This memorial is dedicated to Claude J.P. Nunney, V.C. It was erected in 1962 by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.
Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney was born in Dublin, Ireland on 24 December 1892, and came to Canada an orphan. He was initially placed in an orphanage in Ottawa, Ontario, and later with a family in nearby Glengarry County. In March 1915 at Alexandria, Ontario, Nunney enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and served with the 38th Infantry Battalion. Before winning the Victoria Cross, he had already received the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
Private Nunney was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for the dash and steadfast example he demonstrated on 1 and 2 September 1918 during the fighting at the Drocourt-Quéant Line in France. On 1 September, near Vis-en-Artois, positions recently captured by the Canadians were subjected to a heavy enemy artillery barrage and a counterattack. On his own initiative, Nunney left his company’s main line and went forward through the barrage to its outpost line. Here he went from position to position encouraging his comrades. The next day, Private Nunney’s exemplary conduct helped to inspire his company to carry its objective. Severely wounded on that day, Nunney died on 18 September 1918.
