Robert Moncel

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Robert William Moncel, O.C., D.S.O., O.B.E., C.D., LL.D. (born 1917) is a retired Lieutenant-General of the Canadian Army and former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, he was educated at Selwyn House School, Bishop's College and McGill University. During World War II, he was Commanding Officer 18th Armoured Car Regiment (12th Manitoba Dragoons), General Staff Officer 1 II Canadian Corps, and Commanding Officer 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade. He was promoted captain in 1941, major in 1942, lieutenant-colonel in 1943 and brigadier in 1944. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the French Croix de guerre with Palme and Chevalier of the of the French Légion of Honour.

After the war, in 1946, he became the Director of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. From 1947 to 1949, he was the Director of Military Training, Army Headquarters in Ottawa. From 1949 to 1950, he attended the National War College in Washington, DC. From 1951 to 1953, he was the Senior Canadian Army Liaison Officer in England. From 1954 to 1956, he was the Deputy Chief of General Staff. From 1957 to 1958, he was the Senior Canadian Military Officer, International Truce Commission in Indochina. From 1958 to 1959, he was the Commander, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade at Camp Gagetown. From 1959 to 1962, he was the Quartermaster general. From 1962 to 1964, he was the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command. From 1965 to 1966, he was the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. He retired in 1966 prior to unification of the armed services, which resulted in the formation of the Canadian Forces. In 1967, he was the co-ordinator for Visits of Heads of State.

In 1967, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.