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Colonel Graham Thomson Lyall, V.C. 1892-1941
Photo by contributor Colin Semple - Posted March, 2006
Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted November, 2010
Photo Source - Wikipedia
Plaque Location
The Region of Niagara
The City of St. Catharines
On the northwest corner of Lake Street and Welland Avenue
Coordinates: N 43 09.734 W 79 15.049 |
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Plaque Text
Graham Thomson Lyall emigrated from Britain in 1911, eventually settling in Niagara Falls where he worked for the Canadian Niagara Power Company. In 1914, at the start of the First World War, Lyall enlisted in the 19th "Lincoln" Regiment at St. Catherines. Later, he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force and fought at the Somme in 1916, Arras and Ypres in 1917, and Amiens in 1918. On September 27 and October 1, 1918, Lyall led his platoon against the enemy at Bourlon Wood and Blécourt, displaying exceptional valour and leadership, inflicting heavy casualties, and capturing 182 prisoners, 26 machine-guns, and one field gun. "For most conspicuous and skilful leading during the operations north of Cambrai", King George V presented Lyall with the Victoria Cross, the British Empire's highest decoration for valour.
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> Posted August 16, 2012
I am the Rev.David Wiseman, now retired, living in Skipton, North Yorkshire, U.K. One of my several hobbies is the role of historian for Nelson Secondary School, later Nelson Grammar School. Nelson being in Lancashire. Graham Lyall was a member of the old school, approximately 1903-08. Hundreds of former pupils served in the first war, 26 of whom died.A further 20 died in W.W.2. Graham Lyall is the only former pupil at N.S.S. and later N.G.S., to have been awarded the V.C. Of course, we are particularly proud of him. Each month, we publish a magazine for former pupils, called "Nelson Reunion",and we remember those former pupils who served and died in wartime, in its pages. This month (October 2012), we remember Graham Thompson Lyall, with pride. And just to complete the Nelson-Ontario circle, we have about a dozen former pupils currently in Canada, including some in Oakville, Barrie and Belleville. We send you our greetings.
Rev. David Wiseman
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