Advanced Search

Ware, Cameron B.: my Army recollections (August 11, 1978)

Downloadable Content

Download selected audio

Interviewee: Ware, Cameron B., b. 1913

An interview/narrative of Cameron B. Ware's experiences during World War II. Major-General Ware, D.S.O. served with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Interview took place on August 11, 1978.

Interviewer: Main, Chris D.

ABSTRACT: Maj.-Gen. Cameron B. Ware, D.S.O. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Ware_C_0202_01.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 1, interviewed by Chris D. Main) Born on Aug. 9, 1913 in London, Ont. Joined the militia as a boy soldier in 1927, going on to the Royal Military College (R.M.C.) in 1931. Describes conditions and purpose of R.M.C. More emphasis on military subjects than in today's military colleges. Strict discipline, frequent punishments for infractions of the regulations. (45:00) Ware_C_0202_02.mp3 Upon graduation he joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (P.P.C.L.I.) as a lieutenant. Comments on regimental history. Commanded the machine-gun platoon and conducted research into cold weather clothing. Sent as an exchange officer to the Rifle Brigade in England. (45:00) Ware_C_0202_03.mp3 (Reel 1, Side 2) Returned to Canada upon the outbreak of war. Sent back to England in Oct. 1939 for infantry courses, did not see Canada again until 1945. Promoted to major in mid-1940, company commander. Much activity when a German invasion was expected. In Feb. 1942 became second-in-command of the regiment. In Sicily (Aug. 1943) was appointed commanding officer. On the voyage to Sicily his ship was torpedoed; he was picked up the next morning. (45:00) Ware_C_0202_04.mp3 Landed in Algiers, immediately placed in a prisoner of war camp (for security reasons) until after the invasion of Sicily. Eventually was able to rejoin the regiment. Offers some ideas on the operation of an infantry battalion. (30:00)

Rank: Major-General. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

In Collection:
Contributor Subject Language Date created Relation
  • Special Collections holds additional interviews with Maj.-Gen. Ware.
  • 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. 175 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
  • WCB_202
Fonds title Fonds identifier Is referenced by Date digitized
  • August 16, 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. 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 Ware_C_0202_01.mp3
file details Ware_C_0202_02.mp3
file details Ware_C_0202_03.mp3
file details Ware_C_0202_04.mp3