Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly
Captain, 52nd Battalion. Manitoba Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary Force
- Register No.
- 942 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Captain (register: Acting Captain) all Captains →
- Unit
- 52nd Battalion. Manitoba Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary Force (register: 52nd Battalion, CEF) all CEF VCs →
- Date of action
- 26 October 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 11th January 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Born
- 18th November 1895 at Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Died
- 15th November 1922 at Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada
- Memorial / grave
- at Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada
Digest of citation
At Passchendaele in Belgium, on 26th October 1917, Captain O'Kelly led his company with extraordinary skill and determination. After the failure of the original attack and two companies, that belonged to his unit, had launched an attack, Captain O'Kelly advanced over 1000 yards with his command under extremely heavy fire, not being covered by an artillery barrage and took the enemy posts situated at the crest of the hill by storm. Captain O'Kelly organised his men and led them in a series of attacks against enemy pillboxes. His company captured six pillboxes, 100 of the enemy and 10 machine-guns. Later, during the afternoon, Captain O'Kelly, again leading his company, repelled a fierce enemy counter attack, during which they took more prisoners. During the night he and his company captured a hostile raiding party consisting of one officer, 10 men and a machine-gun. The success of these actions was due mainly to the magnificent courage, daring and capability of Captain O'Kelly
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
O'KELLY, Christopher Patrick John. (reg No.942).
Captain. 52nd Battalion. Manitoba Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
Born on 18th November 1895 at Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Died on 15th November 1922 at Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada.
Memorial on grave at Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada.
Digest of Citation reads: At Passchendaele in Belgium, on 26th October 1917, Captain O'Kelly led his company with extraordinary skill and determination. After the failure of the original attack and two companies, that belonged to his unit, had launched an attack, Captain O'Kelly advanced over 1000 yards with his command under extremely heavy fire, not being covered by an artillery barrage and took the enemy posts situated at the crest of the hill by storm. Captain O'Kelly organised his men and led them in a series of attacks against enemy pillboxes. His company captured six pillboxes, 100 of the enemy and 10 machine-guns. Later, during the afternoon, Captain O'Kelly, again leading his company, repelled a fierce enemy counter attack, during which they took more prisoners. During the night he and his company captured a hostile raiding party consisting of one officer, 10 men and a machine-gun. The success of these actions was due mainly to the magnificent courage, daring and capability of Captain O'Kelly.
Additional information:. Major O'Kelly also held the Military Cross (MC). More to be added.
Additional information
Major O'Kelly also held the Military Cross (MC). More to be added.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: at Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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