2nd Lt. George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C.

The web site summarizes my research on the Great War (1914 - 1918) as seen by 2nd Lt. George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C., primarily as it applies to the Battle of Arras. This includes the famous capture of Vimy Ridge (as it is more often referred to in Canadian history), which is known historically as the First Battle of the Scarpe (April 9 - 14, 1917). The subsequent Capture of Hill 70 is historically referred to as the Second Battle of the Scarpe (April 23 - 28, 1917). The Third Battle of the Scarpe (May 3 - 4, 1917) historically marks the capture of Fresnoy by the 1st Canadian Division, in concert with the British 3rd Army.

Regimental Number 82130
June 1911 - June 1914: 26th Middlesex Regiment
December 1915: 7th Regiment Canadian Fusiliers
1915: 142nd Canadian Overseas Battalion
1916: 32nd Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force
1917: BEF 3rd Army, 34th Division 26th Northumberland Fusiliers

This photograph of G. V. Laughton appears to have been taken outside the Ontario Legislature Building in Toronto, Ontario, at the time he was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Vimy Ridge. The statement on award of the MC was as follows:

"He displayed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty and by his splendid example and lack of interest in his own welfare, encouraged his men to remarkable achievements. "He led a bombing squad against a machine gun which was holding up the attack and, after the bombers we all killed, captured the gun single handed and destroyed its crew. After all the officers had been killed or wounded he assumed command of the fallen battalion for the remaining days and held the position unaided against repeated German counter-attacks".

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Web Site of George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C.