Shrapnel Wound in the Head
Heroes Remember
Shrapnel Wound in the Head
Transcript
Description
Mr. Danson recalls his return to his regiment as a commissioned officer and tells of how he suffered a shrapnel wound to the head which ended his war effort.
Barnet J (Barney) Danson
Mr. Danson was born in Ontario, 1921. Before the war, Mr. Danson worked for Columbia pictures. As a Jewish man, he was aware of the political situation in Europe. His instincts told him that war was imminent and he felt a sense of urgency to fight. As a result, he joined the Army during peacetime in hopes of being trained and ready to serve if war broke out. Mr. Danson was an Infantry Officer with the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. In the Fall of 1944 he was wounded, thus ending his war effort. After the war, he had a successful business and later entered politics where he served as the Minister of Defence in the Trudeau Government.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 02:19
- Person Interviewed:
- Barnet J (Barney) Danson
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- France
- Battle/Campaign:
- Battle of Normandy
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
- Rank:
- Captain
- Occupation:
- Infantry Officer
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Mr. Danson remembers the mobilization of his regiment and goes on to recall some of the positive experiences he shared with his friends during the war.
Becoming an Officer from the Ranks
Mr. Danson describes how he came back to Canada to get his commission. Despite his best efforts, he did not make it back to Europe in time for the D-Day invasion.
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Mr. Danson remembers saying farewell to friends and comrades after he was wounded. He also tells the story of the tragic death of one of his close friends as he tried to escape from a German hospital.
Church on Sunday
Mr. Danson remembers attending church on Sunday with the Christians even though he was Jewish.
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Mr. Danson describes how faith was important and widespread during the war. More specifically, during times of danger or tragedy.
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Mr. Danson describes the reality of being an infantry soldier. He remembers how the men understood the risk and accepted it willingly.
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Mr. Danson describes his return to Canada as a wounded soldier just before Christmas in 1944. He remembers the difficulties he encountered trying to return to normal work as a result of his injuries.
Leaving War Behind
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