It’s not often city council welcomes “a real hero” to city hall.
That’s how Mayor Sharon Gaetz introduced veteran Nick Raddysh Tuesday, before presenting him with a certificate of recognition for his “service and sacrifice” as part of the campaign liberating France from Nazi occupation in 1944.
Raddysh was awarded France’s highest award in October 2017 when he was appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour.
“I feel very good that France has come to acknowledge that we played a very important part in the war overseas,” Raddysh said in chambers. “My regiment was cavalry in the First World War and they turned to tanks in the Second World War. So thank you very much.”
Raddysh brought his Legion of Honour medal out to show council, contained in a bright red case.
“I’d like to take a few moments to recognize Nick Raddysh,” Mayor Gaetz said during her introduction of him in chambers, “who served with Fort Garry Horse.”
She explained Fort Garry Horse was mobilized on September 3, 1939 after Britain’s declaration of war on Germany. It is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces that originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and fought in France and Flanders during the First World War as the 1st Canadian Calvary Brigade.
During the Second World War, instead of going with the 2nd division overseas as cavalry the Garrys were sent to Red Rock, Ontario to act as guards for German POWs and internees. Many had been active Nazi sympathizers before the war, while others were from German ships interred in Canadian ports at the outbreak of the war.
Nick’s son, Gary Raddysh, was in chambers to recount what happened when his dad first received the letter from France’s Ambassador to Canada, acknowledging France’s “profound gratitude” thanking him for his personal involvement and sacrifice in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation.
The letter was written in French.
“There was luckily a translation,” the younger Raddysh said.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
