Major Georges Philias Vanier

1. Lieutenant, 22nd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1914-11-10 ?
2. Major, 22nd Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1917-09-29 to 1920-04-01
3. Captain, 22nd Battalion, Infantry (Army). ? to 1917-09-29

Military Cross
Description: No citation. Awarded on the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday.
Date of award: 1916-06-03
Source: London Gazette via Riddle & Mitchell See London Gazette No. 29608, June 3, 1916, pg. 5578

Distinguished Service Order
Description: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As second-in-command he led a portion of the battalion to the attack and capture of a village. The O.C. of the battalion being then called to the command of the brigade, this officer took charge of the battalion and led it with great skill to the attack and capture of a large village. His courage, example and will to conquer imbued all under him with the finest fighting spirit.
Date of award: 1919-01-11
Source: London Gazette via Riddle & Mitchell.

Military Cross First Bar
Description: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The battalion commander having become a casualty, this officer organized the remnants of the battalion which had suffered heavily the previous day, and led the men in the second attack with great dash. He was first seriously wounded in the side, but carried on until severely wounded in both legs.
Date of award: 1919-01-11
Source: London Gazette via Riddle & Mitchell.

Became Governor General of Canada in 1958, the first French Canadian to hold that post. Died in office on March 5, 1967. Lost right leg due to wounds received in battle, 1918, at Cherisy, France. Appointed aide-de-camp to Governor General Lord Byng in 1921. Took over command of the Royal 22nd Regiment in 1925. In 1928 began his long diplomatic career. Became Canada's first Ambassador to France in 1944 where he served until his retirement in 1953. He established the Vanier Cup, representative of Canadian University Football supremacy in 1965. Served prewar with the 80th Nicolet Regiment, Canadian Militia.

General The Right Honourable Georges -Phileas Vanier PC DSO KStJ MC CD (23 April 1888- 5 March 1967)(Member of Privy Council 01/02/1964 and promoted Full General 01/12/1964) was a Canadian Soldier and Diplomat who served as the 19th Governor General of Canada since Confederation. Following a State funeral at the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica on 8 March 1967 General Vanier was buried in La Citadelle s commemorative chapel on 5 May 1967.La Citadelle is the Quebec City home of the Royal 22nd Regiment.

On 29 Sept 1917 Captain Vanier was promoted to Acting Major of R22ER CEF. Major Vanier became an Acting Lieutenant Colonel with the R22ER CEF on 24 Nov 1917. On 10 August 1918 LCL Vanier reverted to Brevet Major with the R22ER CEF. On 1 April 1920 Militia Major Vanier joins the Permanent Force or Regular Army as a Major with the R22ER or Van Doos. On 27 April 1925 Major Vanier is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became the Commanding Officer of The Royal 22Regiment. LCL Vanier retires from the Regular Canadian Army on 8 May 1930 but is recalled for WW2 Service as a Lieutenant Colonel on 24 June 1940 for service in England at Canada House London where he was working as a Civilian Assistant since his Army Retirement on 8 May 1930 . On 1 Feb 1942 LCL Vanier is promoted to Major General for service with Allied Governments and Major General ( Ret) Vanier retires again on 31 Dec 1953 as Ambassador to France.

Major General (Ret) Vanier is promoted to Full General on 1 Dec 1964 while serving as our 19th Governor General.