SAC 1926-1931
Born at Rossland,
British Columbia on July 16, 1913,
Brigadier Arthur Gerald Chubb was educated at St. Andrew’s College from 1926
to 1931 and later
the Royal Military College at Kingston.
Commissioned in the Lord Strathcona’s Horse in 1936 he went overseas with this regiment in November 1941. During the Second World War he held several regimental and staff appointments, including Brigade Major of the 4th Armoured Brigade and, at the conclusion of hostilities, was in command of the 28th Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Regiment). He also attended the Army Staff College at Camberley.
Following the war, Brigadier Chubb served as Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army Occupation Force, until his return to Canada in December 1945. After a tour of duty as General Staff Officer, Grade One, at the Canadian Army Staff College, Kingston, he was appointed Commanding Officer of Lord Strathcona’s Horse from June 194 to May 1951.
Promoted to Colonel in May 1951, he was appointed Director, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. In 1955 he became Military Attaché to Turkey, but relinquished his post to attend the National Defence College. In August 1958 Brigadier Chubb was appointed Chief of Staff at Central Command HQ in Oakville, Ontario. His final promotion, to Brigadier, came in August 1962 along with a move to London, England as General Officer Commanding, Canadian Army Liaison Establishment. Four years later he became Senior Military Advisor of the Canadian Delegation to the International Truce Commission in Vietnam from September 1966 to September 1967. He self published his memoirs of this experience eloquently titled Chubb’s Folly — There be Dragons Here. (Saigon: Unknown, 1967). Additional references to his year in Vietnam can be found in THE ROAD TO HELL: CANADA IN VIETNAM, 1954-1973 by Major Shane B. Schreiber.
He retired the following year and died in Kingston July 2, 1992.
"St Andrew's College and the Cadet Corps influenced my choice of career, especially (Master) Ernie Fleming, bless his heart, who coached me in geometry as I needed it to get into the Royal Military College. God knows why, but he came to my house twice a week and was paid three dollars per session and earned every penny of it as geometry was beyond my comprehension!"
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Distinguished Service Order |
| "Lieutenant Colonel
Chubb held the appointment of Brigade Major 4 Canadian Armoured Brigade
throughout the whole campaign through France and Belgium to the Leopold
Canal. In the bloody holocaust culminating in the closing of the Falaise
Gap he was a tower of strength in a fresh formation undergoing introduction
into battle. Due in part to his skill and foresight the brigade emerged
a mature fighting machine which harassed the enemy all across Europe. In
the latter part of September 1944 Lieutenant Colonel Chubb was appointed
second in command of 28 Canadian Armoured Regiment, reorganizing the administration
of the unit and inspiring confidence in all with whom he came in contact.
On 25 October 1944 he assumed command and fought the regiment through every
engagement from that day to the cessation of hostilities.
During the winter months in the operations across the Maas River Lieutenant Colonel Chubb perfected the technique of indirect shooting within the unit. His skilful application of fire inflicted extremely high casualties among the enemy north of the Maas. At gun positions both day and night, inspiring and encouraging all under his command, his spirited leadership was evidenced in the high morale displayed by all ranks. During the entire campaign in the Rhineland, Lieutenant Colonel Chubb commanded "Jerry Force", consisting of two squadrons of 28 Canadian Armoured Regiment and two companies of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment transported in armoured troop carriers. Making personal reconnaissances on foot up to and beyond the most forward defended positions, he determined in detail the exact course the tanks would have to run. Through his tactical skill in handling the force, every objective was captured. At Todtenhudel and Veen staggering losses were inflicted on the enemy, both in personnel and equipment. In the trying engagements north of the Kusten Canal the inspired leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Chubb ensured the final success of the operation. On 23 April 1945 at Edewecht on the Friesoythe-Bad Zwischenahn road particularly heavy enemy opposition was encountered. The leading elements were the tanks from "B" Squadron 28 Canadian Armoured Regiment with under command "B" Company, Algonquin Regiment. Ground conditions made it impossible to employ the tanks from the road and the two lead tanks were knocked out, one by a mine, the other from close range anti-tank fire. In the face of heavy shelling and small arms fire, Lieutenant-Colonel Chubb moved forward up the road in his scout car and, despite close range sniping from surrounding houses, jumped down from his scout car and personally directed the removal of the knocked out tanks from the road, thus clearing the centre line and permitting the other tanks to move forward. Throughout the activities in this theatre he has always displayed qualities of gallantry and leadership in the highest traditions of the service. His coolness under fire, disregard at all times for his personal safety and will to succeed against terrific odds have inspired all under his command over any obstacle threatening to defeat them." |
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Canadian Forces Decoration |
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Mention in Despatches |
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Awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 6 October 1945 and CARO/of that date. |
