VCs in Italy

[Art Johnson]

How many Victoria Crosses were won by Canadians in Italy during WW II. Name the recipients and their units.

 

[Michael OLeary]

Three:

14-Dec-43 - VC won by A/Maj Paul Triquet, Le Royal 22e Regiment (The "Van-Doos"), Casa Berardi, Italy. When all the other officers and half the men of his company had been killed or wounded, 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 next day. Throughout the action Triquet's utter disregard for danger and his cheerful encouragement were an inspiration to his men.

24-May-44 - VC won by Maj John Keefer Mahoney, The Westminster Regiment (Motor), Melfa River, Italy. Major Mahoney and his company were ordered to establish the initial bridgehead over the river. This was accomplished and for five hours the company maintained its position in the face of enemy fire and attack until the remaining companies and supporting weapons were able to reinforce them. Early in the action Major Mahoney was wounded in the head and twice in the leg, but he refused medical aid and continued to direct the defence of the bridgehead. The enemy saw that this officer was the soul of the defence and consequently made him their particular target.

22-Oct-44 - VC won by Pte Ernest Alvia Smith, The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Savio River, Italy. Private Smith was in the spearhead of the attack which established a brigdehead over the river. With a P.I.A.T. gun he put an enemy tank out of action at a range of 30 feet, and while protecting a wounded comrade, he destroyed another tank and two self-propelled guns, as well as routing a number of the enemy infantry.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

I have a better question - how many Canadian soldiers in Italy were nominated for the VC but not awarded it?

So far I have

Lance Corporal Gerard Gagnon
The Royal 22e Regiment
Sicily


Private Sidney John Cousins
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Leonforte, Sicily, 22 July 1943

Lieutenant Norman Alexander Ballard
The 48th Highlanders of Canada
Liri River, Italy, 17 May 1944

Lieutenant Edward Perkins
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Melfa River, 24/25 May 1944

Captain Ian MacDonald Grant
The Three Rivers Regiment
Italy, June 1944

Captain Jack Birnie Smith
The Royal Canadian Regiment
San Lorenzo-in-Strada, Italy, 6 September 1944

Sergeant Yvon Piuze
The Royal 22e Regiment
San Martino, Italy, 15 September 1944

Private Joseph Albert Bray
The 48th Highlanders of Canada
Casa Boschi, Italy, 16 December 1944

Private J. Low
Loyal Edmonton Regiment
details not known at the present time.   


Any others that anyone knows about?

 

[Spr.Earl]

Mike can you find out why they where refused?

 

[Art Johnson]

In the case of Lt. Ballard there was no official reason given he was awarded the DSO instead.

It was the same with Pte. Joe Bray he was awarded the DCM.

If you go to Michaels board and read the submissions you will just have to shake your head and wonder.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

And with Perkins, it wasn't felt "correct" to give two VCs for the same small action, so Mahoney from the infantry got one while the Armoured support got a "lesser" award.