Murdoch, Robert Waugh: my Navy recollections (June 19, 1978 - June 6, 1979
PublicABSTRACT: Rear-Admiral Robert Waugh Murdoch Royal Canadian Navy Murdoch_R_0197_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on Feb. 21, 1918 in Vancouver, B.C., educated in Victoria. Joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1936 as a cadet, one of a class of eight. Parents purchased his uniforms. Proceeded to Chatham to join H.M.S. Frobisher (training cruiser). Exposed to all the unskilled seaman's trades for half a day, remainder in classroom. Cruises to Scandinavia and the West Indies. (45:00) Murdoch_R_0197_02.mp3 After one year promoted to midshipman. Learned flexibility and positive attitudes. Coronation naval review, 1937. Served in the Non-Intervention Patrol in the Mediterranean (Spanish Civil War). Evacuated the Grand Mufti from Haifa, Palestine. (45:00) In 1939 the war interrupted his sub-lieutenants courses. Murdoch_R_0197_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Immediately sent to sea in a Royal Navy (R.N.) sloop. Returned to Canada, joining H.M.C.S. Skeena (destroyer). Attended signals course in England, instructor at the Canadian signals school at Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. until 1944 when he was posted to the 11th Destroyer Flotilla (R.N.) at Trincomalee, Ceylon. His ship accepted the surrender of the Japanese naval forces at Singapore, an extremely well-organized and disciplined event produced by the Japanese navy. Digresses here to an account of the North Atlantic. Returns to the reestablishment of the British administration in Singapore. In Sept. 1945 attended a course in air communication in Scotland, then returned to naval headquarters in Ottawa. As a lieutenant-commander was sent to the army staff college. Posted to the United States Navy/NATO headquarters at Norfolk, Va. (48:00) Murdoch_R_0197_04.mp3 In command of H.M.C.S. Beacon Hill (frigate) for two years. Signals school at H.M.C.S. Cornwallis (shore base). Posted to Ottawa, dealt with bureaucrats. Captain of H.M.C.S. Sioux (destroyer). Promoted to captain. (25:00). Murdoch_R_0197_05.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) Additional information regarding wartime years. Signals school, air raids. Signal officer to 11th Destroyer Flotilla. Considerable action in support of shore operations. (30:00) Comments on naval intelligence, the continuous feeding of information from all sources. Comments that Canadian anti-submarine capability is not what it might be, but is sufficient to give an enemy pause. Murdoch_R_0197_06.mp3 One must not allow an enemy a "free run". (50:00) Murdoch_R_0197_07.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Next concerned with planning naval tactical doctrine in Ottawa. Money, policy, politics began to take on new meaning. National Defence College, 1959. Discusses possible effect of ongoing intellectual development of officers. Airborne detection absolutely essential in anti-submarine warfare. Canadians compete well despite problems of older equipment. Comments on his falling-out with Rear-Admiral Landymore over the unification issue. (45:00) Murdoch_R_0197_08.mp3 General comments on the Navy. (25:00) Detection systems in current use. Murdoch_R_0197_09.mp3 (Reel 4, Side 1) Assistant chief of naval staff for plans and intelligence. Integration brought about by the need to reduce defence overhead. Attitude of traditionalists in the forces. Defence Minister Hellyer insisted on drastic surgery for the armed forces, some of which was not very wise. Appointed to NATO headquarters. Influence of the Canadians decreased after reduction of our military commitment. A serious symbolic effect; promoted a feeling that Canada might not be an entirely serious partner. (45:00) Murdoch_R_0197_10.mp3 Country's reputation suffered. Later directed the Canadian Forces educational and career development branch. Retired on Nov. 10, 1973. (16:00)
An interview/narrative of Robert Waugh Murdoch's experiences during World War II. Rear-Admiral Murdoch served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 19, 26, September 21, October 19, 1978, January 12 and June 6, 1979.
Interviewee: Murdoch, Robert Waugh, b. 1918
Interviewer: Main, Chris D.
Rank: Rear-Admiral.
- In Collection:
- 10 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Four original sound tape reels (ca. 360 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 4 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- MRW_197
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- May 28, 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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