‘You are to France, true heroes.’

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Published on Friday, March 17, 2017

Left to right: Minnedosa veterans Fred Oberg and Alexander Abel, pictured with the French Legion of Honour medal affixed to their left lapel.

The Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

On Monday, March 13, two Minnedosa veterans received the French Legion of Honour, that nation’s highest military  and civic distinctions, in a ceremony at the Minnedosa Legion. Duane LaCoste, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 138 said, “ It is an honour to make a few comments about two of our veterans, Fred Oberg and Alexander Abel, as they are being recognized by the Government of France for their service in that country during World War II.”

Last May, our branch gave me the special task of researching and submitting applications for the French Legion of Honour for these two veterans, as well as for our comrade, Clayton Searle. I am indebted to Reverend Tom Delgaty and his wife, Evelyn who compiled the Veterans Military Memories.

Fred Oberg was 25 when he joined the army. Alex and Clayton were both 18. Fred is now 100 years young, Alex is 93, and sadly and tragically, we lost Clayton last summer.

Fred enlisted in April 1942, trained in Canada until December 9, 1942, when he was sent to Britain. After continuous training and duties in various places there, he was sent into Normandy, June 9, 1944. He saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, was wounded by shrapnel and spent some time in hospital. He returned to Canada in late 1945, being discharged on January 15, 1946.

Alex joined the army January 16, 1942, trained in Canada and was sent overseas in September, 1943. He took part in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 on Juneau Beach. Alex was also wounded by shrapnel and was sent back to England by boat for treatment. This ship was torpedoed early in the morning of August 8, 1944 and sank in about 20 minutes. Alex was able to make it from the bottom of the boat to the top and was able to get a life jacket on. Once on top he came across a badly injured Welsh soldier who was having difficulties with his life jacket. Using his own shoe laces and belt to secure the jacket, Alex jumped from the boat, being rescued by a US sub-chaser. He wasn’t sure if the Welshman made it or not. After treatment he was offered a job training new soldiers, but opted to rejoin his unit and saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, being discharged on January 10, 1946."

LaCoste knew Alex through curling and in expressing his congratulations, said if he knew a hero was in his midst, he would have bowed to him and carried his broom. Abel replied by saying, “Duane, I’m just Alex, and you don’t have to bow down to me. I might have let you carry my broom, but I don’t think I trust you with my whiskey.”

Clayton Searle joined the army on July 8, 1940, trained in Canada, was sent overseas on Aug. 8, 1942 and continued with training and other duties until July 27, 1944, when his regiment was sent to France, seeing action there, as well as Belgium, Holland and Germany. He got jaundice and spent three months in 1945 hospitalized. He volunteered to serve in the Far East, but whilst on leave, the war with Japan ended, and he was discharged on Oct. 25, 1945.

LaCoste said the medal recipients have brought honour not only to themselves, but on their community, their family and their Legion branch.

Abel and Oberg received the French Legion of Honour medals from Bruno Burnichon, Honourary Consul of France. The medals feature a five-armed cross and green wreath. In bestowing these awards, Consul Burnichon said, “The French people have never, and will never, forget the act of bravery accomplished by the Canadian soldiers during the Normandy landings to help restore our freedom. I can only think of one word to say to you, Merci, Merci, Merci. You are, to France, true heroes.”