian in uniform, but the experience was worthwhile despite the hardship of the P.O.W. camps. Taught him very valuable lessons about life, camaraderie, and survival. (20:00)
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, World War (1914-1918), and Military history
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Wilson, W. A., b. 1917
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-08-10/1986-08-11
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France
Coordinates:: 46, 2
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original sound tape reels (ca. 110 min.) : 3 3/4 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: WWA_146
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:: 2009-01-13
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 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.

260. Waterman, Philip Fay: my Air Force recollections (August 18, 1986)

Title:: Waterman, Philip Fay: my Air Force recollections (August 18, 1986)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Flight Lieut. Philip Fay Waterman Royal Canadian Air Force Waterman_P_0143_01.mp3 Born on Dec. 25, 1918 in Alberta. Joined the R.C.A.F. in 1940. After the usual basic training and tour of guard duty he was accepted for pilot training. While not adapting easily to military discipline he was awarded his wings as a sergeant pilot in 1941. Posted to fighter training school. Voyage overseas was delayed in Halifax due to filthy conditions aboard the Empress of Asia. In England he had some personal difficulties with the R.A.F. attitude, prevalent in training establishments, toward those of junior rank. Sent to an operational training unit (O.T.U.) for several weeks, but ignored a posting to a bomber school. Posted to a staff-pilot school in North Wales for a six-month period where he gained much valuable flying experience. Commissioned. In 1942 sent to a Spitfire O.T.U. (Supermarine Spitfire fighters). Posted to No. 65 Squadron, R.A.F. in Cornwall where they conducted coastal patrols in low-altitude Spitfires. (30:00) Moved to Gravesend where they provided "high cover" to the U.S.A.F. (United States Air Force) for which they were issued high-altitude aircraft. In Jan. 1944 he and one other conducted a low-level attack on a German airfield near Aachen which was quite successful. Waterman_P_0143_02.mp3 On the return he was shot down near Brussels by enemy aircraft. Unfortunately Waterman was dressed in civilian clothes, except for his flight jacket, as he proposed to depart for London on leave as soon as he had returned to base. Captured by the German army, questioned by the Gestapo for ten days as they could not believe that he was not a spy, and eventually sent to the Luftwaffe interrogation unit near Frankfurt. (45:00) Transferred to Stalag Luft 3 near the Polish border. Their rations in prison camp were on the German scale of "nonworking civilian", but the weekly Red Cross parcel kept them reasonably fit. As the Russian army approached they were given two hours notice to leave camp on a forced march to the west. Waterman feels that the Germans did this in case the P.O.W.'s could be used as a future bargaining point. Eventually released by the Russian army. Stole a bicycle and in five days reached the American army on the Oder River. In Brussels on V-E Day. England. Returned to Canada where he found the readjustment to civilian life somewhat difficult for a period of a year or two. (20:00), An interview/narrative of Philip Fay Waterman's experiences during World War II. Flight Lieutenant Waterman served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on August 18, 1986., Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, Rank: Flight Lieutenant. , and Interviewee: Waterman, Philip Fay, b. 1918
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), V-E Day (1945), World War (1939-1945), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Waterman, Philip Fay, b. 1918
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1986-08-18
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:: England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312
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, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: WPF_143
Fonds Title:: Reginald Herbert Roy fonds
Fonds Identifier:: SC104
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
Date Digitized:: 2008-11-24
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 32 kHz. Digitized by HC, 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.