Lakes named in honour of Victoria Cross recipients

Posted: 2:23 PM CST Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 Last Modified: 10:39 AM CST Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 | Updates

Four Victoria Cross (VC) recipients from Manitoba have been recognized with lakes named permanently in their honour.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Four Victoria Cross (VC) recipients from Manitoba have been recognized with lakes named permanently in their honour.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/11/2013 (4699 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Four Victoria Cross (VC) recipients from Manitoba have been recognized with lakes named permanently in their honour.

The four men who received the highest medal of valour in the Commonwealth, all served in the First and Second World Wars.

“As we reflect on the sacrifices made during the past century by tens of thousands of men and women from throughout Canada, it is absolutely essential their contributions be remembered,” said Premier Greg Selinger in announcing the honorees on Friday. “The lakes being named today will ensure these four brave men will never be forgotten.”

Map shows the location of four lakes named in honour of Victoria Cross recipients.

The veterans and their geographic features are:

Alexander Brereton Lake, named after Company Quartermaster Sgt. Alexander Picton Brereton, VC, who was born Nov. 13, 1892, in Oak River and served with the 8th Battalion, Winnipeg Rifles. He died on Jan. 10, 1976.

Cruickshank Lake, named after Maj. Robert Edward Cruickshank, VC, who was born on June 17, 1888, in Winnipeg and served with the London Scottish Regiment. He died on Aug. 30, 1961.

Coulson Mitchell Lake, named after Lt.-Col. Coulson Norman Mitchell, VC, Military Cross (MC) , who was born on Dec. 11, 1889, in Winnipeg and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He died on Nov. 17, 1978.

Harcus Strachan Lake, named after Lt.-Col. Harcus Strachan, VC, MC, who was born on Nov. 7, 1884, in Borrowstounness, Scotland. He immigrated to Canada in 1908 and served with the Fort Garry Horse. He died on May 1, 1982.

All the lakes are located approximately 90 to 110 kilometres east of Thompson.

With Friday’s announcement, the provincial government has now named geographical features in honour of all 14 Manitoba VC recipients.

The Brereton family has been located and will be sent a commemorative name certificate for Brereton Lake.

Due to the difficulty in locating next of kin for other recipients, it is expected that certificates of registration will be given to their regiments. However, any family members of the other men being honoured are asked to contact provincial toponymist Des Kappel at 204-945-1798 in Winnipeg.