Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30372, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30372/supplements/11567. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Captain (acting Major) Okill Massey Learmonth, M.C., late Canadian Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. On 18th August 1917 east of Loos, France, 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, 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. M.C.: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30234/supplements/8393.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30372, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30372/supplements/11567. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- Captain (acting Major) Okill Massey Learmonth, M.C., late Canadian Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. On 18th August 1917 east of Loos, France, 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, 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. M.C.: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30234/supplements/8393.