J’ai fini. Prenez en charge nos hommes, parce que je sais que je ne serai pas ici longtemps.
Lieutenant Jean Brillant VC MC born in Assametquaghan, Quebec. Graduated from St. Joseph University in New Brunswick. In 1915, enlisted for overseas service with the 189th Battalion, which supplied the 22nd (Van Doos) Battalion with troops. Like his comrade Captain Talbot Mercer Papineau, Lieutenant John Brillant another rare, excellent candidate for Prime Minister of Canada (had they both survived).
Early Life
Jean (John) Baptiste Arthur Brillant born 15 March 1890 (Assametquaghan, Bonaventure County, Quebec). Next of Kin: Father, Joseph Brillant of Rimouski, Quebec. Mother, Mrs. Rose de Lima Raiche Brillant, also of Rimouski, Quebec (she received the Cross of Sacrifice). Executor, J.A. Brillant (his brother) of Amqui, Quebec.
1901 Census
At age 11, John living with his family in St. Octave-de-Métis, Quebec. His father, Joseph Brillant (38), fluently bilingual, and a shoemaker earning $500 annually. His mother Rose de Lima R. Brillant, aged 32. At this time, the Brillant’s have five children: Horace (14), Jules-André (12), twins Jean and Edmond (11), and Arthur (seven). Jules-André Brillant, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist (born 30 July 1888 in Assemetquahan, QC; died 11 May 1973 in Mont-Joli, QC). Finally, J-A Brillant was the founder of Compagnie de Pouvoir du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec-Téléphone (today TELUS Québec, a subsidiary of TELUS) and the stations CJBR and CJBR-TV. In addition, Honorary Colonel, Fusiliers du Saint-Laurent (1951).
1911 Census
The Brillant family living in Bic, Rimouski, Quebec. Horace’s name does not appear in the census records for 1911, but the other four boys live at home with their parents. Joseph has a $1,000 dollar life insurance policy.
Enlistment
Service documents indicate Brillant’s first name as John. Brillant signed his attestation paper as John Brillant on 20 September 1916 at Valcartier, Quebec. A Telegraph Operator (making him ideal for the Signals course). At this time, John stood 5 feet, 10 inches, weight 165 pounds. A Roman Catholic. Home address of Bic County, Rimouski, Quebec. Enlisted with the 189th Battalion. Prior Military Service: Thirteen years with the 89th Regiment of the Militia.
189th Battalion
Organized in January 1916 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Philippe Auguste Piuze. Mobilized at Fraserville. Recruited in eastern Quebec. Then, embarked from Halifax 27 September 1916 aboard LAPLAND. Disembarked England 6 October 1916. Strength: 595 other ranks. Draft of 560 transferred to 69th Battalion on 6 October 1916. In addition, perpetuated by Les Fusiliers du St-Laurent.
England
John’s unit sails on 27 September 1916, as per SS LAPLAND. Then, Lieutenant Jean Brillant disembarked Liverpool on 6 October 1916 and arrived with the 69th Reserve Battalion, Dibgate Camp, 6 October 1916.
69th Battalion
Organized in July 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Adolph Dansereau. Mobilized at Montreal. Recruited in Quebec Province. Then, embarked from Saint John on 17 April 1916 aboard SS SCANDINAVIAN.
Finally, disembarked England 27 April 1916 with strength: 34 officers, 1023 other ranks. Then, drafts totaling 720 to 22nd Battalion and 409 to 23rd Battalion between June and November 1916. In addition, personnel of 41st Battalion taken on strength from 23rd Battalion on 13 July 1916, and absorbed by 10th Canadian Reserve Battalion 4 January 1917. Colours made by ladies of Montreal but not ready when battalion left for England, and later deposited in St James’ Cathedral, Montreal. Band in Canada. In addition, perpetuated by Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.
Lieutenant John Brillant transferred to 22nd Battalion, 26 October 1916, and proceeded to his unit, arriving 29 October 1916.
22nd Battalion
Organized in October 1914 under the command of Colonel Frederick Mondelet Gaudet. Mobilized at St-Jean, Québec. Recruited throughout the province of Québec. Then, embarked from Halifax 20 May 1915 aboard SS SAXONIA.
Finally, disembarked England on 29 May 1915 with strength: 36 officers, 1097 other ranks. Later, disembarked in France 15 September 1915 with the 2nd Canadian Division, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade.
Reinforced by 10th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Returned to England 8 April 1919. Disembarked in Canada 16 May 1919. Demobilized 18 May 1919. In addition, Colours deposited in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montreal in 1919 and handed over to Royal 22e Régiment in 1921. Brass band: “Sambre et Meuse”. Perpetuated by Royal 22e Régiment.
Lewis Gun Course
Lieutenant Jean Brillant sent to Divisional School for Lewis Gun Course, 10 December 1916.
Lt. Brillant On Course at 1st Army Signal course, in the field, 18 February 1917. Lieutenant Jean Brillant returned to his unit on 20 March 1917.
Lieutenant Jean Brillant admitted to No. 1 CCS, 15 July 1917, with Orchitis (treated for VDG at No.51 General Hospital, Etaples, 16 July 1917). A rather nasty case, it is quite sometime before John is able to return to duty. Arrived at Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp, 9 October 1917. At last, despatched to 22nd Battalion, 3 December 1917.
Wounded
On the night of 28-29 May 1918, the Battalion relieved in front line by the 29th Battalion.
Reported from GHQ Wounded at Duty, 28 May 1918. Lieutenant Jean Brillant remained at duty, and did not seek medical treatment.
On completion of relieve, battalion moved to Wailly Huts, near Wailly (R.22.d).
Leave
John granted 7 Days Leave to Paris, 6 July 1918. He may have had the opportunity to view the Canadian Photographic Exhibition, held the previous month.
Military Cross
On the night of 27-28 May 1918, Lieutenant Jean Brillant received the Military Cross while leading a successful attack on an outpost in the sector of Boiry-Becquerelle.
For outstanding valour during a raid against the enemy, prior to August 1918, Lieutenant Brillant awarded the Military Cross (MC). Leading a raiding party against enemy positions some 500 yards in front of the Canadian line and seeing some of the enemy running away, he pursued them, and though wounded himself, personally accounted for several enemy. By previous reconnaissances under difficult and highly dangerous conditions, he largely contributed to the success of the raid.
Citation
Lt. John Brillant, Infy. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in volunteering for and leading a raiding party against enemy positions some 500 yards in front of a line. Seeing some of the enemy running away, he pursued them, and, although wounded himself, personally accounted for several, and driving one into our barrage, thereby obtained valuable information. By previous reconnaissances under difficult and highly dangerous conditions, he largely contributed to the success of the raid.
London Gazette – September 13, 1918, Supplement 30901, Page 11039
Caporal Joseph Kaeble
On the night of June 8-9, 1918, Corporal Joseph Kaeble found himself in charge of a Lewis gun at Neuville-Vitasse, France. Following an intense bombardment, some 50 enemy soldiers moved on his position. By that time all of his section except one had become casualties, Kaeble jumped over the parapet, holding the Lewis gun at his hip and kept firing, even though he was wounded by shells and bombs. He stopped the enemy before falling backwards into the trench, mortally wounded. Kaeble received the VC posthumously.
Battle of Amiens
Lieutenant Jean Brillant would die with equal valour two months later during the Battle of Amiens. During two days of vicious fighting, Brillant led a company on an advance of 12 miles. Twice he rushed machine-gun nests receiving wounds himself and killing enemy soldiers. Finally, while held up by a field gun, he organized and led a rushing party towards the gun. He got roughly 600 yards when seriously wounded for the third time, collapsing from exhaustion and blood loss. He, too, awarded the VC posthumously.
Victoria Cross
John awarded the Victoria Cross on September 27, 1918, for his actions near Méharicourt on August 8–9, the second day of the Battle of Amiens, when he rushed a German machine gun that was holding up his company’s advance. Though wounded, he remained in command of his company, later leading two platoons in a successful attack that saw the capture of 15 machine guns and 150 German soldiers. Brillant received a second wound in this attack, but managed to advance another 200 metres before collapsing. He died the next day, on August 10, 1918, and is buried at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, in France.
Lt John Brillant awarded the Victoria Cross on September 27, 1918. A copy of an article details Brillant’s actions in battle, and includes a photograph of his brother, Colonel Jules Brillant, paying tribute at the monument in Jean Brillant Park, Montreal, 1971.
Action
On 8 August 1918 at the beginning of the Allied attack that 100 days later resulted in the surrender of the German army, the left flank of Lieutenant Jean Brillant’s company of Canadians, held up by a German machine gun at Meharicourt near Amiens. Brillant dashed forward and captured it, killing two of the enemy gunners. Though wounded in the process, he refused to leave the field and have his wounds attended to.
Later in the day his company again halted by vicious enemy machine gun fire. Organizing two platoons, he led a rush on the enemy machine gun post during which 150 men and 15 machine guns captured. Accounting for 15 of the enemy himself, Brillant wounded a second time but insisted on staying at his post. He subsequently attacked a field gun firing at his men at point blank range.
After racing forward for 600 yards, John wounded for a third time and collapsed from loss of blood. Before losing consciousness he said to a junior in French; “I am through. Take charge of the company because I know I won’t be here long.”
He died two days later, on August 10th and was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery and leadership under fire. He is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux Cemetery at Fouilloy in France.
Citation
Victoria Cross, The London Gazette – September 24, 1918, Supplement 30922, Page 11429.
Lt. John Brillant, M.C., late Quebec R. – For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty when in charge of a company which he led in attack during two days with absolute fearlessness and extraordinary ability and initiative, the extent of the advance being twelve miles.
On the first day of operations shortly after the attack had begun, his company left flank was held up by an enemy machine-gun. Lt. Brillant rushed and captured the machine-gun, personally killing two of the enemy crew. Whilst doing this, he was wounded, but refused to leave his command.
Later on the same day, his company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire. He reconnoitred the ground personally, organised a party of two platoons and rushed straight for the machine-gun nest. Here 150 enemy and fifteen machine-guns were captured, Lt. Brillant personally killing five of the enemy, and being wounded a second time. He had this wound dressed immediately, and again refused to leave his Company.
Subsequently this gallant officer detected a field gun firing on his men over open sights. He immediately organised and led a “rushing” party towards the gun. After progressing about 600 yards, he was again seriously wounded. In spite of this third wound, he continued to advance for some 200 yards more, when he fell unconscious from exhaustion and loss of blood. Lt. Brillant’s wonderful example throughout the day inspired his men with an enthusiasm and dash which largely contributed towards the success of the operations.
Legacy
In Montreal, Avenue Jean Brillant named in his memory and a statue erected in his honour at Parc Jean Brillant. The Jean Brillant Branch of the Canadian Legion, Rimouski, Quebec is also named after him. Then, on 8 July 2020, the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) announced the acquisition of the Edifice Jean-Brillant, located at 3055 rue Delisle, a 124-unit affordable housing property in the Saint-Henri sector of the Sud-Ouest Borough. The non-profit organization Maison Biéler Inc. is transferring to the SHDM the emphyteutic lease it has held since the building was constructed in 1982 and which will expire in 2034. In addition, Pavillon Jean-Brillant, B-2215 located at Université de Montréal.
John Brillant’s regiment lost 1,147 men during or just after the Great War. In addition, 2,893 men wounded. Finally, the regiment would adopt the motto “Je Me Souviens” which means “I Remember” (The Fallen Ones).
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