Colin Fraser Barron (September 20, 1895- August 15, 1959), was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was 24 years old, and a Corporal in the 3rd (Toronto) Bn., Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
Action
On 6 November 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium, when his unit was held up by three machine-guns, Corporal Barron opened fire on them at point-blank range, rushed the guns, killed four of the crew and captured the remainder. He then turned one of the captured guns on the retiring enemy, causing severe casualties. This action produced far-reaching results and enabled the advance to continue.
As he was born in Baldavie, Boyndie, Banffshire, Scotland, Barron is also considered Scottish. He later achieved the rank of Sergeant. Grave/memorial at Buried at Prospect Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Veteran's Section 7. Grave 3562.
References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- VCs of the First World War - Passchendaele 1917 (Stephen Snelling, 1998)
