Willow, Stanley James: my Canadian Forces recollections (March 12, 2012)

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An interview/narrative of Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Willow's experiences whilst serving with the Canadian Forces in Africa. Interview took place on March 12, 2012.

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel. Medals and Honours: Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal; United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Medal; United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Medal; United Nations Protection Force Medal; United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone; Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal; Canadian Forces Decoration

Interviewee: Willow, Stanley James, b. 1958

Interviewer: Stewart, Meghan

ABSTRACT: LColonel Willow began by providing a brief overview of the mission, using his end-of-tour report slideshow (see attached), including a description of the mission, the country, and the people he served with. Following this, LColonel Willow discussed conditions in Sierra Leone, including working conditions, the hospitals, food and accommodations (especially the challenges facing those working with a per-diem, rather than being housed/fed in military barracks). LColonel Willow then moved on to discuss the medical issues facing Canadian troops in Sierra Leone, including malaria, snakes and the stress of being in Sierra Leone. Following this, LColonel Willow spoke about the challenges that faced UNAMSIL stemming from the Liberian civil war, such as the Liberian refugees. He also spoke about RUF violence and the re-integration of soldiers into society, including the re-integration of child soldiers. LColonel Willow then spoke about the UN monitored election that took place to install the government, including challenges facing this election and the election observers. Finally, LColonel Willow wrapped up by talking about the UN and challenges facing peacekeepers today, including the changes that have taken place since 9/11. 0:00-8:52 – Lieutenant Colonel Willow’s brief overview of the mission, the country, etc. 8:52-23:40 – Conditions in Sierra Leone, working conditions, hospitals, transportation, food and accommodations. 23:40- 30:21 – Medical issues and medical care. 30:21-45:29 – Liberian refugees, RUF violence, re-integration of soldiers, child soldiers. 45:29-1:01:03 – UNAMSIL’s accomplishments, relationship between UN/Canadian Troops. 1:01:03-1:08:50—The election 1:08:50-1:14:46—Challenges facing the UN and peacekeepers today.

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Keyword Date created Relation Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage Coordinates
  • 35, 33
  • 60.10867, -113.64258
Additional physical characteristics
  • Original sound recording (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • WS_734
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • March 12, 2012
Technical note
  • Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 44 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 2012. 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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