Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson

Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson VC, MC

Captain Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson, VC, MC was born on 16 December 1883 in Mount Carmel, Illinois, USA. He studied medicine at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, graduating as a physician before establishing a medical practice in Canada. When the First World War broke out, he renounced his American citizenship to serve with the Canadian Army Medical Corps, and was attached to the 75th Battalion (Mississauga), Canadian Expeditionary Force.

His first gallantry award came with the Military Cross. The official citation records that, while under heavy shell fire before his battalion had reached its jumping-off position, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty by establishing an advanced dressing station and attending to wounded men regardless of personal danger. Throughout the operation he continued treating casualties under intense enemy fire, setting an outstanding example of courage and devotion to duty.

On 2 September 1918, during the assault on the Drocourt–Quéant Line near Cagnicourt, France, Captain Hutcheson performed the actions that earned the Victoria Cross. Although exposed to intense machine-gun, rifle and shell fire, he repeatedly went into the open to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers. He personally carried a seriously wounded officer to safety after the stretcher-bearers had become casualties, and later rescued another wounded soldier lying in front of the Canadian line under direct enemy fire. His fearless disregard for his own safety and unwavering devotion to the wounded inspired all ranks and saved many lives.

After the war, Hutcheson returned to the United States, where he resumed his distinguished medical career while remaining one of the few American-born recipients of the Victoria Cross earned in Canadian service. His Victoria Cross and associated medals are preserved by the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own), which perpetuates the 75th Battalion.

His death date remains the subject of conflicting published sources, with some references recording 9 April 1954 and others 9 August 1954. This should be resolved through primary documentation before the record is considered final.

Awards

* Victoria Cross (VC) * Military Cross (MC) * British War Medal * Victory Medal 37 Coronation medal is unconfirmed