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)

501. Wilkinson, George: : my armed forces experiences (November 17, 2009)

Title:: Wilkinson, George: : my armed forces experiences (November 17, 2009)
Description:: Interviewee: Wilkinson, George, Interviewer: Hill, Ryan, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , ABSTRACT: Lieutenant-Colonel George Wilkinson Lieutenant-Colonel George Wilkinson enlisted in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light infantry in 1935 at the age of seventeen. He left Victoria with his regiment on November 17th 1939 and landed in England in December. In April 1940, following an aborted attempt to go to Norway, Wilkinson and five of his Patricia comrades volunteered for an attachment to the British Merchant Navy to man machine guns on ships operating in the North Sea. In the interview he reflects on his memories of Dunkirk (09:30) and the atmosphere in Great Britain afterwards. After being injured by a ruptured hand grenade Wilkinson joined the Provost Corps (26:00) and participated in Operation Rutter (31:30). Less than two months later he missed the Dieppe raid because he was on another assignment (37:00) and soon after was sent to an Officer Cadet Training School in England. He graduated 1st Lieutenant in February 1943 and returned to No. 2 Provost Company. The provost’s daily activities are outlined along with description of training exercises leading up to the D-Day landings (47:00-1:04:00). In 1944 Wilkinson was posted to a reinforcement battalion and landed in Normandy with that unit. In the interview he recounts his first impressions of Normandy, describes what life was like behind the front lines, and provides anecdotes about other Canadian soldiers (1:04:00-1:34:00). He goes on to mention his experiences with the 4th Canadian Armoured Division following the breakout from Caen (France) and briefly discusses fighting through Belgium and into Holland. The interview concludes with Wilkinson reflecting on what the war was like for most men (1:56:00) and on what stands out most clearly in his memory. Enlistment 00:30-01:30 Move to Great Britain 01:30-02:30 Service as a gunner with the British Merchant Navy in the North Sea 02:30-06:00 Story about trying to collect pay at the Tower of London 06:30-08:00 Recollections about aerial bombardment of England 08:00-09:30 Memories of Dunkirk 09:30-12:00 More memories of time spent with the Merchant Navy 12:00-15:00 Time off in London 15:00-21:00 Hospitalization due to exposure to mercury 21:00-23:30 Time in a holding unit- recruitment to the Provost Corps 23:30-27:00 Training exercises on the Isle of Whyte for Operation Simmer/Rutter 27:00-32:30 Delivery of documents to General Montgomery 32:30-35:00 Description of Dieppe Raid 35:00-41:00 Officer Training (O.C.T.U) 40:30-44:30 Training with the Provost Corps 44:30-46:00 Re-hospitalized 46:00-47:00 Motorbike training 47:00-49:00 Provost Operations 50:00-53:00 Description of training exercises 53:00-1:01:45 Preparation for Normandy landings 1:02:00-1:04:00 First impressions of Normandy 1:04:00-1:09:30 Acquisition of a motorbike 1:10:00-1:13:00 Remarks about other units in the war 1:13:00-1:20:00 Story about a provost P.O.W cage 1:23:00-1:25:30 Account of what a soldier would see in the summer of 1944 1:26:00-1:34:00 Memories of German aircraft 1:34:00-1:37:30 Description of field hospitals 1:37:30-1:40:00 Movement of the 4th Armoured Division 1:40:00-1:43:00 Deceased Officers Stores 1:43:00-1:44:00 Christmas 1944 1:44:30-1:47:00 Leave in Antwerp 1:50:00-1:52:00 Twenthe Canal 1:52:00-1:56:00 Reflection on what the war meant to most men 1:56:00-end, and An interview/narrative of George Wilkinson's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 17, 2009.
Keyword:: World War, 1939-1945--Medical care, Canada--Canadian Army--Provost Company, no. 2, Prisoners of war, Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Armoured Division, 4th, Naval convoys--North Sea, Dunkirk, Battle of, Dunkerque, France, 1940, Canada--Canadian Army--Leaves and furloughs, London (England)--History--Bombardment, 1940-1945, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Netherlands, Merchant marine--Great Britain, Burial, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Provost Corps, Military training camps--England--Isle of Wight, Soldiers' bodies, Disposition of, Canada--Canadian Army--Officers--Training of, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Canada--Canadian Army--Military police, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Normandy, World War, 1939-1945--Hospitals, D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Montgomery of Alamein, Bernard Law Montgomery, Viscount, 1887-1976, Wilkinson, George--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, Operation Rutter, 1942, Naval convoys--North Sea Coast (England and Scotland), Military maneuvers, War wounds, London (England)--History--Bombardment, 1940-1941, Twente Canal, Battle of, Twente,Netherlands, 1945, Dieppe Raid, 1942, and World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Belgium
Subject:: Operation Overlord, World War (1939-1945), Canada. Canadian Army, Soldiers, and Military history
Contributor:: Hill, Ryan and Wilkinson, George
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-17
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada, France--Normandy, and Great Britain
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258, 49, 0, and 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: WG_605
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:: 2009-11-17
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 48 kbps and 22 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

502. Goodman, Charles: my Army recollections (November 18, 2009)

Title:: Goodman, Charles: my Army recollections (November 18, 2009)
Description:: Interviewee: Goodman, Charles, b. 1926, Rank: Major. , An interview/narrative of Charles Goodman's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 18, 2009., Interviewer: Hill, Ryan, and ABSTRACT: Major Charles Goodman The interview conducted with Major Charles Goodman on 18 November 2009 begins with Goodman’s arrival in Great Britain in the spring of 1944. He begins his recollections by discussing how he ended up with the South Saskatchewan Regiment and describes that actions leading up to his first exposure to the front lines outside of Caen. A chronological account is given beginning with combat operations around Ifs, Verrieres, and Rocquancourt. Goodman discusses burial duty (11:00) and notes how little the private soldier was told in regards to the big picture of any given offensive. Particular focus is paid to the battle at Fôret de la Londe where the SSR’s took heavy casualties (33:00-42:00). Goodman discusses interacting with the local population in France, parading at Dieppe (44:30) in early September 1944, and his transfer to the signal platoon. Brief mention is made to clashes at the channel ports in Belgium and one particular story is told about Goodman’s use of a PIAT to deter a German tank (1:03:00). The interview then goes on to discuss skirmishes in the Reichswald forest and the difficult weather conditions that Goodman experienced in the winter of 1945 (1:32:00-1:38:00). Goodman recalls an offensive in armoured personnel carriers (1:43:00) where he ended up taking several Germans prisoners in the process. Several injuries are mentioned (1:53:20), and the interview concludes with general reflections on what stands out most clearly in Goodman’s memory of the Second World War (1:57:10-end). Arrival in Great Britain, recruited to the South Saskatchewan Regiment 00:30-02:00 Lead up to joining the regiment on the front line in Normandy 02:00-04:00 Description of duties and life around Ifs 04:00-11:00 Burial duty 11:00-13:00 Verrieres 13:00-15:00 Operation Totalize 15:00-21:00 Move towards Falaise 21:00-23:00 Friendly fire 23:00-25:00 Falaise 25:00-27:00 Brionne 27:00-30:00 Fôret de la Londe 33:00-42:00 Rouen 42:00-44:30 Dieppe (1944) / reinforcements 44:30-47:30 Channel Ports / Signal Corps 47:30-55:00 Story about dysentery 55:00-58:00 Leave 1:00:00-1:01:00 Antwerp-Turnhout Canal / PIAT usage 1:01:00-1:08:30 Lochtenberg 1:10:30-1:15:00 Close encounter with German infantry 1:15:00-1:20:30 Helping a wounded Canadian soldier 1:20:30-1:22:00 Operations in Belgium 1:20:30-1:23:30 Wounded / field hospital near Antwerp 1:23:30-1:27:30 Scheldt Estuary/ radio communications 1:27:30-1:31:00 Reichswald Forest 1:32:00-1:36:00 Christmas 1944 1:36:00-1:38:00 Offensive in Kangaroos 1:38:00-1:45:00 1:45:00-1:50:00 Liberation of a concentration camp 1:49:00-1:50:30 Groningen 1:50:30-1:53:00 Hitting a tank mine 1:53:00-1:54:00 Conclusion of the war 1:54:00-1:57:00 General reflections 1:57:00-end
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--South Saskatchewan Regiment (1936- ), Falaise Gap, Battle of, France, 1944, Kangaroo (Armoured personnel carrier), Brionne, Battle of, Brionne (Eure, France), 1944, Antwerp, Battle of, Antwerp, Belgium, 1944, Canada--Canadian Army Overseas, World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation, Canada--Canadian Army--Leaves and furloughs, World War, 1939-1945--Medical care, Mines (Military explosives), Antitank weapons, Verrières Ridge, Battle of, Caen (France), 1944, Goodman, Charles, 1926- --Interviews, Ifs, Battle of, Caen (France), 1944, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Normandy, Operation Totalize, 1944, Soldiers--Wounds and injuries--Canada, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Foret de la Londe, Battle of, Normandy (France), 1944, Reichswald, Battle of the, Germany, 1945, Canada--Canadian Army--Combat sustainability, Caen, Battle of, Caen, France, 1944, Rocquancourt, Battle of, Rocquancourt (France), 1944, Friendly fire (Military science), D-Day, 1944 (Normandy invasion), Turnhout Canal, Battle of, Antwerp, Belgium, 1944, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, Dieppe, Battle of, Dieppe, France, 1944, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Belgium, Prisoners of war, World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Scheldt River Estuary (Netherlands and Belgium), and War wounds
Subject:: Operation Overlord, Soldiers, Battle of Caen (Caen, France : 1944), Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Goodman, Charles, b. 1926 and Hill, Ryan
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-18
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: France--Normandy and Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 49, 0
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: GC_604
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:: 2009-11-18
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 48 kbps and 22 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

503. Reid, Alexander G.: my Canadian Forces recollections (November 18, 2009)

Title:: Reid, Alexander G.: my Canadian Forces recollections (November 18, 2009)
Description:: Interviewee: Reid, Alexander G., b. 1926, ABSTRACT: Padre Alexander G. Reid In this interview Padre Alexander G. Reid discusses his motivations for becoming a military chaplain, his religious and military background, and his overall military experiences. More specifically, Padre Reid discusses his thoughts on the personal characteristics that might help or inhibit a individual's success as a military chaplain; how the chaplaincy fits within, and is seen by the military as a whole; the roles and duties of a military chaplain as both an officer and a clergyman, and the relationship between these two roles; how a chaplain's beliefs as a Christian interact with and influence his/her experiences as a military chaplain and military officer; and the differences and similarities between the duties and roles of the military chaplain in peace time and during war. By drawing on personal experiences Padre Reid illuminates the multi-faceted and challenging role of the Canadian military chaplain. File 1: 0:00:00 - Introduction 0:14:00 - Civilian vs. Military Chaplain: Similarities and Differences 0:20:00 - Officer vs. Clergyman: Relative Importance of Roles 0:26:08 - Positive Sides of Having Rank? File 2: 0:05:00 - Intervention over Inappropriate Conduct? 0:07:50 - Essential Characteristics of the Successful Padre 0:12:30 - Most Important Tasks of the Padre 0:13:40 - Tasks During War 0:18:26 - Most Important Benefits of Chaplains in the Military, Interviewer: Blencoe, Jonathan, and An interview/narrative of Alexander G. Reid's experiences as a military chaplain. Interview took place on November 18, 2009.
Keyword:: Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Military chaplains--Canada, United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Chaplains, Military bases, Canadian--Germany--Soest, Armed Forces--Conduct of life, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Officers, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Officers’ Training Corps , Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Chaplaincy Service, Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, Military chaplains--Catholic Church, Canada--Canadian Army, Reid, Alexander G., 1926- --Interviews, Soest (Germany), War-- Moral and ethical aspects , Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Lahr, Germany), Military chaplains--Protestant churches., Peace--Moral and ethical aspects , War--Religious aspects, Conduct of life, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Soldiers--Conduct of life, United Nations--Armed Forces, and Peace--Religious aspects
Subject:: United Nations, Canada. Canadian Army, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, and Soldiers
Contributor:: Reid, Alexander G., b. 1926 and Blencoe, Jonathan
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-18
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:: Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (WMA) 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), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: RAG_599
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:: 2010-02-25
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

504. Sproule, Fred: my armed forces experiences (November 18, 2009)

Title:: Sproule, Fred: my armed forces experiences (November 18, 2009)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Fred Sproule's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on November 18, 2009., Interviewer: Rosberg, Tyson, ABSTRACT: Flight Lieutenant Fred Sproule Fred Sproule was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1919. As a child he was diagnosed with stenosis, a disease which had killed his older brother at birth, but an operation saved his life. In the 30’s Sproule graduated from high school and took a job at the local Bank of Canada. In 1940 tried to join the RCAF, but lacked the necessary university education, so joined the artillery instead. Later restrictions on joining the air force were lifted, and Sproule transferred in early 1941. Upon joining the air force, Sproule was sent to manning pool in Toronto; Initial Training School again in Toronto; Elementary Flying School in St. Catherine’s, Ontario; and Service Flying School in Trenton, Ontario. Sproule describes each stage of his training in detail, including: daily routines, food, living conditions, types of aircraft, first solo flight, testing, etc. Upon graduating, Sproule served for one year as an instructor in Canada, before being sent overseas to Britain. In Britain, Sproule served a short tour of duty as a fighter-bomber pilot, but was quickly transferred to the Far East where he remained until the end of the war. In the Far East, Sproule again served as a fighter-bomber pilot in the Imphal Valley, Burma. In depth discussion on typical bombing missions and techniques, Japanese advance into Burma and India, aircraft, training, and command structure; also one particularly entertaining anecdote in which Sproule provided noise distraction for bridge construction by dropping empty glass bottles over enemy positions., Interviewee: Sproule, Frederick Howard, b. 1918, and Rank: Flight Lieutenant.
Keyword:: Great Britain--Special Operations Executive--Force 136, Canada--RCAF Station (Ottawa, Ont.)--Service Flying Training School, 2, Link trainers, T-6 (Training plane), Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Squadron, 42, Canada--RCAF Station (Trenton, Ont.)--Flying Instructor School, 1, World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, Canadian, Tiger Moth (Training plane), World War, 1939-1945--Burma, Sproule, Frederick Howard (Fred), 1918- --Interviews, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Burma--History--Japanese occupation, 1942-1945, Great Britain--Army--British Indian Army--Tactical School (Pune (India)), World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Burma, World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, British, Bombing, Aerial, Canada--RCAF Station (Toronto,Ont.)--Initial Training School, 1, Canada--RCAF Station (St. Catherines, Ont.)--Elementary Flying Training School, 9, Yale (Training plane), Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Squadron, 183, Imphal, Battle of, Impha?l, India, 1944, Hurricane (Fighter plane), Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Great Britain--Royal Air Force--Squadron, 186, Canada--Canadian Army--Training Centre, A16--Canadian Infantry Training Centre (Calgary, Alta.), World War, 1939-1945--Jungle warfare, Canada--Canadian Army-- Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Canada--RCAF Station (Toronto, Ont.)--Manning Depot, 1, Typhoon (Fighter plane), World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Canadian, and Thunderbolt (Fighter plane)
Subject:: Military history, World War (1939-1945), Great Britain. Royal Air Force, and Canada. Canadian Army
Contributor:: Rosberg, Tyson and Sproule, Frederick Howard, b. 1918
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-18
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Great Britain and Canada
Coordinates:: 54.75844, -2.69531 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (WMA) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: SF_610
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:: 2007-02-07
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2007. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

505. Willbond, William: my armed forces experiences (November 18, 2009)

Title:: Willbond, William: my armed forces experiences (November 18, 2009)
Description:: Interviewee: Willbond, William, b. 1941, Interviewer: Williams, Elizabeth, ABSTRACT: Sergeant William Willbond Begins to recount his military career, but veers into a long digression on the loss of soldiers’ tax-free status. Considers this an example of politicians taking unfair advantage of young soldiers. He also begins to discuss mountain training in Chilliwack and the necessity of trusting one’s fellow-soldiers, and begins discussing an incident of severe illness, wherein he attacked two medics who tried to bathe him with water that was too hot. Briefly discusses the Russo-Chinese war in the context of his time at the China Desk between 1973 and 1976. Discusses refusing a posting that would have forced him to leave his wife and children alone in Petawawa for a year, that resulted in his leaving the Forces. After this he worked in the RCMP office in Victoria, and recalls an officer that gave him trouble over his level of education. He briefly talks about taking over the Cadet camp and hiring several civilian women to get through the piled-up paperwork. Discusses the Civil Defence infrastructure that still existed, despite being inactive, which helped with the Port Alberni Tsunami relief. His and other soldiers’ participation involved a lot of “standing around”. Discusses the pre-deployment riot-control and crowd-control training his unit went through before going to Cyprus. He talks about the feral dogs and wild children in Cyprus, which he cites as the first time he became interested in helping orphans. He also remembers that he lost one of his best friends in Cyprus, and reminisces briefly about this friendship. He then goes back to talking about his charitable actions, talking about selling all his personally-owned guns and rifles and using the proceeds to buy medical supplies and dolls for orphans. He then returns to discussing Cyprus, including an incident wherein his small friend “Rat” made a large Turkish soldier back down by chambering a round. Then he recalls all the various nicknames he and his squad-mates used to give one another, many of which were politically incorrect. [Break] He recalls an amusing incident where Canadian soldiers filled the illegal Turkish listening posts with effluvia from the latrines and then dirt, resulting in much irritation on the part of the Turks who came back to re-dig them the following night. He makes clear, however, that despite such antics, like the case where his friend chambered a round, the soldiers were always very conscious of the rules and of not escalating conflict. Discusses the use of “shows of force” to make Turks and Greeks back down from confrontations or illegal activities, and remembers how the UN troops were extremely outgunned by both sides, and thus could not rely on force. He then recalls a Major who was consistently barely on time for fall-in parades. [Break] Talking about the FLQ Crisis, wherein he was working with the Development of Integrated Logistics Programme, and briefly explains what that entails. He recalls that this was the first time he’d worked for a female boss, and recounts an amusing incident with regards to ordering personal items for those who worked in the office. He discusses the soldiers’ job of guarding politicians, and which politicians the soldiers enjoyed guarding because they allowed the soldiers to sit inside the house rather than outside in the cold Jeeps. He then talks about the misconception of the CF’s involvement in the FLQ as an Aid to Civil Power, when in fact that involvement was under the War Measures Act. He shares his anger that the soldiers involved were never recognised for their contributions. [Break] Recalls taking the support personnel on training runs for the Battle Fitness Test on the orders of the CO, and that after their training they passed the engineer units on the actual test, thanks to the CO getting the engineers drunk the night before. He opines that the rise in guidelines and rules were to do with the fact that the Canadian Forces began to lose personnel. [Break] His opinion is that the Forces’ decline has led to its lack of involvement in many potential peacekeeping missions, including the genocide in Sudan. The CF are now involved only in what he refers to as “peacemaking” missions. He then digresses into discussion of African and Arab treatment of women, and his related charitable work. When asked about his experience of Rules of Engagement, he responds that he doesn’t remember ever seeing any written down, and had only seen Daily Orders. He then discusses recommending people for medals while working with the police, and segues into the importance of recognising extraordinary efforts and how wrong it was that the soldiers involved in the FLQ Crisis were not so recognised., Rank: Sergeant. , and An interview/narrative of William Willbond's experiences during the October Crisis and the United Nations operations in Cyprus. Interview took place on November 18, 2009.
Keyword:: Mountain warfare, Rules of engagement, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Regulations, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Recruiting, enlistment, etc., Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Civil defense, Soldiers --Pay, allowances, etc.--Canada, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Military life, Women--Arab countries--Social conditions, Geneva Conventions (1949), Combat sustainability (Military science), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Medical care, Crowd control, Cyprus--Politics and government--1960-2004, United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--186, Humanitarian law, Willbond, William, 1941- --Interviews, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Pay, allowances, etc., Riot control, Military law, Canada--Canadian Forces Base (Chilliwack, B.C.), Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Soldiers--Physical fitness--Canada, Que?bec (Province)--History--October Crisis, 1970, Women--Africa--Social conditions, Civil-military relations, Soldiers--Family relationships--Canada, Civil supremacy over the military, Canada War Measures Act, Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1963, Integrated logistic support, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), and Sino-Soviet Border Conflict, 1969
Subject:: Military history, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, United Nations, Soldiers, and October Crisis (Québec (Province) : 1970)
Contributor:: Williams, Elizabeth and Willbond, William, b. 1941
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-18
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:: 5 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and Cyprus
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 35, 33
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) 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, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: WW_615
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:: 2009-11-19
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 48 kbps and 22 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

506. Yanow, Robert: my Navy recollections (November 18, 2009)

Title:: Yanow, Robert: my Navy recollections (November 18, 2009)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Robert Yanow The interview Begins with a short summary of his career up until 1962 and the start of the Cuban Missile Crisis. From here Yanow recalls his knowledge of the crisis at the time. He confesses that as a Weapons Officer aboard the HMCS Columbia, he was too busy to know very much of anything. There is also a brief discussion on the changing nature of war. Yanow continues with a description of his ship, Columbia. He describes the weapons and technology as well as the capabilities of the crew. He goes on to discuss the Soviet submarine capabilities and the ASW methods of the fleet as well as cooperation with the US Navy. The interview turns to a discussion surrounding the political situation in Canada during the crisis. He discusses the RCN’s role during the Cold War, issues of national sovereignty, the autonomy to operate outside political control, and the roles of PM Diefenbaker and Admirals Rayner and Dyer. The Interview concludes with his reflections on the way the Crisis was handled in Canada – both politically and militarily., Interviewee: Yanow, Robert, Interviewer: Pye, Andrew, An interview/narrative of Robert Yanow's recollections of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Interview took place on November 18, 2009., and Rank: Rear-Admiral.
Keyword:: Submarines (Ships)--Soviet Union, Canada--Politics and government--1945-1980, Rayner, Herbert Sharples, 1911-1976, Naval gunnery, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy--H.M.C.S. Stadacona, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Maritime Command, Cold War, Diefenbaker, John G., 1895-1979, Anti-submarine warfare--Equipment and supplies, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Maritime Forces Pacific, Yanow, Robert Demytre, 1933- --Interviews, Athabaskan III (Destroyer), Dyer, Kenneth Lloyd ("Ken"), 1915-2000, Canada--Royal Canadian Navy, United States--Navy, and Columbia II (Destroyer)
Subject:: Cold War (1945-1989), United States. Navy, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, and Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Contributor:: Pye, Andrew and Yanow, Robert
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-18
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and United States
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 39.76, -98.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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:: YR_608
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:: 2009-11-18
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

507. Kempling, James: my armed forces recollections (November 19, 2009)

Title:: Kempling, James: my armed forces recollections (November 19, 2009)
Description:: An interview/narrative of James Kempling's experiences during the October Crisis and the United Nations operation in Cyprus. Interview took place on November 19, 2009., ABSTRACT: Colonel Jim Kempling Begins with a brief overview of his military career. He attended RMC at Royal Roads and then joined the PPCLI, and did a couple brief tours with the Airborne Regiment, including a deployment to Montreal during the FLQ Crisis and a time as CO of 2 Commando, which he took to Cyprus. He recalls that early rules for missions existed, but that they were very simple and straightforward. He cites Cyprus as an example of this simplicity, recalling that both armies involved were professional and could be trusted not to shoot unless ordered to do so. His opinion is that the experience of Vietnam, where the lines were not so clear, as the inciting incident for more clearly defining rules for each individual soldier. He makes clear that individual soldiers require serious training on the rules if they are to be expected to make such complex legal and moral decisions. When asked about training in ROE, he replies that while he has had extensive training thanks to a graduate degree at RMC, his experience is atypical. He recalls that soldiers were trained in the basics of the Geneva Conventions and the Laws of Armed Conflict. Says that the potential for involvement in operations like Afghanistan was simply not considered, but that the FLQ Crisis was an “eye-opener”, with soldiers deployed in a busy urban centre in direct contact with civilians. He recalls the kind of reliance placed upon individual paratroopers’ ability to make tactical judgment calls during the FLQ Crisis. The training for the FLQ Crisis involved general crowd-control techniques, but little involvement of the lawyers to brief soldiers on the rules. Once they were deployed, the military lawyers did brief the soldiers. His opinion is that the operation was a success because of the discipline and initiative of the troops. He recalls that the most trouble that occurred was with the various police forces, and opines that the show of force made by the military prevented any real conflicts, and that the FLQ Crisis was similar to the simple peacekeeping operations of the time. Discussing the Somalia Affair, he opines that the orders given might have been fine if received by adequately trained and disciplined troops, but the soldiers lacked discipline and were not given adequate guidance from their superiors. He voices a scathing opinion of the officer in command of 2 Commando during the Somalia mission, saying that the quality of leadership in the Regiment had declined in the years prior to the mission. He does not feel that even the best ROE can have enough of an effect without good leadership to transmit it to the soldiers. His opinion is that while soldiers need to understand the rules, the first concern for soldiers under command of an NCO or officer is that they be disciplined and obedient, and contemplation of the ROE is applicable to those in command and those operating independently. In turn, his opinion is that the officers and others responsible should be held legally responsible. He discusses the importance of interpretation of orders to be simple enough for soldiers. He stresses the need for constant scenario training and refresher briefings for those involved, citing Cyprus as an example of a mission involving constant briefings on the mission. He then discusses training in more complex operations, and the ways in which training began to evolve to keep pace with the complexity of the modern battlefield. He believes that ROE are an essential framework when combined with good training and good discipline, but that they are not enough on their own., Interviewer: Williams, Elizabeth, Rank: Colonel. , and Interviewee: Kempling, James
Keyword:: Cyprus--Politics and government--1960-2004, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Operational readiness, Royal Roads Military College, Civil-military relations, Military law--Canada, Somalia--History--1991-, United Nations Operation in Somalia, Que?bec (Province)--History--October Crisis, 1970, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Regulations, Military education, Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Airborne Regiment Battle Group, Rules of engagement, Leadership, Military discipline, Basic training (Military education), United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Cyprus--History--Turkish Invasion, 1974, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--186, Kempling, James S.--Interviews, Civil defense, Somalia Affair, 1992-1997, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 1st, Military law--Codification, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Airborne Regiment, Humanitarian law, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Airborne Regiment—Commando 2, Military law, Command of troops, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Drill and tactics, Crowd control, Geneva Conventions (1949), Cyprus--History--Cyprus Crisis, 1963, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Non-commissioned officers, Somalia--Politics and government--1991-, and Canada--Canadian Army--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, October Crisis (Québec (Province) : 1970), Somalia Affair (1992-1997), United Nations, and Turkish Invasion of Cyprus (Cyprus : 1974)
Contributor:: Kempling, James and Williams, Elizabeth
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and Cyprus
Coordinates:: 35, 33 and 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: KJ_612
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:: 2009-11-20
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 48 kbps and 22 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

508. Phillips, Barry J.: my armed forces recollections (November 19, 2009)

Title:: Phillips, Barry J.: my armed forces recollections (November 19, 2009)
Description:: Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , Interviewee: Phillips, Barry J., b. 1942, ABSTRACT: Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Phillips Begins with a brief summary of his military career, starting with time in the Cadets, stating that his family has a tradition of military service. He joined the RCASC, because he wanted to fly helicopters. He was selected for the training, but failed the seeing test, and decided to join the Airborne Regiment instead. He remembers that the best leadership training he received was on the job from those he led and from senior NCOs. He worked briefly in NDHQ, though he strongly disliked deskwork. He went to the Golan Heights after promotion to Major, which he enjoyed, saying that it was “professionally demanding” since peacekeeping was at that time new to the Canadian Forces. He recalls that the hardest he ever worked was during two years as CO of a reserve unit. He was involved in the deployment of the second battalion group into Croatia on UNPROFOR, and was deployed there to take command of the Logistics support group there. In Croatia/Bosnia, he recalls how disorganised the deployment was in that there was little pre-deployment planning and the unit was constituted in-theatre, its equipment arriving later. He also remembers that the line units whose logistics he was responsible for were widely separated. He recalls the offer he was given shortly thereafter for separation from the Forces, and that it was an extremely good offer, which is why he took it. When asked, he does not recall any training on rules for firing or engagement during his officer training. When deployed to the Golan Heights, he remembers getting the rules for his deployment when he arrived in-theatre, called a “pinky briefing”, a reference to the sunburns of new arrivals, and says what rules existed by the end of his deployment were rules his unit developed. He discusses how he developed training drills for what would happen if his unit needed to abandon their base and run. He recalls that one of these drills caused a brief international incident. He also recalls the diplomatic difficulties he encountered when catering a large reception in Damascus. He remembers that UNPROFOR was an entirely new form of peacekeeping to the previous operations in the Golan Heights or Cyprus. His opinion is that the chain of command didn’t realise it in time, and made many significant mistakes in organisation when deploying the CanBats into UNPROFOR. In particular, his opinion is that the organisational issues should have been sorted out before they arrived in-theatre. He discusses how the Rules of Engagement travel down the chain of command from Ottawa to each individual unit, with each CO re-interpreting as necessary to their specific mission. He recalls that Ottawa was interfering with operations in theatre, and the confusion of having the French, who were unfamiliar with UN operating procedures, in charge of logistics. Once again, he remembers having to formulate and interpret the rules himself, and talks about making sure every soldier was adequately briefed and trained in their ROE by drilling individually. Briefly mentions hearing about the Medak Pocket incident second-hand, and opines that the Canadians involved reacted appropriately within their ROE. His opinion is that most frustration with the ROE was directed towards Ottawa’s interference with the operational units. His opinion is that so long as the troops are trained and prepared for the mission and well-briefed on the rules, then ROE are useful. He is confident in the current training and preparation of the forces, and considers the ROEs to be the underpinning of all operations., Interviewer: Williams, Elizabeth, and An interview/narrative of Barry Phillips's experiences during the United Nations operations in the Golan Heights, Cyprus and Croatia/Bosnia. Interview took place on November 19, 2009.
Keyword:: Canada--Dept. of National Defence--Headquarters, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Military life, Military law, Bosnia--History--1992-, United Nations--Security Council--Resolutions--350 (1974), United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Procurement, Canada--Canadian Army--Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Drill and tactics, Israel-Arab War, 1973, Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, Yugoslav War, 1991-1995, Israel-Arab War, 1973--Campaigns--Golan Heights, United Nations Emergency Force, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Regulations, Leadership, United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, 4, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Personal narratives, Deployment (Strategy), Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 2nd, Croatia--History--1990-, United Nations Protection Force, Bosnia--Politics and government--1992-, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry--Battalion, 2nd--Logistics Group, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Officers, Training of, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Equipment, Medak Pocket Operation, Croatia, 1993, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Operational readiness, Phillips, Barry--Interviews, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Canadian Airborne Regiment, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Non-commissioned officers, Rules of engagement, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces--Organization, Military education, and Croatia--Politics and government--1990-
Subject:: Military history, United Nations, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, United Nations Protection Force, and Yugoslav War (1991-1995)
Contributor:: Phillips, Barry J., b. 1942 and Williams, Elizabeth
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada and Cyprus
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 35, 33
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: PB_613
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:: 2009-11-20
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 48 kbps and 22 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

509. Pitts, Herb: my armed forces experiences (November 19, 2009)

Title:: Pitts, Herb: my armed forces experiences (November 19, 2009)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Herb Pitts's recollections of post-war commemoration ceremonies. Interview took place on November 19, 2009., Interviewer: Duncan, Caroline, Rank: Major-General. , Interviewee: Pitts, Herb, and ABSTRACT: Major-General Herb Pitts Major-General Herb Pitts described the commemorative events which are planned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Queen's Own Rifles, as well as the Korea Veterans Wall of Remembrance and the dedication of a cairn in the Rocky Mountains to commemorate the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.
Keyword:: Pitts, Herbert C. (Herb), 1929- --Interviews, War memorials, Korea Veterans Wall of Remembrance, Canada--Canadian Army--Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, and Canada--Canadian Army--Canadian Parachute Battalion, 1st
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Army, Military history, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Pitts, Herb and Duncan, Caroline
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-19
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (WAV) 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:: PH_602
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:: 2010-02-17
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

510. Brodeur, Nigel: my Navy recollections (November 20, 2009)

Title:: Brodeur, Nigel: my Navy recollections (November 20, 2009)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Nigel Brodeur's recollections of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Interview took place on November 20, 2009., ABSTRACT: Vice-Admiral Nigel Brodeur The interview begins with a short summary of Admiral Brodeur’s career up until 1962 and the Crisis. He talks about various training and educational experiences. Brodeur next talks about his knowledge of the crisis at the time. He speaks on the various duties of a weapons officer, relating that he was very busy due to the new ‘user-maintainer’ policy in the Navy. He goes on to talk about the so called ‘period of transition’ the navy was experiencing. This includes the merging of equipment with the USN, the complications of the 3”70 gun, and the evolution in sonar technology. Brodeur next talks about his ship the HMCS Kootenay. He goes into great technical detail about the equipment capabilities. He then reads from his Report of Service to illustrate the problems encountered with the 3”70 gun and the Gunnery Fire Control System. The interview continues in this thread touching again on the ‘user-maintainer’ policy as well as the training and experience of the crew. The interview turns to a discussion of the Soviet submarine capabilities and how they matched up against the RCN. Brodeur confesses that the Soviet’s would have come out on top in certain areas in the event of armed conflict. Brodeur continues by describing ASW tactics and cooperation with the US Navy. He goes on to describe the role of the navy during the cold war. The interview turns to an in depth discussion on the workings of variable depth sonar. In the final part of the interview, Brodeur talks about the changing nature of war and how that affected his duty. He goes on to discuss the political situation, and among other things, the conduct of Diefenbaker and Admiral Dyer., Interviewee: Brodeur, Nigel, Interviewer: Pye, Andrew, and Rank: Vice-Admiral.
Keyword:: Submarines (Ships)--Soviet Union, Terra Nova (Destroyer), Dyer, Kenneth Lloyd ("Ken"), 1915-2000, Canada--Politics and government--1945-1980, Cold War, Naval gunners, Kootenay (Destroyer), Royal Roads Military College, Canada--Canadian Armed Forces, Sonar, Diefenbaker, John G., 1895-1979, Naval gunnery, Fire control (Naval gunnery), Armed forces -- Canada -- Integration, Brodeur, Nigel David, 1932- --Interviews, United States--Navy, Anti-submarine warfare--Equipment and supplies, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, and Canada--Royal Canadian Navy
Subject:: Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, United States. Navy, and Cold War (1945-1989)
Contributor:: Pye, Andrew and Brodeur, Nigel
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2009-11-20
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: United States and Canada
Coordinates:: 60.10867, -113.64258 and 39.76, -98.5
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (MP3) 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:: BN_606
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:: 2009-11-20
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2009. Migration metadata by KD and MT.