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Joseph Kaeble, VC, MM (5 May 1892 – 9 June 1918) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for exceptional courage in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Details
He was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 22e Battalion (Canadien Francais), Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 8 June 1918 at Neuville-Vitasse, France, Corporal Kaeble was in charge of a Lewis gun section during a strong enemy attack, when all but one of his section became casualties. As soon as the barrage lifted and about 50 of the enemy advanced, Corporal Kaeble jumped over the parapet with his Lewis gun, emptying one magazine after another into the advancing enemy. Although hit several times by pieces of shell and bombs, he continued to fire and blocked the enemy's advance, until he fell mortally wounded. Even while lying on his back in the trench, he fired his last cartridges over the parapet at the retreating Germans. Before losing consciousness, he shouted to the wounded about him: ‘Keep it up boys, do not let them get through. We must stop them.’”
Transported to hospital, Corporal Joseph Kaeble died of his wounds the next night, June 9.
Further information
He was buried in the local cemetery in Wantequin, some seven miles west of Arras. Decorated with the Military Medal, he also was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest British distinction. He was the first French Canadian soldier to be given this honour. Streets, buildings, and even a mountain still bear his name and keep his memory alive.
Wantequin memorial/cemetery: Plot II. Row A. Grave 8. Headstone (shows age 26).
Mount Kaeble, just east of Camp Vimy in CFB Valcartier, is named in his honour.
References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
External links
- Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
- In memory of Corporal JOSEPH KAEBLE (service/personal details, citation, relevant documents, burial information)
- Legion Magazine Article on Joseph Kaeble
- Find-A-Grave profile for Joseph Kaeble
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