Stanley Dudka (1923–2008) – Life and Legacy Dossier - MMCM Comprehensive Collection Record.

1. Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Stanley Dudka

• Date of Birth: January 16, 1923

• Place of Birth: New Glasgow, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Parents: Andrew and Margaret (Kowalski) Dudka

• Siblings: Andrew “Dukie”, Helen, Annie, Bill

• Date of Death: March 5, 2008 (aged 85)

• Place of Death: Halifax, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Burial: Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Stellarton, Nova Scotia

• Nationality: Canadian

Stanley Dudka was the eldest son in his family and showed early traits of courage, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. Raised in the small communities of Stellarton and New Glasgow, Dudka was physically imposing from a young age, ultimately growing to 6’5” and 235 lbs, a stature that would serve him well in the military. He developed a curiosity for adventure, and at 16, inspired by the outbreak of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army.

2. Military Career – North Nova Scotia Highlanders

• Enlistment: 1939, age 16

• Regiment: North Nova Scotia Highlanders

• Rank: Sergeant (later during WWII)

• Key Engagements:

  • D-Day (Juno Beach), June 6, 1944

  • Combat against the 12th SS Panzer Division in Normandy

2.1 Normandy Campaign

On June 6, 1944, Dudka landed on Juno Beach as part of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. This operation was part of Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

According to Tony Foster’s Meeting of Generals:

• Dudka, described as a “six foot five inch, 235-pound Sergeant,” took command near the frontlines.

• He observed “terrible congestion on the beach” and heavy ongoing fighting, recognizing the urgency to move forward.

• At 1820 hours, the North Novies, along with the 27th Armoured Regiment, advanced inland.

• Dudka rode one of the tanks to lead his men through the initial stages of the campaign.

• Resistance was minimal until reaching Buron, where mortaring intensified and casualties began to occur among troops riding tanks.

• A German tank came within 30 feet of Dudka’s position, firing directly on him.

2.2 Capture and Escape

On June 7, 1944, Dudka was wounded and captured by German forces. While imprisoned, he:

• Witnessed the murder of Canadian soldiers by the Waffen-SS.

• Experienced severe deprivation: prisoners were given no food or water, and there were no toilet facilities.

• Saw his fellow soldiers in four separate lockup groups under strict guard.

• Made three escape attempts, finally successfully returning to his regiment.

After the war, Dudka’s eyewitness testimony contributed to the Nuremberg Trials, specifically against General Kurt Meyer, who was tried for the murder of 24 Canadian prisoners of war.

3. Awards and Medals

Stanley Dudka was recognized multiple times for his courage, valor, and service, both during wartime and post-war civic service:

1. Military Medal (MM) – Awarded by King George VI for acts of gallantry in combat.

2. 1939–1945 Star – Recognizing operational service during WWII.

3. France and Germany Star – For service in campaigns in France and Germany.

4. Defence Medal – For service in home defense or overseas operations.

5. Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) – Awarded to those who volunteered for full-time military service.

6. War Medal 1939–1945 – For full-time military service during the war.

7. Dutch Recognition Medal – Awarded by the Netherlands government on September 16, 2002, at the Stellerton Legion, for his contributions to the liberation of Europe.

8. Centennial Medal for Meritorious Service (1967) – Recognized distinguished service to Canada.

9. Public Service Merit Award (1974) – Civil service recognition for his work as a Fisheries Officer.

Photographic Evidence: Stanley Dudka is pictured receiving the Military Medal at Buckingham Palace on March 20, 1945, alongside Private John Leslie Kelly, L/Corporal Ernest Alexander Mabee, and Corporal Angus Donald MacLeod.

4. Post-War Career and Contributions

After returning to Pictou County, Dudka worked as a coal miner in Stellarton from 1946 to 1958 and volunteered as a draegerman, demonstrating ongoing commitment to public service.

In 1958, he joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) as a Fisheries Officer. His duties included:

• Reducing illegal fishing of salmon and lobster

• Coordinating enforcement for the Gulf of St. Lawrence seal hunt

• Leading the DFO Special Force, enforcing regulations in troubled maritime areas

He was recognized for his contributions:

• Centennial Medal for Meritorious Service (1967)

• Public Service Merit Award (1974)

Dudka retired from DFO in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of law enforcement, conservation, and dedication to Canada’s fisheries.

5. Legacy: CCGS S. Dudka

In 2013, the Canadian Coast Guard commissioned the CCGS S. Dudka, a 14-meter specialty vessel named in his honor.

• Purpose: Support conservation and protection of fisheries resources

• Home Port: Alberton, Prince Edward Island

• Vessel Type: Specialty Vessel, inshore fishery enforcement

• Builder: ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

• Contract Value: $2.9 million

• Propulsion: 2 × Volvo Penta D13-700 diesel engines

• Speed: Max 32 knots, cruising 21 knots

• Crew: 3 (2 officers, 1 crew)

• Cruising Range: 300 nautical miles

• Class of Voyage: Near coastal

Official Statements:

• Minister Keith Ashfield highlighted that the vessel serves as a reminder of Dudka’s service and sacrifice.

• Minister Peter MacKay emphasized that naming vessels after Canadian heroes continues Atlantic Canadian shipbuilding excellence.

6. Personal Life and Family

• Spouse: Alice Cecilia Ryan (married 1941; celebrated 60th anniversary in 2001)

• Children: Marilyn, Melody, Barbara, Judith, Thomas, Helen, Alicia, Bernard, Katherine, Sonya, Stephen, Christopher

• Grandchildren: 25

• Great-grandchildren: 12

• Personality: Quiet about war, brought home war memorabilia

• Faith: Devout Catholic

• Hobbies: Gardening at his Lawrencetown home and at Pope John XXIII Church grounds

• Family Quote: Loved joking and interacting with his grandchildren, affectionately nicknamed “Monkey Face”

7. Death and Memorial

Stanley Dudka passed away peacefully on March 5, 2008, in Halifax, surrounded by family. His legacy is commemorated through:

• Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Cemetery, Stellarton

• Dedication of CCGS S. Dudka

• Recognition in historical texts and archival photographs

8. Historical Context

8.1 12th SS Panzer Division

The 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” was a German armored division composed largely of Hitler Youth and experienced soldiers. They were heavily involved in the Normandy campaign, inflicting severe casualties on Allied forces. Dudka and the North Nova Scotia Highlanders engaged this division directly during the push inland from Juno Beach.

8.2 North Nova Scotia Highlanders

• Formed in 1936, part of the Canadian Infantry

• Fought in major WWII campaigns, including Normandy and Northwest Europe

• Known for discipline, resilience, and courage under fire

8.3 D-Day & Normandy

• Juno Beach: One of five landing zones in Operation Overlord

• Allies faced German coastal defenses, beach obstacles, and heavy artillery

• Dudka’s leadership and courage under fire contributed to Canadian operational success

9. Photographic Evidence

• Military Medal Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, March 20, 1945: Dudka pictured with fellow Canadian soldiers

• CCGS S. Dudka Vessel Images: Represents Dudka’s legacy in fisheries enforcement

10. Summary

Stanley Dudka’s life reflects:

• Exceptional courage and valor in WWII

• Survival and resilience through multiple captures by the enemy
  
  

• Contributions to Canadian justice through Nuremberg testimony

• Distinguished post-war career in public service and fisheries enforcement

• Lasting legacy commemorated by the Canadian Coast Guard vessel CCGS S. Dudka

• Strong family devotion, community engagement, and personal integrity

If you want, I can turn this into a fully formatted, illustrated PDF dossier including:

• Medals and descriptions

• Historical maps of Juno Beach and Normandy

• Photographs of Dudka, the Coast Guard vessel, and medal ceremonies