Darkness Comes Early (Part 1 of 3)

Heroes Remember

Darkness Comes Early (Part 1 of 3)

Transcript

So we are unhappy, we stayed there about forty-eight hours, at that, at that spot. And then, the other two platoon of the company buzz off. I don’t know where they are. I’m left holding the front by myself, with my platoon, extended line a bit, cover a bit more ground. And then, in, one of the thing you learn in Europe, is that darkness comes in early in the summer. We’re not used to that, this is a new experience. It’s funny how you learn all those lesson. So, first thing I know, darkness come and I’m told eventually to bring the balance of the, of the troops up forward. I’m going forward, give me a line, follow my compass, you know, the best that I could to go there in between hill and then the hills being high, the shadow in the centre of your coulee or your advancing time, you don’t see anything, it's absolute darkness. I arrive in front eventually, I’m stopped in front of the battalion commander’s, Bernatia’s place. And they said that CO wants to see you. Now Bernatia is on a table, in a house and he has, he’s looking at the map about six inches from his eyes, with his torch. And he’s looking at the map, he said, “I want you to take your platoon and go here.” You see, to Santa Maria. He said, “Indicate where to start.” I said, “The whole platoon, sir?” He said, “Yes the whole platoon.” He said, “There may be some fighting there.”

Description

Mr. Robitaille tells the story of his reconnaissance mission at Santa Maria.

Guy Robitaille

Guy Robitaille was born October 2, 1920 in Lauzon-Lévis, a small military town. Mr. Robitaille had four brothers and three sisters. His mother died in 1925 and his father died in 1936. After his father's death, Mr. Robitaille made the decision not to finish school, but rather to work and help his family. On August 26, 1936 he received his mobilization papers and started full time with the army. Shortly after, he transferred to the Vandoos training centre. In August, 1941, he arrived in Brockville, Ontario where he became an officer and later returned to Valcartier. In Italy, wounded in the thigh and chest, Mr. Robitaille spent nine months in hospital where he went through five operations. While in hospital he heard on CBC radio that he had received the Military Cross. In November, 1943, he returned to Canada to recover in a Québec City hospital. Upon recovery, he returned to service with the Canadian Army.

Meta Data

Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Duration:: 02:28
Person Interviewed:: Guy Robitaille
War, Conflict or Mission:: Second World War
Location/Theatre:: Europe
Battle/Campaign:: Italian
Branch:: Army
Units/Ship:: Royal 22^e Régiment
Rank:: Platoon Officer
Occupation:: Intelligence

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Darkness Comes Early (Part 1 of 3)

Heroes Remember