Lazier, Donald Rowan: my Army recollections (September 2, 1986)

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Rank: Private.

Interviewer: Aylward, Rick

An interview/narrative of Donald Rowan Lazier's experiences during World War II. Private Lazier served with the Calgary Highlanders and the Calgary Regiment (14th Armoured Regiment). Interview took place on September 2, 1986.

ABSTRACT: Pte. Donald Rowan Lazier The Calgary Highlanders The Calgary Regiment (14th Armoured Regiment) Lazier_D_0091_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on May 19, 1915 in Vancouver, B.C. Member of The Calgary Highlanders (militia) in the mid-1930's when he became a small arms instructor. Underwent partial officer training at an O.C.T.U., but ill health prevented completion of the course and a disciplinary problem permanently assigned him to the "other ranks". Comments on relations with the British people while overseas. In 1942 transferred to the 14th Armoured Regiment in which he became a gunner in a Churchill tank. (11:00) Admits that he "was not a typically good soldier", but got on very well with the English people he met. Remembers the raid on Dieppe in 1942 and the exhilarating feeling when they landed on the beach near the Casino. Stuck in a tank trap after reaching the promenade they were pulled out by another tank after he had attached the tow line while under enemy fire. Comments that the beach rocks were quite unsuitable for tank movement. Finds it hard to believe that the composition of the beach was not properly appreciated by the military planners. Claims that his was the last tank in action, evacuated and surrendered when the turret became inoperable. Gives details of his surrender. Interrogated by a very knowledgeable person in civilian clothes whom he took to be a member of the Gestapo. (45:00) Sent to Stalag 8b where he soon became known for his ability to "scrounge" and to bribe the German guards. Escaped from a working party in Oct. 1943 only to be caught after four days. After punishment cells for fourteen days on bread and water only he formed a liaison with a New Zealander in a form of potato-and-cigarette black market. Sent to other camps and at one time was the only Canadian in camp. In 1944 joined a group of British paratroop prisoners. Sold horse meat as beef to American P.O.W.'s. (45:00) Lazier_D_0091_02.mp3 (Side 2) Describes a visit to a German hospital. In late Apr. 1945 he was "liberated" by the Russian Army, but was still, for all practical purposes, a prisoner. Left the prison camp to meet a Russian tank driven by a female soldier. Released prisoners had to fend for themselves. Recounts his return and eventual pick-up by American Army vehicles. In Britain on May 19, 1945. Stories of Russian brutality to German civilians and black markets in camps. The noticeable lack of initiative on the part of many P.O.W.'s was carried over into civil life. He was able to make the best of his situation as a P.O.W. and became a more resilient person. (25:00)

Interviewee: Lazier, Donald Rowan, b. 1915

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Date created Relation
  • Part of the Reginald H. Roy collection of interviews.
Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic coverage Coordinates
  • 51.05011, -114.08529
Additional physical characteristics
  • One original sound tape reel (ca. 85 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • LDR_091
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • June 15, 2007
Technical note
  • 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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file details Lazier_D_0091_01.mp3 Public
file details Lazier_D_0091_02.mp3 Public