New Brunswick Liberal MP Milton Gregg served with great distinction in the cabinets of Prime Ministers Mackenzie King and Louis St.-Laurent between 1947 t0 1957. But long before he entered public life, Gregg served in the First World War. On September 28, 1918 his bravery was recognized with the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour available to a Canadian.
Gregg’s Victoria Cross citation is below.
“For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during operations near Cambrai, 27th September to 1st October, 1918. On 28th September, when the advance of the brigade was held up by fire from both flanks and by thick, uncut wire, he crawled forward alone and explored the wire until he found a small gap through which he subsequently led his men and forced an entry into the enemy trench. The enemy counter-attacked in force and, through lack of bombs, the situation became critical. Although wounded Lt. Gregg returned alone under terrific fire and collected a further supply. Then rejoining his party, which by this time was much reduced in numbers, and in spite of a second wound, he reorganized his men and led them with the greatest determination against the enemy trenches, which he finally cleared. He personally killed or wounded 11 of the enemy and took 25 prisoners, in addition to 12 machine guns captured in the trench. Remaining with his company in spite of wounds he again on the 30th September led his men in attack until severely wounded. The outstanding valour of this officer saved many casualties and enabled the advance to continue.”
This Canadian hero passed into history in 1978 at age 85.