Language selection


Search veterans.gc.ca

Private Harry Brown VC Memorial

Hidden photo gallery

  • Private Harry Brown VC Memorial
    (Click for more images)
  • inscription

Municipality/Province: Omemee, ON

Memorial number: 35093-006

Type: Slab

Address: 1 King Street West

Location: Omemee Cenotaph Park

GPS coordinates: Lat: 44.2992251   Long: 78.5599034

Submitted by: Bob Braley

This memorial honours First World War Victoria Cross recipient Private Harry Brown, born in Gananoque, Ontario.


Inscription found on memorial

Pte. Harry Brown V.C.
10th batt. C.E.F.
May 11, 1898 - Aug. 16, 1917

"For most conspicuous bravery, courage and
devotion to duty. After the capture of a position,
the enemy massed in force and counter attacked.
The situation became very critical, all wires
being cut. It was of the utmost importance to get
word back to Headquarters. This soldier and one
other were given the message with orders to
deliver the same at all costs. The other
messenger was killed. Private Brown had his arm
shattered but continued on through an intense
barrage until he arrived at the close support
lines and found an officer. He was so spent that
he fell down the dug-out steps, but retained
consciousness long enough to hand over his
message, saying 'important message.' He then
became unconscious and died in the dressing
station a few hours later. His devotion to duty
was of the highest possible degree imaginable,
and his successful delivery of the message
undoubtedly saved the loss of the position for
the time and prevented many casualties."

Street view

Note

This information is provided by contributors and Veterans Affairs Canada makes it available as a service to the public. Veterans Affairs Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the information.

Date modified: