Paul, Sam: my wartime experiences (February 1, 2007)
ABSTRACT: Sam Paul Sam was 21 when he felt it was time to join the war effort. He was accepted into the Canadian Infantry in 1943 in Montreal. Basic training was done at Farnham, Quebec. Sent to England to the Reception and Dispatch Records Office, he spent 2 years in Aldershot and Barnsley working as a clerk. Buzz bombs over England remain as Sam's worst memories of that time. Sam joined the Balfour Services Club in London and he observed the Jewish holidays with families in London. He still remembers the warmth with which he was welcomed by the London Jewish community. Sam was demobilized in 1946. He returned to Montreal and went into the retail clothing business. He says 'The Army is a good place to be. It builds character and is a terrific life learning experience'. Sam is retired in Nanaimo. At the Balfour Club, there were many local Jewish families that hosted Jewish soldiers for Sabbath dinners and holidays. Sam and his friend were assigned to a host family in London. When they arrived at their destination, it looked like it had been bombed out, with boards covering the windows. The address was on the second floor above a store. Sam and his buddy weren't sure they should enter the building, but it was late and dark so they entered, and it was the smartest thing they did. When they rang the bell and entered they found themselves standing on plush carpeting in a 'wealthy' home. The hosts, the Grodskys, welcomed them warmly. The meal was absolutely delicious. As it turned out, the Grodskys owned the bakery downstairs and were able to trade sugar and oil for foodstuffs they needed. Sam spent one weekend a month with this family, even helping them deliver bread, until he was posted to the Midlands. After the war Sam kept in touch with them for some years.
Interviewer: Fitch, Edward and Sharon
Interviewee: Paul, Sam
An interview/narrative of Sam Paul's experiences during World War II. Paul served with the Canadian Infantry. Interview took place on February 1, 2007.
- In Collection:
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 45.50884, -73.58781
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- PS_550
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/edward-fitch-collection
- 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
