Enjoying every minute of his service
Heroes Remember
Enjoying every minute of his service
Transcript
Description
Mr. Peterson describes the light-hearted attitude of Canadian soldiers new to France, and how they got a sense of reality after being moved to the front.
Robert Peterson
Robert Peterson was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 7, 1899. He was the eldest son. His father was a paper mill worker, but enlisted at the outbreak of international hostilities in 1914. Despite being repatriated in 1915 due to being wounded, Mr. Peterson’s father did not try to discourage his son from enlisting. Robert Peterson eventually joined the 202 Sportsmans Battalion in Edmonton and describes basic training as little more than “route marching and sore feet”. Aged ninety-nine at the time of his interview, Mr. Peterson still remembers several aspects of his service overseas. He discusses Canada’s maturation as a military force at Vimy, describes being partially blinded in a gas attack, and finishes with a compelling reflection on patriotism.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 1:55
- Person Interviewed:
- Robert Peterson
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- First World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Europe
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Canadian Corps
- Occupation:
- Infantry
Related Videos
War is thankless
Mr. Peterson discusses the increasing independence of the Canadian Corps at Vimy, followed by his reflections on the likelihood of survival on the Front.
Gas exposure and injury to the eye
Mr. Peterson describes in general the German use of explosive shells to deliver gas attacks, and more specifically being blinded in his right eye by exposure to gas.
Patriotism is necessary.
Mr. Peterson reflects on camaraderie in the line of fire, his pride in service and the need for patriotic vigilance.
- Date modified: