This bronze cross on a wooden backing is dedicated to the memory of Captain Frederick Graeme Avery, MC, Royal Engineers, and his father Frederick Wells Avery. Frederic and his family were members of Grace Church which eventually became St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church. His family lived on O'Connor Street in Ottawa when he was born and later lived on Cooper Street. He was a student at Ottawa Collegiate Institute then was admitted to the Royal Military College in Kingston where he graduated in 1914.
Frederick entered the army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 22 January 1915. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1917 for service at the Salonika front in Macedonia. He was a part of the Signals Company and was attached in service to the 101st Infantry Brigade of the British Army in 1918 where his primary role was to maintain communications. He received a commendation for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in maintaining communication under heavy shell fire between his brigade headquarters and battalions in the line, although the lines were repeatedly cut. His good work was especially noticeable during an attack by the division, when he succeeded in maintaining communication throughout the day. Frederick was killed in action on April 13, 1918, near Flanders Field in the Battle of Lys.
