Scared all the Time
Heroes Remember
Scared all the Time
Transcript
Description
Mr. Chiasson expresses his emotions during his time and the wonder of his own survival.
Havelyn Chiasson
Mr. Chiasson was born May 14, 1921 in Misquamicut Island, New Brunswick. He attended an English and French school while his father worked as a fisherman. When war was declared in 1939, Mr. Chiasson was recruited to the Carleton York Regiment in Bathurst and later with the North Shore Regiment, a regiment he would remain with until end of wartime. Mr. Chiasson held the position of wireless operator and found himself travelling overseas which would become a 5 ½ year experience. Mr. Chiasson was part of the D-Day and Battle of Normandy landings where he reached the beaches in St. Aubin-sur-Mer, Normandy. He carried on through to Holland. Mr. Chiasson remains very active about his service years, speaking to our youth about the importance of service to our country.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Recorded:
- March 20, 2014
- Duration:
- 1:19
- Person Interviewed:
- Havelyn Chiasson
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- France
- Battle/Campaign:
- D-Day
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- North Shore Regiment
- Occupation:
- Wireless Operator
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Trained and Headed to England
Upon completing his training, Mr. Chiasson speaks about boarding the Duchess of York with 3,000 onboard and only then finding out their destination as they were set to sail.
Quite a Feeling Going Overseas!
Mr. Chiasson expresses the feelings he had on the journey overseas, the start of what would become their 5 ½ years of war.
Training for D-Day
In preparation for D-Day, Mr. Chiasson explains the training regimen that would encompass a four year period.
Maneuvering as a Wireless Operator
Mr. Chiasson details the responsibilities of a wireless operator and the unfortunate loss of communication due to the jamming of radios by the Germans.
Hitting the Beaches on D-Day
Mr. Chiasson recalls leaving the landing crafts and the tough time many of them endured getting to shore.
A Loss of One Hundred Men
Mr. Chiasson witnesses the death of many comrades - a vision he will never forget.
A Lot of Opposition
Mr. Chiasson describes the level of opposition and loss of men during the attack on the beach.
Living in a Slit Trench
Mr. Chiasson describes a slit trench and the importance of taking cover.
Sixty Days of Battle
Mr. Chiasson recalls doing battle sixty days without a break!
Dreams still haunt
Mr. Chiasson shares the emotions of dreaming of fellow comrades and experiences of so many years ago.
Holding the Nijmegen bridge
Mr. Chiasson explains how his regiment was called in to hold the Nijmegen bridge for the winter to allow supplies to be built up for the anticipated spring drive.
The Final Days
Mr. Chiasson describes the final push and the last few hours before the war was finally over.
No Troop Ships Available
With the war over, Mr. Chiasson tells of the rigmarole and frustration in returning to Canada.
Appreciation of the Service Provided!
Mr. Chiasson expresses his admiration for the people who appreciated his service including the gratitude from the Dutch citizens for their liberation.
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