D-Day Dodgers: Forgotten in Italy
Heroes Remember
D-Day Dodgers: Forgotten in Italy
Transcript
Description
Mr. Stanway recalls that he and his Battery (and other troops in Italy) were discouraged by being labelled the D-Day Dodger and by the amount of news attention given to the Western Front.
Frank Stanway
Mr. Stanway was born in Britain, and relocated to Montreal, Quebec with his family at a young age. Mr. Stanway joined the Non Permanent Active Militia (NPAM) along with friends, 8 months after Canada declared war. Shortly after basic training finished, their unit went active, so they joined the active forces in August 1940. Mr. Stanway shipped out to Scotland in 1941 and was transferred to Italy, along with the rest of the 5th Battery, in May 1943. They remained stationed there until a few months before the end of the war (February 1945) and returned home shortly after the war ended.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 01:31
- Person Interviewed:
- Frank Stanway
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Europe
- Battle/Campaign:
- Italian
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- NPAM / 5th Battery / Artillery
- Occupation:
- Mechanic
Related Videos
War is Declared
Mr. Stanway recalls when Britain and Canada declared war, joining the Non Permanent Active Militia (NPAM), and subsequently the active forces (Montreal 5th Battery).
Enlistment: Parent’s Reaction
Mr. Stanway recalls his parents reaction to his enlistment, and how his peers had joined as well, making it easier.
News of the Dieppe Disaster
Mr. Stanway recalls hearing of the Dieppe disaster and speaks of the effect it had on the morale of his battery stationed in Britain.
Sailing into Action
Mr. Stanway recalls sailing into action from Scotland to Sicily in May of 1943; a journey which included a torpedo attack and rough seas.
Under Fire in Italy
Mr. Stanway recalls his battery coming under fire in Italy and how his friend incurred an injury during the attack.
Anti-Aircraft Battery Driver / Mechanic
Mr. Stanway describes his position as a driver/mechanic for the 5th Battery Anti-Aircraft Unit.
Friendly Fire
Mr. Stanway recalls how his battery was mistakenly attacked by an American fighter, which they in turn shot down.
Wounded: A Narrow Escape
Mr. Stanway recalls being wounded by shellfire just outside of Ortona, Italy.
Personal Sacrifice
Mr. Stanway notes that his one regret of serving in the war was giving up Junior hockey. However, he notes that in similar circumstances he would do it all again.
Comradery
Mr. Stanway speaks to the comradery that still exists between himself and the friends he joined up with, and other WWII Veterans.
- Date modified: