Storymania - A Story Of One Man, His Universal Carrier And The Unknown by Jock Pichette

A Story Of One Man, His Universal Carrier And The Unknown
Jock Pichette

Bert Carl Carlson D+4

On July 9th, 1918 in the Maisonneuve district of Montreal, a little voice screamed out bring on the world, I’m ready. Little did he know at that time, he would be become part of Canadian History, and a participant of World War II which took place between 1939-1945.

Sometime in August 1999, this writer had the opportunity to escort this fine looking young man of eighty-one years to his doctor located on Cote des Neige Road, only minutes from the 17th. Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars headquarters. As we sat together waiting for his doctor to administer his needle, we talked about the Capri, where all his army buddies are meeting for lunch and a few beers. Would you like to join them, once we finish here? Without batting an eyelash, he said, yes, do you mind. Of course not, Bert. I seldom miss a meeting. My friend is battling prostate Cancer, and by looking at him, you would think that another battle in the field would be preferable at this time.

At 12.00 Noon exactly, he was called into the doctor’s office, and within five minutes he was back out. From my seat, I yelled that was quick, perfect timing, he said, let’s get out of here. Together we headed for the elevators, and four floors down to the car parked at the front door. He was extremely happy, after all, the boy’s at the Capri already had an hour start, and where about fifteen minutes away. His enthusiasm is growing every minute as we head down Guy towards St.Patrick Street. He blurts out one name after the other of the men I was to meet, it’s a fun gang, and once you have a few beers, you will be one of us. It’s now 12.30 PM, and we find a spot in the parking lot of the Capri, and before you know it, were approaching the table of at least twelve of his friends and they are yelling, "Hey Bert, you brought your doctor with you today"? "No he’s my son in-law, and he drove me to the doctors". My friend grab’s the end seat, while I sat across from Doug Jamaison, a dapper of a man, glad to see you, he said, sit down son, and just as I sat in my chair, Doug got up from his chair pointed a polite finger at me and said "Don’t let anybody tell you different, we won the war", and the jokes began.

On another occasion, Doug Jamieson recounted a funny story about Sergeant Major Rocky Ryan. While overseas, the sgt. approached two soldiers one day, and pointed at one, and said, "you kitchen duty". Sir, the soldier replied, I have an appointment with the dentist. "Don’t talk back, get into the kitchen", and pointed to the other soldier and said, " You go to the dentist".

To my right sat Charlie Stetts, a smallish man, with enough wrinkles in his face to map out all of the Montreal area. He had these tiny little openings for his eyes, and talked directly into my face. I don’t think I understood a word he said but his enthusiasm for filling my glass with beer made him a good man. At one point, Victor Lecours spoke up, he organized these luncheons, a jolly individual that control the table with his laughter, and jokes. He turned to Charlie who was wearing a wafer thin beige Jacket, and told him its time you bought a new jacket. Never mind Charlie retorted, this Jacket cost me $ 4.95 fourty years ago including tax. Charlie who lives in Longueuil was now fumbling with a bus ticket, and he told us that he was on his way to his girlfriend’s in Lasalle. This man travels, and like many of the others most had Bus Tickets rather than an automobile.

Another distinguished war veteran, Raymond Barnett, Corporal sat a few seat down. He arrived in Europe on D+4 as part of the assault troop. The story goes that this man was wounded at Caen, and transported back for medical treatment. This field hospital had to discharge people as quick as possible, considering that a war was in progress, and Raymond had a choice, go back to England or train soldiers. His response was quick, I did not join the army to train soldiers, he said, I want to join my buddies up front, thank you! Raymond received a good part of his training in Truro, N.S., you can see from his courage that the 17th. Hussars certainly played a big part in winning World WarII

We were approaching 3.00PM in the afternoon, the crowd was thinning down, with one friend after the other leaving. A table away, a bunch of retired Bell Canada employees were also ending a day’s fun at the Capri. These guys’s would purposely send over a pitcher of beer to the Vet’s so that they would not leave, it was a fun thing, and the respect generated a feeling of camaraderie.

I learned something on this day; here I am twenty years younger than most, feeling proud, and honoured to have sat with these brave men. I realized that we as Canadian should be grateful to those tough individuals, who endured so much more than we will ever face in life. They ask, for nothing, yet only at moments such as I have described here at the Capri, do we see those who understand the importance of their dedications, fortitude, and courage.

Be proud, and honored because at this gathering to day, we have a Hero among us, his name is BERTIL CARL CARLSON, D+4 from the Royal Canadian Hussars.

He is a husband, a Dad, a Grandfather, and a great Canadian.

Bert’s Story:

So how does a young man get involved with a war? It all started for Bert from his home at 707 Riverview in Verdun, he began his trek towards the Canadian Army Headquarters on St.Jacques Street, just across from the famous Queen’s hotel and registered for battle. Trooper Carlson, B, left behind a job with Stelco who employed him as a shipper in the fine wire division. The wire he was shipping out was the very same product being used overseas as a means of stopping the allied forces from invading Juno Beach. His Army career began in Longueuil for a short stint, and then on November 22, 1940 he began an Army vehicle-driving course in Farnham, Quebec that lasted only a month. Off to Huntington, Quebec for more training, and finally Camp Borden, Ontario were he completed courses on the "Driver Track CL III. He was now qualified to drive a Bren Gun Carrier in Europe. Talk about life in the fast track!

Looking at a Bren Gun Carrier, you might get the feeling, that you’re perfectly safe from bullets, bombs, etc. The carrier is made of steel plates protecting five men, with a peephole so that Bert not only could see the road ahead, but also avoid tons of debris all over the road. This iron horse had Sprocket Boggie Rubber Wheels on springs, somewhat like a rock and roll song about to blurt out. Boy this carrier bounces. Chain driven, he could only turn if he would lock one side. He learned to waterproof his vehicles as well as de-waterproofing, a necessary tool so that when he hit the water of at least five feet deep, he would make it to shore. Siding was also added to help keep the water from entering the Bren Gun Carrier. The carrier was equipped with three-inch motor fire, a Bren gun as well as each soldier carrying their rifles. Bert had a Sten Gun. There is more. All around the inside of this carrier sitting on racks three inch Bombs.

Talk about sweating bullets.

With his dog tag around his neck, and his kitbag D-128894", trooper Carlson B, was ready for the unknown " World War"II. From Camp Borden trooper Carlson along with tons of other soldiers began their trek towards Turcot Yard located in the West end of Montreal for a brief stopover. Bustling Montreal was home to many of these fine soldiers, and the boxcars were rampant with stories, and laughter about their famous hometown. Once they arrived at Turcot, One after the other they disembarked for some fresh air, and to meet family and friends who had gathered to wish them well overseas. You could cut the tension and anxiety with a soldiers bayonet. They slowly embarked once more for the trip down east towards Halifax Harbour and the final jaunt towards Europe by boat.

From the writing of W.G. Pavey – "On July 10, 1940, the first entry was made in the Regimental War Diary. It reads: On July 10, 1940, the 17th Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars, N.P.A.M., Serial 318, stationed at 4185 Cote des Neiges Rd., Montreal was mobilized as the 3rd Canadian Motorcycle Regiment CASF, Serial 1102 under authority of H.Q.S. a place still frequented by Bert, and his buddies. The new Active Service Regiment was to consist of R.H.Q." and three Squadrons, each of three troops, making a total strength 450 all ranks.

Now, it must be remembered that the men who made up this N.P.A.M. "Non Permanent Army Militia" Unit were not, essentially, soldiers. There were craftsmen, tradesmen, musicians, business managers and office clerks.

Men from literally all walks of life. The best example there was, to show their willingness, and enthusiasm for their regiment, was the parade, held on July 11th, by the Commanding Officer. On this date Lt-Col. C.F.Smith gathered his Regiment together and asked them for volunteers to go on Active Service. What was about to happen sent chills down your spine? It was a very heart-warming and impressive sight to see the entire unit, with only one or two exceptions, moved forward as a man without hesitation volunteered. Were talking major backbone here, from a great bunch of Canadians.

Finally, on the 17th of February 1941, news arrived that the Regiment was to change from the 3rd. Canadian M/C Regiment to the 7th Reconnaissance Battalion (17H) AF and was to form a part of the 3rd Division. This date was to mark the beginning of an altogether new phase in the Regimental History. At last the unit could grasp, quite clearly, what its job would be. This new designation was more concrete – could be appreciated – The Reconnaissance Battalion of the 3rd. Division – The eyes and senses of a Division.

The Hussars had a job on their hands.

TRAINING CAMPS

At so many Army Camps throughout Canada, the men of the 17th. Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars plugged away at becoming the best soldier possible, and learned so much about what life would be like in the battlefield. The torn knee caps meant more than sliding into second base at a local ball field, after-all a War lingered across the Ocean. At Debert, and Truro, N.S., to mention two training camps Hussars en masse would head towards Halifax, N.S., to embark on ships for Great Britain.

Once the boy’s from Montreal arrived in Europe, more intensive Training was awaiting them, conditioning, war games, and getting acquainted with their armored equipment. The rumours, the stories of fortresses, and crack Panzer fighting machines, brought on some sleepless nights, fear, and a wide spectrum of anxiety’s. Sitting in bunk’s they would read love letters from back home, and for each minute of reading, the mind game would get a rest. After all, the German soldiers were in the same situation, they feared, they worried, and wondered as well what would happen.

Bert arrived in Europe, landing in Brighton on October 7,1942. Bert’s gang impressed General Montgomery, as they took part in the "Spartan" exercise with their quota of Armoured cars and Bren Gun Carriers.

While in Canterbury, and Hastings, England. –

In our lifetime, even under normal conditions, we have looked towards the sky made the sign of the cross and said "Thank you God for getting us out of trouble". Well, Bert Carlson definitely had a War Angel, who deflected, diverted, swerved, turned away, sidestep, and dodged a wide range of arsenal headed his way. Prior to his mission in France, and in particular Canterbury, England not one but on three separate occasion his "War Angel" came to his rescue. Sometime early may, the Hussars, pulled up along the waterfront, where a stretch of hotel buildings became their new headquarters. On one of those occasion, While in Hastings, England Bert was about to go on guard duty. Needing a shave, he stood in front of the mirror with only his shorts on, while his uniform was neatly hung up on the door of his room. Fortunately for Bert, no water came out, and he retreated to another bathroom for water. What was about to happen is a miracle, bombs hit the hotel and in particular the space he occupied only seconds ago. He fell to the floor covered his head, and waited for the shelling to stop. He returned to retrieve his uniform, and what he saw was out of this world, the wall was completely blown out, the sink stood silent, and his uniform was still on the bathroom door, but it now was swung out towards the blown-out portion of the building. Eerie, yes. The scene would be enough to make you want to turn back, but like a solid Canadian Soldier, undeterred, he dressed, trotted towards his post at the front door of the remaining building, and began a stint of guard duty.

* This is one of life’s moments when time stands still and you stare in disbelief not to mention bewilderment as you realized what just happened.

LANDING CRAFT TANKS

Bert reached France in such a vehicle, this carrier was capable of taking seven Bren Gun Carriers, 3 Armoured cars, and troops with Bert’s Bren Gun Carrier being the last on. I’m not sure if he realized at that point, but he would be first to leave the LCT. Last on …first off. The crossing would involve approximately 20 miles, and Bert’s platoon, were now officially involved, and the closer they got to France, the louder the action screamed out. You must realized they saw the U-boats ahead of them warning that an attack was eminent, yet these men were all bottled up in a LCT, void of life jackets, wondering if they would ever make the beach. Other boats were quicker of course, and zipped by, while the LCT was riding the waves, bobbing up and down, waves covered the LCT with water from the tremendous unloading of depth charges, not only by the Germans, but also by Canadian Corvette’s equally distributing depth charges, trying to defend our laneway to the beach. Many wondered, "What in hell are we doing here, when we could be playing ball back home". The roar continued with Planes overhead dropping bombs on and around the enemy. The noise was deafening, soldiers were sea sick, others prayed to God for help.

Doug Jamieson said it best, adrenalin kept us going.

At this point the troops wanted the beach, but they knew it would not be a simple task. The preceding troops had to clear a path for the many soldiers on their way with an assortment of Armoured vehicles about to reach D-Day.

They heard about the Germans fortification over a period of four years, the word at the camps informed them that they would encounter a fortress along the French coast. Not to mention a system of guns, pillboxes, mines, Barbed wire and on the beaches, underwater pilings some loaded with explosives.

As Bert and his friends approached Juno beach, they had to climb into their vehicles "Bren Gun Carrier", so that when the LCT gates went down, he could ride his carrier off and towards shore. This would be his first taste of eye-to-eye combat on the shores of France, against German’s who for some reason wanted to rule the world.

Put yourself in Bert’s shoes for one moment, inside a Bren Gun Carrier, which is inside a landing craft tank, full metal jacket if you wish, with bombs on board, and you’re the first to exit. What you must also understand is that the crew of this LCT, wants to unload quickly, and return to England for more armoured vehicles, and troops, not to mention trying to keep alive in the process. Sitting in his Bren Gun Carrier, Bert has only a peephole to see through, he must wait for the gate to drop before disembarking towards shore. All along he hears the screeching, and hissing overhead, wondering if he would make it.

Meanwhile on board the LCT a soldier holding a range pole with a designation of five feet, screams, " be ready lad’s, we are approaching shore and once the LCT reaches the five feet area the gate will drop, and off you go, good luck". From this point, Bert is on his own with four soldiers along for the ride, and more armour following his lead.

It’s amazing how life’s boundaries work. Bert and his buddies are huddled behind steel plates, scared, waiting for the word to disembark, so they can rush up the beaches of Normandy, yet the German high command is wondering where the major attack will take place? Meanwhile, in the bunkers, German soldiers are experiencing the same anxieties, spyglasses span the Ocean for the enemy. When they spot the awesome entourage, they scream 5,000 ships, 5,000 ships, and convey that message to German generals by telephone, yelling, I thought they did not have so many ships. The German high command is now baffled at the strategy.

An unusual thing happens Bert’s Bren Gun Carrier, hits the water, he hears "Silence". Can’t hear the motor running, this is so unexpected, where the hell are we? He thinks to himself? Did we sink? With his determination to reach shore, he does see water at eye level through his peephole, and continues his battle towards shore. Adrenalin is now major league, forget all those stories of a simple life, its onward soldiers, and the real thing is facing Bert and his buddies. The trick from this point was to head straight off the beach, find an apple orchard if possible, so they could hide, and remove the waterproofing from his Bren Gun Carrier. Let the games begin! Slowly they began to identify German Army Barracks, along the roadside, while all along heavy gunfire blasted their eardrums. Rather than taking a chance, they would deploy a system of debugging booby traps in all cases, like using a string to open doors, mostly to find the Germans already gone. One building after the other the soldiers hugged the walls, searching the vicinity to make sure that the Germans were dead or at least not in their way.

After battling one town after another - Bert reaches a point where he is informed they must move along to the Falaise Gap. With his Bren Gun carrier at full speed, he head towards Falaise Gap, pursuing the Germans, with two Canadian soldiers and one "Free Frenchman" on board. When they reach the town where the Frenchman was born, Bert asked him if he would like to stay behind, NO, I will stay with you guys. And so he did as they continued their conquest towards freeing Europe. At Falaise, General Patton of the USA, and Montgomery of England were drawing up plans to close the gap. Meanwhile they had to continue chasing down the Germans, and during their treacherous route crossed paths with such cities as Verdun, and even a town called Montreal.

Memories - Many miles passed before Bert was able to catch his B squadron. It was during this battle that he encountered one of his most tragic events. Bert lost his two Canadian Soldiers, and the Free-Frenchman to shells. Along with the medic Bert buried the men in a Farmers field, prior to moving on. They picked up some reinforcements and continued on course.

The scene throughout this endeavour was pure havoc with the remains of shelled out buildings hanging by a few planks, and roads full of debris.

Bert sweated along with the many brave men who ventured further into the German strongholds. As they crossed bridges, knowing that on the other side, German artillery would be waiting for them. It was pure instinct, guts, and luck that kept them out of harms way. With wide-eyed anxiety, they examined the smoking landscape, all senses on high alert for any sign of gunfire. Bridges and more bridges had to be crossed. There was no alternative. Bert’s objective was to cross these bridges and by doing so bringing with him more soldiers into battle.

It would be a very long time before Bert and his buddies would hear the words they were waiting for "The War is over men"!

Bert, thanks for sharing your memories.