Barry Chaster - Record Detail
Barry Chaster. - November 20, 2001.
| Part Of: | New Westminster Museum and Archives oral history collection [Description]
|
| Description Level |
Item |
| Series No. |
A |
| Item No. |
5 |
| Date Range |
November 20, 2001 |
| Title Source |
Title based on content of item. |
| Physical Description |
1 sound recording ( 52min., 52sec.) : digital (mp3) |
| History/Biographical |
James Barry Chaster known as Barry was born February 4th 1921 in Duncan, BC. Barry enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served for most of the war as a bomber pilot. In 1943, Barry was shot down over Holland. He was briefly imprisoned in Spain before being sent back to England. He spent the rest of the war back in Canada helping train other bomber pilots and performing other tasks till he was discharged in Ottawa in July 13th, 1947. After being discharged, Barry decided to go to school to get his degree in architecture. Barry moved with his wife and two children to New Westminster after he became the city's city planner in 1966. He retired in 1985. Barry belonged to numerous veteran associations including the POW association. Barry passed away April 24th, 2007. |
| Scope & Content |
This audio recording concerns Barry Chaster's experience surrounding World War II. The recording covers Barry's experiences from 1941 to 2001.It has been divided into 7 tracks.
1. Start of the recording to Minute 6: Provides brief biographical details, and feelings concerning the war, reasons for joining the war, and rank details.
2. Minutes 7 through 17: Describes his training to be a pilot, his crossing to England, details of continent bombing missions and description of an average day in the air force.
3. Minutes 18-26: Describes more of his experiences during the war and particularly the night of January 1943 when he was shot down, as well as, his experiences finding the underground and "comet line" (escape routes from Belgium to Spain).
4. Minutes 26 to 31: Describes his experiences travelling down to Spain and his imprisonment.
5. Minutes 32 to 41: Describes his time back in London and war activities in Canada.
6. Minutes 41 to 43: Details of his experience with a court martial are found here.
7. Minute 44 till the end of the recording: Describes his post war experiences, in particular, his education and the numerous veterans associations he belonged to. |
| Access Restriction |
Access copy only available in MP3 format |
| Repro Restriction |
New Westminster Museum and Archives |
| Name Access |
Chaster, Barry |
| Subject Access |
Oral History | Wars - World War, 1939-1945 |
| Record ID |
41035 |
| Comment on this record |
museum@newwestcity.ca |