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
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/4a7eade6-d0b7-4807-8cd2-6eb9c5a66937
Collection Details
- Items 789
- Last Updated 2025-04-01
Parent Collections (1)
Works (789)
351. Ramshaw, Betty: my wartime experiences (November 12, 2005)
- Title:
- Ramshaw, Betty: my wartime experiences (November 12, 2005)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Ramshaw, Betty, ABSTRACT: Betty Ramshaw Tape 1 Side 1 000 Daughter born 1949, Son born 1952, Second son 1962 Was 14 when war broke out Evacuated from London with brother - worked in a home - went to a second home after 1 month - mother came to find them Children used as labour 095 Lived in London during the bombing Tube shelter, Air Raid shelter 160 Worked from 14-16 at random jobs. When 16 was directed to work. Worked in two factory making uniforms Contributed to family income Clothes rationing 211 Met husband at a dance after war was over (when she was 20) Family reaction to future husband Societal perception of Canadians versus Americans 252 Wedding was 8 weeks after meeting Rationing at ceremony - family/friends helped Description of church Got supplies from black market 307 Marriage with Canadians - permission, waiting period, militaries dependent allowance 327 Family's reaction to marrying a Canadian/moving to Canada Community perception to marrying a Canadian Ideas of Canada before arrival 377 Arrival in Canada - July 26 1946 - 5 days on the Aquatania Conditions on the train before and after Winnipeg Feelings of grief on the ship Experience of departure from family in Britain Tape 1 Side 2 000 Packing for Canada - Wedding presents Landing at Pier 21 Journey on the train 070 Perceptions of Canada before arrival 100 Reunion with husband Experience of eating without rations Arrival in Nokomis - family reception Differences between Canada and Britain First reaction to life in rural Saskatchewan Living without electricity and telephone 193 Feelings of desperation/loneliness - suicidal thoughts Community/other war brides 228 Highway grading as income Learning to live in Canada Moved in with another family due to poverty Reception from in-laws Family arrived in 1947 (Mother and 2 brothers) Got brother job at Underwood 299 Gender inequality in the family due to the era she was raised in Having children and losing children Return to Britain 400 Reunion with fellow factory workers Tape 2 Side 1 000 Recitation of written story by Betty Ramshaw at her request, Interviewer: Nielsen, Alyssum, and An interview/narrative of Betty Ramshaw's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 12, 2005.
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, and World War (1914-1918)
- Contributor:
- Nielsen, Alyssum and Ramshaw, Betty
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-12
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 3 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Manitoba--Winnipeg and England--London
- Coordinates:
- 49.8844, -97.14704 and 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- reminiscences, sound recordings, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- RB_530
- 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:
- 2012-08-01
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
352. Puetter, Dietrich B.: my Luftwaffe recollections (November 13, 2005)
- Title:
- Puetter, Dietrich B.: my Luftwaffe recollections (November 13, 2005)
- Description:
- Rank: Oberleutnant. , An interview/narrative of Dietrich B. Puetter's experiences during World War II as a prisoner of war. Oberleutnant Puetter served with the Luftwaffe. Interview took place on November 13, 2005., ABSTRACT: Oberleutnant Dietrich B. Puetter (Tape 1, Side 1) 000 Introduction and background. 040 Effect of news that England had declared war on Germany. Puetter's shock that the English could do such a thing to Germany who were Anglophile and posed no threat to England. Hitler did not want to conquer the world but Germany did not have enough land and economic resources to support the people of Germany, therefore expansion was necessary for economic reasons. 050 Details of being shot down by the Russians, capture and initial treatment, taken to Woronesh. 120 Interrogations. 140 Transportation to the Lubyanka prison in Moscow and interrogation/torture. Weight loss from 180 lbs down to 88 lbs. 230 Escapes from the camps. 260 Help along the way and determination to survive, Block VI and the 200 men who comprised the "best of the best." 300 Formality of camp life - comradeship and friendships formed that lasted until death. 320 Block VI incident of the beams used for firewood and the ensuing Russian confusion followed by reprisals. (Church March of Jelabuga) 350 Hunger strike and the significance of this for the Russians (fear of Moscow), bribery and corruption within the camp and the loss of rations to those in charge. 430 ANTIFA and their effect on camp life (Tape 1, Side 2) 000 ANTIFA (continued) - men who were bought by "an extra portion of bread." 020 Death was preferable to treason to most German prisoners. 040 Daily conditions in the camp. Food ration, kasha. 080 Humour - the story of the stealing of oak doors from a heavily guarded plywood factory for the benefit of the Commandant's new house. This event resulted in two days off with double rations. 140 The greatest need - FOOD. Starvation and cold were the driving forces in camp life. Discussion about the difference between courage and bravery. Courage is an enduring quality that enables a man to overcome his own fears. 230 The Allies changed Germany forever, they stamped out German pride and re-educated the people so that they believed that "black was white and white was black." Not everything in the history books is true. Puetter gives the illustration of the Katyn Forest Massacre of Polish officers which was committed by the Russians but was blamed on the Germans who were consequently hanged after the Nuremberg Trials., Interviewee: Puetter, Dietrich B., and Interviewer: Goertzen, Judith
- Subject:
- Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
- Contributor:
- Goertzen, Judith and Puetter, Dietrich B.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-13
- 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:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Germany and England
- Coordinates:
- 51.5, 10.5 and 52.16045, -0.70312
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- sound recordings, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- PDB_529
- 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:
- 2012-07-31
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
353. Brodeur, Nigel: my Navy recollections (November 15, 2005)
- Title:
- Brodeur, Nigel: my Navy recollections (November 15, 2005)
- Description:
- Rank: Admiral. , An interview/narrative of Admiral Nigel Brodeur's experiences as a weapons officer aboard the HMCS Kootenay in the early 1960s. Interview took place on November 15, 2005., ABSTRACT: Admiral Nigel Brodeur Interview with Admiral Brodeur covers his time as a Weapons Officer aboard the HMCS Kootenay, in the early 1960's. Admiral Brodeur covers the anti-submarine warfare training that he received in England, and the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Admiral Brodeur talks about early US-Canada relations and the importance of Canada's role in NORAD., Interviewee: Brodeur, Nigel, and Interviewer: Bowen, Sarah
- Subject:
- North American Aerospace Defense Command, Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Bowen, Sarah and Brodeur, Nigel
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-15
- 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:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
- Archival Item Identifier:
- BN_519
- 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:
- 2012-07-17
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
354. Everard, Jean: my Air Force recollections (November 15, 2005)
- Title:
- Everard, Jean: my Air Force recollections (November 15, 2005)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Jean Everard's experiences whilst serving in the Air Force Reserves. Interview took place on November 15, 2005., ABSTRACT: Jean Everard Jean joined the air force as a nurse to obtain a post secondary education. She received her BA of nursing while serving in the air force reserves in 1950. Jean was first exposed to the military service during her one and half years as a civilian nurse on the NATO base in Melville (Marville?), France. Jean and Her husband, a former air force pilot, traveled around Southeast Asia after their time in the service. Jean discusses her motivations and her experience as a woman in the Canadian Military., Interviewee: Everard, Jean, and Interviewer: Genest, Natalie
- Subject:
- Military nursing, Military history, and Women soldiers
- Contributor:
- Genest, Natalie and Everard, Jean
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-15
- 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:
- France--Marville
- Coordinates:
- 49.45215, 5.45486
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
- Archival Item Identifier:
- EJ_524
- 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:
- 2012-07-25
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
355. Wilkes, Sylvia: my wartime experiences (November 16, 2005)
- Title:
- Wilkes, Sylvia: my wartime experiences (November 16, 2005)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Nielsen, Alyssum, ABSTRACT: Sylvia Wilkes Tape 1 Side 1 000 13 years old when World War II broke out Met husband when she was 16 (he was 24) at a train station Got married in 1945 071 Wedding - rationing of food and clothing 090 Permission for wedding from commanding officer, waiting period, screening process (blood tests) 118 Families reaction to husband Community's reaction to marrying a Canadian 136 Wartime censorship (Letters) End of war - Husband was wounded but she wasn't notified because she wasn't married 169 First child born in 1946 Moving to Canada - husband wanted to stay in England Came over with child (5 month old son) Sense of community on board the ship Adjusting to life in Canada 301 Differences between life in Britain and Canada - sense of excitement Domestic Responsibilities Son had to live in a sanatorium for 2 years after he was diagnosed with TB at 5 months Worked in the sanatorium - first in kitchen and then delivering supplies Living conditions in rural Saskatchewan Living conditions in sanatorium - restrictions Tape 1 Side 2 000 Second son born in 1951 after one miscarriage - miscarried after collapsing Had 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl) Third child died at 43 of cancer 062 Experience of living with in-laws Differences of shopping in Canada and Britain 092 Community interaction Many other war brides in her community 116 War Brides on Reserves 137 Connection to Canada - doesn't identify with Britain Experience of returning to Britain 160 Applying for immigration Citizenship and being a War Bride 219 War Bride association - Gloria Brock Association began after children had grown up 255 Working in the land army - started at 17 - joined because she was interested in animals Training helped with life in Saskatchewan Duties included milking cows, culling milk, grain/hay, thrashing, pigs, chickens Worked alone on the farm Denied metal for war effort Owner was a butcher Other women had to join the forces or work in a munitions factory Societal change towards women and employment Sense of duty - contribution to the war effort 327 Working women Empowerment of the women from the war generation 354 Bombing during the war - air raid shelters Doodle bugs and spit fires Sense of disillusionment of war, Interviewee: Wilkes, Sylvia, and An interview/narrative of Sylvia Wilkes's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 16, 2005.
- Subject:
- Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
- Contributor:
- Nielsen, Alyssum and Wilkes, Sylvia
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-16
- 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:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- WS_533
- 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:
- 2012-08-03
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
356. LeReverend, Alfred H.: my Army recollections (November 17, 2005)
- Title:
- LeReverend, Alfred H.: my Army recollections (November 17, 2005)
- Description:
- Rank: Private. , Interviewee: LeReverend, Alfred H., Interviewer: Goertzen, Judith, ABSTRACT: Private Alfred LeReverend (Tape 1, Side 1) (000) Introduction and background. Description of his deception of the Canadian government and being able to go to war even though he was only sixteen at the time. (050) Discussion of 'the line" and the difference in people who served there. (120) Description of last mission prior to capture - had taken Esschen on the Belgium/Holland border and were waiting for reinforcements. October 24, 1944 attack ordered and foray started via a turnip field. (180) Treatment of German POWs was not "with kid gloves," LeReverend states that they were thoroughly searched and treated roughly. (250) Surrender of Canadian infantry to German forces - Germans were tolerant and did not mistreat the Canadian prisoners in any way. LeReverend describes the condition of the First Field Dressing station at Dortrecht, Holland that the Germans took him to and the mantle of guilt he experienced in seeing the German wounded. He was treated very well and given surgical priority. He also had the best meal he had received since leaving Canada. (320) Transportation by 'forty and eights' to Lingen. From there to Stalag XIB. His personal number was 119584. Hunger and diet - details of German provisions to prisoners. (400) Escape with Herbert Honsberger of Beamsville, Ontario. Escaped to get out of "the march" and what it entailed. (Tape 1, Side 2) (000) Starvation. The only joy was in finding a farmhouse and pilfering a tin of asparagus and watching a herd of deer who exemplified life and the "most marvellous thing [he] had ever seen." (100) Realization that the panzers on the road were going the wrong way, LeReverend decides to investigate and find out why. Extreme emotion after 60 years on finding a Sherman tank in the ditch guarded by Americans. (160) The end of the war and the personal consequences. Return to Canada and the difficulties of adjusting to still being a "teenager.", and An interview/narrative of Alfred LeReverend's experiences during World War II as a prisoner of war. Private LeReverend served with the Canadian Army. Interview took place on November 17, 2005.
- Subject:
- Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1939-1945), World War (1914-1918), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Goertzen, Judith and LeReverend, Alfred H.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-17
- 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:
- Belgium, Netherlands, Germany--Lingen (Lower Saxony), and Canada
- Coordinates:
- 52.25, 5.75, 50.75, 4.5, 52.52143, 7.31845, and 60.10867, -113.64258
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- LAH_528
- 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:
- 2012-07-31
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
357. Leir, Richard H.: my Naval experiences (November 17, 2005)
- Title:
- Leir, Richard H.: my Naval experiences (November 17, 2005)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Richard Hugh Leir's experiences during World War II as a prisoner of war. Rear-Admiral Leir served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on November 17, 2005., Interviewer: Goertzen, Judith, Rank: Rear Admiral. , ABSTRACT: Rear Admiral Richard Leir (Tape 1, Side 1) (000) Introduction and background, beginning as a midshipman. Training in Dartmouth Royal Naval College, England. Went to sea in 1940 in HMS Nelson which included Australians, New Zealanders and Royal Indians because the British fleet were the only ones with ships large enough for this kind of training. Joined the HMS Prince of Wales which helped sink the Bismarck. Traveled to the Mediterranean and saw some action. In 1941 was sent to Far East to fight against the Japanese. Ship was sunk and Leir was sent to Singapore where he was picked up to serve with the cruiser 'Exeter.' (060) Battle of the Java Sea and the sinking of the Exeter. Debate over the sharks or the Japanese. Leir chooses the Japanese and finds their treatment of him to be good on board the rescue ship. Because of his Canadian skills as a forester he is elected 'Gunkan' meaning "battleship, or leader." Leir was required to lead over 50 men who were not only older than him but of higher serving station. Stay of one and one-half years at a camp on Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes. Talks about the very high rate of disease and the fact that the mosquitoes, for some reason, did not bite him. Others suffered horribly from disease. Worked in a nickel mine until it was bombed by Allied Forces. (160) Sumatra. Leir worked in a fuel refinery which was also blown up by the Allied Forces and describes his journey home after the war ended. Awarded the Memorial Cross by the Canadian government who thought he had died when the Exeter went down. (Tape 1, Side 2) (000) Description of the events surrounding the award of the Memorial Cross and more description of POW life on Sulawesi including Leir's explanation of why some survived when others did not. (120) Escape attempts and Japanese brutality. Also an in-depth description of the main focus of all POWs: FOOD. Funny anecdotal stories about extra rations (bats and bananas) and the consumption of Castor oil that was supposed to be for fuelling engines. Continuation of his career and service of 41 years eventually making Rear-Admiral., and Interviewee: Leir, Richard H.
- Subject:
- Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, World War (1914-1918), Naval history, World War (1939-1945), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Goertzen, Judith and Leir, Richard H.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-17
- 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:
- Japan and England
- Coordinates:
- 52.16045, -0.70312 and 35.68536, 139.75309
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- interviews, reminiscences, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- LRH_527
- 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:
- 2012-07-30
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
358. McClean, Douglas J.: my Naval experiences (November 18, 2005)
- Title:
- McClean, Douglas J.: my Naval experiences (November 18, 2005)
- Description:
- Rank: Commodore. , Interviewee: McClean, Douglas J., An interview/narrative of Douglas McClean's experiences during the Gulf War. Commodore McClean served with the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. Interview took place on November 18, 2005., Interviewer: Walton, Louise, and ABSTRACT: Commodore Douglas McClean Side One 000 - Background 005 - Duties and Responsibilities in the summer of 1990 010 - First heard he and his ship were going to the Persian Gulf was when Rear-Admiral Summers told him 020 - His family was surprised because his ship was supposed to leave for NATO exercise the next month 040 - Had to tell his crew; he hadn't even met his crew yet at this time because he had just returned from US posting 080 - Crew grew from 250 - 450; this was to accommodate the extra flight crews, the weapons techs, and the army 110- Can't remember if they left Halifax with media but positive they joined in Gibraltar 130 - Key obstacles to deploying; fitting new systems (didn't even have a Weapons Officer as a tanker); storing ship; torpedoes had to be removed and every spare Sea Sparrow in Canada loaded on 170 - 34 foot draft when finally left Halifax; the highest ever; not even calculated in Ship's Book 180 - Work Up on the way to the Gulf; new crew (most not navy) and new equipment 220 - Work Ups was a steep learning curve for the Sea Trainers as well 240 - What the patrols in the Persian Gulf entailed - average of 3 RAS per day 250 - The ship served as an interim airport for other allied helicopters on route through Gulf (hot fuelling) 270 - Arrivals from Canada arrived on PROTECTEUR first to be sorted and distributed 275 - Ship carried everything 4 destroyers needed for 3 months; 'was like a Canadian Tire & Super Store combined' Side Two 000 - How often the mail came from Canada; started out a trickle and became flood 010 - Lots of letters from average Canadians; school kids, mothers, 020 - Companies got into it by sending things like pizza for the whole crew, lobster for Christmas 070 - PROTECTEUR's ability to communicate with other ships in the Gulf 080 - Crew rotation because the families had been promised the ships would be back in six months 090 - UN Resolution made 15 Jan '01 deadline for military action to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait 100 - Crew rotation to happen on 10 Jan '91; a poor operational choice 110 - Christmas Eve Vice Admiral George came to see him in his came on the ship to say rotation would happen 130 - McClean did not agree the rotation was necessary; Rear Admiral Summers also did not want rotation 150 - Upon return to Halifax McClean found that he had been right that the families would have understood if the ships had stayed longer 160 - Took over PROSERVER because its crew was now onboard PROTECTEUR 180 - Only reason navy had done so well was because it encouraged free thinking at all rank levels, unlike allies
- Subject:
- Persian Gulf War (1991), Military history, and Canada. Canadian Armed Forces. Maritime Command
- Contributor:
- Walton, Louise and McClean, Douglas J.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-18
- 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:
- Nova Scotia--Halifax and Middle East
- Coordinates:
- 33.13906, 35.85869 and 44.6464, -63.57291
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- MDJ_535
- 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:
- 2012-08-09
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
359. Taylor, Edith: my wartime experiences (November 18, 2005)
- Title:
- Taylor, Edith: my wartime experiences (November 18, 2005)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Nielsen, Alyssum, Interviewee: Taylor, Edith, ABSTRACT: Edith Taylor Tape 1 Side 1 000 Was 16 when World War II broke out Joined the air force Worked as an instrument repairer 062 Met future husband Ken - first dated his best friend Carl but he was killed Ken returned to Canada when his father was killed. When he was at home the war ended. Edith and Ken were married in Canada 084 Bombing raids, fires, destruction, air raid shelters, living in the tube station Wartime rations, food, and shopping explained 177 Experience in the Air force - living quarters, inspections, conditions, uniforms, rules, and atmosphere Rebellion in the air force - selling parts of uniform, drinking, meeting men after curfew Punishment - confined to camp - working in the kitchen 296 Gender inequality in the air force - male resentment towards females - division of labour along gender lines 307 Experience of meeting future husband Ken Thoughts of their future together in Canada Realities of the experience of living in Canada (Maythorp, Alberta) 323 Reaction of community to a British war bride Life in rural Alberta - domestic responsibilities Differences between life in Canada and life in Britain Learning to live in Canada 400 Farm education - attending lectures Tape 1 Side 2 000 Problems with rural life Experience of being pregnant in rural Alberta in mud season. Walking barefoot and 8 months pregnant the last mile to town. Near death experience with childbirth - 16 days in hospital Next child was much more successful Had 5 children between 1949 and 1964 112 Arrival in Canada - flew First experience without food rationing - meat, cheese, butter, fruit Wedding in Canada Ideas of moving to Canada 196 Family's reaction to future husband Feelings about Canadian's in Britain during the war Feelings about American's in Britain during the war 236 First reaction to Canada Honeymoon in Jasper 253 First home in Canada - granary with lean-to - animals had been leaving there previously House fire in 1962 - Party telephone lines, community help Building a house *Interview interruption* 358 War brides who married First Nations men, war brides who came to Canada for married men 369 Husband's (Ken) experience with plane crashes during the war 386 Going back to Britain for the first time - very different than she remembered Tape 2 Side 1 000 Husband's death - car explosion Last memories of husband Death of 19-year old son in car accident Death of Daughter Marie 089 Went back to school after husband's death 128 Moving to Victoria End - 166, and An interview/narrative of Edith Taylor's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 18, 2005.
- Subject:
- Military history, World War (1914-1918), Personal narratives--Canadian, and World War (1939-1945)
- Contributor:
- Nielsen, Alyssum and Taylor, Edith
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-18
- 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:
- 3 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- TE_532
- 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:
- 2012-08-03
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
360. Clark, Ernest: my Militia recollections (November 19, and 23, 2005)
- Title:
- Clark, Ernest: my Militia recollections (November 19, and 23, 2005)
- Description:
- Rank: Lance Corporal. , ABSTRACT: Lance Corporal Ernest Clark Interview with Ernest Clark, Coast Salish Aboriginal Veteran. Was mandatory for all youth in Junior High School to join Cadets. Went to school in Chilliwack. Lived on farm. Then went to militia. Stationed at Abbotsford airport. Trained at Camp Wainright, Alberta (aka: the swamps). Followed by Camp Borden, Ontario. Tried to follow in father's footsteps and join underage, but was caught. Father used name of deceased individual to join underage. Family never discussed military service, topic was taboo. Father revealed identity 50 years later and was reunited with family, previously listed as MIA. Ernest's sister also served in WWII. Ernest was once president of Aboriginal Veterans Association. Has worked as Director of Human Rights Coalition, Race Relations, Vancouver Island Memorial Society and the BC Memorial Society. Involved in Save On Foods Centre Memorial Wall Committee. This year (2005) presented Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo with beaded aboriginal poppy to start off remembrance week. Was chairman of memorial committee for cenotaph in Langford. University Of Victoria Alumni. Certificate in the Administration of Aboriginal Government. (May 1992) Was featured in President's Annual Report. Also attended First Nations Tribal Justice Institute. Discusses family History of Sumas First Nation. Discusses Great Grandmother Indian Princess Mary Shishofka. Discusses how mother protected her children from attending Residential School by relocating them to Victoria. 000 - Started with cubs and scouts 015 - Standing orders for driving truck and tanks 026 - Military family history 034 - Father enlisting underage under other man's name 057 - Father enlisted because brothers had enlisted 100 - Veterans Memorial Wall at Save On Foods Centre 142 - Graduated UVic 1992 190 - Discussion of Coast Salish Territory 250 - WWII Vets from his reserve: Kenneth Ned, Fred Kelly, Ed Kelly, Ernie Eggery (sp?) 275 - Mother relocated family to Victoria to avoid children going into residential school 300 - Memories of travelling with Militia 400 - Side A ends 000 - Memories of graduating from UVic as Aboriginal Class 030 - discussion of employment history after military 050 - discussion of racism 100 - First Nations cleansing ceremony at Police academy 165 - End Tape. (Second Interview) Interview with Ernest Clark, Coast Salish Aboriginal Veteran. Found first trip to Camp Borden quite traumatic. Used to travel to US for Winter ceremonies (banned in Canada.) Mandatory to belong to Cadets in Grad 7,8,9. Hard discipline. Family ran farm. Did basic training in Abbotsford. 001 - Leaving reserve traumatic to go Camp Borden 010 - Travelled to US to berry pick, hop pick and attend longhouse 020 - Cadets at school 035 - Impact of having very small world, don't travel. 50 miles to Vancouver, never travelled before 040 - Farm Life 050 - Did basic training in Abbotsford 065 - Describes troubled Sergeant 075 - Discusses silence of family members about military service 100 - Forged dad signature on enlistment papers 160 - Didn't know about benefits for dependants of veterans 191 - Ocean Pointe pole raising with Prince Edward 335 - End Tape Side A, Interviewer: Wood, Jessica, An interview/narrative of Lance Corporal Ernest Clark's experiences whilst serving in the Militia. Interview took place on November 19 and 23, 2005., and Interviewee: Clark, Ernest
- Subject:
- Military cadets, Tanks (Military science), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Wood, Jessica and Clark, Ernest
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2005-11-19/2005-11-20
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 3 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Original sound recording on audio cassette also available.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- sound recordings, reminiscences, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- CE_540
- 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:
- 2012-08-20
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2012. Migration metadata by KD and MT.