Robert Shankland
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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.
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[edit] Victoria Cross
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] Later life
He reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.
According to the May/June 2005 issue of the Legion Magazine, "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."
[edit] Valour Road
Frederick William Hall, Leo Clarke, and Robert Shankland all lived on Pine Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is believed to be the only street in the world to have three Victoria Cross winners who lived there. The city later renamed it Valour Road in their honour. A bronze plaque is mounted on a street lamp at the corner of Portage Ave and Valour Road to tell this story.
[edit] The medal
The medal is currently not on public display.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- VCs of the First World War - Passchendaele 1917 (Stephen Snelling, 1998)
- Sidney Allinson, Gordon Enright, Ian Clapham
