Stanley Dudka (1923-2008) was a decorated Canadian hero of World War II, and a Fishery officer who played a role in international fisheries monitoring.[1]
Stanley Dudka | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1923 |
| Died | 2008 (aged 84–85) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Fishery officer |
| Known for | Was personally decorated by King George VI |
World War II service
editDudka joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, a Nova Scotia regiment, at 16 years old.[2][3] He landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. He was wounded, and captured by German forces on June 7. While in captivity he witnessed the murder of other Canadian soldiers by General Kurt Meyer of the Waffen SS.[4] He later testified against Meyer.
Dudka made three escape attempts before he made his way back to the Allied zone, where he was able to rejoin his regiment.[2][3]
Dudka was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service at Buckingham Palace by King George VI.[2][3]
Civilian life
editDudka was a coal miner from 1946 through 1958, when he started a distinguished career as a fishery officer.[2][3]
Dudka and his wife had 12 children. Twenty-five of his descendants attended the commissioning of the CCGS S Dudka.[5]
The CCGS S Dudka
editIn March 2013 Fisheries and Oceans Canada launched a fishery patrol vessel named in Dudka's honour—the CCGS S Dudka.[2][3][5]
References
edit- ^ David Pugliese (2013-07-11). "New Coast Guard Vessel Arrives – Named After Second World War Hero". Ottawa Citizen. Archived from the original on 2013-08-10.
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"Minister Ashfield Announces the Acceptance of the CCGS S. Dudka". Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2013-03-22. Archived from the original on 2013-07-06. Retrieved 2013-08-10.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced the acceptance of the CCGS S. Dudka, a new Canadian Coast Guard specialty vessel which will be used primarily to support the conservation and protection of fisheries resources.
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John Brennan (2013-07-11). "S. Dudka joins the Coast Guard's fleet". Alberton, Prince Edward Island: The News (New Glasgow). Retrieved 2013-08-10.
Dudka landed at Juno Beach with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders as part of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France. He was injured several times yet continued to fight. The next day, he was captured by enemy forces. While in captivity, he witnessed the murder of Canadian prisoners by enemy soldiers under the command of SS General Kurt Meyer.
- ^
"Nova Scotia ex-POW Dudka dies". CBC News. 2008-03-07. Retrieved 2013-08-10.
Sgt. Dudka, born in New Glasgow, was captured after the D-Day invasion and was among those who helped convict SS Gen. Kurt Meyer in the execution of Canadian prisoners of war.
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Eric McCarthy (2013-07-11). "Ship's naming a special honour for Dudka family". Northport, Prince Edward Island: Journal Pioneer. Archived from the original on 2022-06-07. Retrieved 2013-08-10.
Kent MacRae, Summerside field office supervisor with Fisheries and Oceans, said the vessel surpasses its predecessor, the CCGS Cheverie in many ways. It has greater range, almost double the speed and can carry a larger complement of fisheries officers. Its communication suite allows for immediate access to information and it is better equipped for surveillance, he said, although he declined to discuss those capabilities.