Getting Hit by Mortar Fragment

Heroes Remember

Getting Hit by Mortar Fragment

Transcript

I was hit in the head by a mortar fragment. And at the time, I was … my job in the battalion was the intelligence sergeant. The intelligence unit was about nine men strong, I guess. It was our job to keep the map boards up, and deal with the planning. My particular job, when I got wounded, was carrying the CO’s map board. So I was right there, at the head shed there, seeing everything that went on. I had headaches for a spell, so they thought that I should have, you know, some nursing care. So they sent me to Japan, where our wounded went. And I went to the Australian camp, and somehow or other, I missed getting to the hospital. And I was sent back to Korea from the Australian camp there. And I was put under arrest, for escaping the hospital I never went in. And they sent me back to Japan, to get my formal clearance out of the hospital, of all stupid things.

Description

Mr. McKerracher describes his experience of getting wounded by shrapnel when carrying the commanding officer’s map board.

Neil McKerracher

Mr. McKerracher was born in Saskatchewan, on January 15, 1923. Nineteen-years-old, and eager for adventure, he moved to Ontario and decided to join the army. He became a member of the anti-aircraft regiment, and after receiving basic training in Petawawa, Ontario, he was shipped overseas. He served with coastal defence in Colchester, England. Mr. McKerracher was married in England during the Second World War. Post-war, he and his wife moved to Calgary, Alberta, where they raised their four children. Having no appetite for civilian life, Mr. McKerracher was eager to enlist for the Korean War. During his service in Korea, he was wounded by a mortar fragment, yet continued to serve in battle, holding the rank of Captain. Military life being his passion, Mr. McKerracher joined the Regular Force after his service in Korea. In 1953, he accepted a deployment to Germany, and lived there with his family for two years before returning to Canada. Mr. McKerracher retired from service life in 1978.

Meta Data

Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:: 1:36
Person Interviewed:: Neil McKerracher
War, Conflict or Mission:: Second World War
Location/Theatre:: Korea
Battle/Campaign:: Korea
Branch:: Army
Occupation:: Gunner

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Getting Hit by Mortar Fragment

Heroes Remember