World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Captain in the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces. On April 9, 1917, Captain MacDowell, with the assistance of two runners reached a German position ahead of his company at Vimy Ridge, France. After destroying a machine-gun nest, he chased the crew from another and spotted one German going into a tunnel. At the base of the tunnel, he was able to bluff the Germans to think he was part of a much larger force, resulting in the surrendering of two German officers and 75 German soldiers. He sent the prisoners up out the tunnel in groups of 12 so his runners could take them back to the Canadian line. Seeing that he had been fooled, a German prisoner grabbed a rifle and tried to shoot one of the runners and the German was then shot and killed. Although wounded in the hand, Captain MacDowell continued for five days to hold the position gained, in spite of heavy shellfire, until eventually relieved by his battalion. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal and promoted Major. He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. MacDowell was one of four Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order honour; he was the only one to survive the war.
World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Captain in the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces. On April 9, 1917, Captain MacDowell, with the assistance of two runners reached a German position ahead of his company at Vimy Ridge, France. After destroying a machine-gun nest, he chased the crew from another and spotted one German going into a tunnel. At the base of the tunnel, he was able to bluff the Germans to think he was part of a much larger force, resulting in the surrendering of two German officers and 75 German soldiers. He sent the prisoners up out the tunnel in groups of 12 so his runners could take them back to the Canadian line. Seeing that he had been fooled, a German prisoner grabbed a rifle and tried to shoot one of the runners and the German was then shot and killed. Although wounded in the hand, Captain MacDowell continued for five days to hold the position gained, in spite of heavy shellfire, until eventually relieved by his battalion. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal and promoted Major. He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. MacDowell was one of four Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order honour; he was the only one to survive the war.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
LIEUT. COLONEL / THAIN WENDELL MACDOWELL / V.C. D.S.O. / 38TH BATT'N C.E.F. / (THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA) / 16TH SEPTEMBER 1890, / 27TH MARCH 1960.
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