Okill Massey Learmonth

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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 Expeditionary Force during World War I, and was awarded his medal posthumously for actions at the Battle of Hill 70.

Details

Learmonth was 23 years old, and an acting

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

External links

• Okill Massey Learmonth's digitized service file
• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
• Biography of Okill Massey Learmonth on DND's Directorate of History and Heritage
• Okill Massey Learmonth biography on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial
• Legion Magazine article on Okill Learmonth