Talbot Mercer Papineau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major
Talbot Mercer Papineau
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| Born | 25 March 1883 Montebello, Quebec |
| Died | 30 October 1917 (aged 34) Passchendaele salient, Belgium |
| Allegiance | Canada Britain |
| Service/ |
Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1917 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | First World War
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| Awards | Military Cross |
| Relations | Amédée Papineau - grandfather Louis-Joseph Papineau – great grandfather |
Talbot Mercer Papineau was a brave Canadian soldier and lawyer. He was born in Quebec in 1883 and fought for Canada during the First World War. He earned the Military Cross for his courage. Sadly, he died in battle in 1917.
Contents
Who Was Talbot Papineau?
Talbot Mercer Papineau was born on March 25, 1883, in Montebello, Quebec. His family was well-known in Canadian history. His great-grandfather, Louis-Joseph Papineau, was a famous leader. Talbot's mother, Caroline Rogers, came from a rich family in Philadelphia.
Growing Up and Learning
Talbot could speak both French and English. He mostly spoke English and followed his mother's Protestant faith. He went to the High School of Montreal and then to McGill University.
In 1905, Talbot was one of the first Canadians to win a Rhodes Scholarship. This special scholarship allowed him to study law at Brasenose College, Oxford in England. While there, he also played ice hockey for a team called the Oxford Canadians. After finishing his studies, he returned to Montreal in 1908 and started working as a lawyer.
Serving in the First World War
When the First World War began in August 1914, Talbot Papineau joined the army. He became an officer in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
A Debate About the War
In 1916, Talbot had a public debate with his cousin, Henri Bourassa. His cousin was a leader who did not want Canada to be too involved with the British Empire. Talbot, however, strongly believed in supporting the war and the British Empire. His letter arguing his point was even printed in a famous London newspaper, The Times.
Bravery and Awards
Talbot showed great courage during the war. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in Belgium. He continued to serve bravely and was promoted to the rank of Major.
His Final Battle
On October 30, 1917, Major Papineau was fighting in the Battle of Passchendaele near Ypres, Belgium. During this fierce battle, he was hit by a shell and died. His body was never found or identified. He is remembered at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium.
Remembering Talbot Papineau
Many years after his death, Talbot Papineau is still remembered.
- In 1937, his mother created an award in his honor. This award is given every year by the Debating Union at McGill University, his old school.
- He was one of four Canadians featured in the book Tapestry of War: A Private View of Canadians in the Great War by Sandra Gwyn.
- A future Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, played Major Papineau in a TV movie called The Great War. This movie was about Canada's part in the First World War.
