Leaving Japan
Heroes Remember
Leaving Japan
Transcript
Description
Mr. Castonguay recalls leaving Japan in poor condition after being released, and his joy at finally being clean, fed and having a bed to sleep in.
Bernard Castonguay
Bernard Castonguay was born in Montreal, Quebec on February 9, 1921. He was the fourth of eleven children. His father worked for CPR as a seam fitter. Mr. Castonguay left home at the age of sixteen to look for adventure. He worked as a lumberjack and on the railways. Unable to find work in 1940, Mr. Castonguay went to Quebec City and joined the Royal Rifles of Canada. He was then shipped to Gander, Newfoundland where he worked as a signalman and sentry. Afterwards, he went to St. John, NB. While in Hong Kong, Mr. Castonguay was captured by the Japanese and sent to a POW camp (Omeni) in Nagasaki, Japan to work in a coal mine. After his service, Mr. Castonguay worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) later becoming the Regional Director of CNIB. He also volunteered and worked with the Canadian Council for the Blind.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 01:35
- Person Interviewed:
- Bernard Castonguay
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Japan
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Rifles of Canada
- Occupation:
- Signalman
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Mr. Castonguay describes his impressions of Hong Kong. He was happy to finally see the land he had learned about in school and was impressed by the atmosphere which was so different from his home.
Japanese Attack
Mr. Castonguay describes the beginning of the attack on Hong Kong. Because he was working on the switchboard, he was able to hear about the impending attack.
Defence of Hong Kong
Mr. Castonguay describes why it was important to defend Hong Kong. The men felt, even after the war, that they were sacrificed by being stationed in Hong Kong. They were aware of how important it was to hold the enemy back for those critical two weeks.
Treatment of Medical Staff
Mr. Castonguay describes the cruel treatment that some of the medical staff received after their capture.
Conditions at North Point, a POW Camp
Mr. Castonguay describes conditions at North Point, a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. They were crowded together, and there were a lot of insects and bugs. The little food they were given was moldy and rancid. They contracted diseases from the terrible conditions and lack of food.
Life in a Prisoner of War Camp
Mr. Castonguay describes life in the POW camp and the working conditions they encountered.
Work as a POW
Mr. Castonguay describes life in the POW camp, the camp guards and interpreters that prisoners encountered.
Japan and working in the Coal Mines
Mr. Castonguay recalls how the prisoners were sent to Japan by boat or train to a coal mine where they worked in dangerous conditions.
Hope Returns and Freedom
Mr. Castonguay recalls fearing that the Japanese would kill the POW's should Japan be invaded. Meanwhile, they could see the Americans bombing a nearby city every night which gave them hope that they would soon be saved.
Japanese Labour Camp Commandants
Mr. Castonguay recalls the difference in temperament between his two different camp commandants. The first was very difficult and violent, but the second was much better.
POW End of War Celebration
Mr. Castonguay remembers eating again after the Americans dropped food for them. He then describes going on a quest for beer for himself and the other POWs in the camp after the war had ended.
Brotherhood
Mr. Castonguay recalls the brotherhood he shared with his comrades. He feels Canadians must try harder to understand what sacrifices these men made and the suffering they experienced.
Reflections on the Japanese People
Mr. Castonguay discusses his reflections on the Japanese people and how things have changed.
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