CIBC Remembers

Edmund de Wind was born in Ireland in 1883 and entered the service of The Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1911. Enlisting in 1914 from the Edmonton branch, he served in the 31st Canadian Battalion. From September 1915 until April 1917, he fought with the Machine Gun section of that battalion; after which, he transferred to the 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. De Wind was killed in action at St. Quentin on March 21, 1918.

Edmund de Wind was posthumously awarded the highest honour for a soldier, the Victoria Cross.

Excerpt from London Gazette announcing Notification of Victoria Cross Award:

For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 21st March, 1918, at the Race Course Redoubt, near Grougie.

For seven hours he held this most important post, and though twice wounded and practically single-handed, he maintained his position until another section could be got to his help.

On two occasions, with two N.C.O.'s only, he got out on top under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and cleared the enemy out of the trench, killing many.

He continued to repel attack after attack until he was mortally wounded and collapsed. His valour, self-sacrifice and example were of the highest order.