Adam, John Stronach: my Army recollections (August 24, 1982 - May 16, 1983)
Interviewee: Adam, John Stronach, b. 1908
Interviewer: Bell, Chris
ABSTRACT: Brig.-Gen. John Stronach Adam, O.B.E., E.D. The Canadian Scottish Regiment The Calgary Highlanders Adam_J_0159_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on June 13, 1908 in Victoria, B.C. Offers some family history and, as told to him, conditions experienced by his family when they moved to Victoria in the 1890's. Father employed by the City of Victoria Engineering Department, but died in 1915. Some description of wartime Victoria as seen through the eyes of a boy. (35:00) As a youth he had a keen interest in the local fire hall and assisted in cleaning equipment after a fire. Member of the Boys Naval Brigade which offered him valuable training. Adam_J_0159_02.mp3 At Victoria High School he was bugle sergeant in the cadet corps. Graduated in 1926 and obtained a teaching certificate from the Provincial Normal School in 1927/28. Returns to a description of the military camp at the Willows Fairgrounds during World War I. After World War II he became involved in saving Fort Rodd Hill as a national park. (1 hr. 40 min.) Adam_J_0159_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment in 1927. Discusses uniforms, rugby team, commanding officers, officers in the 1920's, attitudes to training and mess customs, weapons. (25:00) When he was commissioned he had to buy all items of officer's kit. In 1928 attended summer camp, the only period for which they were allowed to retain their pay; at all other times it was paid into regimental funds. Formation of the 2nd Battalion with the purpose of incorporating all prospective militiamen throughout Vancouver Island. (45:00) Adam_J_0159_04.mp3 Joined the 2nd Battalion as a captain and second-in command of "D" Company which was situated in the outlying areas of Victoria. Platoons were formed from Saltspring Island to Sooke. As an officer serving during the Depression he found himself assisting the troops to find jobs, even to purchase their own boots for parade nights. Mentions the commanding officer, Lt.-Col. W. Bapty. (15:00) In 1936 he left the militia, but on Sept. 5, 1939 he was recalled to duty. He became adjutant of the recruit training depot at Work Point Barracks, remaining until June 1940. Appointed to 6th Brigade Headquarters at Camp Shilo and left for overseas in Aug. 1940 as part of the brigade advance party. (48:00) Adam_J_0159_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Discusses the composition of the 6th Brigade. Initially not pleased to lose one of their western battalions to receive instead a partly-trained Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal. Selected for the War Staff College at Kingston, Ont. (25:00) Anecdotes of shipboard travel. Staff college was an excellent, tough, four-month course. (45:00) Adam_J_0159_06.mp3 Promoted to major while in Kingston. Returned to England to the Canadian reinforcement unit commanded by Brig. A. Hamilton Gault (of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry fame). Anecdotes of Gault. Appointed deputy adjutant and quartermaster general at 1st Canadian Infantry Division under Maj.-Gen. Pearkes where he was to ensure that the supply services functioned properly. Discusses the padres and their role in the army. Comments on 4th Brigade headquarters during the Dieppe raid in 1942 and the reception of the returning troops in England. (38:00) Adam_J_0159_07.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Posted to a staff position in both the 1st Division and the 3rd Division, then to 1st Canadian Corps as deputy assistant adjutant general, then to Italy. Returns to experiences under Pearkes. Anecdote re 1st Canadian Division exercise. Impression of Montgomery. In Italy he served as assistant adjutant and quartermaster general (Lieutenant-Colonel) for Maj.-Gen. Chris Vokes of 1st Canadian Division (15:00). Explains his staff and the functions of his office. Posted to London for a short time, then to northwest Europe. Promoted to colonel and appointed assistant military government officer at 1st Canadian Corps. Adam_J_0159_08.mp3 This entailed providing liaison between the army and civilian governments. Involved with the supply of food to the Dutch people. Impressions of the Dutch. Further account of the Italian campaign. Adam_J_0159_09.mp3 Returned to Canada to a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Vancouver (Oct. 1945). (1 hr. 15 min.) (Reel 3, Side 2) In 1953 moved to Victoria. Offered command of 25th Militia Group in 1955. Describes militia group components and the personnel. Became heavily involved in civil defence. Adam_J_0159_010.mp3 General comments on the feelings of the public toward civil defence, disarmament, nuclear weapons. Personal philosophy offered to a considerable extent.
Rank: Brigadier-General. Medals and Honours: Order of the British Empire (OBE); Efficiency Decoration (ED)
An interview/narrative of John Stronach Adam's experiences during World War II. Brigadier-General Adam, O.B.E., E.D. served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment and the Calgary Highlanders. Interview took place on August 24, 27, 1982 and May 5, 13, 16, 1983.
- In Collection:
- 10 sound recordings (MP3)
- 49.80598, -99.64527
- 44.22976, -76.48098
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Three original sound tape reels (ca. 435 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 5 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- AJS_159
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- June 27, 2006
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC and HC, 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 2006. 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
This page supports the Zotero and Mendeley browser extensions simply click on the extension widget in your browser to save the objects citation.
