Gaddes, William Henry: my Air Force recollections (May 27, and June 24, 1985)

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ABSTRACT: P/O, (Lt.) William Henry Gaddes, Ph.D. Royal Canadian Air Force (P/O) Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (Lt.) Gaddes_W_0068_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on Oct. 10, 1912 in Kelowna, B.C. His father was a veterinarian/businessman with a number of widespread interests which resulted in Dr. Gaddes being educated in both the U.S. and B.C. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers (Militia) in 1940. Comments on his attitude towards the war, an attitude both positive and apprehensive. No hesitation in joining the active forces, but waited until the services were ready for him. Some friends who joined early in the war felt that their time was wasted and that they were ill-equipped and casually used as manpower. In 1940/41 was a member of the C.O.T.C. at the University of British Columbia. Shortly after Japan entered the war he volunteered for the R.C.A.F. and in June 1942 was accepted for ground crew. After manning depot, and with the rank of aircraftman second class (A.C. 2), he attended McMaster University for an excellent basic course in physics (20:00) prior to posting to the radar training centre at Clinton, Ont. in Jan. 1943. He became a radar mechanic under British instructors. A high level of knowledge was obtained which he felt was not properly recognized in the rank he held (leading aircraftman, L.A.C.). Graduated in mid-Apr. 1943 and, a month later, went overseas in the Empress of Scotland (Canadian Pacific Steamship liner) which, sailing alone over a circuitous route, took eleven days to reach England. Offers impressions of Britain; was almost immediately subjected to a disconcerting air raid in Bournemouth. (35:00) Was posted to No. 10 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, part of Coastal Command, based at Plymouth. He was not used as a radar mechanic during the period June 1943 to Jan. 1944, but rather as an aircraft electrician working on "Short Sunderland" flying boats. What he felt was a misuse of his skills caused him to apply for remustering as air crew. (45:00) Comments on anti-submarine patrols, German fighter attacks. Returned to Canada in Jan. 1944 for air crew training. Describes return trip via New York. Reported to the initial training school at Edmonton. (23:00) Second interview begins. Remarks on his training. Navigation school at Portage la Prairie, was awarded navigators wings, commissioned as a pilot Officer. Was sent on leave at the end of 1944. (35:00) Was released shortly thereafter, part of eight thousand air crew who became surplus to requirements (fewer casualties than had been estimated). Transferred to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant and psychologist. Little clinical knowledge, was sent to Sunnyside Hospital in Toronto for a familiarization tour (48:00). In March 1945 reported to Gordon Head Camp, Victoria, B.C. Gaddes_W_0068_02.mp3 (Side 2) Clinical psychology was a new field. In the beginning he was one of only two in the Canadian Army. Discusses "zombies" (National Resources Mobilization Act troops). To some the prospect of going overseas (late in the war) was a terrible shock, accompanied by hysteria, disfunctional anxiety. Treated in conjunction with the medical officer. A gentle approach was used, group therapy, basic psychology, much of it a Freudian approach. Treated perhaps three or four hundred "zombies", many of whom were timid or inadequate people, prone to getting into trouble, Army misfits. Comments on the treatment of disfigured patients at Sunnyside Hospital. (20:00) The team at Gordon Head was composed of a psychiatrist, psychologist, education officer, physical education and arts and crafts instructors. After four weeks of treatment, sixty-five per cent of the N.R.M.A. troops signed up for General Service. In the fall of 1945, about six thousand British and Canadian ex-P.O.W.s of the Japanese passed through Gordon Head in a period of about eight weeks. Most were pleasant, nervous, and grateful for any kindness. No hostility. Gives an account of a visit to his home of four ex-prisoners. The Gordon Head routine started with new uniforms, badges of rank and unit, etc., were sewn on by the camp ladies auxiliary. Major psychiatric problem was the emotional prospect of returning to their homes and families. Some thirty men suffered from pellagra and large doses of vitamin B-12 helped. (35:00) Dr. Gaddes conducted an experimental project which he later used for his M.A. thesis. After his discharge from the army he taught veterans at the Tyee Road School in 1946. Joined Victoria College. (45:00) Continued sporadic studies of former P.O.W.s as a consultant to the Veterans' Hospital in Victoria. General comments on wartime training. (06:00)

Rank: Petty Officer; Lieutenant.

Interviewer: Hill, Mark C.

An interview/narrative of William Henry Gaddes's experiences during World War II. Petty Officer (Lieutenant) Gaddes, Ph.D. served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (P/O) and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (Lt.). Interview took place on May 27 and June 24, 1985.

Interviewee: Gaddes, William Henry, b. 1912

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Keyword Date created Relation
  • Part of the Reginald H. Roy collection of interviews.
Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 2 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic coverage Coordinates
  • 60.10867, -113.64258
  • 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional physical characteristics
  • One original sound tape reel (ca. 150 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • GWH_068
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • June 7, 2007
Technical note
  • 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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