Box 023, folder 52: Robert A. Champoux

CHAMPOUX, Robert A. Canadian 3rd Div.

Box 23, #52

NOTHING

For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day

THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SEA AND IN THE AIR, PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF NORMANDY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT JUNE 5, 1944 AND MIDNIGHT JUNE 6, 1944. IF YOU WERE ONE OF THEM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

What is your full name? Robert Arthur Champoux

What was your unit and division? Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (MG) 3rd Division

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Bernieres -Sur-mer at 0820 hrs 6 Jun 44

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Corporal

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 23

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name?

Did you have any children at that time?

What do you do now? Re-enlisted in the army RCOC in 1948

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? When we went to the North of Scotland for large scale landing operations. About two months prior to the invasion.

What was the trip like during the crossing of the Channel? Do you remember, for example, any conversations you had or how you passed the time? The crossing in the LST was very rough, sleep was almost impossible because of sea-sickness. We spent a good hour re-lashing some of our Bren Carriers which had broken loose. Most of the fellows stayed on deck in there own little groups. My buddy and I just wondered what the landing would be like and what obsticles we would encounter.

What were the rumors on board the boat, ship or plane in which you made the crossing? (Some people remember scuttlebut to the effect that the Germans had poured gasoline on the water and planned to set it afire when the troops came in). I can't remember any rumors.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2Your name R Champoux

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? No

Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during landing or during the day? One was killed and another wounded.

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties: No

Were you wounded? Yes but not on D day.

Do you remember what it was like--that is, do you remember whether you felt any pain or were so surprised that you felt nothing? Although I was hit in the face and received a bone fracture I can't remember pain, only burning and [crossed out]sollen [end crossed out] swollen sensation.

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time? No

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? Our platoon Officer kneeling on the ground in the face of very thick enemy small arms and mortar fire and wounded still gave his fire orders until wounded a second time

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 -

Your name R Champoux

In times of great crisis, people generally show eiter great ingenuity of self-reliance; others do incredibly supid things. Do you remember any examples of either from D-Day?

(check mark)

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? On an LST just off the Isle of (sic)White

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? Cannot remember the name of the village

Do you know of anybody else who landed within 24 hours of D-Day, June 6, as infantry, glider or airborne troops, or who took part in the air and sea operations, whom we should write to?

Mr. D.M. Thompson 40 Dunvegan Rd. Ottawa

Note: Please return attached 3rd Div War Map if Possible PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTONNAIRE AS SOON A POSSIBLE, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS IF WE HAVE NOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM. FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IN A CHAPTER CALLED "WHERE THEY ARE NOW;" YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

W.A. Milroy Lt.-Col. Director of Public Relations (Army) Cartier Square, Ottawa, Ontario

SC 20695 Sgt.R.A. Champoux DCER 3B AHQ or 138 Joliette St. Eastview Ont.