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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Okill Massey Learmonth

In memory of:

Major Okill Massey Learmonth

August 19, 1917
France

Military Service


Age:

23

Force:

Army

Unit:

Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)

Division:

2nd Battalion

Citation(s):

An extract from the London Gazette," No. 30372, dated November 6, 1917, records the following:
For most conspicuous bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. During a determined counter-attack on our new positions, this officer, when his company was momentarily surprised, instantly charged and personally disposed of the attackers. Later he carried on a tremendous fight with the advancing enemy. Although under intense barrage fire and mortally wounded, he stood on the parapet of the trench, and bombed the enemy continuously and directed the defence in such a manner as to infuse a spirit of utmost resistance into his men. On several occasions this very brave officer actually caught bombs thrown at him by the enemy and threw them back. When he was unable by reason of his wounds to carry on the fight he still refused to be carried out of the line, and continued to give instructions and invaluable advice to his junior officers, finally handing over all his duties before he was evacuated from the front line to the hospital where he died.

Honours and Awards:

Military Cross

Victoria Cross

Additional Information


Born:

February 20, 1894
Quebec, Quebec

Enlistment:

September 29, 1914
Quebec, Quebec

Only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Learmonth, of Quebec, Quebec.

Commemorated on Page 273 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Okill Massey Learmonth is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Complete list of Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients

Burial Information


Cemetery:

NOEUX-LES-MINES COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Pas de Calais, France

Grave Reference:

II. K. 9.

Location:

Noeux-les-Mines is a town 6 kilometres south of Bethune on the main road to Arras. The Communal Cemetery is on the northern side of the town, on the south-east side of the road to Labourse.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Newspaper Clipping– Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me. From the Annie Boyes collection courtesy of the Simcoe County Archives.
  • Honour roll– Memorial plaque in front of the United Kingdom High Commission in Ottawa to commemorate Canadians who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
  • Attestation Paper (front)
  • Attestation Paper (back)
  • War Diary– Extract from 2nd Battalion War Diary for May 1917.
  • War Diary– Extract from 2nd Battalion War Diary for May 1917
  • War Diary– Extract from 2nd Battalion War Diary for August 1917
  • War Diary– 24 March 1917 (page 1)
  • War Diary– 24 March 1917 (page 2)
  • War Diary– 24 March 1917 (page 3)
  • Biographical Information
  • Photograph– Major O.M. Learmonth, M.C., D.S.O.
  • Award Citation– Feuille de rensignements personnels
  • Medical Records (front)
  • Medical Records (back)
  • Medical Records
  • Service Records (front)– Casualty Form - Active Service
  • Service Records (back)– Casualty Form - Active Service
  • Gravemarker– Noeux les mines communal cemetary
  • Photo of Okill Massey Learmonth– Okill Massey Learmonth Victoria Cross
Submitted by Operation Picture Me
  • Photo of Okill Massey Learmonth– Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

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