Box 024, folder 46: Peter A. MacLean

MacLEAN, Peter A. Canadian 9th Can. Brig.

Box 24, #46

[inserted] DO NOT use NAME CAN. EXC.[end of inserted] Maxville, Ont. St. Elmo East, Canada

Aug 18, 1958

Hi There:

I saw in the July issue of the Legionary that you wanted D-Day Veterans to write. As I had the honor of being in one of the best infantry Regiments which took part in that landing I would just like to write and tell you of some of the many happenings.

I was a member of SD Co which means the Stormont Dundas & Glengary Highlanders. We formed with the N.N.S. & H.L.I. the 9th all Canadian Highland Brigade the only one in the Canadian Army.

Before I say anything about D-Day I must go back a few weeks previous when we were taken from our tents in the bush where we stayed all summer. One day we boarded T.C.U.S. for 12 miles to another tent, and after we were seated at one end stood our 6'2" major beside a huge map, and he briefed us on the do a scheme as we called them, but this was going to be the real thing. He told us the 7 and 8th Brigades were to go in at 7:30 a.m. and take the beach. The 9th was to land a couple of hours later when we got the signal and we were to paddle 13 miles inland on our bikes. Oh yes we were mobile and hang on to Carpiquri airport near Caen which was to be taken by N.N.S. We were told how many boats would be in the convoy, how many planes to protect us, and soon, as the days passed we were confined to Barracks...and English Guard Regiments with fixed bayonets saw that nobody escaped, for security mostly I guess. We were given new uniforms and underwear, uniforms treated that no lice would bother us, our gas masks were also tested, our rifles and everything put in top shape. We were also issued with 'battle..." sort of a coat of all pockets. On June 1 or 2 we were taken to a south coast port and for four days were fed by the Americans and I may say that we were never fed better since we landed in 41. We saw shows in the afternoon and went to see the same one that nite. One day ammuniton 100 rounds per man, 2 grenades, 2 Bien magazines, 48 hr. rations, emergency ration which was a chocolate bar like our cooking chocolate and was only to be used if out of or very hungry. We got also a blanket and all our personal stuff that we didn't need and couldn't be packed was dumped. The English got a good collection.

On June 4 orders to pack up and on parade after 4 days of rest and our bellies full were heading for the slaughter. A Regiment of blacks. English Guards marched us to the boats with fixed bayonets.

I thought of that many times when one of our buddies went back with nearly 100 German Prisoners.

Anyway we boarded the boats which were nice little craft. The landing was to have taken place the next morning June 5 but channel was too rough so was cancelled till 6. So on 5 we were taken off the boats, had a meal, heard some of the boys sing, and around 5 o'clock on June 5 p.m. the English shore was left behind. Our pills were taken so none of us were supposed to get sick. But pills or no pills 99% of us used the vomiting bags that was another of our latest issues.

There was not much talking that evening. I can assure you that everybody had one thought in mind - would he be coming back. Yes as the little vessel tossed and heaved from side to side no man was in very good shape to face a bittle enemy. Yes we had beds, little bunks pulled from the wall and every man had his own, even if

we did have to climb a bit. Yes believe it or not in the middle of the channel sick as a dog I fell asleep and I dreamt I was on a troop train coming into Ottawa. At daybreak we were up and a walk out on deck for some fresh air. Yes there it was as we had seen in

on the map, back the town the beach, the coast line of Normandy, the little village of Bernie-sur-Mere. Part of it was afire. 7:30 our two Brigades will be going in. We watched but couldn't see much for distance. It will be our turn next. We were ready waiting, equipment on we felt as a pack horse loaded down and even worse after a sick voyage with our two or three previous meals floating around in the water and unable to eat breakfast, a bit scared too to make matters worse.

Between 10 and 11 our boat hit bfor shore, orders hold on we are ramming her onto the beach so ahead we go full speed. We hit the beach also a mine the gangplank pushed forward. We run down into the water up to our waists pushing our bokes. It was pretty quiet maybe not for long. Half in the water, half on dry land was a body. I walked over to see if he were Canadian. On his shoulder was RCE and a hole in his temple, he seemed to be saying the torch be yours to hold it high if ye break faith with us who died, we shall not sleep.

Other boats pulled in lite packed cars at a drive in the next hit a mine too and the chap next to me Orval Gibbons says my arm is numb. You have been hit, there is blood streaming down your wrist. Col. Carr also got a piece of it in the stomach but both lived to fight again.

We moved up into the town silent forms covered with blankets, made our tummies feel heavier. Many brave lads gave their all. We pulled around a corner and up what seemed to be a one way street. Anyway we got behind some buildings for protection till the 7 and 8 got their objective. An old French lady with wooden boots had a big pitcher full of wine and was treating the boys, tasted mighty good on empty tummies.

We advanced slowly beside the road a French lady and her two daughters had taken refuge in a hole in the ground as their home was destroyed. I called the youngest over and ha[inserted]n[end of inserted]ded her a little silk hankie. She took it back, showed her mother, she said something in French, she came running back put her little [crossed out][illegible][end crossed out] arms around my neck and kissed me on both cheeks. Pte Fraser who was beside me says you maybe the first to get kissed in France but you won't be the only one and with that pulled a chocolate and gave it to her older sister. She didn't do as the younger one did but kissed on the spot.

Yes as evening drew around prisons were coming in. A crew who manned an 88 walked by, one was drunk.

We moved forward, darkness fell, we dug in for the nite. A bit of shut eye to be wakened by a German bomber who dropped his egg and

made off. Our turn was to come tomorrow to advance through the 7 and 8. Yes, this was D-Day among the bombed out French people, the dead, the wounded, and a dream which came true 13 months later.

I hope you can make out this scribble. Please do not use my name in the story if you use any. Thank you.

Peter A. Maclean

CANADIAN Possible EXCERPT Maxville Ont Aug 18/58 St. Elmo East Canada Hi There I saw in the July issue of the Legionary that you wanted D day Veterans to write as I had the honour of being in one of the best infantry Regiments which took part in that landing I would just like to write & tell you of some of the many happenings I was a member of the S.D.G. which means the Stormont Dundas & Glengary Highlanders we formed with the N.N.S. & H.L.I the 9th all Canadian Highland Brigade the only one in the Canadian Army.