Cumming, James Malcolm: my Navy recollections (July 3, 1986)

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Interviewer: Aylward, Rick

Rank: Commodore.

Interviewee: Cumming, James Malcolm, b. 1930

An interview/narrative of James Malcolm Cumming's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Commodore Cumming served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on July 3, 1986.

ABSTRACT: Commodore James Malcolm Cumming Royal Canadian Navy Cumming_J_0044_01.mp3 (Side 1) Born on May 28, 1930 in Calgary, Alta. A member of the Sea Cadets from age twelve, it seemed natural to attend Royal Roads which had just become (1948) a tri-service college. In 1950 posted to H.M.C.S. Ontario as a midshipman in the first graduating class not to be sent to the Royal Navy for training. Mentions the Mainguy Report and the Canadian and British attitudes toward man management. Describes a midshipman's life, including study, sports, the famous journal for marking by the "snotties nurse", etc. (15:00) Seamanship Board exams. Comments on francophone members of an English-speaking Navy. French, as a language, not required at Royal Roads; Spanish was the "in" discipline. (25:00) Sub-lieutenant courses at Royal Naval College, Greenwich. A further nine months at Portsmouth. Returned to Canada and in 1953 joined H.M.C.S. Sioux (destroyer). (30:00) To Korea in 1954 after the truce, the only Canadian ship there. A quiet time on patrol. (35:00) Served as navigating officer in the Far East, then sent on the long navigation course in England. Twelve Commonwealth officers attended; comments on subjects taken, including radar and action information. Appointed navigating officer for the 1st Canadian Escort Squadron (all wartime destroyers). Returned to England for additional training. (45:00) Cumming_J_0044_02.mp3 Posted to H.M.C.S. Annapolis II during the earliest helicopter operations. Remarks on his feelings for the change from the white ensign to the maple leaf. Promoted to commander, naval intelligence, in an integrated headquarters. Feels that integration had few adverse effects and some advantages. Unification was a different matter. Appointed to command H.M.C.S. St. Croix II (destroyer) for an extended period of thirty-nine months: considered it a real "plus". Then to Training Command in Winnipeg. Conditions were such that it was an unproductive one year period. National Defence College, Kingston. (15:00) Worked on defence programs which provided exposure to civil service managers, which in turn offered a better understanding of management problems. Promoted to captain and sent to a NATO appointment at Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. A tremendous experience. (25:00) No doubt that Canadian professionalism was respected by both United States and British commands. Feels that Canadians more than carry their weight in staff and the NATO organization. In command of H.M.C.S. Preserver II (support ship), almost constantly at sea. Another plum, although some of the ship's equipment was not up to standard - a situation which he blames partly on the fixed tender construction method used in acquiring the ship. Gives his thoughts on marriage for a career naval officer. Should be extremely careful in the choice of a wife because of the frequent strain of absences and of moving. Calls it the "Ruth syndrome: whither thou goest, I will go". (30:00) Considers himself very fortunate in this regard. Choosing a wife from a naval family may be a good idea. Thinks that the current situation, in which young wives often have a career ambition, is particularly difficult. Promoted to commodore, the first flag officer level. As chief of staff in Halifax it was his duty, through several deputies, to run the day-to-day operations in accordance with the wishes of his admiral. Next, naval attache in Washington: much liaison with the United States Navy on training and equipment. A Canadian officer on diplomatic appointment, working for the Ambassador on the one hand and the Chief of Defence Staff on the other. A public relations and social experience. (40:00) Comments on the Canadian public attitude toward the armed forces and particularly the Navy. Recognizes that the Navy, for many years, neglected to cover themselves adequately in the corridors of power, being somewhat blinded by the overriding desire to get their officers to sea. Understanding of the system is vital. Sees great improvement in the last ten years. Prospects good for new equipment, the design of which has been a Canadian strength. (47:00)

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
  • 36.5, 127.75
  • 60.10867, -113.64258
  • 40, 127
  • 54.75844, -2.69531
Additional physical characteristics
  • One original sound tape reel (ca. 90 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 1 sound cassette copy : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • CJM_044
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • May 25, 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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file details Cumming_J_0044_02.mp3 Public