World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ashington, Northumberland, England, he served as a Sergeant in the 46th South Saskatchewan Battalion, Canadian Exteditionary Force. On November 1, 1918, in the town of Valenciennes, France, when a machine gun opened on Sergeant Cairns' platoon, he rushed the post, killed the crew of five and captured the gun. Later, when the line was held up by more machine gun fire, he again rushed forward, killing 12 enemy and capturing 18 prisoners and two guns. when the advance was again held up by machine guns and field guns, although wounded, he led a small party to outflank them, killing many, forcing about 50 to surrender and capturing all the guns. After consolidation, he went about disarming the prisoners and was severely wounded. Nevertheless, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses. Finally he was rushed by about 20 Germans and fought until he collapsed from weakness and loss of blood. He died of his wounds the next day. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on January 31, 1919.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ashington, Northumberland, England, he served as a Sergeant in the 46th South Saskatchewan Battalion, Canadian Exteditionary Force. On November 1, 1918, in the town of Valenciennes, France, when a machine gun opened on Sergeant Cairns' platoon, he rushed the post, killed the crew of five and captured the gun. Later, when the line was held up by more machine gun fire, he again rushed forward, killing 12 enemy and capturing 18 prisoners and two guns. when the advance was again held up by machine guns and field guns, although wounded, he led a small party to outflank them, killing many, forcing about 50 to surrender and capturing all the guns. After consolidation, he went about disarming the prisoners and was severely wounded. Nevertheless, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses. Finally he was rushed by about 20 Germans and fought until he collapsed from weakness and loss of blood. He died of his wounds the next day. For most conspicuous bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on January 31, 1919.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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