Charles Henry Byce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Henry Byce
DCM MM
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| Born | March 9, 1916 Chapleau, Ontario |
| Died | November 30, 1994 (aged 78) Newmarket, Ontario |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ |
Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1940-1945 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards |
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Charles Henry Byce was a brave Canadian soldier from the Cree nation. He is known as one of the most decorated Canadian veterans of the Second World War. He received two important medals for his courage: the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Charles Henry Byce was born on March 9, 1916, in Chapleau, Ontario. His mother, Louisa Saylors, was of Cree descent from Moose Factory, Ontario. His father, Henry Charles Byce, was a hero from the First World War. He had also received a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
When Charles was a teenager, he moved to Port Arthur, Ontario. In the early 1940s, he joined the Canadian Army. He became a member of the Lake Superior Regiment. This group is now known as the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment.
Acts of Bravery During the War
Charles Henry Byce showed incredible bravery during the Second World War. He was part of many important missions.
Crossing the Maas River
On January 21, 1945, Byce and 23 other soldiers crossed the Maas River. They used rowboats to enter enemy territory. Their goal was to gather information from German soldiers. Byce led a team of five men. Their job was to provide cover for the reconnaissance team.
Soon after landing, the enemy fired at them from three positions. Byce quickly reacted. He used grenades to take out two of the enemy positions. He even managed to get important information from a German prisoner. After this, his team retreated safely. For his courage and success in this mission, he was awarded the Military Medal.
Taking Command at Hochwald Forest
In the early morning of March 2, 1945, Byce's regiment had a new mission. They were told to take over some buildings south of Hochwald Forest. They quickly secured the buildings. However, as the sun rose, their location was discovered.
The enemy began a heavy attack with shells and mortar. Many tanks were destroyed, and many soldiers were injured or killed. Every officer, including the company commander, was lost. At this critical moment, Acting Sergeant Byce took charge. Enemy Tiger tanks were approaching. He bravely destroyed one with an anti-tank gun. He then focused on stopping enemy infantry. This allowed the surviving soldiers to gather and retreat safely.
Awards and Recognition
Byce was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his amazing bravery at Hochwald Forest. He was one of only 162 Canadian soldiers to receive this honor during the war. The award citation praised his "magnificent courage and fighting spirit." It said his stand against "hopeless odds" would be an "outstanding example" for all soldiers.
Some people wondered why he didn't receive the Victoria Cross. This is an even higher award for bravery. However, it was noted that the mission he was involved in was a difficult one.
Besides these two major medals, Byce also received five other service medals. These were for his service in Europe:
- The 1939-1945 Star
- The France and Germany Star
- The Defence Medal
- The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp
- The War Medal 1939-1945
Life After the War
After the war, Charles Byce moved to Espanola, Ontario. He lived there with his wife, Frances. He worked at a pulp-and-paper mill until he retired in 1975. Charles and Frances raised seven children together. He passed away on November 20, 1994.
Legacy and Remembrance
Charles Henry Byce's bravery and service are still remembered today.
In 2008, Byce's family donated his medals and his father's medals to Canada. This was done during a special ceremony at the National War Museum. After the ceremony, both men were added to the Canadian Veterans Hall of Valour. This hall honors Canadian heroes.
On September 17, 2016, a statue of Byce was unveiled in Chapleau, Ontario. This statue was created by artist Tyler Fauvelle. It shows Byce in his military uniform. It also includes moose antlers, which represent his Cree heritage. This statue helps people remember his important service.
Images for kids
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Photograph of Sergeant Charles Henry Byce - Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) - Canadian Army c.1945
