Grostenquin France

1962 - Queen's Commendation - Charles Nelson


Honours and Awards to Canadian Forces
Personnel for Postwar Services



NELSON, Corporal Charles Henry Roy - Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct - awarded 27 July 1963 as per Canada Gazette dated 27 July 1963 and AFRO 31/63 dated 2 August 1963. Home in Lethbridge. See also LAC RG Cole (British Empire Medal).

On the night of 27 April 1962, a fire occurred in a third floor apartment of the RCAF married quarters located at St. Avold, eleven miles from 2 Fighter Wing, Grostenquin, France, in which a boy of twelve and three infants, aged two years and below, were sleeping. The youngest infant perished in the fire. Corporal Nelson, who occupied an apartment in the building, upon hearing a shout of "Fire", immediately proceeded to the burning apartment to render assistance. Notwithstanding the intense heat and thick, acrid smoke, he followed another airman into the apartment and assisted in a search for children whom he knew lived there. During the search he was handed a child whom he conducted to safety. He then rendered assistance to fire fighters until he was finally overcome by smoke and had to be hospitalized. Throughout this emergency, Corporal Nelson conducted himself bravely, displaying exceptional fortitude and persistence. His actions undoubtedly contributed to the saving of a young life.


Click on the descriptive text to view the clipping.
  1. Newspaper clipping of the Queen's Commendation Award - 1963.
    Courtesy Lucien St-Hilaire.


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Updated: July 11, 2001