Item is an interview/narrative of John M. Grant' s experiences during World War I. Captain Grant, C.B.E. served with the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on June 13, 18, July 20 and 23, 1977.
Date:
1977-06-13
Collection:
Grant, John M.: my Navy recollections
People Depicted:
Captain Grant, John Moreau
Page Title:
Grant_J_0173_01.mp3
Abstract:
(Reel 1, Side 1) Born ca. 1894 in Halifax, N.S. He spent two years at school in Heidelberg, Germany. Returning to Halifax in 1909. In Jan. 1911 he joined the Royal Naval College of Canada as one of a class of twenty-one cadets. He entered a strenuous regime conducted by Royal Navy instructors with a heavy emphasis on engineering subjects. Graduated as a midshipman in 1913. Joined H.M.S. Berwick (cruiser), sailed for the West Indies for training. In Mexico and Venezuela was part of a force sent to protect British interests against revolutionaries. (25:00) After courses at Halifax he joined another cruiser, H.M.S. Suffolk and describes the operation of "coaling ship". Explains the selection of Canadian midshipmen for H.M.S. Good Hope, later sunk in action. Suffolk on patrol off the eastern seaboard of the United States where she stoppped shipping to search for German nationals of military age, who were removed. Since he spoke German, he was always a member of the boarding party. Escorted troopships to England. Appointed to H.M.S. Beaver (I-class destroyer). (48:00)
(Reel 1, Side 2) Constantly at sea, patrolling to the Hook of Holland. Escorted hospital ships to and from France. Comments on anti-submarine and minesweeping methods. (25:00) Describes modern asdic, depth charges, and the hydrophones used in the Great War which could not be used when a ship was underway. In action against enemy submarine. (48:00)
(Reel 2, Side 1) Ordered to the Mediterranean in Apr. 1918. Convoy, anti-submarine, and rescue work; much improved social and sports activities ashore. Soon at Brindisi, Ital. where great efforts were made to seal the Adriatic against movement of enemy submarines, but only partially effective, since the sea was too deep to blockade. Executive officer of Beaver. Ferried troops to the Dardanelles when Turkey surrendered. Entered the Sea of Marmara and proceeded to Constantinople. (45:00)
(Reel 2, Side 2) In Oct. 1918 participated in the bombardment of Durazzo, Albania. From Constantinople they sailed to Odessa, Russ. where the German army and the White Russians were attempting to keep some sort of civil order. To a welcome by the Rumanians they sailed up the Danube where they attempted to keep the Rumanians and Bulgarians apart. In Dec. 1918 called at Sevastopol, saw and visited the Russian Black Sea Fleet, largely abandoned and in a poor state of repair. Removed a number of political refugees from Odessa. General comments. (46:00)