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Training and Witnessing

Three years elapsed between the moment Mr. McInnis enlisted and the day he was actually sent to the Sicilian front. During that time he trained hard, deceived Germans and witnessed destruction during the Battle of Britain, but the reality of war caught up with him only much later.

I Joined to Relieve my Father

Though Mr. McInnis remembers the depression with some fondness, the post depression years made it hard to build a future for ones self. He explains how this influenced his decision to join.

Grenade!

Mr. Smith discusses the various types of shelling and weapons used by the Germans and one instance in which, luckily, an egg grenade thrown at him was ineffective.

A Special Jacket and Tie

Mr. MacLean wore a special jacket and necktie during the recording of the interview. They bore images of a caterpillar. He explains the significance.

A Post-War Career in Canadian Politics

Mr. MacLean describes his post-war entry into the political arena in Canada, serving 10 terms as a Member of Parliament for a Prince Edward Island constituency, followed by a term as Premier of his home province.

Post-War Responsibilities

The war is over. But, Mr. MacLean’s work was not.

Old Friends' Chance Meeting

Mr. MacLean recalls a chance meeting with one of his Comet Line guides who took him from Brussels to Paris. He reflects sadly on the fate of three others who had helped him to freedom and were later betrayed to the Germans, captured and executed.

Back to England at Last!

After some time on Gibraltar, Mr. MacLean returned to England by way of Scotland. While in Scotland, he was informed that he would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and was summoned to Buckingham Palace where he received his medal from King George VI.

From Paris to Southern France

Following his time in Paris, Mr. MacLean and several others were taken by train to the south of France. He spent the first night there in the home of the founder of the Comet Line and, the following evening, he was taken to another residence. It would prove to be his last day in occupied territory and the beginning of the last leg of his journey to freedom.

His Emotional State

In the midst of all that was happening to him, Mr. MacLean was asked if he had experienced any feelings of loneliness or worry about his possible eventual fate.

On to Paris Via the Comet Line

Mr. MacLean continues the account of his time in Brussels, awaiting further instructions. They finally come and he is told he will travel by train with two other men to Paris on the following day.

Help From the Comet Line

The Comet Line was an organization in Brussels that arranged passage into Spain for Allied service men and women who were caught in occupied territory. Mr. MacLean explains briefly its history and the subsequent help he received from the underground organization.

Date modified:: 2019-02-19