Biography

Claude Nunney was born in London, England in 1892. Following his mother’s death, he was sent to Canada in 1905 where he would live and work in eastern Ontario.

Nunney joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in March 1915, early in the First World War. He would serve on the Western Front with the 38^th Battalion. He was an exceptional soldier and earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal by the time he took part in the 2^nd Battle of Arras in the late summer of 1918. Private Nunney was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Allied attacks on the strong German defences along the Drocourt-Quéant Line in northern France in the opening days of September 1918. His medal citation reads:

“On 1^st September, when his battalion was in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, preparatory to the advance, the enemy laid down a heavy barrage and counter-attacked. Pte. Nunney, who was at this time at company headquarters, immediately on his own initiative proceeded through the barrage to the company outpost lines, going from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example. The enemy were repulsed and a critical situation was saved. During the attack on 2^nd September his dash continually placed him in advance of his companions, and his fearless example undoubtedly helped greatly to carry the company forward to its objectives.

He displayed throughout the highest degree of valour until severely wounded.”

(London Gazette, no.31067, 14 December 1918)

Sadly, Private Nunney died from his wounds soon after and his Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously.

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Where they participated