Edwards, Gerald John James: my Air Force recollections (June 13 - August 29, 1979)
PublicAn interview/narrative of Gerald John James Edwards's experiences during World War II. Major-General Edwards, D.F.C., C.D., served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces (Air). Interview took place on June 13, 20, July 4, 18, August 1, 17, 22 and 29, 1979.
Rank: Major-General. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC); Canadian Forces Decoration (CD)
Interviewer: Main, Chris D.
Interviewee: Edwards, Gerald John James, 1921-1989
ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Gerald John James Edwards, D.F.C., C.D. Royal Canadian Air Force Canadian Forces (Air) (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Oct. 4, 1921 in Sudbury, Ont (d. Jan. 1, 1989, Sidney, B.C.). Brought up and educated in Ottawa. There he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F.) and, just after his nineteenth birthday, was called up in Oct. 1940. Sent to the Manning Depot at Brandon, Man., followed by initial flying training at Regina and Prince Albert, Sask. in Feb 1941. Describes his personal concerns, training, heavy winter clothing. Service Flying Training School (S.F.T.S.), Dauphin, Man. where the North American Harvard training aircraft severely tested the student's flying skills. Experiences; students taught navigation, air frames, engines, emergency procedures. "Wash-out" rate increased as well as flying deaths. (45:00) Awarded his wings in summer 1941, then, as a sergeant-pilot, was sent to the Central Flying School at Trenton, Ont. to take a flying instructors course. Most of his air crew class became flying instructors due to the considerable demands of the British Comonwealth Air Training Plan. Posted to No. 13 S.F.T.S., Saint-Hubert, Que. as an instructor. Demonstrates the standard, memorized "patter" used by all instructors. In a somewhat dull service instructed for nearly two years, but was buoyed by the knowledge that some regular movement overseas existed. (45:00) (Reel 1, Side 2) In some cases good flying weather in Canada did not prepare trainees for poor European weather. Too many accidental losses overseas caused the hours of training to be extended in Canada. Commissioned in July 1942. Promoted to flying officer in Feb. 1943 and drafted overseas. Describes routine aboard the troop transport, Queen Mary. Assigned to Bomber Command. Trained on twin-engined Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley bombers at Advanced Flying and Operational Training Units. At the latter he experienced his first operational flight against a target near Paris (Dec. 1943). In Jan. 1944 he was posted to a conversion unit (Handley Page Halifax bombers), then to No. 428 Squadron, R.C.A.F. at Middleton St. George (45:00). Initially targets were rail-yards and coastal mining operations, the latter called "gardening". High morale of the air crew. Comments on the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and other decorations. By Aug. 1944 promoted to squadron leader and wing commander in October. Describes ground crew, procedures after an operation, debriefing, reaction to casualties. Lack of moral fibre sometimes a problem which might necessitate that certain air crew members be sent to a disciplinary unit where conditions were made sufficiently unpleasant so that the continuance of an operational tour would appear as an attractive option. Remarks on the bravery of some air crew. (40:00) ((Reel 2, Side 1) Comments on No. 6 Bomber Group and the lack of R.C.A.F. officers in high authority. Feels that this gave an impetus in later years to closer association with the United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.). Considerable effort made to enhance air crew morale. Tactics over targets, fuel consumption, landings, brake usage, evasion tactics, escape procedures, etc. Describes amenities and social life at Middleton St. George. (45:00) (Reel 2, Side 2) In spring 1944 the squadron did much bombing of rail-yards and mined coastal waters from Oslo Fiord to northern France. Squadron issued with Avro Lancaster, Mark X bombers, made in Canada. On June 15 made their first daylight raid which was against Boulogne. Comments on fighter escort, wireless, aircraft casualties, flak and flak "belts" on operational maps, night fighters, etc. Describes the flying pattern made by night bombers which was only limited by altitude and timing. Effectiveness of bombing, techniques used, precision required when bombing in occupied countries. (45:00) Participated in a bombing attack during the Canadian Army advance to Falaise on Aug. 14, 1944. Had been instructed that great care must be taken. During the raid he observed that other aircraft were bombing short of the target. Besides causing much damage and casualties to our own troops, those involved were in serious trouble. His aircraft, and all others of 428 Squadron, placed their bombs accurately, and this was confirmed by photographs. Remembers a great feeling of anger against those who had made such a serious mistake. Last operation on Oct. 6, 1944. Appointed to command No. 420 Squadron, part of a six squadron group. Converted to Halifax III's, but not allowed to fly in operations as too many senior flyers had been lost due to enemy action. Given a one-week administrative course and luckily given a very efficient squadron adjutant. (43:00) (Reel 3, Side 1) In command for only a few weeks, then appointed Wing Commander (Operations) at local headquarters. Describes operational briefings, coordination of operational policies and practices. Transferred to No. 6 Bomber Group headquarters as an operational controller. At the end of the war became involved with Tiger Force proposed for bomber operations against Japan. On May 26, 1945 became directly involved in returning squadrons of this force to Canada. (45:00) Tiger Force disbanded, effective on V-J Day. Discussion of Bomber Command in general. Devastating attack on Dresden was deemed to be a very successful operation. (Reel 3, Side 2) Applied to join the Interim Air Force. In March 1946 attended the R.C.A.F. staff college in Toronto. Reverted to squadron leader, posted to air force headquarters in Ottawa. Constant battle to plan for a reduced, but viable, air force. Seconded to the U.S.A.F. in Washington, D.C. In 1950 became military secretary to the Privy Council Office. Operated as secretary to a number of committees and assistant secretary to the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Valuable career moves. Promoted again to wing commander. (Reel 4, Side 1) Additional details of Privy Council position. In part, acted as liaison with the secretariat of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Dealt with the "War Book", the manual of government action to be taken in the event of war. Another was the Protection of Vital Points Committee, action to be taken, departmental instructions, etc. Korean War period: small air force participation. The 1950's were an expensive period for the Department of National Defence. New equipment, more personnel. Dividing the finances between services was very difficult, but the air force was successful partly due to a unified point of view. The army, in particular, presented a fractured case (too many arms competing for equipment). Only unfortunate air force acquisition was the CF-5 fighter aircraft, the purchase of which was dictated by the Minister of National Defence, Paul Hellyer. Returned to an operational command as commanding officer of No. 435 Squadron (Transport) in Edmonton. Much flying in the North using Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft. When the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar came into service they became involved with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in paratrooper training and air support. Flew large quantities of oil fuel to the Arctic islands. Appointed a senior staff officer in Transport Command. Mentions that No. 408 Squadron completed the Geodetic Survey of Canada which was started by the air force prior to World War II. Appointed to the directing staff of the Royal Air Force Staff College in England. Remembers the great shock upon the collapse of the Avro Arrow project. Discusses the heavy cost of repair and replacement of aircraft. (Reel 4, Side 2) In 1959 rejoined the Air Transport Command as a group captain and deputy commander. New Canadian Yukon transport aircraft purchased plus five other types. Major additions to ground-handling equipment required. Air Force was, and still is, aware of its incapability to supply and sustain any wartime activity. Attitudes toward operational movement and the current necessity of vastly enlarged peacetime movements -- not the least of which involves movement of dependants. It is a military "catch-twenty-two" situation to some extent. In 1963-1964 attended the National Defence College. Extremely valuable on the political, economic and international levels. Integration of the armed forces was announced at this time and did not cause too much concern. Appointed to R.C.A.F. headquarters in "postings and careers". (45:00) Found it difficult to formulate a single armed forces promotion policy in view of the heavy emphasis by the army and navy on seniority. The air force was least affected by unification due to its traditionally more functional outlook. Appointed to headquarters, Mobile Command as an air commodore. Great state of flux, the army size was shrinking, regiments disbanded, etc. Brought home the "clash of cultures" between the services. A very demanding time with much unrewarding work often due to policy changes emanating from national defence headquarters. Superimposed was the bicultural/bilingual policy which was, and is, a not very successful military requirement. (Reel 5, Side 1) Experienced what made soldiers "tick": tradition, strong military family relationship, very good leadership, strong non-commissioned officer cadre, high professionalism. Much difficulty occurred because of inter-corps rivalry for a share of the equipment allocation. Harmful to the army as equipment acquisition was slowed. In 1969 posted to the directing staff at the National Defence College. Appointed air attache in Washington, D.C. in summer 1970. Achieved an excellent and friendly relationship with the Americans, although some variance due to current political atmosphere was occasionally noticeable. There was a special relationship between commonwealth attaches. Felt that sources of information were becoming less generous as the Canadian defence posture and capability grew smaller. Public safety in Washington became a worrying factor. Lived very defensively. "Renegade blacks" were a real problem and the international community required special National Executive Police to patrol the national enclaves. After four years was glad to escape from Washington. Promoted to major general and appointed commandant of the National Defence College. A special ending to a career. Retired in 1976 and moved to Victoria. Interested in charitable and community work. Not particularly proud of the Canadian military stance (1979), but considers it very necessary to keep an interest in it. Mutual and balanced force reductions are the only secure way to a peaceful existence. (60:00)
- In Collection:
- 16 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Five original sound tape reels (ca. 690 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 8 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- EGJJ_207
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- September 7, 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. 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
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