Simpson, Robert John: my Army recollections (August 9, 1983)
PublicRank: Master Warrant Officer.
ABSTRACT: Master Warrant Officer (W.O. II) Robert John Simpson 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Simpson_R_0135_01.mp3 Born on Sept. 4, 1924 at Elbow, Sask. Joined the 16/22 Saskatchewan Horse in 1940, but sent home until 1941 when he talked his way into the active Army (age sixteen) at North Battleford. Sent to Kitchener, Ont. for basic training, then to Camp Borden for armoured training (as a driver). Overseas in 1942 as a reinforcement. Posted to the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. Discusses the reconnaissance role and equipment used. He was returned to the reinforcement unit and remained there as a driver until he became of age to go to Normandy (nineteen years). Rejoined his old unit which had been serving for a time as infantry. Their armoured cars were returned to them after the Seine was crossed. (30:00) Recapture of Dieppe. Anecdote about capture of prisoners of war in Holland. Relations with civilians in occupied countries, collaborators, etc. Returned to England, then to discharge in Canada. Re-enlisted in Feb. 1946 in Lord Strathcona's Horse which at that time consisted only of "A" Squadron and a Headquarters. (45:00) Simpson_R_0135_02.mp3 Comments on Centurian and Sherman tanks. Employed as technical sergeant in Headquarters Squadron. Sergeants' mess at Calgary was a very comfortable, if formal, organization. Returns to a general discussion of several main battle tanks. (10:00) Staff sergeant in the 1960s. Posted to Germany. After an illness returned to Canada to the training staff. Banff Cadet Camp for three summers. Decided to retire after twenty-seven years of service, coincidently at the start of integration process. Some comments on Maj.-Gen. F.F. Worthington, the "father" of Canadian armour. (30:00) General remarks, pictures, etc. for the final fifteen minutes of the tape. (45:00)
An interview/narrative of Robert John Simpson's experiences during World War II. Master Warrant Officer Simpson served with the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars) and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Interview took place on August 9, 1983.
Interviewer: Bell, Chris
Interviewee: Simpson, Robert John, b. 1924
- In Collection:
- 2 sound recordings (MP3)
- 51.5, 10.5
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- SRJ_135
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- July 25, 2007
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by AN, 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 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
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Simpson_R_0135_02.mp3 | Public |
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