Thomas William Holmes, V.C., 1898-1950

Photo by contributor Kim Allerton - Posted June, 2005

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Plaque Location

The County of Grey
The City of Owen Sound
In a park on the northeast corner of
1st Avenue West and 8th Street West

Coordinates: N 44 33.840 W 80 56.685

Plaque Text

Born in Montreal, Holmes moved with his family to Owen Sound in 1903. He enlisted in the 147th Infantry Battalion C.E.F. in 1915, but later transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. In October 1917, his unit took part in the violent opening assault on the German position at Passchendaele. During this action Private Holmes, under heavy enemy fire, captured single-handed an important "pill-box" strongpoint which had been holding up the right flank of the Canadian advance. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour in this battle.

More
Information

More
Victoria Cross

Other Plaques in Owen Sound
David Vivian Currie, V.C. 1912-1986
The Founding of Owen Sound
The Newash Indian Village 1842
Survey of the Great Lakes
Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway
William Avery Billy Bishop 1894-1956

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted September 3, 2011
Tommy Holmes was the subject of my annual public speaking "ordeal" in Public School. I was always so proud to end by referring to my dad, Sgt. Albert Gill of the 4th CMR, who knew Tommy.
Bruce Gill

Posted August 6, 2010
The Second Battle of Passchendaele was an horrendous action for all involved. Of the 9 VC's awarded for deeds in the battle between Oct 26th and Nov 10th, 1917, Pte Thomas Holmes' VC was the only one amongst many well deserving of it in the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles. To his memory and those of his fellows in the 4CMR, we will remember.
Ian www.4cmr.com

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