Canadian Military Oral Histories
User Collection Public
The Canadian Military Oral History Collection is composed of interviews of veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan. Over 370 recordings done by Dr. Reginald H. Roy and his students are the largest holding in this category. Historian Hal Lawrence also donated over 180 recordings that he collected of Canadian Naval personnel.
Collection descriptions
The following are descriptions of the major collections of interviews that make up the collection:
Reg Roy collection
Dr. Reginald H. Roy was the Chair of Military History (1968-1988) and the Social Sciences Research Centre (1970-75) at the University of Victoria. The Reg Roy fonds contains over 370 sound recordings of oral histories conducted over his career and was recognized by Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo in 2005.
Social Sciences Research Centre collection
This is an important subset of the Reg Roy collection of military oral histories and consists of extensive interviews with Major-General George R. Pearkes and other interviews with his family and a number of personal and professional associates for his biography entitled For Most Conspicuous Bravery: A Biography of Major-General George R. Pearkes, V.C., Through Two World Wars (1977).
Hal Lawrence collection
This collection includes approximately 120 interviews conducted by Commander Hal Lawrence in collaboration with National Defence/Défense nationale on the Canadian Navy (1940-1995). Some of these interviews have been transcribed and some are only available as transcripts.
Shawn Cafferky collection
This collection of 14 interviews by military historian Dr. Shawn Cafferky of the University of Victoria's Department of History were conducted in 1997 and refer to the experimental Squadron VX-10, and the testing and use of the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King helicopter.
Military oral history class interviews
Since 2005, the History Department has offered a Military Oral History seminar course as a component of the Canadian Veterans Oral History Project, a joint project of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island (RUSI VI) and University of Victoria. The seminar course offers students the opportunity to interview veterans for course credit and the resulting interviews are deposited with University of Victoria Special Collections.
Elizabeth Hazlitte collection
This collection is comprised of six interviews with veterans of WWI conducted from 1983-84 by Elizabeth Hazlitte, a nurse at Victoria's Veteran's Hospital at the Memorial Pavilion.
David Stafford collection
This collection is comprised of nine interviews conducted by Dr. David Stafford, retired history professor at the University of Victoria, for his monograph on clandestine operations in WWII.
Copyright policy
The material is to be used solely for the purpose of research or private study. Any use of the copy for a purpose other than research of private study may require the authorization of the copyright owner of the work in question. The user must assume full responsibility for obtaining copyright permission to publish items in whole or in part.
Although the University of Victoria has permission to make the oral histories available to researchers, the copyright belongs to the interviewees. If extensive passages are used for publication, exhibition or presentation permission from the copyright holder is necessary.
Publication credit
The University of Victoria Special Collections will be given a copy of the book, article, exhibition catalogue, or supporting publication in all cases of publication, exhibition, or presentation of the oral history reproductions. In such cases a credit line citation should read as follows:
University of Victoria, Special Collections, Military Oral History Collection,
[Name of Interviewee], [Record ID Number]
Image: Elizabeth Hazlitte interviewing World War One veteran Egbert Browning in 1983
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/4a7eade6-d0b7-4807-8cd2-6eb9c5a66937
Collection Details
- Items 789
- Last Updated 2025-04-01
Parent Collections (1)
Works (789)
701. Quan, Gordon: my Force 136 experiences (March 24, 2016)
- Title:
- Quan, Gordon: my Force 136 experiences (March 24, 2016)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Gallagher, Trevor, ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Quan, Gordon. 1926 - Title: "We were dead once we flew into Burma.": Chinese Canadians in Force 136 Interviewer: Interviewed by Trevor Gallagher. Extent 1 sound recording (MP3) Length 01:09:48, file size 95.8MB Interview Date and Location 24 March 2016, Victoria BC. Synopsis: A somewhat rambling interview, in which themes were discussed not necessarily in chronological order. Gordon Quan was born in Cumberland, BC and grew up there, in Canton Province, and in Victoria. He worked at Victoria Shipyards and helped raise funds for the Chinese war effort before enlisting in the Army. Chinese Canadians in British Columbia had to wait to be conscripted before being allowed to enlist, and there was some controversy within the Chinse Canadian community about whether they should serve. Mr. Quan was among a group who volunteered for general (overseas) service as a means to advance the civil rights of Chinese Canadians. He was recruited into Force 136 immediately after completing his basic training and transferred to India for training. The war ended before he was sent on his first mission. He discusses the post-war campaign for the franchise, relations between Chinese Canadians and other non-Caucasian Canadians, and the attitudes of both Canadian-born and immigrant Chinese to Chinese Canadians' war service. 00:00- 13:24- Growing up in Cumberland, Canton Province, and Victoria; fundraising for Chinese war effort; enlistment in the Army. 13:24- 19:21 -Joining Army, decision to volunteer for general service, and recruitment into Force 136. 19:21 - 39:30- Transfer to India and Force 136 training. Intermixed with discussion of anti-Chinese racism and discrimination before and after the war. 39:30-50:55- End of war and transfer back to Canada. Demobilization in Nanaimo. Discussion of proposed mission into Burma. Post-war visits to East and Southeast Asia. 50:55-55:25- Post-war Army Reserve service. 55:25-01:09:48- Post-war campaign for voting rights. Discussion of Chinese Canadian - Japanese-Canadian relations during war. Comments on attitudes toward Canadian-born and immigrant Chinese toward Chinese-Canadian veterans' service. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 14:55 - 15:30 - Discussion of Chinese Canadian town hall meetings, the controversy regarding military service, and the decision to serve overseas in order to advance civil rights in Canada. Subject Key Words Civil Rights, Chinese Canadians, Force 136, Racism, Second World War, Southeast Asia Command, Special Operations Executive, Victoria Chinatown, Voting Rights, Interviewee: Quan, Gordon, 1926-, and An interview/narrative of Gordon Quan's experiences during World War II. Quan served with Force 136 in Burma. Interview took place on March 24, 2016.
- Subject:
- Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, World War (1914-1918), and World War (1939-1945)
- Contributor:
- Gallagher, Trevor and Quan, Gordon, 1926-
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2016-03-24
- 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:
- sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
- Archival Item Identifier:
- QG_838
- 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:
- 2016-03-24
- 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 2016. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
702. Wong, Victor: my Force 136 experiences (March 25, 2016)
- Title:
- Wong, Victor: my Force 136 experiences (March 25, 2016)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Victor Wong's experiences during World War II. Wong served with Force 136 in Burma. Interview took place on March 25, 2016., ABSTRACT: Military Oral History Project Interview Summary Narrator: Wong, Victor. 1926 - Title: "We were dead once we flew into Burma.": Chinese Canadians in Force 136 Interviewer: Interviewed by Trevor Gallagher. Extent 2 sound recordings (MP3) 1. Length 00:22:03, file size 30.2MB 2. Length 00:37:18, file size 51.2MB Interview Date and Location 25 March 2016, Victoria BC. Synopsis: This interview does cover its topics in strict chronological order, but takes the form of a conversation in which Victor Wong brings up reminiscences and reflections on history. Mr. Wong is a third-generation Canadian who grew up in Victoria. His family was one of relatively few Chinese-Canadian families to live outside Chinatown. He joined the army right after graduating from high school and was recruited into Force 136 immediately after competing basic training. He was sent to India for training, but the war ended before he was sent on his first mission. Like Gordon Quan and Ronald Lee, he is primarily interested in discussing the post-war campaign for full citizenship for Chinese Canadians, and the contribution that Chinese Canadians' military service made to the campaign. He draws a direct link between their service and the granting of the franchise after the war. Recording 1 00:00- 10:45- Growing up in Victoria in the 1920s and '30s outside of Chinatown. Discussion of his family. Some discussion of post-war campaign for franchise. 10:45-22:23- Joining the Army and recruitment into Force 136. Force 136 training. Origins of Special Operations Executive in Europe and Asia. Methods of infiltration. Relations between Chinese- and Japanese-Canadians. Recording 2 00:00-07:55- Joining the Army. Discussion of Pattullo's request to King that Chinese and Japanese not be called up, for fear of having to grant them the franchise. Decision to join in order to gain the franchise. Family's reaction. 07:55 - 29:09- Recruitment into Force 136 and training in India. 29:09- 37:18- Return to Canada and post-war campaign for civil rights. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 15:53 - 18:12 (Recording 1): Discussion of relations between Chinese-Canadians and Japanese-Canadians during Sino-Japanese war. 02:15 - 03:17 (Recording 2): Recollection of Chinese Canadian town hall meetings and his decision to volunteer for general service as a means to gain the franchise. Subject Key Words Civil Rights, Chinese Canadians, Force 136, Racism, Second World War, Southeast Asia Command, Special Operations Executive, Victoria Chinatown, Voting Rights, Interviewee: Wong, Victor, 1926-, and Interviewer: Gallagher, Trevor
- Subject:
- World War (1939-1945), Personal narratives--Canadian, World War (1914-1918), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Gallagher, Trevor and Wong, Victor, 1926-
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2016-03-25
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- reminiscences, interviews, sound recordings, and oral histories (literary genre)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- WV_840
- 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:
- 2016-03-25
- 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 2016. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
703. Keith, Rollie: my UNEF experiences (March 5, 2017)
- Title:
- Keith, Rollie: my UNEF experiences (March 5, 2017)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Keith, Roland "Rollie", An interview/narrative of Rollie Keith's experiences with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). Interview took place on March 5, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., ABSTRACT: 0:00 – 0:35 Interview Standard Narrative. 0:35 – 7:00 Background information, motivations for enlistment, family. 4:15 – 14:15 Training, perceptions of peacekeeping, make-up of UNEF forces. 14:15 – 19:45 Day to day life on deployment, patrols, equipment, living conditions, recreation, morale. 19:45 – 25:20 Individual perspective, navigation in the desert, use of radios, daily routine, Ferret Scout Cars, contacting home. 25:25 – 28:15 Tasks/aims/objectives, guards shifts. 28:15 – 33:15 Confrontation with Egyptian platoon, other notable incidents, mines, rules of engagement. 33:15 – 36:20 Relations with Bedouins, trading eggs and tea, leave to Beirut, interest in the history of Mandatory Palestine. 36:20 – 38:20 Fatality due to mines, visiting Israeli hospital. 38:20 – 39:20 Effects of 1956 war, loss of Israeli life. 39:20 – 40:00 Opinions of involvement. 40:00 – 42:30 Conditions upon arrival, different roles in the mission. 42:30 – 51:00 Hostility from civilians, reflections on civilian groups, issues of bias. 51:00 – 57: 25 Military effectiveness of each side, UN bureaucracy, relations with other members of the UNEF. 57:25 – 1:00:00 Success of mission, other peacekeeping missions. 1:00:00 – 1:02:30 Family opinions, transition and decompression. 1:02:30 – 1:07:42 Impressions of the UN. 1:07:42 – 1:12:40 The UNEF mission as worth it, international implications. 1:12:40 – 1:14:18 Concluding remarks and interview standard narrative. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 28:15 – 32:45 Confrontation with Egyptian platoon. 36:20 – 38:20 Fatality due to mines, visiting Israeli hospital, and Interviewer: Roberts, Daisy
- Subject:
- United Nations Emergency Force, United Nations, and Military history
- Contributor:
- Keith, Roland "Rollie" and Roberts, Daisy
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-05
- 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:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, sound recordings, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- KR_845
- 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:
- 2017-03-05
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 256 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
704. Alford, Robin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (March 6, 2017)
- Title:
- Alford, Robin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (March 6, 2017)
- Description:
- ABSTRACT: Synopsis: 0:00 – 3:10 – How he first became involved in Public Affairs after his time in the Air Force and became the Base Information Officer for Esquimalt in 1978. 3:10 – 3:47 –The importance of appreciating people from different backgrounds and cultures. 3:47– 5:18- Subsequent training and requirements needed to work at Public Affairs. 5:18 – 12:00 –Working in Public Affairs: Handling the aftermath of the Ocean Ranger, his time as Senior Project Officer; goals in Public Affairs; necessary skills; anti-Nuclear protests. 12:00 -28:00 - Memories of working with other military personnel the press (mentions tour in Cyprus, being in Doha for the Canadian Air Task Group-Middle East, and Hawaii). Also, includes his time as PR point person for servicewomen, who were part of SWINTER. 28:00-45:12 - Releasing news about the military and working the with the press. 45:12-46:50 – Being involved with Norads tracking of Santa Claus Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 25:00- 28:00 Talks about supporting women entering the military., An interview/narrative of Robin Alford's experiences with Armed Forces Public Affairs. Interview took place on March 6, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewer: Lavallee, Olivia, Rank: Major. , and Interviewee: Alford, Robin
- Subject:
- North American Aerospace Defense Command, Military history, and Armed Forces--Officers
- Contributor:
- Alford, Robin and Lavallee, Olivia
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-06
- 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 Cyprus
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155 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:
- reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- AR_861
- 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:
- 2017-03-06
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
705. Sproule, David: my UNEF experiences (March 6, 2017)
- Title:
- Sproule, David: my UNEF experiences (March 6, 2017)
- Description:
- Interviewer: Roberts, Daisy, ABSTRACT: 0:00 – 0:25 Interview Standard Narrative. 0:25 – 1:30 Background information, motivations for enlistment, family. 1:30 – 3:45 Deployment, expectations, differences, objectives. 3:45 – 5:57 Training, communications, weapons, mines, patrols, equipment, uniform. 5:57 – 10:00 Day to day life on deployment, patrols, equipment, water, supplies. 10:00 – 14:00 Recreation and relaxation, morale, disciplinary issues. 14:00 – 15:45 Experiencing administration. 15:45 – 18:30 Feelings of vulnerability, contingency plans, 18:30 – 20:00 Use of Ferret Scout Cars and M38 Jeeps. 20:00 – 21:20 Rules of engagement, confrontation with Egyptian Forces. 21:20 – 36:00 Relations with civilians, Bedouins, sick parade, water, feast with Sheikh, theft, hostility. 36:00 – 38:55 Encounters with Israeli Forces, impressions of Egyptian Forces, military effectiveness, 38:55 – 42:15 Politics of the conflict, personal interest in the history. 42:15 – 49:00 Working with other national forces in UNEF, Camp Rafah. 49:00 – 49:50 Relations with Egyptian Forces, UNHQ in Gaza. 49:50 – 53:20 Accomplishments, legacy, challenges, transition. 53:20 – 56:15 Family’s feelings, letters from home. 56:15 – 1:01:50 End of deployment, transition to Canadian life, camaraderie, 1:01:50 – 1:10:00 Impressions of the UN, lessons learnt, UNEF mission worth it. 1:10:00 – 1:17:25 Examining scrapbook, motivations for recording experiences in biography, summing up, standard narratives. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 8:10 – 10:00 Sand storm. 20:20 – 21:10 Confrontation with Egyptian Forces at Christmas. 30:00 – 31:20 Discovery of cache of Bedouin weapons., An interview/narrative of David Sproule's experiences with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). Interview took place on March 6, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., and Interviewee: Sproule, David
- Subject:
- United Nations, United Nations Emergency Force, and Military history
- Contributor:
- Roberts, Daisy and Sproule, David
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-06
- 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
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and reminiscences
- Archival Item Identifier:
- SD_846
- 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:
- 2017-03-06
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 256 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
706. Dean, Darrell: my UNEF experiences (March 9, 2017)
- Title:
- Dean, Darrell: my UNEF experiences (March 9, 2017)
- Description:
- An interview/narrative of Dean Darrell's experiences with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). Interview took place on March 9, 2017 through video conferencing at the University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Interviewee: Dean, Darrell, Interviewer: Roberts, Daisy, and ABSTRACT: 0:00 – 0:35 Interview Standard Narrative. 0:25 – 1:10 Background information, motivations for enlistment, army cadets. 1:10 – 3:30 Deployment, expectations. 3:30 – 8:50 Training, communications, weapons, mines, patrols, equipment, reconnaissance, First Aid, leadership skills, cultural differences, bias. 8:50 – 16:00 Understanding political roots of the conflict, Camp Rafah, relations with Bedouins, control of different areas, smuggling to Beersheba. 16:00 – 17:22 UN demarcation, assistance from Russia, position of Bedouins. 17:22 – 19:55 contact with Bedouins, medical care, sick parade. 19:55 – 24:30 Day to day life on deployment, patrols. 24:30 – 31:30 Recreation and relaxation, sand-skiing, cleaning out trenches, gladiator days, morale, leave, discipline. 31:30 – 38:00 Rules of engagement. 38:00 – 41:55 UN achievement of goals, UNHQ, contingency plan. 41:55 – 54:10 Relations with civilian populations, leave in Cairo, commonwealth ties between Britain and Canada, military effectiveness of each side, impressions of each side. 54:10 – 1:03:00 Views on the politics of the conflict, cooperating with other national forces in the UNEF. 1:03:00 – 1:06:45 Accomplishments, challenges. 1:06:45 – 1:07:35 Transition between forces. 1:07:35 – 1:12:20, Family’s feelings, combat to civilian life, decompression. 1:12:20 – 1:23:00 Impressions of the UN, comparison with other missions, difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. 1:23:00 – 1:27:10 Significance of peacekeeping to Canadian national identity. 1:27:10 – 1:31:01 Concluding remarks, standard narrative. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 25:30 – 27:00 Sand-skiing. 31:45 – 34:10 Deployment of full squadron against Israelis, hours long stand-off.
- Subject:
- Bedouins, Military history, United Nations Emergency Force, Peacekeeping forces, and Military cadets
- Contributor:
- Roberts, Daisy and Dean, Darrell
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-09
- 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 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:
- sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- DD_844
- 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:
- 2017-03-09
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 256 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
707. Del Villano, Gary: my service in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (March 9, 2017)
- Title:
- Del Villano, Gary: my service in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (March 9, 2017)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Del Villano, Gary, An interview/narrative of Gary Del Villano's experiences in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Interview took place on March 9, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., ABSTRACT: Gary Del Villano paints a detailed picture of his service in West Germany. He talks about what led him to join the military, as well as his jobs before settling on the military. He talks about his deployment, and what was necessary to achieve it. He then talks about what would have been the Brigade’s reaction in the event of Soviet hostility. He also talks about how the training worked between the different ranks within the Brigade. He then moves towards the chemical warfare plans, and the strengths of the Brigade itself as well as units from other countries (Germany, Britain). He then wraps up a look back at the entirety of his military career, as well as some differences between his time and modern day military. 0:33-3:55- Background, growing up, joining the military. 4:00-7:30-Deployment to West Germany, Transfer to Lord Strathcona Horse, 4 Brigade’s Nuclear capabilities. 7:30-23:00-Training and Equipment of 4 Brigade, Daily duties, Roles within the Brigade. 23:00-48:48-Brigade action plan, Training, Cooperation between ranks, Centurion tanks. 48:50-58:00-Chemical Warfare, Daily life, Strength of units, Relationships with local citizens. 58:00-1:09:01 Anecdotes about leave, Medical care, Anecdote about doctors. 1:09:09-1:19:40 Czechoslovakia invasion aftermath, Currency, Anecdote about paintings, return to Mobile Command. 1:19:50-1:29:33-Armed Forces Review, Training with other NATO countries, Move South, Accidents. 1:29:44-1:47:00-Move South ramifications, Reflection on service in Germany, Tactics, Life in Germany. 1:47:00-2:01:20 Personal life in the military, Anecdote about current life in the military, Current military status. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 7:30-23:00- Description of the Brigade’s role in the event of hostilities, as well as the various roles within the Brigade., and Interviewer: Young, Mary
- Subject:
- Tanks (Military science), Armed Forces--Officers, and Military history
- Contributor:
- Young, Mary and Del Villano, Gary
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-09
- 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:
- British Columbia--Victoria and Germany
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155 and 51.5, 10.5
- 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), reminiscences, and sound recordings
- Archival Item Identifier:
- DVG_856
- 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:
- 2017-03-09
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
708. Orr, John: my experience as a Canadian Defence Attaché (March 9, 2017)
- Title:
- Orr, John: my experience as a Canadian Defence Attaché (March 9, 2017)
- Description:
- Rank: Colonel. , ABSTRACT: This audio recording provides an overview of Colonel John Orr’s career in the Canadian military. The interview highlights the start of his career including his education at the Royal Military College, and Air Force training at the Shearwater base in Halifax. The oral history largely focuses on Orr’s career as a Canadian Defence Attaché in Cairo, Egypt with a cross accreditation to the Sudan from 1990-1993. Orr recounts his how his duties had to be adapted to changing circumstances: the Gulf War (1990-1991). It also includes his observations in South Sudan during the second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005). Audio Time Codes 0:00-2:03: His decision to Join the Canadian Forces. 2:03 –3:25 Educational experience at the Royal Military College and Royal Roads Military College. 3:25 – 5:11 Air Force training at the Shearwater Base. 5:28- 10:08 His experience working on the Sea King. 10: 18 -11:52 His promotion to Canadian Defence Attaché. 11:53 -15:04 The attaché selection process. 15:05 – 18:00 Experience in the Attaché training program. 18:07 – 27:06 On Military Relations between Egypt & Canada. 27: 24 – 34:00 His first Week in the role of an Attaché in Cairo. /His relationship with the Embassy staff. 34:07 – 36:00 The Sudanese officials Reaction to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. 36:01 -38:00 Initiation into the attaché Role at the start of the Gulf War. 38:46 -43:00 Attaché duties during the Gulf War. 43:34 -51:00 His relationship with Egyptian Military Officials. 53:00 -55:-08 Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Policy Advisor Osama al-Baz. 55:20–58:00 Attaché Networks: liaising with other countries. 58-:03 - 1:10 On Challenges to obtaining information from the Egyptian military. 1:10:41 – 1:12 On the Soviet Union Attaché. 1:12:25- 1:16:51 The Egyptian Support of the Gulf War. 1:18:02 – 1:20 On Red Sea Patrol and the Egyptian Navy./Impressions of a Restigouche Destroyer. 1:21:00 – 1:28:57 Coordination of a Canadian fleet through the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf & attending the Bahrain Conference. 1:29:00-1:33:25 Working Under surveillance. 1:41:00-1:52:00 The attaché role in Sudan & his impressions of Sudanese officials. 1:52:15 -2:06:00 A trip to Juba, South Sudan and meeting with the Southern Equatoria government. 2:12:00-2:15:00 His relationship with Sudanese military officials. 2:24:00 –2:35:00 On his role as Chief of Liaison, Multinational Force, Sinai. 2:35:10 – 2:39:00 As author of Perseverance: The Canadian Sea King Story and his opinion on new helicopter procurement. 2:41:50 – 2:43:05- Final words on the attaché program. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 34:07 – 36:00 The Sudanese officials Reaction to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. 1:18:02 – 1:20 On Red Sea Patrol and the Egyptian Navy./Impressions of a Restigouche Destroyer., Interviewee: Orr, John, An interview/narrative of John Orr's experiences with the Canadian Armed Forces. Colonel Orr served as a Defence Attaché. Interview took place on March 9, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., and Interviewer: Currie, Heather
- Subject:
- Armed Forces--Officers, Persian Gulf War (1991), and Military history
- Contributor:
- Currie, Heather and Orr, John
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-09
- 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 Middle East
- Coordinates:
- 33.13906, 35.85869 and 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- OJ_848
- 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:
- 2017-03-09
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 181 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
709. Webber, James Raymond: my Cold War Air Force experience (March 13, 2017)
- Title:
- Webber, James Raymond: my Cold War Air Force experience (March 13, 2017)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Webber, James Raymond, Interviewer: Taylor, Mercedes, An interview/narrative of James Webber's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on March 13, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., and ABSTRACT: Born on a farm in Manitoba in 1936, Ray Webber joined the Air Force in March of 1955. He had previously been employed at a grain elevator, and saw an advertisement on a fence post searching for recruits. His training took place at Manning Depot in St. John, Quebec, and after eight weeks was transferred to Trenton Ontario. After this initial training further training was required to become better acquainted with an airfield. Webber recalls using lanterns and an old World War II airfield for training exercises. Training was much more hands on and did not rely so heavily on technology as it does today. Following his time in Trenton, Webber was transferred once again to Cold Lake, Alberta. This was a newer base with many airplanes, something Webber says helped in putting his training to use. There was much activity, with CF-100s and B-25s used in the Airborne Intercept training for the aircrew. Expediters were called “bug smashers” and were used as targets. T-33s did instrument readings for the air crew. Airborne Intercept training and instrument flight rules were a big part of training. Webber describes what a normal day at Cold Lake would have been like, what flight plans were like, and how operations were performed. After Cold Lake, he was transferred to Marville France, and recalls his trip to Europe by ship. There were two squadrons of F-86s in Marville and one squadron of CF-100s. Webber describes activity as being hectic at times. There were a lot of planes in Europe at this time, with 75 on Webber’s base and four bases total. Americans were close and had even more planes, Webber recalls. Practice operations included tactical evaluations and shooting down targets, with the priority being to get aircraft back without incident. After one year in France Webber returned to Canada, becoming involved in Ground Controlled Approach Radar, or the precision landing of aircraft. At this time Webber’s duties included receiving aircraft, which didn’t require special equipment in the aircraft. More training took place for Webber in Borden, Ontario, where training involved real airplanes. Webber explains that this type of training doesn’t exist anymore, as training practices such as these are now performed in simulators. Traffic and final approaches were practiced. There was an emphasis on knowing what the pilots were going through, as Webber and his colleagues received hands on training that provided real life experiences. Each controller had to set up and align his own equipment, something that is now performed by computers. After his time receiving more training in Canada, Webber was once again stationed in Marville, France. He performed radar approaches until returning to Canada in 1960. Some of the characteristics that make a good air traffic controller were discussed, such as being able to pass on good information at the right time. Spatial orientation tests were performed, Webber says that 13% of the general population cannot pass such a test. Challenges he experienced included keeping track of adequate fuel and directing the safe landing of aircraft that were running low. Bad weather was also a factor. Other challenges had to do with stresses on the job and the ability of controllers to leave work at work and personal lives at home. Following his time in France Webber was once again located to Canada, and worked with other types of radar in the Department of Transport, such as ILS (Instrument Reading System). A move to Churchill Manitoba and the Maguire Airforce Base was next, where B-36s were always on patrol. KC-97s would take up fuel to refuel bombers. CF-104s were also there for cold weather testing the year Webber was stationed in Churchill. He recalls one of the new carriers having an unknown problem that required it to land unexpectedly. Webber emphasizes that all aircraft looked the same on radar – as just a tiny dot- so all landings were treated with the same diligence. When the craft was landed Webber realized that he was one of very few air traffic controllers to have a B-52 landing on their record. After a year in Churchill Webber was stationed in Gimli Manitoba, operating the same radar that had been used in Europe. It was here that he was commissioned. More training was to follow at a variety of locations, and then Portage La Prairie became home for four years. Training remained a constant throughout. Again Webber emphasised the importance of passing correct information at the right time, as well as a calm temperament and hands on training. Improvements in technology however, meant that some methods began to change, a fact that wasn’t always welcomed. Webber was promoted to Executive Staff Officer to the National Defense College and transferred to Kingston Ontario. This position involved a lot of travel, which included trips behind the Iron Curtain as well as all over Asia and Africa. Following Kingston he was relocated to Summerside PEI as the Base Administrative Officer and had many different areas of responsibility, including maritime patrols with Argus search and rescue. Webber’s time in PEI was short-lived however, and following this was once again transferred to Europe, this time stationed at Baaden Baaden in Germany. After his time in Germany, it was back to Manitoba and Air Command Headquarters as the Senior Staff Officer Cadets. He oversaw cadet camps for three years before moving on to Organizations and Establishments, tracking all the positions in the RCAF. It was during this time that he volunteered to move to Comox in Colorado Springs. Changes in recruiting practices were taking place at this time, and it became a requirement to have a university degree in order to be promoted to major. Ray Webber took his uniform off in 1993, though continued to work as a civilian in the same job until 2000. He says the military was hard on families with so much moving around, and that the training is never complete; there are always new opportunities for learning and updating skills. 0:00 – 3:50 – Growing up in Manitoba on farm, how he came to enlist, impressions of military prior to enlistment. 3:51 – 5:05 - Training in St. John’s Quebec at Manning Depot. 5:06 – 5:57 – Trenton Ontario, Contact training and becoming acquainted with an airfield, preparations for night flights. 5:58 – 7:29 – Grand Bend Ontario, Air Traffic Control Operator, description of conditions at Grand Bend, description of training received there. 7:30 – 8:13 – Cold Lake unit transfer, a newer base with much activity. 8:14 – 9:29 – Airborne Intercept training, description of types of aircraft used: CF-100s, B-25s, T-33s, IFR (instrument flight rules). 9:30 – 10:22 – Operations at Cold Lake, types of shifts, delegation of tasks. 11:11 – 14:51 – Transfer to Marville, France. Trip across Atlantic, first impressions of France, description of squadrons (F-86s, CF-100s), description of his base and the other Canadian bases, priorities of his position (tactical evaluation, shooting down targets, maintenance of security while getting aircraft back). 14:52 – 16:12 – Return to Canada, work with Ground Controlled Approach Radar and the precision landing of aircraft, description of equipment involved. 16:13 – 17:25 – Training in Borden Ontario, comparisons to training today. 17:25 – 24:41 – Discussion of equipment used, characteristics that make a good controller. 24:42 – 26:31 - Types of emergencies that would occur, how they were handled. 26:32 – 26:57 – Back to Winnipeg from France to work with Department of Transport. 26:57 – 27:52 - ILS – Instrument Landing System and training. 27:53 – 28:45 - Move to Churchill Manitoba, same type of radar being used. 28:46 – 29:59 – B-36s patrolled, transport of nuclear weapons, KC-97s would take up fuel, refuel bombers at Maguire Air Force Base, CF-104 cold weather testing. 30:00 – 31:31 – B-36s one of the new carriers at the time, story of landing a B-52 safely. 31:32 – 33:14 – Weather and radar challenges, building trust with pilots. 33:15 - 36:00 – Transfer back to Gimli and commissioned to the ranks, more training in Gimli. 36:00 – 37:15 – Description of training in Borden and Rivers Manitoba, 1967. 37:16 – 40:43 - Training on Tudor aircraft, T-33s, C-45s for maritime and transport command. 40:44 – 42:50 - Explanation of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) 42:51 – 46:50 – Opinions on women starting to come through training. 46:51 – 53:20 - Promoted to Executive Staff Officer to the National Defense College, much travel in this position. 53:21 – 57:10 - Transfer to Summerside PEI, promotion to Base Administrative Officer. 57:11 – 01:04:10 - Back to Germany to fill Base Air Traffic Control Officer position, base life in Germany and operations. 01:04:11 – 01:08:14 - Took on Senior Staff Officer Cadets position back in Canada. 01:08:15 – 01:10:30 - Changes in requirements for Air Force promotion later in career. 01:10:31 –01:13:27 - Retirement and work for RCAF as a civilian. 01:13:28 - 01:26:11- What it takes to be a successful Air Traffic Controller, where command and control is going and how it has changed over the years.
- Subject:
- Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, World War (1939-1945), Cold War (1945-1989), and World War (1914-1918)
- Contributor:
- Taylor, Mercedes and Webber, James Raymond
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-13
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- Germany, British Columbia--Victoria, and Colorado--Colorado Springs
- Coordinates:
- 38.83388, -104.82136, 51.5, 10.5, and 48.4359, -123.35155
- 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:
- oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
- Archival Item Identifier:
- WJR_860
- 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:
- 2017-03-13
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 64 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
710. Dangerfield, Jack: my service in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (March 14, 2017)
- Title:
- Dangerfield, Jack: my service in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (March 14, 2017)
- Description:
- Interviewee: Dangerfield, Jack, ABSTRACT: Jack Dangerfield talks about his multiple deployments to West Germany during the Cold War. He begins with the story of how he came to join the military, and his first deployment with the Lord Strathcona Horse. He then talks about the training that the Brigade received, and how highly it was regarded. He talks about commanding the Reconnaissance unit. He also talks about the training that the Brigade received both in Germany and back in Canada. He then moves on to describe the equipment the Brigade used, as well as chemical warfare protocols. He also talks at length about the impacts of the 1968 Trudeau military cuts and the various ramifications throughout the years to follow. 0:30-4:25-Joining the military, deployment to West Germany in 1965 with the Lord Strathcona Horse. 4:34- 9:40-Training for Germany, duties during deployment, work with the Reconnaissance unit. 9:50-17:50-Brigade training, Brigade strength, Brigade Equipment. 17:50-29:00-1968 Budget cuts and its impacts, Role in NATO and West Germany, Chemical Warfare. 29:00-32:35-Commanding Centurions in Lahr, Training and time in Southern Germany, Military Cuts 32:45-45:00-Daily life in Germany, Anecdotes on relationships with German citizens, Interaction with BAOR. 45:00- 53:00-Liberal Government and election of 1968, Unification, Armed Forces Review. 53:00-1:05-Reaction to Brigade cuts, Dealing with the cuts, movement after the cuts. 65:00-75:00-Looking back on service in Germany, 4 CMBG contribution to NATO Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 52:00-1:00:00 An account of what Jack Dangerfield went through when learning about the cuts that were to be made from the Brigade., Interviewer: Young, Mary, and An interview/narrative of Jack Dangerfield's experiences in 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Interview took place on March 14, 2017 in Kelowna and Victoria, B.C.
- Subject:
- Military history, Cold War (1945-1989), and Armed Forces--Officers
- Contributor:
- Young, Mary and Dangerfield, Jack
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 2017-03-14
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
- Extent:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria and Germany
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155 and 51.5, 10.5
- 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:
- sound recordings, reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
- Archival Item Identifier:
- DJ_0855
- 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:
- 2017-03-14
- Technical Note:
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 256 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2017. Migration metadata by KD and MT.