Military service
Burial/memorial information
Son of Charles and Annie Maria Spall, of Montreal, Quebec.
An extract from "The London Gazette," dated October 26, 1918, records the following:
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice when, during an enemy counter-attack, his platoon was isolated. Thereupon Serjt. Spall took a Lewis gun and, standing on the parapet, fired upon the advancing enemy, inflicting very severe casualties. He then came down the trench directing the men into a sap seventy-five yards from the enemy. Picking up another Lewis gun, this gallant N.C.O. again climbed the parapet, and by his fire held up the enemy. It was while holding up the enemy at this point that he was killed. Serjt. Spall deliberately gave his life in order to extricate his platoon from a most difficult situation, and it was owing to his bravery that the platoon was saved."
Digital gallery of Sergeant Robert Spall
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Photo of Robert Spall
Source: CANADA IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR. Vol. VI Special Services / Heroic Deeds. United Publishers of Canada Limited, Toronto, 1921. -
Award Presentation
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Attestation Paper (front)
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Attestation Paper (back)
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Biographical Information
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Award Citation
Personal Information Sheet -
Service Records (front)
Casualty Form - Active Service- Sheet 1 -
Service Records (back)
Casualty Form - Active Service - Sheet 1 -
Service Records
Casualty Form - Active Service - Sheet 2 -
Biography
Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me. -
Cenotaph
Barrie Military Park, Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients, Cenotaph -
Memorial
His name as it is inscribed on the Vimy Memorial. Over 11,000 fallen Canadians having no known place of burial in France, are honoured on this Memorial. May they never be forgotten. (J. Stephens) -
Honour roll
Memorial plaque in front of the United Kingdom High Commission in Ottawa to commemorate Canadians who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. -
Newspaper clipping
From the Montreal Star c.1918. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me -
Newspaper clipping
From the Montreal Star c.1918. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
Digital gallery of
Sergeant Robert Spall
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 504 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
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