Our Heroes

Private Harry Brown, VC was born in Gananoque, Ontario, to John and Adelaide Brown. Following his father’s death, he lived with his mother and sisters, Irene and Loretta, in Peterborough. After his mother married Patrick McAuliffe in 1911, Harry worked on the family farm in East Emily, Ontario.

On August 18, 1916, Harry enlisted with the Canadian Mounted Rifles in London, Ontario. He travelled overseas and was later transferred to the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

On August 16, 1917, during the Battle of Hill 70, Harry undertook a mission that would earn him the Victoria Cross, Canada’s highest military honour for bravery. His battalion had captured a position, but German forces were gathering for a counterattack. With communication wires cut, an urgent message had to reach headquarters.

Harry and another soldier were ordered to carry the message through intense enemy fire. His fellow messenger was killed, and Harry suffered a shattered arm. Despite his wounds, he continued until he reached the Canadian support lines and found an officer. Exhausted, he fell down the dugout steps, remaining conscious just long enough to deliver the message.

Harry died from his wounds on August 17, 1917. He was just 19 years old.

His determination helped prevent the loss of the position and saved the lives of fellow soldiers. Awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously, Harry is remembered for extraordinary courage and devotion to duty.

His name is commemorated on the Gananoque Cenotaph. On August 16, 2007, a black marble memorial cairn was dedicated in his honour, preserving the story of the young Canadian who carried on despite mortal wounds so that others might survive.

Lest We Forget.