Attack at First Light
Heroes Remember
Transcript
We were at a place called Twente Canal. Alemlo in Holland, and
we had approached the Twente Canal on what we call Kangaroos.
That’s a remodelled ram tank that is built to carry... carry
infantry troops. The Germans had blown the bridges at the time.
The... we had to transfer to dinghies, rubber dinghies to
cross the canal you see. And... then when we crossed the canal
there was a large barn and we occupied that barn and then we
attacked the house and drove the enemy out of the house, and it
was my platoon that did that. So we consolidated around the
outside of the house over that night. I usually like to sleep
early and then I’ll be ready for the first light because first
light, if you’re going to get a counter attack is usually when
the enemy usually attack, at first light, you see. So... and
that’s how I had it.
So I went to sleep and then just approaching first light my
friend, and a good friend. His name was Jeanette, Red
Jeanette. He taught me to play guitar all the way through, we
were good friends. And then... he was a... I told him well you
get shaved you know, I said and as soon as you finish let me know
and I’ll replace you. And I was getting ready to change over
with him when the Germans threw in a counter attack you see.
So I rushed in the house where he was you see and he had, still
had this shaving stuff on and he rushed out the front door and he
grabbed his rifle off the front door and went out the front
door. And I’m calling him back you see and just as I went to go
out the door behind him... a slash of bullets hit that door in
front of me you see. And... I stopped and waited for the...
bullets to stop and soon as they stopped I dived out the door
too. And right beside Red and Red was lying there shot.
Description
Mr. Jones describes losing his closest friend while defending a position at Almelo, Holland.
Bud Jones
Bud Jones was born in Montreal, Quebec. He was a good boxer and very athletic, becoming a PT instructor before his deployment to Europe in the Second World War. He was assigned to the Royal Canadian Regiment, whose responsibility it was to eliminate German V2 rocket launching sites along the European side of the English Channel. He would see service in France, Belgium and Holland. Following his war service, Mr. Jones enlisted in the regular forces, becoming a career soldier. During that time, he served in Germany and Japan in addition to his service in Canada.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 2:51
- Person Interviewed:
- Bud Jones
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Canadian Regiment
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Occupation:
- Platoon Sergeant
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