The organizers of this year’s Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess at HMCS York, in Toronto, have invited Ted Barris to address the dinner on Saturday, May 12, 2012. He will speak about the job of getting veterans to speak about their experiences; his talk is based on one of his recent bestselling books, “Breaking the Silence: Veterans’ Untold Stories from the Great War to Afghanistan.” In the course of his 40 years as a journalist and published historian, Ted draws from the experience of having interviewed nearly 4,000 veterans in Canada. Copies of a number of Ted’s books will be on hand for sale and autographing.
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012.
Where: HMCS York, 659 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Contact: Maggie Birtch, CPO Second Class, 416-565-1798, maggietimber@hotmail.com
Periodically I reminisce about my time in the RCNR at H.M.C.S. York and standing Royal Guard duty for Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in October 1951 at Malton Airport. It was a memorable experience. I have searched many archives for anything stored away …. photos or writings but to no avail. Our drill instructor CPO Catley still stands out in my memory. He wrote a book “Gait and Gaiters”. I never read it but I did meet a RCN navy diver at Hall Beach (FOX MAIN) NWT in 1976 on his way to Alert for an assignment for cold water diving who also knew Catley and had read the book. Being in the RCNR was a great experience and I look back on it with fond memories> It gave me he opportunity to serve aboard a Bangor Diesel Minesweeper during the summers and get some real sea time in a fighting ship.
In 2004 I met Prince Philip on Juno Beach and mentioned his trip with Princess Elizabeth to Toronto and our HMCS York Naval Guard of Honour in ’51 and he remembered it. Whether he did or not was moot, it was a golden moment for me.
A reunion for that at York would be a great thing.
I note the reference to Gait and Gaiters. Is there any way to procure a copy of this book? Or where may I look?
Ted
Hi Ted,
Forgive me for being so late in responding. The most reliable source for military books I know is Grenadier Militaria, owned and operated by Dave Zink in Port Perry, Ontario – 905-982-0317. Unfortunately, Dave died recently, but I’m sure if you give the store a call and speak with either Janet or Chick, depending on who’s in the store these days, they might check to see if the book is on the shelves. Dave ensured the store had a comprehensive inventory of military books. He will be missed. The store is his legacy and may help you find what you need.
Best… Ted
I just found this while searching for a book I read many years ago while a young AB back in HMCS Stadacona! The name of that book was “Gait and Gaiters” by GI Chief Catley. Best “real sailor” book I have ever read, and it was pure Canadian. My son in Halifax (also former Navy and now retired) had just found tht book in a library in Dartmouth. As your suggestion to Ted Kindel was some time ago, I was wondering if there might be another source. To appreciate the book, one needed to have been a sailor! “Od’nary A’gel ‘arkins, off ‘allow!”