Effect of the Depression
Heroes Remember
Effect of the Depression
Transcript
Description
Mr. Senycz speaks about the tough times for families during the Depression and how salary dollars were limited.
John Senycz
Mr. Senycz was born August 22, 1920 in Colhurst, Alberta. His parents were both of Polish descent, born in Czechoslovakia, and moved to Canada to work in the coal mines. At age two, his father died and his mother remarried. Mr. Senycz joined the Canadian Army 4th Division Tank Corps in 1942 and was shipped overseas to England. It was during the Battle of Falaise that his tank got hit and the crew of five soldiers was badly burned. Because of the severity of Mr. Senycz’ burns, he was transported to Basingstoke hospital in England for rehabilitation. With the many burns and scars, Mr. Senycz underwent three to four years of plastic surgery to his face. On September 18, 1945, Mr. Senycz was discharged from the Canadian Army from the orderly room in Vancouver, BC. He later married, moved to Calgary, Alberta, and raised a family.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 0:48
- Person Interviewed:
- John Senycz
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- 4th Armoured Division
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Mr. Senycz describes the fear in the Atlantic Ocean with the submarines firing, sailors being burned, and falling into the water.
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Mr. Senycz describes landing in Southampton, England and taking over a horse barn for barracks.
Observation Posts
Mr. Senycz describes his position at the observation posts finding targets while going across the channel to England.
Finding Targets at Night
Mr. Senycz speaks about searching for German tanks and finding the enemy by their silhouette outline between the slats in the barn.
Getting Burned During Battle of Falaise
Mr. Senycz describes being wounded and how the entire crew was affected by enemy fire - “all got wounded but nobody killed!”
The Bullet for “To Whom it May Concern!”
Mr. Senycz describes what it was like having bullets shot at the tank and never knowing what bullet was going to hit you - “Every 5th one you see,” explains Mr. Senycz
Being Transported to Basingstoke Hospital
Mr. Senycz was bandaged up after getting burned and was admitted to Basingstoke hospital in England for rehabilitation. He describes the pain of bandages being stuck in his flesh and the fear of never being able to see again.
Being a Hero and Sharing the Story!
Mr. Senycz speaks about his time in the Army and reflects back to the soldiers who didn’t return home as “Heroes.”
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