Robert Hampton Gray, VC – Hometown Hero Scavenger Hunt

Aim

To increase youth’s knowledge about Robert Hampton Gray, Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War.

Objectives

Youth will:

• demonstrate a basic understanding about Robert Hampton Gray’s heroic action that earned him a Victoria Cross, highest award for his bravery in action.

Target audience

This activity is suitable for ages 12 to 15.

Sequence of events and anticipated time frame [30 minutes]

(This activity can be modified to fit available time.)

• Introductory discussion [10 minutes]
• Research [10 minutes]
• Wrap-up and discussion [10 minutes]
• Possible extension activity [variable]

Materials

• Robert Hampton Gray Hometown hero article
• Robert Hampton Gray - Scavenger hunt questions
• Robert Hampton Gray – Scavenger hunt answers
• Robert Hampton Gray dog tag

Introductory discussion [10 minutes]

Ask your students if they know real-life heroes. What makes someone a hero? Are you born a hero or do you become one? Tell them that they will read a story about a Canadian young man who became a Second World War hero and earned a Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for bravery in action. Students will then do a “scavenger hunt” to answer questions about Robert Hampton Gray, one of only 16 Canadians decorated with the Victoria Cross (VC) during the Second World War.

Research [10 minutes]

Have your students read Robert Hampton Gray Hometown hero article.  

Then, distribute the Robert Hampton Gray - scavenger hunt questions.

Wrap-up and discussion [10 minutes]

Review the questions with the class, using the Robert Hampton Gray - scavenger hunt answer sheet.

Possible extension activity [variable]

You may want to conclude the activity by asking your students if they know other Canadians who did something brave, whether during the war or not, and describe the act of bravery. It could also be an act of bravery made in the community or in the school.  You can browse the Parks Canada Hometown Heroes website for ideas.

Using the Robert Hampton Gray dog tag, encourage your students to visit the Canadian Virtual War Memorial and search for his memorial page there. Fill in missing information on the dog tag and read more about him.