The flyby of two fighter jets over Quebec City around 1:30 p.m. today did not go unnoticed. The aircraft flew at low altitude over the CHLSD Paul-Triquet in the Sainte-Foy sector to greet the 100the Birthday of a World War II veteran.
The story of Jean Cauchy is not trivial. Born in Lévis on January 23, 1924, he joined the Canadian Air Force in 1942 at the age of 18. His brother had recently lost his life after the bomber in which he was serving as a machine gunner was destroyed.
Mr Cauchy said he appreciated the honor bestowed on him today. “If there were mistakes, they weren’t big,” he answered humorously.
The graduation photo of pilot Jean Cauchy receiving his certificate in 1944. Provided by Jean Cauchy, taken from the Ministry of Defense website
In January 1944 he took command of a Halifax, a four-engine heavy bomber capable of carrying nearly six tons of bombs, with 425 Squadron, the Alouettes.
Section Sergeant Cauchy was asked to form a choir to host the 1944 Christmas dinner. An important task as the event had to be broadcast in Canada.
emergency landing
However, on Christmas Eve, six aircraft from the 425th were scheduled to conduct a daylight bombing raid on Düsseldorf, Germany. The operation was successful, but on the way back Mr. Cauchy's plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on the right wing and lost an engine.
“We had to change the flight plan, find another airport and land in Rivenhall. There was a bomb that got trapped (in the hold). But we landed without any damage,” he remembers.
But instead of the expected dinner and singing tour, the crew spent Christmas in a pub eating army rations.
Jean Cauchy (left) in Bournemouth, England, on May 14, 1945, the day after his release from Stalag Luft I. On the back of the photo he wrote: “Necessary: new combat clothing, hairstyle, shower, etc.” Fournier by Jean Cauchy, taken from the Ministry of Defense website
On his sixth mission, Mr. Cauchy's plane was shot down on January 5, 1945. He and his crew were prisoners of war in Stalag Luft I in Germany until they were liberated in May.
“We walked in the water (after the accident). It was difficult,” he added of his prison conditions.
After the war, Mr. Cauchy worked in department stores, notably Dupuis Frères, Pollack and Paquet. He is the father of three children.
Proud
The 425th Squadron is now assigned to the 3rd Wing at Bagotville, one of two Canadian bases home to CF-18 fighters.
Jean Cauchy was honored on November 11, 2023 at the CHSLD Paul-Triquet in Quebec on the occasion of Remembrance Day. He is surrounded by Chief Warrant Officer Blouin of the 425th Fighter Tactical Support Squadron, Lt. Col. Renaud, commander of the 425th, and retired Lt. Col. Mr. Edmonston. They wear the insignia of the 425th Squadron, the Alouettes. The Latin motto: Through the heights to the stars. Provided by Bagotville Base
“Jean Cauchy was also honorary colonel from 1998 to 2002. We are very proud of his contribution to the Royal Canadian Air Force, which will also celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024,” said Captain Chris Breault, who serves in Bagotville.
According to Captain Breault, the two CF-18s took “15 minutes at low speed” to cover the 185 km (115 mi) as the crow flies separating their base from Quebec City.
– In collaboration with Elisa Cloutier
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