ryan_box024-tld_f14_02

RCA Colonel J. W. Forth
Army HQ., Ottawa
Possible EXCERPT
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? John William Forth, MBE. C.D.,

What was your unit and division?
Asst. Sr. Chaplain(r) 3rd Cdn. Inf. Division, attd. Cameron
Highlanders of Ottawa
Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
6 June 1944. 0700 hrs.

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Major

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 41

Were you married at that time? Yes
What is your wife's name? Marjorie Lorna (Baker) Forth
Did you have any children at that time? Yes. - 4.

What do you do now? Director of Chaplains (r), Can. Army.,
Colonel Ottawa
When did you know that you were going to be part of the
invasion? May 1944

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 was rough due
to stormy seas. I conducted Divine Service in several
ships on Sunday June 4th - the Navy providing a small
launch for transportation. Several men on the LST I was on
sought spiritual consolation. The prevailing spirit was
one of confidence & there was a quiet excitement. We
were all tense & wondered what might be in store for us.
Several officers were "afraid of being afraid" but all
aquited themselves well.
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 heard no such rumours.