Mr. Big Man
While working in South Lebanon, Mr. Gallant helped many local people, earning him the nickname of Mr. Big Man.
Fred Gallant
First name
Fred
Last name
Gallant
Gender
M
City
Mont-Carmel
Province
Prince Edward Island
Biography
Born into an Acadian family in Mont-Carmel, Prince Edward Island, Mr. Gallant joined the Army and rose to the rank of Captain. He served two tours in Cyprus as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) during the 1970s and 1980s as Battery Captain. His methods helped many soldiers and his interventions most likely saved the lives of his own, and many Greeks and Turks. Years later, now a Major, he became a UN Military Observer as part of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), maintaining the peace between Israel, Lebanon and Syria. He worked in all three middle eastern countries and has some eye opening stories to tell.
People old ID
631
People Language
B
Tainted Views
Mr. Gallant tells us how his postings in the Middle East changed his preconceptions.
Liam
When the Gulf War broke out, families of Canadians posted in Israel as part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization had to be evacuated, but a nine month pregnant mother just could not. This is how the baby’s adventure begins...
Palestinians
Mr. Gallant tells us about the hardships of Palestinians in Israel as he witnessed them.
Taking Gifts Across the Israeli Border
Mr. Gallant witnesses the implications of bringing gifts across the border and the intense search actioned by the Israeli guards.
Arranged Marriages
When weddings were arranged between people of the same religion living on either side of the heavily guarded Syria-Israeli border, it was part of Mr. Gallant’s duties to escort them.
Body Bomb
Mr. Gallant tells us about one of the most difficult things he witnessed while in Lebanon.
Border Checks
When your mandate is to report Israeli intrusions in South Lebanon, you’re not always welcome at the Israeli border.
Status of Women
Mr. Gallant speaks about the children and the status of women in some parts of the Middle East that he found hard to accept.
Town Meeting
While serving as a UN Military Observer in the Middle East, the Gulf War began and Mr. Gallant was asked to attend a town meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon, in order to reassure the people.