When War Broke Out

Mr. Keys recollects being in Chicago with the merchant marine when the war broke out. He then went to Regina to visit his mother and subsequently enlisted.

Herman C. Keys

Mr. Keys was born on September 15, 1916. He grew up in Balcarres, Saskatchewan which is sixty miles east of Regina. Mr. Keys started school at the age of six and quit in grade ten, at which time he went to Ontario to find work. His father owned a hotel which he sold before Mr. Keys was born. He also owned two farms and later became a cattle buyer. He died when Mr. Keys was twelve. His mother came from England and was a housekeeper for his father. Mr. Keys had a brother, named Mel and a sister. Mel went into action with Mr. Keys in Dieppe. Mel was wounded but survived the war. Mr. Keys joined the South Saskatchewan Regiment as a rifleman and was a member of the merchant marine for three years prior to enlisting.

Medium:

Video

Owner:

Veterans Affairs Canada

Duration:

00:59

Person Interviewed:

Herman C. Keys

War, Conflict or Mission:

Second World War

Location/Theatre:

Canada

Branch:

Army

Units/Ship:

South Saskatchewan Regiment

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Occupation:

Rifleman

Copyright / Permission to Reproduce