Jean Berthiaume Explained

Colonel (ret) Jean André Berthiaume
Rank:Colonel
Branch:Canadian Forces
Commands:1er Royal 22e Régiment
Quebec Western District
Farnham Army cadet camp
Battles:World War II
ONUC
Nickname:"Johnnie"
"Papa Berthiaume" (Congo)
Allegiance:Canada
Birth Date:27 November 1915
Birth Place:St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
Death Place:St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
Serviceyears:1936–1969
1990–1993
Awards:Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Knight of the Venerable Order of St. John
Canadian Forces' Decoration

Joseph André Horace Jean Berthiaume, OBE, CD (November 27, 1915  - January 26, 2003) was a Canadian Army officer who served with the Régiment de St-Hyacinthe, the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps and the Royal 22e Régiment.

Early education

Jean André Berthiaume was born on November 27, 1915, in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec. He studied at the Séminaire de St-Hyacinthe, where he earned a degree in letters and arts. He then pursued another degree at the Université de Montréal, where he got a degree in chemistry.

Before the War

At the same time his father was serving at the Regiment, Jean Berthiaume enlisted with the 84th Régiment de St-Hyacinthe in 1936. There completed his basic training as a private and rose to the rank of sergeant. Later he received his officer commission and was promoted to lieutenant.

He married Mme Denise Lapierre on April 14, 1940, at the St-Hyacinthe Cathedral.

World War II

As the war broke out, then Lieutenant Berthiaume continued training his troops in St-Hyacinthe. He was transferred to the 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade at camp Debert in Nova Scotia for preparatory training as GSO with the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. He then went to the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston and after shipped to England. Most of the Canadians in reinforcement stayed in England for almost two years (1942–1944) until D-Day. When arriving in France, as GSO 3 Operations,[1] then captain Berthiaume aided in the orientation of some operations towards the ultimate victory. By the end of the conflict, he was transferred to the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.

After the war

On April 26, 1946, then captain Berthiaume was posted to NDHQ as GSO 2 and the next day was promoted to the rank of Temporary major (T/maj). On November 22, 1947,[2] he was promoted to the rank of major.[3]

After three years in Ottawa, then major Berthiaume went to the Canadian Army Training School in St-Jean, Quebec, in 1949. He managed the Canadian Army Training School in St-Jean[4] before it was transferred to Valcartier in 1952.

He stayed and contributed to the building of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean as Director of Administration.

An uncommon event occurred a few days after Christmas in 1952. A child of one of the CMR's staff fell into the icy waters of the Richelieu river. Upon hearing the child's cry for help, the CMR commandant, colonel Lahaie went onto the ice to rescue the boy, assisted by Captain Gosselin and Major Berthiaume. Others came along as the alarm was sounded. They were all pulled to safety; the child was saved.[5]

Major Berthiaume left St-Jean for Valcartier in 1953 and went to the 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment as deputy commander. He packed the battalion and headed for Germany as Canada's NATO infantry contribution.[6] After setting up over with the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade,[7] he still was very involved within the military community like in the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Normandy where he commanded the Canadian group during the weekend long celebrations.[8] In July 1954, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and was chosen as the Canadian representative at the SHAPE in Paris for a year.[9]

Back in Canada, Lcol Berthiaume in 1957, took command of the 1st battalion Royal 22e Régiment until 1960. He was a true gentleman in sharing the warm French-Canadian culture as host of many social functions at the Citadelle.[10] [11]

Leaving Quebec in early summer of 1960, LCol Berthiaume was flown to work with the UNTSO in Palestine. Soon after, in July 1960,[12] he headed to Congo as a United Nations chief of staff of the ONUC[13] contingent.[14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]

Back in Canada, he went to serve as adjutant general at the Quebec Command HQ. Promoted to the rank of colonel, he commanded the Quebec Western District[23] [24] until his retirement in 1969. During those years, he commanded the Royal Army Cadet Camp of Farnham that closed in 1967.[25]

Civilian life

Upon leaving the service in 1969, Colonel (Ret.) Berthiaume went to work for the Wabasso company[26] [27] in Trois-Rivières, Quebec as Director of Operations Services until his retirement in 1980. During those years, he became involved with the Canadian Manufacturers Association as president of the St. Maurice chapter.[28] [29]

Colonel (Ret.) Berthiaume was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #2 of St-Hyacinthe with which he was devoted in many aspects.

Colonel Berthiaume continued his involvement and contribution to the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean throughout the years.[30] He always proved a good golf player at the annual benefit golf tournament and other activities.[31]

In St-Hyacinthe, he was a devoted contributor to the Honoré-Mercier hospital's foundation.

Army cadets

During the final years of his active career, Colonel Berthiaume commanded the Royal Army Cadet Camp of Farnham that closed in 1967.

He was particularly close to the Army Corps de Cadets No. 1 from his hometown. In the mid-1990s, he donated several musical instruments to found a band created for children to play in. Organizers agreed to call it "La musique J. A. Berthiaume."

Honours

After World War 2, Jean Berthiaume received the MID for his outstanding services.[32] [33]

For his devotion in the creation of the CMR St-Jean, Colonel Berthiaume was given an honorary college number: H12878.

Colonel J. A. Berthiaume was invested into the Order of the British Empire in 1962 for his impressive organizational skills, initiative, linguistic ability, unmatched negotiating skills and his bravery during the ONUC mission in Congo.[34] [35] He was the first Canadian officer to be given that recognition since the Second World War.[36]

In 1969 he was nominated in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem as Officier.[37] In 1977, he was promoted to Knight of the Order.[38]

The city of St-Hyacinthe consecrated one of its streets' name in his memory in 2006.[39]

Last post

In 2003 after his last short battle with a secretly kept illness, Colonel (Ret.) Jean André Berthiaume was laid to rest in St-Hyacinthe, with full military honours. His wife Denise died in 2010.[40] [41]

Books

Books in which Colonel Berthiaume has either contributed to or is mentioned in include:

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Notes and References

  1. Book: Caravaggio, Angelo N.. Commanding the Green Centre Line in Normandy: A Case Study of Division Command in the Second World War. 2009. Wilfrid Laurier University. Canada. 502.
  2. Web site: Berthiaume. Jean. Nominations, Promotions and postings. Gazette of Canada. 19 June 2021. Government of Canada.
  3. Web site: Appointments, Promotions and Retirements - The Canadian Army. The Canada Gazette. 15 May 2013.
  4. Web site: Problems Affecting French-Speaking Representation in the Post War Canadian Army. Report 81. Army Headquarters. July 1986. 2013-05-13. 2013-05-23. https://web.archive.org/web/20130523022809/http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/his/rep-rap/doc/ahqr-rqga/ahq081.pdf. dead.
  5. News: College Commandant risks life to save child. 15 May 2013. The News and the Eastern township advocate. 31 December 1952.
  6. News: Berthiuame. J. A.. 300 Van Doos sail today for NATO duty. 14 May 2013. Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph. 7 October 1953.
  7. http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/organization/orgformations/4cmbg.htm 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade
  8. News: The Canadian Press. To Commemorate Normandy Invasion. 17 May 2013. Lethbridge Herald. 1 June 1954.
  9. News: NATO Representative. 17 May 2013. Winnipeg Free Press. 5 June 1954.
  10. Web site: Cabell. General C. P.. Letter to Lt. Colonel J. A. Berthiaune from C. P. Cabell. CIA Archives. 16 May 2013. 7 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141207052307/http://www.foia.cia.gov/sites/default/files/document_conversions/5829/CIA-RDP80B01676R003800020006-5.pdf. dead.
  11. Web site: Clarke. John M.. Letter to Lt. Colonel J. A. Berthiaume from John M.. CIA Archives. 16 May 2013. 7 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141207052144/http://www.foia.cia.gov/sites/default/files/document_conversions/5829/CIA-RDP80B01676R003800020005-6.pdf. dead.
  12. Web site: Memorandum from Secretary of State for External Affairs to Cabinet. CABINET DOCUMENT NO. 226-60. Government of Canada. 24 May 2013.
  13. Web site: United Nations Operation in the Congo. 15 May 2013.
  14. News: Ryan. Nigel. Congo Breathes easier as U.N. troops arrives. 23 September 2014. The Daily News, St. John's NFLD. 16 July 1960.
  15. News: Berthiaume. Lt.-Col. Jean. Success in Sending Men and Supplies Into Roadless Interior Pleases Aides Who Had No Time to Make Plans. 14 May 2013. The New York Times. 29 July 1960.
  16. News: Canadian. Press. Canadian gets leave from Congo. 14 May 2013. Montreal Gazette. 24 August 1960.
  17. News: Berthiaume. Lt.-Col. Jean. Believes Canadians Are in No Danger. 14 May 2013. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. 26 August 1960.
  18. News: Berthiaume. Lt.-Col Jean. Canadians Beaten up Says UN. 14 May 2013. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. 2 December 1960.
  19. News: Berthiaume. Col.. Col. Berthiaume ends tour of duty in Congo. 14 May 2013. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. 6 March 1961.
  20. News: McRobb. Robby. "The Congo" will we or won't we?. 15 May 2013. The Guardian (PEI). 30 November 2011.
  21. Book: Granatstein, J.L.. Pearson's Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-67. 2010. Literary Review of Canada. Canada. 9780774815826. 254.
  22. Web site: Veterans Affairs Canada - The Canadian Armed Forces in the Congo.
  23. News: Berthiaume. Col. J. A.. T.C. 48 Officers Association Holds Successful "Back Home" Reunion. 14 May 2013. The News and Eastern Township Advocate. 23 June 1966.
  24. News: Berthiaume. Col J A.. Local soldiers on winning militia team. 14 May 2013. South Shore News. 11 May 1967.
  25. Web site: Army Cadet Camp Farnham 1967 Year book. 15 May 2013.
  26. Book: Textile Industries, Volume 139. 1975. W. R. C. Smith Publishing Company. Canada.
  27. Book: Textile Industries, Volume 140. 1976. W. R. C. Smith Publishing Company. Canada.
  28. News: Berthiaume. J. A.. Welcome National President. 14 May 2013. The Shawinigan Standard. 22 April 1970.
  29. News: Berthiaume. Col. Jean. U.C.W Annual St. Maurice Meeting. 14 May 2013. The Shawinigan Standard. 30 September 1970.
  30. Web site: Classe d'entrée 1952. 14 May 2013.
  31. Web site: Fondation des anciens du CMR . https://archive.today/20130616014605/http://www.anciens-cmrsaintjean-excadets.org/accueil/index.shtml . dead . 16 June 2013 . 14 May 2013 .
  32. Web site: Berthiaume . Jean André . Mention in Dispatches . Archives Canada . Government of Canada . 11 May 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121228021237/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/medals/001099-119.01-e.php . 28 December 2012 .
  33. Book: Debates - House of commons. 1946. Queen's Printer. Canada.
  34. Web site: Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. London Gazette. 15 May 2013.
  35. News: Berthiaume. Lt.-Col. Jean A.. OBE Given Army Officer for Congo Work with UN. 14 May 2013. Montreal Gazette. 16 June 1962.
  36. Web site: VAC - The Canadian Armed Forces in the Congo. History. Gouvernement of Canada. 20 October 2020.
  37. Web site: Berthiaume. J. A.. appointments to The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The London Gazette. 13 May 2013.
  38. Web site: Berthiaume. Jean andré. The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem Appointments. The London Gazette. 13 May 2013.
  39. Web site: Commission de toponymie. Impasse J.-A.-Berthiaume. Gouvernement du Québec. 16 May 2013.
  40. Web site: Berthiaume . Jean André . Avis de Décès - Jean André Berthiaume . Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie . 14 May 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140225140953/http://www.federationgenealogie.qc.ca/avisdeces/avis/pdf?id=178908 . 25 February 2014 .
  41. Web site: Lapierre . Denise . Avis de Décès - Denise Lapierre . Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie . 14 May 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140305095147/http://federationgenealogie.qc.ca/avisdeces/avis/afficher?id=701266 . 5 March 2014 .
  42. Book: Spooner, Kevin A.. Canada, the Congo Crisis, and UN Peacekeeping, 1960-64. 2009. U of BC Press. Canada. 978-0-7748-1636-6.
  43. Book: Granatstein, J.L.. Pearson's Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-67. 2010. Literary Review of Canada. Canada. 9780774815826. 254.
  44. Book: MBEKO, PATRICK. Le Canada dans les guerres en Afrique centrale: génocides et pillages des ressources minières du Congo par le Rwanda interposé. 2012. Le Nègre éditeur. Congo. 978-2918278085. 688.
  45. Book: Castonguay, Jacques. Le Collège militaire Royal de Saint-Jean Une université à caractère différent. 1992. Septentrion. Canada. 9782921114783. 272.
  46. Book: Canadian Defence Quarterly. 1992. Defence Publications. Canada. 13–14–15.
  47. Book: Gaffen, Fred. In the eye of the storm: a history of Canadian peacekeeping. 1987. Deneau & Wayne. Canada. 0-88879-158-5. 302.
  48. Book: Fortier, J.-Albert. Biographies canadiennes-françaises. 1965. Editions biographiques canadiennes-françaises. Canada.
  49. Book: Lefever, Ernest W.. Uncertain mandate; politics of the U.N. Congo operation. 1967. Johns Hopkins Press. USA. 978-0801803666. 154.
  50. Book: Pariseau, Jean. De Rivière-de-la-Paix au maintien de la paix: les batailles d'un Franco Albertain. 2000. Canada. 241. 9780968447901.
  51. Book: Chronique de politique étrangère, Volume 14. 1961. Institut royal des relations internationales. Belgique.
  52. Book: Evolution de la crise congolaise de septembre 1960 à avril 1961. 1961. Institut royal des relations internationales. Belgique. 596.
  53. Book: Revue générale pour l'humaniste des temps nouveaux. 1984. Belgique.
  54. Book: Higgins, Rosalyn. United Nations Peacekeeping, 1946-1967. 1980. Oxford University Press. USA. 472. 978-0-19-218321-7.
  55. Book: Horn, Major General Carl von. Soldiering for Peace. 1967. D. McKay. 402. registration. berthiaume..
  56. Book: House of Commons Debates, Official Report, Volume 7. 1960. Queen's Printer. Canada.

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