Storrs, Anthony H. G.: my Navy recollections (September 9, 1982 - August 30, 1983)
Interviewee: Storrs, Anthony H. G., b. 1907
ABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Anthony H.G. Storrs Chinese Maritime Customs Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Coast Guard Storrs_A_0199_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born in Apr. 1907 in England. Although his parents lived in Rhodesia, he was educated in England. In 1925 he joined H.M.S. Worcester, the merchant navy training ship, under the auspices of the P&O Line. As a cadet he spent two years in Worcester, then three years at sea, choosing to join a square-rigged sailing vessel. This offered tremendous physical and emotional tasks under hard conditions. Returned to the P&O Line after the vessel was sold for scrap in Belgium. On the China "run" ca. 1930 when he decided to leave the merchant navy. Offered a position in the Chinese Maritime Customs. Ships of that service were primarily used against smugglers. Spent five years in Amoy, eventually commanding a ship armed with a six-pounder gun and machine guns. An occasionally dangerous, but generally a not unfriendly war against smugglers. Storrs_A_0199_02.mp3 Stationed at Foochow during the Sino-Japanese war (1939), eventually escaping the advancing Japanese army in a friendly blockade runner. Made his way to Canada where he joined the Navy. Storrs_A_0199_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Commanded H.M.C.S. Armentieres (minesweeper). In 1941 commanded H.M.C.S. Dawson (corvette), committed to west coast patrols and in Alaskan waters, under American command, for a year. Offers some details of the Aleutian campaign. In May 1943 joined H.M.C.S. Gatineau (destroyer) in the Atlantic. Royal Navy anti-submarine school. Main problem in the Atlantic war was fatigue. Comments on naval attitudes toward aviation. Canadian navy seemed remiss in their lack of tactical training before 1943. Storrs_A_0199_04.mp3 Describes attempts by Canadians to obtain late model British radar sets. Became convinced that it was vital for captains to obtain enough sleep, otherwise could not be alert for battle with the enemy. Attitudes of the regular and reserve navy. (65:00) Storrs_A_0199_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Comments on relief captains. Tactical school, acoustic torpedo, convoy support groups. Describes a submarine action, poor quality Canadian radar. As a lieutenant-commander was captain of H.M.C.S. Caraquet (minesweeper) and appointed senior officer of two Canadian minesweeping groups required to participate in the D-Day landings in Normandy. Partly due to inefficient minesweeping gear only one group undertook sweeping and marking channels for landing craft. Storrs_A_0199_06.mp3 Operated off Omaha Beach (United States landings) where cross tides made sweeping difficult. Despite chart problems they swept to within one thousand yards of the shore. Had excellent view of the invasion. By March 1945 was undertaking routine sweeping of the English Channel. In August returned to Canada, appointed to H.M.C.S. Antigonish (frigate) and joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a commander. Staff position in Ottawa. Commanded H.M.C.S. Nootka (destroyer). Storrs_A_0199_07.mp3 Discusses "mutinies" in 1949 and Mainguy Report. On the staff of the National Defence College with a somewhat difficult commandant in Lt.-Gen. Guy Simonds. Promoted to captain, director of plans. The role of Canadian naval aviation. (45:00) Storrs_A_0199_08.mp3 Appointed captain of H.M.C.S. Magnificent (light fleet carrier) in 1955. Naval Headquarters. Commandant of the National Defence College, as a rear-admiral. Much travel and entertaining of visitors. (43:00) Storrs_A_0199_09.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Retired, then employed by the federal government to reorganize the hydrographic service. As director of marine operations for the Dept. of Transport he managed the Canadian Coast Guard for nine years. Comments on search and rescue operations. New equipment: hovercraft, helicopters, ships. Arctic sovereignty discussed, especially U.S./Canadian points of view. U.S. tanker Manhattan. (45:00) Storrs_A_0199_10.mp3 Icebreakers of great importance,. Must be aware of situations that might have political connotations. Coast Guard College started in a former naval base. Was consultant to Iran on coast guard matters. Favourable opinion of the Shah; much of his former good work now lost. Impressions of Israelis and Moslems. (45:00)
An interview/narrative of Anthony H. G. Storrs's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Storrs served with Chinese Maritime Customs, the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. Interview took place on September 9, 16, 1982, June 13, July 8 and August 30, 1983.
Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Rank: Rear-Admiral.
- In Collection:
- 10 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 35.68536, 139.75309
- Three original sound tape reels (ca. 405 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 5 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- SAHG_199
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- June 4, 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
