Victoria Cross Holders

Hugh McKenzie was born in Liverpool, England on the 5th of December1885. Lieutenant McKenzie was one of the Original Patricia's, having joined the Regiment at its conception. He later became part of the 7th Machine Gun Company and was promoted Lieutenant on the 28th of January 1917. For his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele on the 30th of October 1917, Lieutenant Mckenzie was awarded The Victoria Cross (Posthumously). The Citation accompanying the award reads as follows:

"The Patricia field of attack was limited by swampy ground to a narrow strip, every foot of which was exposed to the fire of the machine guns upon the slopes. One pill box in particular on the crest of the hill maintained such a murderous fire that that the attacking company of Patricia's was brought to a halt upon the face of the slope, with every officer and NCO shot down and the remaining men seeking what cover they could. They could not advance and were unwilling to retreat. Noting the hesitation of our men on the slope of the hill, McKenzie left a Corporal in charge of his machine guns and made his way through the heavy f re to our troops in their terribly exposed positions. Taking command of the company he instantly set about arranging a plan for the downfall of the pill box above them. Not only was there the pill box to deal with but the upper hill was a veritable nest of machine guns and McKenzie had to make a daring reconnaissance before he could effect a suitable scheme of attack. Detailing small parties, he sent them off to work their way around theflanks to be prepared to make an attack from the rear upon the pill box that was holding up the advance. He then arranged the frontal attack, choosing himself to lead a small party of men directly up the slope to the front while the remainder of his men attacked the same front from a different angle. At the word, they went forward, McKenzie leading the forlorn hope on the most exposediront of the attack. It was not possible to win through such f re uncharmed, and he was shot through the head and killed at the moment of the capture of the pill box by theflanking parties he had detailed. "

    George Mullin was born on the15th of August 1892 in Portland, Oregan, USA. He enrolled with the 28th Infantry Battalion, joining the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry in the field on the 1st of March 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 6th of May 1915 and to Sergeant on the 2nd of June 1916. For his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele on the 30th of October 1917, he was awarded The Victoria Cross. The Citation accompanying the award reads as follows:

        "While machine gunners officer Hugh MacKenzie drew the German fire, Sergeant Mullin actually performed the incredible feat of taking the pill box single-handed. He rushed a sniper post in front and destroyed the garrison with bombs and crawling on top of the pill box, shot the two machine gunners with his revolver. Sergeant Mullin then rushed to another entrance and compelled the garrison of ten to surrender. His gallantry and fearlessness was witnessed by many and although rapid fire was directed in his purpose, he not only helped to save the situation but also indirectly saved many lives. "

    Sergeant Mullin was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and subsequently struck of strength of the Regiment in 1918. He died in Regina, Saskatchewan on the 5th of April 1964.

    Robert Spall was born in Ealing, Essex, England on the 5th of March 1890. Sergeant Spall originally enrolled in the 90th Infantry Battalion but joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in the field on the 18th of September 1916. During the battle at Parvillers his actions won him the Victoria Cross (Posthumously awarded 13 August 1918). The Citation accompanying the award reads as follows:

        "Sergeant Spall took a Lewis gun and standing on the parapet, fired upon the advancing enemy, inflicting most severe casualties. He then came down the trench directing the men into a gap seventy-five yards from the enemy. Picking up another Lewis gun, he again climbed the parapet and with his fire held up the enemy advance. It was while holding up the enemy at this point that he was killed."

    Sergeant Spall deliberately gave his life in order to extricate his platoon from a most difficult situation, and it was owing to his bravery that the platoon was saved.