Uhlman, J. C.: my Army and Air Force recollections (June 21 - August 23, 1979)
An interview/narrative of J. C. Uhlman's experiences during World War I. Flight Lieutenant Uhlman served with the 85th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on June 21, 26, July 3, 6, 19 and August 23, 1979.
Interviewer: Main, Chris D.
Interviewee: Uhlman, J. C., b. 1896
Rank: Flight Lieutenant.
ABSTRACT: Flight Lieut. J.C. Uhlman 85th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Uhlman_J_0201_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1) Born on July 2, 1896 in Carlton, N.S. After graduating from high school worked in the United States until May 1916 when he returned to Canada to enlist in the 219th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.). Motivation and feelings for joining up. Account of the troopship to England. Life at Bramshott Camp. (30:00) Uhlman_J_0201_02.mp3 On Dec. 27, 1916 transferred to the 85th Battalion, C.E.F. Heavy schedule of training, drill and inspections. Landed in France on Feb. 10, 1917. Describes war zone. (90:00) Uhlman_J_0201_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Occupied trenches on Feb. 19, 1917. Comments on the Vimy Ridge area and preparatory work for battle. Wounded in the knee when moving forward late in the day of Apr. 9, 1917. Evacuated to England. (18:00) Uhlman_J_0201_04.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 1) After convalescence was posted to a reinforcement unit where he applied to join the Royal Flying Corps. Began flying training in Sept. 1917. Aeronautic school at Oxford. Commissioned. Anecdotes of flying training, aircraft, etc. In Apr. 1918 the Royal Air Force came into existence. Promoted to lieutenant. Flew DH9 bombers which he always thought somewhat dangerous due to the fuel tank being mounted immediately in front of the pilot. Flying characteristics, armament. Navigation and bombing school. Pilot's pool in France, June 1918. Assigned to No. 104 Squadron. (45:00) Uhlman_J_0201_05.mp3 Bombing mission described: over one hundred miles to industrial targets at Mannheim. Attitude toward lack of parachutes. (25:00) General comments. Uhlman_J_0201_06.mp3 (Reel 2, Side 2) Duration of raids, flying suits, formation flying essential for defence, rudimentary bombsights. Engine characteristics and problems requiring much time be spent on maintenance. Daily routine. (45:00) Uhlman_J_0201_07.mp3 On Aug. 3, 1918 experienced engine trouble causing him to fall behind the bombing formation. Decided to bomb nearby railway line, chased by enemy fighters. Aircraft hit in fuel tank and perhaps engine; wounded in leg, air gunner also wounded. Luckily they were able to return to Allied lines. Time in both French and American hospitals. Sent to England where he was when the war ended. Returned to Canada. (30:00) Uhlman_J_0201_08.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 1) Homecoming to Yarmouth, N.S. Remembers the shock of having to fend for himself as a civilian. Worked in the United States until 1926. Joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1928 at Camp Borden (Flying Officer). Not a member of the permanent force, although on continuous duty. Posted to Vancouver where he flew seaplanes. Uhlman_J_0201_09.mp3 No war training; worked entirely for the government. No wireless communications. Winnipeg: photography and mapping. Forestry patrols. Photographic course in 1929. Uhlman_J_0201_10.mp3 (Reel 3, Side 2) Once flew across country using a railway map. Search and rescue. Geodetic survey. (30:00) Uhlman_J_0201_11.mp3 As a flight lieutenant he worked in the Mackenzie River-Arctic area. Released from the Air Force in March 1932. Found employment with the Manitoba provincial air service. Appointed Director of that service in 1946, remaining until 1962. (35:00)
- In Collection:
- 11 sound recordings (MP3)
- 52.16045, -0.70312
- 46, 2
- Three original sound tape reels (ca. 390 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 6 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- UJC_201
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/reginald-herbert-roy-fonds
- August 12, 2010
- Digital sound recording in .wav format at 16 bits and 44 kHz. In .mp3 format at 56 kbps and 24 kHz. Digitized by 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 2010. 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
