Kerr, Nick: my PPCLI experience in Afghanistan, 2006 (March 12, 2014)

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An interview/narrative of Nick Kerr's PPCLI experiences in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 12, 2014.

Interviewee: Kerr, Nick

Interviewer: Fitterer, Sarah

ABSTRACT: Narrator: Nick Kerr, b.1981. Title: “My PPCLI Experience in Afghanistan, 2006.” Interviewer: Interviewed by Sarah Fitterer Extent 1 sound recording (MP3 or list other format) 2:27:55 (time length of interview), file size (kB) Interview Date and Location 12 March 2014, Victoria BC. Synopsis: Begins with Kerr’s reasons for joining the Canadian Infantry, notification of deployment, and pre-deployment preparation. Discusses Kerr’s day of deployment and initial days in KAF. Discusses Kerr’s orientation at KAF and types of tasks at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City until May 2006, including interaction with local civilians. Reflects on specific memories during time at CNS, including vehicle accident with 2 Canadian fatalities and a suicide bomber. Discusses nature of tour by May 2006, Kerr’s HLTA, and changed nature of the tour upon return. Discusses moving to FOB Wilson and life on the base. Reflects on his first time outside the wire travelling to CNS and first patrol. Discusses the first time Kerr’s company came under fire for 10-15 hours in May 2006. Discusses the second operation Kerr was involved in with a firefight where Maj. Nichola Goddard died. Discusses following orders to drive into an ambush on the way to FOB Wilson. Discusses summer 2006 when B Company was left to secure Panjwaii and Zharey districts. Discusses personal observations of Taliban tactics. Describes a specific mortar attack on FOB Wilson towards the end of the tour. Discusses his participation in the Battle of the White School on Aug 3 2006, with multiple Canadian fatalities. Reflects on proficiency of Maj. Nick Grimshaw as company leader. Discusses 1PPCLI receiving the Commander-in-Chief Commendation for TF 1-06 tour. Discusses his perception of the media during the tour. Discusses his company’s relationship with ANSF organizations. Discusses the post-patrol routine and recreation. Discusses leaving the Afghanistan theatre and going to Cyprus. Discusses his days in Cyprus, including decompression meetings. Discusses his return home to Canada. Discusses the affects that the tour had on Kerr’s perceptions towards the Canadian military. Final comments. Time Log (1:41-17:07). Reasons for joining military and pre-deployment training. (17:11- 27:21). Kerr’s deployment and initial days in KAF (27:34- 34:55). Kerr’s orientation and tasks until May 2006. (34:56- 39:47). Specific situations during time at PRT (39:48- 42:35). HLTA and change in nature of the mission (42:36-50:47) FOB Wilson and life on the base (50:53-55:12). First time outside the wire (55:28-58:23) First time coming under Taliban fire in May 2006 (58:24- 1:01:27) Second time coming under fire, when Maj. Goddard died (1:01:28-1:08:17). Driving through planned ambush. (1:08:53-1:13: 52). Summer 2006 in the Panjwaii/Zharey district (1:14:11- 1:19:30). Personal observations of Taliban tactics (1:19:40-1:27:19). Specific mortar attack on FOB Wilson (1:27:45- 1:35:13) Battle of the White School on Aug. 3, 2006. (1:35:14-1:37:35). Reflections on Major Grimshaw (1:37:39- 1:44:20). Commander-in-Chief Commendation for TF 1-06’s tour. (1:44:33-1:49:02) Perception of media during tour (1:49:25- 1:50:50). Discusses ANSF organizations (1:51:00- 1:56:50) Post-patrol routine and recreation (1:57:15- 2:03:06) Leaving Kandahar (2:03:07-2:08:55). Decompression in Cyprus (2:09:00- 2:17:17). Return home to Canada. (2:17:38-2:21: 35). Kerr’s perception of the military. (2:21:36- 2:25:50) Final comments Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: (1:01:28-1:08:17). Driving through planned ambush. (1:19:40-1:27:19). Specific mortar attack on FOB Wilson Subject Key Words Shiloh, Manitoba; 2PPCLI B Company; “Wild Wild West”; Afghanistan; 5 Platoon; Camp Mirage; Kandahar City; Camp Nathan Smith; Taliban; Patricias; Master Corporal Timothy Wilson; Corporal Paul Davis; FOB Wilson; Ambush Alley; Nichola Goddard; Sergeant Tower; mortar attacks; Battle of White School; Major Nick Grimshaw; Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Hope; Commander-in-Chief Commendation

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Date created Relation
  • Part of the Military Oral History Class collection of interviews.
  • Title of paper: "A 600 Metre View: Oral History, Historical Narrative, and the Canadian Experience in Afghanistan".
Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic coverage Coordinates
  • 33, 66
  • 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional physical characteristics
  • Original sound recording (AIFF) also available.
Physical repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • KN_804
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • March 12, 2014
Technical note
  • Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. 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 SC141_MilitaryOralHistory_GenericThumbnail Public
file details Kerr_N_0804_01.mp3 Public