- Harry Garnet Bedford Miner
Harry Garnet Bedford Miner, VC ( b
24 June 1891 , d8 August 1918 ) (VC, Croix de Guerre (France)) was a Canadian recipient of theVictoria Cross , the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.Details
Harry (Henry) Garnet Bedford Miner was born in Raleigh County, near
Cedar Springs ,Ontario , on24 June 1891 . He was a student at Highgate School in Oxford Township, then went into farming.In November 1915, after the outbreak of the
First World War , he enlisted with the142nd Battalion ,Canadian Expeditionary Force , then transferred to the161st Battalion upon arriving inEngland . Once inFrance , he was taken on strength by the58th Battalion (2nd Central Ontario Regiment) in the field in December 1916.He was a 27 year old corporal, and in action on
8 August 1918 atDemuin , France, on the opening day of theBattle of Amiens , the first day of theHundred Days Offensive .Victoria Cross citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack, when despite severe wounds he refused to withdraw. He rushed an enemy machine-gun post single-handed, killed the entire crew and turned the gun on the enemy.
Later, with two others, he attacked another enemy machine-gun post, and succeeded in putting the gun out of action.
Cpl. Miner then rushed single-handed an enemy bombing post, bayoneting two of the garrison and putting the remainder to flight. He was mortally wounded in the performance of this gallant deed.
"The London Gazette", 26 October 1918
He was mortally wounded by a German
stick grenade during this action, but refused to withdraw. He died later that day.Awards and Honours
Aside from the Victoria Cross, Cpl. Miner was also awarded the
Croix de Guerre by the French government in August 1918. His medals, including the Victoria Cross and the Croix de Guerre, are on display at theHuron County Museum inGoderich , Ontario.The South Barracks (building M-209) in Land Force Central Area Training Centre Meaford (
LFCATC Meaford ) is named the Corporal H.G.B. Miner Barracks in his honour. Branch 185 of theRoyal Canadian Legion in Blenheim, Ontario, is named the Harry Miner Branch.Resources
* [http://www.antiqbook.com/boox/ver/011115.shtml Canada's V.C.'s] (George C. Machum, 1956)
External links
* [http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/2005/09/on-the-offensive-in-1918/ Legion Magazine article]
* [http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.aspx?pdf=30848&geotype=London&gpn=9652&type=ArchivedSupplementPage The London Gazette # 30848] , regarding the awarding of the Croix de Guerre
* [http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.aspx?pdf=30975&geotype=London&gpn=12670&type=ArchivedSupplementPage&all=Harry%20Garnet%20Miner&exact=&atleast=&similar= The London Gazette # 30975] regarding the awarding of the Victoria Cross
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