A Tribute To The Late Charles Rutherford, V.C.

Mrs. Christine Stewart (Northumberland): Mr. Speaker, on Sunday last in my riding of Northumberland, I had the moving privilege of witnessing three First World War veterans do the honour of burning the Port Hope Legion's 17-year mortgage. Unknown to us at the time, on that same day the most honoured of Northumberland's First World War veterans, Charles Smith Rutherford, was called to his final rest.

Charles Rutherford brought great honour to the riding of Northumberland. He was the last surviving winner of the coveted Victoria Cross which recognized his heroic service in the First World War. As a member of the Fifth Battalion of the Canadian Mounted Rifles he saw active service in the trenches of France where he single-handedly captured 45 of the enemy and assisted in the capture of 35 more. "This and other acts of gallantry deservedly earned him Britain's top military award as well as two other British medals-the Military Cross and the Military Medal.

Charles Rutherford is quoted as saying his greatest reward for surviving the war was to return to his home at Colborne, Ontario. Though he was humble about his own accomplishments, as Canadians we can all be proud of him and for him and be forever grateful for his service and sacrifices on our behalf.

On behalf of Canadians everywhere, especially those in Northumberland, I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.