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)

721. Sawyer, Stephen: my Canadian Militia story (March 22, 2017)

Title:: Sawyer, Stephen: my Canadian Militia story (March 22, 2017)
Description:: Interviewer: Milne, Laura, Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , Interviewee: Sawyer, Stephen, ABSTRACT: The interview begins with the narrator’s military background, including his transition from the Regular Force to the Reserve Force. The narrator then describes his enlistment with the Canadian Army and his current career as the Commanding Officer of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. The operations training of the Canadian Scottish Regiment and primary duties of the Reserve Force are also discussed. The role of the Reserve Force in today’s community is described, including domestic and foreign operations. The narrator then discussed many issues that affect today’s Reserve Force such as recruitment, community involvement and changes in Canadian defense policy. The narrator’s 1991 deployment to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt as part of Operation CALUMET was then described. The changing role of peacekeeping, both in Canada and abroad, was then discussed. The narrator concluded the interview with an emphasis on the strong leadership in the Canadian military. Time Log: 0:00 - 1:37 Background and Enlistment, including transition from Regular Force to Reserve Force 1:37 – 2:23 Background: Differences between Regular Force and Reserve Force 2:23 –3:28 Background: Difference between Cold War experiences and peacetime experiences as well as the evolution of the modern battlefield such as Afghanistan 3:28 – 4:50 Background: Describing deployment to Egypt as part of Operation CALUMET 4:50 – 8:56 Reasons for enlistment, including background in Army Cadets. Description of Basic training. 8:56 – 10:50 Family history of military service 10:50 – Training with the Canadian Scottish Regiment Reserve Force, including description of ‘urban operations’ training. 15:00 – 22:43 Description of duties of Canadian Scottish Regiment, including recruitment process and community relations. 22:43 – 28:32 Role of a Reserve Force in today’s community, including domestic and foreign duties. Description of Reserve Force’s involvement in natural disasters such as firefighting and floods. Description of differences between Reserve and Regular Forces. 28:32 – 34:22 Community relations for the Reserve Force, including events and memorials. 34:22 – 36:57 Sacrifices in the military and fallen soldiers from Vancouver Island 36:57 – 39:50 Changes to community engagement and the Canadian army, including memories from the Vietnam War era and anti-military sentiment. 39:50 – 49:21 Description of duties as Commanding Officer of a Reserve Regiment 49:21 – 57:26 Issue of recruitment for the Reserve Force 57:26 – 1:03:31 Description of transition from Regular Force to Reserve Force, including description of Reserve Force training 1:03:31 – 1:10:00 Changes in defense policy for the Reserve Force, including improvements to equipment and training 1:10:00 – 1:16:00 Description of deployment in 1991 to the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt as a part of Operation CALUMET and the changing role of peacekeeping 1:16:00 – 1:19:50 Experiences with the Bedouin tribes in the Sinai desert in Egypt 1:19:50 – 1:27:00 Experiences of touring Egypt while deployed, including the differences in Egyptian culture and Canadian culture 1:27:00 – 1:39:40 Canada’s changing role as ‘peacekeepers’ 1:39:40 – 1:44:13 Description of strong leadership in the Canadian military and effects of Canadian politics on the Canadian military 1:44:13 – 2:04:50 Signing of Interview Release Form and explanation of military zones in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt 2:04:50 – 2:06:50 Ending acknowledgements, and An interview/narrative of Stephen Sawyer's experiences with the Canadian Militia. Interview took place on March 22, 2017 in Victoria, B.C.
Subject:: Military history, Afghan Wars, Cold War (1945-1989), and Military cadets
Contributor:: Sawyer, Stephen and Milne, Laura
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2017-03-22
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 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:: SS_851
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:: 2017-03-22
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.

722. Kilford, Christopher: my experience as a Canadian Defence Attaché (March 24, 2017)

Title:: Kilford, Christopher: my experience as a Canadian Defence Attaché (March 24, 2017)
Description:: ABSTRACT: This interview provides an overview of Christopher Kilfords career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Highlights include his Topics include his experience as the Acting Director Future Security Analysis and Deputy Director where he was responsible for writing the the Canada First Defence Strategy. It also touches upon his observations as the Military Liaison Officer to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence. A large component of the audio recording features his experience as the Deputy Military Attaché in Kabul, Afghanistan during the Afghanistan War from 2009-2010. It also includes his role as the Military Attaché in Ankara Turkey where he was cross accredited to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkmenistan from 2011 to 2014. In Turkey, there were two critical issues that he had to monitor: the stability of the conflict between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and the Syrian Civil War. Audio Time Codes 0:37:00: - 06:00 Decision to Join the Armed Forces & Path to Officer Training 0:16:00 – 0:22:00 Deputy Director, National Defence 2005 on Writing the Canadian Defence Plan for Paul Martin’s Liberal and Stephen Harper’s Conservative Governments. 0:23:00 –-0:29:18 Experience as the Liaison Officer to the Senate Committee for Security and National Defence 029:00 -041:48 Training Experience for the Military Attaché Program and Surveillance in Turkey 045:00 – 048:00 Recollection of First Day as the Deputy Advisor in Afghanistan 049:00 -051:00 Relationship with the Canadian Embassy Staff in Kabul 051:00 – 056:00 Observations on Rebuilding the Afghan National Army and Police, Assessing training and the development of recruits 059:00 – 01:03:00 Utilization of Afghanistan Police in Counter Terrorism Efforts, Issues of Corruption in Afghan Security Institutions and External Threats to Alliance Operations 01:03:00 – 01:09:00 Role in Coordinating Afghan Exchange Military Training Programs and Observations of ISAF Strategy 01:10:00 – 01:17:00 - Observations of the Taliban Rehabilitation Program, Visit to the Detention Centre at the Bagram Air Force Base 01:22:00 – 01:28:00 Reporting Information to Ottawa 01:28:00 – 01:33:00 Relationships with Foreign Attaches and Intelligence Received About the Syrian Civil War 01:33:00 – 01:35:00 Meetings with Turkish Mayors and Governors during Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkish Peace Talks 01:42:00 - 01:44:00 Preparing for Attaché Role in Description of Role in Ankara. 01:45:00 – 01:49:00 Relations with the Militaries in Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia 01:49:00 – 02:03:00 Experience in Turkey During the Syrian Civil War; Meetings with opposition fighters 02:04:00 –0 2:08:00 Observations of Turkish Military, Support of ISIL and Fighting Against the PKK 02:10:00—02:12:00 Visits to Refugee Camps and economic status of Turkey 02:26:00 – 02:30:00 Observations about the Turkish Military 02:30:00 - 02:38:00 Observations on Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan 02:38:00 - -2:40:00 Frontlines of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 02:40:00 –02:43:00 Canadian Relations with the Georgia Military 02:48:00 –02:55:00 After the Canadian Armed Forces A Career Change in Media, Ottawa Citizen Contributions and TV Interviews and Teaching, Canadian Staff College 02:59:00 –03:04:00 Experience in Afghanistan, Bombing Outside of ISAF Headquarters Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 01:49:00 – 02:03:00 Experience in Turkey During the Syrian Civil War; Meetings with opposition fighters 02:04:00 –0 2:08:00 Observations of Turkish Military, Support of ISIL and Fighting Against the PKK 02:59:00 –03:04:00 Experience in Afghanistan, Bombing Outside of ISAF Headquarters, An interview/narrative of Christopher Kilford's experiences with the Canadian Armed Forces. Lt-Colonel Kilford served as a Defence Attaché. Interview took place on March 24, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewee: Kilford, Christopher, Interviewer: Currie, Heather, and Rank: LCol.
Subject:: Military history, Afghan Wars, and Armed Forces--Officers
Contributor:: Kilford, Christopher and Currie, Heather
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2017-03-24
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:: Afghanistan and British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 33, 66 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), interviews, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: KC_847
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:: 2017-03-24
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 161 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.

723. Dixon, Edwin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (March 31, 2017)

Title:: Dixon, Edwin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (March 31, 2017)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Edwin Dixon's experiences with Armed Forces Public Affairs. Interview took place on March 31, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewee: Dixon, Edwin, ABSTRACT: Retired Sergeant Edwin Dixon explains his unique role as a photographic technician in Public Affairs. His experiences include taking portraits for military personnel, operation tours, and public figures such as Pope John Paul II. 0:00 – 11:00 – His goals, training, and duties as a photographic technician. 11:00 – 14:00 – Discusses where he was stationed and tours, and how that impacted him as a photographer. 14:00– 34:44 – Experiences as a photographer including Pope John Paul II’s tour to Canada, the G7 Toronto Conference, and pilgrimages to Dieppe and South Korea. 34:44-44:24 - Releasing photographs for the public and working with the press. 44:24-45:35- Comments about Public Affairs 45:35-52:00- Expands more on the relationship between the military and journalists and security that was necessary for his work. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 0:00 – 11:00 – Explains how his role is unique from a regular Public Affairs Officer., Interviewer: Lavallee, Olivia, and Rank: Sergeant.
Subject:: Armed Forces--Officers, Dieppe Raid (1942), and Military history
Contributor:: Dixon, Edwin and Lavallee, Olivia
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2017-03-31
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:: DE_863
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:: 2017-03-31
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.

724. Carle, Kevin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (April 3, 2017)

Title:: Carle, Kevin: my service in Armed Forces Public Affairs (April 3, 2017)
Description:: Interviewer: Lavallee, Olivia, ABSTRACT: 0:00- 1:00 definition of Public Affairs 1:00-3:00 academic credentials 3:00-5:15 His experience with the Reserve Officer University Training Plan with HMCS Malahat and working with the navy and then becoming a Base Information Officer. 5:15-6:40 How his family’s history with the military prepared him for Public Affairs 6:40- 10:15 Primary duties in Public Affairs and how they evolved 10:15- 12:51 How Public Affairs is a portal for civilians to keep the military accountable 12:51- 15:00 skills needed to when working in Public Affairs 15:00-18:00 the impact of having in journalistic background when working in Public Affairs 18:00-25:15 bases he was stationed at including Victoria, Ottawa (DND), and Halifax and how he worked with different departments. 25:18- 28:00 benefits of experiencing different cultures 28:00 –33:11 How he was involved with peacekeeping policy as an interim Director and how he developed Strategic Staff Talks with Israel. 33:19- 36:12 How other military personnel perceived Public Affairs. 36:12- 40:00 Recalls significant memories such as the crash of Swiss Airflight 111. 40:00- 1:02:11 The process of releasing news stories and working with the press. 1:02:11- 1:03:19 Lack of published literature available specifically on Public Affairs 1:04:00-1:11:00 The importance of security 11:11:00- 11:14:00 Closing thoughts on why he had a successful career Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 40:00- 1:02:11 The process of releasing news stories and working with the press., Rank: Captain. , An interview/narrative of Kevin Carle's experiences with Armed Forces Public Affairs. Interview took place on April 3, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., and Interviewee: Carle, Kevin
Subject:: Peacekeeping forces, Armed Forces--Officers, and Military history
Contributor:: Carle, Kevin and Lavallee, Olivia
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2017-04-03
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), sound recordings, reminiscences, and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CK_862
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:: 2017-04-03
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.

725. Melville, Bruce: my experiences serving in Canada's ASW Fleet during the Cold War (April 5, 2017)

Title:: Melville, Bruce: my experiences serving in Canada's ASW Fleet during the Cold War (April 5, 2017)
Description:: An interview/narrative of Bruce Melville's experiences during the Cold War. Interview took place on April 5, 2017 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewer: Cahoon, William, Interviewee: Melville, Bruce, and ABSTRACT: The interview starts with a discussion of the veteran’s early life and what sort of training he received upon first joining the Canadian navy. The interview itself follows a somewhat chronological approach looking at the overall service of Commander Melville. The interview discussed the various ships he served on and looked at things such as weapons systems and his individual duties aboard the ships. The cold war tensions presents during the time that Commander Melville was serving in was also discussed especially that of the soviet submarine threat that was present. The interview then discussed when he received his first command and the various operations that he took part of during his time aboard the ship. He goes on to discuss his time as part of the RIMPAC operation and then discuses his retirement. 0:00 – 2:04 – Early life, joining the Navy and Going to University 2:05 –3:49– Training during summers 3:54 – 7:57– life aboard HMCS Annapolis, anecdote about one of his bunkmates. 8:08 – 10:07 – Becoming operations officer HMCS Mackenzie, his duties and the defense systems aboard HMCS Mackenzie. 10:13– 12:31– left HMCS Mackenzie, joined Maritime Officer Production Study and then became Maritime Officer’s Career Manager 12:36– 12:45 – Served DDH 280s and then went to staff college 12:46– 14:18– Became CO HMCS Kootenay, discussed process of gaining command 14:41–18:40– Soviet Submarine threat and Canada ASW capability over time discussed 18:49– 25:34– Operations while in Command HMCS Kootneay, RIMPAC 25:37– 27:26– Contact Soviet Ships 27:30– 30:45– Unification, Civilian Military policy 30:51 – 33:09– Changes made to DDEs/ DDHs over the years, Refits 33:17– 35:35– The aging nature of DDEs/DDHs 35:42– 43:24– What did when off duty, port visits 43:28– 45:09– Retirement 45:17– 46:39– How the Navy has changed Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 10:20 – 12:30 – Maritime Officer Production Study
Subject:: Cold War (1945-1989), Military history, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Melville, Bruce and Cahoon, William
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2017-04-05
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:: sound recordings, interviews, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: MB_866
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:: 2017-04-05
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.

726. Angell, Eric: my Afghanistan armoured experience (March 7, 2019)

Title:: Angell, Eric: my Afghanistan armoured experience (March 7, 2019)
Description:: Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. , Interviewee: Angell, Eric, Interviewer: Murdoch, Calen, An interview/narrative of Eric Angell's experiences in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 7, 2019 in Victoria, B.C., and ABSTRACT: This interview with Lt. Col. Eric Angell provides commentary on the experiences of Canadian tank crewman in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Angell provides us with a short commentary on his early life and the motivations he had to join the army and the way in which he became part of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Armoured Regiment. He summarizes the earlier deployments he completed in Bosnia as part of Canadian peacekeeping efforts. He moves to his Afghan deployment on Rotation 3 of operation ATHENA. Lt. Col Angell helps us understand the nature of Canadian tank regiments and how it changed during the Afghanistan deployment due to the Canadian government rethinking its commitment to tanks. He describes the daily duties of tank crewman in Afghanistan and what it took to command the Leopard C2 Main Battle Tanks after their deployment in 2006-07. Lt. Col. Angell explains the role that Canadian tanks play as a direct fire mechanism supporting Canadian combined arms teams and provincial reconstruction teams and the lessons learned in Afghanistan that led to the need of Main Battle Tanks. Finally, Lt. Col. Angell speaks about both the limitations of tanks and the effects that the presence of tanks had on both the enemy and other ISAF forces. The interview conclude with a short section on where Lt. Col. Angell sees the future of Canadian MBTs. 0:00 – 5:55 Early life, and motivations to join the Canadian Army and process of joining armoured corps. 6:00 – 12:00 The processes involved in training and becoming assigned to a MBT’s squadron. 12:10 – 13:11 Lt. Col. Angell experience and viewpoint of the relative decline in the usage of tanks on the modern-day battle field. 13:30 – 15:30 Opinion on replacing tanks with Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV III’s) 16:00 – 19:20 The lessons learned on Operation MEDUSA that showed a need for tanks in Afghanistan. 19:30 – 25:00 Daily life in Afghanistan and the preparation and training involved in the Afghan deployment. 25:00 – 27:20 Prevalence of combined arms teams and the role tanks played in combined arms team missions in Afghanistan. 28:50 – 35:30 Reaction to the decision to incorporate MBTs back into Canadian Forces doctrine and the evolution of tank tactics in country. 35:50 – 40:00 The process of switching tanks and the training required to employ the new modern Leopard 2A4 and 2A6’s. 40:28 – 44:30 Some limitations of tanks in the Afghanistan deployment and the effect that tanks had on both enemy and allied forces 44:50 – 49:39 In depth look at the limitations of tanks and how tank crews mitigated these limitations. 49:57 – 52:00 How the experiences of the first tank deployments to Afghanistan were passed down to those rotating into Afghanistan. 55:00 – 1:00:33 Opinions on the future of Canadian tanks. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 16:00 – 19:20 The lessons learned on Operation MEDUSA that showed a need for tanks in Afghanistan. 19:30 – 25:00 Daily life in Afghanistan and the preparation and training involved in the afghan deployment.
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, Afghan Wars, and Tanks (Military science)
Contributor:: Angell, Eric and Murdoch, Calen
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-07
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 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), interviews, sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: AE_876
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:: 2019-03-07
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 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

727. Burrows, Syd: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)

Title:: Burrows, Syd: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)
Description:: Interviewee: Burrows, Syd, An interview/narrative of Syd Burrow's experiences serving with the RCAF. Interview took place on March 9, 2019 in Comox, B.C., Interviewer: Bargh, John, and ABSTRACT: Mr Burrows recounted numerous anecdotes and stories from his military career in a most animated matter. He began by talking about his early life and initial enlistment in the military. He segued into talking about past wartime heroes he got to meet, such as Billy Bishop. He then spoke about Operation Leapfrog, training aircraft, the De Havilland Vampire, and the F86 Sabre. He then spoke about the Sabre more specifically and the details of Operation Leapfrog. He had a lot to say about his impressions of post-war Germany, his interactions with the local populace, as well as the political situation with the Warsaw Pact countries. He spoke about flying the F86 as compared to the disadvantaged enemy flying the MiG, and then spoke more about the Sabre. Unfortunately, the recorder stopped near the end of the interview unbeknownst to either the interviewer or interviewee. 0:00 – 8:50 – Early life, initial service time, people Mr Burrows met – such as Billy Bishop. 8:50 – 26:15 – Details about Operation Leapfrog, the De Havilland Vampire, the F86 Sabre, impressions of and details of the Sabre. More Operation Leapfrog details. 26:15 – 39:19 – Impressions of post-war Germany, interactions with the populace, impressions of the political situation, flying the F86, more details about the Sabre.
Subject:: Bishop, William Avery, 1894-1956, Sabre (Jet fighter plane), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, Military history, and Warsaw Treaty Organization
Contributor:: Burrows, Syd and Bargh, John
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-09
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:: Germany
Coordinates:: 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:: oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, interviews, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: BS_869
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:: 2019-03-09
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 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

728. England, John: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)

Title:: England, John: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)
Description:: Interviewer: Bargh, John, ABSTRACT: Over the course of nearly an hour Mr. England recounted numerous instances regarding his life in the military and the path leading to it. He began talking about his early life, the effect of the Second World War on his and others’ families. This transitioned into telling about his enlistment for national service, transfer to Canada, and the effect that had on his relationships with loved ones. He then spoke about training in Canada, followed by his deployment to England with the 1 Canadian Air Division. He then spoke about the Sabre, and conditions for RCAF pilots in Europe. He also relived his story involving an engine failure in a CF-104 Starfighter. Finally, he talked about his impressions of the F86, the training exercises, accommodation in Europe, and his family. 0:00 – 6:30 – Early life, WW2, enlistment for national service, transfer to Canada. 6:30 – 14:20 – Training and where it took place, where he was stationed, anecdote about Gimli Glider. 14:20 – 28:40 – Posting to England with 1 Wing, 1 Canadian Air Division, flying the F86 Sabre, details about the Sabre, conditions in Europe. 28:40 – 33:20 – Story of engine failure years after deployment with 1 Canadian Air Division. 33:20 – 53:48 – Impressions of F86, training in F86, exercises, accommodation, leisure time, family., Interviewee: England, John, and An interview/narrative of John England's experiences serving with the RCAF. Interview took place on March 9, 2019 in Qualicum Beach, B.C.
Subject:: Sabre (Jet fighter plane), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force, and Military history
Contributor:: Bargh, John and England, John
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-09
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:: England and Europe
Coordinates:: 48.69096, 9.14062 and 52.16045, -0.70312
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, interviews, oral histories (literary genre), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: EJ_868
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:: 2019-03-09
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 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

729. Gallop, Jack: my RCMP United Nations peacekeeping experience (March 9, 2019)

Title:: Gallop, Jack: my RCMP United Nations peacekeeping experience (March 9, 2019)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Jack Gallop’s service in the military was apparent in that his answers during the interview were perfectly brief and to the point. Most notable among Gallop’s answers were the details of the interethnic tensions present in Bosnia and Kosovo when he was deployed in 1999. He also discussed the impact his deployment hade upon his family which opened avenues of secondary research regarding the impact deployments can have upon families. Mentions of the presence of UN soldiers, specifically American soldiers were beneficial because a pattern emerged in all 3 interviewees praising the professionalism of the American troops. 0:00 – 10:00 – Background with the police, why Mr. Gallop joined the UN mission, Ottawa orientation, plane trip to the Balkans, local geography and foreign influence in the region, landmines, getting locals to work together. 10:00 – 20:00 – Working with the local police, role of the UN police in Bosnia, ethical practice of the UN with regards to the local population, local tensions in Bosnia, threats to religious minorities in Bosnia, past violence towards Muslims from the local populace. 20:00 – 30:00 – Ancient tensions and vendettas, Mr. Gallop’s transfer to Kosovo, positive changes that Mr. Gallop observed while deployed, presence of foreign UN troops in Kosovo and regions of control, why Mr. Gallop never had to use his sidearm on the mission, issues between different nationalities in the UN police, problems caused by the police. 30:00 – 41:14 – Frustration with the differences between different police practice, excellent conduct of the American police officers, experience of Northern Irish UN officers while working in ethnically tense environments, threat of landmines towards Mr. Gallop, conclusions and reflections from Mr. Gallop. Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: 19:50- 20:44 – More on the tensions between ethnic groups, Interviewee: Gallop, Jack, Interviewer: Russ, Peter, and An interview/narrative of Jack Gallop's experiences in the Balkans. Interview took place on March 9, 2019 in Victoria, B.C.
Subject:: Military history, United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo, and Kosovo War (1998-1999)
Contributor:: Russ, Peter and Gallop, Jack
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-09
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:: interviews, sound recordings, reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: GJ_879
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:: 2019-03-09
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 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

730. Low, John: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)

Title:: Low, John: my RCAF experience (March 9, 2019)
Description:: Rank: Major. , ABSTRACT: Major John Low describes his upbringing and early life in Chatham, Ontario before becoming a RCAF pilot. He discusses his Basic Officer, On the Job, and Pilot Training. The focus of this interview is Low’s time as a 1 Canadian Air Group CF-104 pilot in Europe during the Cold War. Low recollects his CF-104 training at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta and CF-104 operations at CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany, including squadron exercises and exchanges, as part of 439 and 421 Squadrons. Low describes the characteristics of the CF-104 and the difficult flying conditions in Germany. He recollects some close calls he had on the CF-104 and some pilot fatalities. The interview concludes with Low briefly describing his career after flying the CF-104. 0:38 - 1:32 – Growing up in Chatham, Ontario. 1:40 - 2:14 – Jobs during and after high school before joining the Air Force. 2:16 – 3:00 – University education. 3:00 – 8:09 – Enlistment into military, early interest in aviation, air crew selection. 8:15 – 11:25 – Basic Officer Training in Chilliwack, British Columbia. 11:30 – 12:42 - On the Job Training (OJT) in Comox, British Columbia. 13:03 – 16:28 - Basic Flying training in Portage le Prairie, Manitoba. 16:32 – 18:33 - Jet Training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. 18:37 – 23: 26 - Fighter Training on CF-5 in 419 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta. 23:27 – 39:35 - CF-104 Training in 417 Squadron at Cold Lake, Alberta, characteristics of CF-104 (Major Low is pointing to a model CF-104), description of memorable CF-104 flight. 39:40 – 41:42 - Comparison of the CF-104 to other planes. 41:45 – 46:50 - Posting to CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany on the CF-104. 46:51 – 50:04 - Description of Baden, interactions with the local German population, living on economy, life on CFB Baden-Soellingen. 50:05 – 56:17 - Weather and flying conditions in Germany. 56:18 – 1:03:33 - Typical day as a CF-104 pilot, squadron and NATO exercises, Tiger Meets. 1:03:40 – 1:06:14 - Typical “targets” that CF-104 pilots would go after, exercises with the Canadian Army contingent posted to Germany. 1:06:15 – 1:09:20 - Combat ready training in Germany, description of two-plane, section, and mass attack lead roles. 1:09:21 – 1:10:53 - Air-to-air and air-to-ground target training. 1:10:54 – 1:13:56 - Netherlands exchange during his time on 421 Squadron, F-16 pilot fatality. 1:13:57 – 1:15:17 - Description of CF-104 paint color (John points to model plane). 1:15:18 – 1:18:30 - Comparison of CF-104 nuclear strike and conventional attack roles. 1:18:33 - 1:21:37 - Close down of 439 Squadron and move to 421 Squadron, comparison of CF-104 and F-18. 1:21:39 – 1:27:30 - Description of Soviet threat, role if war broke out with the Soviets, deterrence. 1:27:31 – 1:29:35 - Never hard to stay mission-focused, role as Deputy Operations Officer at 421 Squadron, 1:29:37 – 1:30:37- John describes how he never felt unsafe flying in the CF-104. 1:30:38 – 1:35:13 - John’s close calls in the CF-104, description of three hydraulics failures. 1:35:14 – 1:38:01 - Pilot fatality at Cold Lake, pilot ejections, instructor fatalities at Cold Lake. 1:38:03 – 1:38:46 - John talks to the CF-104 being called the “Widowmaker.” 1:38:47 – 1:46:20 - End of CF-104 service in Europe. 1:46:21 – 1:52:50 - Career after CF-104, final remarks on aviation career., Interviewee: Low, John, 1958-, Interviewer: Lindquist, Sarah, and An interview/narrative of John Low's RCAF experiences. Interview took place on March 9, 2019 in Comox, B.C.
Subject:: Cold War (1945-1989), Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force. Squadron, 421, Military history, and Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force
Contributor:: Lindquist, Sarah and Low, John, 1958-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-09
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:: Germany
Coordinates:: 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:: LJ_884
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:: 2019-03-09
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 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.