Sgt Gauthier AJ, MM (MID)

Andrew Joseph (Joe) Gauthier joined 1st Bn 48th Highlanders in September 1939. Following training at No. 1 Cdn Infantry (Rifle) Training Centre he sailed from Halifax on 12 May 1940 to join the 1st Battalion in England. The War Diary of November 1944 reads: “During the evening orders were received that 3 men whom we are allowed to send on the 1st 30 day leave to Canada were to be warned to stand by to move.  These men are RQMS D GOODALL, Sjt-Major J GUNN of HQ Coy and L/Sjt J.A.GAUTHIER of “C” Coy. These three have been continuously with the Bn since the landing in SICILY. Sjt GAUTHIER is the only NCO left at the present time who has been in every action in a rifle company during the past year and a half.”

He was discharged at Toronto in June 1945, but re-enlisted in August 1950 into the Canadian Army (Special Force) and saw service in Korea with the 22e Régiment from April to December 1951. He subsequently served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2RCR), with whom he qualified for the Canadian Parachute Badge in November 1952, and the 3rd Battalion. The Royal Canadian Regiment (3RCR), with whom he again served in Korea from February 1953 to February 1954 when that unit was designated as 1st Battalion of the newly formed Regiment of Canadian Guards. In  November 1954, In November 1955 he left the Canadian Army (Regular). After Korea it was believed that he had volunteered to serve with the French in. Indochina but this was never confirmed.

Awards
Date
Award
Citation
17-Sep-44
Military Medal (MM)

At 1330 hours, 17 September 1944, “C” Company, 48th Highlanders of Canada was attacking enemy positions in the area of a track junction at MR873939 about 900 yards Northwest of the RIMINI Airport.  This objective was on flat open ground and was overlooked by a strong enemy position on the high feature known as KESTREL 861936.  The approaches to this objective were covered by well sited and concealed enemy MG positions.  B739200 Corporal (Lance Sergeant) Andre Joseph Gauthier commanded 13 Platoon of “C” Company which was leading the attack.

As the company crossed the start line they came under very heavy aimed MG and mortar fire, which temporarily pinned the company down.  In the face of this. withering fire, lance Sergeant GAUTHIER moved across this open ground and led his platoon forward to a position from which the final assault on the objective could be made.  During this time the company commander had been seriously wounded and the remainder of the company were still pinned down and unable to get ahead.  In spite of the fact that there was only one platoon in a position to attack the objective, Lance sergeant GAUTHIER organized the final assault and led it himself, personally killing one German paratrooper and wounded at least five others, during the process of clearing the position.  Although still under heavy enemy fire, Lance Sergeant GAUTHIER organized his platoon in a strong defensive area prior to the arrival of the remainder of the company.

Throughout the whole action, this NCO’s gallant leadership, calm control and complete disregard for his own personal safety were an inspiration and example to the men of his platoon.  His quick, determined action and skillful leadership were largely responsible for the success of this attack.

2-Aug-52
Mention in Dispatches (MID)

CG 31

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the award of Mentioned-In-Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished conduct in Korea to

Private Gauthier Andrew  Joseph (RCIC) – 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment

NA
Unit(s)
48th First Bn (WW 2)
Service number
B73900: B802044 SB73900
Date of attestation
15-Sep-39
Fate
Transferred_out

Data source(s)

Source
Detail
Museum Archive Documents
War Diaries and Pt 2 Orders - 1st Bn and Home Bn Sailing List 13 May 40
Regimental History (Vol 3)- Dileas: A History of the 48th Highlanders of Canada 1929–1956
Metauro - 608 (26 Aug 44); Kestrel 655-6 (MM awarded), 689 (Lombardy)
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