The Grafton Legion held our Dieppe Ceremony Saturday August 20, 2022 and to honour the Branch’s name sake, Lt. Col. John W. Foote V.C. C.D. a wreath was laid at the Dieppe Memorial at the Branch.
The Reverend John W. Foote was the first member of the Canadian Chaplain Services to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Calmly, through eight hours of gruelling battle, Reverend Foote, Chaplain of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continually exposed himself to very intense fire to help move the injured to an aid post, saving many lives through his brave efforts. Then, at the end of this ordeal, he jumped from the landing craft that would have taken him to safety. He walked courageously into the German positions to be taken prisoner, so he could minister to his fellow Canadians who were now POWs.
Below are a few articles on John W. Foote:
Todays Northumberland article (August 19, 2022): https://todaysnorthumberland.ca/2022/08/19/local-residents-remember-dark-day-at-dieppe/
John W. Foote Military Bio: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/gal/vcg-gcv/bio/foote-jw-eng.asp
