Clarence Nadeau, a Quebec conscript, decided to go overseas and fight once he knew he was in the army anyway.
He joined Victoria’s Canadian Scottish Regiment and rose to rank of sergeant. He had a record of endangering himself while trying to assist our wounded.
I recall the time he led a platoon that had dwindled down to about 12 men, into an attack at Hessler Field (known as Slaughter Hill to us).
Upon gaining our position, we were pinned down by heavy mortar and machine-gun fire from an enemy well-hidden in Moyland Wood, while we were stuck out in open ground.
Casualties were heavy and Sgt. Nadeau was killed by mortar fire the next day.
For that reason, I do not object to the fleur-de-lis being placed in our poppy.
Andy Mulcahy
Victoria
