Lawrence, Edward G.: my Army recollections (July 26 - August 1, 1984)
ABSTRACT: Maj. Edward G. (Ned) Lawrence 85th Battalion, C.E.F. The Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment Lawrence_E_0179_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Comments on existing political leadership in Canada. Born on Aug. 12, 1894 in Southampton, N.S. Family were United Empire Loyalists and were engaged in the lumber business. Boarded at Pictou while he attended high school, but left before graduation in order to work for the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Joined the army in the fall of 1915, possibly because of friends who enlisted at that time in the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. (45:00) Lawrence_E_0179_02.mp3 Discusses the regimental connection with the Seaforth Highlanders of the British army. Early training in Halifax. Pay was $1.10 per day. Comments on "tin town", the gambling and liquor establishments that sprang up near Valcartier Camp. While in Halifax he worked in the orderly room and then as clerk for the medical officer. (25:00) Lawrence_E_0179_03.mp3 Speaks of Lt.-Col. Ralston who commanded the battalion. Voyage overseas. Landed in England in Oct. 1916. General comments on recruiting and the beginnings of the battalion. Intensive training in England. (50:00) Lawrence_E_0179_04.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returns to a description of the increased tempo of training. Continued with his administrative job in the medical office. Trained with the signal section for a time; remarks on the use of Morse code. Preferred administrative and signals work to drill and trench-digging, etc. Leave in London. General remarks. (47:00) Lawrence_E_0179_05.mp3 Remembers the excitement of first seeing the immediate war zone. Participated in the attack on Vimy Ridge, although most of the time in the reserve trenches. Describes the eventual crossing of a German trench with many dead of both sides lying there. Rum ration. The cold and wetness were very hard on soldiers' feet; many injuries thus caused. Deep mud made life very hard, especially carrying supplies and ammunition. British and German attitude toward taking prisoners. (40:00) Lawrence_E_0179_06.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) In May 1917 he was wounded in the arm by a sniper (or stray bullet). Evacuated by narrow-gauge railway after dark. Military hospital in London. Returned to Canada in the fall of 1917. Recounts a leave in Dundee at an estate there, then the voyage to Canada. Lawrence_E_0179_07.mp3 Gradually his arm improved and he was discharged on Jan. 1, 1918. Returned to his job in the bank. Transferred to Ottawa. In 1940, then a major, "went active" with the Sherbrooke Fusiliers. Posted to a local training centre (No. 43) as second-in-command. Discharged at Saint. John's at the end of the war. (47:00)
Interviewee: Lawrence, Edward G., b. 1894
Interviewer: Bell, Chris
An interview/narrative of Edward G. Lawrence's experiences during World War I. Major Lawrence served with the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. and the Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment. Interview took place on July 26, 30 and August 1, 1984.
Rank: Major.
- In Collection:
- 7 sound recordings (MP3)
- 45.41117, -75.69812
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- Two original sound tape reels (ca. 225 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 3 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- LEG_179
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- July 26, 2006
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 22 kHz. In .mp3 format at 64 kbps and 22 kHz. Digitized by SC and JF, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. ; WWI Transferred from audio reel to audio cassette between 1987-1997. Interview migrated to digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. 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
