Thunder Bay in Thunder Bay District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Major Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly, VC Armoury
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 10, 2022
1. The Major Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly, VC Armoury Marker
This Armoury is dedicated to the memory of Major Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly, VC, MC of the 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. The then Captain O’Kelly was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Passchendale, 26 October 1917.
Captain O’Kelly led his command over 1,000 yards under heavy fire, took the enemy position, led a series of attacks against enemy pill boxes and captured 100 prisoners. These achievements were chiefly due to his courage, daring and ability.
The history, traditions and honours of the 52nd are perpetuated by the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1917.
Location. 48° 26.173′ N, 89° 13.571′ W. Marker is in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in Thunder Bay District. Memorial is on Park Avenue just east of Secord Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the left side of the Armoury north entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 317 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay ON P7B 1C7, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Col. Elizabeth Smellie 1884-1968 (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Centennial
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly VC MC. Excerpt:
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, O'Kelly joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in October 1915 during the First World War. He was 21 years old and an acting captain in the 52nd Battalion (New Ontario), CEF, when on 26 October 1917, in the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium, he led his company in the action that resulted in his Victoria Cross.(Submitted on July 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. West of Passchendaele, Belgium 26 October 1917. Excerpt:
After the initial attack appeared to have stalled, reserves including 52nd Battalion The(Submitted on July 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Manitoba Regiment, were brought forward and managed to clear German pillboxes and repel counter-attacks. Acting Captain C P J O’Kelly distinguished himself in this work. The Canadians thus laid the groundwork for the second phase of the Battle on 30 October.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 10, 20222. The Major Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly, VC Armoury Marker(marker is mounted on left side of the Armoury north entrance)
3. WW1 Canadian VC recipient Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly. Excerpt:
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant when he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1916. He was 21 when on 26 October 1917, as Acting Captain he led his company of the 52nd Battalion against German positions on Belle Vue Spur, Passchendaele. Captain O’Kelly returned to Canada but in 1922 he drowned in a storm on Lake Seul, near Kenora, in Ontario.(Submitted on July 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 10, 2022
3. Major Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly, VC Armoury (north elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
