Alexander Brereton Lake is named in honour of Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alexander Picton Brereton, VC.
Alexander Picton Brereton was born in November 1892 in Oak River, Manitoba. Following the completion of his education, he was employed as a barber in Winnipeg before enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in January 1916. Assigned to the 8th (Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion, he joined his Regiment overseas. On 9 August 1918 during the Battle of Amiens, Corporal Brereton earned the Victoria Cross near Aubercourt, France. See citation below. After World War I, he moved to Elnora Alberta and farmed a 640 acre parcel. He later served in the Second World War, rising to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant. Alexander Brereton died at the age of 83 in January 1976 at Three Hills, Alberta and is buried at the Elnora Cemetery.
Citation:
“For most conspicuous bravery during an attack, when a line of hostile machine guns opened fire suddenly on his platoon, which was in an exposed position, and no cover available. This gallant N.C.O. at once appreciated the critical situation and realised that unless something was done at once the platoon would be annihilated. On his own initiative, without a moment’s delay, and alone, he sprang forward and reached one of the hostile machine-gun posts, where he shot the man operating the machine gun and bayoneted the next one who attempted to operate it, whereupon nine others surrendered to him.
Cpl. Brereton’s action was a splendid example of resource and bravery, and not only undoubtedly saved many of his comrades’ lives, but also inspired his platoon to charge and capture the fire remaining posts.”
(London Gazette, no.30922, 27 September 1918)
