Paul Triquet

Paul Triquet, VC, CD (April 2, 1910 – August 8, 1980) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details


Paul Triquet was 33 years old, and a Captain in the Royal 22e Régiment (Royal 22nd Regiment, which is known colloquially by the anglicized term "the Van Doos"), Canadian Army, (Canadian Infantry Corps) during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 14 December 1943 during the attack on Casa Berardi, Italy, when all the other officers and half the men of his company had been killed or wounded, Captain Triquet dashed forward and, with the remaining men, broke through the enemy resistance. He then forced his way on with his small force – now reduced to two sergeants and 15 men – into a position on the outskirts of Casa Berardi. They held out against attacks from overwhelming numbers until the remainder of the battalion relieved them, the next day. Throughout the action Captain Triquet's utter disregard for danger and his cheerful encouragement were an inspiration to his men.

Further information
Triquet later achieved the rank of brigadier (brigadier general). His grave/memorial is a plaque at Mount Royal Crematorium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (The ashes are interred in the regimental memorial of the Royal 22e Régiment, The Citadel, Quebec.) Triquet Island off the coast of British Columbia is named after Paul Triquet. Triquet Island, with a latitude of 51.8 (51°47′60″ N) and a longitude of −128.25 (128°15′0″ W), is located in the province of British Columbia.

Medals
His medals can be seen at the Citadelle de Québec, but the actual Victoria Cross on display is a copy.