Okill Massey Learmonth

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, and was awarded his medal posthumously for actions at the Battle of Hill 70.

Okill Massey Learmonth
Born20 February 1894
Quebec City, Canada
Died19 August 1917(1917-08-19) (aged 23)
Lens, France
Buried
Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery
Allegiance Canada
Service/branchCanadian Expeditionary Force
Years of service1914 - 1917
RankMajor
Unit2nd (Eastern Ontario) Battalion
Battles/warsFirst World War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Military Cross

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. "No. 30372". The London Gazette (Supplement). 6 November 1917. p. 11567.
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