Ralph V. Patterson MM

Bombing Section, 49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment)

At Courcelette, France, the Princess Patrica's Canadian light Infantry failed to capture 250 yards of enemy held trench in a frontal assault. The following day, 21 year old Corporal Ralph V. Patterson was given 12 men and told to lead a bombing raid to capture that same position. Despite being outnumbered seven to one, they successfully captured the entire trench, killing 20 of the enemy and capturing 62 prisonners. Patterson was awarded the Military Medal and first bayonet man, Chip Kerr, the Victoria Cross.

Ralph V. Patterson was later commissioned and in served as the Bombing Officer for the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade in 1918. He survived the war, married and re-engaged for service in the Second World War. He passed away in 1954, aged 58.