Harcus Strachan VC MC

Strachan was born in Bo'ness, Scotland and attended the Royal High School, Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh before emigrating to Canada in 1905. He homesteaded a farm in the Chauvin district, near Wainwright, Alberta.

On 20th November 1917, Strachan took command of his squadron when its leader was killed by machine gun fire. Leading the surviving squadron onto enemy lines, he fought until the opposing battery fell silent – killing several enemy gunmen with his sword.

His outstanding act of bravery led to his receipt of the Victoria Cross on 6th January 1918.