Okill Massey Learmonth
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Okill Massey Learmonth, VC, MC (20 February 1894 – 19 August 1917) 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 Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 23 years old, and an Acting Major in the 2nd (Eastern Ontario) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 18 August 1917 east of Loos, France, during a determined counter-attack on our new positions, Major Learmonth, when his company was momentarily surprised, instantly charged and personally disposed of the attackers. Later, although under intense barrage fire and mortally wounded, he stood on the parapet of the trench, bombing the enemy and on several occasions he actually caught bombs thrown at him and threw them back. When unable to carry on the fight, he still refused to be evacuated and continued giving instructions and invaluable advice, finally handing over all his duties before he was moved to hospital where he died.
[edit] Further information
Grave/memorial at Nœux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France, 2 miles northwest of Lens. Plot 11. Row K. Grave 9. Headstone.
[edit] The medal
Major Learmonth's VC is apparently held by the Governor General's Foot Guards' museum on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Ottawa, Ontario.
[edit] External links
- Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
- OKILL MASSEY LEARMONTH (service/personal details, photograph, citation, relevant documents, burial information)
- Find-A-Grave profile for Okill Massey Learmonth
- Legion Magazine article on Okill Learmonth
