Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Okill Massey Learmonth
In memory of:
Major Okill Massey Learmonth
August 19, 1917
France
Military Service
23
Army
Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)
2nd Battalion
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.
Military Cross
Victoria Cross
Additional Information
February 20, 1894
Quebec, Quebec
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
NOEUX-LES-MINES COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Pas de Calais, France
II. K. 9.
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.
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.
- Date modified: