Lieutenant-Colonel L.J. St. Laurent
Régiment de Hull

We are endeavouring to “sell Canada,” to instill and awaken patriotism and a sense of duty to our native land … We haven’t even a national flag to wave proudly in front of the men. The cowardly sins of omission are bearing fruit. We have not developed a true and strong sense of nationhood. Physically we are a mighty nation, nationally we are children.

(St. Laurent to Brig. Macklin, May 1944)

Born in Ottawa on 25 July 1903, Lucien Joseph St. Laurent was a graduate of the University of Ottawa and worked as a clerk for the city’s electric company. Commissioned with le Régiment de Hull in 1926, he was promoted to captain in 1933 and served as battalion adjutant. He went overseas as a staff officer with 1st Division headquarters in December 1939. He returned home two years later at the rank of major.

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