Directorate of History and Heritage (National Defence and the Canadian Forces). Image available: Lieutenant Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC.
Lieutenant Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC
Killed in Action: October 11, 1918
20th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force
Wallace Lloyd Algie was born on June 10, 1891 in Alton, now part of the Town of Caledon. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada. In April 1916, Algie enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, arriving in England by October 1916. He was eventually assigned to the 20th (Central Ontario) Battalion.
On October 11, 1918, Algie was killed during the Hundred Days Offensive. He 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.