The Grenada National Museum will receive the medals of the late Governor General Sir Leo Victor De Gale at 9am on Wednesday 23 July 2014 at the Museum premises on Young and Monckton Streets.
The family of the late Sir Leo De Gale will present to the Grenada National Museum and the people of Grenada, Sir Leo’s war medals (1939-1945 Star, the Italian Campaign Star, the France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Medal, the Defence of Britain Medal, and the Victory Medal); Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George medals, as well as the official instruments of appointment issued to him when he became Acting Governor, Governor and then Governor General. According to Frances Tabone, daughter of Sir Leo, “It seems appropriate that these things should be in Grenada.”
The Grenada National Museum is very honoured to receive this valuable and historical gift from the family of the late Sir Leo De Gale. We thank them for their generosity and extend a warm Spice Island welcome to the family as they gather in Grenada for a family reunion.
Sir Leo Victor De Gale (1921-1986) was Grenada’s first Governor General at the attainment of Independence in 1974. Sir Leo was the son of Marie and George V De Gale of St Andrew. He went to Canada in 1940 after graduating from the Grenada Boys Secondary School and qualified as a land surveyor and accountant. He served in World War II as a gunner with the 1st Canada Survey Regiment (Royal Canadian Artillery). He returned to Grenada in 1945, co-founding an accounting firm. He was very active in the public service, and served on the boards of many clubs and societies. On a number of occasions he served as the Acting Governor. After four years as Governor General, Sir Leo demitted office on 30 September 1978. Sir Leo emigrated to the UK in 1980, where he died on 23 March 1986.
