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No. 410935, PTE. Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney, VC, DCM, MM
Private Nunney was born in England on the 24th of December 1891. Emigrated to
Canada on the 5th October 1905 from Harron Road School, Crusade of Rescue,
London, England, as a ward of St. George's Home, Ottawa, Ontario. After arrival in
Ottawa was placed in the home of Mrs. Donald Roy McDonald, North Lancaster,
Ontario, Glengarry County. He lived with Mrs. McDonald until her death in 1912.
After Mrs. McDonald's death he lived the greater part of the time with Mr. D.H. McGillis,
North Lancaster, Ontario, from where he enlisted for services overseas.
On the 16th of June 1913, he joined the 59th Stormont & Glengarry Regiment, as a Private.
February 8th, 1915, enlisted at Alexandria, Ontario, for services in the Canadian
Expeditionary Forces. In March of 1915 he transferred to the 38th Battalion C.E.F.
On the 23rd of May 1916 he proceeded overseas. On September 18th, 1918 he died of wounds.
From VC Records
Nunney, Claude Joseph Patrick (Stephen), VC, DCM, MM No. 410935, Private, 38th BN.
Eastern Ontario Regiment. Served in the European War and won the Distinguished Conduct
Medal and Military Medal and for his services in France was awarded the Victoria Cross
(London Gazette, 14 December, 1918).
For most conspicuous bravery during operations against the Drocourt-Queant line on
1st & 2nd September, 1918. On September 1st when his Battalion was in the vicinity of
Vis-en-Artois, preparatory to the advance, the enemy laid down a heavy barrage and
counter-attacked. Private Nunney, who at this time at company headquarters, immediately,
on his own initiative, proceeded through the barrage to the company outpost lines going
from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example. The enemy were
repulsed and a critical situation was saved.
During the attack on September 2nd his dash continually placed him in advance of his
companions and his fearless example undoubtedly helped greatly to carry the company
forward to its objectives. He displayed throughout the highest degree of valor until severely
wounded.