Browse "Korean War"

Women served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) throughout the Cold War. Known for much of this period as “Wrens,” they played an important role in RCN missions and operations, including antisubmarine warfare. In 1951, the Canadian Naval Reserve began recruiting women into the service. Women could join the regular navy beginning in 1955; the RCN was the first Commonwealth navy to integrate women into the permanent force. For many years, Wrens served in shore-based branches and trades, including stores, communications, intelligence, submarine detection and in the medical services. By the end of the Cold War, all naval trades and occupations, except submarine service, were open to women. (See also Canada and the Cold War; Women in the Military.)

Jean Victor Allard, soldier (b at Saint-Monique de Nicolet, Qué 12 June 1913 - d at Trois-Rivières, Qué, April 23 1996).

Léo Major, DCM and Bar, soldier and war hero (born 23 January 1921 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, died 12 October 2008 in Montreal, QC). Major was a veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War. He is the only Canadian to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for two separate wars.

Mr. Adrien Brisson is a Korean War veteran who served with the 2nd Battalion of Le Royal 22e Régiment from August 1950 until his discharged in June of 1952. He fought at the Battle of Hill 355 in November 1951 as a Bren Machine Gunner with B Coy.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Aimé Mayer served in the reconnaissance group during the Korean War. Read and listen to Aimé Mayer’s testimony below.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Aimé Michaud served in the army during the Korean War. Read and listen to Aimé Michaud’s testimony below.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.Content warning: This article contains content which some may find offensive or disturbing. 

Albert Gagnon served in the army during the Korean War. Read and listen to Albert Gagnon’s testimony below. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Albert Hugh Al McBride served in the army during the Korean War. Read and listen to Albert McBride’s testimony below. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

The English transcript is not available.  Please consult the French transcript.

During the Korean War, Alex Sim served as platoon sergeant, reconnaissance platoon, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada. 

  Memory Project 

Mr. Alexandre Sexton served in the army during the Korean War. Read and listen to Alexandre Sexton's testimony below. Memory Project 

"That’s for sure, when some of our friends died like that… We would say: “Where is so-and-so?” And they would reply: “You didn’t hear? How come? He died yesterday.”" See below for Mr. Martel's entire testimony. Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.

André Therrien received his officer's commission with Le Régiment de Maisonneuve in 1947. At the beginning of the Korean War, he was transferred to the Regular Force as a lieutenant at Valcartier, Quebec and deployed overseas with 2nd Battalion, Le Royal 22e Régiment. In Korea, he led a platoon in a successful assault as part of Operation MINDEN in September 1951, for which he was awarded the Military Cross (MC), the third highest military decoration for officers. He was military attaché at the Embassy of Canada in Brussels and was posted to Belgium and Luxembourg (1973-1976). He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1981.Please be advised that Memory Project primary sources may deal with personal testimony that reflect the speaker’s recollections and interpretations of events. Individual testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of the Memory Project and Historica Canada.