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Captain (Acting
Major) O'Kill Massey Learmonth, VC, MC
2nd Battalion, CEF
For the action at Hill 70 on 18 August 1917.
"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 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."
Towards the end of July 1917, the 2nd moved into the area around Hill
70. Rumour had it that the Canadian Corps was preparing a 2 division
attack on the feature and the battalion's presence added credibility to
the gossip. Hill 70 was located midway between Loos and Cite St. Auguste,
and although classified as a hill, the feature was not nearly as
imposing as Vimy but merely the highest contour in the area.
The attack on Hill 70 began in the early hours of 15 August. The 1st
Canadian Division held the centre and the 2nd and 3rd brigades sallied
forth to do battle, leaving the 2nd as part of the 1st brigade in
reserve. They moved forth on 16 August under heavy harassing fire.
Suffering numerous setbacks and overcoming several obstacles, the Second
relieved the entire 3rd brigade at approximately 0700hrs on the 17th.
The 2nd Battalion held the new position and repelled a strong German
counter attack which stretched all four companies to the breaking point.
The German attack on the morning of 18 August marked the 2nd
Battalion's first encounter with flame throwers. The Germans employed
these fearful weapons in an attempt to clear the parapet of defenders
and the Germans showed great courage pressing home their attack against
the withering fire from the Iron Second, but was finally forced to
retreat having gained none of their objectives.
A particularly valiant display was that of Maj O'Kill Massey
Learmonth, commanding 3 company. When part of his line recoiled from a
fierce attack, Maj Learmonth himself bombed the attackers, and despite
two separate wounds, inspired the men to counter-attack and repulse the
Germans. Later, Maj Learmonth sustained a broken leg but continued to
direct his company from the bottom of the trench, refusing evacuation.
When finally forced to leave, Maj Learmonth first gave a complete
briefing to Lt Hugh Smith and then, although mortally wounded, forced
his stretcher bearers to take him to report to battalion headquarters.
Maj Learmonth, who was with the battalion from the beginning and was
wounded as an enlisted man at Ypres, died in the dressing station below
Hill 70. For his courage and extreme valour he was awarded the Victoria
Cross posthumously. |
