Anticipating a German invasion
Heroes Remember
Anticipating a German invasion
Transcript
Description
Mr. Smith recalls how a nearby farmer required the regiments help, milking cows and the kindness he repaid them with.
Arthur Britton “Britt” Smith
Mr. Smith was born on May 13th, 1920 in Kingston, Ontario. His father was a lawyer, and Mr. Smith was headed to the law firm at a very young age to follow in his father's foot steps when he decided to branch over and become an army officer with the 32nd Battery at the age of 15. Mr. Smith climbed the ranks quickly, becoming a signal sergeant by his 18th birthday. Educated on what was happening throughout Europe, Mr. Smith was not surprised when he heard of the outbreak of war in 1939, and within a year of the declaration, his unit was overseas undergoing artillery training. While in Europe, Mr. Smith's unit became a vital part of the Normandy Campaign, fighting on the dangerous and unforgiving battlefields of France. After the Dieppe raid of 1942, Mr. Smith was promoted to Captain at the young age of 22, carrying the weight and responsibility for 85 men. Mr. Smith's military career was ended abruptly in 1944 when he was wounded in action on the Verriere Ridge in France. Upon arrival home Mr. Smith was awarded the military medal and was finally able to marry his childhood sweetheart Sally. Mr. Smith returned to law school and became a lawyer, creating a home for himself and his wife in Kingston, Ontario.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 01:49
- Person Interviewed:
- Arthur Britton “Britt” Smith
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- 4th Field Regiment
- Rank:
- Lieutenant
- Occupation:
- Gunnery Officer
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Verrière Ridge
Mr. Smith talks about moving up toward the Verrière Ridge. German planes were dropping flares and anti-personnel bombs.
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Mr. Smith has trouble sleeping in the hospital due to the screaming of shell-shocked officers until a move to another room. Mr. Smith further tells of his acquaintances from back home in Canada, who are also in the hospital.
Value of History
Mr. Smith reflects on how he feels. He was lucky to have been wounded, for if he hadn't have been, he would likely have been killed. He gives his thoughts on the value of history.
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