Macdonald, Alan Fraser: my Army recollections (July 28, and August 4, 1981)
Interviewee: Macdonald, Alan Fraser, b. 1913
Interviewer: Roy, Reginald H.
An interview/narrative of Alan Fraser Macdonald's experiences during World War II. Major Macdonald, O.B.E. served with the Edmonton Regiment and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Interview took place on July 28 and August 4, 1981.
ABSTRACT: Maj. Alan Fraser Macdonald, O.B.E. The Edmonton Regiment The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Macdonald_A_0093_01.mp3 (Interview 1) Born in 1913 in Edmonton, Alta. (died in 198-?) He was a junior solicitor when he joined The Edmonton Regiment (militia) in 1938 as a second lieutenant. Appointed intelligence officer, an appointment he held for most of his time with the battalion. Describes the uniforms of officers and other ranks, equipment, summer camp in Sarcee. Remembers the declaration of war on a Sunday morning in September. Sailed for Scotland on Dec. 17, 1939. Lucky to be housed in new, modern barracks in Aldershot. Wartime England reflected a false sense of complacency, the "phony war". Annoyed by the occasional condescending attitude (which soon changed) of some English toward the Canadian colonials. The Edmonton Regiment was part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division and was commanded by Brig. George R. Pearkes. (30:00) Heavy training schedule with much friendly competition between the three infantry battalions of the brigade. The German invasion of the Low Countries was a shock and after Dunkirk the Canadians, although not fully trained, were one of the few formations in Britain to be near full war establishment. Comments on the arrogant attitude of a captured Luftwaffe pilot. There was a considerable change in civilian attitudes toward the war at this time. (45:00) Macdonald_A_0093_02.mp3 (Interview 2) Describes civilian rationing and entertainment for the troops. Good public dance halls and excellent pubs. He was able to go on "shooting leaves" at English and Scottish country homes. The battalion, in position defending the south coast of England, had an excellent view of the air battles during the Battle of Britain. (15:00) Many exercises with the Home Guard who were a varied and enthusiastic body. Sent to brigade headquarters as intelligence officer. Humourous anecdotes of southern England, blackouts, etc. Considers a brigade headquarters to be an excellent posting. One had much knowledge of the tactical situation and felt part of it. In mid-1941 he was sent to a junior officers' course at the Canadian army staff college in Kingston, Ont. Offers a sidelight on Gen. Pearkes who always enjoyed being actively engaged in maneuvers. Anecdotes about Churchill, Pearkes, etc. Describes the course, administration and practicality of the curriculum at staff college (all good). Promoted to major and appointed G.S.O. II (Air) at No. 414 Army Co-operation Squadron, R.C.A.F. in Croydon. There he interrogated returning pilots. Explained aircraft used up to and including operations at Dieppe in 1942. Then appointed to the same position at Canadian corps headquarters. Most interesting work during 1942/43. (45:00)
Rank: Major. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- In Collection:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- MAF_093
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- June 15, 2007
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, 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 2007. 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
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