Okill Massey Learmonth VC died of wounds on this day in 1917

Okill was born in Quebec City, Canada on 20 February 1894. His parents, William and Martha Learmonth, were from Britain. At the time of the 1901 Census, he had an older sister Constance, and 50 year old Catherine Stapleton, a servant from Indiana, lived with them.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Okill is still living with his parents and working as a bank clerk.

He enlisted as a private in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914.

In 1916 he was commissioned as an officer.

For his actions on 14 August 1917 Okill was awarded the Military Cross.

Three days later he was involved in an attack on Hill 70, near Lens. He was serving with the 2nd Infantry Battalion. Despite his wounds he was reported at one stage as catching hand launched bombs thrown their way which he hurled back at the enemy.

The citation for the award of the VC from the "London Gazette," 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."

Badly wounded he was eventually evacuated to hospital where he died the next day.

Major Learmonth was buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery in France.

A Street in Quebec City is named in his honour.

Major Okill Massey Learmonth VC MC, 2nd Bn. Canadian Infantry