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)

671. Drent, Jan: my experience as Canadian naval attaché in Moscow, Finland and Poland (March 21, 2014)

Title:: Drent, Jan: my experience as Canadian naval attaché in Moscow, Finland and Poland (March 21, 2014)
Description:: Interviewer: Taylor, Sarah, ABSTRACT: Narrator: Drent, Jan, 1935- Title My experience as Canadian naval attaché in Moscow, Finland and Poland. Interviewer:. Interviewed by Sarah Taylor Extent 1 Sound recording (AIFF Format Sound) 1:27:33, 885 MB Interview Date and Location 21 March 2014, Victoria BC. Synopsis Commodore Jan Drent’s interview begins with a description of growing up in California and his family history followed by his post-secondary education and enlistment in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. This is followed by a description of his naval training, and subsequent postings, the first being HMCS Iroquois in 1955. Commodore Drent then describes his time at the Canadian Forces Language school, where he underwent training along with his spouse after being selected to go to Moscow as a naval attaché. He details the importance of good relationships with the attachés of other countries, and the travel restrictions and surveillance methods imposed on attachés by the Soviet Union. He also talks about interactions with civilians in Moscow, and while travelling as well as the civilian staff employed at the Canadian embassy. Commodore Drent then discusses his relationship with Soviet Liaison Officers and the impact of Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to the Soviet Union. He also provides recollections of the first official Canadian naval visit to the Soviet Union in 1976. Commodore Drent then discusses his experience in Poland where he was accredited on his second posting to Moscow, as well as his participation in the 1978 Naval Conference held in Finland. Finally Commodore Drent reflects on the perceived effect becoming a naval attaché would have on his career and discusses the importance of having a Naval attaché in Moscow. Log. 0:00 – 6:30 – Background, family history, education, enlistment in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, training and motivations for enlisting. 7:22 – 11:52- Summary of training and postings post-graduation. 11:53 – 22:45 – Appointment and training for naval attaché position in Moscow, including feelings about the effect on future career, training at the Canadian Forces Language School, expectations of spouse. 22:46 – 28:33 - Previous experience with USSR, role of attachés, Kurile Islands, relationships with the attachés of other countries, comparison of duties. 28:34 – 40:09 - Restrictions on travel within the Soviet Union, surveillance on trips, interactions with civilians. 40:10 – 43:22 - Russian employees and Canadian civilian employees at the embassy, comparison of duties between civilians and military attachés. 43:23 – 48:42 - A typical day in Moscow, Canadian Club, bugs in the embassy and counter measures. 48:43 – 59:43- Relationship with the Soviet Liaison Officers, visit by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, difficulty receiving answers to questions, seizure of camera by KGB. 59:44 – 1:03:57 - Working on staff of Royal Navy staff college, Canadian Naval visit to Leningrad. 1:03:58 – 1:15:09 - Second posting as Naval attaché in Moscow in 1977, experience in Finland and Poland, comparisons between the experience in Poland and Moscow. 1:15:10 – 1:22:14 - Served as aid to Admiral for 1978 Navy Conference in Finland, other memorable events as a naval attaché. 1:22:15 – 1:27:33 - Effect on career of becoming a naval attaché, return to the Soviet Union, discussion on the importance of having a naval attaché in Moscow. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 1:00:35 – 1:03:57 – First official Canadian Naval visit to Leningrad in 1976. 1:15:10 – 1:22:14 – 1978 Navy Conference in Finland, first time the senior West German officer met his East German counterpart. Subject Key Words Naval Attaché, Soviet Union, Poland, Finland, Canadian Forces Language School, Soviet Liaison Officers, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Navy Conference in Finland, Canadian Naval visit to Leningrad, Russian civilians, interaction with; surveillance, Canadian Embassy in Moscow, naval attaché, duties of; naval attaché, importance of., Interviewee: Drent, Jan, An interview/narrative of Commodore Jan Drent's experience as Canadian naval attaché in Moscow, Finland and Poland. Interview took place on March 21, 2014., and Rank: Commodore.
Subject:: Naval history, Personal narratives--Canadian, and Military history
Contributor:: Drent, Jan and Taylor, Sarah
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2014-03-21
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (AIFF) 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, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: DJ_809
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:: 2014-03-21
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 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 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

672. Stubbington, Darrell Allan: my Afghanistan experiences (March 5, 2015)

Title:: Stubbington, Darrell Allan: my Afghanistan experiences (March 5, 2015)
Description:: Interviewer: Dale, Diana, Interviewee: Stubbington, Darrell Allan, 1978-, Rank: Lieutenant. , An interview/narrative of Darrell Allan Stubbington's experiences during the War in Afghanistan. Lieutenant Stubbington served with the Canadian Forces. Interview took place on March 5, 2015., and ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Stubbington, Darrell Allan, 1978 - Interviewer: Interviewed by Diana Dale Extent: 1 sound recording 1:34:29 137.4 MB Interview Date and Location: 5 March 2015 Veterans Affairs Office, Victoria, B.C. Synopsis: 0:00 - 0:21 - Opening narratives 0:22 – 1:47 – Joining the army cadet program and then the Canadian Forces 1:48 – 4:59 – Timeline of his career with the 3 branches of the CF 5:00 - 6:03 – Timeline of his deployment 6:04 – 9:44 - The opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan and decision to go 9:45 – 12:12 – Training for deployment 12:13 – 14:32 – Thoughts on effectiveness of the training and lack of proper equipment 14:32 – 15:36 – Influence of his deployment on subsequent training groups 15:37 – 19:49 – First impressions of Afghanistan 19:50 – 21:54 0 Location and base within Afghanistan 21:55 - 24:14 – Primary task of assistance and as artillery gunners in Afghanistan 24:15 – 25:59 – Secondary task of training the Afghan National Army (ANA) 26:00 – 29:20 – Explanation of the M777 29:21 – 30:22 – Operating without full equipment 30:23 – 34:04 – Training on the new equipment 34:05 – 37:13 – Effect of new artillery on combat capabilities 37:14 – 40:56 – Negative effect of new artillery on combat capabilities 40:57 – 42: 46 – New and innovative qualities of the artillery 42:47 – 44:03 – Thoughts on lack of infantry support 44:04 – 50:24 – The 24th of May; Credible threat to Canadian Forces; Legal issues arising from the Geneva Convention and the Law of Armed; Conflict 50:25 – 51:16 – Location of infantry in relation to the artillery 51:17 – 53:07 – Role in Operation Mountain Thrust 53:08 – 1:07:24 – The Battle of Panjwaii 1:07:25 – 1:09:29– The relationship between Canadian Forces and Afghan civilians 1:09:30 – 1:16:20 – The 17th May 2006; The death of Nichola Goddard 1:16:21 – 1:19:35 – The role of female combat soldiers 1:19:36 – 1:21:00 – Role as spokesperson for A Battery 1 Royal Battalion 1:21:00 – 1:22:52 – Interview with Peter Mansbridge for the National 1:22:53 – 1:27:41 – Death of Bbr. Myles Mansell; His relationship with Bbr. Mansell 1:27:42 - 1:30:12 – Transition back into life in Canada 1:30:13 – 1:31:25 – Thoughts on returning to Afghanistan 1:31:26 – 1:32:19 – Evaluation of Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan 1:32:20 – 1:34:29 - Closing narratives Suggested Clips for Archive: 44:04 – 50:24 – The 24th of May 53:08 – 1:07:24 – The Battle of Panjwaii 1:21:00 – 1:22:52 – Interview with Peter Mansbridge for the National Subject Key Words: Myles Mansell, Nichola Goddard, Panjwaii, Howitzer, the White School, 5th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Aircraft Structures Technician, CFB Borden, CFB Shilo, Training Development Officer, Task Force 1-06, Task Force Orion, Operation Enduring Freedom, NATO, ISAF, Detachment Commander, work-ups, Petawawa, KAF, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, A Battery, Lt. Colonel Ian Hope, ANA, BAE, M777, Digital Gun Management System, Fort Sil, Bearer Party Commander, mortars, Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA), the Geneva Convention, Law of Armed Conflict, Operation Mountain Thrust, Al Qaida, LAV, IED, the White School, Sergeant Vaughan Ingram, Corporal Bryce Keller, Private Kevin Dallaire, Golf 1-3, G Wagon, God’s Acres Cemetery, Afghanistan Deployment
Subject:: Military history, Afghan Wars, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Dale, Diana and Stubbington, Darrell Allan, 1978-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-05
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:: Afghanistan and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 33, 66
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (M4A) 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:: SDA_819
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:: 2015-05-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

673. Hall, Barry: my Bomber Command experience (March 6, 2015)

Title:: Hall, Barry: my Bomber Command experience (March 6, 2015)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Barry Hall's experiences with Bomber Command during World War II. Interview took place on March 6, 2015., ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Mr. Barry Hall, 1928- Title: My Bomber Command Experience Interviewer: Interviewed by Isobelle Carey Extent 1 sound recording (m4a) 1:34:10 file size (187MB) Interview Date and Location 6 March 2015, Victoria BC Synopsis: Mr. Hall grew up on Vancouver Island, near Sydney, where he spent most of his life before the war on a farm. His father, uncle and grandfather were also in the military during WWI and this encouraged him to sign up. One of his hobbies pre-1942 was playing the trumpet which gave him the opportunity to play at official military ceremonies. After only being offered the position of stoker in the Navy, he signed up with the RCAF to later become a navigator after washing out during pilot training. He trained at Edmonton initially then continued on to the BCWATP and Elementary Flying Training School in Ontario. He did not leave for Britain until March 1944. After further navigational training in England on an Avro Anson, Mr. Hall joined a crew that was made up of mostly Canadians, although he had met quite a few citizens from other dominions. During preparation for flights he was given the target for that operation and flares would highlight the target once they had navigated there. The use of radar navigation helped the navigators but the further away from England the aircraft was, the less effective the radar was. The difficulty experienced by Mr. Hall was no greater or less than what he had expected, however he considers himself lucky as he was only ever hit by a small piece of flak and there were no serious injuries. If the aircrew were unable to find targets, they would drop the bombs still held into the English Channel and when back on ground, someone would inspect the aircraft to make sure all had been dropped. The only injury experienced by his aircrew members was not during an operation, but when the pilot accidentally amputated his finger on a vehicle. The operations taken part in at night easier in the sense that the aircraft could not be seen, but it also had to fly in total darkness, so navigation was more difficult compared to daytime flights when the ground was clearer, but spotlights could be used at either time to identify them. During an operation to Leipzig, a nearby aircraft was hit with flak and spun out of control, which the pilot onboard with Mr. Hall had to manoeuvre away from. During recreational time, Mr. Hall would stay with his Scottish aircrew members. Post-war, he received a bar for his participation and also received one for his late wife who worked at the 6 Group headquarters. There was little interaction between aircrews as they were discouraged from getting too close due to loss rates. Transition back to life in Canada was difficult and Mr. Hall compares it to quitting smoking with a similar feeling of restlessness. A further memory that he recalls during a training mission was one flying over Bristol in England, when his oxygen tank was working incorrectly and he passed out for several minutes until his crew realised what had happened. End of Interview statement. 0:00 – Growing up on Vancouver Island 4:36 – Family military history 8:05 – Reason for joining the Air Force. 12:15 – Training at Edmonton, BCWATP, Elementary Flying Training School in Ontario; Quebec - Embarkation Leave; March 1944 20:49 - Navigational Training in Avro Ansens 23:05 - Assigning aircrews within squadrons - use of Wellington Bombers within training and nationalities of aircrew members 34:19 - Preparations for operations and the navigator’s duties 42:16 - Use of technology to find targets - G-Box 46:03 - Description of expected difficulty vs reality incl. being hit by piece of flak 48:25 - Debriefing on other operations - official and unofficial 49:21 - Procedure for being unable to find target/drop bombs 52:01 - Dealing with engine problems whilst in-flight 53:31 - Aircraft used in training and operations 56:26 - Injuries during operations 59:57 - Night operations - conditions, lighting etc. 1:04:03 - Day operations - conditions, lighting etc. 1:07:50 - Operation to Leipzig 1:10:40 - Concerns of the effectiveness of the bombing. 1:11:50 - Recreation during time off 1:17:58 - Medals 1:19:30 - Interaction between aircrews 1:22:21 - Transition back to life in Canada 1:26:05 - Training run in England - loss of oxygen whilst flying over Bristol Subject Key Words Bruce Battalion: Canadian Expeditionary Force; Vancouver Island: RCAF; RAF; Bomber Command; Canadianization; British Commonwealth Air Training Program; EFTS; Avro Anson; Wellington Bomber; Yorkshire; Navigation; Gee system, Aircraft; Halifax II; Night Operations; Leipzig; Britain; WWII, Interviewer: Carey, Isobelle, and Interviewee: Hall, Barry, 1928-
Subject:: World War (1914-1918), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, and World War (1939-1945)
Contributor:: Hall, Barry, 1928- and Carey, Isobelle
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-06
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:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (M4A) 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:: HB_812
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:: 2015-05-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

674. Theriault, Betsy: my Cold War experiences (March 6, 2015)

Title:: Theriault, Betsy: my Cold War experiences (March 6, 2015)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Betsy Theriault's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 6, 2015., Interviewer: Glover, Alexie, ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Program Interview Summary Narrator: Thériault, Betsy, 1932- Title: The Value of Oral History: Investigating the History of Canadian Cold War Military Families Interviewer: Interviewed by Alexie Glover Extent: 1 sound recording (MP3) 1:07:22, 64.7MB Interview Date and Location: 6th March 2015, Victoria B.C. Synopsis: A biographical interview with Betsy Thériault. The interview begins with a discussion of her childhood in New Zealand, including her family’s heritage, and early education. She moved to Europe in 1955 and began working at RCAF Base Hospital in Grostenquin, France, where she met her husband (General Gérard Thériault, eventual Chief of Defence Staff for Canada). She discusses job as a midwife at the Base Hospital. She briefly mentions a mid-air collision that occurred on the base in 1955. She continues to describe her close call with paralytic poliovirus in Spain. She discusses her various moves to various military bases in Canada and Germany with her two adopted sons. She describes her responsibilities as the wife of a high-ranking military official—including hosting parties for various diplomats. She discusses the expectations of military wives, the experiences of raising children and attempting to maintain a career while living a military life. At the end of the interview she discusses her opinion on the conservative political nature of the Canadian military as well as the overall importance of military institutions in Canada. Suggested Clips for Archive: 6:40 – the need for midwives at Canadian Base Hospitals 8:55 – recollection of the mid-air collision at Grostenquin, France 10:07 – honeymoon in Spain and encounter with paralytic poliovirus 13:45 – disdain for the term ‘dependent wives’ 27:00 – husband’s promotion to 4 Star General 28:50 – anecdote of leaving Montreal for Northern Quebec Subject Keywords: Military dependent, military wife, Grostenquin, France, Royal Canadian Air Force, nurse, midwife, base demographics, immigration, having children, diplomats, 4 Star General, Chief of Defense Staff, politics, and Interviewee: Theriault, Betsy, 1932-
Subject:: Cold War (1945-1989), Military history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force
Contributor:: Glover, Alexie and Theriault, Betsy, 1932-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-06
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:: Québec--Montréal, Germany, and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155, 45.50884, -73.58781, and 51.5, 10.5
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:: sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: TB_821
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:: 2015-03-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

675. Carle, Kevin: my Cold War experiences (March 10, 1978)

Title:: Carle, Kevin: my Cold War experiences (March 10, 1978)
Description:: Interviewee: Carle, Kevin, 1955-, Interviewer: Glover, Alexie, An interview/narrative of Kevin Carle's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 10, 2015., and ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Program Interview Summary Narrator: Carlé, Kevin, 1955- Title: The Value of Oral History: Investigating the History of Canadian Cold War Military Families Interviewer: Interviewed by Alexie Glover Extent: 1 sound recording (MP3) 1:06:38, 64MB Interview Date and Location: 10th March 2015, Victoria B.C. Synopsis: A biographical interview with Captain Kevin Carlé. Carlé grew up as a military brat and attended Department of National Defense schools in Canada and Germany. He recounts his impressions of the military as a child, his school experiences, and his opinions on moving. He defines ‘military dependent’ as politically incorrect. He discusses how his childhood and long family history of military service influenced his decision to become a member of the Canadian Navy—retiring as the Officer of Public Affairs. He discusses his own children and their experiences and reflections on moving around Canada. He identifies popular misconceptions about the Canadian military in an attempt to subvert and debunk them. At the end of his interview he addresses the importance of recording the history of military families. Suggested Clips for Archive: 6:26 – closeness in military families 6:57 – ‘military dependent’ terminology 9:00 – summary of schools attended, DND and otherwise 26:56 – experiencing the Cuban Missile Crisis while living in Germany 28:00 – experience of the FLQ Crisis 29:00 – popular criticisms of the War Measures Act and subsequent criticisms of the military 44:30 – benefits of living the military lifestyle 58:05 – misconceptions of the military lifestyle by the larger public 1:01:35 – society’s tendency to lump military men as right-wing conservatives 1:03:40 – women in the navy Subject Keywords: Military dependent, military brat, military family, terminology, Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Department of National Defense Schools, living abroad, Germany, Calgary, Moosejaw, North Bay, Washington state, post-partum depression, moving, Air Force flying fatalities, Cuban Missile Crisis, FLQ Crisis, War Measures Act, Vietnam War, isolation, misconceptions, privilege, women in the military
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Military history, and Cold War (1945-1989)
Contributor:: Glover, Alexie and Carle, Kevin, 1955-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-10
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Germany and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 51.5, 10.5
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:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CK_820
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:: 2015-03-10
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

676. Cook, Denys: my World War II experiences (March 10, and 17, 2015)

Title:: Cook, Denys: my World War II experiences (March 10, and 17, 2015)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Cook, Denys Title: The Second World War the soldiers History Interviewer: Interviewed by Taylor Youngblood Extent: Part 1: 1 sound recording mp3, 1:52: 21 Part 2: 1 sound recording mp3, 1:37:25 Interview Date and Location: Part 1: March 10th 2015 Part 2: March 17th 2015 Victoria, BC Synopsis: The interview with Sargent Denys Cook is separated into two parts, Denys Cook joined the Welsh Guards on the 27th of August 1937 from there he did training in Caterham, England. He was promoted to Sargent at the age of 18 at the time he was the youngest man to be promoted Sargent. He was responsible for training British conscripts. On the 21st of May 1940 he went to Boulogne to defend the city. He describes the very short-lived battle and how he felt outnumbered ten to one. Sargent Denys Cook was taken prisoner on May 24th 1940 Empire Day, he was a prisoner for 4 years 357 days. He explains being in a tiny cattle truck with 50 men then sleeping in a barn before he arrived to his first Stalag, he was transported many times to different Stalags. For the first two years Cook was forced into hard labor with a small ration everyday. It wasn’t until two Americans came to his camp that he heard about the Geneva Convention, because he was a Sargent he could refuse to work. From there he was taken to Stalag 383, the camp for NCO’s who refused to work. While in the camp Cook will describe the internal security system he was apart of. He will also tell an amazing story about how he was the lifeguard of the prisoner pool and taught lifeguard courses. While in the camp Cook was able to obtain a University education by being taught by the other prisoners. He was also apart of the very few who worked on the Secret Radio in the Camp. He was released the first week of March 1944 he and the other prisoners were marched for three weeks by Romanian youths. He refused to march any further, he and a friend took the top off the tins from Red Cross parcels and went onto the largest barn and spelt POW with the lids. A couple of days later an American plane noticed this and the next day him and his men were saved. At the end Sargent Cook will describe how it was difficult to readjust back to home life. This is the true story of an amazing survivor. Log: Part 1 49.04 sec -3:12 Childhood 3:12-14:00 Training in Caterham and promotion to Sargent 17:00-23:11 Training Conscripts and the techniques to do so. 23:11-46:03 Battle of Boulogne. 46:03- 56:33 Taken Prisoner and transported to the camp. 56:55- 1:03 Camp Thorn, first camp, Camp 413, food rations. 1:03- 1:28:47 Stalag 383, Red Cross Packages, Companions, Description of the Camp, the German Guards. Barter system with the Guards. Internal Security. Education in the Camp. Lifeguard in the Camp. Secret diary. 1:28:44- 1:40:38 His work on the Secret radio in Stalag 383 and the story of how he was almost caught. Part 2 1:00 min- 6:07.93 Life in Stalag 383, Description of his hut, Description of daily roll call. 6:07- 21:12 The Great Lady escape, an amazing story about two prisoners from 383 who escaped by dressing up as man and wife. 21:12- 37:16 The Daily Activities of Stalag 383, Education, description of Ferrets German spies among the prisoners, Prisoner resistance against the guards. Observations on religion and present political situation. 40:55- 46:48 The mindset of a survivor, General insights on the Second World War. 46:48- 54:42 Description of German tactics to break down the prisoners and how the prisoners would resist. 54:42- 1:03:50 Jobs in the Camp, Description of how the camp was a Bee-hive, they had Booze, Plays, Bands, a swimming pool. 1:03:05- 1:17:44 Description of the Secret Radio in more detail, description of the secret map he kept. 1:17:44- 1:27:37 Healthcare in the Camp, the issue of lice. 1:27:37- 1:36:50 When Denys Cook was freed from the camp and adjusting to life after. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: Part 1 17:00-23:11 Training Conscripts and the techniques to do so. 23:11-46:03 Battle of Boulogne. 36:40 – 39:11 Amazing story of how Sargent Cook though his friend was dead and saw him two years later in the camp. 48:59-56:19 Amazing story of how he would write letters to the Newspaper a young woman saw this letter and wrote him after the war he found her and they were married. 1:02-1:04:54 Internal security system and the scheme to ration out food. 1:14- 1:15:31 Cigarette barter system with the Guards 1:16 – 1:19-54 Story of his secret Diary’s. 1:25- 1:26:04 Describing how he became prisoner of a POW swimming pool. 1:28:44- 1:40:38 His work on the Secret radio in Stalag 383 and the story of how he was almost caught. Part 2 6:07- 21:12 The Great Lady escape, an amazing story about two prisoners from 383 who escaped by dressing up as man and wife. 37:16:42 -40:55 When Denys Cook was hit with a Baton. 46:48- 54:42 Description of German tactics to break down the prisoners and how the prisoners would resist. 54:42- 1:03:50 Job’s in the Camp, Description of how the camp was a Bee-hive, they had Booze, Plays, Bands, a swimming pool. 1:03:05- 1:17:44 Description of the Secret Radio in more detail, description of the secret map he kept. 1:17:44- 1:27:37 Healthcare in the Camp, the issue of lice. 1:27:37- 1:36:50 When Denys Cook was freed from the camp and adjusting to life after. Subject Key Words: The British Army Caterham British Army Physical Training School Small Arms Training School Training Conscripts Conscription Welsh Guards Battle of Boulogne Battle of Dunkirk Lee-Enfield rifle Gibraltar Bayonet 2” Mortar 3” Mortar Camp Thorn Camp 413 Stalag 20b Stalag 383 Hohenfels Bavaria Geneva Convention The 88 Gun Red Gross Parcels Wehrmacht Ferret Prisoner of War POW Health Care of a POW Life of a POW Secret Radio Internal Security Prisoner Escape American Army Survivors Second World War Hitler Schutzstaffel (S.S) Nazism Germany Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO’s), Rank: Sergeant. , Interviewee: Cook, Denys, Interviewer: Youngblood, Taylor, and An interview/narrative of Denys Cook's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on March 10 and 17, 2015.
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, Great Britain. Army, and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Cook, Denys and Youngblood, Taylor
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-10/2015-03-17
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:: Germany and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 51.5, 10.5 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (AIFF) 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:: CD_827
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:: 2015-05-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

677. Sutherland-Brown, Atholl: my South East Asia Air Force experience (March 10, 2015)

Title:: Sutherland-Brown, Atholl: my South East Asia Air Force experience (March 10, 2015)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Dr. Atholl Sutherland-Brown, 1923 – Title: My South East Asia Air Force Experience Interviewer: Mackenzie A Carr Extent 1 sound recording (MP3 file) 1:08:02 Interview Date and Location 10 March 2015, Victoria, BC Synopsis: Dr. Atholl Sutherland-Brown was a veteran of the Second World War. Born in 1923 in Ottawa, grew up in Victoria most of his life, moved around a lot as a child because his father was a General. Achieved his masters at UBC and PhD at Princeton. Joined the air force at 18 years old in Vancouver in August 1941. Training included qualifying for pilot training, elementary flying training at first class at boundary bay, advanced flying in Calgary at Curry Field, GR course which entailed navigation for pilots in PEI, overseas went to operational training in Yorkshire. Flew a beaufighter to India, a reinforcement flight at 20 years old, worked out of Deli with communications for 5 months, then got to Burma frontier with squadron 177 – 360 flying hours after training, first class training, not enough gunnery practice. Beaufighter – whispering death called by Japanese - first significant night fighter, strike squadrons against convoys on the Norway coast and desert and Burma frontier – low level attacks, rugged, long range, fighters, two powerful engines which made it difficult to fly. Shows picture from the cover of his book – Targets were trains, locomotives, river boats, sunk entire Burma ships, motor transport, airfields most difficult – all ground attacks and a few intruder attacks. Trying and effective in indicting the flow of supplies to the Japanese on the front, made difficult to resupply – strategic more than tactical. Crew of two, navigator but called an observer, operated gunner and radio – crewed up in Yorkshire, and together 1943 -1945, unusual to remain together for two tours. Silently into the midst of things motto, quiet to fly, flew under the radar. Flew 7 hours for longest time, long time for a fighter. Not much contact with people in Burma, except the personal servants, bearers, had a Guianese Christian servant Two monsoons, dry monsoon and wet monsoon, a lot of storm clouds dangerous to fly through, lost aircraft flying through the monsoon clouds – no hangers, temporary airfields (21:40 bells again) – maintenance made difficult to keep water out of gasoline. Flew during the two-week moon period, attempted to fly at night during the monsoon period. Japanese withdrew their aircraft from Burma during monsoon season. Heat was unpleasant in Bengal up to 100 degrees during summer. Mountain terrain up to 10,000ft with cloud all around flew at night attacking enemy supply lines. Tropical diseases affected them all the time, intestinal disease – cleanliness in kitchen, malaria from mosquitoes and dengue fever from small flies were of high concern, many hazards, tropical diseases were the second enemy. First operation was flying out to India, flew through enemy territory, Burma frontier was first main fighter. Every operation came back with bullet holes, Japanese trained to shoot back not retreat, trains had flak operations that would protect the trains when under attack – Attacking gas trucks around airfield and was under severe flak attack, took 50 shots, some explosive bullets, lost hydraulics and radio, saw the hydraulic fluid leaving the tank and had to crash land back at base with no flaps – attacked small convoy south of Momane with many ships with flak on them. Flew 50 operations, more than anyone else, all 4-6 ½ hours long – 49th operation wounded attacking a train at Pegu, by Rangoon, flesh wounds, bleeding heavily. Japanese fighters, Oscar, code name (32:48), fast and long range and maneuverable – not main hazard, flak from ground attacks was main hazard. Interviewed 7 Japanese pilots in 2000 (34:00 title of interview on database). Attacked transportation systems – easy to see trains in daylight because of dust stir up, which made them an easy target – most heavy flak on airfields, only time for one attack, and very hazardous. Band of brothers, got along well, young, loved to fly. Japans radar not as good as Germans but still flew 50ft below radar. VHF Radio, radio silence during missions to not give away position, trailing antenna to communicate but out of range quicker, and Morse code can bounce up and down, from signals of high frequency radios up to 400 miles away Last tour 28 Dec 1944, wounded, spent weeks in hospital, no leave, posted directly to small unit with direct air support control at the front. Saw good and bad all over the world – really negative thing to affect him was having to live day to day for over a year, early Post War period it was difficult to plan ahead. Perception hasn’t changed, not until after retirement began to rethink and write about time in the War, Aviation in SE Asia not appreciated by historians, 14th Army dependent on aviation, General Slim said it himself that without complete control of the air the missions were impossible, Slim appreciated air supply, first time ever done – air war was terribly important – Slim appreciated the support from ground attack fighters where the operations were preventing Japanese from getting supplies, men and ammunition. Hard to imagine the victory in Burma done so easily and quickly without the air component of beaufighters cut off supplies, spitfires in 1943 who maintained and got control of the air, as well as D3s, Dakotas, Parachutes all helped as well. End of Burma campaign, 30% were Canadians, not recognized for what they did there – the large impact Canadian air crew they had in South East Asia, along with radar stations largely manned by Canadians, Pilots mainly Canadian or Australian, navigator was mainly British. DFC award, proud to receive this award, involved in attacking 20-22 trains and other targets, recognition of success as a ground attack pilot. (57:50 end, starts showing log book). 0:41-1:14 - Where were you born, where have you lived? 1:29-2:07 - general, part of you moving around? 2:15-2:25 - Education 2:31- 2:58 - Family 3:10- 4:10 - Any members in the war 4:18-4:37 - What did family think when you joined Air Force 4:43-5:02 - When you joined it was in Victoria…. Vancouver 18 5:08-7:36 - What was training like? Also stories about time in the force 7:36-8:21 - Well trained? 8:32-9:47 - Bristol bull fire (whispering death) 9:52-10:57 - Easy to fly or hard 11:02-11:48 - What tactics did you use 12:02-12:53 - Why was all the transportation so important? 13:04- 13:54 - Squad 177, what was the crew like? 13:59-14:48 - Crew up 14:50- 15:12 - Why is it unusual to do a lot of tours together 15:13-15:31 - Did you like being with the same navigator? 15:44- 16:42- Motto- silently in the mist of things 16:52- 19:28 - Interacting with people in South East Asia 19:50-22:56 - Effected by weather and monsoons as a pilot 23:04-23:29 - Heat 23:42-24:21 - Flying in monsoons, flying at night? 24:37-25:53 - Tropical Diseases 26:07-27:07 - First operation 27:13-31:43 - Most difficult. Fluid problem 32:01-35:00 - How would you rate the Japanese 35:07-36:45 - Did you know what you were attacking 36:57-38:12 - Any other memorable stories? 38:12-39:20 - Radar cf. Japanese to German 39:30-41:18 - Technology useful 42:02-43:21 - Spoke earlier about morale, band of brothers and love of flying 43:34-44:28 - leaving South East Asia 44:40- 45:30 –adjustment to home 45:44-47:29 - How did war change you? 47:45- 48:43 - Perception of time in war, after research and books written 49:11-53:24 - Aviation was main success in Asia 53:40-55:36 - Books and how Canadians aren’t mentioned and why 55:43-56:33 - Received DFC and Wound Stripe, what did it mean 56:50-1:03:10 - Log Book Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 8:32-9:47 - Bristol Beaufighter (whispering death) 19:50-22:56 - Effected by weather and monsoons as a pilot, what it was like 23:42-24:21 - Flying in monsoons, flying at night Subject Key Words: Aviation; Training; Squadron 177; Canadians; Air Force; Burma; South East Asia; Locomotives; Bristol Beaufighter; Monsoons; Second World War; Flying; Railways; RCAF; RAF; Disease; Airfields; Thailand; India; Bristol; Ground Attacks; Japan; Pilots; Aircrew; Navigator; British; Observer; Squadron; Night Attacks; DFC; Low level attack; Fighters; Navigation; Radar; Flak; VHF Radio; General William Slim; Burma Campaign, Battle of Imphal, An interview/narrative of Atholl Sutherland-Brown's experiences during World War II. Dr. Sutherland-Brown served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on March 10, 2015., Interviewer: Carr, Mackenzie A., and Interviewee: Sutherland-Brown, Atholl, 1923-
Subject:: World War (1939-1945), Military history, Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, V-E Day (1945), and World War (1914-1918)
Contributor:: Carr, Mackenzie A. and Sutherland-Brown, Atholl, 1923-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-10
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:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
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, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: SBA_815
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:: 2015-03-10
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

678. Chalmers, Robert Edward: my Afghanistan experiences (March 11, 2015)

Title:: Chalmers, Robert Edward: my Afghanistan experiences (March 11, 2015)
Description:: Interviewee: Chalmers, Robert Edward, 1987-, Rank: Master Corporal. , An interview/narrative of Robert Edward Chalmer's experiences during the War in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Chalmers served with the Canadian Forces. Interview took place on March 11, 2015., Interviewer: Dale, Diana, and ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Chalmers, Robert Edward, 1987 – Interviewer: Interviewed by Diana Dale Extent: 1 sound recording 35:12 373.2 MB Interview Date and Location: 11 March 2015 The Bay Street Armoury, Victoria, B.C. Synopsis: 00:00 – 0: 18 Opening Narratives 0:19 – 1:05: Youth in army cadets, influence of parents military involvement, and joining the military 1:06 – 2:10: Deployment to Afghanistan 2:11 – 2:38: Explanation of DAG 2:39 – 3:09: Location in Afghanistan at a FOB – Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar 3:10 – 4:32: First impressions of Afghanistan 4:33 – 5:17: Interaction with an elder and reaction to Canadian Forces 5:18 - 5:46: Explanation of his unit: the First Battalion PPCLI Charlie Company 9 Platoon 3 Section 5:47 – 6:01: Explanation of LAVs 6:02 – 6:39 : Training with LAVs 6:40 – 8:23: Primary task in Afghanistan: point man and role as TCCC care giver 8:24 – 8:54: Role as infanteer 8:55 – 9:05: Explanation of position as lead scout 9:06 – 9:49: Duties as a Tactical Casualty Combat Care giver 9:49 – 10:26: Explanation of quick clot 10:27 – 11:37: Incident where a wall collapsed on a CF member and MCpl. Chalmers had to administer TCCC 11:38 – 14:48: Explanation of Hyena Road and Brown Route and the incident involving administering TCCC to a local national who had been shot in the head. 14:49 – 15:33: Role as Second-in-Command 15:34 – 17:18: Minor engagements 17:19 – 20:07: Operation in Haji Baba and dealing with cold nights in Afghanistan 20:08 – 21:06: Explanation of a platoon house 21:07 – 21:55: Relationship with the locals 21:56 – 24:30: Story about MCpl. Chalmers losing a smoke bomb off his kit and having it returned a week later to the base by a youth 24:31 – 27:01: Story about interaction with an Afghan family with a mortar round on their roof 27:02 – 28:57: Language and communication between CF and locals 28:58 – 29: 36: Recipient of General Campaign Star 29:37 – 31:03: Transition back to civilian life 31:04 – 32:58: Reflection on Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan 32:59 - 33:25: Opportunity to return 33:26 -34:07: Final thoughts 34:08 – 35:12: Closing narratives and signing of consent forms Suggested Clips for Archive: 11:38 – 14:48: Explanation of Hyena Road and Brown Route and the incident involving administering TCCC to a local national who had been shot in the head. 21:56 – 24:30: Story about MCpl. Chalmers losing a smoke bomb off his kit and having it returned a week later to the base by a youth 24:31 – 27:01: Story about interaction with an Afghan family with a mortar round on their roof Subject Key Words: Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC), Haji Baba, Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar, PPCLI, Brown Route, Hyena Road, M203 Grenade Launcher, Army Cadets, Forward Operating Base, Kandahar Air Field, IED, infanteer, LAV, quick clot, Paiam Maluk, hypothermia, waddy, General Campaign Star
Subject:: Afghan Wars, Military cadets, and Military history
Contributor:: Chalmers, Robert Edward, 1987- and Dale, Diana
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-11
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and Afghanistan
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 33, 66
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (AIFF) 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, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CRE_817
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:: 2015-05-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

679. Braidwood, Robert: my World War II experiences (March 12, 2015)

Title:: Braidwood, Robert: my World War II experiences (March 12, 2015)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Robert Braidwood's experiences during World War II. Interview took place on March 12, 2015., ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Braidwood, Robert Title: The Second World War the soldiers History Interviewer: Interviewed by Taylor Youngblood Extent: 1 sound recording mp3 format, 1 hour and ten minutes Interview Date and Location: 12 March 2015, Victoria B.C. Synopsis: This interview with Ernest Braidwood describes the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry involvement in the Sicilian Campaign and the Italian campaign in the Second World War. Starting with his training and enrolment in Victoria B.C, he then was in Britain, Wales and Scotland for almost three years practicing schemes. He then went over to Sicily for the campaign. He explains the transport on the boat and how a large storm helped the P.P.C.L.I because the Germans were not expecting them. Braidwood was the head of transportation for the P.P.C.L.I he was responsible for taking care of the vehicles used for transportation and obtaining goods. He was also responsible for controlling the P.P.C.L.I traffic through Italy and Sicily. Although he was not in the battles himself, he explains battles such as the Gully (the gorge) and Ortona. He explains the terrain, weather, healthcare, and much more in Italy and Sicily. The P.P.C.L.I was taken out of Italy to join the Netherlands Campaign. Braidwood states that it was a different war and the P.P.C.L.I were fighting inferior quality of German troops compared to Italy. He argues that the Netherlands was rushed because of the Canadians not wanting the Germans to gain control of the waterways. Towards the interview Braidwood discusses the Italian campaign further as well as life after the war. Log: 57.109- 2:05 Joining the service and training 3:13- 7:14 England, Wales and Scotland 7:14- 27: 13 Sicily Campaign, Health Care, relations with officers, 27:13- 37:45 Italy, relations with German POW, the Gully battle, Ortona, discussing his job in transportation. 37:42- 46:19 Commuting to the Netherlands, Traveling through France, Battles in the Netherlands. 46:19- 47:57: The end of the war. 47:57- 1:10:32 After the war, thoughts on “D-Day dodgers”, comments on Italian Terrain, Canadian Vehicles, being back in Canada after the war. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 7:14- 8:23 Story on a storm on the way to Sicily and how that helped the P.P.C.L.I 14:39- 17: 17 Story of him being set up In Sicily and was under fire 17:43- 18:40 Braidwood helping a German parachutist who was stuck in a tree 24:50- 26:12 Anecdote of the time he had to hide in a trench 28:48-30:01 Taking German POW for transportation 30:010 32:40 Discussing the gully Battle in Italy 46:19- 47:57: The end of the war Subject Key Words: Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Second World War Canadian Army Sicily Operation Husky Wales Scotland Military Transport Health Services Italian Weather Italian Terrain Gully Battle Ortona Battle Paratroopers Edmonton Regiment Second Brigade Headquarters in Italy First Canadian Division Netherlands Belgium Netherlands campaign V.E day Second World war, Equipment Hitler The S.S German Prisoners of War in Canada The Fall of France Malaria, Interviewer: Youngblood, Taylor, and Interviewee: Braidwood, Robert
Subject:: Operation Overlord, World War (1914-1918), Military history, World War (1939-1945), and Canada. Canadian Army. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Contributor:: Braidwood, Robert and Youngblood, Taylor
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-12
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and England
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recording (AIFF) 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:: BB_826
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:: 2015-05-06
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

680. Morris, Jeff: my post-war Air Force experiences (March 12, 2015)

Title:: Morris, Jeff: my post-war Air Force experiences (March 12, 2015)
Description:: Rank: Colonel (Ret.). , An interview/narrative of Jeff Morris's experiences during the post-war years. Colonel (Ret.) Morris served with the Royal Air Force. Interview took place on March 12, 2015., ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Col.(hon) Jeff Morris, 1943 – Title: Aviation’s Involvement and Evolution in Allied Success during the Second World War and Post War Interviewer: Mackenzie A Carr Extent 1 sound recording (MP3 file) 0:55:09 Interview Date and Location 12 March 2015, Victoria, BC Synopsis: Jeff Morris, born in Newcastle, England, Left at 15 to join RAF – received education in RAF, ordinary National degree. Joined at 15 as an apprentice airframe fitter – gives copy of advertisement that states hiring for RAF, a small cut out piece of paper to fill out with name and address. 3 years as airframe fitter, applied for aircrew after 2 ½ years – sent to Lab 1, island of North coast of Borneo and sent to Helicopter squadron crew - 2 days training, then sent on first mission to a scene of massacre. Helicopter was dependent on the crew holding the throttle, flew no more than an hour and a half. Flight engineer, three man crew, captain, flight crew and flight engineer (F/E) – technical representative on the airplane. Most aircraft in modern day does not have F/E due to cost and computer technology advancement. Experience with cultures within Borneo at Barrio school – shows picture of himself and headmaster and teacher – got along with the local cultures very well and their customs, cultural learning for Jeff. Weather was not too bad in Borneo – monsoons would make them land and wait it out, ITCZ would interfere, weather that moves north and south between the equator that creates thunderstorms up to 35,000ft, so had to go around them or were grounded. Wounds would take longer to heal due to the extreme heat. Had to rescue to a soldier who was shot in the wrist, most dangerous operation. Military and civilian roles, hearts and minds, transport and resupply troops and pull out casualties – fly the chief around, take women in labor to hospitals, protect villages from threat, if one wins the hearts and minds of the civilians then can win the trust – not what the Americans did in Vietnam. Little training with gunnery, given guns and grenades with no experience of training. 1973 left the RAF after a few years in Singapore. Got a job with Cathay Airlines and retired in 1996 and runs Angel Flights. Honorary Colonel for Helicopter squadron 443 in 2008 until 2014 holds rank but not the authority; goes through extensive process final stage being approved by the Prime Minister. Books write about SE Asia as the forgotten wars, rational is that it is too far away and don’t take an interest. Mentality how does it affect me, my province, and my country before realizing that people are dying – average person isn’t interested in what is happening outside of one’s country. 00:40-1:00 - Where were you born and grew up 01:05-2:00 - Where did you get your education 02:05-2:30 - Would you consider England or Canada your home? 02:32- 2:58 - Family 03:05- 4:36 - Royal Air Force at 15, what made you join? 04:37-4:47 - Parents Reactions 04:47- 5:15 - Looking back realizing what you learned 05:17- 6:43 - Post war and other wars, any family members? Lost members in the holocaust 06:52-8:51 - Character building, what was training like, stories with the others in training 08:58- 10:48 - Felt when you did fly, you were prepared? 10:48 -11:43 - What was it like in the air 11:52 -12:32 - Experience flying helicopter and fixed wing? 12:51 -13:36 – Aviation preference 13:45- 15:21 - Talked about Crew and FE<Flight Engineer along with stories about being a part of the crew and making decisions 15:21- 18:14 - Story about a travel he took with a fuel problem and how knowing those things helped 18:40-20:21 - After 1999 there aren’t using flight engineers on aviation anymore 20:17- 20:46 - Do you think school of thought built after your experience? 21:30- 22:27 - Post war, picture in Borneo with Children, what was it like? 22:27- 22:48 – Languages spoken in 23:01-24:17 - Asia and weather conditions, major effects when flying 24:22- 25:06 - Did tropical weather, or malaria or fevers worry you 25:11-26:20 - Most difficult flight 26:31-28:07 - As a flight engineer, what was your role in the protection of North Borneo Talking about winning hearts and minds 28:17-29:36 - close calls 29:45-31:47 - Memorable moments or stories and flying the Queen and King of Malaysia and dentist’s experience 31:47- 33:26 – “Everything was epic” 33:27- 34:03 - Gunnery practice 34:10- 37:00 - Discharged…applied to be a pilot and family in 1973. 37:00- 38:55 - What he did in Canada once there 39:00-39:22 - Awards 39:47-42:00 - Positive experiences, hearts and minds, morals 42:01-43:42 - Meeting people 43:14-45:00 - Wars in post war and south East Asia, overlooked in western society, why do you think it is overlooked? “Forgotten Wars” 45:08- 47:08 - Story on being airplane first in to tsunami then country later having a war 47:15- 53:00 – Scariest experience unknowingly flying with a flipper Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 23:01-24:17 - Asia and weather conditions, major effects when flying 26:31-28:07 - As a flight engineer, what was your role in the protection of North Borneo Talking about winning the hearts and minds Subject Key Words: Flight Engineer; England; RAF; helicopter; 10/11 Tristar; training; Post War; Borneo; Barrio; Halton; ITCZ; monsoons; South East Asia; Malaysia; Singapore; Cathay; Honorary Colonel; Helicopter squadron; Squadron 443; hearts and minds; C130s; PAN; MAYDAY, Interviewee: Morris, Jeff, 1943-, and Interviewer: Carr, Mackenzie A.
Subject:: Flight engineering, Great Britain. Royal Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Morris, Jeff, 1943- and Carr, Mackenzie A.
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2015-03-12
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:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: England, Borneo, and Singapore
Coordinates:: 52.16045, -0.70312, 1, 114, and 1.28967, 103.85007
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), reminiscences, and sound recordings
Archival Item Identifier:: MJ_814
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:: 2015-03-12
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. 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 2015. Migration metadata by KD and MT.