153 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca C.P.J. O’Kelly, right, can be seen here in the trenches of France in 1917. For bravery, while fighting for our own 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion at the Battle of Passchendaele, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour. The official citation in the honours and awards book of the 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion, dated October 26, 1917, states the facts with blunt directness: “Captain O’Kelly led his company with extraordinary skill and determination while advancing over 1,000 yards against the enemy under heavy fire without any artillery barrage. He took the enemy positions on a hill by storm and then personally organized and led a series of attacks against machine gun pill boxes.” “His company alone captured 10 machine guns and more than 100 prisoners. Later under the leadership of this gallant officer, his company repelled a strong counter attack, taking more prisoners.” “That night his company captured a hostile raiding party consisting of one officer and 10 men and a machine gun.” The entry refers to his bravery in action near Passchendaele that day. An adjoining column in the book states that he received the Victoria Cross for his actions, the highest military honour a soldier of this country can receive. O’KELLY, Christopher Patrick John WWI Port Arthur soldier did his part in France BY TORY TRONRUD Continued
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