Joseph-Thomas Kaeble, VC, MM (5 May 1892 – 9 June 1918) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the first French Canadian soldier to be decorated with the VC and Military Medal.

On 8 June 1918 at Neuville-Vitasse, France, Corporal Kaeble performed an act of bravery for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died whilst doing so.

Biography

Born 5 May 1892 He was a corporal in the 22e Battalion , Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

Citation

Transported to hospital, Corporal Joseph Kaeble died of his wounds the next night, 9 June.

Burial and legacy

He was buried in the local cemetery in Wantequin, some seven miles west of Arras (Wantequin memorial/cemetery: Plot II. Row A. Grave 8. Headstone).

Streets, buildings, and even a mountain still bear his name. 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