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Carriere, Felix: my Army recollections (June 4, 1987)

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Interviewee: Carriere, Felix, b. 1920

An interview/narrative of Felix Carriere's experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Captain Carriere served with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on June 4, 1987.

Interviewer: Torrie, Tom

Rank: Captain.

ABSTRACT: Capt. Felix Carriere Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Carriere_F_0024_01.mp3 Born on Dec. 6, 1920 in a farming community south of Winnipeg, Man. Joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (P.P.C.L.I.) on Oct. 16, 1939. Had virtually no training in Canada, no uniforms until the end of Nov. Left Winnipeg on Dec. 17 for Greenoch, Scotland. Then to Aldershot where they lived in "spider" barracks. Remembers the food as being of good quality. Training began in earnest. Originally issued with Short Lee Enfield rifles and Lewis machine guns. Learned how to signal by heliograph, but with limited effect because of a general lack of sunshine! (10:00) Discusses problems encountered due to a French-speaking youth. Believes that a lack of ability to express himself cost him promotion. For two and one-half years he was paid $1.30 per day as a private, raised to $1.50 at the end of 1943. As a sergeant the rate was $2.20 per day. Comments on good officer/man relationship in the unit. Regular army officers very good. Issued weapons and clothing for the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. They moved to Scotland, but luckily did not embark. A personal disappointment at the time, but later he was relieved. Feels that the training in England was very valuable, even though it was sometimes difficult for the troops to understand what was going on. One learned to keep going and later, in action, even when afraid. Sicily invasion. Beaches were quiet, like an exciting exercise. Describes how to cope with a lack of sleep in action. Could go for days, if necessary, with only five or ten minutes sleep at a time. Leonforte was the first hard battle against Germans ("fine tough soldiers"). (40:00) Battle psychology was usually sorted out by the troops after two or three days of fighting which was then recognized by them as a very serious business. End of fighting in Sicily. (45:00) Carriere_F_0024_02.mp3 Invasion of Italy not difficult. Ortona very tough. Wounded at the Gothic Line and again in Oct. 1944 at the Naviglio Canal. Evacuated, the only one of his platoon not captured during a German counterattack, he returned to the unit two months later. Promoted to sergeant. Describes his involvement with stretcher-bearer duties. Officers and corporals who led in action had the highest likelihood of being casualties. Sergeants push from the rear! Returned to Canada on leave, discharged on June 4, 1945. Worked for the Canadian National Railway for a few months as a switchman. Eight months later he rejoined the Army after two weeks of hounding the authorities who were reluctant to accept him because of his early military record (a list of charges relating to his lack of military appearance). Finally accepted and posted to 1st Battalion, P.P.C.L.I. as a private. The battalion was commanded by Lt.-Col. C.B. Ware, a former commanding officer in Italy, and, in Carriere's opinion, a great officer, dedicated, completely understanding, and completely fearless. (16:00) On parade for his first commanding officer's inspection, Carriere was promoted to sergeant immediately upon being recognized by Col. Ware. They took great pride in the P.P.C.L.I. becoming the first airborne regular infantry battalion. Served as a warrant officer at the Parachute School in Rivers, Man. During the Korean War was the battalion supply staff sergeant for a year. Promoted to warrant officer, class II, and then warrant officer, class I, and served for fourteen years in these two ranks. Accepted a commission as a captain, although little difference in pay. Retired in 1975 after thirty-five years of service. Comments that he found out the lack of power enjoyed by a captain as compared to a warrant officer, class I! Near the end of his career Carriere was the recruiting officer for Vancouver Island. Enjoyed the Army and would not have changed one thing in his life. (42:00)

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
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
  • CF_024
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • May 11, 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
Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Actions
file details SC141_MilitaryOralHistory_GenericThumbnail
file details Carriere_F_0024_01.mp3
file details Carriere_F_0024_02.mp3