Toronto 
Canada Post has released a new stamp honouring three soldiers who were awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for their bravery and sacrifice in the First World War.
Valour Road stamp (CNW Group/Canada Post)
All three soldiers – Corporal Lionel (Leo) Clarke, Company Sergeant Major Frederick William Hall, and Lieutenant Robert Shankland – lived on Winnipeg’s Pine Street, which was renamed Valour Road in 1925, in dedication to their courage and sacrifices in the First World War.
Bestowed on fewer than 100 Canadians since 1856, the Victoria Cross is the Commonwealth’s highest military decoration for bravery in combat.
Corporal Lionel (Leo) Clarke, VC, and a small section of infantry were assigned to clear a German trench line near Pozières, France, during the Battle of the Somme. After every man but Clarke was killed or severely wounded in the operation, Clarke single-handedly held off a German counterattack, despite a bayonet wound to his leg.
Company Sergeant Major Frederick William Hall, VC, attempted to rescue a wounded soldier less than 15 metres outside a trench during the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. Heavy machine-gun fire deterred his first attempt, but he tried again, reaching his comrade. As Hall started to carry him back to safety, both were killed.
Lieutenant Robert Shankland, VC, DCM, won a strategic foothold on a ridge after his platoon and supporting soldiers were reduced to a remnant during the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele. Shankland led the surviving force against a fierce counterattack, then made his way through thick mud and shelling to the battalion headquarters to report on the enemy position.
The stamp design features the three heroes, the Victoria Cross medal, the silhouette created to mark their courage, and artistic interpretations of their homes on the former Pine Street.
Canada Post recently released stamps honouring Christopher Plummer, and five of Canada’s greatest editorial cartoonists. Royal Canadian Mint issued a circulation one-dollar coin to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the discovery of gold in the Klondike.
HOW TO BUY:
Canada Post
The stamp and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.
Cost:
- Valour Road: Permanent domestic rate stamps – booklet of 10: $9.20
- Valour Road: Permanent domestic rate stamps – pane of 5: $4.60
- Valour Road: Official First Day Covers – set of 3: $4.95
- Valour Road: Framed pane of 5 Permanent domestic rate stamps: $69.95
