Bound with Ropes and Chains

They also tied us up, you know that and chained us for probably 18 months, maybe? Something like that. But other than that, there was not too much that you had to do. Put in the day, that’s it. Interviewer: And you mentioned work parties. Were you fortunate enough to go out on a work party? I have been on a party, yes. I have been on a party in Poland. We worked on a farm and that was ok cause you get more food then, you know. So I think that’s a good idea, ya. Try to get on one of them. If you’re ever a prisoner, try and get out to a work party. Interviewer: I speak with you today and you said about 18 months you were roped and chained. You were roped and chained for 18 months, tell us about that. Well, when they first started, you would get Red Cross parcels tied with string and they used that to tie everybody up starting off and then they switched to chains where they snap ‘em on and about that far apart and that’s the way we lived.

Mr. Edwards shares his personal experiences and attitudes on being tied for almost eighteen months.

Stanley Edwards

Mr. Stanley Edwards was born February 17, 1923 in Big Valley, Alberta. He enlisted in the army on February 19, 1941 as part of the Calgary Tanks holding rank of trooper. He first received training on the Churchill tanks at Stettler, Alberta and for another year trained in Camp Borden, Ontario before travelling overseas to Scotland. In the summer of 1942, the crew went to England to undergo advanced training. Mr. Stanley fought in the Dieppe Raid as a member of the tank crew. He was soon captured and taken prisoner where he would remain until 1945, shortly after the war ended. Returning home to Canada, Mr. Edwards began working at the Calgary Brewery, married Anncherri and raised four children with his wife. In retirement, Mr. Edwards volunteered within his community and to this day is a member of the local legion. Now residing in Calgary, Alberta with his two daughters, Mr. Edwards is honoured in having an opportunity to travel back to France for the 75th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. This being his first time back since wartime, Mr. Edwards looks forward to seeing the terrain where he fought and visiting the gravesite of his brother who never returned home and pay tribute to those who served alongside him during this battle.