Cabeldu, Frederick Norman

Date of birth:: 1905 (London, Great Britain)
Date of death:: June 12th, 1976 (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Frederick Cabeldu grew up in Japan before arriving in Victoria in 1919. He was enrolled at the University School which was then called the University Military School. It gave him grounding in academic and military studies as well as sports.
He joined the Royal Bank, but left to pursue his long real estate career in
1926. He retained his interests in matters military and joined the Scottish Militia
as a private in 1926, was soon commissioned and by 1937 had risen to the rank
of Major and went overseas as the company Commander at the beginning of
the Second World War. He was then promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1943. He
was quite frequently under fire and was injured when an artillery shell made a
direct hit on his battalion headquarters. Returning after the war, he became a
Member of the Board of University School. He was a member of the Kiwanis
and the Canadian Club, Past President of the Union Club. He served his fellow
citizens as an Alderman and was Chairman of the Regional Water Board. He
was Chairman of the University School Board of Governors until amalgamation
in 1971, when he became an Honorary Governor of St. Michaels University
School.

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 1st Battalion The Canadian Scottish Regiment, 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:: August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
On 9 June 1944 at Putot-en-Bessin, after prolonged mortaring, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles position was over-run by tanks and infantry resulting in the loss of half the position.
Lieutenant-Colonel Cabeldu was ordered to counter attack with two companies of 1st Battalion The Canadian Scottish Regiment. This attack which he personally directed was successful ant the position was restored.
For the ensuing seven days 1st Battalion The Canadian Scottish Regiment held Putot-en-Bessin against several counter attacks and they were under almost continuous mortar fire.
The steadiness and high morale of the 1st Battalion The Canadian Scottish Regiment can be attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel Cabeldu’s calm handling of every emergency, his tireless devotion to duty and inspiring leadership under the most trying circumstances.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier
Unit:: Headquarters, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:: October 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
Brigadier Frederick Norman Cabeldu has commanded the Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade in action in Western Europe since 31 August 1944. The brigade has established an enviable reputation and has been most successful in battle due in no slight degree to the able leadership and sound tactical knowledge of its commander.
During the period 19 February to 8 March 1945 the Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade successfully completed some of the most difficult tasks ever assigned to it. On 19-20 February, they seized and held, in spite of the desperate efforts of crack German troops, the Louisendorf feature, vital to the success of the divisional assault on the Goch-Calcar road. Later they cleared the northern half of the Hochwald Forest in a brilliantly executed operation and against enemy who died in great numbers manning their weapons to the last. On 8 March 1945, Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade successfully seized the area immediately south of Xanten and there the last fanatical resistance of the enemy defending the Wessel bridgehead was smashed.
At all times Brigadier Cabeldu exercised complete control, skilfully using supporting arms and quick to exploit any method or opportunity to hit the enemy harder or relieve a hard pressed situation. His frequent visits to his units in the midst of battle were always encouraging and his advice constructive. His enthusiasm was contagious and he has earned the absolute confidence of all ranks in his brigade. As a result of this commander’s outstanding leadership, good judgment, personal courage and exceptional resourcefulness, the Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade is a fighting force ready and capable of handling any situation which may arise

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Periodic Award.