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Lance-Sergeant Ellis Wellwood Sifton V.C.

Ellis Wellwood Sifton

The Museum pays homage to Lance-Sergant Ellis Wellwood Sifton V.C., the only resident of Elgin County to be awarded the Victoria Cross. During the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Sifton single handedly took a German machine gun position. As he was celebrating with his comrades, Sifton was killed by one of the mortally wounded machine gun crew. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for his valour in the face of almost insurmountable odds.

Victoria Cross arrives under guard at EMM crop
The Victoria Cross arrives at the Museum under guard for a temporary exhibit in September of 2007. A replica medal is a permanent part of the Sifton display.

The Sifton exhibit includes a replica set of his medals pictured above as well as many of his personal effects that were shipped home to his family. Sifton is buried in Lichfield Crater Cemetery in Thelus France. A collection of his letters home entitled All Is Well With Ellis Tonight is available at the Museum.

Sifton Medals