The First World War
Officers of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Lieut. Milton Fowler Gregg, V.C., M.C.

Soldiers of the First World War database entry - M.F. Gregg

Lieut. Milton Fowler Gregg, V.C., M.C.

Capt. M.F. Gregg, V.C., M.C. (1918)

Capt. M.F. Gregg, V.C., M.C. (1918)

Capt. M.F. Gregg, V.C., M.C. (Nov. 1918)

Brigadier M.F. Gregg, V.C., M.C. (Colonel of the Regiment, The RCR). Image of photo in The RCR Museum.

Bust of Milton Gregg, in The RCR Museum.

An officers' service dress tunic worn by Brigadier Gregg, on display in The RCR Museum.

Service:

• Prior service: 8th Hussars
• Enlisted as a Private in the C.E.F., 18 Nov 1914, regimental number 50051
• Served with 13th Battalion (R.H.C.), and was in the 2nd Battle of the Some and at Festubert
• Wounded at Festubert 31 May 1915
• Courses:
• Attended No. 5 O.T.C. at Cambridge, May-August 1916
• Physical Training & Bayonet Fighting (V.G.)
• Bombing Course (V.G.)
• SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 29 JANUARY, 1917; General List. - 2nd Lt. M. F. Gregg, from R. Lanc. R., to be temp. Lt. 1 Nov. 1916.
• Commissioned 1 Nov 1916
• Joined The R.C.R. from the 26th Reserve Battalion, 25 Apr 1917
• Wounded in action, shot wound right buttock, 9 Jun 1917
• Invalided (wounded) and detached to Nova Scotia Regimental Depot (N.S.R.D.) 13 Jun 1917
• Awarded the Military Cross, 25 Aug 1917
• Ceases to be detached to the N.S.R.D. on being posted to the N.S.R.D., 13 Oct 1917
• Arrived France, 22 Nov 1917
• Taken on strength as reinforcement 23 Nov 1917
• Rejoined The R.C.R. from C.C.R.C. 27 Nov 1917
• On command 3rd. Div. Wing C.C.R.C. 20 May 1918
• Granted 14 days leave to U.K., 31 Aug 1918 to 18 Sep 1918
• Appointed Adjutant The R.C.R., 29 Sep 1918
• Wounded in action, 30 Sep 1918
• Awarded Bar to Military Cross, 8 Oct 1918
• Rejoined from C.C.R.C. 11 Oct 1918
• Granted 14 days leave to U.K., 29 Dec 1918; returned 18 Jan 1919
• Awarded the Victoria Cross; London Gazette 4 Jan 1919
• SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JANUARY, 1919; Nova Scotia Begt. - Temp. Lt. M. F. Gregg, M.C., to be Adjt., vice temp. Capt. F. D. McCrea. 29 Sept. 1918. (Substituted for Gaz. notification 1 Jan. 1918, incorrectly describing date as 20 Sept. 1918.)
• Proceeded to England wth unit, 6 Feb 1919
• Proceeded to Canada wth unit, 1 Mar 1919
• Sergeant at Arms of the House of Commons, 1934 to 1939
• Two years overseas service in the Secnd World War, then returned to Canada to command various officer training estabishments
• Appointed Chancellor, University of New Brunswick, 1944
• SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1946; The KING has been graciously pleased, on the advice of His Majesty's Canadian Ministers, to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:- To be Additional Commanders of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: - Brigadier Milton Fowler GREGG, V.C., M.C., Canadian Army
• Elected to Parliament, Liberal Member for the riding of York-Sunbury, New Bruswick, from 19147 until 1957.
• Minister of Fisheries; 2 Sep 1947 to 18 Jan 1948
• Minister of Veterans Affairs; 19 Jan 1948 to 14 Nov 1948
• Minister of Veterans Affairs; 15 Nov 1948 to 6 Aug 1950
• Minister of Labour; 7 Aug 1950 to 20 Jun 1957
• Honorary Colonel of The R.C.R.; 31 Jan 1952 to 31 Jan 1958
• Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, 22 Dec 1967
• Deceased; 13 Mar 1978
• Stolen Victoria Cross - Milton Gregg's Victoria Cross was stolen on 24 December 1978 from the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, London, Ontario. The VC has never been recovered.

Military Cross Citation: SUPPLEMENT TOTHE LONDON GAZETTE, 25 AUGUST, 1917. Issue number: 30251, Page number: 8827

Lt. Milton Fowler Gregg, Infy. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading a bombing attack against a hostile machine-gun, which he outflanked, and annihilated the crew, thus permitting the advance of his party to continue unchecked. His prompt action greatly assisted the success of a much larger operation. Later, although himself wounded, he carried a seriously wounded officer out of action to a place of safety.

Citation for Second Award of the Military Cross (Bar): SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 FEBRUARY, 1919; Issue number: 31158, Page number: 1632

Lt. Milton Fowler Gregg, M.C., R. Can. R., Nova Scotia R. - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on Bois de Sart on 26th August, 1918, he became detached from his company with his platoon, and being subjected to withering machine-gun fire, he led a bombing party forward and rushed two machine-gun crews, killing them. Pushing on with his platoon, he found his position isolated, so dug in, and by a personal reconnaissance connected up with the left flank, and by skilfully disposing his men enabled an enemy counter-attack to be repulsed. His courage and good leadership saved a critical situation. (M.C. gazetted 25th August, 1917.)

Victoria Cross Citation: SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 6 JANUARY, 1919; Issue number: 31108, Page number: 306

Lt. Milton Fowler Gregg, M.C., R. Can. Regt., Nova Scotia R. - For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during operations near Cambrai, 27th September to 1st October, 1918.

On 28th September, when.the advance of the brigade was held up by fire from, both flanks and by thick, uncut wire, he crawled forWard alone and explored the wire until he found a small gap, through which he subsequently led his men, and forced an entry into the enemy trench. The enemy counter-attacked in force, and, through lack of bombs, the situation became critical. Although wounded, Lt. Gregg returned alone under terrific fire and collected a further supply. Then rejoining his party, which by this time was much reduced in numbers, and, in spite of a second wound, he reorganised his men and led them with the greatest determination against the enemy trenches, which he finally cleared. He personally killed or wounded 11 of the enemy and took 25 prisoners, in addition to 12 machine guns captured in this trench. Remaining with his company in spite of wounds, he again on the 30th September led his men in attack until severely wounded. The outstanding valour of this officer saved many casualties and enabled the advance to continue.

Order of Canada Citation: Milton F. Gregg, V.C., P.C., O.C., C.B.E., M.C., M.A., D.C.L.; Appointed 22 Dec 1967, Investiture 26 Apr 1968

For his services to Canada as a soldier, and public servant.

Listed in The Canadian Who's Who, 1936-1937:

GREGG. Maj, Milton Fowler, V.C.; Dominion public service; b Mountain Dale, N.B., 10 Apl. 1892; s George Lord and Elizabeth Celia (Myles) G., both Candns.; e pub. sen.. Mountain Dale, N.B.; Prov. Normal Sch.,I Predericton, N.B.; Acadia Univ., Wolfville, N.S., M.A.-1920 ; m Amy Dorothy d Fred H. Alward, Havelock, N.B., 25 Aug. 1919; one d Eleanor Jean; SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, HOUSE OF COMMONS, OTTAWA, since 1984 ; was formerly a dir. of Internat. Diatomite Industs. Ltd. at Digby Neck and Colchester Co., N.B., and pres., Gregg Motors Ltd.. Halifax; taught sch. in N.B., 1910-12; has had a wide experience in advertising, and was engaged in this work with Casino Theatre, Halifax and Halifax Herald; pte., Princess Louise 8th Hussars, Sussex, N.B., 1910; qualified as cadet instr., 1911; served in World War 1914-18 with distinction; joined 18th Bn. R.H.C., C.E.F., 1914; wounded with 13th Bn., 1915; granted comn., 1916; served as 2nd lieut with King's Own, Roy. Lanes. Regt; trans, to Roy. Candn. Regt.; with them wounded twice; awarded "V.C., M.C. and bar; promoted adjt.; has since been in Candn. Mil.; was bgde. maj., 16th Inf. Bgde., N.B., and is now maj., Gov. Gen's. Foot Guards, Ottawa; holds Mons Star [sic] and service medals; awarded King's Jubilee Medal, 1935; during Prince of Wales celebration in London, 1929, for Empire V.C's, wrote articles on the various events which were publ. in Saint John Telegraph Journal and Halifax Herald; has written sundry papers and addresses on ex-soldier's problems and the work of the Candn. Legion; pom. treas., Candn. Legion; mem., Brit. Empire Service League; Baptist; recreations fishing, hunting, riding; Home 632 Rideau St, Ottawa, Ont.

Listed in The Canadian Who's Who, Vol. IV, 1948:

GREGG, Brig. the Hon. Milton Fowler, P.C. (Can.), C.B.E. (1944), V.C.; legislator; teacher; b. Mountain Dale, N.B. 10 Apr. 1892; s. George Lord and Elizabeth Celia (Myles) G., both Candns.; e. pub. sch., Mountain Dale, N.B.; Provo Normal Sch., Fredericton, N.B.; Acadia Univ. M.A. 1920, hon. D.C.L.; Univ. of N.B.; hon. LL.D.; m. Amy Dorothy, d. Fred H. Alward, Havelock, N.B. 25 Aug. 1919; one d. Eleanor Jean; taught sch. in N.B. 1910-12; had wide experience in advertising. and was engaged in this work with Casino Theatre, Halifax and Halifax "Herald"; pte., Princess Louise 8th Hussars, Sussex, N.B. 1910; qualified as cadet instr., 1911; served in World War 1914-18 with distinction; joined 13th Bn.. R.H.C., C.E.F. 1914; wounded with 13th Bn. 1915; granted comn. 1916; served as 2nd lieut. with King's Own, Roy. Lancs. Regt.; trans. to Roy. Candn. Regt.; with them wounded twice; awarded V.C. for penetrating the Hindenburg Line at Cambrai single-handed; M.C. and bar; promoted adjt.; has since been in Candn. Mil.; was bde. maj., 16th Inf. Bde., N.B., and is now maj., Gov.-Gen's. Foot Guards, Ottawa; holds Mons Star [sic] and service medals; awarded King's Jubilee Medal 1935 and Coronation Medal 1937; Sgt.-at-Arms, H. of C., Ottawa 1934-39; served in World War 1939-44; proceeded overseas as 2nd in charge, Roy. Candn. Regt.; commanded West N.S. Regt. overseas; commandant, Offrs. Training Centres; promoted brig.; retired from Army 1944; pres., Univ. of N. Brunswick 1944-47; sworn of the P.C. and apptd. Min. of Fisheries in govt of Rt. Hon. W. L. M. King, Oct. 1947; 1st el. to H. of C. for York-Sunbury at by-el. 20 Oct. 1947; has written sundry papers and addresses on ex-soldier's problems and the work of the Candn. Legion; Dom. treas., Candn. Legion; mem., B.E.S.L.; Liberal; Baptist; recreations: fishing, hunting, riding; Address: Parliament Bldgs., Ottawa, Ont.

Listed in The Canadian Who's Who, 1973-1975:

GREGG, Brig, the Hon. Milton Fowler, V.C., PC. (Can.) 1949, O.C. 1967, C.B.E., M.C., M.A., D.C.L., LL.D.; b. Mountain Dale, N.B., 10 Apl. 1892; s. Geo. Lord and Elizabeth Celia (Myles) G.; e. Prov. Normal School, Fredericton, N.B.; Acadia Univ., M.A. 1920, D.C.L.; Univ., N.B. and Dalhousie, LL.D.; m. Amy Dorothy, d. Fred H. Alward, Havelock, N.B., 25 Aug. 1919; has d., Eleanor Jean; taught sch. in N.B. 1910-12; served in World War 1914-18, with distinction; joined 13th Bn. R.H.C., C.E.F., 1914; wounded with 13th Bn. 1915; granted comn. 1916; served as 2nd Lieut, with King's Own Roy. Lanes. Regt.; trans, to Roy. Candn. Regt.; with them wounded twice; awarded V.C.; M.C. and Bar; promoted Adj.; after 1st World War continued in N.P.A.M. and sometime Bdge. Maj., 16th Inf. Bgde.; awarded King's Jubilee Medal 1935, and Coronation Medal 1937; Sgt.-at-Arms, H. of C., Ottawa 1934-39; served in World War 1939-44; proceeded overseas as 2nd in Commnd. Roy Candn. Regt.; commanded West N.S. Regt. overseas; Commandant, Offrs. Training Centers; promoted Brig.; retired from Army 1944. Pres., Univ. of New Brunswick 1944-47; sworn of the P.C. and apptd. Min. of Fisheries in King Govt., Oct. 1947; Min. of Veterans' Affairs, 1948-50; Min. of Labour, 1950-57; 1st el. to H. of C. for York-Sunbury at by-el. 20 Oct. 1947; re-el. in g.e. 1949 and 1953; def. in g.e. 1957; formerly Dom. Treas., Candn. Legion, B.E.S.L.; sometime U.N. Rep. in Iraq; apptd. Warden of Medway Hall, Univ. of W. Ont., 1959; apptd. Resident Rep. of U.N. Children's Fund in Indonesia, 1960; Commr. for Canada in British Guiana, Jan. 1964; re-married to Erica, widow of Kjeld Deichmann, 22 July 1964; retired 1968; Pres., Candn. Council for Internat. Cooperation, Ottawa 1968-71; Liberal; Baptist; recreation: fishing; Address: Thorn Cottage, R.R. 3, Fredericton, N.B.

Wikipedia Entry (link):

"Milton Fowler Gregg, VC, PC, OC, CBE, MC, ED, CD (1892 - 1978) was a Canadian officer, and recipient of the Victoria Cross, during the First World War. In later life, he was a Member of the Canadian Parliament, cabinet minister, academic, soldier, diplomat."

Date of Birth - 10 Apr 1892

Medals awarded to Milton Fowler Gregg, VC, PC, OC, CBE, MC, ED, CD,
as displayed in The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
Photo by Arthur Majoor.

(These medals are a rebuilt group of replacements, assembled
after the theft of the Gregg VC group from the Museum.)