Name/Title
1982 - Interview of Lieutenant-Colonel Hershell Allister 'Snuffy' Smith, DSO, MC (1920-1998) by University of Victoria - CGG WW2 Wartime commander of 22nd CAR (1944-1945) - Part One & TwoScope and Content
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel. Medals and Honours: Distinguished Service Order (DSO); Military Cross (MC)
Interviewer: Bell, Chris
An interview/narrative of Hershell A. Smith's experiences during World War II. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, D.S.O., M.C., served with the Ontario Regiment (11th Armoured Regiment)and the Canadian Grenadier Guards (22nd Armoured Regiment). Interview took place on September 2, 1982 and August 30, 1983.
Interviewee: Smith, Hershell A., b. 1920
ABSTRACT: Lt.-Col. Hershell A. Smith, D.S.O., M.C.
The Ontario Regiment (11th Armoured Regiment)
The Canadian Grenadier Guards (22nd Armoured Regiment)
Smith_H_0188_01.mp3
(Reel 2, Side 1) Points out that war from a tank provided a very limited view of the surrounding world. After Falaise, pursuit. Wounded in the mouth just outside Abbeville; night movement, confusion, anti-tank fire; treated by German medical officer (prisoner); nearly captured. Later wound in face properly sewn up; returned to unit in two or three days. Considerable fighting in Belgium. Personally captured a number of Germans. Belgian civilians. Appointed commanding officer of the regiment in Dec. 1944. During an attack at the Hochwald (near Udem) his tank hit by shellfire, brewed up, shattered his leg, but managed to scramble out of the tank, applied tourniquet with lace from other boot. Hospital.
Smith_H_0188_02.mp3
Evacuated by air to No. 1 Canadian General Hospital where he remained until the end of the war. In Canada, a member of the war amputees organization who talked to him in the Canadian Hospital train impressed upon him the value of an artificial leg which was later fitted at Deer Lodge Hospital, Winnipeg. Describes process of fitting the wooden leg. (45:00) Discusses the regular use of his bicycle every day; in fact has ridden 63,000 miles to date (1983). Philosophy of bicycle exercise. (14:00)
In Collection:
Canadian Military Oral Histories
Contributor
Bell, Chris
Smith, Hershell A., b. 1920Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
May 16, 2025Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
May 16, 2025