Lance- Sgt. E. W. SIFTON, Victoria Cross

Lance-Sgt. E. W. SIFTON, 18th Canadian Battalion, Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917 gave the ultimate sacrifice. Much information is written about Sgt. E. W. SIFTON elsewhere but here are some excerpts from the 18th Battalion’s war diary:

“An act of conspicuous gallantry was performed by Sergt. E.W.Sifton of “C” Coy. A M.G. was holding up his Company and doing considerable damage. Sergt. Sifton, single-handed, attacked the Gun crew and bayoneted every man, but was unhappily shot by a dying Boche.”
April 9, 1917 Entry

53730 L/Sgt. Sifton E.W. (Killed in Action 9.4.17) awarded the VICTORIA CROSS. ” For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During the attack in enemy trenches Sjt. Sifton’s company was held up by machine gun fire which inflicted many casualties. Having located the gun he charged it single-handed, killing all the crew. A small enemy party advanced down the trench, but he succeeded keeping these off till our men had gained the position. In carrying out this gallant act he was killed, but his conspicuous valour undoubtedly saved many lives and contributed largely to the success of the operation.”
Last entry for June 1917

In Memory of
Lance Sergeant ELLIS WELLWOOD SIFTON
V C

53730, 18th Bn., Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
who died age 25
on 09 April 1917

Remembered with honour
LICHFIELD CRATER, THELUS