 |
Christopher VokesCanadian soldier of Irish descent, major general.
Date of Birth: 13.04.1904
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Christopher Vokes, a Canadian military officer of Irish descent, was born in Armagh, Ireland, on April 13, 1904. His father, a British officer, and family emigrated to Canada in 1910, where his father became a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, training officers for the nation's armed forces.
Military Career
In 1921, Vokes enrolled in the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated as a commissioned engineer in 1925. He subsequently earned a degree from McGill University in 1927 and attended the Staff College in Camberley, England, in the mid-1930s.
Second World War
After graduating from the Royal College, Vokes served in the engineering branch of the Canadian Army. In 1939, he joined the General Staff and held various posts in the headquarters of the 1st Canadian Division, including a one-year command of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
In 1942, Vokes commanded the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade during the landings in Sicily. The brigade subsequently landed in Italy in September 1943, and Vokes was appointed commander of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division in November. From 1944, he led the 4th Canadian Armored Division in North-West Europe and participated in battles in Northern Germany. In 1945-1946, he commanded the Canadian occupation forces in Germany.
Post-War Career
After the war, Vokes headed the Central Command and later the Western Command. He retired from military service in 1959.
Legacy and Memoirs
Vokes passed away in 1985, shortly after publishing his memoirs, "My Story."
