Sergeant Robert Spall

Sergeant, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Infantry (Army).

Victoria Cross

Son of Charles and Annie Maria Spall, of 2542 Urbain St, Montreal, Quebec.

Original overseas unit 90th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Joined the P.P.C.L.I. in the field September 18, 1916.

Awarded the Victoria Cross.

An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 26th Oct., 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice when, during an enemy counter-attack, his platoon was isolated. Thereupon Serjt. Spall took a Lewis gun and, standing on the parapet, fired upon the advancing enemy, inflicting very severe casualties. He then came down the trench directing the men into a sap seventy-five yards from the enemy. Picking up another Lewis gun, this gallant N.C.O. again climbed the parapet, and by his fire held up the enemy. It was while holding up the enemy at this point that he was killed. Serjt. 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."