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Hudson, Doug: my Air Force recollections (November 16, and 23, 2007)

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Interviewee: Hudson, Doug, b. 1921

ABSTRACT: Interview Summary Interviewee: Doug Hudson Interviewer: Louise Tumchewics November 16 & November 23, 2007 Victoria, British Columbia The interview begins with a brief introduction to Doug, his birth in Winnipeg Manitoba, November 21, 1921. He recounts how he joined the RCAF by fluke, as his original intention was to join the navy. He recalls his basic training at Manning depot in Edmonton, his selection for wireless operator/air gunner basic training, the training he underwent and Brandon, Manitoba. He assesses his preparation for combat engagement. He recounts how he was nearly sent to boundary Bay, British Columbia, did not want to go and fortunately was reassigned to overseas service at the last minute. He tells how he was sent to Halifax and from there England. He describes hunting submarines while en route because of his gunnery training. Upon arrival in the UK, he was sent to Bournemouth, then on to operational training unit where he was crewed up, an informal selection process that he describes. He describes his all-Canadian crew, the relationship between them and their misadventures with two members of their crew. They were assigned to 420 "Snowy Owl" Squadron, flying Halifax ill. He describes the Tholthorpe air base. Discusses the features of the Halifax Ill, the difference between it and previous Halifax variants and expresses his affection for it. He describes where he sat, and the radio equipment he was operating. Hudson flew 32 operational trips and gives an example of the preparation for a typical trip to the destinations he flew to, many in the Ruhr Valley and later over eastern Germany. He recalls the briefing that aircrew received and the special codes distributed to wireless operators every night. He outlines his responsibilities and the dynamic between crew members, especially between him and the pilot while in flight. He talks . about radio communications between Bomber command headquarters and aircraft, the use of Window and jamming the German radar and radio signals. Hudson goes on to describe most harrowing experience, when a cookie failed to deploy and was trapped in their aircraft and having to land at an emergency airbase on the south coast of England. He discusses the relatively low loss rates on 420 squadron. He tells that he tried not to think about that when flying or when on the ground because it was demoralizing and talks about the occurrence of, and treatment for "Lack of Moral Fibre." Hudson recounts anecdotes about life on the squadron and with his crew members. Interview concludes with a lengthy discussion of the war's long-term effect on him and the enduring ties among him and his crew members.

An interview/narrative of Doug Hudson's experiences during World War II. Hudson served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on November 16 and 23, 2007.

Interviewer: Tumchewics, Louise

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Keyword Date created Relation
  • Part of the Military Oral History Class collection of interviews.
Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 3 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage Coordinates
  • 49, 0
  • 60.10867, -113.64258
  • 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional physical characteristics
  • Original sound recording on audio cassette and in .wav format also available.
Physical Repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • HD_766
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • November 16, 2007
Technical note
  • Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 22 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 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
Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Actions
file details SC141_MilitaryOralHistory_GenericThumbnail
file details Hudson_D_0766_01.mp3
file details Hudson_D_0766_02.mp3
file details Hudson_D_0766_03.mp3