Cemetery: Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery

Country: France

Area: Pas De Calais

Rank: Major

Force: Army

Official Number:

Unit: 2nd Battalion Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)

Country of Service: Canadian

Details: Died of wounds 19th August 1917 Age 23 Only son of Mr and Mrs William Learmonth of St Louis Rd Quebec II K 9 An extract from the "London Gazette No 30372, dated 6th Nov, 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 Victoria Cross. Military Cross

Photograph by Dave and Kay Lovell / TWGPP Volunteers