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Thomas William Holmes, V.C., 1898-1950
Photo by contributor Kim Allerton - Posted June, 2005
Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011
Plaque Location
The County of Grey
The City of Owen Sound
In a park on the northeast corner of
1st Avenue West and 8th Street West
Coordinates: N 44 33.840 W 80 56.685 |
Plaque Text
Born in Montreal, Holmes moved with his family to Owen Sound in 1903. He enlisted in the 147th Infantry Battalion C.E.F. in 1915, but later transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. In October 1917, his unit took part in the violent opening assault on the German position at Passchendaele. During this action Private Holmes, under heavy enemy fire, captured single-handed an important "pill-box" strongpoint which had been holding up the right flank of the Canadian advance. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour in this battle.
Other plaques at this location
David Vivian Currie, V.C. 1912-1986
William Avery Bishop, V.C., 1894-1956
More
Information
More
Victoria Cross
Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
> Posted September 3, 2011
Tommy Holmes was the subject of my annual public speaking "ordeal" in Public School. I was always so proud to end by referring to my dad, Sgt. Albert Gill of the 4th CMR, who knew Tommy.
Bruce Gill
> Posted August 6, 2010
The Second Battle of Passchendaele was an horrendous action for all involved. Of the 9 VC's awarded for deeds in the battle between Oct 26th and Nov 10th, 1917, Pte Thomas Holmes' VC was the only one amongst many well deserving of it in the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. To his memory and those of his fellows in the 4CMR, we will remember.
Ian www.4cmr.com
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