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McMURRAY, Robert M.
Canadian 3rd Can. Div.
BOX 24, #59
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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, I944. IF YOU WERE ONE OF THEM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
What is your full name? Robert Mervyn McMurray
What was your unit and division? Royal Winnipeg Rifles of The 7th Canadian Inf Brg. 3 Canadian Div.
Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? June 6th 12.15 PM
What was your rank on June 6, 1944? L/Cpl.
What was your age on June 6, 1944? 24 years old.
Were you married at that time? no
What is your wife's name? Did you have any children at that time? no
What do you do now? Insurance Underwriter
When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? yes September 1943 we were chosen and trained in water stunts from then to June 2, 1944 when we loaded on the L.S.T. at Southhampton Eng.
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? it was the darkest night in the week we were all a little on edge |- We played poker all night.
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). There was no gas on the water at all. They told us there would be 90 persent Casualities, and we should write a letter home that night
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- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your nameR. M. McMurray
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? yes my best friend was killed
Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties: yes. he said they would never get him if he got out of the water he would be ok but a snipper got him before he hit the beach
Were you wounded? no
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?
Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time? Yes Peter Rowley with our outfit was hit the dirt every time anyone made any noise even as much as a ccough
Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? yes
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- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name R.M. McMurray
In times of great crisis, people generally show either great ingenuity or self-reliance; others do incredibly stupid things. Do you remember any examples of either from D-Day? no cant say
Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? [crossed out] [illegible] [end crossed out] on an L.S.T. in the chanel off the Ile of White
Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? Britville France
Do you know of anybody else who landed within the 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? R.L. Howland 1020 Queen Street Regina Sask.
PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS 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