Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney

Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney was a Canadian soldier who served during the First World War. Born in Hastings, East Sussex, he was sent to Canada as a home child before enlisting. Serving as a private with the 38th (Ottawa) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Nunney earned a reputation for exceptional bravery on the battlefield, becoming one of the highly decorated soldiers of his unit.

During the operations against the Drocourt-Quéant Line on September 1 and 2, 1918, Nunney exhibited most conspicuous bravery. When his battalion was subjected to a heavy enemy barrage and counter-attack near Vis-en-Artois, he voluntarily went through the barrage to the outpost lines, encouraging his comrades and helping to repulse the enemy. The following day, his fearless leadership and dash carried his company forward to its objectives under intense fire.

Nunney was mortally wounded during these engagements and died 16 days later at the age of 25. He was buried at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension in France. His outstanding actions earned him the Victoria Cross, adding to the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal he had previously won during the war.