Gustave G. Vaukaire (b. 1871)
Gustave Vaukaire was born in France. He was a bookkeeper in Dawson when he enlisted for service in the First World War.1) He was the first soldier after Mr. Hart to return to the Yukon on March 11, 1918. He applied for a job as a janitor in the government building on June 29 saying he worried that he might be the last returned soldier to get a job, that his “pecuniary” position was critical, and that he was worried about winter coming.2)
“L” Unit was organized in Dawson by returned soldier W.G. Radford to administer the benefits for returned soldiers. Radford acted as Assistant Director, District Vocational Officer and Unit Service Officer. Gustave Vaukaire who had served with the 102nd Battalion, was appointed general office assistant. Dr. W.W. Chipman who had served with the C.A.M.C was appointed Unit Medical Director by Ottawa ad also acted as Medical Representative for Dawson and vicinity. He maintained his own office and paid his own expenses. These three returned soldiers formed the staff of the unit. Dr. W. B. Clark was appointed Medical Representative at Whitehorse.3) In October 1919, the Canadian Yukon Patriotic Fund loaned Vaukaire $225 to purchase a cabin.4) In 1920, the Department of Soldiers’ Civil Re-Establishment helped Vaukaire obtain transportation to France.5)