Directorate of History and Heritage (National Defence and the Canadian Forces). Image available: Lieutenant Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC.
Lieutenant Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC
Wallace Lloyd Algie was born in Alton, now part of the Town of Caledon. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and in April 1916, and enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force to serve overseas in World War I.
On October 11, 1918, Algie was killed during what was called “the Hundred Days Offensive”, a series of battles which ultimately led to the end of the war. Algie led a small group of soldiers who captured two German machine-guns. Algie’s actions contributed to the capture of the entire village, and earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour.
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice, on the 11th October, 1918... His valour and personal initiative in the face of intense fire saved many lives and enabled the position to be held.
The London Gazette, 28 January, 1919
On March 28, 1919, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario presented Algie's posthumous Victoria Cross award to his father. It is now on display at the Imperial War Museum in London, England.