George Pearkes
How Did Major George Pearkes Earn the Victoria Cross at Passchendaele?
Major George Pearkes was a Canadian officer who earned the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele in October 1917. Despite being wounded in the thigh just before the advance, he demonstrated exceptional leadership by capturing and consolidating objectives beyond his assigned goals. His skillful handling of his troops and ability to hold a critical position with a small number of men proved vital to the Canadian Corps' success.
Quick Facts
Awards
Who Was George Pearkes?
Who was Major George Pearkes? He was a career soldier and later a prominent Canadian politician who rose to national prominence through his extraordinary service during the First World War.
Early Life
Born in Watford, England, in 1883, George Randolph Pearkes emigrated to Canada in 1906. He initially settled in Alberta and joined the Royal North-West Mounted Police in 1911, serving in the Yukon before the outbreak of the First World War.
Before the Event
Upon the start of the war in 1914, Pearkes enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He quickly distinguished himself as a capable leader, eventually rising to command the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Throughout the conflict, he was wounded five times, demonstrating his commitment to his men on the front lines.
What Happened
During the Battle of Passchendaele on October 30 and 31, 1917, Major Pearkes led his battalion in an attack. Just before the advance began, he was wounded in the thigh. Despite his injury, he continued to lead his troops, successfully capturing and consolidating objectives that exceeded his original orders. He effectively neutralized a German strongpoint that threatened the advance and held the position with a small force.
Defining Moment
The defining moment of his service was his decision to press forward despite his wound, ensuring his troops captured and held their objectives at Passchendaele, which earned him the Victoria Cross for his conspicuous bravery and tactical skill.
Aftermath
Following the war, Pearkes remained a career soldier, eventually reaching the rank of Major-General. During the Second World War, he held several major command appointments. He later entered politics, serving as Canada's Minister of National Defence and as the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia.
Later Life
Pearkes lived a long and distinguished life, passing away in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1984 at the age of 101. He is remembered today through the Major-General George R. Pearkes Building in Ottawa, which serves as the National Defence Headquarters.
Why It Matters
Pearkes's story is significant because it highlights the tactical leadership and personal courage of Canadian officers during the brutal conditions of the First World War. His transition from a frontier policeman to a decorated general and statesman reflects a life of dedicated public service.
Major George Pearkes was a Canadian officer who earned the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. Despite being wounded, he led his battalion to capture and hold critical objectives. He later became a Major-General and served as the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Pearkes
1What did George Pearkes do to earn the Victoria Cross?+
2When did George Pearkes serve as Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia?+
3Where is George Pearkes buried?+
4What other awards did George Pearkes receive?+
5Is there a building named after George Pearkes?+
Historical Sources
- [T1] Veterans Affairs Canada — "George Randolph Pearkes" (https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/george-randolph-pearkes), accessed 2026-09-30
- [T1] Department of National Defence (Canada) — "George Randolph Pearkes - Victoria Cross Recipients" (https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/medals/victoria-cross-recipients/george-randolph-pearkes.html), accessed 2026-09-30
- [T2] Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group — "Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Sharpe - Mention of Major George Pearkes" (https://cefrg.ca/lieutenant-colonel-samuel-sharpe-dso), accessed 2026-09-30
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