Tedlie, Alfred James: my Army recollections (June 28 - July 23, 1979)
Interviewee: Tedlie, Alfred James, b. 1916
An interview/narrative of Alfred James Tedlie's experiences during World War II and the Vietnam War. Major-General Tedlie, D.S.O. served with the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars, the Royal Montreal Regiment and the British Columbia Regiment (28th Armoured Regiment). Interview took place on June 28, July 9, 16 and 23, 1979.
Interviewer: Main, Chris D.
Rank: Major-General. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Alfred James Tedlie, D.S.O. 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars Royal Montreal Regiment The British Columbia Regiment (28th Armoured Regiment) Tedlie_A_0200_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born of Irish parents on March 20, 1916 in Montreal. Educated in that city. In Oct. 1939 joined the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars and, as a trooper, was issued a full cavalry uniform and equipment. Describes conditions, much sport, machine-gun training. Tedlie_A_0200_02.mp3 Transferred to the Royal Montreal Regiment in 1940, commissioned. Commanded an army demonstration team, toured Ontario and Quebec. Account of voyage overseas. Tedlie_A_0200_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Took command of the machine-gun platoon. The regiment became the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment, converting to armoured cars. Promoted to captain. Comments on the requirement for the regiment to become a reconnaissance unit. In March 1944 the regiment was disbanded and Tedlie was transferred to the British Columbia Regiment. A complete change to tank warfare. Discusses the 4th Armoured Brigade and the organization of a tank squadron. Tedlie_A_0200_04.mp3 Landed in Normandy in July 1944 in command of the tank delivery squadron specifically for the use of his regiment. Heavy tank casualties in Aug. 1944 brought the entire squadron forward. In action on Aug. 13 during Operation Tractable. Good morale, describes actions, masterful use of ground by the enemy. Maj.-Gen. George Kitching. Morale tremendously influenced by the confidence in a commander. Experienced tank commander is vital to survival. Falaise. Tedlie_A_0200_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Discusses the disastrous fight of the 28th Armoured Regiment on Aug. 8-9 when they lost forty-seven tanks. Considerable confusion evident in Operation Tractable. Personal feelings. Explains re-supply, tactical situation. (45:00) Tedlie_A_0200_06.mp3 Carnage at Falaise. Admires German defensive tactics, 88-mm. gun very effective. Living in and under a tank. Describes an action where most of his squadron was lost, including his own tank. Tank crews became adept at abandoning a tank, rarely were "buttoned-up". (36:00) Tedlie_A_0200_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Continued to command his squadron until the end of the war (Major, Sept. 1944), except for a few weeks when he commanded the 4th Armoured Division training school for tank commanders. Discusses the Sherman tank. Tedlie_A_0200_08.mp3 Awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for action in Feb. 1945 in Hochwald Forest. Comments on Alexander and Montgomery. Crossed the Rhine, Kuersten Canal. In Germany it was always necessary to watch for booby traps. Administered a German town for a short time. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel. Tedlie_A_0200_09.mp3 Commanded the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa in Wilhelmshaven (occupation troops). Despite having to purchase new uniforms the "fruits of victory" were very comfortable in Germany. Decided to make the army his career. Staff college at Kingston, Ont, 1946/1947. (45:00) Tedlie_A_0200_10.mp3 In command at Fort Churchill, Man., the winter experimental station. Tedlie_A_0200_11.mp3 Makes first reference to service in Vietnam with the International Commission for Control. Tedlie_A_0200_12.mp3 Established a base in Hanoi in Aug. 1954 in command of fifty-three officers and men. Dealt with violations of the Geneva Convention which allowed their presence together with Indians and Poles. Speaks of relations with Gen. Giap, met Ho Chi Minh. Withdrawal of the French army from Hanoi. Considers the later United States involvement in Vietnam. National Defence College, 1955/1956. Tedlie_A_0200_13.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 1) Promoted to colonel, chief of staff, Saskatchewan command. Director of Armour, then of Combat Development. Frequent meetings to plan military doctrine, in consultation with the Americans and British. Promoted to brigadier, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. Went directly from there to command the international force for peacekeeping in Cyprus: Canadians, Finns, Danes and British. Tedlie_A_0200_14.mp3 Lacked an intelligence organization, claims that military intelligence was unknown in the United Nations. Much self-reliance required of the soldier on the spot in Cyprus. It was a moderately successful operation, but gradually deteriorated into open warfare. Recounts the daily schedule of the commander. Close co-operation with the police of both sides. Tedlie_A_0200_15.mp3 In 1964 he was appointed commander of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in Europe (for two years). Troops well-equipped and trained. Very friendly with the efficient German forces. Tedlie_A_0200_16.mp3 Posted to the training command in Winnipeg where he had his first experience with integration. Later unification caused much dissatisfaction. October Crisis: integrated staff not successful. The army took command and an effective military operation was mounted. As a major-general and Deputy Chief of Staff for Force Development he was required to give much thought to future warfare. Recounts some of the responsibilities of the position. Retired in 1971 after thirty-two years of service. Tedlie_A_0200_17.mp3 (Interview by R.H. Roy, Mar. 1990) Supplementary to and partial repeat of earlier interview re Vietnam, 1954-55. Tedlie_A_0200_18.mp3 (continues)
- In Collection:
- 18 sound recordings (MP3)
- 51.5, 10.5
- 45.50884, -73.58781
- Four original sound tape reels (ca. 630 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 8 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- TAJ_200
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- June 15, 2010
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2010. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
- Rights
- 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
- DOI
