Last Thursday after visiting Ortona we called in at the Casa Berardi where Paul Triquet of the Van Doos won his Victoria Cross. At first we were a bit put out that the house was being renovated . When we showed the chap there the guide book with pictures of the Casa in WW2 he said , "That's my Grandmother." He's having the casa converted to a luxurious B&B. We were chuffed to bits with that but even more so when he invited us in to look around the cellar where the wounded stayed in 1943 which will soon hold a jacuzzi , toilet & lounge. Here is the B&B website. see new website address in post #7 Details on Paul Triquet's VC. Capt. Paul Triquet - Veterans Affairs Canada
Plaque on the wall of the Casa. Wall to be kept showing battle damage, rest of casa has been repaired. The happy band of travellers. View of casa from behind Van Doos Memorial. Memorial to the Van Doos, Royal 22e Régiment .
The Casa after the battle and the owners at the time. As the chap said, his Nonna. Royal 22e Régiment - Honneurs de batailles - Deuxième Guerre mondiale inscrits dans les plis du drapeau régimentaire
This was one of the most interesting things we did on a fascinating day spent around Ortona. I really hope we get the chance to stay here one day! That's a superb photo of the chap's grandparents - even better than the one in the guidebook we had! Couple of my own photos.
Interview with Paul Triquet VC - Royal 22e Regiment Victoria Cross recipient Triquet recalls Ortona - CBC Archives
Owen, thanks for the link to the The Casa Beradi website, which has an excellent video on youtube titled 'Ortona 1943. A bloody Christmas.' Full movie is available at Sd Cinematografica I was there in Ortona last year at the suggestion of Tom, Owen and Paul. Amazing seaside town that saw fierce action 68 years ago. Cheers
December 14, 1943 Captain Paul Triquet earned a Victoria Cross at Casa Berardi during the Second World War On December 14, 1943, Captain Paul Triquet of the Royal 22e Régiment was taking part in an advance just south of Ortona, Italy. Triquet’s company encountered fierce resistance, taking heavy casualties, but pushed on. At one point, when the enemy was observed on all sides, he shouted “There are enemy in front of us, behind us and on our flanks, there is only one safe place—that is on the objective!” The men captured and held Casa Berardi until reinforcements could arrive. For his courageous leadership, Triquet received the Victoria Cross—the highest award for military valour that a Canadian could receive. Photo: Library and Archives Canada.