Paul A Mayer, OBE, GM, CD

by Clive M. Law

MAYER, Paul Anthony, Major – Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II with Palm and Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm – Infantry (The Algonquin Regiment) – awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 31 August 1946 and CARO/6733 dated 2 September 1946. (NOTE: Canada Gazette has Paul Anthony and the typed citation had Paul Anthony with Anthony crossed out and Augustus printed in.)

Lt-Col P.A. Meyer

Recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel J.F.R. Akehurst, Commanding Officer, the Algonquin Regiment on 20 September 1945; approved by Brigadier H.P. Bell-Irving, Officer Commanding, 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade on 20 September 1945 and passed forward on 21 September 1945; approved by Major-General H.W. Foster, General Officer Commanding, 4 Canadian Armoured Division; approved by Lieutenant-General G.G. Simonds, General Officer Commanding, Canadian Forces in the Netherlands on 25 September 1945 and passed for action on 6 October 1945. The citation reads:

On 20 September 1944, [the] Algonquin Regiment was fighting in the area of Assende, south of the Belgium-Holland border. The enemy were holding the area north of this town in considerable strength with headquarters at Philipine, Holland. At 0830 hours, Major Mayer, Commander “D” Company, was ordered to try to outflank the defences to the east. Leading his Company personally he pushed up across the open country to Valk. So complete was the surprise achieved by this attack that they succeeded in capturing a rear echelon, including a complete pay staff. Establishing himself at this point, Major Mayer dug in and set up the defences but before consolidation was complete the company was subjected to a heavy barrage, followed by a counter-attack by self-propelled artillery and infantry. Exposing himself many times to enemy fire, he directed and encouraged his men so skilfully that they held their ground. The enemy was completely routed with 150 prisoners taken in the engagement. This action was one of many in the Belgian campaign during which Major Mayer distinguished himself by his bravery and sterling leadership and his exploits enjoy a very high reputation in his unit.1

This series of photographs are from the Canadian Army official photos of the Congo mission. Taken shortly after the action for which Mayer was awarded the George Medal he is shown with the helicopter pilot (top) and the R22eR Sergeant who accompanied him. The other photos show UN officers involved in the planning and the helicopter that transported the mission members. MilArt photo archives

Awarded George Medal as Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Augustus Mayer, MBE, CD as per London Gazette of 16 October 1964 and Canada Gazette of 03 October 1964 while serving with the Canadian Army in the Congo.

At one point Lt Col Paul Augustus Mayer, MBE, GM, CD, served as Chief Instructor at the Guards Depot and Senior Major of the 1st Battalion.

THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO

The London Gazette

OF FRIDAY, 12th FEBRUARY, 1954

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ministers, to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea:—-

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order :— Major Paul Augustus MAYER, C.D. (ZB 2864), The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.

SUPPLEMENT TO

The London Gazette of Tuesday, 1 3th October 1964

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD

St. James’s Palace, London S.W.I.

16th October 1964.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ministers, to approve the award of the George Medal to the under-mentioned:

ZD 2864 Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Augustus MAYER, M.B.E., C.D., The Regiment of Canadian Guards.

On 24th January 1964 Lieutenant-Colonel Mayer was charged with the rescue operations of American and European Missionaries in Kwilu Province. On 27th January 1964 during a rescue operation at Kisandji this officer rescued two nuns and three priests. Eight nuns and one priest remained. He was requested by one of the priests to speak to the native chief in an endeavour to free the remainder of the Missionaries. During talks with the native chief council, Lieutenant-Colonel Mayer was hit on the back of the neck with a club and knocked unconscious. Members of the Jeunesse removed his revolver, beret and web belt. The council argued for killing him there and then. They informed him that if one shot was fired he and all the nuns would be killed. At this point, a frenzied Jeunesse thrust the pistol in his stomach and pulled the trigger. Fortunately there was no round in the chamber. In the meantime three priests and two nuns were able to board the helicopter. After arrangements had been made to free the remaining eight nuns, Lieutenant-Colonel Mayer was allowed to leave amongst a wild and screaming mob. During the whole operation, this officer’s life was in constant danger. His behaviour at all times was exemplary. His courage and composure was an inspiration to both the UN Personnel serving under him and also for the Missionaries. On several occasions he refused to leave his post until all Missionaries had been evacuated. He behaved at all times well above the call of duty and by his patience and energy in dealing with the members of the Jeunesse saved many lives.

More info cited in “Warrior Chiefs: Perspectives on Senior Canadian Military Leaders”, edited by Colonel Bernd Horn, Stephen Harris

Author,” I’ve Had Good Innings”, General House Publishing, Renfrew, ON, ISBN 1-89711336-6

OBITUARY

Paul A. MAYER

Born: 1916

Date of death : 2006-07-05

Wife : Pamela McDougall

MAYER, Paul A. Lt. Col. Retired, M.B.E., G.M., C.D. Peacefully at the Montfort Hospital on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Pamela (nee McDougall). Loving grandfather of Crystal Mayer and David Mayer of Vancouver, B.C. He will be fondly remembered by his sister, niece and nephew, all of Melbourne, Australia. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street on Monday, July 10, 2006 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 125 MacKay Street, Ottawa, on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to the C.N.I.B. or the V.O.N. would be appreciated. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 7/8/2006 – 7/10/2006

Notes

1. From “Courage and Service” CD (Service Publications, Halliday and Blatherwick)