Paul Triquet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brigadier-General Paul Triquet VC CD
Paul Triquet
Born	2 April 1910 Cabano, Quebec
Died	8 August 1980 (aged 70) Quebec City, Quebec
Buried	Citadelle of Quebec
Allegiance	Canada
Service/branch	Canadian Army
Years of service	1927–56
Rank	Brigadier-General
Unit	Royal 22e Régiment
Battles/wars	Second World War Italian Campaign Moro River Campaign
Awards	Victoria Cross Canadian Forces' Decoration Knight of the Venerable Order of St John

Paul Triquet (born April 2, 1910 – died August 8, 1980) was a brave Canadian soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in battle for soldiers from Canada and other Commonwealth countries. This special medal is given for incredible courage when facing the enemy.

At the time he earned his Victoria Cross, Triquet was a captain. Later, he became a Brigadier-General, a very high rank in the army. Paul Triquet was the only person from Quebec to receive the Victoria Cross during the Second World War.

Paul Triquet's Amazing Bravery

Major Paul Triquet around 1944

Paul Triquet was 33 years old when he showed incredible bravery. He was a captain in the Royal 22^e Régiment (also known as the "Vandoos"). This happened during the Second World War in Italy, as part of the Moro River Campaign.

On December 14, 1943, his company was attacking a place called Casa Berardi. Many of his fellow officers and half of his soldiers were killed or hurt. Captain Triquet, showing no fear, rushed forward.

With the remaining soldiers, he broke through the enemy's defenses. His small group was now down to just two sergeants and 15 men. They pushed on and took a position on the edge of Casa Berardi. They held this spot against many enemy attacks. They kept fighting until the rest of their battalion arrived the next day to help them.

During this whole battle, Captain Triquet was fearless. He didn't care about the danger to himself. He kept cheering on his men, which really inspired them to keep fighting.

Remembering a Hero

There is a special plaque in memory of Paul Triquet. It is at the Mount Royal Crematorium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His ashes are buried at the Citadelle of Quebec. This is where the Royal 22^e Régiment has its memorial.

A place called Triquet Island is named after him. It is located off the west coast of British Columbia. You can find it at 51°47′60″ N, 128°15′0″ W.

There is also a statue of Paul Triquet in the middle of Ottawa. It is part of the Valiants Memorial in Confederation Square. This memorial honors 14 brave Canadians.

Mont Triquet is a mountain peak. It is located in the training area of CFB Valcartier, a Canadian Forces Base.

His Special Awards

Statue of Paul Triquet in Ottawa (Ontario)

Memorial plaque at Mount Royal Crematorium

You can see Paul Triquet's medals at the Citadelle. However, the Victoria Cross displayed there is a copy. His original Victoria Cross is kept safe.