James (Jim) Hanson was born in 1938 in Ottawa and served in the Canadian military for more than 30 years. His journey began in 1961 when he joined the militia in Kingston, later joining the regular forces in 1962 with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 1965, Jim was sent to Soest, Germany as a Lieutenant with the 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. This was one of Canada’s key NATO deployments during the Cold War. Jim started out leading a platoon of 40 soldiers who fixed wheeled trucks, but his role quickly expanded. By 1966, he was in charge of the Forward Repair Platoon, which maintained critical military equipment like tanks and armored personnel carriers.
The Cold War created a tense environment. Jim and his team trained for the worst-case scenario – nuclear conflict. As part of NATO’s defense strategy, Jim’s brigade was stationed in a key position along the front line, ready to respond if war broke out.
One significant event in Jim’s career was the Prague Spring of 1968. Political tensions were high, and there was lots of uncertainty. Jim recalls that Canada played an important role in NATO forces, despite being smaller than other countries. At a time when some countries still had a draftee army, Canada’s professional, all-volunteer army was highly respected.
Nuclear warfare was a constant focus in their training. Jim and his team were prepared to operate Honest John rocket launchers and handle nuclear ammunition supply points if necessary.
In the early 1970s, Jim moved to Canadian Forces Base Lahr, where he worked with infantry units and had a role in overseeing logistics and operations. By the time he returned to Canada, Jim had advanced through the ranks and retired Brigadier General in August 1991.
Throughout his career, Jim witnessed many military and political changes. During the Cold War, Canada’s military played a vital role, both on the frontlines and in logistical operations. Jim recognized that Canada’s presence in Europe wasn’t just strategic – it showed Canada’s strong commitment to the defence of freedom alongside its NATO allies.
In a 2007 interview through the Vault UVIC Libraries, Jim spoke about the deep bond he felt with his fellow soldiers and his love for his country. For him, military service wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life. Even though Canada was far from the heart of the Cold War, its contributions to the defence of the Western world played a pivotal role.
Following his retirement from the Army, Jim pursued a Master’s degree in War Studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. After graduating, he was invited to take on part-time teaching assignments at RMC. In 1994, Jim and his wife Alice moved to Toronto, where he began working with the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies. After retirement, they relocated to the West Coast and settled in Victoria, where Jim and Alice have remained committed to their community, especially through their support of veterans at Veterans Memorial Lodge.
Despite suffering from cognitive decline, Jim still lives at home and participates in the Veteran Health Centre program. This program, a partnership between Broadmead Care and Veterans Affairs Canada, provides essential health, social, and recreational services to veterans who live in the community.
It is an honour to have the opportunity to share some of the moments that shaped Jim’s life experience. From the cold regions of Germany to the well-guarded bases of Western Europe, Jim was part of the Canadian legacy that helped keep the peace during one of the most dangerous periods in history.
You can help veterans like Jim enjoy the comforts of home and simple pleasures by making a donation today.
