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)

291. Blandy, Walter Stairs: my Navy recollections (April 13, 1988)

Title:: Blandy, Walter Stairs: my Navy recollections (April 13, 1988)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Commander Walter S. Blandy Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy After two years at Victoria College Cmdr. Blandy joined the Navy as Acting Probationary Sub-Lieutenant. Sent to HMCS Chippewa (Winnipeg) then to HMCS Kings (Halifax) training new entries and learning for himself. Appointed to Fairmiles in Newfoundland, most often doing harbour patrols and the same later in Halifax. Volunteered for service in MTB's in England (October/November 1944) then to MTB 726 as navigator. Their base was at Ostend and their operational area was north of the Scheldt estuary. They were directed against German E-Boats by a destroyer out to sea. Part of his job, when morphine was given, was to pin chits to jackets of injured members of the crew. Describes his first action although as Navigating officer his position was in the chart room and he saw very little. The boat was in refit so was not involved in the fire at Ostend that destroyed a number of boats. Fairly modest action against E-boats, apparently little damage being done to either side. Comments on the camaraderie in the MTB flotilla. Gives his impressions of the excellent German boats, structurally well finished and faster than the British boats. On leave, describes London on VE day. Routine ashore in Belgium. In refit the WRENS did much of the work on the engines and with the armament. Some remarks about the captains of the MTB's, efficiency and teamwork. Returned to Canada at war's end as a passenger aboard HMCS Iroquois and applied to join the RCN. After several odd jobs was appointed to HMS Bermuda (Cruis.) in the Far East for a year's training. Comments that patriotism was a real force in war but feels that it is very much changed now (This as Blandy and Lawrence both speak)., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, Rank: Commander. , Interviewee: Blandy, Walter Stairs, and An interview/narrative of Walter Stairs Blandy's experiences during World War II. Commander Blandy served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on April 13, 1988.
Subject:: Military history, Naval history, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Blandy, Walter Stairs
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1988-04-13
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 (22 pages)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 48.4359, -123.35155
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:: transcripts, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BWS_283
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.

292. Gibbens, Gerald H.: my Air Force recollections (November 8, 1988)

Title:: Gibbens, Gerald H.: my Air Force recollections (November 8, 1988)
Description:: Interviewer: Aylward, Rick, ABSTRACT: Pilot Officer Gerald H. Gibbens Royal Canadian Air Force Gibbens_G_0073_01.mp3 Born on May 28, 1916 in Vancouver. Friends joining the air force provided him with the motivation to also join in June 1942. Manning depot in Edmonton, then general duties before being accepted for air crew (navigator). Graduated from flying training in March 1943. Overseas in Aug. of that year; navigation school in Scotland, then a month in an operational training unit at Doncaster where he "crewed -up" with a R.A.F. crew. (10:00) At No. 1567 Conversion Unit the crew converted to four-engined Short Stirling (bomber). In 1944 joined No. 214 Squadron, R.A.F. (Flying Fortresses) which were equipped to monitor German ground-to-air radio traffic. First operational flight to the Ruhr in June 1944. As navigator he rarely saw any of the outside world or was aware of any enemy action. Comments on debriefing, navigation, etc. In July 1944 his aircraft was hit by flak over Kiel, Germany and forced to return to England before reaching the target. On the night of Aug. 25/26 they were shot down by a German Junkers Ju 88 night fighter. Aircraft on fire, they bailed out. Six of the crew of ten survived, four did not. Was captured quickly, and, after a night in a local jail, taken to a German air station where his injuries were attended to, and then to Frankfurt for interrogation. Was sent to Stalag Luft 7 which seemed to be a good camp. Red Cross parcels every two weeks at that late date in the war which tended to make the food supply a little short. (25:00) Gibbens_G_0073_02.mp3 Details of camp life. In Jan. 1945 began a forced march, with little food and water, to avoid the approaching Russian army. Was liberated by the Russians toward the end of April but forced to remain in their camp until V-E Day when they managed to make contact with the American army nearby. Returned to Canada, was discharged in Sept. 1945. No problem rejoining civil life, but still thinks back to the days when hunger was a problem. Even now no longer takes food for granted. (42:00), Interviewee: Gibbens, Gerald H., b. 1916, An interview/narrative of Gerald H. Gibbens's experiences during World War II. Pilot Officer Gibbens served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on November 8, 1988., and Rank: Pilot Officer.
Keyword:: Short airplanes, Stalag III A, Bombers, World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons, German., Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Squadron, 214, Great Britain--Royal Air Force, B-17 bomber, Navigation (Aeronautics), Stalag Luft VII-A, Gibbens, Gerald H., b. 1916.--Interviews, Stalag Luft III, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Boeing bombers, Prisoner-of-war camps--Germany, Stirling (Bomber), Stalag Luft VII, Russian S.F.S.R.--Raboche-Krestiannskaia Krasnaia Armiia, Canada--RCAF Station (Edmonton, Alta.)--Initial Training School, 4, Night fighter planes, Flight navigators, Military, Canada--RCAF Station (Edmonton, Alta.)--Manning Depot, 3, Canada--Royal Canadian Air Force, and Junkers Ju-88 (Bomber)
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Great Britain. Royal Air Force, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Aylward, Rick and Gibbens, Gerald H., b. 1916
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1988-11-08
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada, Great Britain, and Germany
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258, 54.75844, -2.69531, and 51.5, 10.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound tape reel (ca. 45 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:: reminiscences, sound recordings, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: GGH_073
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:: 2007-06-06
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.

293. Dzioba, Larry A.: my Navy recollections (May 4, 1989)

Title:: Dzioba, Larry A.: my Navy recollections (May 4, 1989)
Description:: Rank: Captain. , Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, ABSTRACT: Capt. Larry A. Dzioba Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Forces (N) After passing his Officer Selection Board, Capt. Dzioba joined the RCN at Royal Roads with the entry class of 1949. Believes that his may be the first class to feel the effect of the Mainguy Report since there were a number of cadets from other than an Anglo background. At this time Royal Roads was a tri-service institution commanded by Group Captain Milroy. Little sign of any naval influence, academics being the thing. Cadets who wanted the navy went to sea in the summer. Appointed to HMCS Ontario (cruiser). Sailed for the East Coast in order to take Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh from Sydney, N.S., to St. John's, Newfoundland. While ashore at Sydney, the midshipmen misbehaved and the whole class suffered stoppage of leave for a month. One of the class was pressured into approaching the Royal couple to suggest that the Royal prerogative be used to grant clemency to all under punishment. This was not popular with the ship's Commander. However, when Princess Elizabeth went ashore it was announced that clemency had been granted. Capt. E. P. Tisdale commanded Ontario, was both firm and knowledgeable. Ontario to refit and the ten midshipmen were sent to frigates to sail south for additional training in navigation and seamanship. Comments on Officer-of-the-Watch with many others filling the bridge of Ontario and the single officer (and his midshipman assistant) in a frigate. Excellent "role-model" experience very necessary for organizing naval vessels. Hard study for their Seamanship Board which he passed in 1952 (comment here on men's dress in the 1950's - not all wished to wear "Canada" badges). As a midshipman he spent almost four months in destroyer before going to Greenwich for Sub-Lieutenant's courses. Hard work put the Canadians near the top of the class. Describes his marriage at the age of twenty to a Canadian girl and the Anglican priest at Greenwich, because he was legally under age, demanded that he obtain his parents' permission. Some comment on life at Greenwich. Moved to HMS Excellent (Whale Island) and HMS Vernon were hard work. Navigation at HMS Dryad. Academics essential but competence at sea was the bench-mark. A failure in that meant course repetition. Returned to Canada, appointed to HMCS Ontario as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1954 where they trained HMCS Venture cadets. Comments on the Venture system of training young cadets. In Ontario he found himself appointed Communications Officer - the head of a department - and with a very good staff. After six months he obtained his watch-keeping certificate. Now a Lieutenant he was sent as divisional officer to HMCS Cornwallis together with all of his original class, each in charge of about sixty new entry seamen. Anecdote of the young recruits on the station platform being told to rid themselves of all the knives, brass knuckles, liquor etc. that they were carrying or there would be no supper - and the lads were all hungry. Very effective method. The next twenty weeks of training made a vast difference to most young men - a marked change for the better. Dzioba attended the first Canadian Long Gunnery course in 1958, qualifying in 1959. After eighteen months in HMCS Kootenay (destroyer escort) went to the Long Weapons course then to HMCS Saguenay on the West Coast. In 1963 promoted to Lt. Commander and sent as an exchange officer to the RN - to the Experimental Department at Whale Island. Returned to the Canadian Gunnery School eventually taking over as the Long Weapons Officer. Unification and R/Adm Landymore, particularly the dinner organized by the Lt. Commanders for R/Adm Landymore and the mess dinner organized by the admiral - again for the Lt. Commanders at which he pointed out that the Lt. Commanders were vital to the continuation of the Navy. Returns to his time at Whale Island and how much time and effort was put into tactical development, missiles, trials etc. Questioned about the influence on the Canadian Navy by the U.S. Navy. This transition did not start until the 1970's - moving into the American style of operations, etc. particularly on the West Coast. However, the Americans did train some of our young officers in submarine operations. These officers eventually went back to the RN system and to the Perisher Course (submarine commanders' qualifying course) called Perisher's Course because so many candidates will perish - that is, fail - as many as fifty percent did! Capt. Dzioba then commanded three destroyers in short order - Algonquin, Halifax to Esquimalt to pay her off, Saguenay from Expo '67 to Halifax and into refit - and a new captain, Pat Ryan, then Terra Nova for three years as a Commander. Next to Washington as one of the Liaison Officers. Learned a great deal about the USN and the bureaucracy. Appointed to Protector (operational support ship) as a newly promoted Captain and stayed for three years. Retired after thirty-eight years of service., An interview/narrative of Captain Larry A. Dzioba's experiences whilst serving with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Forces. Interview took place on May 4, 1989., and Interviewee: Dzioba, Larry A.
Subject:: Military history, Naval history, Military cadets, and Canada. Royal Canadian Navy
Contributor:: Lawrence, Hal and Dzioba, Larry A.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1989-05-04
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
Extent:: 1 transcript (40 pages)
Geographic Coverage:: England
Coordinates:: 51.45, 0.05
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:: interviews, transcripts, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: DLA_276
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.

294. Bridgman, A. Graham: my Navy recollections (May 11, 1989)

Title:: Bridgman, A. Graham: my Navy recollections (May 11, 1989)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Arthur Graham Bridgman's experiences during World War II. Commodore Bridgman served with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Interview took place on May 11, 1989., Interviewer: Lawrence, Hal, Interviewee: Bridgman, A. Graham, ABSTRACT: Commodore (E) A. Graham Bridgman Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Cmdre. Bridgman graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the RCNVR and was sent to HMS Kings as part of the first class, graduating as an Acting Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenant (E) RCNVR. Underwent intensive study of naval engineering - boilers, turbines, auxiliary machinery, etc. Joined HMS Despatch, an elderly cruiser, suitable for only warm climates (no heating). Ship repairs necessitated a return to Chatham Dockyard where Bridgman mistakenly contacted the Canadian Naval Mission in London and was returned to Canada. Joined HMCS Quinte (minesweeper), which went aground shortly after. Appointed to another sweeper (HMCS Clayoquot) for a few months. Became Engineer Officer to HMCS Stadacona, where the appointment of junior engineer officers to ships was undertaken. In addition he was responsible for all engineering personnel at Stadacona, especially in providing boiler-cleaning parties for naval vessels and very large ships that called at Halifax, occasionally as many as 900 stokers for the largest. Administrative difficulties occurred in forwarding personnel and pay related papers when stokers were sent particularly to Royal Naval vessels. The problem lasted in some cases for years. Joined HMCS Stonetown (Frigate) as Engineer Officer and found that he had only enough experienced hands to provide for one watch. This was the cause of much juggling to provide for some measure of efficiency through all watches. Workups at HMCS Somers Isles that did little for the engineering staff. They were part of a new escort group, C-8, in Londonderry, sailing for Fort St. John's. Finished the war on convoy duty. Claims that during the war, the engineering staff never quite caught up with the demands of the new ships. On their last convoy from Londonderry they came across a submarine on the surface, sailing to the UK to surrender. He was then sent to Ottawa and in 1946 Bridgman transferred to the RCN. An early duty was to return to their original owners yachts taken over by the wartime navy, accompanied by a considerable sum of money for refurbishing. In 1947 appointed chief engineer in HMCS Haida (Dest.). Posted ashore to convert the frigate HMCS Stonetown into a weather ship. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1948. In 1950 became the senior engineer in HMCS Ontario (Cruis.) under Capt. Hugh Pullen. In July 1952 as a commander (E) was sent to Ottawa to Naval Headquarters where he became involved in ship design and remained there for the rest of his career, except for two and a half years standing by HMCS Bonaventure (Lt. fleet carrier) building in Northern Ireland and as chief engineer serving in her from early 1957 to the summer of 1958. Returned to ship design. Concerned with the new destroyer escorts. There was a great shortage of draftsmen and technicians and thus the Naval Drawing Office in Montreal was established. Through CD Howe, who pressured the shipyards to hire draftsmen in the UK and lend them to the Navy, the drawing Office eventually had a staff of two hundred and fifty. Bridgman (1970) became Commodore in charge of technical services. Recounts some of the problems (financial) in building the new ships and how the rank structure in naval engineering was affected. Later, for two years, he was the deputy chief of the Operations Research Department (Defence Research Board). Gives an account of, in 1951, carrying Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh from Quebec to Charlottetown in Ontario and accidentally pumping the bunker fuel all over the upper deck. With many brooms and buckets of diesel oil the mess was cleaned up overnight so the Royal passengers, and the press, did not hear of this near catastrophe!, and Rank: Commodore.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Naval history, Military history, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Bridgman, A. Graham and Lawrence, Hal
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1989-05-11
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/Text
Extent:: 1 transcript (36 pages)
Geographic Coverage:: Northern Ireland and Québec--Montréal
Coordinates:: 54.5, -6.5 and 45.50884, -73.58781
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, transcripts, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BAG_270
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.

295. Richardson, Clinton Argue: my Army recollections (August 1, 1989)

Title:: Richardson, Clinton Argue: my Army recollections (August 1, 1989)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Clinton Argue Richardson's experiences during World War II. Brigadier Richardson, D.S.O. served with the Calgary Regiment (14th Armoured Regiment). Interview took place in August 1989., Interviewer: Maltby, Richard Gosse, Interviewee: Richardson, Clinton Argue, b. 1908, Rank: Brigadier. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO), and ABSTRACT: Brig. Clinton Argue Richardson, D.S.O The Calgary Regiment (14th Armoured Regiment) Born on Oct. 12, 1908 and presently resides in Montreal, Que. (Transcript) Introduction. Originally joined the regiment in Red Deer Alta. and was shortly thereafter commissioned as an acting second lieutenant. The regiment "went active" in 1941. Second Lieutenant Richardson was sent to the Officer Cadet Training Unit Brockville, Ont., but after about a month he was recalled to the regiment as they were about to proceed overseas. In England he was appointed quartermaster, but had to learn the job by doing it. Regular promotions brought him to squadron commander, second-in-command, and finally commanding officer. The regiment left Camp Borden for England in June 1941 and quickly began intensive training on Salisbury Plain. Originally issued with Matilda tanks, then with the heavier Churchill tank. Soon began "infantry-cum-tank" training. In Jan. 1942 finally qualified as lieutenant while carrying on as quartermaster. Many exercises and firing practices in 1942, followed by combined operations exercises on the Isle of Wight. Carried out many experiments in waterproofing tanks. In August they were notified that they were to be part of an assault against Dieppe. As quartermaster he served in the regimental headquarters ship which was sunk, but luckily he was rescued. Due to losses in men and equipment much effort had to be made to rebuild the regiment to its previous standard. Comment that a major difficulty for the tanks at Dieppe was the seawall which was in fact higher than the one built for the pre-invasion exercises on the Isle of Wight. The rock on the beaches was discovered to be quite unsuitable for tracked vehicles. Intensive training carried out at Seaford and Worthing. The regiment, as part of the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, was inspected by the King in Feb. 1943. Issued with Canadian built Ram tanks and, short time with Sherman tanks. After intensive training with the tanks they embarked on landing ships, tank (LST's) and sailed from the Clyde to a destination only announced some time later. Landed on Sicily, July 13, 1943, but saw little action in the early stage of the invasion. Landed in Italy and quickly moved to the eastern side of the country. Advanced across the Foggia Plain and were seen in action against the Germans. Supported the 8th Indian Division. In heavy fighting the supply situation deteriorated. Mule trains were organized, sometimes moving forty miles to reach the unit. By now in command of B Squadron, counting himself fortunate that he was no longer quartermaster. In Dec. 1943 appointed second-in-command of the regiment. Experienced terrible weather in winter 1944 with the result that the tanks had to occupy static positions. At the end of Jan. they mounted two attacks, under constant shellfire, and both were repulsed. Possibly the hardest fighting occurred in May 1944 in the Liri Valley. With the 8th Indian Division they crossed the Gari River and helped break the German Gustiv Line. Advanced to the Hitler Line against heavy opposition. Many losses in tanks and men. On June 11, 1944 assumed command of the regiment. Rest and training south of Rome, then on to the attack on the Trasimeno Line. Very rough and muddy country. Outran their supplies, obtained food from civilian sources. Own tank mined and put out of communication for some time. The enemy dug in on the Arezzo Florence road and the advance was stopped. In mid-July they advanced again, in support of the 8th Indian Division to the lower Arno River, not far from Florence. Rest area, training, leave in Rome. On Aug. 25, 1944 the regiment crossed the Arno under heavy shelling and with the 1/5 Ghurka Regiment advanced as far as the enemy, the poor weather, and worse terrain permitted. As the commanding officer, he visited all the forward positions every day. The battle resolved itself into problems of supply --food and ammunition -- and the rough terrain, with the enemy as badly off. Fortunately the Canadians and the Indians retained their high morale. No real tank warfare in the mountains, rather they acted as a form of mobile artillery. Reads excerpt from the regimental war diary. Intensive training period. they ran reconnaissance, gunnery and driving schools. In Jan. 1945 in action in support of the 56th (London) Division of the 8th Army. Left Italy in March 1945 as part of Operation Goldflake, concentrating in Belgium. Much effort expended in bringing the regiment back to acceptable standards of neatness, drill, and saluting! In April they advanced on Arnhem, through there, and to much confused fighting in support of the British 49th Division. On the move continuously. By April 26 firing had stopped on their front and they realized that the war was over for them. Within a few days they were engaged in cleaning up there area, burying dead animals, opening roads, guarding German prisoners. All tanks and vehicles were freshly painted for the Victory Parade in the Hague on May 21. Subsequently they were engaged in moving prisoners from the Zuider Zee area and in practising for a great many ceremonies and parades. Anxiety to return to return to Canada and too much free time combined to produce some lack of discipline, but increased training time alleviated the problem somewhat. On May 20, 1945 all their tanks were turned into the Ordnance Corps. All key personnel were "frozen" in their jobs pending repatriation. Much sports activity together with frequently held drill sessions kept the troops busy. They began their own newspaper, The Calgary Eye-Opener. On Aug. 19, 1945 the regiment went to Dieppe for a memorial parade. In Sept. ordered to turn in all vehicles and on the 27th the remaining members started for Canada. At Calgary about two hundred, all ranks, marched through the streets to a very warm reception. Offers some statistics, including having received more than a thousand tanks from the Ordnance Corps, fought more than 400 days out of a possible 668 days in an operational theatre, and two tanks survived to complete the whole operational period. (90:00)
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Military history, Dieppe Raid (1942), World War (1939-1945), and Tanks (Military science)
Contributor:: Richardson, Clinton Argue, b. 1908 and Maltby, Richard Gosse
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1989-08-01
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Québec--Montréal and England
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312 and 45.50884, -73.58781
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original sound cassette (ca. 90 min.) : standard 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:: RCA_211
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:: 2010-09-29
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.

296. Ghosh, Olga: my wartime experiences (1990)

Title:: Ghosh, Olga: my wartime experiences (1990)
Description:: Interviewer: Winkenhower, Robert, Interviewee: Ghosh, Olga, An interview/narrative of Olga Ghosh's experiences living in Germany in the 1930s. Interview took place in 1990., and ABSTRACT: No summary available.
Subject:: Military history, Germans--Social conditions, and Germans--Social life and customs
Contributor:: Winkenhower, Robert and Ghosh, Olga
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1990
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:: One original audio cassette 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:: GO_514
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-16
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.

297. Marshall, B.: a sense of war: Canadian nursing sisters (1993)

Title:: Marshall, B.: a sense of war: Canadian nursing sisters (1993)
Description:: An interview/narrative of B. Marshall's experiences as a nurse during World War II. Interview took place in 1993., Interviewer: Sinclair, Lister, Interviewee: Marshall, B., and ABSTRACT: No summary available.
Subject:: Military history, World War (1914-1918), Personal narratives--Canadian, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Marshall, B. and Sinclair, Lister
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1993
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
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original audio cassette 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:: MB_515
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-17
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 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

298. Rowell, S. M.: my naval experiences (April 13, 1997)

Title:: Rowell, S. M.: my naval experiences (April 13, 1997)
Description:: Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, An interview/narrative of Lieutenant-Commander S. M. Rowell's naval experiences. Interview took place on April 13, 1997., Interviewee: Rowell, S. M., Rank: Lieutenant-Commander. , and ABSTRACT: No summary available.
Subject:: Military history, Naval history, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Cafferky, Shawn and Rowell, S. M.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1997-04-13
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/Sound
Extent:: 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Two original audio cassettes in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: RSM_468
Fonds Title:: Shawn Cafferky collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC353
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/shawn-cafferky-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-10
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. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2013. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

299. Blandy, W. S.: my naval experiences (April 14, 1997)

Title:: Blandy, W. S.: my naval experiences (April 14, 1997)
Description:: ABSTRACT: No summary available., Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, An interview/narrative of Commander W. S. Blandy's naval experiences. Interview took place on April 14, 1997., Rank: Commander. , and Interviewee: Blandy, W. S.
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, and Naval history
Contributor:: Blandy, W. S. and Cafferky, Shawn
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1997-04-14
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original audio cassette in Special Collections.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: BWS_460
Fonds Title:: Shawn Cafferky collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC353
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/shawn-cafferky-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-02
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.

300. Daniel, C. G. H.: my naval experiences (April 14, 1997)

Title:: Daniel, C. G. H.: my naval experiences (April 14, 1997)
Description:: Rank: Captain. , Interviewee: Daniel, C. G. H., ABSTRACT: No summary available., Interviewer: Cafferky, Shawn, and An interview/narrative of Captain C. G. H. Daniel's naval experiences. Interview took place on April 14, 1997.
Subject:: Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, and Naval history
Contributor:: Daniel, C. G. H. and Cafferky, Shawn
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 1997-04-14
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:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: One original audio cassette 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:: DCGH_461
Fonds Title:: Shawn Cafferky collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC353
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/shawn-cafferky-collection
Date Digitized:: 2013-01-02
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.