Graham Thomson Lyall VC (8 March 1892 – 28 November 1941) 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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Lyall was 26 years old, and a lieutenant in the 102nd (North British Columbians) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War at the battle of the Canal du Nord when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 27 September 1918 north of Cambrai, France, Lieutenant Lyall led his platoon in the capture of a strong-point, together with 13 prisoners, one field-gun and four machine-guns. Later, leading his men against another strong-point he rushed forward alone and captured the position single-handed, taking 45 prisoners and five machine-guns. The completion of his final objective resulted in the capture of 41 prisoners. On 1 October in the neighbourhood of Blecourt, he captured a strongly defended position which yielded 60 prisoners and 17 machine-guns. During both these operations, on attaining his objectives, Lieutenant Lyall tended the wounded under fire.
Lyall later returned to the UK and joined the British Army, achieving the rank of Colonel during World War II. He died of a heart attack at Mersa Matruh, Egypt, on 28 November 1941.and is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. 10m E. of Libyan border. Plot XIX. Row B. Grave 2.[1]
Lyall's Victoria Cross, together with his medal set and citation is on display at The REME Museum of Technology in Arborfield, Berkshire, England.[2]