Band of Brothers
Heroes Remember
Band of Brothers
Transcript
Description
Mr. Ferguson discusses the bonding and brotherhood that begins in basic training, and which receives its ultimate test in combat.
Luther Ferguson
Luther Ferguson was born in Mayview, Saskatchewan on October 23, 1933. He describes himself as being “unworldly, poorly educated and having low self-esteem.” Mr. Ferguson felt that the Army offered him the best opportunity to both further his education and improve his life. He enlisted in 1951, and soon found himself a combatant in the Korean War, where he served in the infantry. Mr. Ferguson’s accounts lean heavily on the psychological impacts of training and warfare, and the devastation experienced by the civilian population during the Korean conflict.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 1:41
- Person Interviewed:
- Luther Ferguson
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Korean War
- Battle/Campaign:
- Korea
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Canadian Regiment
- Rank:
- Private
- Occupation:
- Infantryman
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You Are Nothing
Mr. Ferguson describes how non-commissioned officers psychologically prepared raw recruits for the army, and how those recruits responded to basic training.
The .303 rifle
Mr. Ferguson discusses the advantage, in terms of marksmanship, held by rural recruits over those from the city, and describes the peculiarity of firing a .303 rifle.
You are trained killers
Mr. Ferguson describes his initial fear of Company Sergeant-Major DeCoste, and elaborates on DeCoste’s comments about their training and role as “killers.”
Rough Pacific Ocean
Mr. Ferguson describes the voyage from Canada to Japan, particularly the rough weather, and goes on to describe his deployment to Hara-mura for training.
He Laid Down And Died
Mr. Ferguson gives a touching description of the destitution and starvation among the children, one of whom touched him personally.
First Contact With The Battle Front
Mr. Ferguson describes travelling to the front by train, and arriving as Hill 355 was being consolidated by Canadian troops. He then describes proceeding to The Hook, where he comes to realize that the enemy are trained killers too.
Listening Patrols Vulnerability
Mr. Ferguson describes the purpose of a listening patrol, and reflects on his vulnerability in such an exposed environment.
Civilians Helped At Great Risk
Mr. Ferguson describes how Korean civilians provided food and laundry services, despite the fact that they were often targeted by enemy artillery.
Canadian Losses at Hill187
Mr. Ferguson describes the Canadians being overrun on Hill 187.
Imminent Cease Fire
Mr. Ferguson discusses the cease fire negotiations, the potential impact of Hill 187 on those discussions, and the relief on both sides that accompanied the truce.
North Korea’s Psychological Warfare
Mr. Ferguson describes North Korea’s efforts to unnerve Canadian entrenchments, and offers a vivid example of its success.
Fighter Patrols and Rules of Engagement
Mr. Ferguson describes the nervous tension he experienced during fighter patrols, and discusses ‘Rules of Engagement’, which outlined the procedures for entering a fire fight.
North Korean Leaflets and PA Systems
Mr. Ferguson describes the mind messing that the North Koreans did with propaganda leaflets and messages broadcast on huge PA systems.
Military and Civilian Casualties
Mr. Ferguson discusses the importance of remembering both military and civilian victims of war. He stresses the need for today’s youth to lobby our politicians to adopt a stance that embraces peace as the first option.
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