Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (July 27 - September 12, 1979)
Interviewee: Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988
ABSTRACT: Air Vice-Marshal George Roberts Howsam, C.B., M.C. 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Royal Flying Corps Canadian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Howsam_G_0193_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, interviewed by C. D. Main) Born in 1895 in Ontario (d. Apr. 16, 1988, Victoria, B.C.). Howsam joined the 116th Battalion, C.E.F. in 1916. Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and trained in Toronto and at Camp Borden. After only thirty-six hours of flying training he was sent to France as a second lieutenant in July 1917. Comments on various aircraft, particularly the great agility of the Sopwith Camel (fighter) upon which he trained in England. Howsam_G_0193_02.mp3 Remarks on the built-in use of the centrifugal force/torque produced by the rotary engine. In unskilled hands, at low altitude, torque could cause an aircraft to crash or, in a turn, be of great benefit in aerial fighting. Joined No. 70 Squadron, R.F.C. in Sept. 1917. Passchendaele. Further comments on the Camel in action. Describes the small aerodrome close behind the front lines in the Ypres sector. Living conditions. Service flying began with three or four days of flight training followed by "line patrols" in order to become familiar with the topography. Spent much time on aircraft maintenance and on the firing range as constant practice was essential to success. Howsam_G_0193_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Did not receive any formal tactical training, learned to fly operationally strictly through experience. Compares British and German aircraft. Air tactics, aircraft markings, Howsam_G_0193_04.mp3 importance of good ammunition. Lack of parachutes. Returns to engine torque-induced flying maneuvers, including the "flick roll". (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Aerodrome near Poperinge. Again describes patrolling. Comments on flight commander, aircraft engines, flying ceiling, flying clothes, early oxygen supply. Letter regarding E.B. Quigly, C Flight commander, an outstanding fighter tactician. In winter 1918 often flew into enemy territory to a depth of ten to twelve miles. Howsam_G_0193_06.mp3 Describes the fighting, shooting down of enemy aircraft. Accurate German anti-aircraft fire kept the R.F.C. at a respectable altitude. Just before the German offensive of March 1918 the squadron moved to support the 5th British Army. Heavy aerial fighting took place once the offensive was underway. Spent much time bombing bridges. The squadron had to move on short notice in order to escape the advancing Germans. (80:00) Howsam_G_0193_07.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Wounded in the right shoulder by anti-aircraft fire during an attack on a bridge on March 26, 1918. Knocked unconscious for a few moments, but managed to reach a small British aerodrome. Howsam_G_0193_08.mp3 Four months later he was able to return to flying, at first on Sopwith Snipes at the London airport. Returned to France in Sept. 1918. As a member of No. 43 Squadron he flew Snipes in support of day bombers. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_09.mp3 At the end of the war he was an acting flight lieutenant and became a member of the British Army of Occupation. Comments on German civilians. Joined the Canadian Air Force in England where they attended to the aircraft and equipment given by Britain to Canada. When the Canadian squadrons were disbanded a R.A.F. temporary commission was offered and accepted. Resigned after a few courses and returned to Canada. Howsam_G_0193_010.mp3 Joined the Air Force and spent the next few years working for civilian government departments. Digresses to anecdotes, some about World War II. Howsam_G_0193_011.mp3 Describes a flawed training aircraft and how the flaw was discovered. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_012.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Repeats account of first joining the Canadian Air Force in England (1919). In 1921 returned to Canada and joined the C.A.F. Flew DH4's (de Havilland general purpose aircraft) in western Canada. Mapping and photo surveying. Amphibious flying in Vickers Vikings. Military training took place in the winter, especially at Winnipeg. The Royal Canadian Air Force came into being in 1924. Stationed in Vancouver for a time. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_013.mp3 Details of flying in Manitoba, early wireless, emergency engine repairs in the North. Attended the militia staff course at the Royal Military College. Comments on air power/airships. (45:00) Howsam_G_0193_014.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Led the R.C.A.F. demonstration flying team in 1929 flying Armstrong-Whitworth Siskins (fighters). Royal Air Force Staff College, England. Early planning for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Auxiliary (or reserve) squadrons established to which pilots were fed from flying clubs. Wing Commander Robb, the R.A.F. liaison officer. Important social aspect to the staff college. Howsam_G_0193_015.mp3 Returned to Canada to face financial restrictions (1931/1932, although the flying load was increased. Four-year posting to Toronto where an auxiliary squadron was established and another in Hamilton. Appointed Director of Training in Ottawa. (30:00)
An interview/narrative of George Roberts Howsam's experiences during World War I and World War II. Air Vice-Marshal Howsam, C.B., M.C. served with the 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, the Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on July 27, August 3, 15, 27, 31 and September 12, 1979.
Interviewer: Main, Chris D.
Rank: Air Vice-Marshal. Medals and Honours: Companion of the Bath (CB); Military Cross (MC)
- In Collection:
-
Contributor
Subject
- World War (1914-1918)
- Military history
- World War (1939-1945)
- Great Britain. Army
- Canada. Royal Canadian Air Force
- 15 sound recordings (MP3)
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- Four original sound tape reels (ca. 480 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 8 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- HGR_193
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- June 21, 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. ; WWI 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
