Reunited With Three Airmen
Heroes Remember
Reunited With Three Airmen
Transcript
Description
Mr. Poolton is reunited with the three airmen.
John (Jack) Poolton
John (Jack) Abernethy Poolton was born in Toronto, Ontario on January 9, 1918. He was one of seven children. His father farmed 100 acres near Kapuskasing, Ontario. Mr. Poolton enlisted in the Royal Regiment of Canada and provides vivid, clear details of the allied landing at Dieppe, France on August 19, 1942.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 0:44
- Person Interviewed:
- John (Jack) Poolton
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Battle/Campaign:
- Dieppe
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Royal Regiment of Canada
- Rank:
- Private
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Canada at War
Mr. Poolton remembers he and his friends hearing that Canada was at war.
Issue of Winter Uniform
After receiving training with 21 Platoon Reserve Company, Mr. Poolton is issued winter clothing and soon realizes he must be heading overseas.
From Ship to Train
Destined for England, Mr. Poolton describes the exceptional treatment given to his regiment on their journey to Aldershot.
First Impressions of London
Mr. Poolton shares his memories of arrival in London and the sights and sounds of bombs and flares going off!
Battle Drills and Maneuvers
While on coastal defense, Mr. Poolton describes the responsibilities and duties of his regiment as well as the unbelievable amount of soldiers involved in action.
Operation Rudder Canceled
Mr. Poolton recalls the readiness of his regiment to embark in action against the enemy, only for it to be canceled.
Ready for Battle
Heading to Dieppe, Mr. Poolton is equipped with mortars, loaded down on the landing craft, prepared and ready for battle.
Two Miles From the French Coast
Mr. Poolton describes his landing at Dieppe.
Witnessing an Absolute Massacre
Mr. Poolton speaks about the battle of Dieppe - snipers shooting, men on fire and orders given to surrender!
Germans on the Beach
Not wanting to surrender, Mr. Poolton and company return to the beach where the Germans have taken over.
Getting Stretchers for the Wounded
With such ghastly sights of severely wounded soldiers, Mr. Poolton and company begin to assist while the German soldiers continue to shoot.
Taken Prisoner
Mr. Poolton shares his experience about being marched as a prisoner of war.
The First Night was Unforgettable
Having no food or water, Mr. Poolton describes the treatment and conditions en route to the POW camp.
Marching to the Camp
After the boxcar trip, prisoners are marched to the camp where they are stripped, given a bit of cabbage soup and thrown in the Wog Compound.
Infestation of Bed Bugs and Fleas
Mr. Poolton describes the severe conditions of living quarters and the three types of soup they were given to eat.
Two Months Tied in Ropes
Marching off in Groups of 10, the POW’s are tied in ropes, left with very low morale and little hope for the future.
From Ropes to Chains
After two months in ropes, Mr. Poolton describes the situation where chains were used to tie their hands.
Decision to Dig a Tunnel
Mr. Poolton speaks about the announcement made by their sergeant major to dig a tunnel and process used to succeed.
Taking On A New Identity
Mr. Poolton describes his alternate escape plan since it was deemed best that he not use the tunnel.
Chipping With a Stove Grate
After escaping to a brick factory, Mr. Poolton describes his continued efforts in getting free after teaming up with three airmen.
On the Road Due South
Mr. Poolton shares the path taken by he and the airmen in hopes of getting free!
Coming Upon a German Outpost
Still on the run, Mr. Poolton describes the situation of running into a German outpost, being caught by the enemy while the airmen continue on.
Hiding the Compass
Mr. Poolton hides the compass while being interrogated by the German Gestapo.
Thrown in a Civilian Jail
Experiencing blackouts, Mr. Poolton recalls being dragged to a civilian jail where he was held for four days and four nights.
Liberation and Tears
Mr. Poolton describes his reaction when he realizes they are liberated.
The Joyfulness of War Ending
Mr. Poolton describes his recovery in hospital and the joyfulness of the war ending.
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