2012 - CGG FAMILY REGIMENT - CGG Sergeants Ingo, and Karl Dusan Medvescek (1957-2012) who was a CGG Cadet Instructor, who both were present (two of five CGG cadets involved) during the infamous Valcartier Cadet Grenade explosion in 30 July, 1974. Former Sergeant Karl Medvescek passed away during CGG's Regimental Reunion in 2012. In 2017, Sgt Ingo Medvescek (retired), was involved in the successful negotiations on behalf of the survivors.

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2012 - CGG FAMILY REGIMENT - CGG Sergeants Ingo, and Karl Dusan Medvescek (1957-2012) who was a CGG Cadet Instructor, who both were present (two of five CGG cadets involved) during the infamous Valcartier Cadet Grenade explosion in 30 July, 1974. Former Sergeant Karl Medvescek passed away during CGG's Regimental Reunion in 2012. In 2017, Sgt Ingo Medvescek (retired), was involved in the successful negotiations on behalf of the survivors. ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER(S) MEDVESCEK, Karl Dusan 1957 - 2012 It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Karl Dusan Medvescek (Retired Sergeant, Canadian Grenadier Guards) on September 29th, 2012. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Liisa, mother Maria (late father Dusan), brother Ingo (Mary), sisters Sonia (Derek), Petra (Gino), and nephews James, Alexander, Nicholas, and Devon. The family will receive condolences at Yves Légaré, Pierrefonds. ABOUT THE 1974 VALCARTIER GRENADE EXPLOSION ON 30 JULY 1974 (CBC NEWS ARTICLE) During a munitions demonstration at the cadet camp, a live grenade was accidentally mixed in with the dummies. Moments after the pin was pulled, the grenade exploded in the crowded barracks. Explosion killed 6 teenagers, left dozens with physical, psychological scars. Those who were there are still trying to heal from the psychological trauma of the event. Many of them gathered for a commemorative ceremony at the base on the 45th anniversary of the tragedy. "I don't see any closure for me personally," said Ingo Medvescek, who was standing about three feet from the grenade when it went off. CGG Sgt. Ingo Medvescek (Younger Brother) said many survivors have sought physical and emotional support in the four decades since the incident, but others are still not able to set foot on the base — their psychological wounds are far from healed. "No amount of money is going to change anything," Medvescek said. "You can't compensate enough for that." Medvescek's older brother Karl was an instructor at the camp and was also there during the explosion. For 38 years — from the accident until his brother's death in 2012 — the men never spoke about it.

Created By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Create Date

July 17, 2026

Updated By