Milton Fowler Gregg

The Victoria Cross Hero Who Refused to Surrender

Wounded, outnumbered, and trapped beneath relentless enemy fire, one Canadian officer refused to abandon his men. His extraordinary courage would earn him the Victoria Cross, but his story of service was far from over. Brigadier Milton Fowler Gregg, VC, PC, OC, CBE, MC and Bar, ED, CD, became one of Canada's most distinguished soldiers, a veteran of two world wars, and a devoted public servant.

Born on 10 April 1892 in Mountain Dale, New Brunswick, Milton Fowler Gregg enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1914. Rising from the ranks to become an officer in The Royal Canadian Regiment, he demonstrated exceptional leadership on the battlefields of the Western Front. During fighting near Lens on 9 June 1917, Gregg led an attack against an enemy machine-gun position, outflanked its defenders, and enabled his men to advance. Although wounded himself, he carried a seriously injured fellow officer to safety. His bravery earned him the Military Cross, published in the London Gazette on 25 August 1917.

His courage was tested again on 26 August 1918 during the attack on Bois de Sart near Arras. Cut off from his company and facing devastating machine-gun fire, Gregg led his platoon forward, overwhelmed two enemy machine-gun crews, and established a defensive position. Through personal reconnaissance and skilful leadership, he reconnected with neighbouring troops and helped repel a German counterattack. This action earned him a Bar to his Military Cross, with the citation published in the London Gazette on 1 February 1919.

Yet Gregg's defining moment came during the Battle of the Canal du Nord, near Cambrai, between 27 September and 1 October 1918. On 28 September, when thick barbed wire and enemy fire halted the Canadian advance, Gregg crawled forward alone, discovered an opening, and guided his men into the German trenches. When a fierce counterattack threatened their position and ammunition ran dangerously low, he returned through intense fire to collect more grenades. Despite being wounded twice, he reorganized his exhausted soldiers and led another assault, capturing 25 prisoners and 12 machine guns. On 30 September, he again led his men forward until severely wounded. His extraordinary actions earned him the Victoria Cross, published in the London Gazette on 6 January 1919, which praised his “most conspicuous bravery and initiative.”

Gregg's commitment to Canada continued long after the First World War. During the Second World War, he returned to military service, served overseas, and commanded officer training establishments, eventually attaining the rank of Brigadier. In 1946, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Military Division. His lengthy military service was also recognized with the Canadian Efficiency Decoration and Canadian Forces' Decoration.

But could a man who had shown such courage in war make an equally lasting contribution in peace? Gregg answered through decades of public service. He became President of the University of New Brunswick, entered Parliament in 1947, and served as Canada's Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Minister of Labour. His subsequent international work included assignments with the United Nations and service as Canadian High Commissioner to British Guiana. In 1967, he received the Medal of Service of the newly established Order of Canada, later becoming an Officer of the Order of Canada following the Order's reorganization.

Milton Fowler Gregg died on 13 March 1978 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, aged 85. His legacy extends beyond his Victoria Cross and remarkable military achievements. From the trenches of France to the halls of Parliament, he demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by courage in battle, but also by a lifetime dedicated to serving others.