Interview with Robert Black (February 23, 2022)
Interviewer: James Cole Interviewee: Robert Black An interview/narrative of Robert Black's experiences serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Interview took place on February 23, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: Robert Black begins the interview by discussing his childhood and how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. His time in Cyprus is recounted through various responsibilities he had as well as interactions with Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Women’s Walk Home and the process of crowd control is examined. Instances of heightened tensions caused by “episodes of Greek stupidity” are explained. Black discusses the prevalence of alcohol throughout his time in Cyprus and its social role. Black recalls various stories such as his encounter with wild dogs or a reconnaissance mission during a storm. Black highlights skills developed during his time in Cyprus such as how to negotiate. The interview concludes with the remark that peacekeeping only works if both sides want peace and reflections on his military career. 0:37 - 1:39 - Childhood and joining the Canadian Armed Forces. 1:39 - 6:47 - Serving in Cyprus: responsibilities and first impressions. 6:47 - 8:00 - Interactions with civilian Cypriots. 8:00 - 9:30 - Comparing Greek and Turkish militaries. 9:30 - 13:43 - The Women’s Walk Home 13:43 - 15:15 - “Episodes of Greek stupidity”: how tensions were heightened. 15:18 - 16:58 - Canadian armaments: weaponry and vehicles. 16:58 - 17:46 - Closest instance of violence: wild dogs. 17:48 - 23:37 - Maintaining morale: physical activity and social drinking. 23:47 - 24:16 - Context: Cold War, pre-Somalia, pre-Bosnia, pre-Afghanistan. 24:16 - 24:58 - Feelings when leaving Cyprus. 24:58 - 31:47 - Helicopter reconnaissance during a storm and language barriers. 31:47 - 33:08 - Developing negotiating skills. 33:10 - 34:32 - The future of peacekeeping and the only way it works. 34:32 - 36:58 - Concluding a military career.
- In Collection:
- Interview #SC141_BR_890
- 00:37:39
- Canadian Peacekeeping: The Cyprus Conflict
- 35, 33
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: II; Item: 890
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- February 23, 2022
- Interview done through a Zoom video call, MP4, 493,269 KB. Metadata by KD.
- 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
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