DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 13, 2012) - The Honourable Gail Shea, acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, today presented the second of the Canadian Coast Guard's new Hero class vessels, the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C.
The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. is the second of the Coast Guard's new Hero class of mid-shore patrol vessels being built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Kaeble was officially delivered to Coast Guard by Irving this November.
The new vessel is named after the late Corporal Joseph Kaeble, V.C. who was born in St. Moise, Quebec in 1893. He enlisted in 1916 and was a member of the famed Royal 22e Regiment.
Corporal Kaeble died of wounds near Arras, France on June 9, 1918, after he single-handedly repelled a strong enemy attack on Canadian lines. Kaeble was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, the first French-Canadian to receive this distinguished military decoration.
"'Lest we forget' is the covenant that Canada has made with those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Minister Shea. "This vessel is that covenant kept."
"After firing on an advancing enemy with no concern for his own safety, Corporal Kaeble shouted, "Keep it up, boys; do not let them get through! We must stop them". He fell unconscious shortly thereafter," said Minister MacKay. "Our government honours the service and sacrifice of all those who fought to defend our nation. I'm pleased the CCGS Caporal Kaeble helps Canadians remember all those who died in Canada's name."
The Hero class vessels are named for decorated fallen soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard who have died in the course of duty. By naming these after fallen Canadian heroes the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
The mid-shore patrol vessels are 47 metres in length with a displacement of 257 tonnes and a top speed of 25 knots. The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C will be based in Central and Arctic Region.
For broadcast : The Honourable Gail Shea, acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today presented the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C., the latest addition to the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. The Kaeble is the second of the nine Hero class mid-shore patrol vessels being built for the Coast Guard.
For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.
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BACKGROUNDER
Corporal Joseph-Thomas Kaeble, V.C., M.M.
Joseph-Thomas Kaeble was born on May 5, 1893, in St. Moïse, near Matane, Quebec. He joined the Royal 22e Regiment on March 20, 1916, in Sayabec (Quebec) where he quickly rose to the rank of corporal and was awarded the Military Medal (M.M.).
The First World War broke out and on September 27, 1916, Corporal Kaeble left for England as a machine gunner. A short time later, on November 13, 1916, he was posted to the 22e battalion, joining Francophone volunteers in defending the large area of French territory between Arras and Lens.
It was near Arras that Corporal Kaeble died in the field on June 9, 1918, while single-handedly repelling a strong German attack with his Lewis Gun. He was in charge of a machine gun section in the front line trenches. His determination resulted in the complete repulsion of the German attack.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, Corporal Kaeble was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.), the highest decoration in Britain and the Commonwealth. Corporal Kaeble was the first French Canadian to be awarded this military honour.
Commemoration
The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. will be used as a maritime security vessel on which Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Sûreté du Québec officers will work together.