Personal info

  • Name: Robert HANNA
  • D.O.B: 6th Aug, 1886
  • D.O.A: 21st Aug, 1917
  • D.O.D: 15th Jun, 1967
  • Award: Victoria Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Company Sergeant Major, 29th Battalion The British Columbia Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
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Sources & Acknowledgements

Hill 70, near Lens, France 21, 22-24 August 1917

21, 22-24 August 1917

More details about:
The First World War 1917 

In the continuing fighting at Hill 70 near Lens, taken by Canadian troops on 15 August 1917 (see above), two further Canadian soldiers, Company Sergeant Major R H Hanna and Acting Corporal F Konowal, distinguished themselves by their gallantry during the period 21-24 August.

Citation

 For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when his company met with most severe enemy resistance and all the company officers became casualties. A strong point, heavily protected by wire and held by a machine gun, had beaten off three assaults of the company with heavy casualties. This Warrant Officer under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, coolly collected a party of men, and leading them against this strong point, rushed through the wire and personally bayonetted three of the enemy and brained the fourth, capturing the position and silencing the machine gun. This most courageous action, displayed courage and personal bravery of the highest order at this most critical moment of the attack, was responsible for the capture of a most important tactical point, and but for his daring action and determined handling of a desperate situation the attack would not have succeeded. C.S./M. Hanna’s outstanding gallantry, personal courage and determined leading of his company is deserving of the highest possible reward. 

Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 6 November 1917. 8 November 1917, Numb. 30372, p. 11568.

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