A Tunnel to Freedom
Heroes Remember
A Tunnel to Freedom
Transcript
Description
Colonel Merritt was a senior officer on the Escaping Committe at the prison camp. In time, the prisoners constructed a tunnel to freedom.
Charles Cecil Ingersol Merritt
Colonel Merritt’s father was killed in Ypres during the First World War. 7 or 8 of his uncles from both sides of the family also served during the First World War - three of whom were killed in action. He received his early education in Vancouver and Victoria and then went on to Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He articled with a Vancouver lawyer for three years before being called to the bar there in 1929. During this time, he joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada militia unit - the unit with whom he enlisted with when the Second World War was declared. Eventually, in late 1941, he was appointed Commanding Officer of the South Saskatchewan Regiment, and served with the Regiment until the war was over. During his service he earned the Victoria Cross for his gallant efforts on Aug. 19, 1942 in the Dieppe Raid. Mr. Merritt was taken prisoner during the Dieppe Raid. Following the war Mr. Merritt returned to his law practice in Vancouver and served in the Canadian Federal Parliament from 1945 - 1949. He continued to live in Vancouver until his death on July 12, 2000.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 02:23
- Person Interviewed:
- Charles Cecil Ingersol Merritt
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Europe
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- South Saskatchewan Regiment
- Rank:
- Colonel
- Occupation:
- Company Commander
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The Empire - The Only Opposition To Hitler
Colonel Merritt gives significant credit to the efforts of the armed forces of the British Empire in the early years of the Second World War.
The Role of the South Saskatchewan Regiment in the Dieppe Raid
Colonel Merritt discusses the role that the South Saskatchewan Regiment was instructed to play in the raid on Dieppe in 1942.
Preparing on the Isle of Wight
The South Saskatchewan Regiment and other units involved in the Dieppe Landing spent several months on the Isle of Wight preparing for the attack.
Across the English Channel
Colonel Merritt speaks of the flotilla’s crossing of the English Channel to France and the unexpected encounter with German E Boats.
Crossing The River - Worthy of a Victoria Cross
In order to advance to their objective, it was necessary for Colonel Merritt to lead his men across a river bridge near their destination. However, the bridge was under fire from German forces who were dug in on the opposite river bank. Colonel Merritt would later receive the Victoria Cross from King George VI for his work here.
Wounded on Green Beach
Colonel Merritt was wounded as his troops were evacuating Green Beach. He recalls the activity.
Surrender to the Germans
Colonel Merritt makes the difficult decision to surrender to the German Army and be taken as prisoners of war.
On to the POW Camp in Germany
Following a time of hospitalization near Dieppe, his men, now Prisoners of War, were taken to Eichstatt in Germany to a POW camp. Colonel Merritt recalls that a short time later, Hitler issued an edict stating that all prisoners who took part in the Dieppe Raid were required to be handcuffed.
The Escape
Colonel Merritt remembers his escape from the POW camp through the underground tunnel. Sadly though, his freedom was short-lived.
Ears to the Outside World
Within the prison camp, it was possible - with some risk involved - to keep abreast of the war developments.
Freedom At Last! (1 of 2)
Colonel Merritt reflects on the events at the POW camp as the war neared an end.
Freedom At Last! (2 of 2)
Colonel Merritt continues his account of the liberation of the prison camp by American forces.
Receiving the Victoria Cross
Colonel Merritt recalls getting the news that he would be receiving the Victoria Cross. He speaks kindly of King George IV, who presented it to him in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Mother’s Reaction to His Enlistment
A parting comment from Colonel Merritt about his mother’s reaction when he and his siblings enlisted at the beginning of the WWII.
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