Basic Details
Surname
Powell
Forenames
V H De B
Gender
Male
Information stated on memorial
Alternative forename
Vernon Harcourt de Butts
Served or died
Died
Honours
Military Cross
Notes
The Keble College website (see References) states: 'Entered College in Michaelmas Term, 1905. Aegr. Hist., 1909; B.A., 1910. A member of the University Contingent of the Officers’ Training Corps. Tutor in Russia. Assistant Master at Appleby College, Oakville, Ontario. Founder of the Appleby Dramatic Club.
Commenced service 5 January 1915, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Lieutenant in the 53rd Battery, 13th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery; Captain, 1916; Major, 1917 serving in France and Belgium. Awarded a M.C. during the Battle of the Somme, 1916:
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He made a daring reconnaissance under very heavy fire, obtaining most valuable information and displaying great courage and ability throughout.
(‘Supplement to The London Gazette’, 16 November 1916)
Died on the way to the 4th London General Hospital on the 2 January 1918 of shell-shock and wounds received in action.'
Primary Service
As stated on memorial
Service (Primary - Stated)
Commonwealth
Unit (Primary - Stated)
Canadian Field Artillery
Sub-unit (Primary - Stated)
53rd Battery, 13th Brigade
Rank / Title (Primary - Stated)
Major
Our References
Service (Primary - Our reference)
Unit (Primary - Our reference)
Rank / Title (Primary - Our reference)
Death and Burial details
Country of death
United Kingdom
Town of death
London
Year of death
1918
Month of death
February
Day of death
2
Age at death
34
Manner of death as stated
Died of Wounds
Manner of death reference
Died of Wounds