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Howsam, George Roberts: my Air Force recollections (August 28, 1975)

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An interview/narrative of George Roberts Howsam's experiences during World War II. Air Vice-Marshal Howsam, C.B., M.C. served with the 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, the Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on August 28, 1975.

ABSTRACT: Air Vice-Marshal George Roberts Howsam, C.B., M.C. 116th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Royal Flying Corps Canadian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Howsam_G_0192_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1 interviewed by W. A. B. Douglas) As a member of the Canadian Air Force stationed in High River, Alta. in the early twenties, flew DH4's (de Havilland general purpose aircraft) on patrol over much of Alberta. Anecdotal account of Air Marshal G.M. Croil, seaplane/flying boat types and uses. Howsam_G_0192_02.mp3 Photographic equipment. Employed by the government of Manitoba and several federal government departments. At Camp Borden was closely associated with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Flew the Armstrong-Whitworth Siskin (fighter) at air shows. Flying club movement in the 1930's. R.A.F. Staff College in England. (65:00) Howsam_G_0192_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returned to Canada as Staff Officer (Civil Operations). Stationed in Toronto; early experiences with the militia and auxiliary squadrons. Initial efforts to establish the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Relations with the Americans. Commanded No. 2 Army Co-operation Squadron at Rockcliffe. Important role of the aero clubs in providing elementary flying training to pilots. Second World War; the Alaska Highway and the air staging route to Alaska. Howsam_G_0192_04.mp3 Anecdote regarding Air Chief Marshal L.S. Breadner and "Chubby" Powers, the Minister for Air. (45:00)

Interviewer: Douglas, William Alexander Binney

Interviewee: Howsam, George Roberts, 1895-1988

Rank: Air Vice-Marshal. Medals and Honours: Companion of the Bath (CB); Military Cross (MC)

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Date created Relation
  • A/V/M Howsam's further distinctions include the Legion of Merit in Degree of Commander (U.S.A.); Order of White Lion (Czechoslovakia); and Commandeur de l'Ordre de la Couronne (Belgium). Special Collections holds additional interviews with A/V/M Howsam.
  • Part of the Reginald H. Roy collection of interviews.
Resource type Rights statement Extent
  • 4 sound recordings (MP3)
Geographic Coverage Coordinates
  • 52.16045, -0.70312
Additional physical characteristics
  • One original sound tape reel (ca. 105 min.) : 1 7/8 ips, 2 track, mono. ; 2 sound cassette copies : standard, mono. in Special Collections.
Physical Repository Collection
  • Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider Genre Archival item identifier
  • HGR_192
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • June 18, 2010
Technical note
  • 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
Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Actions
file details SC141_MilitaryOralHistory_GenericThumbnail
file details Howsam_G_0192_01.mp3
file details Howsam_G_0192_02.mp3
file details Howsam_G_0192_03.mp3
file details Howsam_G_0192_04.mp3