Interview with Jim Ferron (February 24, 2022)
Interviewer: James Coe Interviewee: Jim Ferron An interview/narrative of Jim Ferron's experiences serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Interview took place on February 24, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: Jim Ferron begins the interview describing his upbringing in Windsor Ontario and how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Ferron recalls his first impressions of the Cyprus conflict. The differences between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots in their attitudes towards Canadian peacekeepers is explored. The Women’s Walk Home demonstration is recalled. Ferron discusses his military duties and an instance in which he had to prepare for potential combat. How he and his fellow peacekeepers were able to maintain morale is discussed including things such as fitness, food, leadership, and camaraderie. Ferron explains his feelings when leaving Cyprus and how he learnt skills which were applied to other aspects of life. The interview is concluded by a reflection on his service and big picture takeaways regarding peacekeeping operations. 0:51 - 1:16 - Career summarized. 1:16 - 5:26 - Growing up: Windsor, education, and joining Canadian Armed Forces. 5:26 - 7:06 - Operations Officer of Royal Canadian Dragoons and responsibilities. 7:06 - 11:48 - First impressions of Cyprus. 11:48 - 16:05 - Interacting with Greek and Turkish Cypriot civilians. 14:20 - 16:05 - The Women’s Walk Home, March 1989. 16:05 - 17:50 - Attitudes of Greek and Turkish Cypriots civilians towards peacekeepers. 17:50 - 21:10 - Differences between Greek and Turkish soldiers towards peacekeepers. 21:10 - 25:07 - Military duties in Cyprus: situational awareness. 25:07 - 27:18 - Armaments used in Cyprus. 27:18 - 28:45 - Preparing for combat. 28:45 - 34:31 - Maintaining Morale: Fitness, food, leadership, and camaraderie. 34:31 - 36:02 - The Women’s Walk Home demonstration 36:02 - 37:44 - Training for peacekeeping in Cyprus. 37:44 - 39:34 - Feelings when leaving Cyprus. 39:34 - 42:18 - Skills gained from Cyprus. 42:18 - 44:34 - Big picture takeaways from peacekeeping in Cyprus. 44:34 - 46:26 - Ending a career in the military. 46:26 - 48:42 - The value of history.
- In Collection:
- Interview #SC141_FJ_891
- 00:49:32
- 42.30008, -83.01654
- 35, 33
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: II; Item: 981
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- February 24, 2022
- Interview done through a Zoom video call, MP4, 449,480 KB. Metadata by KD.
- 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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