In 1918, Powell’s House residence was named in honour of Major Vernon Harcourt de Butts Powell who was an original teacher at Appleby College from 1911 – 1914. He left in 1914 to join a cavalry regiment, soon transferred to the Canadian Field Artillery and served in the 53rd Battery. He subsequently proved to be among the finest officers, earning the enthusiastic devotion of his men.
He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry at the Battle of the Somme, where he was wounded. In October 1917, he burnt his hands badly in extinguishing a fire among live shells in a gun-pit, his quick action saved many lives. In December of that year, he was severely wounded by an explosion and was evacuated to England, where he died on January 2, 1918, at age 31.
