Mr. Sommerville remembers the camaraderie experienced during wartime and how grateful he is to have had the opportunity to return home.
Operation Duck
Just nine days before the war ended, Mr. Sommerville recalls his adventures in “Operation Duck.”
The Luck of Changing Places
Mr. Sommerville shares an emotional story of how his fellow corporal asked to switch places and for that reason Mr. Sommerville survived. His friend was not as fortunate.
The Sounds and Sights of Fighter Planes
Mr. Sommerville tells about building bridges while the fighting continues overhead.
The Effects of a Mine
Mr. Sommerville speaks about a time his crew drove over a mine, inflicting wounds to his fellow crewman and recalls his sheer luck in escaping injury.
Building Bridges Across the Orne River
Moving into France, Mr. Sommerville describes building bridges so that the fighting could continue.
A Tradesman During Wartime
Mr. Sommerville describes the unique role he played in working with concrete; building roads and structures for the units to which they were affiliated.
War is Not a Picnic
Killing people is not easy, especially when you are up close and personal with the enemy.
The Dumbest Guy in the World
Mr. Ryan survives the firing squad once again, after being charged with sabotage, by playing the simpleton.
Are All Canadian Soldiers Farmers?
Registering as a farmer while a prisoner of war meant having a slightly easier time.
Prison Camp’s Open Door Policy
Building and using escape tunnels is quite a process and was only used by those with important information.
Changed to Chains
The initial reprisals of three months in ropes turned to a year and three months in chains.