Box 025, folder 07: Clifford A. Pearson

PEARSON, Clifford A.

Canadian 3rd Can. Div.

BOX 25, #7

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? PEARSON Clifford Albert

What was your unit and division? RCIC 10 CBR Bn 7 Inf Bde 3 Cdn Inf Div

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Red Beach, off Cresserons, at approx 0930 hrs 6 JUN 44

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Lance-Corporal

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 19

Were you married at that time? Yes

What is your wife's name? Margaret Isabel PEARSON

Did you have any children at that time? YES - 1 boy age 1 1/2 mons

What do you do now? Chief Clerk, Camp Office, HQ BC [inserted]British Columbia [end inserted] Area Sgt Cdn Army (Regular)

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? Arrived in Concentration Area in Portsmouth, England approximately 20 MAY 44. On briefing evening of 5 JUN 44, were officially notified we would land in Normandy on 6 JUN 44.

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?

Recall Channel being quite rough, no specific subjects in conversation with others, main topic being invasion.

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).

Recall above rumour, also rumour to effect that German fleet and many torpedo boats would attack.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Clifford Albert PEARSON

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 Handing or during the day? YES

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties: Nothing specific

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? N/A

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time? Yes, I recall on morning of 6 JUN 44, prior to embarking into small LCIs, the lineup for substantial rum ration, and the antics of non-drinkers when faced with the alternative of drinking same before leaving deck. Also recall suggestions on various personnel re keeping cigarettes dry during dash through water to beach.

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? YES, although seeing a lot of dead and wounded Canadians and Germans, recall most sad incident being a lone signalman with signal set strapped to back, aerial extended overhead, lying isolated on hill brown with head on arms , in exact position when killed by bullet, appearing alive and in action. This signalman having died so peacefully seemed incongruous amid so much violence.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Clifford Albert PEARSON

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? Nothing specific

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? On board ship (cannot remember name) moving towards coast of France.

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? Entrenched in apple orchard outside of Cresserons, approximately six miles from beach.

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? Have lost contact with others, and do not know addresses.

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