Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Mathieu
Régiment de la Chaudière

Constantly in action, this officer has been an outstanding example of determination, courage and coolness to his troops. His tactical knowledge has proven to be sound and its practical application a source of confidence to those serving under him.

(D.S.O. citation, 27 Nov 1944)

Born on 1 September 1907 in Quebec City, Joseph Etienne Gerard Paul Mathieu graduated from Laval University and worked for the Royal Trust Company. “I didn’t choose that particular occupation,” he recalled, “so much as go where people were prepared to give me a job.” He joined le Régiment de Dorchester et Beauce in 1925 before it amalgamated to create le Régiment de la Chaudière in 1936. He served as second-in-command before succeeding Lieutenant-Colonel Gavan Power, who had stepped aside due to ill health in February 1943.

Following intensive training under his direction, the battalion went ashore led by Mathieu at Juno Beach. “Looking back at what we were to face, it’s a good thing we were here so long,” he noted of the extended training in England, but also observed “even beaches with shells coming from them looked very good.”

He earned the Distinguished Service Order for “inspired leadership” in the subsequent fighting in Normandy and Belgium. The citation credited his contribution “to the successes of 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade has been considerable and worthy of the best traditions of the Canadian Army.” During the campaign, he acted as temporary commander of the 8th Brigade.

After six months in the field, and three weeks exposed to the water and mud in the Scheldt, Mathieu was admitted to hospital. Unfit for active service, he relinquished command to Major G.O. Taschereau in late November 1944. When he recovered, Mathieu took over a reinforcement unit in England before an appointment to be assistant deputy minister for national defence. “I had no idea anything like this would happen to me, but I’ve enjoyed it all,” he said of his decades-long service as deputy defence minister.

He died in Ottawa on 23 March 1976.