Okill Massey Learmonth

Okill Massey Learmonth
Born 20 February 1894
Quebec City, Canada
Died 19 August 1917(1917-08-19) (aged 23)
Loos, Nord France
Buried at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery
Allegiance  Canada
Service/branch Canadian Expeditionary Force
Years of service 1914 - 1917
Rank Major
Unit 2nd (Eastern Ontario) Battalion
Battles/wars First World War †
Awards Victoria Cross
Military Cross

Okill Massey Learmonth, VC, MC (20 February 1894 – 19 August 1917), was a Canadian soldier. Learmonth was a 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. Learmonth served in the Canadian army during World War I.

Details

Learmonth 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.[1]

Further information

Born in Quebec City, Canada, he was elected a member of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in March 1914. He is buried at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France, 2 miles northwest of Lens (plot 11, row K, grave 9). Learmonth Street in Quebec City, Canada is named after him. Major Learmonth's VC is apparently held by the Governor General's Foot Guards' museum on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Ottawa, Ontario.

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30372. p. 11567. 6 November 1917. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
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