Topic: Looking for information on a relative.

[blackbeard700]

Hi guys,  I'm looking for your help in finding out more on my grandfather's uncle.  My grand father tells me that his name is Alexandre Doucet, he served in WWII.  He was RSM and he thinks that he was part of the Maisonneuve regiment.  We know that he went to Italy and also (this isn't sure) Holland.  We also know that he received some kind of medal from the queen because he saved a man who's tank fell off a bridge.  We still have the newspaper clipping of it.

If anybody could help me out it would be much appreciated!

Thanks
Nicolas

[Michael O'Leary]

As long as he can sign the letter you prepare for him, order his service record for a start point:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogie/022-909.007-e.html

How to Send an Inquiry Concerning Your Own or Another Individual's Records

    * Your request must be signed.
    * To identify a file, we require surname, full given name(s), date of birth, and service number or social insurance number.
    * If you do not know the date of birth, service number or S.I.N. (social insurance number), secondary information (e.g., the names of next of kin, postings, dates of service, place of enlistment) can assist in identifying the correct individual.
    * Consult the section below on Access Restrictions.
    * Please specify what document(s) you require. If you are doing family history research, we recommend that you request a "genealogy package," which will include copies of selected documents from the file that highlight/summarize the individual's service.
    * We do not accept email inquiries for these records. Inquiries must be sent by mail or fax.
    * Your request can be written as a letter or you can print off a blank copy of the Application for Military Service Information form available in [PDF 663 KB] or [RTF 44,516 KB] format, which should be filled in, signed and sent by mail or fax.
      (Download Freeware)
    * Inquiries should be sent by mail or fax to:

ATIP and Personnel Records Division
Library and Archives Canada
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Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4
Fax: 613-947-8456

[Michael O'Leary]

Sergeant Alexandre Doucette, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, was awarded the British Empire Medal during the Second World War - Identified in the Canada Gazette on 19 Jan 1943.

[klambie]

From 'Courage and Service: Second World War Awards to Canadians'

DOUCETTE, Alexandre Joseph, Sergeant (D.56267) - British Empire Medal - Infantry (Le Regiment de Maisonneuve - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 1 January 1943 and CARO/2983 dated 4 January 1943; confirmed by CARO/3580 dated 2 September 1943. Chauffeur; enlisted in Montreal, 11 September 1939. Overseas Routine Order 679 dated 16 April 1941 reported him as being Commended for Distinguished Conduct; recommendation virtually identical to that appearing below.

While on a brigade scheme in the early morning of 3rd March 1941, during the hours of darkness, a lorry driven by D.56267 Corporal Doucette, A., le Regiment de Maisonneuve, ran over an embankment into the River Wey and overturned in deep water. Corporal Doucette succeeded in getting out of the lorry and to the surface of the water. His spare driver, D.56056 Corporal Thibault, L., had become entangled within the cab and upon realizing this Corporal Doucette immediately dived back under water and, with difficulty, released and extricated his companion who had become unconscious and brought him to the surface. With the assistance of others the rescue was completed. Corporal Doucette then detailed a guard for his lorry before being removed to the Regimental Aid Post.

[mariomike]

Very impressive! 

[blackbeard700]

From 'Courage and Service: Second World War Awards to Canadians'

DOUCETTE, Alexandre Joseph, Sergeant (D.56267) - British Empire Medal - Infantry (Le Regiment de Maisonneuve - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 1 January 1943 and CARO/2983 dated 4 January 1943; confirmed by CARO/3580 dated 2 September 1943. Chauffeur; enlisted in Montreal, 11 September 1939. Overseas Routine Order 679 dated 16 April 1941 reported him as being Commended for Distinguished Conduct; recommendation virtually identical to that appearing below.

While on a brigade scheme in the early morning of 3rd March 1941, during the hours of darkness, a lorry driven by D.56267 Corporal Doucette, A., le Regiment de Maisonneuve, ran over an embankment into the River Wey and overturned in deep water. Corporal Doucette succeeded in getting out of the lorry and to the surface of the water. His spare driver, D.56056 Corporal Thibault, L., had become entangled within the cab and upon realizing this Corporal Doucette immediately dived back under water and, with difficulty, released and extricated his companion who had become unconscious and brought him to the surface. With the assistance of others the rescue was completed. Corporal Doucette then detailed a guard for his lorry before being removed to the Regimental Aid Post.

Wow, where did you find that information? That is exactly him!  DO you have the URL for that?

Also what does D.56267 mean?

Thank you sooooo much!

[blackbeard700]

Sergeant Alexandre Doucette, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, was awarded the British Empire Medal during the Second World War - Identified in the Canada Gazette on 19 Jan 1943.

Is there a way to get a copy of the article? Thanks!

[mariomike]

Also what does D.56267 mean?

That is his service number.

[blackbeard700]

Thanks MarioMike.

Is there a way with that number to find out where and what he did during the war?

[klambie]

'Courage and Service' is a CD compilation of citations for all awards to Canadians in WWII by Service Publications.
www.servicepub.com

[Michael O'Leary]

Is there a way to get a copy of the article? Thanks!

No article, I was citing his mention in "Canadian Army; Honours, Decorations, Awards 1902-1968" by Commander John Blatherwick.