Robert Shankland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert Shankland, VC , DCM (October 10, 1887 - January 20, 1968) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

1 Details
2 Further information
3 The medal
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Details

He was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 43rd (Cameron Highlanders of Canada) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On October 26, 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium, having gained a position, Lieutenant Shankland rallied the remnants of his own platoon and men of other companies, disposed them to command the ground in front and inflicted heavy casualties on the retreating enemy. Later he dispersed a counter-attack and then personally communicated to headquarters an accurate and valuable report as to the position on the brigade frontage. He then rejoined his command and carried on until relieved. His courage and splendid example inspired all ranks.

[edit] Further information

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The May/June 2005 issue of the Legion Magazine mentioned that "in 1946, Shankland took his discharge and became secretary of a leading securities firm in Vancouver. He died 20 January 1968, at Shaughnessy, Vancouver, and his body was cremated and his ashes scattered in the grounds of [Vancouver's] Mountain View Cemetery."

(From: The Times Colonist, Victoria, BC, Canada, 29 October 1998) Valour Road. ARMY SEEKS FAMILIES OF VICTORIA CROSS RECIPIENTS Winnipeg, Manitoba - (Canadian) Army reservists are trying to find the families of three Victoria Cross recipients from a street (in Winnipeg) known as Valour Road. The Winnipeg men all received the highest decoration for courage, in the First World War. A city street was renamed Valour Road when it was discovered that the war heroes all grew up there. Company Sgt. Maj. Frederick William Hall was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions at Ypres, April 24, 1915. Acting Corp. Leonard Clarke was posthumously awarded the VC for his valour at Pozieres Ridge on 16 September 1916. Lieut. Robert Shankland was awarded the VC for his actions at Belvue Spu, Passchendaele, October 26, 1916. He went on to also serve in the Second World War, retiring with the rank of Lt. Col., and died in 1968. Winnipeg's 38 Brigade Group wants to know if the men still have living relatives. The reservists hope to have family members take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Frederick William Hall, Leo Clarke, and Robert Shankland all lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They all happened to live on the same street, Pine Street and it is believed to be the only street in the world to have three Victoria Cross winners that lived there. The city of Winnipeg later renamed it Valour Road in honour of the men. A bronze plaque is mounted on a street lamp at the corner of Portage Ave and Valour Road to tell this story.