No Regrets, It was Worth It!!
Heroes Remember
No Regrets, It was Worth It!!
Transcript
Description
Mr. MacDonell provides a great perspective in respect to all that he went through in the military.
George MacDonell
Mr. MacDonell was born in Edmonton, Alberta on August 15, 1922. He lost his parents at an early age and was raised by his uncle and family. In 1939, he ran away from home and made the decision to join the army. Mr. MacDonell served as Company Sergeant Major during the Battle of Hong Kong and in 1941 was captured and was a POW for four years. Post-military, Mr. MacDonell earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto and went on to have a successful business career. Mr. MacDonell is very active in his city and very proud of having served. Mr. MacDonell is retired and resides in Toronto, Ontario.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 0:55
- Person Interviewed:
- George MacDonell
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Battle/Campaign:
- Hong Kong
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Rifles of Canada
- Occupation:
- Vehicle Technician
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The Enlistment Process
Too young, yet determined to join the army, Mr. MacDonell shares the story of his enlistment adventures.
Unknown Destination
While training in Val Cartier, Mr. MacDonell recounts how the soldiers were issued tropical dress, having no idea of their destination. Once heading West, they suspected Hong Kong.
Being a Young Sergeant
Mr. MacDonell explains his role as Company Sergeant instructing soldiers older than himself, and gaining respect from his comrades.
Immediately Engaged in Battle
Having no reinforcements and insufficient supplies, Mr. MacDonell explains the difficult situation he and his fellow soldiers encountered.
The Attack on Stanley Village on Xmas Day. (Part 1)
As platoon commander, Mr. MacDonell tells of the horrific order received to attack the village and how his soldiers kept up the fight to defend, showing no signs of surrender.
The Attack of Stanley Village on Xmas Day (Part 2)
As platoon commander, Mr. MacDonell tells of the horrific order received to attack the village and how his soldiers kept up the fight and strength to defend showing no signs to surrender.
Role as a Battlefield Leader
Mr. MacDonell speaks about the fact that there was not a lot of time for reflection.
Humiliation as a POW
Mr. MacDonell shares his story of the inhumane treatment witnessed over his four year period as a POW.
Japanese Treatment Towards POW’s
Mr. MacDonell gives his thoughts on why they may have been treated so badly.
Physically Unfit to Work
Mr. MacDonell describes his physical state and inability to function all the while keeping hope alive.
Typical Day as a POW
Mr. MacDonell describes his daily routine while working at the mine and the general treatment given by the Japanese army.
Putting Dignity Aside
Mr. MacDonell talks more about daily life as a prisoner.
Debilitating Health
Mr. MacDonell shares his countless bouts with a variety of diseases and infections.
Canadian Families Knew Nothing
Mr. MacDonell tells how the Canadian families back home were in the dark about their capture and how they eventually found out.
Obtaining Parts for a Radio Receiver
Mr. MacDonell speaks about a dangerous undertaking by fellow POW’s stealing parts and building a radio receiver.
The Dropping of the Bomb Saved Us
Mr. MacDonell explains that with the help of the radio, the prisoners were made aware of the dropping of the bomb and that things were coming to an end.
We Couldn’t Reveal the Radio
Mr. MacDonell describes the days surrounding the surrender of the Japanese.
POW Painted on the Roof
With the realization the war was over, Canadian soldiers began to gather food and signal to the American planes.
No Canadians Would Leave the Camp
Now free, yet still in camp, the Canadians decided to stay put until rescued..
American Contribution to POW Survival
Mr. MacDonell praises the contributions made by the American Army. Their level of generosity and concern for their well being was overwhelming.
Canadian Government Was Good To Us
Mr. MacDonell expresses his appreciation of the treatment provided by the Canadian government after returning home.
Freedom For Our Country
Mr. MacDonell provides his view on how Canadians should preserve this wonderful culture and country that we live in and recounts how fortunate we are to be Canadian.
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