George Mullin (VC)

George Harry Mullin VC MM (August 15, 1892 - April 5, 1963), was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 25 years old, and a sergeant in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 30 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium, Sergeant Mullin single-handed captured a pill-box which had withstood heavy bombardment and was causing heavy casualties and holding up the attack. He rushed the snipers' post in front, destroyed the garrison with bombs, shot two gunners and then compelled the remaining 10 men to surrender. All the time rapid fire was directed on him and his clothes were riddled with bullets, but he never faltered in his purpose and he not only helped to save the situation but indirectly saved many lives.

He was born at Portland, Oregon, so Mullin is also considered American although his parents brought him to Moosomin, Saskatchewan at the age of two.

Mullin earlier received the Military Medal at Vimy Ridge, and finished the war as a lieutenant. In 1934 he was appointed as Sergeant at Arms of the Saskatchewan legislature. Mullin served as a captain in the Veterans Guard during World War II. Harry and Major-General Andy McNaughton were boyhood buddies.

Buried at Moosomin South Side Cemetery, Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Legion Plot. Headstone.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Regiments "(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)".

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*VCs of the First World War - Passchendaele 1917 (Stephen Snelling, 1998)

External links

* [http://www.legionmagazine.com/features/victoriacross/05-05.asp Legion Magazine Article on George Mullin]
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9469978 Find-A-Grave profile for George Mullin]