Wallace Lloyd Algie
| Wallace Lloyd Algie | |
|---|---|
 Victoria Cross |
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| Born | 10 June 1891 Alton, Ontario |
| Died | 11 October 1918 (aged 27) Cambrai, France |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/branch | Canadian Corps |
| Years of service | October 1915–October 1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 1st Central Ontario Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC (1891 – 1918) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Early life
He was born on 10 June 1891 at Alton, Ontario, the son of James and Rachel ALGIE who resided at 1155, King St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[1] Wallace was brought up by his parents in the Presbyterian faith. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada.[2] His former military service prior to April 1916 was 2 months in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and 4 months in the 40th Regiment (Lieutenant). On 19 April 1916, Wallace signed an Officers' Declaration Paper to serve in the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force. [3]
[edit] First World War
Algie was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 11 October 1918 north east of Cambrai, France, which led to his death. At the time of the action leading to the award he was a 27 year old lieutenant in the 20th Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Lieutenant Algie was with attacking troops which came under heavy enfilade machine-gun fire from a neighbouring village.
[edit] Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 11th October, 1918, north-east of Cambrai, when with attacking troops which came under heavy enfilade machine-gun fire from a neighbouring village. Rushing forward with nine volunteers, he shot the crew of an enemy machine gun, and, turning it on the enemy, enabled his party to reach the village. He then rushed another machine gun, killed the crew. captured an officer and 10 enemy, and thereby cleared the end of the village. Lt. Algie, having established his party, went back for reinforcements, but was killed when leading them forward. His valour and personal initiative in the face of intense fire saved many lives and enabled the position to be held.—The London Gazette, No. 31155, 28 January 1919[1]
[edit] Gravesite
Lieutenant Algie was buried at Niagara Cemetery, Iwuy, France. The gravesite is located 5 miles NorthEast of Cambrai. The headstone is located along Row C, Grave 7.[4]
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ a b Algie, Wallace Lloyd, Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- ^ http://www.ontarioobits.com/genealogy/dufferin/WWI1919.htm
- ^ http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/firstwar/vcwinners/wallace-algie
- ^ Burial location of Wallace Algie, victoriacross.org.uk
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)
[edit] External links
- WALLACE LLOYD ALGIE (service details, citation, relevant documents, burial information)
- Securing Victory (Arthur Bishop, Legion Magazine, 2006)
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