| Birth: | Mar. 15, 1890 | | Death: | Aug. 10, 1918 | 
Canadian officer and Victoria Cross recipient. A native of Assametquaghan, near Rimouski (Québec), he joined the 22nd Battalion (now the Royal 22nd Regiment known also as the “Vandoos”)and was sent to France to fight with his unit. The highest military decoration was awarded posthumely to him for his actions on 8th/9th August, 1918 east of Maharicourt, near Amiens. An extract from "The London Gazette" No. 30922, dated September 27, 1918, recorded the following : "For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty when in charge of a company which he led in attack during two days with absolute fearlessness and extraordinary ability and initiative, the extent of the advance being twelve miles. On the first day of operations shortly after the attack had begun, his company's left flank was held up by an enemy machine gun. Lt. Brillant rushed and captured the machine-gun, personally killing two of the enemy crew. Whilst doing this, he was wounded but refused to leave his command. Later on the same day, his company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire. He reconnoitred the ground personally, organised a party of two platoons and rushed straight for the machine-gun nest. Here 150 enemy and fifteen machine-guns were captured. Lt. Brillant personally killing five of the enemy, and being wounded a second time. He had this wound dressed immediately, and again refused to leave his company. Subsequently this gallant officer detected a field gun firing on his men over open sights. He immediately organised and led a "rushing" party towards the gun. After progressing about 600 yards, he was again seriously wounded. In spite of this third wound, he continued to advance for some 200 yards more, when he fell unconscious from exhaustion and loss of blood. Lt. Brillant's wonderful example throughout the day inspired his men with an enthusiasm and dash which largely contributed towards the success of the operations." He Died of his wounds on the next day. He also held the Military Cross. VIA. B. 20. (bio by: Guy Gagnon)
Search Amazon for Jean Brillant | | | Burial:
Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery
Villers-Bretonneux
Departement de la Somme
Picardie, France
Plot: Section VIA., plot B. 20 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Guy Gagnon
Record added: Mar 12, 2004
Find A Grave Memorial# 8497992 |
|
|
|
|
(3.8 after 27 votes)
