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Honorary Colonels

Major Georges Albert Daigle, MD, CD,

LMCC,CSPQ,FRCS(C), FACS

439 Combat Support (Tiger) Squadron

8 June1995 - 10 August 1999

Although the appointment of Honourary Colonel has been evident in British and subsequently Canadian Army Regiments, the role of an Honourary Colonel is a relatively new one for the Air Force. There are approximately 50 Honourary Colonels currently serving all active Canadian Air Force Squadrons and Wings. The role and purpose of the position is to provide a focal point for the squadron or wing identity, and to act as  an ambassador for the unit. Whether parading with the unit, writing letters to the editor, co-ordinating unit charities and a behind-the-scenes lobbyist, the Honourary Colonel is expected to promote the positive aspect of the unit he /she represents.  As a volunteer, the position is an unpaid one, the only remuneration being the actual and reasonable costs incurred in the fulfillment of official functions.  As any Honourary colonel will attest, it is both  an honour and a privileged distinction for the incumbent

 

Major Georges Albert Daigle was born the 16 March 1923 in St-Edouard de Lotbiniere, Quebec. His primary schooling was done at the College St-Edouard, and his classical studies were done at the Seminaire de Quebec and at Trois Rivieres. He completed his B.A. at the University of Saint Dunstan, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1945.

In September 1945, he entered medical studies at the University of Laval ,graduating 5 years later as a medical doctor. He received his licence from the Medical College of Canada.

From 1950 to 1952 he practised general medicine in the Beauce, Quebec before specializing in orthopaedics. After five years of further study he became a certified orthopaedic surgeon. In 1957 he became a Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. In 1958 he was inducted in the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons. As the founder of the Orthopaedic Department at Hotel Dieu in Levis, Quebec, he was the Chief of Services for 25 years.

Heavily involved in his community, he founded the Youth Adaptation Centre, Inc and was a founding member of Credit Union of St-Yvee (1954) in Sillery, Quebec.

Major Daigle is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and is very active in the business community. He formed the foremost telecommunications company in the Quebec City area and is the president of two prominent realty companies and vice president of International Life Insurance Co.

Major Daigle's started in april of 1941 at the Canadian Officers Training Course (COTC) at the University of Laval and summer training at Valcartier in 1942.

From 1942 to 1944 he served as a sergeant in the 12th Reserve Army Tank Regiment and completed summer training at Farnham over these two years.

From September 1944 to July 1945, he studied at St. Dunstam's University, Charlottement, PEI and continuing his military studies in the COTC. Returning to the University of Laval as a medical student in September 1945, he continued his military studies at the University's COTC until 1946.

Attracted to a naval career, he joined HMCS Montcalm Reserve Naval Unit in a program sponsored by the University Naval Training Division, from 1947 to 1949. He also served aboard HMCS Haida as a Sick Bay Attendant, and participated several exercises in the Atlantic as far south as Bermuda.

His career became air-orientated when he became part of Medical Unit 4014 in Quebec from October 1954 to 1964 going from Flying officer to Squadron Leader. In 1955 he was the Chief Medical Officer at RCAF Station Marveille, France. On the 22 January, 1964, he left the service after a career of 21 years and one month.

He continued his affiliation with the service by volunteering as the medical officer for 776 (Levis) Air Cadet Squadron from 1968 to 1990.

Semi-retired since 1968, Major Daigle is married to Germane Landry and have six children and nine grand-children. Living in Levis, Quebec he spends his time looking after personal business affaires, reading, and playing golf.

Appointed as the first ever Honorary Colonel of 439 Tiger Squadron on the 8 of June 1995, Colonel (H) Daigle has diligently promoted the Tigers with distinction. Honorary only in title, Col(H) Daigle proved to be a true Tiger , we are proud to have known and served with him.

 

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