Local veteran awarded for tireless advocacy for cadets involved involved in 1974 Valcartier explosion

Sophie Demers 

Charles Gutta, Sergeant-Major of ‘D’ Company, was on site when the Valcartier explosion happened on July 30, 1974. There were 138 cadets gathered for a lecture on explosive safety at the Army Cadet Summer Training Centre - Valcartier. Devastatingly, 30 minutes into the lecture a grenade exploded killing six and injuring over 100 cadets. 

The Cadet summer training gathered many for various units across Quebec. They were to attend the camp, upgrade their skill and gain training before returning home to leadership roles in their units. 

Today, 50 years have passed since the tragedy took place but Gutta members the tragedy well. “One of the platoon commanders took my place that day. I wasn’t in the room, I was in the office,” said Gutta, who heard the explosion and ran to help. “I’m lucky to be alive and I thank God everyday.” 

In addition to helping on the scene, Gutta led the fight years later in advocating for support and compensation for those hurt in the accident. Gutta had the initiative to research and contact all the cadets present that day and was able to reach most of them. Gutta fought to get the incident publicly recognized. His tireless advocacy and commitment to supporting those who served the country was a success as the Canadian Armed Forces went on to create the Valcartier Grenade Explosion Program. The program was established to compensate the victims and to provide them with ongoing medical support for the injuries they suffered. 

Gutta’s advocacy set a precedent for the Armed Forces to support those who give their life for their country during and after their service. He has received a Meritorious Service Decoration (M.S.M) for his commitment to victims and his service. A ceremony will take place at a later date. 

Now 85 years of age, Charles Gutta lives in Aylmer with his wife. They have been married for 65 years. Gutta entered the Armed Forces at the age of 17 and served 30 years before moving to the RCMP where he stayed for 10 years. Now retired, he has lived in Aylmer for over two decades. 

Fifty years later, Gutta and many others remember and honour the friends, family and loved one that were lost or injured in this tragedy.