Jour : 14 novembre 2023

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TASCHEREAU, F/O Joseph Leon Gabriel (J10715)

– Distinguished Flying Cross – No.425 Squadron

– Award effective 23 November 1943 as per London Gazette dated 30 November 1943 and AFRO 166/44 dated 28 January 1944.

Born Victoriaville, Quebec, 26 July 1915; home in Quebec City; enlisted there 12 September 1940 and posted to No.4 Manning Depot.

To No.3 ITS, 19 April 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 16 May 1941 when posted to No.11 EFTS; to No.8 SFTS, 3 July 1941; ceased training and posted to Trenton, 31 July 1941; to No.5 AOS, 26 September 1941; to No.7 BGS, 3 January 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 14 February 1942 when posted to No.1 ANS; graduated and commissioned 19 March 1942 but not posted to No.31 GRS until 10 April 1942.

To RAF overseas, 14 June 1942.

Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1942.

Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 March 1944.

Repatriated 18 December 1944.

To No.3 Training Command, 29 December 1944.

To No.8 AOS, 15 January 1945.

To No.1 CNS, 19 February 1945.

To No.1 Radio and Navigation School, 12 March 1945.

To No.1 Air Command, 12 September 1945.

To No.2 Release Centre, 12 October 1945.

Retired 27 November 1945.

Postwar auxiliary service as 121379.

Obituary stated that he had flown 21 sorties over Germany and Western Europe plus 28 in the Mediterranean theatre. “Repatriated to England, he served as an instructor in various training bases operational. He returned to Canada with the rank of Squadron Leader. He attended the specialist in air navigation in Rivers, Manitoba.” In Reserve, he commanded No.2452 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron Quebec, as Wing Commander. Appointed adviser to the Air Force Reserve for the Quebec City region promoted to the rank of Group Captain. From 1956-1980, he was attached to the Lieutenant Governors of the Province of Quebec, first as Secretary General and aide, then as chief of staff and aide-de camp. In semi-retirement after 1980, he continued to serve as special advisor. Also Honourary Colonel to the Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Valcartier, he lectured at various air bases across Canada, including Goose Bay, Gander, Bagotville, Trenton, North Bay, Ottawa, Saint-Hubert, Valcartier, Saint John and Edmonton. Also an honorary member of the Free French Air Forces. DFC presented 21 May 1947. Awarded Lieutenant, Royal Victorian Order (LVO) as per Canada Gazette of 22 October 1988 while serving as private secretary and ADC to the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec. Died at Hotel-Dieu de Quebec, 22 June 1999.

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RCAF photo PL-28893 (ex UK-10382 dated 5 May 1944) is a classroom scene at an OTU; F/O Gaby Taschereau (standing) explains his experiences; seated in front row are F/O Bill Tessier (Lachute), Sergeant Gaston Dufour (Thetford), F/O Emile St. Arnaud (Big River, Saskatchewan); seated in front row are P/O Joe Baillargeon (Windsor, Ontario) and F/O Ken Renaud (Edmonton).

 

Album-photo (collaboration de Richard Girouard)

Photo PL-28098 (ex UK-10394 dated 5 May 1944 shows three popular instructors at an OTU. Seated at desk drawing up a report is F/O Gaby Taschereau (Quebec); behind him looking on are F/O Andre Peloquin (air gunner, Montreal) and P/O Roger Delaroche (air gunner, Montreal).

 

Album-photo (collaboration de Richard Girouard)

Flying Officer Taschereau has participated in a large number of operational sorties over German and Italian territory. His efforts have at all times been characterized by accuracy and reliability. On one occasion during a night bombing attack over Sicily the aircraft in which he was navigator was attacked by an enemy fighter and the wireless operator was severely wounded. Flying Officer Taschereau immediately rendered first aid, at the same time navigating the aircraft safely back to base. A most skillful navigator, this officer’s cheerful confidence and devotion to duty have always merited the highest praise.

Autres photos du mitrailleur arrière Peter Goyette dans l’album-photo

Autres photos de Gabriel Taschereau dans l’album-photo